Emergency Flea Infestation & Anemia in a Dog

40 Pages·2010·1.3 MB·English

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TechLife Magazine
July 2010
Emergency
Gastric torsion
Flea Infestation & Anemia in a Dog
What to do
National Voice of AHT & VT from Ocean to Ocean
www.caahtt-acttsa.ca
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Veterinarians without Borders / Vétérinaires sans Frontières
Rabies Campaign
September 2010
Rabies Information Rabies Prevention:
Jodhpur, India
Rabies is a viral disease that att acks the central nervous system
of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Once symptoms
Rabies is a serious public health concern in India. An
appear, rabies is almost always fatal. Transmitt ed through sa-
esti mated 20,000 people die every year from the disease -
liva - primarily via bite wounds - rabies can also be spread when
accounti ng for nearly 36% of all rabies fataliti es worldwide.
infected saliva comes in contact with a scratch, open wound
Together with the Global Alliance for Rabies Control, VWB/
or mucous membrane such as those in the mouth, nasal cavity
VSF is supporti ng the Marwar Trust, an incredible organiza-
or eyes. The incubati on period (from initi al exposure to clinical
ti on that is dedicated to eradicati ng this deadly disease from
symptoms) ranges from two weeks to many months. It can de-
the region.
pend on a number of factors, including the strain of rabies and
the locati on of the bite. However, it is important to note that
This past year, VWB/VSF has sent several volunteers to Jodh-
an animal can transmit the disease a few days before showing
pur, Rajastan to help the Marwar Trust implement a high-
any clinical signs.
intensity Animal Birth Control (ABC) and rabies vaccinati on
program. A large part of this program involves sending out
In Canada, the animals with the highest rabies rates are foxes,
skilled dog catchers to capture street dogs and bring them
skunks, bats, and raccoons but thanks to widespread animal
to the Marwar Trust shelter. Here the dogs are spayed or
vaccinati on programs, human rabies in Canada is extremely
neutered, vaccinated against rabies, and given a disti ncti ve
rare. In other parts of the world however, rabies conti nues to
notch in the left ear. Aft er a few days of recovery, the dogs
pose a serious risk. Over 55,000 people, mostly children in Af-
are released in the same locati on where they were originally
rica and Asia, die from rabies every year – a rate of one person
captured. This comprehensive program also includes educa-
every ten minutes. Considered a “neglected zoonoti c disease”,
ti on workshops at local schools and street puppet shows to
rabies oft en falls off the radar, as many global health initi ati ves
increase rabies awareness. To date, over 48,000 dogs have
tend to focus on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and avian
passed through the Marwar Trust shelter.
infl uenza. In these countries dogs pose the greatest risk to
people; rabid dogs contribute to over 90% of human exposures
This summer, VWB/VSF volunteers will be helping the Mar-
and over 99% of all human deaths. Post-exposure treatment
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2010 Rabies Campaign
In support of World Rabies Day, September 28, 2010, VWB/
VSF is holding its third annual Rabies Campaign (September
1 – 30) to raise awareness about the global rabies issue and
to fundraise for our internati onal rabies preventi on programs.
You can help support this important cause by initi ati ng a
fundraising acti vity in your community or by donati ng
directly to VWB/VSF either on our website
(www.vwb-vsf.ca), or by mail. Let’s work
together to Help Make Rabies History!
www.vwb-vsf.ca
P
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From the President dy M
o
leski
The road of life twists and turns and no Where would I fit in the big picture and could I make
two directions are ever the same. Yet our a difference! This may seem like a strange analogy,
but being a part of CAAHTT has been much like going
lessons come from the journey, not the
to a huge family reunion. The CAAHTT directors, my
destination. Don Williams, Jr.
new colleagues, are like relatives you didn’t know
you had but yet there is that automatic kindred spirit.
