When the dog is in puppy stage, the dog may be subjected to the surgical neutering technique. This way, the hormonal impact is highly minimized in male dogs.

The surgical neutering of the male dog helps to prevent the incidences of prostate gland diseases. The prostate enlargement is more common with male dogs but with surgical neutering, the incidences of prostate enlargement are minimized.

Without this procedure, the adult male dog may have difficulties during defecation and constipation may occur due to the increased size of the prostate gland.  However, one has to rule out the feed borne constipation, like lack of fiber in their diet, before resorting to the fixation of prostate enlargement as a cause for this. Fortunately, neutering causes shrinkage of the prostate gland.

In surgical neutering, the incision is placed in front of the scrotum and the testicles are removed in a surgical manner using aseptic techniques. The wound need not be closed except the tying up of the cord after cutting of the testicle.  However, in two to three days time, as a routine tissue reaction, some swelling may occur in the scrotum.

Septic shock may occur if the surgical site gets infected with microbial infections and in these cases, the wound needs a thorough dressing procedure and the patient needs to be continuously monitored in a clinical environment. Once antibiotics are administered, the will recover in a satisfactory condition.

Take note that local animal organizations perform the surgical neutering when the stray male dogs are captured by them. This helps to reduce the over-population and needless “putting down” of dogs.

Spaying is a surgical procedure that removes the ovaries from the female dog. Experienced veterinarians are required to do the spaying procedure and post-operative care is to be given more emphasis.

If proper control measures are not taken after the surgical operation for the removal of the ovaries, then infections may start setting in and the animal may develop peritonitis and then toxemia sets in, causing unwanted health problems.

Death of the dog may even occur, if the dog is not provided effective and proper veterinary care.

A female dog generally comes into heat once every eight months or so. During this period, there is bleeding from vagina which attracts the male dog but the spaying activity prevents all of this.

A female dog that is spayed before the occurrence of first heat will have almost a zero chance of development of mammary cancer, which is more common with the dogs that are not spayed. Older dogs that have not been spayed may often get signs of increased thirst, anorexia, and vomiting that are so common with pyometra.

Pyometra is the presence of pus in the uterus.  Once pyometra occurs, it involves many discomforts to the animal and the therapy can be quite expensive. Fortunately, pyometra is totally prevented by spaying because in the case of spaying, you are removing both ovaries and the uterus.

The terms spaying and neutering are related to the surgical approaches of sterilization in case of females and males respectively.  Spaying and neutering of dogs is highly recommended if you don’t want to breed the dogs. Accidental pregnancies that are not wanted can be highly minimized by these procedures.

However, these procedures need to be carried out by a qualified veterinarian because anesthesia is required, along with proper surgical procedures.

Spaying helps to prevent occurrence of pyometra, which is a common reproductive disorder in female dogs.  In male dogs, the neutering helps to prevent the occurrence of prostate enlargement or cancer.

By spaying and neutering, the male dog’s desire in search of female dogs in heat is highly minimized hence wandering of the male dog is reduced. The animal becomes calm by these surgical remedies. Territorial behavior is also highly minimized in male dogs.

Spaying of your female dog before the occurrence of first heat is the best remedy to avoid the incidence of breast cancer. Research has proved that if the dog is spayed after the first heat, the chances of occurrence of breast cancer is higher. Therefore, younger dogs should be given these operations to avoid complications in future.

Many veterinarians prefer the spaying and neutering of dogs only at the age of five to six months. However, these can be performed even at the age of three to five months. Postoperative care needs to be followed meticulously to avoid the occurrence of infections by microbial organisms.

The first thing that you need to know is that there may be several other animals at the vet’s office when you go for your appointment so it’s very important that you arrive with your dog on a leash so as not to cause any disruption.

Just like when you visit your own doctor, they will ask to weigh your dog. This is sometimes tricky as most dogs do not want to sit in one place long enough to get an accurate weight. Coax your dog onto the scale and command it to sit and stay, while the scale calculates the weight.

