Gazette A newsletter for people and their pets in this issue: 3401 E.P. True Parkway West Des Moines, Iowa 50265 WINTER 2016 Contact us by calling 515-224-9500 or visit our website at www.jordancreekanimalhospital.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jordancreekanimalhospital Canine Flu Let’s Get Physical Rabies in Iowa Osurnia Hospital News Meet the Editors CANINE FLU Update In 2004 a canine flu virus (H3N8) was first recognized in a Florida racetrack. Since then ca- nine influenza virus (CIV) has spread across the United States. CIV is highly contagious between dogs, but rarely fatal. Unlike swine flu, CIV cannot transfer from dogs to humans. Just like the flu in people, CIV causes respiratory signs in dogs. Most dogs that develop infection have mild illness, exhibiting cough, fever, and runny nose; however some dogs may develop a more severe illness such as pneumonia and require veterinary treatment. In 2012 a vaccine was developed for the H3N8 flu virus that has worked well in protecting dogs in the United States. A recent outbreak of dog flu in Chicago proved to be caused by an Asian strain of canine flu (H3N2). This new strain of canine flu may be shed for up to 24 days. As a result, the virus remains contagious for an unusually long period of time. At increased risk are social dogs in suburbs, dog day cares, boarding facilities, dog parks, sporting and show events, and any location where dogs commingle. The current vaccine for dog flu protects against the H3N8 strain. Recently, a new vaccine has been developed to protect dogs against the Asian strain of dog flu (H3N2). Essentially there are now two flu vaccines available to protect against the two strains of canine flu seen in the United States (H3N8 and H3N2). Jordan Creek Kennels will still require vaccination for the H3N8 strain of canine flu and strongly recommend vaccination with the new strain, H3N2. If you want to protect your dog against this new strain of canine flu it will require two vaccinations to be given initially, 2 – 4 weeks apart, and then an annual booster. It is hoped that eventually the two flu vaccines will be combined into one vaccine for dogs.
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GazetteA newsletter for people and their pets in this issue:
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3401 E.P. True ParkwayWest Des Moines, Iowa 50265
WINTER 2016
Contact us by calling 515-224-9500 or visit our website at www.jordancreekanimalhospital.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jordancreekanimalhospital
Canine Flu Let’s Get PhysicalRabies in IowaOsurnia Hospital NewsMeet the Editors
CANINE FLU UpdateIn 2004 a canine flu virus (H3N8) was first recognized in a Florida racetrack. Since then ca-nine influenza virus (CIV) has spread across the United States. CIV is highly contagious between dogs, but rarely fatal. Unlike swine flu, CIV cannot transfer from dogs to humans. Just like the flu in people, CIV causes respiratory signs in dogs. Most dogs that develop infection have mild illness, exhibiting cough, fever, and runny nose; however some dogs may develop a more severe illness such as pneumonia and require veterinary treatment. In 2012 a vaccine was developed for the H3N8 flu virus that has worked well in protecting dogs in the United States. A recent outbreak of dog flu in Chicago proved to be caused by an Asian strain of canine flu (H3N2). This new strain of canine flu may be shed for up to 24 days.As a result, the virus remains contagious for an unusually long period of time. At increased risk are social dogs in suburbs, dog day cares, boarding facilities, dog parks, sporting and show events, and any location where dogs commingle.The current vaccine for dog flu protects against the H3N8 strain. Recently, a new vaccine has been developed to protect dogs against the Asian strain of dog flu (H3N2). Essentially there are now two flu vaccines available to protect against the two strains of canine flu seen in the United States (H3N8 and H3N2).
Jordan Creek Kennels will still require vaccination for the H3N8 strain of canine flu and strongly recommend vaccination
with the new strain, H3N2. If you want to protect your dog against this new strain of canine
flu it will require two vaccinations to be given initially, 2 – 4 weeks apart,
and then an annual booster. It is hoped that eventually
the two flu vaccines will be combined into one vaccine for dogs.
