Common Plants Toxic to Horses

For our clients that have horses, here is some information from the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association about commonly found plants that are toxic to horses.

https://oregonvma.org/care-health/equine/10-plants-toxic-horses

Poisonous Plants

Now that spring has finally arrived in Oregon here is a link to an article about common poisonous plants from the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association.

https://oregonvma.org/care-health/safety/poisonous-plants

Meet Billy

We sat down for an interview with SPVC's foster cat, Billy.

Name: Billy

Age:  Unknown.  Billy was brought to SPVC by a good Samaritan for treatment for an injured toe. We have treated his injury, neutered, and vaccinated him.

Health Info:  Billy is FIV positive.  He cannot live outside and is looking for a home without other cats or with other cats that are also FIV positive. 
Best Feature:  Billy is super sweet and has beautiful green eyes.

Favorite food:  Any wet food but he likes dry food too.  Really he just likes to eat.

Favorite past time:  Sleeping

Arch Enemy:  Dogs

Favorite color: Green

Favorite thing: His napping chair

Least favorite things:  Living outside

Hope you enjoyed getting to know Billy.  Please feel free to stop by and visit with him anytime!

Is your cat urinating outside of the litter box?

If your cat has recently started urinating outside of the litter box then it is always a good idea to schedule an exam to rule out any medical reasons.  Here is a link to additional information about house-soiling:
https://oregonvma.org/care-health/cat-behavior-house-soiling


Photo from: http://www.bandofcats.com

Travel Tips

Now that the weather is improving many of us are heading out on trips with our pets.  Here is some information from OVMA to help you prepare for your journey:

https://oregonvma.org/care-health/trip-tips

Concerns About Feeding Bones

Often pet owner's ask about giving bones to their dogs.  It is important to be aware of the safety concerns regarding this practice and once aware it is easier to understand why this practice is discouraged.  Some concerns include GI tract obstructions, fractured teeth, mouth/jaw injuries, and death due to complications associated with obstructions.

For a more comprehensive article check out this link:
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm208365.htm



Obstruction due to bone.
(Photo from: http://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/diseases-conditions-of-dogs/stomach-intestine-liver-or-pancreas/endoscopy-to-remove-foreign-objects-in-dogs)


References:
FDA Consumer Updates
Parr JM, Remillard RL. Handling alternative dietary requests from pet owners. In: Vet Clin Small Anim 44 (2014) 667-688.

Raw Pet Food Diets

Often clients ask about raw food diets and assume that they are a better choice for pets.  However, it is important to realize that raw diets often contain large quantities of bacteria and may be contaminated with salmonella, listeria, parasites, and protozoa.  This can be health hazard for your pet and for you when handling the diet.  Another large concern with these diets is nutritional adequacy as they may or may not be nutritionally balanced.

Check out the FDA's website below for a very good explanation of some of the concerns when using raw food diets, especially the concerns of salmonella and listeria contamination.


References

Chandler ML, Takashima G. 2014. Nutritional concepts for the veterinary practitioner. In Vet Clin Small Anim 44 p 645-666.

Get the Facts! Raw Pet Food Diets can be Dangerous to You and Your Pet

<http://www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/resourcesforyou/animalhealthliteracy/ucm373757.htm>