Open-heart surgery to address the most common cardiorespiratory disease in dogs has been performed for the first time in Australia, at the University of Sydney’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
Every year mitral valve disease (MVD) kills thousands of dogs in Australia, and millions worldwide. There is no cure and death usually occurs within a year after symptoms of heart failure being diagnosed.
The only exception to this is a surgical procedure developed by Dr Masami Uechi, Director of Jasmine Veterinary Cardiovascular Medical Centre in Japan, which has added years to the lives of dogs affected by the condition. Dr Uechi, accompanied by five of his surgical team, flew to Australia to perform the open heart surgery last week with University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science specialists.
“We’re excited and grateful that Dr Uechi and his team could perform this surgery at our clinic. It is an unparalleled opportunity for us to assist with the surgery,” said Dr Niek Beijerink, the veterinary cardiology specialist who took part in the operation.“It means that we’ll be able to start the process of learning how to perform the surgery ourselves on Australian dogs and hopefully prolong many of their lives.”
Dr Beijerink invited Dr Uechi, whom he has known for many years, to come to Australia.
Dr Uechi and Dr Niek Beijerink prepare Prince for the surgery
The six-hour operation was performed on Prince, a 10-year-old male Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who was diagnosed with severe heart failure due to MVD earlier this year. The operation was a success and promises to extend Prince’s life by many years.
“We are so grateful and privileged to be involved in this operation,” said Prince’s owners Cindy and Ken Ting (lead photo).“Due to the fact that this was a first-of-its-kind operation, the emotional and financial cost was high but we hope that these early first steps will eventually mean Dr Uechi’s procedure will be more accessible for dog owners in Australia who were previously left without hope if their dog was diagnosed with MVD.”
“We would like to thank Dr Uechi and his team, Dr Beijerink and the staff at Sydney University for saving Prince.” “We are especially grateful that the owner of Jackson, another dog with this condition who sadly died shortly before he could be operated on alongside Prince, contributed to the costs for Prince’s surgery.”
Prince is being prepped for his open-heart surgery
Dr Uechi said, “This technique of mitral valve repair has been developed over 15 years. It began with open heart surgery on cats before applying it to dogs. I have now performed over 900 operations on dogs with MVD with a 94 percent success rate.”
“I’m very happy to have had the opportunity to share my knowledge with my University of Sydney colleagues and begin to teach them this technique, which will prolong the lives of many dogs in the future.” Dr Uechi’s team will continue to liaise with the University of Sydney’s veterinary surgeons, and to visit the University in 2018.
About Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) Mitral valve disease (MVD) is caused by the wearing out of the valve that prevents blood from going backwards from the heart’s left ventricle (pumping chamber) to the left atrium (upper chamber), ultimately resulting in trouble breathing due to heart failure.
MVD is most common in middle-aged to older small to medium size dog breeds such as Dachshunds, Poodles and Chihuahuas.
Australian dogs are needed to help evaluate a promising new anti-cancer drug!
During National Pet Cancer Awareness Month, biotech company PharmAust puts the call out for canines to help evaluate a new anti-cancer drug shown to be safe and effective in preliminary trials. The compassionate use program is a prelude to a multi-institutional canine cancer trial to start next year.
Leading veterinary cancer specialist Dr Angela Frimberger and her team at Veterinary Oncology Consultants are evaluating a drug called monepantel (MPL) in dogs that have been newly diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma and have not started any treatment.
MPL is already approved for veterinary use for a different indication and species. PharmAust is aiming to repurpose MPL as safe and effective cancer treatment. “Four dogs have already been treated for lymphoma and the results have been very promising,” said Dr Frimberger. “So far, we have shown that MPL is safe, and three out of three dogs with B-cell lymphoma have had stabilisation of disease on the drug without significant side effects!”
PharmAust is inviting more dogs with lymphoma to complete the last phase of the program. “PharmAust’s long term strategy is to develop MPL to treat cancers in both dogs and humans,” said Richard Hopkins, CEO of PharmAust. “A ‘Phase I’ trial in human cancer patients at the Royal Adelaide Hospital showed that cancer markers in patients are significantly suppressed.
Treatments that work effectively in canines are recognised as being highly predictive of the way drugs behave in human clinical trials. Trials undertaken using MPL in dogs will inform and accelerate parallel efforts to develop MPL as a human cancer therapy.” PROGRAM ENTRY CRITERIA
The canine entry criteria for the present compassionate use program are:
Stage 1 to 3 lymphoma (based on physical exam)
Substage A
Immunophenotype can be pending but must be submitted, and needs to be B-cell based on clinical characteristics
No previous treatment, including corticosteroids (prednisolone)
No other significant concurrent medical problems
Good quality of life.
“The treatment currently involves a relatively large number of capsules, so dogs that are difficult to orally medicate wouldn’t be great candidates,” said Dr Frimberger. “But we are working on reformulating the drug to make it better tasting and easier to administer to dogs before the full trials commence next year.”
