Chocolate is for Easter Bunnies

We usually think of chocolate overdose in dogs as a problem around Easter or even Valentines Day. I have to tell you that today was our first chocolate ingestion of the Christmas season. In this case, a 40 pound dog ate an 8 oz bag of Hershey's Kisses. Now I like chocolate as much as the next guy, possibly even more than the next guy, but at least I pause to unwrap them before I scarf down the entire bag.

Sometimes we eat chocolate plain. Sometimes we eat it baked into cakes, mixed into ice cream, etc. The first problem with these sweets is the fat. A sudden high fat meal (such as the above bag of Kisses) can create a lethal metabolic disease in pets called pancreatitis. Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are just the beginning of this disaster. Remember, in the case of pancreatitis, it is the fat that causes the problem more than the chocolate itself.

The fat and sugar in the chocolate can create an unpleasant but temporary upset stomach. This is what happens in most chocolate ingestion cases. This was certainly the case in our patient today. The amount of chocolate that he ate was not enough to cause serious neurologic signs

Chocolate can be, however, directly toxic because of the theobromine. The more chocolate liquor there is in a product, the more theobromine is present. This makes baking chocolate the worst for pets, followed by semisweet and dark chocolate, followed by milk chocolate, followed by chocolate flavored cakes or cookies. Theobromine causes:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hyperactivity
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Racing heart rhythm progressing to abnormal rhythms
• Death in severe cases

Toxic doses of theobromine are 9 mg per pound of dog for mild signs, up to 18 mg per pound of dog for severe signs. Milk chocolate contains 44 mg / ounce of theobromine while semisweet chocolate contains 150 mg per ounce, and baking chocolate contains 390 mg per ounce.

Number of OUNCES of CHOCOLATE a Pet Would Need to Ingest for TOXICITY
Weight of Pet in Pounds	5	10	15	20	25	30	40
Milk Chocolate (ounces)	2	4	6	8.2	10.2	12.3	16.4
Dark Chocolate (ounces)	0.7	1.4	2.1	2.8	3.5	4.2	5.5
Baking Chocolate (ounces)	0.23	0.5	0.7	0.9	1.2	1.4	1.9

50	60	70	80	90	100
20.5	24.5	28.6	32.7	36.8	41
6.9	8.3	9.7	11	12.5	13.8
2.3	2.8	3.2	3.7	4.1	4.6

(I appologize for the screwed up graphics, but my technical ability is less than medical talents)

As you can see, smaller dogs are at a greater risk of toxicity because of their size. It is much more likely that a small dog will get their paws on a few ounces of chocolate than a big dog will find a pound of the stuff lying around.

GI upset can occur at much lower doses.

It takes nearly 4 days for the effects of chocolate to work its way out of a dog’s system. If the chocolate was only just eaten, it is possible to induce vomiting; otherwise, hospitalization and support are needed until the chocolate has worked its way out of the system.

So, while you are curled up on the couch drinking your hot cocoa this winter, make sure to keep the candy out of your pet's reach.

Have a safe and happy holiday season

Keith Niesenbaum

www.PetsNeedFood.com

www.TheVetsChoice.com

Holiday Time and We all Need to Watch our Waists

So the holidays are upon us and not a moment too soon for those of us that love to gorge on the mounds of baked goods that arrive at the office, interspersed with gooey chocolates and the occasional fruit basket. Unfortunately for the staff as well as our patients, too much of a good thing is ... well, too much. While we are watching the scales (well I am watching the scales) trying not to undo all of the good that I did training last year, our patients are not always so vigilant.

First up was the post Thanksgiving turkey toxicity rush. You know, all the dogs ( and some cats) that were able to con their owners with plaintiff looks and whines, into forking over way too much in the way of table food. These guys and gals were in all week after the holiday with vomiting, diarrhea, and the occasional more serious case of pancreatits. I must say, quite the mess.

It's not that I'm against treats in moderation, but pets that are eating a particular diet should not get rich treats from the table. Owners don't seem to realize that their pets don't know what is best for them and will eat whatever we put into their bowls or toss them from the tables. Don't do it! You know who you are.

This is also the time of year that we try to emphasize weight loss to our clients for thier pets. It is difficlut to get them out to exercise because it is getting colder and the streets can be slick. However, this is the time it is the most necessary. Since I know that you all aren't going to listen to my about not feeding treats (Oh, I know it is always the spouse/kids/parent/in law), you must work on the other side of the equation, that is calories burned. Get out for a walk with your dog twice a day. Start with 15 or 20 minutes and build from there. If it is cold and your dog seem chilled, get a sweater or a coat for your pet.

Cut out the treats, or at least cut back. Try a low calorie, but high quality diet and feed according to the label. Here is a good place to start as the site has a weight loss diet and some low fat treats. Or ask your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations.

Remember, weight put on now is tougher to take off than weight never gained. I guess I will never have a career in platitude writing.

