Rex's Gift of Life

Labradors are known to be loyal and affectionate dogs and Rex is no different. The only thing that's extra-special about Rex is that he has saved a life through donating blood. When Little Joe, a young mongrel who was rescued from the industrial sites, was diagnosed with tick fever and needed a blood transfusion, Rex became an instant hero. Rex's blood type matched that of Little Joe's and it was heartwarming to see Rex being so calm and composed as blood was drawn from him. He somehow knew that the sacrifice of a small amount of blood would help his little friend who needed that essence of life.

Proud Mommy, Stephanie (left), with Rex. Renowned Animal Communicator, Rosina Arquati, presenting
Rex with his award

For that generous act of kindness, Zeus Communications presented Rex with a Blood Donor Award. This award is to thank Rex for his blood donation which saved Little Joe. We hope to see more dog owners stepping forward to allow their pets to share the gift of life with ill and injured dogs who need blood.

Rex's award for his heroic deed

Little Joe, saved by Rex's blood donation

Rex's blood donation was life-giving. Almost all healthy dogs can donate blood. Not only is blood donation a simple and painless procedure, it also saves a precious life. Blood can be replenished by the body's natural system, but once a life is lost, it cannot be restored. A life, be it that of a human or animal, is still a life that needs to be saved. 

Written by our young volunteer, Jo-Ann, 16 yrs old.   

How Often Can My Dog Donate Blood? Does It Hurt?

Animals can safely donate blood every 6 weeks.

A standard blood donation for a dog is 450ml (‘one canine unit’) and this can safely be obtained from a dog that weighs at least 25kg. It is safe for a 25kg dog to donate this amount of blood because it holds this volume of blood in reserve in the spleen. After about 4 weeks, all that blood has been replaced back into the body. After 6 weeks, it is safe for the dog to donate again because the reserve volume has been replaced in the spleen. Smaller amounts may be obtained from smaller dogs.

Donating blood is almost painless, and most dogs don’t seem to mind giving blood at all. In fact, most dogs don't even realise that they are donating blood!

Do Dogs Have Different Blood Types?

Yes. Dogs have blood groups and can be blood-typed, just like humans.

A dog’s blood type is referred to as ‘dog erythrocyte antigens’ (DEA), with a number reference. So far, the recognized blood types in dogs are DEA 1.1, 1.2, 3 through 8. Transfusion from a donor who has never been typed or pregnant or transfused to a recipient, independent of their blood types is generally safe.

Basic blood types include DEA 1:1 negative and DEA 1:1 positive. DEA 1.1 negative dogs are considered universal donors, and their blood can be safely transfused into any other dog (similar to type O in humans). The ideal blood donor is negative to DEA 1:1, 1.2 and 7. But both positive and negative dogs are still eligible to donate. 

Studies have shown that some breeds such as Greyhounds, Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, and American Pitbull Terriers are more likely to be universal donors.

What Does Doggie Blood Donation Involve?

For dogs, the blood donation process takes about 5-10 minutes, but you should plan on spending up to 30-40 minutes at a blood drive. This is what happens during the process:

 

Dogs will first receive a physical examination and health history will be taken.

A large accessible vein is needed. This is typically a vein in the neck or, sometimes, the cephalic vein on the front of the foreleg.

The area is clipped and aseptically prepared before insertion of the needle.

The donor is either gently held sitting or lying on his/her side. The needle is gently inserted into the vein until a free flow of blood is obtained.

Collection time is usually about 10 minutes for a full bag and varies from donor to donor.

A small meal is offered (like tea and biscuits for us!) after a donation, as a reward.

After donation, an area of swelling and bruising may be seen where the needle was inserted. This should fade over a few days.

Ideally, you should be present to provide comfort to your dog and keep it calm while it donates. However, most dogs become used to the procedure after a few donations and can be quite calm and relaxed even without their owners around!

After the donation, your dog may want to take it easy, but many are comfortable to get on with their normal routine.

We recommend that you do not engage your dog in strenuous activity for the next two days following blood donation.

Most dogs are able to sit still for the 10-minute donation with no problem, especially after they donate a few times and become used to the procedure. You should be present at every donation to help keep your dog calm and still while it donates. Once at home, your dog may want to take it easy, but many will get on with their normal routine.

Why Should My Dog Donate Blood?

Human blood donors probably save millions of lives each year. They give life-saving blood anonymously to people they will probably never know. Dogs can do the same thing.

All too often, just like people, injured or sick animals require blood transfusions as part of their treatment. In many cases, blood transfusions can save a pet's life. The most common use of transfusions is for blood loss, but the amount used for the treatment of critical illnesses such as cancer treatments has also increased. Without the participation of canine blood donors, animals in need might not be able to receive critical transfusions in time, and veterinary surgeons cannot perform important and lifesaving operations.

