"Rescued kitten in Princeton, NJ" by Dr. Ross

Daisy was a starving, dirty, and scared kitten seeking help. Daisy was finally found by a kind passerby who heard her cries late on a Sunday evening. As Daisy was clearly unwell and close to death, her rescuer called Princeton Animal Hospital after hours and asked for the emergency on-call doctor to come into the hospital and do everything possible to give Daisy the best possible chance of survival. Upon examination Daisy was found to be malnourished, dehydrated, underweight, infested with fleas, intestinal parasites, ringworm, hypothermia, and an upper respiratory infection. She appeared to be approximately 6-8 weeks old, but weighed less than 1 pound which is half of what she should have weighed. Clearly, Daisy was one very sick little kitten. She was given fluids, antibiotics, dewormer medication, a warm air blower to help her body temperature come up to normal, a lime sulfur dip to kill the ringworm and small frequent meals to avoid re-feeding syndrome which can occur after a patient is starved and then given unlimited food. 

Daisy was affected by several “zoonotic” diseases meaning people can potentially be affected by them if precautions such as hand washing do not occur. Ringworm is a fungal infection that is commonly found in the soil and is easily transmitted from animals to people. This is an infection that causes hair loss and thickened dark skin in animals and red circular lesions in people. Anti-fungal topical and/or oral medication is needed to eliminate this infection. Cleaning of the environment is also important to avoid reinfection. Since Daisy was so weak, we decided to start with the topical treatment and planned to add the oral medication once she was a little stronger.

Roundworm is another zoonotic disease that can be transmitted to people. All kittens and puppies are born with roundworm. Roundworms are large 3 to 6 inch long white worms that fill the intestinal tract and can cause poor growth, diarrhea and vomiting. Most kittens become infected with roundworm from the mother's milk. The worms are encysted in the mammary glands and are able to infect the kittens once the mother starts producing milk. Adult cats become infected with roundworm by ingesting infected birds, mice, and other animals. The treatment for roundworm is safe and effective but only treats the adult worms not the immature forms. Therefore, most kittens or cats will need two to three treatments. This will ensure that all of the worms have been eliminated. The roundworm life cycle is approximately 30 days. So, typically 2 doses 2 weeks apart should be enough to kill them all. 

Daisy is now doing amazing and has become a healthy and happy looking kitten. She has tripled her weight and is now able to eat three times daily instead of every 4 hours, her fur is growing back, her cough is resolved and fleas and worms are gone. Daisy will still need multiple dips to ensure the ringworm infection is eliminated. Daisy is now in condition to start her feline “distemper” vaccination series. This will help to ensure she is protected against the common viral infections that cause illness in cats. Kittens should be vaccinated every 3 to 4 weeks starting as early as six weeks until they are 16 weeks old. A single Rabies vaccine should be administered after 12 weeks, but before six months. We look forward to seeing her for these well visits so that we can continue to watch her grow. Daisy is a lucky kitten and without intervention she absolutely would have died.

Remember to always have any new pets examined by a veterinarian to help diagnose and treat any problems early. Princeton Anlmal Hospital we are open Monday through Friday 6 am until 11 pm for appointments and emergencies, Saturday 7am-4pm, and Sunday 8am-4pm. For any emergency outside of the hours listed, a veterinarian is available on call.

(c) 2014 Princeton Animal Hospital All Rights Reserved

Why Dogs Bark and Growl

Does your dog growl or bark when a stranger approaches your house or when something goes bump in the night? If so, you’re not alone.


 Most dogs will vocalize when they are exposed to new or different situations, including strange people or animals entering their territory; being separated from their pack, mother or even your family members; or new or alarming sounds.

Dogs may also bark or growl when they see prey, such as squirrels, and they may bark for attention, food or if they are anxious. Dogs often growl when they are fearful or trying to assert themselves in a situation. If the dog’s fear or assertiveness is alleviated by growling or barking, the dog will learn that his behavior is acceptable and the behavior may become more frequent or severe. Some medical problems may cause growling or barking and older pets experiencing senile changes may have barking problems. Intense and continuous barking may be considered compulsive. Check with your veterinarian to evaluate your pet’s barking or growling problem. Behavior training and drug therapy may be helpful in reducing barking for pets with medical, geriatric and compulsive disorders.

Socializing your puppy can help

 Acclimate your puppy to a variety of different people, environments, situations and noises to help lessen anxiety as your puppy grows. Make sure your puppy spends time alone so that he doesn’t develop separation anxiety while you are away from him. Proper training is essential to preventing behavior problems, such as growling and barking. Ask you veterinarian for more information about puppy training.

Correcting a barking or growling problem

Correcting a barking or growling problem first requires that you have effective management of your dog. Once you have achieved this, you can begin to train your dog to lessen his barking or growling behavior by using rewards for quiet behavior. The reward should be something that the dog really likes such as a favorite treat, tummy rubs, or a favorite toy. Punishment is generally ineffective in correcting barking problems. Too much punishment may even exacerbate the behavior and cause the dog to be fearful or aggressive.