The physical examination is still, without a doubt, the most important and helpful diagnostic tool in a vet-erinarian’s toolbox. One of the biggest challenges
we face in healthcare and wellness of our furry friends is knowing if something is wrong. Pets cannot tell the doctor how they have been feeling, what they have been eating, or where it hurts! An additional challenge is that cats and dogs naturally hide signs of illness, and even when they appear to be doing fine, there could be a health problem brewing. Some diseases announce themselves more clear-ly like coughing, vomiting, or wounds; but other illnesses can be more subtle and difficult for even the most astute owner to recognize. Identifying and treating disease early in our pets is crucial, and this starts with a high quality physical exam!From The Tip of the Nose to the End of the Tail
For purposes of illustration, let’s tag along for Max’s Annu-al Wellness exam with Dr. Varley at Jordan Creek Animal Hospital! Dr. Varley starts the exam with the non-physical portion, and gets a more thorough history. This includes in-formation about Max’s environment/lifestyle, diet, medical history, vaccine status, and current medications. Dr. Varley has Max’s owner expand on any presenting complaints, and follows up with additional questions if needed. Then, just like it sounds, the exam checklist involves a whole body, nose to tail evaluation of Max!
We use the checklist below each time your pet gets an Annual Wellness Exam.
Microchip: Dr. Varley or her technician scan for Max’s microchip to make sure it is working correctly. We may use this opportunity to remind Max’s owner to keep their contact information updated with the microchip company
VETERINARY EXAM IS KEY TO KEEPING PETS HEALTHYVital Signs:
Attitude: Max’s mentation, or level of consciousness/at-tentiveness, is observed. Most pets are bright, alert, and responsive, but a sick pet may be more depressed and inactive.Eyes: As they say, the eyes are the window to the soul, or in this case a window to Max’s current health! Dr. Varley looks for discharge, squinting, abnormalities on the sur-face or cornea and eyelids, and changes in the lenses of Max’s eyes. Detecting early changes in the eyes can help prevent more serious problems in the future.Respiratory: Dr. Varley checks Max’s nose for dryness or crusting, discharge, and discoloration. With the nose’s link to the respiratory system, it can be a good indicator of what is going on inside of Max. She listens to Max’s lungs to check for crackles, wheezes, or decreased lung
sounds, which could indicate fluid or extra air in or around the lungs. Changes in the lungs can be primary or second-ary to a number of other diseases.Lymph Nodes: Dr. Varley palpates all of Max’s peripher-al lymph nodes in the region of the head, neck, and hind limbs. She looks for changes in size and firmness of the nodes, which could indicate an underlying problem such as infection, inflammation, or sometimes even cancer.Nervous System: It is important to observe the animal’s posture and gait, and Dr. Varley might simply want to watch Max walk. Subtle limping or weakness, unsteadi-ness, or abnormal limb placement can be identified this way. Dr. Varley will also check Max’s facial nerves, look for signs of back or neck pain, and perform a more thor-ough exam of neurologic function if indicated.Oral Cavity/Teeth: Just as dental and oral health are extremely important in people, the same holds true with
A physical exam is one of the most important investments you can make to ensure your pet’s health and well-being.
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Let's Get Physical continued
pets. A healthy mouth goes a long way toward keeping the rest of the body healthy! Dr. Varley examines Max’s teeth and gums looking for tartar, gingivitis or signs of more advanced periodontal disease such as receding gums, fractured teeth, or loose or resorbing teeth. She then estimates a dental score using a five point scale. Dr. Varley also looks for any lumps or growths in the mouth, and even foreign bodies that can lodge on the roof of the mouth or base of the tongue! Ears: Between swimming, allergies, and every day activi-ties of our animals, ear infections can be very common. Inside pets’ ears can be quite the ideal environment for tiny bugs like bacteria, yeast, and mites to thrive. Dr. Var-ley looks inside Max’s ear canals with an otoscope. Many times, animals can have a lingering low grade ear infec-tion that they are not telling us about! Cardiovascular: The importance of the heart and lungs cannot be denied, as they provide oxygenated blood to the rest of the body to keep things running! With these vital organs on the inside it can be very difficult to know if something is wrong, and the physical exam is key in detecting problems. Dr. Varley uses a stethoscope to listen to Max’s heart, checking for any heart murmurs or abnor-malities in the heart rhythm or rate. A strong and healthy heart and lungs are crucial to a healthy long life!Abdomen: The abdomen houses the rest of the impor-tant internal organs. Dr. Varley feels many of Max’s inter-nal organs by palpating the abdomen, and checking for organ enlargement, lumps, and signs of pain. Catching