The MPL program involves two consultations/treatments at the Animal Referral Hospital (ARH) in Homebush, NSW. Owners would have to transport their dogs to and from Homebush for the two treatments.
PharmAust will cover all compassionate use program costs, including travel expenses to and from the ARH, as well as costs for the initial conventional chemotherapy treatment upon program completion.
Cancer is the number one cause of death in dogs over the age of 2, with 25 per cent of deaths attributed to cancer¹. ¹ American Humane Association
“Approximately one in five cats and one in four dogs will develop cancer in their lifetime. But thanks to more pet cancer awareness, improved preventative care and early diagnosis, we are better able to fight pet cancer,” said Dr Frimberger. Lymphoma, the most common cancer in dogs, occurs in the white blood cells of the immune system. Symptoms can include tumours, lethargy, weight loss and loss of appetite. “The key to a good prognosis with canine lymphoma is early diagnosis and this particular form of cancer is very rapidly progressive, so it’s important to act quickly,” she said.
National Pet Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder to pet owners to regularly inspect your pet for any lumps or bumps, and pay attention to sudden changes in appearance and behaviour.
“I always recommend keeping pet insurance so that if you do need to make any major treatment decisions, you can focus solely on your pet’s best interest rather than having to worry about costs. And, if you are concerned about anything, contact your veterinarian for an assessment,” said Dr Frimberger.
PAA is a clinical-stage company developing targeted cancer therapeutics for both humans and animals. The company specialises in repurposing marketed drugs lowering the risks and costs of development. These efforts are support by PAA’s subsidiary, Epichem, a highly successful contract synthetic drug manufacturer which is forecast to generate A$4m in revenues in the 2018 FY.
PAA’s lead drug candidate is monepantel (MPL), a novel, potent and safe inhibitor of the mTOR pathway - a key driver of cancer. MPL has been evaluated in Phase 1 clinical trials in humans and dogs. MPL treatment was well-tolerated and produced a significant reduction in key prognostic biomarkers. PAA is uniquely positioned to commercialise MPL for treatment of human and veterinary cancers as it advances the drug into Phase 2 clinical trial.
Fleas and ticks are nasty little parasites that commonly affect our dogs in Australia. The effects of fleas can vary from mildly annoying right through to debilitating flea allergy dermatitis or even life-threatening anaemia.
Paralysis ticks are invariably deadly without effective, early treatment. As with most things, prevention of fleas and ticks is far better than a cure advises Dr Joanna Paul from Creature Clinic.
ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT FLEAS...
Fleas are the most common parasite of our pets. They are also the most common cause of allergies. Adult fleas lay eggs on their host (including dogs and cats) that then roll off into the environment. It’s important to be aware that dogs don’t get fleas from other dogs – they get them from the environment.
This means your dog doesn’t have to come into contact with any other dogs to catch fleas. They don’t even have to leave the backyard, because fleas can be brought in by neighbourhood cats and other animals.
Fleas are prolific egg layers, being able to lay up to 40 – 50 eggs every day for around 50 days. A single female flea can produce up to 2000 eggs, so it’s easy to imagine how quickly they can build up in the environment.
As all these eggs develop, pupae can lie quietly inside your home and yard for weeks or even months, waiting until the conditions are right to emerge. This is when they mature into adult fleas, jump aboard our pets, and suck their blood.
Some pets develop a severe allergy to flea bites known as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). These poor animals can be unbearably itchy and do significant damage to themselves trying to scratch and relieve the discomfort.
The symptoms of FAD can occur due to exposure to just a single flea, and may persist long after the fleas have gone. For this reason we sometimes don’t actually find fleas on these itchy, uncomfortable dogs. Not being able to find a flea does not rule out a flea allergy. Fleas are also responsible for transmitting the dog tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) to dogs, cats and even humans. This means by using consistent, effective flea prevention we are often pretty safe from those tapeworms too, but it is still a very good idea to use a product containing praziquantel at least once every 6 months for tapeworm prevention.
SO WHY ARE FLEAS SO DIFFICULT TO TREAT?
You just use your monthly flea preventative, right? No. Unfortunately it’s not that simple.
Only a few hatched adults live on our pets. The remaining eggs, pupae and larvae are spread throughout the environment. This equates to about 5% of the fleas being on the dog, and 95% hiding in the home and backyard. Veterinarians are regularly told by pet owners that the product they have tried diligently hasn’t worked.
This is such a frustrating situation for pet owner, vet and pet alike, but doesn’t necessarily mean that there is anything wrong with that particular product. Far more commonly, it means that the adult fleas on the dog have been treated successfully but the environmental infestation hasn’t been dealt with adequately. Just one small flea infested area, whether it be a kennel, a carpeted area or a big pile of leaves in the backyard, is enough to keep that flea cycle going.
HOW DO WE SOLVE AN ONGOING FLEA PROBLEM?
We need to treat every single animal in the household. Don’t forget the cats! They may not be showing any signs of fleas but are very likely carrying some. Use an effective flea product and groom thoroughly. If you are not sure which product is the best option for your dog, the best person to talk to is your vet. Flea collars, flea powers, and flea shampoos do not tend to be effective and vary in levels of toxicity to the pet.
