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For many years, cat owners and veterinarians alike have accepted chronic vomiting in cats as a normal behaviour. Recent research has shown us that chronic vomiting is actually not normal and can be a sign that there is an underlying issue. Almost all chronic vomiting cats in a recent study were diagnosed with either inflammatory bowel disease or lymphoma through biopsy, both of which can be treated. If any of the following statements apply to your cat, you should speak with your veterinarian.

My cat occasionally vomits hairballs.

If your cat vomits hairballs more than twice monthly, it is not normal. Since cats are avid groomers, their digestive tract should be able to handle their own hair. If it is regularly vomiting up hairballs, this could be a sign something is wrong with its digestive tract.

My cat only vomits when she eats too fast and will vomit up entire kibbles to show this.

Cats, as obligate carnivores, normally do not chew their food. Therefore, it is normal for them to swallow kibble whole and is not a sign that they have eaten too quickly. If your cat is vomiting up food, it is also a sign that something may be wrong with its digestive tract.

My cat has always been a “vomiter”.

While this may be true, it is more of a sign that your cat has been dealing with a long term issue such as inflammatory bowel disease, rather than being normal for your cat.

My cat is a chronic vomiter, what should I do?

The first most important step would be to take your cat to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam to see if there is anything abnormal that could be causing the vomiting. Next your vet may want to perform bloodwork or x-rays to rule out issues that can cause chronic vomiting such as liver, kidney or thyroid disease. Further diagnostic tests may be required such as ultrasound and biopsy.

How is chronic vomiting in cats treated?

Chronic vomiting is treated based on the cause. For example, with inflammatory bowel disease, treatment may include a change to a special hypoallergenic diet, probiotics and sometimes medications such as steroids.

Is treatment successful?

With treatment, most cats can do really well and significantly decrease the frequency of vomiting episodes. The sooner it is addressed, the better off your cat will be as any inflammation in the gut can increase the chance that cancer may develop in those areas.

Contact our team at Coventry Animal Hospital if you have any questions or concerns about your cat.

Many pet owners don’t realize how important a healthy mouth is to their pet’s overall health. An unhealthy mouth can affect the way major organs function, including the liver, kidneys and even the heart. Simply put, cats and dogs with clean teeth tend to live longer. Coventry Animal Hospital offers insight on the basics of dental disease in pets and what you can do to prevent it.

How common is dental disease in pets?

Unfortunately, dental disease is a very common problem for pets. By the time they celebrate their third birthday, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of dental disease. The good news is, your pet doesn’t have to be one of these statistics — with a little extra effort you can prevent many common pet dental problems.

Bad breath may be the first sign of a dental problem. So what causes bad breath?

When it comes to bad breath, (ours or our pets) you can blame bacteria. Bacteria are normal inhabitants of the mouth and they cling to the teeth forming an invisible film called plaque. Even though you can’t see the plaque, you can definitely smell it. While doggie breath may not be particularly sweet, it should not be noxious or foul smelling. If your pet’s breath has a really bad odor, something is wrong. Bad breath is often the first indication of dental problems and one that pet owners notice right away.

All pets and people develop plaque on their teeth, but some of the plaque is removed by daily activity. When the dog eats crunchy foods, some of the plaque is removed from the flat chewing surface of the teeth. As the dog moves his tongue around inside his mouth, more plaque is removed from the inner surfaces of the teeth. Your pet can take reasonable care of the chewing surfaces and inner surfaces of the teeth, but they usually can’t keep the outer surface of their teeth clean. Have you ever seen a dog or cat lick the outer surface of his teeth?  To remove this plaque buildup, pet owners need to get involved in their pet’s dental care.

What can pet owners do for their pet’s dental health?

First of all, pet owners can brush their pet’s teeth with specially formulated toothpaste. People who brush their pet’s teeth need to remember this: Only use pet approved toothpaste that contains enzymes to break down the plaque. This toothpaste is made to be swallowed and won’t upset the stomach like human toothpaste can. Plus, it’s flavored so pets don’t mind brushing so much. Brushing your dog’s teeth 2 or 3 times a week will reduce the accumulation of plaque and the associated odor.