In my 27 year career as a VT, I have had numerous
We all have had different experiences, struggles and
experiences and gone in directions I never would have
victories, come from different parts of the country, but
imagined in the beginning. For me this is not just a
yet there is a strong connection because of our pride
career, it’s who I am. I sure most of you have the same
for our profession. I often wonder if other professions
story – I brought home every stray I could catch, tried
have that same feeling?
to nurse every injured bird I found, and spent every
My term as CAAHTT President will come to an
moment I could with any species of animal. Although
end in July. It has been a wonderful journey that has
I was raised a city girl, I felt like I should have been a
quickly passed by. As the quote above states, I have
farm girl. I worked hard and wasn’t afraid to get dirty,
not reached the destination – I’m just stepping off
and I usually chose to be in the barn with the animals
the path going in another direction. I’m excited to see
or helping with calving rather than playing with the
where life’s twists and turns bring me next.
other kids at my uncle’s farm. It was an easy decision
I thank everyone for their support and confidence
in choosing this profession – one I’ve never regret-
in my leadership. I hope I’ve served you well. fBest
ted. But we all know that the love of animals is not
wishes to the CAAHTT Board of Directors in the next
enough to get you by in this profession.
leg of their journey!!
I feel that I’ve had a successful career not
because of where I am today, but because of the Michele Moroz
experiences I had, the people I’ve met and most im-
portantly is the knowledge I’ve gained along
this journey. I love that veterinary medicine is always
changing and advancing, there is always something
to learn!
It was one year into my career that the Vet Tech
association was formed in Saskatchewan, and I quick-
ly jumped on the band wagon and became involved
in our profession. I’ve always managed to keep active
in some way or another, even if it was just attend-
ing meetings. It was easy to do at the provincial level
because my peers had become my friends and family.
I have to admit that when I became involved
with CAAHTT five years ago, I was a bit worried.
4 July 2010 TEcHLIFE
Articles
July 2010 TEcHLIFE
TechLife Magazine is created by
ATSAQ for CAAHTT
ATSAQ Evaluation of Flea and Tick control Products 8
2300, 54th Avenue Suite 240
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Email: [email protected] Part 3 of 4
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Katherine Dobbs
ATSAQ, involved
in the heart of animal wellbeing

The Avian Physical Examination 20
TechLife Magazine
Editor The Proper Procedure
Élisabeth Lebeau, AHT
Thomas N. Tully
[email protected]
Printer
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Young blond female outdoors with hound dog
Montreal, Qc.
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Annie Brunet
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Next issue:
October 2010
Deadline for material:
August 13, 2010
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The content of this newspaper cannot
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The opinions expressed in this journal do not
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CAAHTT Mission Statement:
To be the national and international voice providing
coordination and resources to support our members in
the delivery of animal health care services.
TechLife Magazine, the official voice
of Canadian AHT/VT
TECHLIFE July 2010 5
Other
July 2010 TECHLIFE
From the President 4
current Animal Topics 7
Tasty Treats 28
continuing Education
Emergency! Gastric Dilation Volvulus 10
Jonathan Berthiaume, certified AHT
Supervised by Joakim Allaire, DMV, MSc, IPSAV
Translated by Melissa Caron certified AHT
Flea Infestation & Anemia in a Dog 16
John W. Harvey, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVP
continuing Education Questionnaires 25-26
continuing Education Answers 29
Associations

Across canada
cAAHTT 30 AHTA of Bc 32
AAAHT 33 SAVT 34
MAHTA 35 ATSAQ 36
EVTA 37
a) True
b) False
8 20 25 28
6 July 2010 TEcHLIFE
current Animal Topics
Important changes for Equine Owners or iPod Touch. The “Pet Safe” app lists all hazardous
Effective January 31, 2010, equine owners, intend- plants and breaks out those plants’ common and sci-
ing to sell animals directly or indirectly to Canadian entific names, clinical signs associated with ingestion,
meat processors, are being advised to record certain and photos. For only $2.99, it’s a great resource to 1
information. have on hand while shopping for your garden or for
Equine owners who wish to keep their sale op- use in the clinic.