#1. Clean all affected indoor areas
Vacuum carpets and furniture then dispose of the vacuum dust in a sealed bag. Wash all bedding weekly using hot water and hang out in the sunshine to dry. Flea bombs can be helpful in cleaning up environments but need to be used with care. Follow instructions carefully and vacate premises for a suitable amount of time (usually 2 hours) after use.
#2. Clean up outdoor areas
Immature flea stages love warm, moist environments. They don’t like drying out. If protected from drying, pupae can survive for up to 140 days in the environment. It helps to clean up any piles of organic material (leaves etc.), trying specifically to clean any sheltered and moist areas.
#3. Continue to use an effective flea preventative to prevent re-infestation. Remember to read labels carefully and follow directions. Speak to your vet with any questions, especially if considering using more than one product at the same time.
WHAT ABOUT ALTERNATIVE FLEA PREVENTATIVES AND TREATMENTS?
#1. Garlic is used by some people as a natural alternative to repel fleas. The theory is that it makes the blood taste unpleasant. Unfortunately there is no scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of garlic as a flea preventative, and while it may help to some degree, there is an important downside.
Garlic is toxic to dogs and causes anaemia due to destruction of red blood cells. This effect is dose-dependent, so the more garlic you give, the more serious the effects. Sometimes people misinterpret this to mean that smaller doses are non-toxic. This is not true. Red blood cells are still being destroyed, just not in large enough numbers for the dog to show obvious symptoms of anaemia such as pale gums and lethargy. #2. Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring silica. It acts by absorbing the protective wax layer of the insect’s cuticle. This leads water loss from the flea’s body and death by desiccation. Its effectiveness is variable and products may be toxic to humans because it contains a lot of silica which causes lung disease if inhaled.
Remember, just because someone says they have never treated for fleas and never had a problem, or alternatively have used an unproven product or remedy and never had a problem, it doesn’t mean that approach is effective. Association does not equal causation. In other words, it’s a bit like saying you wear purple socks every day and mosquitoes bite your friends but leave you alone, therefore the purple socks must repel mosquitoes! SOME FACTS ABOUT THE PARALYSIS TICKS
Paralysis ticks (Ixodes Holocyclus) live along the east coast of Australia where they can experience the warm, humid conditions required for their survival, and tick season peaks in spring to mid-summer. They sometimes hitch a ride in tents or camping gear and come home with us from holidays, so pets can experience tick paralysis a long way from the coast. Paralysis tick prevention is a very serious matter, because if your dog gets one and does not receive treatment, he will die.
Tick eggs can be found in big pile of 3000 or so, usually hidden amongst some leaves or under the bark of a tree. After a couple of months, some of these eggs hatch into larvae. These guys are six-legged critters that are smaller than a pin head. They then climb some vegetation and attach themselves to a passing host. This would normally be a bandicoot or possum that has developed some immunity to the ticks, but can also be a dog, cow or other animal. Paralysis ticks then drop to the ground, moult, grow themselves an extra pair of legs, and change their name from larva to nymph.
The nymphs then climb some grass in order to attach to a second passing host, and feed on their blood for a few days before dropping off. When these guys moult several weeks later they become adults and this is when they are really dangerous. The female seeks out a third host and jumps aboard. There she meets a male, gets pregnant, and starts engorging on the host’s blood. At this point the situation has become deadly. She continues to engorge for somewhere between one and three weeks. When she’s had her fill she drops off, lays a few thousand eggs, and dies.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF THE PARALYSIS TICK?
Paralysis ticks produce a nasty toxin (holocyclotoxin) in their saliva that affects the nervous system of the host. While the larvae and nymphs do produce a small amount of toxin, it is usually the hungry female adults that cause paralysis.
* Early Signs of Tick Paralysis Symptoms start to occur around four to six days after the adult female tick has attached. The first thing that may be noticed is weakness or wobbliness in the back legs, sitting suddenly while walking, or being unable to jump up, for example into the car or onto the couch. There may also be vomiting and/or a lot of drooling, and different sounding bark.
* * Later Signs of Tick Paralysis As things progress, the dog is no longer able to stand without assistance and paralysis ascends to include the front legs. Breathing becomes laboured.
* * * Severe Signs of Tick Paralysis At this late stage the dog will lie on his side, no longer able to lift his body into an upright position. There is severe respiratory difficulty caused by paralysis of the respiratory muscles and death is imminent.
IS THERE ANY TREATMENT FOR THE PARALYSIS TICK?
Keep the dog as comfortable, quiet and stress-free as possible. These poor babies need to be treated gently and softly with extra TLC. Any stress at all will exacerbate symptoms, particularly in a dog that is having difficulty breathing, and may be the difference between life and death. We need quiet, dim lighting, and calm interactions.
#1. Remove the tick
Finding a tick can be really difficult. Most are attached somewhere on the front part of the dog’s body (90% from the shoulders forward), but they can be tucked away under collars, inside ears, between toes, or even attached to the anus.
