Lumps and bumps in the skin, should you be concerned?

The answer is not always, but an examination by your veterinarian is needed to determine this.

As pets grow and get older, they can develop lumps and bumps throughout their body. Although it is more common for older pets to develop skin masses, younger pets can develop them too. On many occasions skin masses are classified as benign. Sometimes, however, they can be malignant and cause problems. The best course of action to determine whether a lump or bump in your pet’s skin is benign or malignant is to have it evaluated by your veterinarian.

More than likely, a fine needle aspirate for cytology evaluation will be recommended to determine if further medical care is needed.A non-invasive technique that can be used to determine whether a skin mass is benign or malignant is a fine needle aspirate. This technique involves obtaining samples from the mass or abnormal tissue using a small needle. The sample obtained is then gently expelled onto a clean glass slide with the help of an empty syringe and examined with a microscope. This technique does not require sedation and can be rapidly performed.

Examples of benign masses in the skin include fatty tumors (also known as lipomas), sebaceous cysts, sebaceous adenomas, warts, skin tags, and benign tumors such as histiocytomas, among others. Unless they are causing a problem for your pet, such as impacting mobility or causing skin irritation, these don’t always require additional medical care and can be closely monitored. 

Examples of malignant masses in the skin include certain types of cancer such as mast cell tumor, carcinoma, melanoma, soft tissue sarcomas, and hemangiosarcoma, among others. Because malignant masses can be locally aggressive and spread to other locations in the body, such as the lymph nodes and the lungs (also known as metastasis) further medical care such as surgery and possibly chemotherapy are usually needed as well.

It is definitely scary to find a lump or bump in your pet’s skin. Having them examined right away will ultimately let you and your veterinarian know the appropriate next steps to take.

Learn more about Pet Cancer Care at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital @

Irene Vazquez, DVM, MS DACVIM (Oncology)

News You Can Use- Bloat!

What is gastric dilation volvulus?

If you have seen the heart wrenching movie “Marley and Me”, you may be more familiar with the disease than you think. In the story, Marley was diagnosed with a condition referred to in the movie as a “stomach twist” which is medically known as gastric dilation volvulus. The movie gave us the notion that it is a very serious disease, but doesn’t really give us much beyond that. Today, we will dive into what happens behind the scenes in the case of GDV.

What is GDV?

Gastric dilation volvulus (GDV) is a life-threatening condition in which the stomach twists on itself and causes distension of the stomach. The stomach can twist anywhere between 90° and 360°. The torsion causes the outflow tract of the stomach (pylorus) and the esophagus (if the twist is greater than 180°) to close, kind of like twisting two ends of a Tootsie Roll. This means gas, solids, and liquids cannot enter or leave the stomach. This causes the stomach to bloat. The gas distended stomach occludes the blood vessels that lead to the heart which prevents proper blood flow and causes the pet to go into shock. If left untreated, GDV can lead to organ failure from lack of oxygen rich blood, heart arrhythmias, stomach rupture, sepsis, and death. Because there are blood vessels that connect the spleen to the stomach, the spleen is sometimes involved in the torsion.

What Causes GDVs

GDV most commonly occurs in large breed, deep chested dogs, such as the Great Dane and the Doberman. It tends to occur when dogs consume large amounts of food or water followed by exercise.

Signs to Watch For

It is assumed a dog experiencing GDV will look bloated. Though many dogs will be visibly bloated, some dogs’ stomachs are tucked up within the rib cage which would hide the bloat. Therefore, it is important to consider GDV if your pet fits the following characteristics and is showing the following signs.

●     Distended abdomen

●     Retching without vomiting 

●     Pain

●     Restlessness

●     Recently consumed a lot of food or water followed by exercise

●     Large breed and deep chested dog 

Diagnosis and Treatment

A confirmatory diagnosis is based on a right lateral (right side of patient on table) abdominal radiograph (x-ray). The radiographs will show a gas distended stomach that takes the shape of a smurf hat or Popeye’s arm.

Treatment

Decompressing the stomach and IV fluid therapy are the most important steps in treating GDV. Passing a stomach tube may be attempted, but if the esophagus is twisted, then passing a tube will not work. In those cases, puncturing the stomach with a needle (trocarization) can relieve the pressure until the surgery can be performed. Once the patient is stabilized, the dog is put under anesthesia for surgery. The stomach is first untwisted so that a stomach tube may be passed to clear the contents of the stomach. Then a procedure, called gastropexy, is performed in which the stomach is tacked to the left side of the body wall to decrease the risk of torsion in the future. 

Prevention

The gastropexy procedure mentioned above can also be performed prophylactically to decrease the risk of stomach torsion in large breed, deep chested dogs. It is actually a common procedure performed in military and police dogs. A gastropexy can be requested to be done at anytime if your pet is an at risk breed. It is often a procedure performed in conjunction with a spay or neuter.