tions open should record all vaccines, medications
given (administered or fed) to their animals and record Pfizer Recalls claris Metronidazole,
any occurrence of illness in their animals. ciprofloxacin, Ondansetron IV Products
The collection of this information will better prepare Pfizer has initiated a voluntary recall of Metronida-
the equine industry for July 31, 2010 when it will be zole, Ciprofloxacin and Ondansetron IV Products due
mandatory for all federally-inspected equine facilities to the presence of floating matter and non-sterility
to have complete records dating back six months discovered by the manufacturer Claris Laboratories.
for all domestic and imported animals presented Pfizer, which began distributing Claris products to
for slaughter. hospitals, wholesalers and distributors in the US
These requirements apply to owners of horses market this year under a licensing agreement, is taking
and their crosses, referred to as equine. In order to rapid action to help ensure patient safety by halt- 2
help owners collect all of the necessary information, ing distribution of all sterileinjectable products in IV
the CFIA is launching a new Equine Information bags licensed from Claris and voluntarily recalling the
1. Horse
Document (EID) that can be found at http://www.in- products already distributed.
spection.gc.ca/english/fssa/meavia/man/direct/2009/ Pfizer has distributed these products only in the 2. iPhone
direct49e.shtml US. The recall is being conducted with the knowledge
The EID is the first step in the development of a of the US FDA.
comprehensive food safety and traceability program Metronidazole and Ciprofloxacin injections
for the Canadian equine industry – for both domestic are intravenous antibiotics used to treat infections.
and international markets. Ondansetron injection is an intravenous product used
Anyone selling equine may have to provide an to treat nausea and vomiting associated with chemo-
EID at ownership transfer. The document will require therapy or surgery.
an owner-signed declaration to verify the accuracy of Non-sterility of a product administered via the
the information. intravenous route has the potential to result in infec-
There are a number of medications and sub- tions, which could be fatal, especially in patients who
stances that are prohibited from being given (adminis- are immunocompromised.
tered or fed) to equine intended to be slaughtered for
human consumption. A list of these medications and Reportedly, the products affected by the recall:
substances can be found on the CFIA web site, http:// 1. include all lots of the Metronidazole injection USP
www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/meavia/man/ 500 mg/100 ml flexible IV plastic container (NDC
ch17/table17e.shtml 0069-2390-01)
2. Ciprofloxacin in Dextrose (5%) injection, USP 200
iPhone application mg / 100 mL flexible plastic container for IV infusion
Last year, more than 10,000 pets were poisoned by (NDC 0069- 4395-19)
common household plants. With gardening season in 3.Ciprofloxacin in Dextrose (5%) injection, USP 400
full bloom, it’s important to educate your clients about mg / 200 mL flexible plastic container for IV infusion
the dangers that plants and flowers (like tulips) can (NDC 0069- 4396-27)
cause to their pets. Fortunately, the ASPCA recently 4. Ondansetron in 5% Dextrose injection 32 mg / 50
launched a new “Pet Safe” app, for use on the iPhone mL flexible plastic container (NDC 0069-0700-12). pics
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TECHLIFE July 2010 7
Evaluation of Flea and Tick control Products
Recently, Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA)
received incident reports that suggested there may be a potential for adverse
reactions in cats and dogs from the use of dermally applied flea and tick control
products. The majority of reported incidents involved spot-on products.
Accordingly, an analysis of these products was available on the Health Canada web site. Spot-on in-
undertaken to investigate the issue. This complex cidents involving cats were reported more frequently
analysis involved an assessment of trends observed than incidents involving dogs. Twelve percent of
in the incident reports and possible correlations the animals were treated with the incorrect prod-
with toxicology information for Canadian registered uct based on their age, weight or species (e.g., dog
products. The PMRA met with Canadian registrants product used on cat).