Ticks can be particularly difficult to find on long-haired breeds, who may need to be clipped to enable a thorough search. A careful, step by step approach from nose to tail is least likely to miss anything. If you find a tick don’t stop looking, because there may be more than one! The most important thing when it comes to removing the tick is not to squeeze the body. This is where the salivary glands are located and doing so could inject more toxin into the dog. The tick should be grasped beneath its body and removed quickly with as little manipulation as possible. It’s better not to damage the tick, but in animals it doesn’t usually matter if the mouth parts are left behind.
There’s no one way of removing a paralysis tick, and it depends on availability of implements and how the person removing the tick is used to doing it. Tick removers are commonly available and inexpensive and can be a good item to have on hand in your pet first aid kit.
#2. Neutralising the toxin
If the pet hasn’t shown any symptoms of tick toxicity yet, it may be okay just to hospitalise her in a vet clinic and monitor carefully. They often continue to worsen for 24 to 48 hours after the tick is removed, so professional veterinary care is important.
If the dog has begun to show signs of paralysis, she needs to be treated with hyperimmune tick antiserum. This will neutralise circulating toxins – but cannot help with toxin that has already taken effect. There is a delay of around 12 hours before signs of paralysis begin to reverse. These poor dogs often need very attentive supportive care during this time, as they may not be able to move or even breathe for themselves.
HOW TO AVOID ALL THE DRAMA? DON'T FORGET YOUR TICK PREVENTION! It really is much cheaper, easier and safer to prevent tick paralysis than to try and treat it once it’s happening. Research has found that 82% of dog owners who live in paralysis tick areas are not treating correctly to protect their dog from the deadly paralysis tick, but many of them believe they are.
A third of dog owners living in tick zones have had their dog or a dog owned by someone they know, die from a paralysis tick. For those of us who don’t live in a tick area, we often don’t even realise when we’re are holidaying in a tick zone with our pets. If you’re not sure whether you are treating your pet adequately to prevent paralysis ticks, please speak to your vet.
There are a few things you can do to help avoid tick paralysis in your furkids.
1. Avoid – Stay away from tick zones, or at least keep your pets out of scrubby bush areas where ticks are likely to jump on and attach. 2. Check your pet every day – if you’re in a tick area, you really should do a full body check of your dog with your hands every single day. 3. Use an effective tick control product – It’s best to discuss with your veterinarian which product is the best option for your pet.
No product is 100% effective, which is why you still need to check your pet every day. In summary, be alert but not alarmed!
Dr Joanna Paul is a small animal veterinarian from Melbourne, Australia. After graduating with honours from the University of Melbourne in 2006, she began her veterinary career in an animal shelter. This valuable experience gave her not only strong foundations in medicine and surgery, but a determination to work in partnership with pet owners to ensure their pets stay as happy and healthy as possible, so that they can always be much loved members of the family. Joanna divides her time between two gorgeous dogs of her own, two children, work and her own Creature Clinic website for pet parents.
Giving Dogs with Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease a Reason to Jump for Joy
The bond and relationship we share with our dogs is unique so when our pet is in pain or gets injured, our initial reaction is to panic, stress and prepare for the worst. Sometimes lameness is caused by something as simple as a spike in a paw, while other times the reason may be indefinable. Careful observation of the actions leading up to the lameness and a detailed examination of the limbs, paws and back will help establish where the problem lies.
There are lots of causes of musculo-skeletal problems. An unexplained lameness or limping that won’t go away will need your veterinarian evaluation and in most cases an X-ray and possibly an MRI... Seek your vet’s advice and be open minded when it comes to treatment and rehabilitation options.
Remember you are not alone, take a deep breath, relax and smile - there is a lot of support around you and a reason to jump for joy!
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CRANIAL CRUCIATE LIGAMENT DISEASE
The knee is predisposed to multiple injuries both in humans and in dogs. Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is one of the most common orthopaedic problems that affects dogs resulting in instability of the knee joint which leads to lameness. Dogs with partial tears will exhibit subtle clinical signs such as occasional lameness and/or stiffness on rising while a dog with complete tear will exhibit signs with variable degrees of lameness with altered movement in the hip, stifle and hock (ankle) joints.
A little bit of background on the Knee (or Stifle) Anatomy The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is a band of fibrous tissue that attaches the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). It prevents the tibia from moving forward in relation to the femur, helping to stabilise the knee and preventing the stifle (knee) from rotating. The cruciate ligaments are comprised of two ligaments that form a cross inside the knee joint: the Cranial (anterior) and Caudal (posterior) cruciate ligaments. Typically, it’s the CCL that ruptures. WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF CRANIAL CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY
Traditionally it was thought rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) was as a result of slipping, twisting, falling or jumping off furniture. For most dogs, the CCL ruptures due to chronic joint degeneration as a result of weakening of the fibres within the ligament. Trauma induced rupture of the CCL results in knee instability and is often supplemented by a sudden non-weight bearing lameness. Other factors such as individual conformation, obesity, hormonal imbalance and specific inflammatory conditions of the joints may also play a part.