Sometimes, It’s Not GDV

It is possible for dogs to experience bloat without torsion of the stomach in a condition called gastric dilation or simple bloat. This usually occurs in gluttonous dogs who have the tendency to eat too much, too fast. This condition, unlike GDV, is usually not life threatening. However, the pet should be immediately evaluated by a veterinarian because the symptoms are indistinguishable from GDV. As stated previously, radiographs of the abdomen can be taken for a confirmatory diagnosis.

Dr. Jalika Joyner

https://vcahospitals.com/hollywood/primary

News You Can Use- HeatStroke!

Here in sunny south Florida, the summer heat isn’t just generally uncomfortable, it can also be very dangerous for your dog.

Heatstroke (hyperthermia) occurs when the body gets overheated and cannot be cooled by your pet’s normal cooling mechanisms such as panting.

We see heat stroke commonly in our furry friends this time of year. If not treated promptly, this condition can lead to severe sickness, shock, and even death.

So here’s what you need to know!

When does heatstroke occur?

We commonly see heatstroke in the summer when dogs have been outside for long periods of time, often with no access to shade or water. Other high risks for heatstroke include exercising in the summer heat of Florida or leaving pets in vehicles.

What does heatstroke look like?

Signs of heatstroke might include an excessive increase in panting, increased salivation, bright red gums and tongue or pale gums and tongue, and/or weakness and depression. Further signs of vomiting and diarrhea are signs of shock syndrome and indicate that heatstroke has progressed. If treatment is not sought, organ failure and death follow these signs.

I think my pet has heatstroke, now what?

Heatstroke is an emergency situation and your pet should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible!

However, first, you can wet your dog’s paw pads and ears with room temperature water, cover him with a wet towel, and get him in space with a fan or AC. Do not use cold water or ice as the temperature difference can cause more severe shock.

Then, he should be brought to the nearest emergency hospital where he can be monitored and treated for life threatening complications associated with heatstroke such as bleeding disorders and shock.

In instances of heatstroke, the sooner we can intervene, the better the outcome!

Tips to safely enjoy the dog days of summer!

-       Always keep water available if you plan to exercise your furry friend or be outside for long periods of time

-       Try to avoid outside activity during the hottest hours of the day

-       Never leave your pet in a car without air conditioning. A car becomes extremely hot, extremely quickly!

Jenna Cardillo, DVM

https://vcahospitals.com/hollywood/primary/team/jenna-cardillo

News You can use: What you need to know about Kennel Cough?

What is Kennel Cough?

Known by most as Kennel Cough but also goes by Canine infectious respiratory disease complex. This is a group of multiple pathogens which together can cause respiratory disease in dogs. Infection is most commonly seen in dogs which are exposed to areas with large groups of dogs, commonly shelters, kennels, groomers, dog shows, and vet clinics. The disease is very contagious and easily spreads through these areas with lots of dogs. The most common bacteria that play a role in this complex are parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus(CAV-2), Mycoplasma, and Bordetella. The disease can range from mild clinical signs to severe depending on the bacteria involved and the dogs immune system.

How is kennel cough spread?

Kennel cough is spread through respiratory secretions and from objects which have been exposed to these secretions. So that means even if your dog is never playing with another dog who has the virus, if they sit on the same table or play with the same toy they can become infected. The incubation period is 3-7 days which means your dog can be exposed but you don’t see the signs for up to one week.

What do you see?

The most common sign of kennel cough is coughing. The clinical signs vary and are usually split between uncomplicated and complicated cases. Those which are uncomplicated you commonly sick dogs which exhibit a dry cough and sometimes discharge from the eyes or nose. Some animals which fall into the complicated category exhibit moist cough with discharge and also occasionally bronchopneumonia.

 

Diagnosis

Most cases are diagnosed based on the history of being in an area with many dogs, ie kennel, dog park, dog show, etc. Clinical signs the dog is exhibiting are also an important role in diagnosis. In cases which are complicated sometimes blood work, thoracic x-rays, cytology, or PCR panels to look for viruses are used.

Treatment

Most cases which are uncomplicated are told to restrict the dogs exercise mainly then depending on the extent some are prescribed cough suppressants and occasionally antibiotics if bacteria is suspected. Those cases which may have more severe effects like bronchopneumonia may need nebulization, drugs to dilate the airways, antibiotics and restricted exercise. The prognosis when treated is good to excellent.

Prevention

Vaccination is a good way of avoiding kennel cough or decreases the likelihood. Bordetella vaccine given through the nose helps to prevent or decrease clinical signs associated with kennel cough. The vaccination is mandatory for most boarding facilities as well as many large dog shows. There is also an injection form of the vaccine as well as one put into the mouth. Kennel cough can also be prevented by avoiding areas with large groups of dogs and good sanitation in areas with lots of dogs.

Dr. Natalie Savo

https://vcahospitals.com/hollywood/primary/team/natalie-savo

News You Can Use-Leptospirosis: a life threatening disease hiding in urine!

What is leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is formally known as an anaerobic, gram-negative, spirochete bacteria, but more simplistically known as a bad micro-organism that can cause disease in essentially all mammals. Disease is not limited to our domesticated species, especially the dog, but can also be found in many different wild life species and is found throughout the world. The micro-organism particularly likes warm, moist climates and likes to live in stagnant water. As well, depending on where you are in the world, there are many different sub-types of leptospirosis that can all cause disease.

