Because our companions age faster than we do, they develop diseases and conditions in a short period of time and conditions progress much faster. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 30 million pets are older than 8 years of age, and we know that their health care needs are much more intensive than a middle-aged healthy adult. Because of this, it is recommended to enroll your pet in a Senior Wellness program. According to the AVMA, companions are considered to be “senior” at 7 years of age.

Why are Senior Wellness Programs important?

Senior Wellness Programs are important because if disease or illness is caught early on treatment can begin to treat or cure. As your companions age they have a greater risk of developing certain diseases and conditions. Early detection and treatment for senior companions can enable your veterinarian to extend their life and improve the quality of living. Each year of a pet’s life represents 5-10% of its total life span. Performing procedures included in a Senior Wellness Exam once each year is the same as once every 5-7 years for a senior adult human.

What conditions is my senior companion susceptible to?
Much like humans, our pets are increasingly vulnerable to the following medical conditions and diseases as they reach their later years of life:

• Heart disease
• Dental problems
• Liver disease
• Digestive disorders
• Kidney disease
• Malignant and benign tumors
• Arthritis
• Loss of hearing and vision
• Cancer

What is included in a Senior Wellness Program?
The Senior Wellness screening for your pet includes:

• White Blood Cell Analysis
• Red Blood Cell Analysis
• Platelet Count
• Blood Profile (evaluates major organs, i.e. liver, kidneys, pancreas, etc.)
• Urinalysis
• Fecal Analysis
• Thyroid Screening
• X-rays of the chest and abdomen

Your veterinarian will establish a Senior Wellness Profile from the various tests, screenings, and analyses. It is advised to provide your veterinarian with stool and urine samples to reduce your senior companion’s stress level during its visit. It has been said you can tell a lot about a person by their trash. The same is true for the “trash” of our companions. One of the first signs of kidney degeneration is apparent on the evaluation of the urine (urinalysis). Our pets can’t talk and hide illness and disease well. Physical examinations can only detect diseases producing clinical or physical signs. As pets approach the “Senior Years,” it is the time to become more concerned with the early diagnosis and detection of internal problems that are not readily apparent on routine physical examination.

Senior wellness programs make pets feel their best and have the longest, productive, and useful life. Nothing can prevent the aging of our companions, but many things can be done to slow the process and make our pets more comfortable. Senior pet wellness helps with early detection of emerging conditions, utilizes preventative maintenance to decrease chances of developing problems or complications, and aids in diet and exercise management.

Delavan Lakes Veterinary Clinic is proud to announce our Senior Wellness program-an ongoing flat-fee service program aimed to benefit the lives of aging pets. We are currently offering two Senior Wellness programs, as well as a chance to save on your next dental cleaning. Both programs offer a 20% savings off of standard services. If your pet is enrolled in our Senior Wellness program, you will receive a friendly reminder when your pet is due for a wellness visit to our clinic. Your pet’s health is our primary concern. Call us at (262) 728-8622 to learn how you can protect your pet’s health and save at the same time.

Is your new kitten climbing up your drapes, scratching the furniture, and clawing you and your family? If you are thinking about declawing your kitten or cat, laser surgery may be an option for your soon-to-be cuddly companion! Laser surgery is ideal for a number of reasons, more specifically because there less pain, bleeding, and swelling.

When cats are declawed by more traditional method (disarticulation), a scalpel is used to disconnect all of the tiny ligaments holding the third bone in place (which is where the nail grows from). The entire third bone is removed in its entirety. With a laser declaw, instead of a scalpel used to remove the third bone, a beam of light (laser) precisely cuts, seals, and vaporizes the tissue. There is virtually no bleeding during and after the surgery, there is less pain, and in most cases no bandage.

“The laser… is the kindest cut of all for cats being declawed… It reduces bleeding, decreases the chance that cancerous cells might spread, minimizes the risk of infection, eliminates the need for sutures, cuts down on postoperative pain, and lessens recovery time… Laser declawing… is light years ahead of the scalpel method,” Alison Netsel said in A Cats and Kittens Special Report on “Lasers Expedite Declawing: Let There Be Light,” in Cats and Kittens Magazine.