changes early can help prevent/treat illnesses before they advance.Musculoskeletal: Muscle and bone health help to keep our pets happy and active! Dr. Varley examines Max’s joints and long bones for swelling and pain, and for any lameness or weakness. Many senior pets can develop ar-thritis, and detecting this earlier can make your pet more comfortable and improve mobility later on. She estimates a Body Condition Score (BCS) for Max using a standard five point scale. An ideal body condition correlates with the number three. Lower numbers indicate a patient is too thin, and higher numbers indicate an overweight or obese pet.Skin and Coat (Integumentary): The skin/coat is the largest organ and it has many functions, including body temperature regulation and protection from infection. Dr. Varley checks Max’s coat and skin for lumps and bumps, redness, hair-loss, parasites, and other abnormalities. Al-lergies in dogs are quite common, and identifying symp-toms early can be very helpful!As you can see, a physical exam is one of the most impor-tant investments you can make to ensure your pet’s health and well-being. Pets age more rapidly than we do, and most dogs are considered senior at age seven/cats at age nine, which is why they require more frequent physi-cal exams. We recommend an annual exam until your pet is a senior, at which time we recommend a semi-annual exam as well. Come see us today and get your pet ex-amined!
What is rabies and how is it spread?
Rabies is caused by a virus that infects the central nervous system. All mam-mals, including humans, are at risk of contracting rabies. As this disease can be passed between animals and humans, rabies is referred to as a zoo-notic disease. The rabies virus lives in the saliva and central nervous system of infected animals. Most often, the disease is spread when a human or animal is bitten by a rabid animal. Saliva-based exposure can also oc-cur through open wounds or mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose, or mouth. You or your pet could also con-tract rabies from having contact with the brain or spinal cord tissue of an infected animal.How does rabies travel through the body?
For purposes of illustration, let’s say a dog is bitten by a rabid skunk. The rabies virus travels along the dog’s nerves from the site of the bite to the brain. This incubation period can last anywhere from weeks to months. The amount of time can vary depending on where the dog was bitten - the closer
the bite is to the dog’s head, the short-er the distance the virus has to travel to the brain. The dog will show no signs of illness during the incubation time, and the dog cannot spread rabies. If you are bitten by a dog during this incubation period, there is no risk of contracting rabies! Once the rabies virus reaches the dog’s brain, it multiplies rapidly, caus-ing encephalitis, or inflammation in the brain. From there, it travels to the dog’s salivary glands and saliva. At this point, the dog is said to be infec-tious, and can spread rabies to other animals or humans through its saliva. Most animals begin to exhibit visible signs of rabies at this time. Some of these signs include aggressive/unusu-ally excited behavior and excessive salivation (furious rabies) or disorient-ed/dazed appearance and partial paralysis, especially of the lower jaw (dumb rabies). How can you protect yourself and your pets?
The best way to protect your pets from contracting the rabies virus is to keep them current on their rabies vaccines. Iowa law requires dogs over six months
of age to be vaccinated for rabies (Iowa Code 351.33). While state law doesn’t require cats to be vaccinated, municipal law may. For example, West Des Moines requires all cats over six months of age to be vaccinated against rabies (West Des Moines City Code 5-3A-13). The Iowa Department of Public Health recommends vaccinat-ing all dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, and valuable livestock against rabies. You can also reduce exposure to ra-bies by not keeping wild animals as pets. Try to avoid sick or strangely be-having animals, do not feed or handle wildlife, do not handle deceased ani-mals, and be sure to cover your gar-bage cans so as not to attract wildlife. In Iowa, bats and skunks are the two most likely animals to carry rabies. Overall numbers of rabies cases in Iowa are low. Iowa Department of Public Health statistics show that there were fifteen confirmed cases of ra-bies in Iowa in 2014. Included in those fifteen positive cases were two skunks, two cows, one cat, and ten bats. In terms of percentages, 28.6% of skunks tested were confirmed posi-tive (the highest percentage of any animal), 2.44% of cows, 0.27% of cats, and 2.05% of bats. Human Exposure Cases
In the Rabies Resource Manual (Up-date II – 7-8-10), the Iowa Depart-ment of Public Health (IDPH) provides very useful information in cases of human exposure. Bats are treated dif-ferently than other animals, because their bites can easily go unnoticed. The chart to the left (reprinted with permission) illustrates when medical treatment is recommended. There are two places in Iowa that per-form rabies testing on animals: Iowa
Rabies in Iowa – What are the Risks and Rules?