Stay halthy and have a happy holiday season.

With Every Season ....

OK, although Labor Day weekend is not technically the end of summer and autumn is still a bit away, we all think of it as the time to pack away our white pants and leashes, and pull out our more earthy toned garb.

This September is the first time in a while that I don't have any races on the fall schedule so I took the opportunity to take a leisurely run across the George Washington Bridge to NJ and back. Too late for it to be really hot. One week to early to see the ships sail up the Hudson. Still not foliage change. Seems like I blew it, except that it was really cool. I would have taken pictures but alas and alack, no camera, no blackberry, just me, nature, some bike riders and about a thousand cars, hanging out above the river. The view was great, you'll just have to take my word for it. Cookie, bless her heart, stayed back in Washington Heights with her sister. Didn't think her little legs were up to the trip, although she would have been game for at least part of the journey.

Next weekend, it's off to the Catskills. Yes it is still too early to see the leaves change color, and no, there is still no race on my calender. However, it is the inaugural weekend of Canine Club Getaway. A weekend vacation for people and their dogs. I'm going to be the camp doctor and my wife is coming along for moral support. It should be interesting at the very least. I'm giving a lecture on canine first aid and running a fitness evaluation clinic. We will also be doing a microchip clinic and screening for Heartworm, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Lyme disease. These are all insect borne diseases that we see hear on long Island.

Heartworm is spread my mosquitoes. I don't need to tell you what the wet spring meant for mosquito populations in our neck of the woods. Heck, they are bigger than some of the dogs I saw in the office today.

The others are tick borne, also a pest that seems to have enjoyed a growth explosion, exploiting what ever weather change it is that they like.

Anyway, I will be micro blogging on twitter all weekend with plenty of photos. Follow me at www.twitter.com/knvet for up to the minute details. Next week, I'll post a detailed synopsis of what went on, complete with 8 x 10 color photographs with descriptions of each on.

Keith Nisenbaum, VMD
www.CrawfordDogandCatHospital.com
wwwTheVetsChoice.com

Yet anoter Pet Peeve

It seems that summer is more stressful here at Crawford Dog and Cat Hospital than other times of the year. Or, perhaps, I've just learned that venting on line in writing is better than committing violent felonies against random people in the name of maintaining my own sanity and there has been no real increase in incidents.

The latest button pushing is the dumping of cats and kittens by my back door. Now this infuriates me for several reasons.

1. People dump these kittens in boxes with inadequate ventilation in all kinds of weather in the back of the parking lot assuming that we will find them before the elements cause them irreversible harm. (so far the idiots are right about this one.)
2. People dump these kittens (oh and lets not exclude the adult cats as well) assuming that I won't just put them to sleep or send them off to the shelter where they will put them to sleep. (Don't tell anyone, but they are right about this one as well. The exception is sick animals which are humanely put down)
3. I spent hundreds of dollars for video surveillance cameras and a sign pointing out that there is a system in place, only to have these morons circumvent the system or keep their cars out of the field of recording so I can't get their licence plate number and call the cops and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the federal law that they are violating. I would also publish their names and photos in the local papers so that they could be humiliated.
4. The final infuriation, the straw that breaks the camels back, the proverbial whatever it is that pushes me over my limit, is that I am accumulating cats again.
   

So, here I am. Defeated by the irresponsible, reckless, potential animal abusers. Outsmarted by those that I choose to assume are idiotic, morons (much dumber than a regular moron) that dump their responsibilities on my doorstep and leave all of their pet related problems for me to solve. And now dear readers, and I know you are out there because you all told me you are, I need your help. Look at these faces. They are attached to cats and kittens that need a home. They are growing up and their cuteness window is closing.

If you know anyone that wants a kitten, FELV and FIV negative, parasite free, and current on vaccines, have them give me a holler. I'm on Long Island and these guys are ready to go. I would keep them myself, but I've done that before and I have 5 of my own living in the hospital already. Call the office at 516 746 1566 or check us out on the web by following the link above.

Keith Niesenbaum, VMD
www.TheVetsChoice.com

The Scientific Method

Summer is finally here and we all have heard about the evils of leaving a pet in the car, even with the window's open a slit to keep it cool inside. Gosh, it's supposed to get hot enough to fry an egg in there. Now, if you've been following me on twitter, you know that I have been trying to figure out how to get multiple pictures in a single post. Well this little experiment is dedicated to the scientific method and multiple posts in the search of truth.

It is 90 degrees here in Nassau county and the humidity is somewhere near 90%. My car is white, as you can see above and the rear windows are covered. Take my word for it (I could only post a limited number of pictures), it was around 80 in the car with the AC on. I parked the car and put this thermometer on the dash. This reading was at 1:51 today, 10 minutes after I got out of the car.

Now, you're going to say, "yea, but that's the dashboard. What about the seat" Once again, due to photo limitations, you will have to take my word for it. The shady seat was only 100 degrees. The sunny seat was about 110. Both pretty hot, I would think. But remember, my car is white and the windows are covered. So lets move to the next car in the parking lot.