of flea and tick products and engaged the United In general, the frequency of symptom type re-
States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) ported in the incidents followed a similar pattern for
and veterinarians throughout the analysis. most spot-on products; skin effects were observed
Sales data suggest that Canadian sales of spot-on most frequently, followed by neuromuscular effects
pesticides are in the order of 3 million units per (e.g., tremors), general effects (e.g., lethargy), and
year. Between April 2007 and May 2009, the PMRA gastrointestinal effects (e.g., vomiting). Skin effects
received 708 domestic animal incident reports (453 were observed nearly twice as often as neuromus-
Canadian incidents, 255 American incidents) involv- cular effects. Cats and dogs that died tended to
ing spot-on products used to control fleas and ticks. weigh less than those that experienced minor or
There were a total of 821 affected animals. Most of moderate effects. Dogs that died were younger than
the reported Canadian incidents were classified as those that did not. Incident reports involved smaller
either minor or moderate in severity, with 14 animals breeds of dogs more often than larger, more popular
exhibiting major effects and 15 animal deaths. More breeds. Since the majority of spot-on products have
details about incident severity classification are a set dose for a range of companion animal weights,
8 July 2010 TEcHLIFE
smaller animals (in the case of both cats and dogs) concern due to reports of effects with products con-
received a higher dose of product per kg body taining this formulant. The PMRA initiated follow-up
weight when compared to large animals. Typically, activity with the relevant registrants, who are now
animals that received these higher doses experienced working to replace this formulant. The current analy-
more serious effects compared to larger animals that sis reaffirms this concern.
received a smaller dose. The above observations do Companion animal safety studies were available
not include those incidents resulting from the misuse in support of all spot-on products with the majority
of a dog product on a cat. The PMRA solicited the conducted according to the required guideline. All
1
opinions of small animal veterinarians through a were considered acceptable at the time of the origi-
survey administered by the Canadian Veterinary nal review and did not identify treatment-related
Medical Association. Results of this survey echo the effects following exposure of animals to the products
findings from the incident reports. at the label rate. At exaggerated doses, observed
Toxicology data on the active ingredient, the effects were generally minor in nature and were
formulants, the end-use product as well as compan- infrequently consistent with symptoms reported
ion animal safety studies were examined to identify in incident reports. Possible connections between
potential associations with the symptoms in the symptoms reported in incident reports and effects
incident reports. Four active ingredients are present observed in companion animal safety studies were
in spot-on products: imidacloprid, s-methoprene, observed for one dog and two cat formulations. In
pyriproxifen and permethrin. Symptoms from the light of some of the incident report findings, there
incident reports were not consistent with the toxicol- are a few studies for which different conclusions
ogy profiles of three of the active ingredients. For could now be made. Overall, the companion animal
Evaluation of Flea and Tick control Products permethrin, symptoms from incident reports were safety study was not highly predictive of the effects
2
consistent with the toxicology profile although it noted in the incident reports. The analysis suggests
is possible that the formulants may have played a the need for further improvement in the design of
1. Spot-on incidents involving cats
contributory role. It should be noted that permethrin the companion animal safety study.
were reported more frequently than
was involved in a significant number of Canadian To investigate whether efficacy studies routine- incidents involving dogs.
incidents. In addition, reports of misuse were most ly provide valuable information relative to animal
2. Dogs that died were younger than
commonly associated with this active ingredient (i.e., safety, an investigation into data available in the effi-
those that did not. Incident reports
dog products used on cats). cacy studies for the spot-on products was conducted. involved smaller breeds of dogs
Given the number of skin effects in the incident It was concluded that there was little to no value more often than larger, more popular
breeds.
reports, irritation and sensitization studies of the for the inclusion of efficacy studies into the animal
end use products were examined. The studies did safety assessment for the purpose of this analysis.
not demonstrate sensitization potential or significant Key limitations were identified during this analysis.
irritation potential. The dermal reactions identified in They included the following:
these studies were inconsistent with the skin effects • questionable quality of the data reported in
reported in the incident reports. Thus, these studies incidents
were of limited predictive value in this analysis. • under-reporting of incidents by the
In 2008, there were a total of twenty formulants registrants.
contained in spot-on products registered in Canada. • limited information from sales data
These were assessed based on considerations such • limited capability of the toxicology database
as toxicology profile, concentrations present in the to predict effects in cats and dogs
products and number of incident reports. Several • limited power of the companion animal
were highlighted as potential contributors to the safety study cts
u
symptoms reported in the incident reports. Scientific • limited data on formulants and the use of od
Pr
literature indicates that N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone alternate formulants in a registered product ol
and D-limonene can cause skin reactions; more skin ontr
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effects were reported for products containing these ck
Ti
formulants relative to products not containing these nd
a
formulants. Tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether ea
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was previously identified by the PMRA as a potential of
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TECHLIFE July 2010 9
continuing Education
Emergency! Gastric Dilation Volvulus
By Jonathan Berthiaume, A client calls and tells you about his 7 years old Great Danes who seems uncomfort-
certified AHT
able following his daily walk. You then learn that this dog is fed once daily and that
the owner exercises his dog immediately after the meal to help promote digestion.