HOW IS CRANIAL CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY DIAGNOSED
Dogs with partial tears will need to undergo orthopaedic examination (palpation) and diagnostic tests such as; X-rays or MRI scans. Dogs with complete rupture of the CCL will need to be examined by a Veterinary Orthopaedic surgeon through comprehensive knee manipulations including investigative tests. For optimum quality Arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) might also be used to verify diagnosis and investigate potential cartilage tears and other problems.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE?
Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease can be treated either surgically or conservatively. Treatment options will depend on patient weight, severity of rupture, pre-existing disease and cartilage tears. Although few dogs do well with enforced rest and physical therapy, most vets recommend ruptured CCL be repaired surgically. In instances where the ligament hasn’t torn completely, long term rest and anti-inflammatories may be sufficient. Holistic support beforehand and following surgery will help your best friend be more comfortable, recover quickly and gain mobility.
#1. Conservative Management
Conservative treatment for CCL rupture by stringent confinement for four to eight weeks may be endeavoured, however the progression of Osteoarthritis is greater. An external brace can be used to support the knee, although there are no studies to document their effectiveness in dogs (Levine & Millis, 2014).
#2. Surgical Management
Conservative management isn’t suitable for all dogs with ruptured CCL and the majority will require surgical intervention. There are several common surgical techniques available, however none proven to be superior.
Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO)
Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA)
Extra-capsular Stabilisation
#3. Regenerative Medicine
Fast forward to 2017 and you’ll be thrilled to know that your beloved friend can now be treated with regenerative medicine (Stem Cells) as long as they are diagnosed in the early stages and only have a partial tear.
WILL MY DOG NEED REHABILITATION AND WHAT WORKS BEST?
It has been established that a reduction of activity, such as confinement to a cage, may affect ligament and tendon properties. An intense rehabilitation program following TPLO surgery yielded good results and more rapid muscle mass recovery. One study concluded that training before immobilisation and remobilisation had a positive effect on muscle mechanical behaviour compared to being inactive. (Levine & Millis, 2014).
Likewise, it has been recognised that ongoing muscle atrophy after CCL surgery is a common obstacle. Furthermore, the non-inured limb can undergo hypertrophy (enlargement) possibly due to increased loading on that limb during recovery. Joints can develop arthritic changes; surgical procedures can result in adhesions and muscle spasms which may cause restriction of Range of Motion (ROM).
Therefore, get yourself organised - rehabilitation begins prior to surgery! early involvement can help reduce pain, improve ROM and ligament strength. A pre-operational plan allows yourself and your dog to de-stress, prepare for surgery, practice new techniques and trial new modalities.
Post-operative rehabilitation should start immediately after surgery. It should consist of variety of approaches such as:
* Cryotherapy or Thermotherapy – cryotherapy is useful immediately after surgery to control inflammation and thermotherapy has been used for centuries as a means of managing chronic conditions.
* Massage – massage is one of the most commonly used physical therapy modality encompassing a wide variety of techniques, each can produce different effect. Major massage techniques are: Stroking, Pressure, Friction, Percussion and Vibration.
* Passive movements – it’s a movement of a joint by external forces and is usually utilised when a patient is unable of shifting the joint on its own or when active motion is distressing to the patient.
* Hydrotherapy / Underwater treadmill
Hydrotherapy is one of the most beneficial forms of rehab and is prevalent in recovery from musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Once the initial acute phase is over, your dog would benefit from short periods in the hydrotherapy pool or on an underwater treadmill, this will get him used to the water and begin the process of limb usage and muscle strengthening. Underwater treadmills are also very valuable for managing obesity.
* Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) – electrical stimulation may help prevent muscle wasting caused by immobilisation.
* Laser Therapy – the term laser stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation or LLLT. Laser therapy used worldwide for treatment of numerous injuries in humans and animals. It’s effective for wound healing, sprained & strained ligaments, soft tissue injuries and aids with pain relief and inflammation.
* Therapeutic Exercise – therapeutic exercise is one of the most significant part of rehabilitation post injury, surgery or disease and represents the final step in the rehabilitation program. It encompasses a wide range of physical activities designed to enable your dog to enhance function, improve cardiovascular fitness, increase flexibility and strength.
It also prevents long term physical impairment and reduces the risk of injury during unrestricted exercise. Therapeutic exercises include dancing, trotting, cavaletti rails, standing on the gym ball, weight shifting, wheelbarrowing and much more. Ask your vet to give you a detailed pre/post-op rehabilitation plan or ask for a referral to an animal physiotherapist. An effective preoperative rehab period can result in better and faster functional outcome.
HOME THERAPY CARE: HOW LONG IS RECOVERY TIME AND HOW MUCH EFFORT IS NEEDED?
What you do before and after surgery is extremely important. The time and effort necessary for recovery will depend on how strictly you follow your vet and rehabilitation practitioner instructions and how much physical therapy your dog embarks prior and post-surgery. A suitable home therapy program should include:
Reinforcement of commands prior to surgical procedure.