Are you considering having your companion spayed or neutered? Laser surgery can reduce the risks of infection and cut down recovery time! The laser technology reduces the trauma to your pet, improves recovery, reduces the risk of infection, and often shortens hospital stays.

Laser neutering and spaying is considered some of the simplest procedures in the veterinary world. In most cases for neutering, a small incision is made, the testicles are removed, and the incision is closed up. There are also many health benefits associated with spaying/neutering such as prostate infection and enlargement, and prevention of certain hernias and tumors of the testicles and anus.

What is a laser and how does it work?

A laser is a device generating an intense beam of clear light that can cut, seal, or vaporize tissue. The way a laser works is determined by the wavelength of light it produces. For example, the most commonly used surgical laser is a CO2 laser. It produces a beam of invisible light vaporizing water normally found in the skin and other soft tissue. Because veterinarians can precisely control the laser, only a thin layer of tissue is removed, leaving the surrounding areas unaffected.

How does laser surgery benefit my companion?

The laser seals nerve endings as it “cuts” resulting in less pain and more comfort during the post-operative period. It seals small blood vessels so there is less bleeding, this also speeds up procedures, reducing the amount of time your pet needs to be under anesthesia, also reducing possible complications. With only a beam of light making contact with the tissue the laser energy does not crush, tear, or bruise tissue, so there is less swelling leading to a shorter recovery period.

There will be a reduced risk of infection, better precision during the procedure, and a quick return to normal activities. As the laser removes the diseased or unwanted tissue it seals the blood vessels and skin and reduces the amount of bacteria present. Because the laser can remove the tissue while minimizing effects to the healthy tissue without a lot of bleeding, precision and accuracy are of higher quality than procedures done with a scalpel. Laser surgery has a better course of healing and less post-operative discomfort to your companion so your companion can get back to playing toss, chasing mice, and enjoying the family like normal.

What are other common laser procedures?

• amputations
• oral and dental procedures
• mass removals
• dermatological procedures
• avian (bird) and exotic procedures

For more information about laser surgery for your companion, or if you feel your companion would be eligible, contact your veterinarian.

Do you wish that a vet could visit you in the comfort of your own home? For senior pets who have difficulties going in and out of the car, frightened young companions who take days to recover from car trips, or companions who are too ill to move, a house call may be the best option for you and your pet. Delavan Lakes Veterinary Clinic is proud to offer our house call service to customers inside a 30-mile radius of our office! We take pride in offering in-home veterinary care to companions. Delavan Lakes Veterinary Clinic also offers a prescription mailing service. If coming into the office is difficult for you or your companion, we can mail your pet’s prescription directly to you. Call us at (262) 728-8622.

Managing your pet’s wellness can add years to your pet’s life. Therefore, creating a wellness plan with your veterinarian should be a priority for all pet owners. Your veterinarian can help you create a plan meeting your concerns and your pet’s needs.

WHAT IS A WELLNESS EXAM?
A wellness exam allows your veterinarian to evaluate your companion’s general health and become aware of any health issues prior to them becoming serious illnesses. Your companion cannot vocalize its feelings; therefore you have to rely on visits to the vet and at-home observations. Your veterinarian may also want to perform diagnostic tests to evaluate your companion’s health, especially if their breed has known congenital health issues.

WHAT IS COVERED DURING A WELLNESS EXAM?
• Physical examination
• Update on vaccinations
• Discussion about weight and nutrition
• Testing for parasites
• Blood work
• Receive an overview of dental and ocular (vision) health
• Discuss of the quality of life of your companion

Weight
Your veterinarian should also do a body condition score on your pet. Like humans, the topic of weight can be a touchy subject for your pet. A body conditioning score provides an objective way to assess your pet’s weight in comparison to a weight chart. This is the first step towards recognizing and addressing a pet’s potential weight issue.

