April is National Heartworm Awareness Month!

Heartworm Awareness and a Very Special Update

April is National Heartworm Awareness month, and our cardiologist, Dr. Gretchen Singletary, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology), has some information for all dog and cat owners about this dangerous, but highly preventable disease:

"Heartworm disease affects increasing numbers of dogs and cats in the US every year. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and is most prevalent in warm and humid climates. Peak transmission usually occurs during July and August, although pets in certain areas such as the Southeastern US may be at risk year-round. Heartworm disease is a serious, sometimes fatal condition which can be safely and easily prevented using a monthly heartworm preventative medication. Yearly testing for heartworm is recommended for all dogs.

Pets infected with heartworm can develop damage to their blood vessels, lungs and heart. Symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing, decreased ability to exercise and weakness. Severe infections can result in heart failure or death. There are approved treatments for infected dogs - including injections of a medication to kill the worms and removal of the worms using a minimally-invasive surgical procedure. There are no approved treatments for heartworm infections in cats. Prevention is key when it comes to heartworm disease!"

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 Dr. Gretchen Singletary, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)

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We at CUVS can't think of heartworm without also remembering Lucky. In 2011, we posted about Lucky, the mixed breed dog who was rescued in Los Angeles, and brought to CUVS by a New York rescue organization. When he was first brought to us, Lucky had suffered gunshot wounds to his legs, and needed several surgeries. While his injuries were already certainly enough for the scrappy dog to handle, it was discovered that Lucky was also suffering from a severe heartworm infection of his pulmonary artery. Fortunate for Lucky, our cardiologist was able to expertly remove the heartworms using flouroscopy and an incredibly steady hand. While heartworm extraction is a complex procedure with many risks involved, Lucky sailed through the procedure and after a night of recovery in CUVS' Intensive Care unit, went home heartworm free.




When Lucky was brought to CUVS, his injuries were severe.

 

Cardiologist Dr. Kleman was able to remove a sizable group of heartworms from Lucky's pulmonary artery.


Lucky then underwent surgery to repair the damage to his front and rear legs, caused by serious abuse before he was rescued. Thanks to the skill and care of CUVS' surgery department, Lucky's limbs were skillfully repaired and Lucky was able to regain full use of all his legs. At the end of Lucky's journey here, one of our staff members adopted him and provided Lucky with a happy ending in his new forever home. 

Lucky with Dr. Kleman, members of the nursing staff and his rescuers on his way home.


Lucky attended our Courageous Companions event in April, and CUVS staff had the opportunity to reunite with him and his supportive family. We're happy to say that he looks incredible, and along with his supportive family, enjoyed the spotlight with his colleagues.

Lucky attended the reunion looking better than ever!

Lucky was fortunate that his heartworm was discovered before it had progressed any further, and he serves as an example of why heartworm prevention is so vital to a pet's well-being. Speak to your primary care veterinarian about the prevention options available to you and take care of all those hearts that are so dear to yours!

PDA

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

 Jamie was a 6 and a half week-old puppy when she was first brought to Dr. Chuck Noonan at Animal Doctors of Weston. She was acting normally and seemed to have had no issues in her first weeks of life. Dr. Noonan examined her and listened to her heart only to discover a significant heart murmur that was continuous throughout her heartbeat cycle. Dr. Noonan astutely recognized that this was likely a very significant heart defect that she was likely born with and recommended that Jamie’s mother take her to a veterinary cardiologist.

A week later, Jamie was seen by Dr. Mandi Kleman, a board-certified veterinary cardiologist at Cornell University Veterinary Specialists. Dr. Kleman performed an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), which revealed a structural abnormality called a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). A PDA is a congenital cardiac abnormality in which a connection exists between the aorta (the major systemic artery) and the pulmonary artery (the major vessel to the lungs). This abnormal connection results in the heart becoming overloaded by recirculating blood and typically results in heart failure within the first year of life. It was imperative, therefore, that we correct Jamie’s PDA.