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RABIES.There is nothing pleasant that comes to mind at the mention of this word. Bats, needles, the ending to the classic movie Old Yeller – this is not warm and fuzzy stuff! The truth is, while rabies is a serious, scary, and nearly always fatal disease, the risks of you or your pet contracting rabies in Iowa is extremely small.
State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab and University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory. While Jordan Creek Animal Hos-pital cannot submit the suspected animal to the lab for you, we can help you get the proper paperwork completed, direct you to the proper lab, and give you instructions on how to package and preserve the animal for testing.
Pet Exposure CasesIf your pet is exposed, you should wash the exposed area with soap and water immediately and then see your veterinarian. Recom-mendations vary, depending on whether your pet is current on its rabies vaccine. For unvaccinated and past-due dogs, cats, and fer-rets, the Rabies Resource Manual recommends immediate euthanasia and rabies testing. If the pet owner is unwilling to do this, the pet must be quarantined for six months in strict isolation. This means confined in an enclosure where it will have no direct con-tact with other people or animals for six months! This is a pretty harsh consequence for an overdue rabies vac-cination! The pet must be vaccinated for rabies at the beginning of the quarantine period, or one month prior to release from quarantine. Unlike humans, there is no
For Bat Exposures see Rabies Exposure Management for Bat-related Incidents Flow Chart, available at www.idph.state.ia.us/adper/common/pdf/cade/rabies_exposure_bats.pdf
Animal Species Situation Rabies Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) RecommendationsAnimal available for testing or 10 day confinement and observation If the animal is exhibiting symptoms consistent with rabies, immediately euthanize and test. If the animal
is not exhibiting symptoms, a 10 day confinement period can be instituted. If the animal exhibits signs of rabies during the 10 day confinement period, it should be euthanized immediately and tested. If results are positive, unsuitable or indeterminate administer PEP immediately. If the animal does not exhibit clinical signs during the 10 day confinement period, PEP is not recommended, since the animal was not excreting virus at the time of the bite or saliva exposure.
Animal unavailable (waiting up to 72 hours to capture the animal may be reseasonable, asssuming the correct animal can be identified)
If the animal is not available for confinement or testing, administer PEP. (If the animal is captured later contact IDPH at 800-362-2736.)
If the animal exhibits signs of rabies or dies suddenly, test the animal for rabies. Defer administration of PEP until outcome of testing. If results are positive, unsuitable or indeterminate, administer PEP.
All other cases, contact IDPH for guidance. Contact IDPH at 800-362-2736 during business hours or 515-323-4360 after hours.
Euthanize and test animal Defer administration of PEP until outcome of testing. If results are positive, unsuitable or indeterminate administer PEP.
Animal unavailable for testing Administer PEP immediately.
Euthanize and test animal Defer administration of PEP until outcome of testing. If results are positive, unsuitable or indeterminate administer PEP.
Animal unavailable for testing Contact IDPH for consultation at 800-362-2736 during business hours or 515-323-4360 after hours.
Provoked bite and animal behaving normal No PEP is recommended, as these species almost never carry rabies.
Unprovoked bite or animal behaving abnormal Contact IDPH for consultation at 800-362-2736 during business hours or 515-323-4360 after hours.
* Exposure: a bite or saliva/nervous tissue contact to an open wound or mucous membrane
For additional information, visit www.idph.state.ia.us/adper/rabies.asp . (Updated 5/21/2010)
NOTE: If the patient was bitten above the shoulders, IDPH recommends that the health care provider consider starting PEP immediately. PEP can be discontinued if the animal tests negative for rabies or is healthy at the end of the quarantine period.
If questions arise on any of the above information or circumstances related to the exposure are unusual, please contact IDPH for consultation at 800-362-2736 during buisness hours or 515-323-4360 after hours.