Nutrition
At a wellness exam, you should discuss your pet’s nutrition. A wellness exam only lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, but it is important to take a few moments to discuss what you are feeding your pet, how often, and how much. Many humans take vitamins, nutritional supplements, or herbal products and, like humans, pets can benefit greatly from them. Pinpointing nutrition problems and learning how to correct them promotes weight management and better overall health and wellness.

Parasite Testing
Parasite testing is very important. Not only should younger animals be routinely tested, but adult animals should as well. Even pets that routinely receive parasite preventative medications should be periodically checked for internal and external parasites.

Blood Work
Blood work also helps in being absolutely certain your pet is in the best of health. Along with blood work, blood pressure measurement is vital. Hypertension can be associated with serious health issues.

Dental Health
One thing that gets overlooked all too often is the dental health of pets. A complete dental exam requires sedation, but during a wellness exam many veterinarians check over the teeth and gums. These exams detect and look for problems such as dental disease and tartar accumulation. It is important to take your pet’s dental health seriously.

Ocular (Vision) Health
Another thing that is often overlooked is your pet’s ocular health. Don’t dismiss runny eyes or lens cloudiness. Glaucoma is a common problem in senior pets; routine retinal examinations can catch early signs of glaucoma and possible future issues.

Quality of Life
Discussing the quality of life of your pet with your veterinarian is particularly significant. Quality of life issues become predominantly important to owners with senior pets. It is easy to assume “slowing-down” as aging. By doing this, pet owners ignore pain management that signals a change in condition or quality. Be sure to discuss with your veterinarian the quality of life your pet has now and know what signs to look out for, as well as treatable chronic conditions.

Vaccinations
Vaccinations are one of the most important preventative measures you can take for your companion’s health. Discuss with your veterinarian what is recommended for your companion, based on their breed, environment, and lifestyle. Regular examinations will help your furry friend live a long and healthy life.

WHY SHOULD OWNERS BRING THEIR COMPANIONS TO A WELLNESS EXAM?
In the past, a majority of pet owners have only visited their vets when there was an emergency or health problem. Today, more pet owners are engaging in pet wellness care that helps prevent some problems and can increase longevity. Many experts now recommend wellness examinations and screening tests a few times per year. Wellness visits are not just for vaccinations. When owners neglect wellness exams and diagnostic screening, their pets’ become more at risk for disease, illness, and a shortened life span.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A WELLNESS EXAM?
After wellness exams, annual exams, check-ups, or any other veterinary visit, if there are ongoing health issues or concerns, it is extremely important to have a follow-up evaluation done. It is key to monitor your pet’s health. Always revisit diagnostic findings with your veterinarian to make sure you are doing everything you can to keep your pet in good health.
Wellness exams do not take a lot of time, but they make a big different in your pet’s well being. Routine exams mean better health and fewer problems. Preventative care, in the long run, can actually save money by avoiding more costly tests, surgeries, or other invasive procedures. Preventative measures can add years to your pet’s life. It also will bring you a peace of mind knowing you are doing everything you can to make your pet as happy and healthy as possible.

With the warm weather rapidly approaching, the tick season has hit full force and with it comes a new strain of bacteria, Ehrlichia, unique to Wisconsin and Minnesota, carried by the common deer tick. Ehrlichia strikes not only companions but humans with no tell tale signs of infection.

Researchers believe the deer and the lone star ticks carry the new bacterial disease. It is important to keep the tick if you suspect that it may result in the transmission of a disease. Use a small section of paper towel and dampen it, place the tick in the towel, seal it in a zip-lock bag, and place it in the refrigerator until you can take it to your veterinarian. Understanding the disease potentials ticks threaten our pets with can help catch tick-initiated illnesses early on.

Ehrlichia has the same type of symptoms as Lyme disease. However, Ehrlichia shows up more rapidly, within 3 to 30 days of the bite, than Lyme disease. This bacterium infects and lives within the white blood cells of their hosts. It is spread from host to host by tick bites, and because the disease infects the blood cells, antibiotics do not penetrate the inside of the cells, making it difficult to cure and control the bacteria.