Supervised by
Joakim Allaire, DMV, Upon his arrival at the hospital, the dog is bloated and uncomfortable. He presents
MSc, IPSAV
with dry heaving and refuses to move. This is a classic scenario that demands
emergency care and impeccable team work from the veterinarians and AHTs.
Translated by
Melissa Caron
certified AHT
By definition… longer than 2 seconds, tachycardia, weak pulse), am-
Gastric dilation volvulus (GDV) is a disease whose bulatory or not. Also, he may present with hypersali-
pathogenesis is still unclear. In general, deep-chested vation, dry heaving and a dilated abdomen.
dogs of average to advanced age (Great Danes, Dober- The initial intervention is aimed at restoring
man, Golden Retriever, Standard Poodle, German adequate circulation. An intravenous catheter (ideally
Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog,…) are most com- two) is placed, ideally avoiding the saphenous veins
monly affected. However, small breed dogs and even that are caudal to the compromised circulation. Imme-
cats can sometimes, although rarely, be affected. diately, choc fluid therapy is started using a crystalloid
Exercise following a meal, improper rotation solution, either isotonic (LRS, Plasmalyte) or hyper-
of a patient during veterinary procedures, certain tonic (NaCl 7.5%) or a colloidal solution according to
medication, aerophagia, neoplasia and stress can all the veterinarian’s decision. A measure of the lactate
increase the risk of developing GDV. For example, a level may also be asked of you. Lactate levels are used
stomach filled with material or air may rotate (usually as an index of tissue perfusion (oxygen delivery to
clock-wise) up to 360o. This rotation prevents burp- cells). When in choc, organs with decreased perfusion
ing or vomiting and compromises blood circulation. produce energy with a decreased amount of oxygen.
Consequently, abdominal bleeding, spleenic torsion This is known as anaerobic metabolism and it gener-
or congestion and tissue necrosis may be observed. ates lactate that accumulates in blood. These levels
This translates into different clinical signs that may can then be measured with a small device similar to a
lead to death if the patient is not quickly brought into glucometer or with a blood gas analyser. An elevated
surgery. Needless to say that surgery is the treatment lactate value is associated with increased tissue necro-
of choice! sis and may be an indicator of a negative prognosis.
Lactate levels also indicate if the fluid therapy is effec-
Upon the patient’s arrival tive; levels should decrease as the vascular volume is
The time between the diagnosis and the surgical restored.
intervention is an important prognosis factor. Indeed,
when estimating how long it takes for the owner to Diagnostic procedures
notice the problem, call a veterinarian and make it to GDV diagnosis is both clinical and radiographical.
the hospital with his pet, there is very little time left The veterinarian will ask for two abdominal radio-
for the veterinary team to intervene. It is therefore graphs (including one in right lateral recumbency)
very important to have good team work, to commu- to visualize the stomach and pylorus properly. The
nicate, to be efficient and mostly, to stay calm. Before classic image is one that looks like a boxing glove, i.e.
the animal’s arrival, it is beneficial to prepare all with two compartments.
necessary material to the basic interventions on our
canine friend. Upon the animal’s arrival, it is impor- Please see joined photographs.
tant to remain clear and concise with the owner. Keep Photo 1 : classic GDV, “boxing glove”
in mind that this owner is often panicked, worried Photo 2: 360° GDV, left lateral view
that his pet may die. Photo 3 : classic GDV, right lateral view
On physical examination, the animal may be in
choc (pale mucous membranes, capillary refill time Complete blood work (hematology, biochemistry,
10 July 2010 TEcHLIFE