 Begin your training with situations that you can easily control (such as a family member making a noise that causes the dog to bark) before moving on to difficult situations (such as a strange animal in your yard). When your dog barks at the stimuli (for instance, a doorbell ring), immediately interrupt the barking. When the dog is quiet offer the dog a reward for their behavior. Without the reward there is no incentive to remain quiet.Reward your dog when, at your request, he has stopped barking. Only reward the dog when he is quiet and gradually increase the amount of time that the dog needs to be quiet for him to receive a reward.

As the barking or growling problem decreases, make sure to direct your dog to more appropriate behavior, such as play, and the problem should lessen over time. Don't forget to discuss training options with your veterinarian to find the one that will work best for your pet.

Source: http://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/dog_care/behavior/barking_and_growling.aspx

Labor Day Safety Tips for Pets

1. Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals.

 2. Always assign a dog guardian. No matter where you're celebrating, be sure to assign a friend or member of the family to keep an eye on your pooch-especially if you're not in a fenced-in yard or other secure area.

 3. Made in the shade. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water, and make sure they have a shady place to escape the sun.

 4. Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of paws' reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing-or even kidney disease in severe cases.

 5. Keep your pet on his normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pet severe indigestion and diarrhea.

 6. Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingesting any of these items can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression in your pets, and if inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia.

 7. Never leave your dog alone in the car. Traveling with your dog means occasionally you'll make stops in places where he's not permitted. Be sure to rotate dog walking duties between family members, and never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle.

 8. Make a safe splash. Don't leave pets unsupervised around a pool-not all dogs are good swimmers.

 Source: http://www.dogster.com/the-scoop/labor-day-pet-safety-tips

Car Sickness In Pets

Does your dog throw up in the car when you go for rides? He may be experiencing typical motion sickness, just like some people do. Motion sickness usually begins very shortly after starting the car ride. The dog will begin to drool and then vomit. It’s not serious, but certainly not something that we like to clean up! To solve the problem, first try acclimating the dog to car rides. Do this by simply putting him in the car for a few minutes each day without going anywhere. Then try just going down the driveway and back, and the next day going around the block. Gradually build up the distance and time the dog rides in the car. 

 Sometimes this will help to decrease the dog’s anxiety over riding in the car and may help to decrease vomiting. If that doesn't work, there are some over-the-counter medications you can try. The medication will need to be given about an hour before the car ride. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation as to what drug to try and the dosage for your pet.

(Never give any medications to your pet without your veterinarian’s advice!) These drugs are safe, with drowsiness usually the only major side effect. But since your dog isn’t driving the car, that shouldn't be a problem! If over-the-counter drugs don’t work, your veterinarian may be able to suggest another method for curing the car sickness.

Source: http://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/dog_care/general_health/car_sickness.aspx

Hot Weather Tips to Help Your Pet Stay Cool This Summer

Summer means enjoying the weather, and for most, with your pet! Remember to keep your pet healthy this summer by keeping them safe in the summer’s high temperatures.

 Here are just some of the ways you can help ensure your pets have a safe summer:

 Visit the Vet. A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations. Pets should also be given a blood test for heartworm every year in the early spring. The deadly parasite is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, and it is recommended that dogs and cats be on a monthly preventive medication year-round.

 Keep Cool. Dogs and cats can become dehydrated quickly, so give your pets plenty of water when it is hot outdoors. Also make sure your pet has a shady place to escape the sun, and when the temperature is very high, don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt.

 Know the Symptoms. Some symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, seizures, and an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Summertime is the perfect time for a backyard barbeque or party, but remember to keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression, comas, or even death. Similarly, remember that the snacks you serve your friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments.” Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol.

 Water Safety is Pet-friendly. Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool, as not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure pets wear flotation devices while on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset.

 Source: http://www.aspca.org/about-us/press-releases/aspca-offers-hot-weather-safety-tips-help-pets-beat-heat-during-dog-and-cat

Dog Safety Tips for Memorial Day

Like many Americans, you may be planning a festive Memorial Day, complete with barbecue and fireworks. It’s important to remember, fireworks and dogs don't mix.

Unlike people, dogs won’t associate the noise, flashes, and burning smell of pyrotechnics with a celebration. Fireworks will often cause panic and anxiety in dogs. It’s important to remember that dogs panic at the sound of fireworks and flee into the night, often winding up lost, injured, or killed.

1.    Keep your pet indoors at all times, if possible.

2.    Use Pet Friendly Repellent.

3.    Don’t give your pet table food.

Source: http://www.pet360.com/dog/lifestyle/dog-safety-tips-for-memorial-day

Easter Safety for Pets

During the Easter season, it’s important to make sure that your pets are safe. Many popular Easter decorations and themes can be dangerous for our pets, including the ever-popular Easter lilies and the plastic green Easter grass that often fills Easter baskets. 

If you are stuffing Easter baskets this year, we highly recommend avoiding this plastic grass. It can cause extreme problems if it is swallowed by your pet, including intestinal obstruction, and it can be fatal. There are a number of safer options available, including paper Easter grass, which will be a lot safer if your pet gets into it. 

Easter lilies, one of the prettiest springtime flowers available, are unfortunately both appealing and toxic to cats and other pets. We recommend keeping the Easter lily out of your home if you have an adventurous kitty that likes to get into things, as this is the best way to keep them safe.

If you have any concerns about your pet’s safety or have seen them consume something not meant for consumption, please contact us right away. We’ll be happy to answer your questions about this.