Typical symptoms of Ehrlichiosis are:

There are three phases of Ehrlichiosis:

Acute
The acute phase generally occurs within 1 to 3 weeks of the bite. In this phase the bacteria is multiplying in the blood cells. The platelet count will drop during this phase. Your pet will become lethargic, have enlarged lymph nodes, fever, and will have a loss of appetite. The key to a quick recovery is catching the disease in this phase. Rarely will your pet die during the acute phase, but if left untreated it will move onto the next phase. If your pet shows any of these symptoms and he/she may have been exposed to a tick, take them to you immediately.

Subclinical
During subclinical phase your pet will appear to be normal. The bacterium has moved to the spleen and is “hiding out.” Animals can remain in this stage for months or even years. The only sign of Ehrlichia appears on a blood test showing a low platelet number and high globulin level. If left untreated, after the subclinical phase your pet will move to the chronic phase.

Chronic
In the chronic phase your pet becomes sick again. About 60% of pets infected with Ehrlichia will have abdominal bleeding due to the low platelet numbers. Your pet will also experience eye inflammation, and urinary protein loss. In this stage you will begin to notice the neurological effects from the untreated disease in your animal.

Ehrlichiosis is treated with antibiotics, such as tetracycline and doxycycline. Response to the antibiotics is usually initially rapid with improvement noticeable within the first few days. Once a pet has been diagnosed, it is not immune to reinfection. If you see signs of reinfection, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has come up with a list to reduce the chances of a tick transmitting disease to you or your pets:
• Check your pets for ticks daily, especially after they have been outdoors.
• If you find a tick, remove it immediately, or go to your veterinary clinic.
• Ask your veterinarian to conduct a tick check during every exam.
• Discuss tickborne diseases in your area with your veterinarian.
• Reduce tick habitats in your yard (moist, leafy structures).
• Talk with your veterinarian about tick preventatives for your pet.
• It is important to use tick preventative products on your animals that go outdoors.

If your pet has an imbedded tick, take it to yourveterinarian immediately. The key is early detection, and urgent action. Preventative care is the most important thing you can do for your companion. Stock up on flea and tick preventatives now and save with our monthly specials!

Some bunny would like to become part of your family, but there are a few things you will need to know before they hop into your life… With any new companion, the family will need to make adjustments to “bunny-proof” the home and to be able to housebreak your rabbit. Animals will always be animals, but we learn to adapt and live with them, as they do with us.

Living Space
It is preferred that Rabbits be kept indoors. If caged outdoors they face predators and inclement weather, threatening their health and life.

The cage needs to be cleaned once or twice a week. While cleaning the cage, place your rabbit in a safe play area, and be sure to scrub the cage clean with soapy water, and rinse well.

Play Space
Bunnies under a year of age require a more confined play space because they are more inclined to troublemaking. If you decide to take your rabbit outside, play areas should be enclosed, and it should always be supervised.

Like many young companions, bunnies have a tendency to chew on furniture, cords, drapes, plants, and rugs. By providing your new rabbit with attention, toys, and items okay to chew on, you can distract or redirect bad chewing habits.

Potty Space
Rabbits tend to be fairly clean animals by nature; most rabbits and bunnies will choose one corner of the cage for a bathroom. Once your rabbit’s choice has been made, place a litter box in that corner, covering the bottom with hay or pelleted litter. The litter box will need daily cleaning to remove waste. Never use cedar shavings or pine as litter because the fumes may cause your rabbit to become ill. Also, cat litter may cause gastrointestinal or respiratory problems; avoid using it.

Attention
Rabbits, and bunnies especially, are very fragile. When picking up your rabbit, support its forequarters with one hand and hindquarters with the other. Never pick your rabbit up from the scruff or ears; it will cause serious injury. Because they are delicate, they are timid by nature; so, patience is needed when first introduced into the home. Hand feeding treats is a simple way to become more acquainted. Rabbits are social animals, making them wonderful companions when given the chance to interact with you and your family.

Development
Bunnies, like children, go through several phases. And just like raising children, we need to remember it’s a phase and it will pass!