In addition to tooth brushing, you can add an anti-bacterial supplement to the water bowl. These additives reduce bad breath by decreasing the number of oral bacteria the same way human mouthwashes do. Like pet toothpaste, this product is meant to be swallowed. Start by adding just a few drops to the water bowl and gradually increase to the prescribed amount to help your pet adjust to it. Plaque-fighting water additives are really useful when pets object to tooth brushing.

There are also many varieties of dental chews available that help reduce plaque. Some work by an abrasive mechanical action and rub the plaque off as the pet chews the treat. Others include a chemical called chlorhexiderm that acts as a disinfectant much like the water additive.

What happens if plaque builds up?

If plaque is not removed, it not only causes bad breath but as it thickens and turns into tartar. Plaque may be invisible, but tartar is not. You can see tartar as the brownish-yellow substance that accumulates on the surface of teeth. Tartar tends to appear on molars (the teeth in the back of the mouth that are used for chewing). Since few pet owners raise their dog’s lips to view these teeth, tartar often goes unnoticed until it affects more visible teeth like the canine teeth or the incisors. Even though you can see tartar on tooth surfaces, what you can’t see is the accumulation beneath the gum line which causes an inflammation of the gums called gingivitis.

What is gingivitis?

The presence of tartar usually indicates the onset of gingivitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by the bacteria that surround the gum line. Gingivitis results in red, swollen, painful gums.

When left untreated, gingivitis can result in a more serious form of dental disease called periodontal disease. This advanced stage of dental disease occurs as bacteria erode the connective tissues that hold teeth in place. Both soft tissue and bone can become so deteriorated that teeth become loose in their sockets. Dogs with periodontal disease lose their teeth earlier than normal and are often in pain.

How does oral disease affect other parts of the body?

Sometimes periodontal disease becomes so severe that the bacteria in the mouth erode the barrier between the nose and respiratory passages resulting in an oro-nasal fistula (hole in the hard palate connecting the nose and mouth). Bacteria are then free to invade the nasal passages and/or sinuses causing respiratory infections which require medical intervention. Inhalation pneumonia can also result from food literally being breathed into the lungs.

In addition to respiratory problems, the bacteria in the mouth can cause trouble in other organs as they travel beyond the respiratory passages. Bacteria can enter the blood stream through the small blood vessels in the mouth and circulate throughout the entire body. Blood-borne bacteria can affect major organs, such as the kidneys and liver, and bacterial accumulation on heart valves can cause a heart condition known as endocarditis.

What is dental prophylaxis?

During a dental cleaning at a full service clinic such as Coventry Animal Hospital, your pet is anesthetized to prevent it from wiggling around, control its pain and protect its lungs respiratory system from inhaling bacteria.  A registered veterinary technician or veterinarian will probe the gum pocket to check for deep pockets that indicate disease around the tooth.  If the pockets are small, scaling the teeth clean may be adequate therapy; but in more advanced cases surgical extraction is warranted.  Root canals and complicated orthodontic cases are performed by a veterinary dental specialist on a referral basis.  Teeth are polished and fluoride is applied.  When the pet wakes up, it may have to eat softened food for several days, as the gums are tender.  If teeth were extracted, the pet is sent home with pain medication.  Home dental care and strategies to prevent dental disease are discussed during a post-operative visit.

It’s never too late to make the decision to control dental disease in your pets.  Coventry Animal Hospital encourages you to ask us about dental cleanings for your cat or dog in order to maximize a healthy, pain-free life for your pet.

Myth 1: You can tell if a cat is sick based on whether its nose is dry.

False: There is no correlation between the moisture of your pet’s nose and whether it is ill. That being said, a cat that is sick may not groom itself and keep its nose clean. Nasal discharge can be a sign of sickness.

