Pyometra: Life Threatening!

Above: ENLARGED, PUS-FILLED

ABSCESSED UTERUS

What is the biggest reason to spay and

neuter your pet? Pyometra! This is a life-

threatening infection of the uterus in intact cats

and dogs. Pyometra is caused by the introduction

of bacteria into the reproductive tract which has

been repeatedly stimulated by sex hormones

during reproductive heat cycles . Eventually, tissue

engorgement becomes excessive or persistent and

the uterus is ripe for infection. Once bacteria are

introduced, the uterus becomes infected, fills with

PERSPECTIVES

In Pet Health

JUNE 2019

Volume IV Issue 6

Cannabis Poisonings

on the RISE

Quote of the Month

June SPECIAL —

Anxiety Help

2

2

2

May’s STARS: Staff

and Daycare Dog

3

On the Lighter Side

Recognizing Uterine

Infection

3

3

5

Inside this issue:

June Pet Health

Observances:

Adopt a Shelter Cat

Month

Nat’l Microchipping

Month

June 2-8 Pet Apprecia-

tion Week

June 16-22 Animal

Rights Awareness Wk

June 17-22 Take Your

Pet to Work Week

June 4 International

Hug Your Cat Day

June 9 World Pet

Memorial Day

Managing Noise Anxiety

pus, and is distended, sometimes to the point

of rupture. Toxins and bacteria leak through

the uterine wall and into the bloodstream caus-

ing serious illness. Death occurs if the pyom-

etra is not diagnosed and treated quickly.

Pyometra is most common in older females

who have experienced many hormonal cycles.

Pyometra is just as serious in cats as in

dogs. It is important to know that female cats

rarely appear sick until late stages of the

disease.— a fact that often leads to fatal delays

in diagnosis. Diagnosis of pyometra is usually

made with blood work, x-ray, and/or ultra-

sound. Treatment consists of surgical removal

of the uterus and ovaries. Antibiotics are

administered. Because the pyometra animal is

at high risk and the surgery is complicated, the

cost is 5-10 times that of a routine spay. An

alternative treatment may be attempted for

dogs with great breeding value. The uterus

after pyometra is damaged, however, and

(Continue on Page 3)

Summer brings with it thunderstorms, fire-

works, celebrations, and other assorted outside

noises. Both dogs and cats may become anxious

with loud noises and try desperately to get away

or hide.

They may become destructive—scratching,

chewing, or shredding furniture or whatever

else is available. They may pace, pant, hyper-

ventilate, tremble, bark, howl, whine, soil the

carpet, or even have vomiting or diarrhea.

There is no survival advantage to animals

who panic in response to things that are not

truly dangerous. In fact, animals who

experience true panic attacks may injure

themselves! For instance, they might jump

out a window or run into traffic.

Noise phobia can develop in any age pet.

There may even be a genetic predisposition

to this condition. Also, illness, pain, or

itching may lower a pet’s tolerance for

(Continue on Page 2)

Pet Cannabis Poisonings on the Rise While we are witnessing

the debate over legalizing

marijuana, we are also noting

an increased incidence of

marijuana toxicity in pets.

At City Line, we don’t ask

questions about personal

marijuana use, but rather we do ask for accurate information about

what exposure your pet may have had to cannabis when you bring

an animal to our clinic with toxicity symptoms. These include a

staggering gait, hypersensitivity to sound and movement, urinary

incontinence, dilated pupils or glossy eyes, low blood pressure, or

low heart rate. Significantly low heart rate or blood pressure can

be fatal.

The ASPCA’s Hotline has received a 765% increase in

marijuana poisoning calls over the last 10 years. Increased

availability, decreased stigma surrounding the drug, and increasingly

potent and inviting legal

weed treats are thought

to be contributing

factors.

Dogs are particularly

sensitive to cannabis—

10 times more sensitive

to THC (the psychoactive ingredient) in weed than humans are.

Edible products containing cannabis are not regulated and we’re

unsure of the quantity of THC in these products. That applies also

to the CBD products growing in popularity. CBD (cannabidiol) is

the plant’s other major cannabinoid. While CBD has therapeutic

promise, little research on pet response is available so its use is not

generally recommended by veterinarians. Also, many CBD

products are NOT without some THC. REMINDER: Keep pot

WELL out of reach! People get high; pets get poisoned!!

(Continued from Page 1)

loud noises. Sometimes a pet will have had

an extremely frightening experience and

subsequently develop a noise phobia.

Whatever the origin, noise phobia is

problematic and should be discussed with

your veterinarian. There are several

behavioral techniques that may work in

some situations. There are also

non-sedating treatments that can be helpful.

Tranquilizers are typically reserved for

more severe cases.

June is CALMING MONTH at City

Line. There will be a 20% discount on

Sileo (an oral gel) and Composure

(bite-sized chews), two FDA approved

treatments that promote a relaxed state

without reducing energy levels or causing

drowsiness. Delaying treatment of

noise phobia may result in additional

fears and heightened anxiety. Let

us help you prepare well before July

4th! No appointment necessary!

Quote of the Month

Volume IV Issue 6 Perspectives Page 2

I believe in animal rights, and high among them is

the right to the gentle stroke of a human hand.

Robert Brault, Author, Operatic Tenor

JUNE SPECIAL— Anxiety Help

Stars for May Vet Tech AMY HOURIGAN

Recognizing Uterine Infection

On the Lighter Side

Volume IV Issue 6 Perspectives

Page 3

ELVIS Daycare Dog of the Month

Receptionist

KELLY PEARSON

Cat Day at the Beach!

Kennel Attendant

HALIE CARMAN

(Continued from Page 1)

successful breeding may not be possible.

When you have an intact female pet, it is

important to be on the alert for any signs of

pyometra (especially several weeks after its

heat cycle). Symptoms include: appetite

loss, low energy or depression, excessive

thirst or urination, a bloated abdomen,

vomiting, a bad odor from the hind end,

pus dripping from the vulva, fever, or signs

of shock (fast heart rate, collapse). Any of

these should be reported promptly to your

vet. Pyometra is a veterinary

emergency.

Spaying and neutering before the

first heat cycle is the best prevention

for pyometra. You will not only avoid the

risk of pyometra and severe damage to your

wallet, you’ll help reduce pet overpopulation as

well. SPAY and NEUTER please!