There are 2 ways to correct PDAs. The first is via open chest surgery, to locate and ligate (tie off) the abnormal PDA vessel. This is the traditional method. The second option is to occlude (close off) the PDA vessel via an Interventional Radiology technique. Interventional Radiology is a method of surgery that uses video xrays (fluoroscopy) to allow the surgeon to see into the body and manipulate structures. This is a new technique in veterinary medicine, available at few academic and specialty institutions, including Cornell University Veterinary Specialists. The advantages of these techniques are that they are less invasive; there is no open surgery and thus, less pain and a faster recovery. For PDA correction via Interventional Radiology, an Amplatz ductal occluder or embolic coil can be inserted via a blood vessel until it is placed across the abnormal PDA vessel. The device then causes obstruction of blood flow across the PDA.

Here, at CUVS, both techniques are possible. In Jamie’s case, however, it was decided that surgery was her best option given her very small size. Dr Oli Morgan, staff surgeon at Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, performed the surgery - a left lateral thoracotomy via the 4th intercostal space. The PDA was carefully dissected and ligated, restoring normal blood flow. Jamie recovered smoothly in the Intensive Care Unit. Her heart murmur resolved. That evening she was already standing and eating! The next day, she was giving kisses and behaving like a puppy again. She was discharged to her owners care for at home recovery. After two weeks of exercise restriction she was healed. Her prognosis is excellent with a normal life expectancy.

Wally's Story

Meet Wally and family!

Wally is a 7 year old Pembroke Corgi that was diagnosed with B-Cell Lymphoma in April 2011. We, along with Wally's parents and brother, are so proud to annouce that Wally has graduated!

He is finished with his chemotherapy protocol this month and he is still in a complete remission. Wally had virtually no major problems handling his chemotherapy. The protocol we used was co-authored by our own Dr. Gerald Post DVM, MEM, DACVIM.

Dr. Oli Morgan joins CUVS

CUVS Welcomes Dr. Oliver Morgan, VMD, DACVS, on board as our new staff surgeon!

As we bid a sad farewell to Dr. Alon Kramer, who has moved back to Portland with his family, we are excited to introduce Dr. Oliver “Oli” Morgan as the newest member of our medical team. We are so lucky to have found a surgeon of his calibur, and his communication skills and core values lend themselves very well to our atmosphere here. We're thrilled to have him on board, and he is undoubtedly a great match for our team here at CUVS!

We had a chance to catch him in the middle of a busy day here to ask him a few questions:

Q. Where are you coming from - where did you work before CUVS?

A. I am moving from Los Angeles, California where I worked at a large multispecialty referral hospital (Advanced Critical Care at the City of Angels Veterinary Specialty Center).  I am returning to Connecticut where I grew up with my wife and 1 year old son not only to work at CUVS, but also to be close to family.

Q. How have your first few days been here at CUVS?

A. My first few days at CUVS have been great with everyone being extremely welcoming.  The atmosphere within CUVS for both clients, patients, and new doctors is very similar it seems!

Q. How is CUVS different? What do you like about working here?
A. CUVS represents a new paradigm in veterinary medicine that is directed at providing a mix of the best of private practice with the best of academia.  I am so excited to be working in an environment with specialists that both love what they do and are excellent at what they do with a central dedication to client service and to our referring veterinarians.  The technicians and staff are excellent and also clearly have a deep-seated dedication to the care of our patients and that carries through in all their interactions with our patients.

We're so happy to have Dr. Morgan on board and are looking forward to a great future with him as part of the family. Welcome!

Best Pet Winner

WE HAVE A "BEST PET" WINNER!

As you’ve probably guessed, the Chihuahua Mia F. won our “Best Pet” competition by a landslide! The littlest gal in the running received by far the biggest show of support in the competition, and it’s no surprise.

Mia came to CUVS in the Fall of 2011 with a collapsing trachea. She was a patient of ours for several months and while her medical condition was one of those incredibly complicated cases that we could not ultimately save, we’ve yet to see a more dedicated owner than her mom Kelly Falconieri, and a bigger show of support from her many admirers. During her time here, and through Kelly’s tireless efforts on Facebook and IMOM.org, Mia captured the hearts of hundreds of people, many of them strangers, who donated to Mia’s cause and to her treatment. We even had people calling us here to contribute to her treatments! Although Mia is no longer with us, it is obvious that she is still in the hearts of the many who supported her through her treatment, and gaining followers even now!

Not only was Mia an incredible little girl, but Kelly is a great example of an absolutely incredible pet owner, and we’re pleased to announce them both the winners. Kelly will be receiving a gift certificate to Pet Pantry Warehouse, one of our favorite spots to get ANYTHING you could need for your pet and more.