Pet confinement to a small quiet area or crate for six weeks (rest period) post-surgery.
No off-leash exercise for 4 months. Your dog should be on a leash at all times when outside, even in the backyard.
No stairs which can overstress the joint and no jumping under any circumstances during recovery, overextension of the knee could compromise tissue repair and extend healing time.
Keep away from slipping on wet or smooth surfaces as this places strain on the recovering limb – lay a rug or soft covering on tiles or floorboards.
Mental enrichment using mind games, food tricks and puzzles during crate rest will stimulate their brain and avoid risking further injury.
Larger dogs should wear a harness and use ramps to get onto vehicles.
Weight loss can be extremely effective as part of management of dogs with cruciate conditions.
Progressive exercise programme monitored by a physiotherapy or rehab professional.
ADDITIONAL NUTRITIONAL & JOINT SUPPORT
It’s likely that after surgery your veterinarian may recommend a dietary change which will need to be gradually introduced over a seven to ten-day period.
If your pet is overweight, your vet possibly will recommend special food to help return your pet to its ideal weight which will reduce stress on the knee joints and prevent arthritis development.
Avoid harmful foods that have excess sodium, phosphorus, calories and include foods that contain sulfur such as eggs and asparagus to help support repair and rebuilding of tissue as well as Vitamin-B, Calcium, Zinc, Manganese and other minerals since they are important in tissue healing.
Include supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation in muscles or joints as well as Glucosamine, Chondroitin, green-lipped mussel supplements to protect joint cartilage and help with joint lubrication. Herbs such as turmeric and ginger can also be sprinkled onto your dog’s meals since they possess anti-inflammatory effects.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS AND THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND Complication rates are fairly low when cruciate ligament repair surgery is performed by experienced vet surgeons. The two most common complications are infection and mechanical problems. Infection is treated with antibiotics.The majority of mechanical complications are treated with rest or a surgical intervention.
It’s not unusual for dogs who rupture their cruciate ligament in one leg to develop a tear in the other leg. Arthritis or Osteoarthritis may also develop or may already be present. In some dogs, the meniscus can also get damaged in cases of cranial cruciate rupture.
A vital part of your dog’s recovery and continuing wellbeing is ensuring that you choose the right veterinary care, treatment options, rehabilitation program, an appropriate home therapy program alongside a positive and joyful mind set!
To assist preserve long term good health of your dog’s musculoskeletal system, careful attention to diet and exercise are essential, avoid obesity by monitoring their weight and body conditioning score and encourage daily exercise to keep joints supple, muscles and ligaments strong which in turn will help prevent further injury.
Melina Grin fromPet Nurture love of animals began in childhood, when she would care for sick or stray dogs and cats while dreaming of becoming a vet. Today, her passion has become her profession. Melina has many years of experience handling animals: her own of course, as well as pet sitting, dog walking and caring for her clients’ beloved companions. In addition to her qualifications, Melina is a member of many professional associations including: Small Animal & Equine Naturopathic Association (SAENA), Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA), DOGS NSW, Feline Nutrition Foundation
Melina is currently studying to become a qualified Veterinary Nurse with a view to progressing to Canine & Feline Rehabilitation Therapy. She also volunteers regularly at Monika’s Doggie Rescue and gives her time and expertise to several animal rescue events and festivals. A helpful resource for owners is the Facebook Group Canine Cruciate Recovery (TPLO, CM)
References
1. Allegretti, J., & Sommers, K. (2003). The complete holistic dog book Home health care for our Canine Companions. Berkeley, California, United States of America: Celestial Arts. 2. Clair, D. J. (2011). Retrieved from Top Dog Health: https://www.topdoghealth.com/home-rehab-guides/cruciate-home-rehab-guides/ 3. Fitzpatrick, N. (2017). Fitzpatrick Referrals cranial cruciate ligament injury. Retrieved from Fitzpatrick Referrals:http://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/orthopaedic/cranial-cruciate-ligament-injury/ 4. Hourdebaigt, J.-P. (2004). Canine Massage: a complete reference manual (2nd Edition ed.). Wenatchee, WA., USA: Dogwise Publishing. 5. Levine & Millis, D. a. (2014). Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy (Second ed.). Philadelphia, USA: Elsevier. Retrieved August 2017 6. Monk, M. (n.d.).http://www.dogsinmotion.com.au.Retrieved from Dogs In Motion: http://www.dogsinmotion.com.au/wp-content/uploads/7-Mistakes-Rehab-Generic.pdf 7. Practice, T. V. (2017, July 07). The Revolutionary Way to Treat Partial CCL Tears in Dogs . Retrieved from The Vet Practice: http://www.thevetpractice.com.au/new-treatment-partial-ccl-tears-dogs/ 8. Watson, S. L. (2010). BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Rehabilitation, Supportive and Palliative Care. (S. a. Penny, Ed.) Gloucester, England: British Small Animal Veterinary Association. Retrieved May 12, 2017
Disclaimer
Individual blogs are based upon the opinions of the specific author, who retains full copyright. The material is not intended as medical advice, it’s intended as a sharing of knowledge and information. We are not veterinarians and do not diagnose any conditions, perform surgery or prescribe medications. We encourage you to make your own pet health care choices in collaboration with a certified pet health care professional.