Adolescence may begin as early as three months, but five to six months are generally when the transition occurs. Adolescence can happen almost overnight. The hormone switch flips on, and they move from the passive, curious bunny to the rambunctious, assertive “teenaged” rabbit.

Behavior changes during adolescence, just as in humans. These behavioral changes are from the high levels of hormones your companion’s body is adapting to. The simple cure-all is to have your bunny spayed or neutered—at six months for females and four months for males. It will take time for the hormones to calm down; surgery is not an instant cure. Also, some bunny behavior is developmental, not hormonal, and it will just have to run its course.

After about a year, bunnies make the transition from adolescence to rabbithood. As rabbits mature, their personalities and behaviors mellow out. Senior rabbits move slower but are still able and willing to learn new things. They tend to sleep more, but a treat will perk them up.

Basic Needs
Your rabbit’s diet is especially important. Rabbits’ diets consist of grass hay—to keep their intestinal tract healthy—rabbit pellets, and fresh, leafy greens. Fresh, clean water is also vital for a rabbit’s health. Water should be provided in a dispensable bottle or ceramic or metal bowl. Both hay and water should be available to your companion 24/7. Be sure to brush your rabbit on a regular basis to maintain the health and cleanliness of its coat.

With all new companions, the family will need to make adjustments to “bunny-proof” the home. Rabbits require specialized veterinary care. If you have any questions about your rabbit or bunny, contact Dr. Christine Hartwig, DVM who specializes in rabbits, or your veterinarian.

Giving your rabbit daily attention and handling and a healthy diet and exercise can prevent many diseases. But even though we take care of our little thumpers, there are common illnesses and diseases that can occur.

Some signs of illness may include irregularities in bowel movements, runny nose and eyes, dark red urine, loss of fur, and red and swollen skin. The most common conditions include hairballs, snuffles, parasites, uterine cancer, sore hocks, and overgrown incisors. Always contact your veterinary clinic with any questions and concerns, and be sure to bring your rabbit in for vaccinations and a check-up once a year.

Here is a list of common rabbit health issues:

Hairballs are common in rabbits. While grooming, the hair swallowed forms a ball in their stomach. Signs of a hairball are loss of appetite and lethargy. Rabbits cannot pass the hairball by regurgitation, so it is important to go to the vet as soon as symptoms are detected. The veterinarian will give an injection and administer fluid therapy. Prevention is simple. Feeding your pet high fiber diets helps prevent hairball issues and other intestinal tract problems. Daily or regular brushing will aid in excess hair removal.

Snuffles are a common bacterial infection in bunnies. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. If not treated promptly it can cause ear infections, abscesses, and uterine tract infections. Most cases are mild, but death can occur, so don’t keep an eye on your pet. Your vet will prescribe antibiotics, and eye or nose drops. Snuffles are easy to treat, but extremely difficult to cure; most cases become chronic.

Parasites come in two different types: internal and external. Annual fecal examinations are essential to the well being of your rabbit, and will allow your vet to prescribe medications depending on the results. External parasites—fleas, ticks, mites, and mange—can also be a problem, but are easily managed by proper treatment and monthly preventives from your vet.

Uterine cancer is the most common cancer in female rabbits. Spaying your female rabbit is strongly recommended to prevent uterine cancer. Some breeds have a 50-80 percent chance of having uterine cancer. More reasons to spay your pet are to prevent unwanted pregnancy, reduce aggressive behaviors, and aid in social behavior.

Sore hocks (soles of their feet) are open sores that develop when housing conditions are dirty, or wire floors are not bedded. Red sore areas become ulcers on their hocks and are extremely painful. Prevention is simple by providing enough bedding, solid areas, and keeping the cage clean. Your vet will prescribe antibacterial medicine for the wounds, and instruct you to provide adequate bedding. Treatments can become difficult if the sores are advanced.

Overgrown incisors (front teeth) occur when rabbits do not have enough to chew on to keep them at a normal length. Their incisors grow continuously, and even though they may chew on their food or wood blocks, it may not be enough and they become overgrown. This causes your pet to be unable to properly eat and groom. Signs will include an uneven or ragged coat and drooling. Your vet will file down the incisors while your pet is under anesthesia. Clipping their teeth can result in fractures and infection, so it is important to have it done by your veterinarian.