Thank you again to everyone who sent us pictures of their pets – it was a wonderful week getting to share your furry friends and see everyone’s enthusiasm and love for their animals.

Thank you to the Pet Pantry Warehouse for this great prize!

May is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month!

May is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month!



*The cause of cancer in pets, just as with people, is largely unknown, although animals get cancer at about the same rate as humans! In fact, The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation has noted that 50% of dogs aged 10 or older will be affected by cancer.

  

Thus, in a continued effort to battle and treat pet cancer, Cornell University Veterinary Specialists is proud to  welcome Dr. John Farrelly, a long-standing leader in the field of oncology, to our team!

Dr. Farrelly, a Diplomate of both the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, is approximately 1 in 25 veterinarians in the country who are board-certified in both medical and radiation oncology.

He was the Director of Radiation Oncology at the Animal Medical Center in New York City from 2004 to 2011. Named Veterinarian of the Year at the AMC in 2006, Dr. Farrelly brings an expertise and renown to Cornell University Veterinary Specialists that gives us the ability to provide the most advanced care and treatment options available.

We are very excited to welcome Dr. Farrelly to the team here at CUVS!

*American Veterinary Medical Association

Pet Dangers During the Holidays!

All of us at CUVS wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season! Because we’re always looking out for your four-legged family members, we’d like to share some common dangers to avoid during this joyful, and sometimes chaotic, time.

High Fat Holiday Foods
Although it is tempting to let everyone sample grandma’s great cooking, holiday foods are not a good idea for your pet, even in small quantities. Meals with a high fat content are one of the most common causes of pancreatitis in dogs. Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) can result in a reduced appetite, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and in severe cases, can be life-threatening. High fat foods and abrupt changes in the diet can lead to gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Chocolate
Most of us know that chocolate can be toxic to dogs; however, few know the reasons. Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical compound of the cocoa bean which is a strong stimulant, closely related to caffeine. In large doses, theobromine and caffeine can cause excitation, cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm) and seizures. Dogs are particularly sensitive to the effect of theobromine and caffeine. Chocolate should be stored far from your pets’ reach, especially dark, semi-sweet, unsweetened chocolate and cocoa nibs, since these have higher concentrations of theobromine than white or milk chocolate.

Raisins & Grapes
Raisins and grapes are extremely dangerous for dogs, as they can cause severe kidney failure. Keep in mind that raisins are commonly found in holiday treats such as bread and desserts.

Alcohol
We all like to relax and enjoy the spirits of the season. Just keep in mind that even small amounts of an alcoholic beverage can significantly affect your pet. Pets, especially cats, are not as efficient at breaking-down alcohol, and could end up in an ethylic coma. Please avoid sharing your drink with Fluffy, and keep the booze out of reach at all times.

Household Plants
If you share your house with a dog or a cat, always investigate your indoor plant choices before you consider making them an integral part of your household. Keep this in mind when receiving flowers as a gift. Poinsettia, the Christmas flower, can cause mouth irritation and gastroenteritis, but is not considered lethal. Various types of lilies, however (Easter Lily, Day Lily, Tiger Lily) can be lethal. These lilies cause severe kidney failure when ingested, even in small quantities, by your feline companion.

Holiday Decorations
Nothing sets the holiday mood like decking the halls and dressing your tree. However, many of these decorations can be hazardous to your pets. Tinsel and other string-like decorations can be a tempting treat for your cat or dog. Sometimes, parts of these decorations can get caught around your pets’ tongue or elsewhere in the gastrointestinal system and cause life-threatening problems that require emergency surgery. The same goes for other non-string-like decorative items, which can get lodged in the stomach or intestines, causing a blockage. Electric cords (such as for lights) can also pose a problem if your cat or dog has a tendency to chew on things they are not supposed to. Because of the danger they pose, make sure to hang your tree ornaments and other decorations out of the reach of your pets.

Please keep your pets safe this holiday season. And keep an eye on them. If they are lethargic, not eating, acting abnormally or exhibiting vomiting or diarrhea – seek medical attention.