Myth 2: Cats need to drink milk.

False: Although cats may enjoy drinking cow’s milk, it is not a balanced source of nutrients for them. Nursing kittens will not thrive on other species’ milk and they require cat milk replacer if they need to be bottle-fed. Adult cats may enjoy a bit of milk as a treat but it might cause an upset stomach for some, in which case it is best avoided.

Myth 3: Cats that are well-fed don’t hunt.

False: All kitten and cats (even those that have never lived outside) have a strong drive to stalk, chase and pounce and bite small fast moving objects. Unfortunately, even when a bell is placed on the collar of a cat that goes outside, birds do not recognize the sound of the bell as a threat. Consider keeping your cat indoors to prevent it from killing small mammals, amphibians and birds. Indoor cats love being able to watch birds and squirrels through a window for entertainment.

Myth 4: Cats are like small dogs (and can have the same food and medication as dogs).

False: Unlike humans and dogs, cats must have animal protein and cannot survive on a vegetarian diet. Cats are strict carnivores and require amino acids such as arginine and taurine, which are best supplied from meat. In addition, cats have a different ability to metabolize drugs from other species. Tylenol is fatal to cats at very low doses because they lack the enzyme needed to metabolize it. Likewise, a topical flea product for dogs can be poisonous if applied to a cat.

Myth 5: Cats purr when they are content.

False: Cats purr for a variety of reasons. It is a communication tool often used to convey friendship – for example, kittens will purr while they are nursing, as will the mother cat. However, cats may also purr while giving birth or when injured – times when they are stressed and looking for friendship.

Cats have evolved as both a prey and predator species and are unique in many ways. It is precisely this uniqueness that makes them delightful companions. Coventry Animal Hospital celebrates feline friends and is dedicated to accommodating their specific needs.

There are many interesting myths out there about dogs. Here at Coventry Animal Hospital, we are committed to educating everyone about their pets. Here are the truths to the very common myths that we often hear.

• You should allow your dog to lick its wounds to help it heal. In the wild it may be beneficial for animals to lick their wounds to help keep them clean of dirt and debris. With our pet dogs, licking can do more damage than good. Licking at a wound will keep it moist. This allows bacteria to grow and delays healing. The best way to help wounds heal is to keep them clean and dry by not allowing your dog to lick at them.
• Dogs are colour blind. There is a common myth that dogs only see in black and white. This is not true as dogs are actually able to see some colours. Dogs see similarly to red-green colour blind people.
• Chewing bones is good for your dog’s teeth. We commonly see dogs with fractured teeth from chewing on things such as bones and antlers. So, rather than being good for your dog’s teeth, they can result in dental pain and tooth extractions. Bones can also get lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines, resulting in emergency surgery. View our previous blog on safe chewing options for your dog:

• A dog wagging its tail means it’s happy and friendly. This is untrue. Tail wagging varies, and conveys different messages depending on how it is wagged. While a tail wagged at a medium height may suggest a happy dog, a dog wagging a low held tail, could mean fear. A dog with his tail raised very high can be a dominance signal. In either of these two cases, both dogs are not necessarily happy and may bite. Overall, you should not base your decision on how comfortable or happy a dog is by tail wagging alone.
• Dogs eat grass when they are feeling sick. For the most part, dogs likely occasionally eat grass because they enjoy the taste of it. However, because grass is not digestible for dogs it can cause stomach irritation and cause them to vomit.
• Female dogs should go through a heat/have a litter of puppies in order to be happier/healthier. This myth is unfortunate as the opposite is actually true. Many studies have shown that the longer you wait to spay a female, the greater her risk for mammary cancer and other reproductive diseases. Learn about more myths about spays and neuters on our previous blog.
• A cold/warm nose indicates health. The heat or moistness of your dog’s nose is not an indicator of its health. If you have any reason to suspect it is ill, you should take it to a veterinarian right away, no matter what its nose is like!
• You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Old dogs are capable of learning new things. In fact, we recommend training your dogs and teaching them new things through their whole lives. Like in humans, learning new things can help prevent cognitive dysfunction (i.e. Dementia) in older dogs.                                                                                                       
• Feeding garlic prevents fleas. Garlic is completely ineffective at preventing fleas and may even be dangerous to give to your pets at certain doses. Your veterinarian can provide you with many safe and proven effective flea prevention and treatment options. Click here to learn more here.
• Dogs that are related to each other or too different in size will not mate. Any intact dog will mate with any other intact dog that it has access to, no matter the relation, breed, or size.