Next, you will be taken into an examination room where your dog will be placed on a table for their examination.  The table is then typically raised up so that your dog is at the level of the vet.

Your dog may try to jump off the table during the examination, so try to distract them by simple scratching behind the ears, or whatever makes them most comfortable. This way, the dog’s attention is somewhat diverted from the examination procedures that will be carried out in a systematic manner.

Many dogs are uneasy about the procedure, but there are also obedient dogs which will remain calm during an examination.  In either case, your dog should be given some patting and praises.

Many owners (or vets for that matter) provide some treats to distract their dogs.  However, it all depends on the trainings and the effective follow up procedures by the owner for the maintenance of such reflexes during the examination.

Many of the examination procedures require frequent movements of the dog’s body, therefore, muzzles may be required for some dogs if they have a tendency to object by biting the veterinarian doing the examination of the dog.

As a pet owner, you will need to observe your dog closely during the examination to rule out any abnormal activity by the dog.

Restraining your dog in a proper manner during the clinical examination will be highly appreciated. Such control will be of extremely helpful for the effective examination of the patient by the concerned veterinarian in the pet clinic.

If your dog gets distracted or restless during the examination, then one may even use one of the various electronic equipments on the market, which will make a sound that is audible to the dogs’ ears. Such devices may prove be helpful in the proper distraction of the animal during the examination.

Your vet may also have an assistant accompany them in the examination room, in which case, you will have help in restraining your dog if needed.

The final thing to remember is that pet clinics deal with all kinds of dogs day in and day out. Therefore, do not feel embarrassed if your dog acts out of character during an examination. The vets have seen it all and are used to handling all different personalities and situations.

Congratulations if you are one of those lucky people! You are in for a bundle of fun and joy!

But along with the fun comes responsibility and this raises a many important questions for new dog owners…

Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to address some of these issues in my upcoming posts, such as:

Common questions about vaccinations

One of the most common questions is whether a dog needs to be given vaccinations within the first few weeks of their life

While vaccinations should be a top priority in the early weeks of a dog’s life, the truth is that dogs need not be vaccinated until five to six weeks of age.

It is important that they receive the parvoviral vaccine used to kill viral infections, and a vaccine for the measles disease may be given.

Is there any need to give rabies vaccine to dogs? Yes, it is a must to go for the anti-rabies vaccine for dogs

What precaution does one need to undertake when this anti-rabies vaccine is given to the dog? The rabies vaccine is typically given at thirteen to fifteen weeks of age, and should to be repeated in fifteen months, and then administered once every three years.  It is important that the dog is given this vaccine.

Is there any need for canine distemper vaccination in case of dogs? Yes, there is a specific requirement in the case of dogs for the vaccination against the canine distemper.  This disease is quite prevalent in most countries

Is there any vaccination against leptospirosis and at what age should this be administered?   This vaccine should be given at six to eight weeks of age, again at ten to twelve weeks, and again at thirteen to sixteen weeks of age.

Another common question is whether a dog is to be given bordetella disease vaccine and lyme disease vaccine. No, these vaccines are only optional.  But the parvoviral vaccine should not be given in first week of a dog’s life because it will interfere with maternal antibody levels.

Which raises the question… Can a pregnant animal be vaccinated? Yes, the pregnant animal may be vaccinated against viral diseases two to three weeks prior to expected delivery date. This helps to provide maternal antibodies to the newborn.

That should get you started but next time we’ll discuss the importance of heartworm vaccinations.

What To Do If Your Dog Becomes Infected With The Canine Influenza

There is currently no specific treatment for canine influenza. As with all viral illnesses, the disease must run its course. Supportive care, such as providing a good diet and making sure your dog’s body has enough fluids, can help your dog fight the infection. A little extra tender loving care can also go a long way.