Alex Rousseau, DVM, DACVIM (Internal Medicine), DACVECC

May 21: FETCH Scavenger Hunt and Family Picnic at Stamford Harbor Park

A Dog-Centered Scavenger Hunt and Free Family Picnic to Benefit the Riedel and Cody Fund.
333 Ludlow Street- Stamford Harbor Park- (right behind the Cornell University Veterinary Specialists hospital)

FETCH stands for Funding Education and Treatment of Cancer Hounds, an event organized to benefit the Reidel & Cody Fund.

Fairfield County families and pet owners (with their dogs) are invited to participate in a scavenger hunt organized by FETCH to benefit dogs with cancer. Starting at 9AM, participants will receive clues either electronically or at the event site, answer questions, complete tasks and collect clue items by traveling around Fairfield county by car, motorcycle or bicycle. At 12:30PM, participants are to return to Stamford Harbor Park to turn in answer, items and activity stamps collected over the course of the morning. The award ceremony will be held at 1:30PM.

There will be games, activities and a concert for people of all ages. The first 100 participants to register will receive a free swag bag. The requested donation per participant or vehicle will be $25. To register, donate or get more details, go to RCFfetch.com or call (203) 295-0355.

CUVS is proud to not only sponsor this event, but to provide an Emergency Care Station to take care of any pet emergencies. The station will be staffed by one of our own veterinarians, technicians and staff members.

Little Dogs with Big Hearts: A Free Lecture at CUVS on May 15, 2-3:30 PM

Little Dogs with Big Hearts: What Does this Mean for My Pet?

On Sunday, May 15, at 2-3:30 PM, Dr. Mandi Kleman, DVM, DACVIM, will lead a free lecture in the auditorium at Cornell University Veterinary Specialists animal hospital at 880 Canal Street in Stamford, CT.

The topic of this lecture will be heart disease in dogs and it will serve as an overview of Mitral Valve Disease for dog owners. Dr. Kleman will briefly outline the disease process, the diagnosis, the possible symptoms, and how to care for a pet with Mitral Valve Disease.

Heart disease is not just an ‘old dog’ disease and certain breeds are more prone to it than others. 50% of our beloved small breed dogs over the age of 10 have heart disease. Valvular heart disease can be compared to the slow aging process of joints, which may result in arthritis. In small breed dogs, the valves within the heart can also degenerate with age. As these valves become more abnormal, blood begins to flow backwards within the heart and results in a heart murmur.

Cornell University Veterinary Specialists is proud to provide pet health educational sessions for owners.

If you are interested in attending any of these classes or learning more about our pet health educational sessions, please call us at 203-595-2777 or email us at info@cuvs.org. Space is limited and reservations are required for attendance. All classes are held at CUVS. Please check back often for session updates.

Human pain relievers are toxic to dogs and cats

This past week we saw a couple cases of ibuprofen toxicity in dogs- one was an intentional dosing of the dog by the owner, and the other was a case of the dog finding the bottle of pills and ingesting them. While these are two very different situations, the end result is the same: two very sick animals. Cats and dogs that ingest ibuprofen (the active ingredient in Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin experience a wide range of negative effects such as severe vomiting, gastric ulcers, kidney failure, liver failure and, if the animal is not treated medically, death.

The dog we treated that accidentally ingested the ibuprofen pills arrived at CUVS comatose, with constricted pupils. She was unresponsive but trembling. Our team sprang into action by administering fluids and the appropriate drugs, placing a nasogastric tube, suctioning her stomach and giving her charcoal and gastroprotectants. Her blood values were closely monitored overnight and by the morning she was awake and aware, although she did stay in the intensive care unit for three more days. Despite the severity of this case, both dog and owner are very lucky: the attentive owner figured out something was wrong and rushed his dog to the vet. This quick thinking saved the dog's life.

The case described above provides two valuable lessons for pet owners:

#1: Make absolutely sure that all of your pills at home are locked away securely.

#2: Do not give any pills to your dog or cat without seeing your vet first.

We all know that dogs like to jump up and see what's on the counter or table, and cats have a truly remarkable ability to jump onto the highest shelves. A bottle of pills left out on a flat surface is a tempting target for both dogs and cats.

If you feel like your pet is in pain, always bring her in to see your vet. The vet will advise you on the proper care for whatever is causing the pain, and you can be certain that the prescription he writes for you will be safe.

Here is the rule of thumb we'd like you remember: dogs and cats cannot take the same pain relieving pills as humans.