Recommendations for Managing Human Rabies Exposure*
Small rodent: such as squirrels, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, chipmunks, rats, mice, rabbits, or oppossum
Thoroughly wash all wounds with soap and water and, if available, flush with povidone iodine solution (or other virucidal solution). Evaulate tetanus vaccination status, update if needed.
Dogs, cats, ferrets
Horses or other farm animals
Skunk, raccoon, fox, coyote
Large rodents: such as beavers, muskrats, or groundhogs
licensed Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) treatment for pets; hence the euthanasia or quarantine procedures.
If your pet is current on its rabies vac-cine and exposed to a confirmed or suspected rabid animal, it should be given a rabies booster right away. Then your pet must be observed and kept under your control for forty-five days to monitor for signs of disease. If signs of rabies develop in this time, your pet should be euthanized and tested for rabies. Unfortunately, there is no way to test a live pet for ra-bies. Testing is done specifically on the brain tissue, so animals must be euthanized in order to be tested.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the risk of you or your pet contracting rabies is very small. You can make it even smaller by follow-ing a few basic guidelines. Keep
your pets current on their rabies vaccines. Avoid direct contact (by you or your pets) with living or deceased wild-life, especially with high risk species. Where exposure has already occurred, if you can do so safely, hold onto the suspected animal in case rabies testing is needed. Seek prompt medical attention for both you and your pet.
For human exposure related to all other animals, refer to the above guidelines (Printed with permission from IDPH).
Dr. Rachel Varley, originally from Car-roll, Iowa, received her Bachelor degree from Wartburg College in 2007. She went on to receive her Doctorate of Veteri-nary Medicine from Iowa State University in 2011. After graduation, she complet-ed a rotating internship in surgery/internal medicine at a specialty and emergency hospital in Ohio. She came to Jordan Creek Animal Hospital in 2012.
Dr. Varley and her husband have a daughter, Claire, and a Rat Terrier named Paisley. Dr. Varley enjoys being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and taking pictures.
MEET THE STAFF/our editors for this issue of Pet Gazette
Monthly MeetingsThe doctors and staff at Jordan Creek Animal Hospital feel that monthly employee meetings are essential to promoting communication and educational opportunities. Because of this, we will be closed from 1:30-2:30 PM on the following Wednesdays: January 20, February 17, and March 23.
Jodi, RVT, grew up in the Des Moines area and received undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Iowa before deciding to go back to school to pursue a career with animals. She worked part-time at JCAH while obtain-ing her Veterinary Technology degree at Des Moines Area Community College, and has been a full-time staff member since graduating in May 2010.
Jodi shares her home with her two rescue pets, Australian Cat-tle Dog Curtis and cat Cappy. In her free time she enjoys hik-ing in the woods with Curtis, traveling to national parks, and going to concerts and movies.
Otitis externa (inflammation of the exter-nal ear canal) is very prevalent in dogs, affecting as many as one in five dogs.
This uncomfortable condition can cause ear pain, itchy and smelly ears, and muffled hearing. The most common types of infection in the ear include bacterial and/or yeast infections. Usu-ally, treatment for ear infections involves applying daily ear drops for 12 or more days. This can be a challenge for owners with busy schedules, an uncooperative dog, or for physical reasons.We are excited to inform you about a new con-venient medication indicated for the treatment of ear infections called Osurnia. It has the potential to significantly improve compliance in treating ear infections, due to its unique formula and ad-ministration schedule. Two doses of the medica-tion are applied in the affected ear at our hos-pital, one week apart. Osurnia contains a gel formulation with three active ingredients which include a newer antibiotic, a medication to in-hibit the growth of yeast, and a steroid to help relieve discomfort. The gel spreads and adheres inside the ear canal for long-lasting action. If you are interested in learning more about Osurnia for use in your dog, please ask us today!
Welcome Paige!Paige is our newest Registered Veterinary Technician. She is from Northwest Iowa and grew up in the town of Paullina. Paige received her Veterinary Technol-ogy Degree in August of 2014 from Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minnesota. Paige has a cat named Zoey, and enjoys reading, traveling, and spend-ing time with family and friends in her spare time. Please help us welcome Paige to Jordan Creek Animal Hospital!
OSURNIA: New Two-Dose Treatment for Ear Infections in Dogs
