Recently, we've had numerous calls and many conversations with concerned clients and pet parents regarding the news reports about the "dangers" of oral flea/tick products and in some cases labeling it as a "recall" from the FDA.  We want to provide you with accurate information to help you make an informed decision on which products are best for your pets.
          We have been recommending Nexgard and approving requests for other oral flea/tick products from online sources for several years. We've had many clients enjoy the ease of giving these medications without the hassle and mess of using a topical product. As a practice, we have yet to  diagnose any pet as having an adverse neurologic reaction to these oral products when used as prescribed or directed. We have had a few reports of gastrointestinal upset especially when coupled with other preventatives and oral medications. In those cases, we've always advised separating the oral medications by a few days or weeks. These recommendations usually solve the aliments, but in the rare case that these symptoms continue we discuss alternatives with those owners. We also partner with the local emergency clinics and also have yet to see a report from them on our patients who have been either referred or visited on an emergency case of neurologic signs that could be determined to be the result of these products in use as directed. With that being said, with any oral medications; pesticides in particular, there is always a potential for an adverse reaction, especially if not given or used as directed. This same caution applies to topical products when not used as recommended by a veterinarian or product labeling. 
           We rely on you as pet parents, to keep us informed of any changes in your pets behavior or health and we can then discuss what options we have to help diagnose and treat them. So, please continue to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your pets. 
         Here is the actual report from the FDA regarding these products. Labeling of these products will likely change and we will be sure to inform you of the changes as they come to us. Until then, we will continue to prescribe these products if you wish to continue using them and they cause no negative reactions with your pets. If there is a recall on any product, we will update you with that information as well. 

 
Fear Free Veterinary Care Now Available for Mt. Juliet Pets
 
Can you imagine telling your dog, “Let’s go to the vet!” and seeing her tail wag? How about getting out your cat’s carrier and seeing him come running?
 
Local pet owners won’t need to imagine it if they visit Blue Oasis Pet Hospital in Mt. Juliet. That’s because the entire staff are part of a new initiative sweeping veterinary medicine designed to ease the stress, fear, and anxiety so many pets experience while at the veterinarian.
 
Known as Fear Free, the training and certification program helps veterinarians modify their procedures, handling, and facilities to help pets feel safe and comfortable while receiving the medical care they need.
 
“We wish to serve our patients and clients in a calm, low stress environment as we deliver the medical care needed by our patients. We want pets and clients feel calm and happy to come visit and stay with us at Blue Oasis Pet Hospital.”  -Noel Lucas,DVM
 
Founded by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, the Fear Free training program was developed by board-certified veterinary behaviorists, veterinary technician behavior specialists, board-certified veterinary anesthetists, well-known veterinary practice management experts, and boarded veterinary practitioners experienced in Fear Free methods.
 
 “Providing veterinarians with the tools they need to ease this burden of fear and anxiety or our patients is the pinnacle of my 37-year veterinary career,” said Dr. Becker, who was dubbed “America’s Veterinarian” by Dr. Oz and appeared on “Good Morning America” for 17 years. “Veterinary professionals are hungry for this information. Animals and their humans need and deserve it. And now it’s here!”
 
To become certified, veterinarians and veterinary staff are required to complete a comprehensive, 8-part educational course and exam. They also have to take continuing education to remain certified.
 
About Fear Free
 
Developed by “America’s Veterinarian,” Dr. Marty Becker, the Fear Free initiative aims to “take the ‘pet’ out of ‘petrified’” and get pets back for veterinary visits by promoting considerate approach and gentle control techniques used in calming environments. Utilization of Fear Free methods and protocols leads to reduction or removal of anxiety triggers, which creates an experience that is rewarding and safer for all involved including pets, their owners, and veterinary health care teams. Learn more at www.fearfreepets.com.
 
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​Holiday Feasts

        The most common holiday related hazard for pets is all the extra holiday foods they ingest.  From fatty mashed potatoes and gravy, to rich casseroles with cream and butter, to chocolate desserts and candies, pets are either being offered or perhaps stealing some of these stomach upsetting foods. However, pets are not supposed to eat these fatty foods as they are the most likely to cause vomiting and/or diarrhea.  A more advanced disease can develop from an inflamed pancreas called pancreatitis. Most pet owners know that chocolate is toxic to pets, but some don't know that the darker the chocolate the more toxic it is. Do not give the family dog the bone from a ham because the bone can lodge in the mouth and around the teeth or in the esophagus and/or intestines. Bones can also fracture teeth. The cost of an upset stomach, a GI foreign body, or fractured tooth can range from a couple hundred dollars to several thousands of dollars depending on the severity of the disease. So ask family members and guests to kindly not give the family pets holiday foods and scrape the plates in the trash not in the dog bowl.