Australia holds the unenviable record of the largest number of venomous snakes of any country on Earth! Close to 6,500 pets were bitten by snakes last year in Australia and a venomous snake bite is a life-threatening emergency. Mark Pelley - a.k.a. The Snake Hunter - kindly shared his insights with us: “In the summer of 2016/17, more dogs were bitten and killed by snakes than any other snake season I’ve experienced.”
Star (dog) and Nyoka (woma python kept as a pet snake) - Photo Credit: The Snake Hunter
With sprawling housing development occurring in many cities, snake numbers are increasing in the suburbs. “While it is possible for dogs to be bitten in local parks or while exploring near bodies of water, pets are more likely to be bitten in and around their own home especially in suburban environments.” With the early onset of warmer conditions, snakes are more likely to be discovered while in search of food, water or shelter to better thermoregulate (manage their body temperatures).
Tiger snake - Photo: Sunita Hunt / Gavin Drench
Mark gives us a timely warning “Often snakes are found when moving objects that the snake was hiding in. Snakes can be active at different times of the day or night, depending upon the species of snake. In addition, some venomous snakes thrive in colder climates such as the Tiger snake or Copperhead. "I captured a large alive lowland copperhead snake just outside of Melbourne, it was hiding inside the family firewood storage. As such, I have rescued family pets from snakes at all hours and in all seasons, so it is important dog owners remain always vigilant.” says Mark. WHAT PRECAUTIONS CAN YOU TAKE TO AVOID SNAKE ENCOUNTERS?
Armed with curiosity and natural hunting instincts it is not uncommon for our four-legged friends to cross paths with a snake.
Most snakes will try to avoid you by hiding or running away. While humans may simply walk away when you encounter a snake, dogs and cats will often be curious or defensive (especially at home) and harass the snake until it gets bitten as a result so here are some basic precautions you can take... #1. Safety Tips at Home
Keep your backyard tidy by clearing undergrowth, filling holes in the ground, mowing the lawn regularly, and clearing away toys and tools which all make great hiding places for snakes. Keep walkways clear of brush, flowers and shrubs. Clean up any spilled food, fruit or bird seed, which can attract rodents and therefore snakes. Store any firewood away from the house. The Snake Hunter reminds us that “no matter how clean and tidy the home and backyard are, there are always opportunities for snakes to enter and stay in your property. The above activities help owners see snakes in their property so that they can keep people and pets away from snakes.”
Do not be misled by many of the “myths” about snakes. Snakes can operate at any time of day or night and can be found in all seasons. Snakes do not run away from sound or vibration and they can easily enter the home or backyard. With regards to “snake prevention devices”, Mark explains: “I have caught almost every endemic species of snakes in homes and businesses that deploy ‘snake repellents’ and ‘snake proof fencing’. I have never seen any effective snake-proof device yet.”
Death Adder - Photo Credit: The Snake Hunter
If you see a snake, call a local snake catcher and follow their instructions. Do this whether you think the snake is alive or dead. Snakes are not looking to interact with people or pets however they will defend themselves if threatened or hurt.
Do not let your dog examine dead snakes as they still have venomous fangs. Also, the snake may not be dead. Some snakes can stay extremely still even when danger is nearby (such as the death adder).
Do not attempt to kill or capture a snake! Not only is this extremely dangerous to you, snakes are also a protected species by law. To learn more about snakes, check our ID chart of the Top 5 Venomous Snakes in Australia.
#2. Safety Tips When Outside the Home Obedience train your dog as much as you can, so he/she has excellent recall and listens to you. Mark works with a local dog trainer and emphasizes: “If there is a confrontation between your dog and a snake, you want to make sure that you dog will return to you if called away or otherwise will listen and not go near a snake.”
Walk your dog on a lead or ensure your dog won’t leave your side when going for a walk. There is less chance your dog will be bitten if your dog is beside you the whole time. Do not let your dog dog explore holes or dig under rocks or logs and keep away from high grass and rocks where snakes like to rest. Dogs are inquisitive by nature so keep them under close supervision.
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS WHEN A DOG IS BITTEN BY A SNAKE?
When a snake bites an animal, it injects venom via the fangs into the tissue below the skin. Venom is rapidly absorbed from the site of the bite and carried by the lymphatic system into the animal’s circulation.