Contact your veterinary clinic with any questions and concerns to help keep your pet happy and healthy!

February is Pet Dental Health month. Most pet owners don’t realize the importance of their pet’s dental health, but did you know that oral disease is the most commonly diagnosed health problem for pets? In fact, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS).  The great news is pet owners can greatly reduce the risk of oral disease by simply making sure their pet is getting the dental care they need — regular, professional care from your veterinarian, as well as care at home from you.

There are several ways in which you can provide the dental care needed to keep your pet healthy at home. One way would be to start a daily teeth brushing regimen, but there are also special pet foods, treats, and even chew toys that can help care for your pet’s teeth while he or she eats and plays. Here is a video to help get you started.

For more information on Pet Dental Health month or pet dental health in general, visit www.PetDental.com.

Did you know? Peridontal (gum) disease is the number one diagnosed problem in dogs and cats. By the age of two, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease. How many of us would go our entire life without seeing a dentist? Yet two-thirds of pet owners do not perform the essential dental care that we veterinarians recommend.

More Than Bad Breath

We’ve all made jokes about “doggy breath.” But bad breath is a symptom of something far more serious going on. Yes, your pet’s mouth is full of bacteria. When the bacteria mixes with food debris and saliva, it can cause plaque formations that accumulate on the tooth. When the bacteria die, the calcium found in saliva causes the bacteria to harden on the tooth, forming tartar. The tartar encourages more plaque to form, making the problem worse.

Inflammation and Infection Can Lead to Serious Complications

Once plaque has spread, it causes gingivitis, or gum inflammation. Left unchecked, infection can set in. Serious infections can lead to tooth loss and major health problems, including heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, emphysema, liver disease, osteoporosis, pregnancy problems and diabetes. No wonder pet dental disease is known as “the silent killer.”

Prevention is Key!

Step 1:

Schedule a routine physical for your pet that includes a dental exam. Your vet will help you learn the signs of a healthy mouth and teeth, so you can spot early warning signs. A basic oral exam can generally be done right there in the examination room. (For complete dental examinations and cleanings, general anesthesia is necessary.)

Step 2:

Start Brushing! Getting kittens and puppies used to brushing is best, but you can teach old pets new
tricks—especially when you use yummy-flavored toothpaste like liver or chicken. Never use human toothpaste. (And don’t share your toothbrush!)

Ask about specially formulated foods with proven benefits in plaque and tartar removal.

Step 3:

Schedule annual dental cleanings with your veterinarian.

We follow the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) guidelines for all our dental cleaning procedures. Proper surgical protocol and standards are very important to ensure the health and safety of your pet.

Pre-anesthetic exam — Whenever anesthesia is needed, special considerations are taken to help ensure the safety of your pet. We do a thorough exam to to make sure your pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. Depending on your pet’s age and general physical condition, blood, urine, electrocardiograph, and x-ray tests may be advised to check for any dangerous heart, kidney, or other conditions. Though there is some risk associated with any medical procedure, modern anesthesia is usually safe, even for older pets.

Anesthesia monitoring — During anesthesia, the monitoring and recording of your pet’s vital signs (such as body temperature, heart rate, and respiration, as well as other important factors) is important. This helps ensure the safety of your pet while undergoing anesthesia.

Dental radiographs — Radiographs (x-rays) of the teeth are needed periodically in order to completely evaluate your pet’s oral health. X-rays aid the veterinarian greatly in detecting abnormalities that cannot be detected under examination alone. In some cases, x-rays can confirm the need for extraction of teeth that are loose or badly infected.

Scaling & Polishing — Veterinarians are advised to use similar instruments as human dentists to remove plaque and calculus from your pet’s teeth. To smooth out any scratches in the tooth enamel, polishing with a special paste is also recommended.

Fluoride/sealants — The application of an anti-plaque substance, such as a fluoride treatment and/or a barrier sealant is also advised. This can help strengthen and desensitize teeth as well as decrease
future plaque.