Decorations and gift wrap

       Holiday decorations and gift wrapping are essential to making memories and celebrating the season. The more the better! However, decorations that are low on the tree especially glass ornament balls and tinsel can be irresistible to cats. Electrical cords are also fun for some puppies and cats to chew on. While wrapping gifts, cats often like to play with the ribbons that they sometimes ingest. All sorts of decorations can be ingested by unsupervised pets and can get lodged in various parts of the stomach/intestines. Just think about the placement of some of these decorations so your furry friend does not try to redecorate for you and get hurt.

Travel

       Many families will be traveling with their family pet this holiday season or going to visit families with pets. Family pets have a high incidence over the holidays of being lost due to fleeing from unfamiliar people or surroundings. Before greeting guests, take extra care to place a fearful or anxious pet into a quiet room in the house. While traveling, make sure to secure pets in carriers or pet safety belts. Ensure your pet is microchipped and you have updated the database to the microchip especially if have moved in the past 6-12 months. One last thing that will delay a trip, if you are traveling with a family pet on an airplane, make sure you find out if you need a health certificate. Health certificates can be obtained from veterinarians for a small fee and usually are only valid for up to 10 to 30 days prior to the travel date.

Have a safe and healthy holiday with your pets!

Noël Lucas

Canine Influenza: What is it? 

      Canine influenza (CIV or dog flu) is caused by the canine influenza virus. It is highly contagious and easily spread from infected dogs to other dogs by direct contact, nasal secretions (through barking, coughing or sneezing), contaminated objects (kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes), and by people moving between infected and uninfected dogs. Dogs of any breed, age, sex or health status are at risk of infection when exposed to the virus.
 
Currently, two strains of CIV have been identified in the U.S.
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      Canine H3N8 influenza was first identified in Florida in 2004 in racing greyhounds. It is thought this strain developed from an equine H3N8 influenza strain that jumped from horses to dogs. Since being detected in 2004, canine H3N8 influenza has been identified in dogs in most U.S. states and the District of Columbia. 

        Canine H3N2 influenza was first identified in the United States in March 2015 following an outbreak of respiratory illness in dogs in the Chicago area. Prior to this, reports of canine H3N2 influenza virus were restricted to South Korea, China and Thailand. It was initially identified in dogs in Asia in 2006-2007 and likely arose through the direct transfer of an avian influenza virus – possibly from among viruses circulating in live bird markets – to dogs.

         Following the initial diagnosis in Chicago, additional cases of canine H3N2 influenza were reported in a number of states. In early 2016, a group of shelter cats in Indiana were diagnosed with H3N2 canine influenza. It is believed the virus was transmitted to them from infected dogs. 

         In May 2017, canine H3N2 influenza was diagnosed in dogs in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Louisiana, and Illinois. This was the same strain of H3N2 involved in the 2015 outbreak in Chicago.  

       There is no recent evidence that either strain of canine influenza (H3N8, H3N2) can infect humans. Canine influenza can occur year round.

Canine influenza symptoms and diagnosis:
 
    The symptoms of a CIV infection resemble those of canine infectious tracheobronchitis ("kennel cough"). Dogs infected with CIV develop a persistent cough and may develop a thick nasal discharge and fever (often 104-105oF). The most common clinical sign is a cough that persists for 10 to 21 days despite treatment with antibiotics and cough suppressants. Other signs can include lethargy, eye discharge and reduced appetite. Canine influenza infections can cause mild to severe illness in dogs. Some infected dogs may not show any signs of illness, but can still be contagious and able to infect other dogs.

      Some dogs are more severely affected and exhibit clinical signs of pneumonia, such as a high-grade fever (104°F to 106°F) and increased respiratory rate and effort. Thoracic radiography (chest x-rays) may reveal consolidation of lung lobes. Although most dogs recover without incident, deaths due to H3N2 have been reported (less than 10%). Anyone with concerns about their pet’s health, or whose pet is showing symptoms, should contact us.  Laboratory tests are available to diagnose both H3N8 and H3N2 CIV.