These are just some of the common myths we hear. There are still many others out there. If you have any questions about your pet’s behaviour, health or what pet products are good to use contact our team at Coventry Animal Hospital.

Indoor cats may not share the same risks as outdoor cats. While they might not require the same types of vaccines and frequency of deworming as outdoor cats, it is still very important to regularly take your indoor cat to your veterinarian. Annual check-ups are important even if your cat does not need vaccines. Here are some reasons why your indoor cat should see your veterinarian regularly:

• Cats are very good at hiding problems. Cats are both a predator and prey species in the wild. This means that cats, in order to survive, have learned to hide illness and injury very well. Veterinarians are trained to look for these subtle signs. By taking your cat regularly to the vet, any problems or illnesses can be addressed earlier and your cat can live a longer, healthier and more comfortable life.
• Dental disease is very common but hard to see. By the age of three, almost 80% of cats have some form of dental disease. Dental issues can cause severe pain; this may not be noticed until the disease has progressed very far. Cats will often still eat, even hard kibbles, in the face of severe dental pain. Addressing dental disease early can help prevent this pain and may allow your cat to keep its teeth as opposed to facing extractions in more severe dental disease. Regular visits with your veterinarian can allow him or her to make recommendations to help prevent dental disease and to address dental disease early when it happens in order to save your cat’s teeth.
• Obesity can significantly shorten your cat’s lifespan. Obesity is also very common, affecting over 60% of cats. Indoor cats especially are often affected. Obesity can lead to issues such as diabetes, arthritis, constipation, urinary tract infections, skin and mobility issues. Recent studies have shown that obesity can remove up to two years off your pet’s life! Sometimes it is difficult for people to evaluate whether or not their cat is overweight. Regular visits to your veterinarian means your vet can recommend proper diets and exercise programs to ensure your cat is at a healthy weight. It is also important to address weight loss through your veterinarian because if a cat loses weight too quickly, the result can be liver disease.

• Vaccines are still important. Even though your cat may not go outdoors, it is not uncommon to have other animals come into your house. Bats often fly into homes and they are one of the top Rabies carriers in Ontario. Keeping your cat up to date on vaccines gives you piece of mind that your cat and family are safe should this ever happen. Also, there is always the risk that your indoor cat may get outside and be exposed to other cats or wild animals.
• Indoor cats can still get worms. A recent study has shown that up to 50% of all cats have intestinal worm infestations that did not show up on fecal analysis. So even though your cat does not go outside, sometimes bugs and small mammals can get inside and expose your cat to intestinal worms. If you have other pets that do spend time outside (e.g. dogs), they can also act as carriers. If you live with children, elderly or other immune compromised people, it is important that even your indoor cat be dewormed regularly to prevent transmission of worms to people.

• Senior cats age quickly. Senior cats can become quite ill very quickly if problems are not caught early. Many senior cats also have arthritis, which can be extremely painful, but they can hide it very well. We recommend senior cats be seen twice annually. As stated earlier, the sooner we address problems, the longer, healthier and more comfortable life your cat will be able to live. If you have any questions about your indoor cat give our team at Coventry Animal Hospital a call.

If you have any questions about your indoor cat give our team at Coventry Animal Hospital a call.