Sometimes canine influenza infections can become complicated by secondary bacterial infections. One sign of this is a yellow-green, thick nasal discharge, which your veterinarian may treat with an antibiotic. The coughing that comes with influenza is actually the body’s way of getting rid of the virus. If the cough is moist and productive, you should not try to stop it with a cough suppressant. Human “flu” medicines should not be given to your dog because they have not been studied or approved for use in dogs with canine influenza.

How can I protect my dog from canine influenza?

Protection starts by keeping your dog in good general health. A well-nourished, well-rested, and well-cared-for pet will have a stronger immune system to help fight off infection. When you must board your pet, make sure the facility is clean, well-maintained, and that there is an influenza outbreak management plan in place.

Recently, a new canine influenza vaccine – the first of its kind – was approved for use in the US. Canine Influenza Vaccine, H3N8 from Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has been clinically proven to significantly reduce the severity of influenza and the length of time that a dog is sick. The initial vaccination requires 2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart, followed by annual revaccination. If your dog is presently being vaccinated for kennel cough (Bordetella), it is a likely candidate for Canine Influenza Vaccine, H3N8.

Your veterinarian can advise you whether this new influenza vaccine should be added to your dog’s vaccination schedule.

Where can I learn more about canine influenza?

Your veterinarian is the best person to answer any further questions you have about canine influenza. In addition, you may find it helpful to explore these websites for more information:

www.doginfluenza.com

www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/canine_bgnd.asp

www.sheletermedicine.com/portal/is_canine_influenza_update.shtml

To protect your pet, talk to your vet

Remember, your veterinarian is the best source of information regarding the health of your pet. After all, who knows more about the patient than the doctor? Don’t be shy about asking questions or scheduling time with your veterinarian just to talk. Finally, be sure to call your veterinarian if you have any questions about canine influenza or vaccination, or if you notice your dog coughing or showing other signs of a respiratory infection.

How is canine influenza infection diagnosed?

It’s hard to diagnose canine influenza. Many times it can be confused with kennel cough because the signs are very similar. Often canine influenza is not suspected until the illness becomes unusually severe or lasts an unusually long time. Your veterinarian may collect blood or nasal swab samples; however, these laboratory tests may not confirm canine influenza infection because the samples must be taken at the appropriate time in the course of your dog’s illness. If your dog has a history of being exposed to other dogs with canine influenza, it is reasonable to suspect that your dog has something more than ordinary kennel cough.

Is my dog at risk for infection?

Most dogs, regardless of breed or age, are at risk for canine influenza. However, certain venues and activities can raise your dog’s risk of canine influenza infection even higher. Review this list of questions to see if any of these places or activities apply to your pet.

Does your dog:

*Come from a shelter, rescue center, breeding kennel, or pet store?

*Board at a kennel or go to doggie daycare?

*Attend a group training or “dog kindergarten”?

*Visit a groomer, dog parks, or engage with other dogs on daily walks?

*Enter dog events?

*Come into contact with other dogs in the waiting room during visits to your veterinary clinic?

IF you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, tell your veterinarian and ask what can be done to protect your dog from canine influenza.

How is canine influenza spread?

Canine influenza spreads the same way that human flu spreads – through direct contact (kissing, licking, nuzzling); through the air (coughing or sneezing); and via contaminated surfaces (such as when a person picks up the virus on their hands or clothing, then touches or pets a dog). Spread can also occur if that same person touches and contaminates another surface – a doorknob, for example.

I was in my vet’s office recently and picked up a pamphlet that explained everything to me and I want to pass the info on, so here it is…

What is canine influenza?

Canine influenza is a newly emerging infectious disease caused by a “flu” virus. In dogs, a highly contagious strain of the influenza A virus known as H3N8 is able to cause respiratory illness. Other strains of the influenza A virus are responsible for causing infections in birds, horses, pigs, and people. Canine influenza virus only affects dogs.

How contagious is canine influenza?