This little black beauty has been sitting in the lot all day. Windows are up and as you can see the temperature on the seat is maxed out at 120. Could be higher, don't know, didn't want to break my brand new thermometer. I know that I will have other uses for it and I don't want to cook it the first time that I play with it.

So 120, probably won't cook an egg. The car's owner wouldn't let me try. Some silliness about ruining the cloth seats with yolk. Still, way too hot for a dog. A simple experiment showing how hot it can quickly get in a car. Of course we don't know how long a dog would actually last in this environment, but something in my professional oath probably prohibits me from putting my dog into the car to find out, no matter how much she keeps my up snoring at night.

So, as you can see, no live animals were harmed during this experiment. Don't leave your pets, or kids in the car unattended. We haven't seen any cases of heat stroke and lets keep it that way.

Keith Niesenbaum, VMD

www.TheVetsChoice.com

Julie, Julia, and Niesenbaum

I saw the movies Julie and Julia last weekend at it was a momentous occasion for several reasons. First off, I saw a movie in the theaters rather than from the preferred location which is via Netflix in the comfort of my own bed. The Netflix/bed option has several distinct advantages over the theater. I can start and stop the movie as needed, I can snack on my choice of foods without taking out a mortgage to pay for them, the floor is not sticky, and of course, I am in my bed, with my wife and there are no strangers to interact with. Now, movie purists would argue that I am not getting the full movie experience as the film maker intended, but that would be way to big of a digression for my animal blog.

So why am I writing about this movie at all? Well the truth is, I identify with it on so many levels that I wanted to share.

First, I am old enough to remember The French Chef television show, not just the Dan Akroyd version, but the real show. Prior to Top Chef, Iron Chef, and the rest of the crop of current TV cooking shows, I was reared on Julia and Graham, both of whom entertained me as they worked their way, imperfectly through complex recipes that I could make at home if I purchased their books and was older than 10. I loved/love cooking shows as I love cooking and eating. Hence I liked the film.

Second, much like the second main character in this movie, I am blogging. This is an exercise that sometimes feels quite unappreciated. Sort of an unrequited labor of love. You see, until recently, I felt that I was ruminating (cow reference appropriate as I continue to eat and become more bovine as time goes on) only for myself. A sort of therapy, an exercise for me and unseen by anyone. Or so I thought.

You guys are reading this. Yeah!!! Not only are people commenting on the blog (please keep them coming) but people who follow me on twitter are letting me know that they are reading as well. Unlike Julie, I'm not getting 80 comments a day, but in all fairness, she is probably a better writer than me anyway.

Everyone have a great weekend.

Keith Niesenbaum, VMD
www.TheVetsChoice.com
www.PetsNeedFood.com

That's What I'm Talking About

Not that I want to gloat, but I would like to follow up on my last post about following recommendations of people that may not know what they are talking about.

I saw a dog last week as a second opinion. It was one of those cases where the first opinion wasn't wrong, the people just had a sick dog and wanted someone else to have a look at it. As a matter of fact, while I was having a look at it the first opinion veterinarian called the owner on their cell phone and actually suggested that they do a test that turned out to be the absolute correct test to do, but I jump ahead.

These nice people own a nice dog that went to their regular veterinarian because it wasn't feeling well. Turns out it wasn't feeling well because it was in liver failure. The vet diagnosed this and told them the dog had hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) Their friends said that if this dog is so sick you need to take him to see Niesenbaum (bless their souls). I examined the dog, and the blood tests the other vet had done, and looked at the x rays the other vet had taken. I also noticed a large bruise on the dog's chest. I suggested that we repeat the blood tests since things seemed to be getting worse. I added a clotting profile and a leptospirosis titer. (Link to previous post that I mentioned) First vet called and suggested we do a lepto titer (see above line). The blood count showed almost no platelets. An ultrasound showed mild to moderate liver disease and the rest of the clotting profile and the lepto titer were pending.

I started treating for the low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) and put the dog on antibiotics that would cover the possibility of leptospirosis. The dog stabilized and there was no more bruising. Guess what?? The lepto titer came back today and it was positive.

So all you pet owners that live in areas where your veterinarian tells you that there is a risk of catching leptospirosis VACCINATE YOUR DOGS! This dog almost died. It is not out of the woods yet. It exposed the staff at the previous vet hospital as well as my staff, and the family that owns this pet to a potentially dangerous disease.

Boo hoo, if it had been vaccinated it might, I mean might, have had a reaction. Most likely not and if it did, most likely very mild. It would have saved the owners thousands of dollars between the two hospitalizations. It would have kept dozens of people from getting exposed to a zoonotic disease. It would have prevented me from ranting about this topic twice in a week.

Keith Niesenbaum, VMD
http://www.thevetschoice.com/
www.CrawfordDogandCatHospital.com