Transmission and prevention of canine influenza:

       Dogs infected with CIV are most contagious during the 2-4 day virus incubation period, when they shed the virus in their nasal secretions but do not show signs of illness. The virus is highly contagious and almost all dogs exposed to CIV will become infected. The majority (80%) of infected dogs develop flu-like illness.

        To reduce the spread of CIV, isolate dogs (21-24 days) that are sick or showing signs of a respiratory illness and dogs known to have been exposed to an infected dog. Practice good hygiene and sanitation, including hand washing and thorough cleaning of shared items and kennels. Influenza viruses do not usually survive in the environment beyond 48 hours and are inactivated or killed by commonly used disinfectants, such as bleach (1:30 dilution) solutions.

     Vaccines are available for both the H3N8 and H3N2 strains of canine influenza virus. The CIV vaccination is a "lifestyle" vaccination, recommended for dogs at risk of exposure due to their increased exposure to other dogs – such as boarding, attending social events with dogs present (Dog Shows, Daycare), grooming and visiting dog parks. We can provide you with additional information about the vaccines and whether you should consider vaccinating your dog.  Please call our office with questions or concerns you may have.

Additional Resources:
Key Facts
FAQ  

      According to new survey data released this month, the incidence of heartworm positive cases has increased in the United States. Heartworm positive animals have been found in all 50 states, no state is immune from heartworm or the mosquitos that carry it. Tennessee has been upgraded to be in the top 5 states in the country with number of  reported cases of heartworm.

        The life cycle of the heartworm begins with an infected mosquito bite, if left untreated with prevention, will develop into an adult worm in 3-5 months. These adults cannot be treated with prevention alone, they must be killed with a series of injections which will slowly kill them as they are already in the bloodstream and heart. A pet that is taken off prevention for longer than 2 months is at risk of being exposed.

       Heartworm prevention is the only proven method of protecting your pet from heartworms. Prevention is not expensive in comparison to the risks and cost of treating an actively infected pet. Remembering to give prevention is also no longer a problem thanks to injectable options that are given twice a year, instead of monthly. Monthly oral options are easily given as treats and also deworm for intestinal parasites which can be transmitted to other pets or humans. Topical alternatives also offer the added protection from fleas. Due to our upgraded status, we highly recommend giving 12 months of prevention to every pet, even if you travel to cooler climates during the winter. If you need help finding the type of prevention that is right for your pet and you, please contact us, we would love to help you and your pet find the right option. Heartworm prevention cannot be purchased without a Veterinarians approval. 

It’s time to schedule their yearly checkup today and find out. 

Dental disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats, affecting 78% of dogs and 68% of cats over the age of three. Although most dogs and cats will develop some sort of dental disease, small dog breeds, are more prone to developing periodontal disease than larger breeds. Though, as with people, no one is immune to dental problems.

If your pet has bad breath, it may mean there is a problem with their teeth and gums. This can also contribute to more severe medical conditions. If dental issues are left untreated, you may put your pet at risk for problems in their mouth (periodontitis) or with internal organs (heart disease). The challenge most pet owners face is that even if their pet’s breath smells fine, some dental issues are hard to spot.

Early preventive measures, such as at-home care and in-clinic teeth cleanings will help to reduce the frequency and severity of dental disease later in life. At our hospital, we will perform a comprehensive examination of your pet’s teeth and gums. Just like when you visit your dentist, we use special tools to remove tartar from below the gum line and smooth the surface of each tooth to prevent tartar buildup.
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Keeping your pet healthy from toe to tooth shows the world how much you love them. The best way to keep your pet in tiptop shape is to schedule your pet’s yearly checkup with us. We’re committed to your pet’s well being every step of the way. (Because we love them too!)

The first ever Bark-O-Ween was a huge success!  Some of our costume winners won prizes up to $250 worth of pet care.  So as a fun time, I thought we'd show off some of our clients, and their costumes for you to enjoy.  Certainly, a good time was had by all, and the pupcakes were delicious.  So in a few weeks, when you take your pet to the Blue Oasis Pet Hospital, stop by and get some pupcakes from the Three Dog Bakery, which opens up in just a few weeks right behind the hospital.