Snake venom carries a large range of different toxins that damage tissues and impair many of the body’s vital functions. These can attack the nervous system, cause significant pain, interfere with the body’s natural clotting mechanisms, cause organ damage, paralyze the dog or interfere with breathing and more. Common signs and symptoms of a Snake Bite
Weakness or severe lethargy Collapse
Shaking or twitching
Dilated pupils or difficulty blinkning
Vomiting
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Blood in urine
Ataxia (loss of function of body movements) which could be seen as difficulty walking
Breathing difficulties (rapid and shallow)
Excessive salivation (drooling)
Bleeding from snake bite wound
Paralysis or Collapse
Coma or death
The above are only some of the more common symptoms. It is very possible that your dog could display some, all or other symptoms. Mark states: “The important thing to note is that when you suspect your dog has been bitten by a snake, take them to the vet immediately for a proper assessment.” HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY A SNAKE AND WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Never try to identify a snake that bit your dog. While there is no harm in taking a guess when telling the vet, you could put yourself or your dog at greater risk by trying to get close to a snake to identify it.
Eastern Brown Snake - Photo: The Snake Hunter
Mark advises: “You do NOT need to take a snake to the vet with you if your dog is bitten. Trying to capture or kill a snake is illegal and extremely dangerous. If you see a snake, or one has bitten your dog, immediately call a snake catcher to your property and get your dog to a vet”. Having also dealt with many owners whose dogs were bitten by snakes, Mark also suggests the following:
Most importantly, keep calm yourself and control your own emotions.
Keep your dog still and calm as possible and reduce stimulus around him.
Remove people who will make the situation worse.
Do NOT wash the wound; Do NOT apply a tourniquet, Do NOT apply ice or alcohol or bleed the wound. These approaches do not work and you are just wasting time.
NEVER try to catch or kill the snake yourself.
If you can SAFELY get a photo of the snake, then do so, otherwise leave it.
1.Call your closest snake catcher to come and remove the snake. 2. Call the vet to advise of what has happened and take your dog to the Vet ASAP. The quicker you do this, the more chance of survival! 3. If you can describe the snake to the vet do so EXACTLY as you saw it, otherwise do NOT make up information. Please note that individual species can vary in colour and pattern significantly and only qualified persons can identify snakes with certainty.
WHAT TREATMENT WILL YOUR DOG RECEIVE?
Once you arrive, the vet will assess your dog. Most people do not know what type of snake bit their dog so a broad spectrum antivenom is administered and is usually very effective. Multiple vials are usually given and it is likely your dog will also need intravenous fluids and oxygen. Remember your dog may be in pain and become extremely defensive and display more aggression or a different behaviour than usual. Recovery in the vet clinic can typically take up to a few days but in more serious cases, your dog may need to remain at the vet clinic for weeks. Pet insurance is recommended as the cost of treating a snake bite can be very high. Mark has seen the costs of treating dogs typically between $4000 - $8000 during this year.
HOW LONG COULD THE RECOVERY TAKE? Prognosis can range from extremely guarded to good depending on the speed of treatment being started, the amount of venom injected and the location of the bite site. Your vet will be able to give you a more accurate answer as to how they think your dog will be after treatment. Keep in mind that there could be ongoing effects of the venom long after treatment. Mark reported of two cases recently where the dog died months later from the effects the snake venom had on the destruction of the dog’s internal organs.
Please note also that if your pet is given antivenene for a snake bite, it is only being used to neutralise the snake venom in your pet's system at that time. It does not protect your pet in future from further envenomation from a snake. Antivenene is not a vaccination or a preventative medication.
CAN YOU SHARE WITH US THE MOST UNUSUAL PLACE YOU HAVE EVER FOUND A SNAKE?
"I have found snakes anywhere you can imagine and would be afraid to imagine in the home, office, garages, businesses etc. But one of the "most interesting times" I caught a snake was the following...
A man was driving in a late model Commodore from a country town to visit his daughter in the city. During the drive, while on the freeway, he noticed in his peripheral vision something moving on the floor. Carefully looking down while driving there was a red-bellied black snake crawling between his legs towards the front of the car. The snake then slithered between the floor of the car and up inside the dashboard area and the man drove the remainder of the journey to his daughter’s house.
Red-bellied Black Snake
Upon arrival, the man promptly got out of the car and called the Snake Hunter to attend. The snake was nowhere to be seen inside the visible areas of the car. We called several mechanics in Melbourne all who refused to come out to start pulling the dashboard apart to find the snake! Finally, we
found a country mechanic to attend. After several painstaking hours of pulling the dash apart, the mechanic suddenly launched out of the car and I realised it was time for me to spring into action!
I eventually pulled the snake out of an opening at the top of the dashboard, securing it inside one of my snake tubs. The man was grateful that the snake was gone but now he and the mechanic had several hours more of putting that car back together!"
Mark Pelley (The Snake Hunter) is based in Diamond Creek Victoria where he catches more venomous snakes in people’s homes, cars and backyards each year that you would dare to imagine. Trained in handling snakes in both Australia and Pakistan, he is well known for running towards a striking and threatening snake when others turn in the opposite direction! As the Snake Hunter, Mark also provides reptile shows for events, consultation for government and private businesses on how any situation that has to deal with snakes. He goes to schools and educates migrant communities to help people better understand how to respect and value Australia’s natural biodiversity. To learn more, please visit www.snakehunter.com.au or follow @SnakeHunterAus on Facebook
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