We at Coventry Animal Hospital would like to offer you a Health Care Plan for your kitten, puppy, dog and/or cat.  The purpose of a plan is to provide the preventative care your pet needs while offering significant savings and dividing the cost of services into a more manageable monthly fee.  Pet ownership involves an annual exam with vaccines and wellness tests, in addition to some unforeseen vet visits.  We have designed plans to cover comprehensive preventive care, as well as offer peace of mind.

Health Care Plans allow you to maintain health, prevent disease and detect disease early.

Our Adult Health Care Plans include:

• Lifestyle-specific vaccines
  • Leukemia vaccination for cats at risk
  • Leptospirosis and Kennel cough vaccination for dogs at risk of exposure
• Annual intestinal parasite screening
  • Analysis of your pet’s poop sample for any parasites to make sure they are adequately dewormed
• Annual bloodwork
  • Assesses your pet’s red blood cell count, white blood cell count, sugar level, protein, liver enzymes and kidney values
  • Assesses the thyroid hormone level in senior pets (8 years of age or older)
• Annual urine testing in senior pets
• Annual heartworm and Lyme disease testing in dogs

 Best Start Puppy and Kitten Health Care Plans (up to 18 months of age) include:

• A series of core vaccinations to achieve immunity
  • Boosters at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks of age
  • Includes lifestyle-specific vaccines
• Two intestinal parasite screenings
  • Testing before and after deworming
  • Also includes giardia testing
• Three doses of deworming medication
• A spay (ovariohysterectomy) or neuter (castration)
  • Includes pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure healthy organs prior to surgery
  • Includes intravenous fluids and blood pressure monitoring for increased safety under anesthesia
  • Includes post-operative pain medication as we feel it is mandatory that your pet experience minimal discomfort during recovery
• Immunodeficiency virus screening in cats

 Bells and whistles included in the health plans:

• Nail trims with every visit
• Three additional exams during office hours in the event of sickness
• Allows senior pets to be seen for a physical exam every six months

There is also a dentistry health plan option.  This is an investment in your pet’s dental health and overall well-being.  The cost of a dental cleaning under anesthesia is divided into a monthly plan with a significant savings.

These plans were created to benefit the majority of pets.  Please contact Coventry Animal Hospital to find out if you may be eligible for a health Care Plan for your pet and to determine which plan would best suit its needs.

 You may also want to view these links:

dog and cat spay (ovariohysterectomy)

dog and cat neuter (castration)

1. Feed your cat canned food. It is important that all cats receive some canned food as part of their diets as this is a better source of protein and water than kibble alone. In the cold weather cats tend to drink less, especially outdoor cats. For male cats especially this can be very dangerous and play a factor in causing urethral obstruction; an emergency and life threatening situation where a male cat is unable to urinate. Feeding your cat canned food will help to lower this risk.
2. Bang on the hood of your car before starting it. Outdoor cats and other small animals may seek shelter and warmth in the car engine, and can become injured if the car is started while they are inside. Banging loudly on the hood will help to scare them away.
3. Clean up and safely store antifreeze. Antifreeze is a highly toxic poison for both dogs and cats. Ingesting just a tablespoon is enough to be lethal for an average cat. Antifreeze does not taste bad to them and so they are not discouraged from drinking it. Cleaning any spills and storing antifreeze where your pet cannot access it will help prevent poisoning.
4. Clean your dog’s feet after walks. During outdoor activity, dogs will often pick up ice, salt, antifreeze or other potentially toxic substances on their feet. If you do not clean them off, they could end up licking and ingesting these chemicals. Another option is to have booties for your dog to wear outside. Dogs may also cut their feet on ice or salt, so regularly checking them for injury is prudent as well.
5. Do not leave your pet in the car. While we all may understand how dangerous it is to leave an animal in a car in hot weather, leaving them in a car in cold weather can also be hazardous. A car can act like a refrigerator – dropping your pet’s temperature to dangerously low levels.
6. Get some winter attire. If you own a short haired breed or your dog just seems sensitive to the cold, having some sweaters and coats for it to wear will help keep it comfortable.
7. Feed a bit less. Very often during the cold, dogs and cats will get less exercise than usual. This means that if they continue to eat the same amount of food they will gain weight. Preventing weight gain in your pets is a lot easier than trying to achieve weight loss. On the other hand, if your dog spends most time outdoors it may require more food to maintain a healthy weight.
8. Keep your dog on leash. Snow can cover familiar scents and dogs that are off leash may lose their way. Keeping them on leash is also a good way to prevent them from getting to areas of ice and falling through.
9. Keep your pets inside. Dogs and cats can get hypothermia and frost bite just like people. Keeping them inside, and only going outside while supervised will help keep pets warm and healthy. This will also prevent access to many of the previously mentioned hazards.
10. Be prepared for emergencies. All homes should have emergency kits in case of bad weather and power outages. Make sure your kit includes food, water medications and anything else your pet may need.