Just like human “flu”, canine influenza is highly contagious. In fact, unless a dog has already had the illness and recovered, virtually every dog exposed to the virus will become infected. This is because the virus is relatively new, and dogs have no natural immunity to it. While 100% of dogs are susceptible to influenza infection, about 80% of infected dogs will show signs of infection. Dogs that do not show signs of the disease can still spread the virus to other dogs.

Since2003, there have been numerous reports of influenza outbreaks in veterinary clinics, kennels, and shelters. Some of these outbreaks were traced back to the presence of one sick dog that spread the virus throughout the facility and infected many other dogs.

What are the signs of canine influenza?

The most common sign of canine influenza is a persistent cough. Some dogs have a soft, moist, “productive” cough, while others have a dry cough similar to that seen in dogs with kennel cough – a respiratory condition that is caused by any of a number of other viruses and bacteria. It’s this similarity to kennel cough that makes it hard for your veterinarian to diagnose which illness your dog has.

About 80% of dogs who show signs of influenza will have mild disease. Signs in this case include a low-grade fever, nasal discharge, lack of energy, loss of appetite, and a cough that can last for up to a month.

How serious is canine influenza?

Canine influenza is usually mild but can become quite serious in some dogs. In about 20% of the cases, more severe signs will occur, such as a high fever (104 degrees F to 106 degrees F) and pneumonia. A small number of dogs infected with the virus have died from complications associated with the disease.

Signs of ill health are the most important signs of the health status in your dogs. For example, if the dog has continuous nasal discharge, it indicates the presence of nasal congestion and if the discharge is thick, most of the times, the dog may have pneumonia.

If the dog vomits one or two times occasionally, this may not be taken as a serious sign of ill health but if the dog continues this vomiting, then this is something significant to be looked into.

If the dog has continuous itching, then one needs to check up the dog first by closer observation and examination of skin by separating the hair material especially in case of long haired breeds. You may also come across a lot of ticks or lice on skin, which may look apparently normal at a distance.

If the dog passes loose stool for one or two times, this need not be given more emphasis but if there is continuous passing of loose stool, then the dog is understood to suffer from bowel disorders. If the dog does not pass stool for two to three days, the digestive upsets needs to be ruled out carefully.

Just patiently observe the dog’s walking movements and rule out any abnormal movements in the dog. If the dog is limping, the animal may have foot lesions. Similarly, if the aged dog has reluctant walking and less feed intake along with repeated vomiting, then acute renal disorders like nephritis needs to be ruled out.

If there is whiteness in eyes, suspect the corneal opacity that may occur in diseases like trypanasomosis. When the dog becomes anemic, the mucous membrane of the eyes becomes paler and in severe cases, this may have wall white color. If the dog bites chain and owners or others, look for behavior disorders and rabies needs to be ruled out.

If you don’t have a lot of experience with dog diseases or dog rearing, you may not recognize the common clinical conditions of your dogs.  This is why check-ups are so important.   For example, if your dog has potbelly, the condition may not look abnormal many times. But if you take your dog in for a regular check-up, then the veterinarian can immediately diagnose the condition and give the appropriate therapy. If not, your dog may experience diarrhea and dehydration.

If your dog has any signs of illness, then don’t wait for their regular check-up. Instead, you need to visit the veterinarian immediately.  If done in a regular basis, check-ups will provide your dog with vaccinations against canine distemper, parvovirus, corona virus, rabies virus, hepatitis virus, and more.

Various booster vaccinations will be given during checkups. Many of these injections help to improve the immunity level of your dog in a remarkable degree against diseases . Regular check ups also include a complete stool examination to check for conditions such as heartworm.  If found, deworming may be carried out with drugs like fenbendazole, albendazole, etc.

Abnormalities like signs of pain may be ruled out during such  examinations.  If not, helminthiasis may affect the animal and diarrhea may occur in addition to the other types of digestive upsets and anemia. Regular examinations help to rule out the external parasitic conditions like lice or tick infestations.

And as mentioned in previous posts, dental problems are also diagnosed during the regular veterinary check ups.