In our domestic animals, it is more commonly associated with disease in dogs than in cats. However, recent research shows that it may play a greater roll in cats than we suspected up to this point. In animals that carry leptospirosis, the pathogen is shed in the urine. In dogs, the most common route of infection is to come in contact either directly with infected urine, or vegetation, dirt, food or water contaminated with urine. The pathogen then penetrates through intact or cut skin, or directly through mucus membranes. Although it can sometimes cause chronic disease, most animals become acutely ill within 10 days.

Not only is leptospirosis a cause of illness in dogs and possibly cats, it can also infect humans! This is a zoonotic disease and special care should be taken with those animals where infection is suspected. Especially to avoid direct contact with the animal’s urine!

What should I look out for?

What does leptospirosis illness look like in your dog? Leptospirosis can affect many different body systems as it spreads through the body via the bloodstream. Depending on the degree of protection the dog has from its immune system, the severity of illness can differ. However, it is important to look out for signs including: fever, stiff muscles, weakness, vomiting, rapid dehydration, lethargy, drinking and peeing more than usual, a new cough or difficulty breathing. The disease is commonly associated with kidney disease, as the pathogen likes to live and reproduce in the kidneys.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of leptospirosis can sometimes be a difficult one, as multiple tests are needed for a definitive diagnosis. Not only does it require that we see if the host body has developed antibodies to the pathogen, it is also important that we try to find the leptospirosis organism itself within bodily organs and tissues. Interpretation of the antibody tests can become difficult in older animals and those who have previously received the vaccine. Therefore, repeated tests are often necessary. To detect to organism in bodily tissues, highly skilled laboratory workers are needed, and even then there is question about the diagnostic quality.  

Treatment

Due to the difficulty diagnosing this infection, immediate treatment is necessary when it is suspected. If infected with acute clinical signs, the disease can be life threatening. Treatment is limited to supportive care and anti-biotic medications, including hydration therapy to help support the kidneys and other affected organs. The focus is to help prevent dehydration, to provide treatment for any other clinical signs such as anti-nausea and liver support medications and to start the patient on strong, effective antibiotics (doxycycline is most commonly used).

How can I prevent it?

As mentioned previously, there are different types of leptospirosis causing disease in different parts of the world. Right now, there is a vaccine against the subtypes Canicola, Icterohemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa, and Pomona as these are most commonly associated with disease. The vaccine is proven to be quite efficacious at helping prevent clinical disease, reduce shedding in the urine, and help prevent invasion of the kidneys. Immunity can last up to 12 months, and so annual repetition of the vaccine is necessary for continued protection. However, it is important to keep in mind that dogs may still become infected with other subtypes even when vaccinated.

Furthermore, extra care can be taken to prevent unvaccinated dogs from being exposed in marshy/muddy areas, ponds, stagnant puddles and to wildlife in general.

Dr. Liske Bruinsma
https://vcahospitals.com/hollywood/primary/team/liske-bruinsma

News You Can Use- Toad Toxicity: The frog you should never kiss!

The frog you should never kiss!

The Bufo toad (Bufo marinus) also known as marine toad, giant toad, or cane toad is commonly found in the south Florida area. These toads are brown to greyish-brown in color with black or white spots. They are often seen at dusk, dawn, and during the night. Bufo toads have glands on the back of their heads, called the parotid glands that secrete a whitish liquid. This secretion is highly toxic to dogs, cats and other animals. This toxin may also cause skin irritation in humans.

Dogs are commonly exposed by biting or licking the Bufo toad. Once exposed the toxin is rapidly absorbed through the mucous membranes (gums), eyes, open wounds, or gastrointestinal tract. The toxin reaches the bloodstream and targets the heart, blood vessels and nervous system.

   

Clinical signs you may see are brick-red mucous membranes (gums), foamy salivation, difficulty breathing, staggering and stumbling, vomiting, convulsions or seizures and irregular heartbeat. There is no antidote for Bufo toad poisoning so immediate treatment is critical.

Immediately rinse out your pet’s mouth with a soaking wet wash cloth several times to remove the toxin from the mouth. Please do not use a hose to rinse the mouth as water can accidentally be inhaled into the lungs leading to aspiration pneumonia, a potentially life –threatening condition. After rinsing your pet’s mouth, proceed to the nearest veterinary clinic or emergency clinic as the toxin acts quickly.  

In hospital treatment may consist of intravenous fluids and medications to counteract the seizure activity and cardiac abnormalities. Depending on the degree of symptoms your pet may have to be hospitalized for several days following exposure.

Possible prevention of Bufo toad poisoning includes walking your pet on a leash during times when toads are commonly seen. Bowls of pet food and water kept outside should be picked up at night as they have the potential to attract toads to the area. 

Dr. Amanda Causey
https://vcahospitals.com/hollywood/primary/team/amanda-causey