If you have any questions about our cold weather tips give our team at Coventry Animal Hospital a call.

Have you thought of any New Year’s resolutions for your pet?

We at Coventry Animal Hospital would like to offer a few suggestions for a happy and healthy 2015:

1. Brush your cat or dog’s teeth daily. This will pay off by avoiding expensive dental bills and maintain a beautiful smile with no bad “doggy” breath.
2. Play with your furry friend more often – we all get busy schedules, but even 15 minutes a day of interaction with a ball will keep your pet mentally stimulated and allow them to sleep better.
3. Take your dog for more walks – this is great for doggy weight loss.
4. Make a habit of petting everywhere on your pet – this can allow for early lump detection, as well as any lack of symmetry or pain.
5. Feed your pet the best food you can afford – the saying “you are what you eat” holds true. Feeding a diet with research to support it will allow for many benefits, including a shiny coat, good digestive health and dental health.

On behalf of the staff at Coventry Animal Hospital, we wish you and your families a wonderful New Year.

Check out these cute pictures from our Christmas open house!

Click on the links below to find out how to keep your pet safe over the holidays.

Holiday Hazards for Dogs

Holiday Hazards for Cats

What are seizures?

Seizures are episodes of abnormal brain activity that may result in loss of consciousness and involuntary movements.

What causes seizures?

There are many different causes of seizures. Seizures can be caused by low blood glucose, certain dietary deficiencies, toxins, congenital conditions, infectious agents, organ dysfunction, trauma, and cancer. Causes of seizures may ultimately be unknown and this is what we call “epilepsy”.

How can I tell if my pet is having a seizure?

Seizures can present themselves in many different ways. The most obvious seizures are the generalized tonic-clonic seizures that result in stiffness, repetitive muscle contractions, paddling, vocalizations, and loss of consciousness. Seizures can also be partial or focal, resulting in abnormal behaviours such as tail chasing, aggression, attacking invisible objects or abnormal movements in one part of the body.

What should I do if my pet is having a seizure?

• Make sure your pet is in a safe area and move any objects away that could cause injury.
• Keep away from your pet’s mouth, as your pet may unknowingly bite you.
• Call your veterinarian.

What will my veterinarian do?

Your veterinarian will first perform a thorough physical exam. It is helpful to record the seizure activity and show it to your veterinarian to help with diagnosis. Your vet will then likely take a blood sample to see if there is any organ dysfunction that could be causing the seizures. Depending on your pet’s condition, further testing may be recommended and could include taking spinal fluid samples or referring for an MRI.

How are seizures treated?

There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat seizures. The medication your vet chooses will be based on your individual pet’s needs. Sometimes a combination of medications is needed to get good control over the seizures.

What is the long term outlook for my pet?

The long term prognosis is really based on what the inciting cause of the seizure is. Ultimately, many pets with seizures can be managed well with regular veterinary care and live long and happy lives.

If you have any questions give our team at Coventry Animal Hospital a call.