Reasons why dogs may need blood include:

·       Traumatic injuries

·       Exposure to rat poison which causes excessive bleeding

·       Surgical blood loss

·       Bone marrow problems

·       Immune-mediated blood problems

·       Congenital clotting disorders, including von Willebrand's disease

As dogs become more and more a part of the family, there is an increasing and growing demand for transfusion therapy to treat many diseases and injuries. With this comes the demand for blood products. Before the current rise in blood banks around the world, veterinarians utilized their own pups and client family pups to help with the need. This is the need that is now being filled by canine blood banks.

Owners should take their dogs to donate blood so that their blood will help other dogs in need. One donation can help as many as four dogs! Owners should realise that animals need transfusions for the same reasons that humans do. Healthy donors are needed to give blood to the many pets that need transfusions.

Many owners may not be willing to donate their dogs’ blood, due to a lack of education on what the donation process involves. Dog blood donation is actually a very special program and is also a wonderful way for you and your companion to help others in their time of need. Besides the pride and personal knowledge that you have made it possible for your dog to save the lives of other dogs, another perk will be knowing that blood will always be available for your dog, should he or she ever need a transfusion. Read on, and find out how easy it is for your canine companion to save a fellow dog’s life today!

Doggy Blood Donor Form

Canine Distemper

What it is Canine Distemper?

Canine distemper is one of the most significant and contagious viral diseases in dogs. It targets multiple organ systems at once, and the result could be fatal.

Symptoms

Canine distemper may sometimes be confused with other diseases, as its symptoms are quite common.

Fever and sudden spikes in temperature may occur 3 to 6 days after infection. Other symptoms start showing 14 to 18 days after infection. Physical symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, and difficulty in breathing. Behavioural changes include lethargy, weakness, and depression. Brain dysfunction could also manifest as muscle twitch, especially around the mouth and legs. Severe cases could also result in seizures and paralysis. An easy to spot symptom of canine distemper, especially in older dogs, would be the hardening of the skin on the footpads and the nose. This disease could also result in sudden death.

How it spreads?

The virus is extremely contagious, and spreads through contact with bodily fluids. This includes airborne droplets, such as sprays of saliva from a sneeze or cough. Other bodily fluids responsible for spreading this virus include mucus from the nose and eyes, feces and urine. Infected bodily fluids can also contaminate food and water, and spread the virus in this way.

Who it affects?

Dogs of all ages can be affected by canine distemper, but puppies between 3 to 6 months old are the most susceptible to this disease, as their immune systems are not fully developed.

Vaccination and Prevention

Vaccinations against canine distemper may be given to puppies as young as 6 weeks. Re-vaccinations may also be given occasionally, sometimes yearly. To prevent the virus spreading, infected dogs should be quarantined. There is no direct treatment for canine distemper, so this is definitely a case of prevention being better than cure!

Scabies in Dogs

Scabies in Dogs   [Sarcoptic mange; “the itch”]

Scabies is caused by a mite called Sarcoptes scabei, which burrows superficially in the skin.  It causes intense itching, inflammation of the skin, progressive hair loss and secondary infections of the skin.

Photo of scabies mite Sarcoptes scabei seen under a microscope

Scabies is contagious, and can be spread, for example, when a dog comes into direct contact with an affected dog, or by contaminated things such as clothes, bedding etc.

Scabies under a microscope

Historically, treatments mainly consisted of repeated dips and/or other topical treatments containing chemicals such as sulphur or insecticides/acaricides which kill the mites,  used at concentrations which do not poison the dog if used correctly.  In the past few decades, ivermection has been available to veterinary surgeons and a course of subcutaneous injections of ivermectin is sometimes used to treat scabies in dogs. In most countries, ivermectin injection is not licensed for use in dogs, and in general cannot be used in collies or certain other breeds or individuals.  More recently, a topical spot-on formulation of selamectin for use on dogs has become available to veterinary surgeons; this is sold under the registered trade name of Revolution and must be applied according to the instructions.

Puppy with scabies



Summary Notes:  Scabies in Dogs

 

Clinical signs in affected dogs: Intense itching, rash, reddened, crusty skin, and hair loss typically affecting the ear flaps, elbows, ventral abdomen and chest, and legs. If left untreated it can affect the whole dog.

Diagnosis is by demonstration of mites on skin scraping. However, negative scrapings are common in dogs with scabies. Multiple scrapings may be needed, and scabies may be suspected in any dog with characteristic clinical signs even in the absence of a positive scraping. 



Transmission between dogs: Close contact with affected  animals or environment. 



Stray puppy with mange

 Transmission to humans: Close contact with infected dogs.

Clinical signs in humans: Itchy, raised rash (papules, pustules or
 crusts) in pet-contact areas of skin, usually arms, legs, abdomen or chest. Skin scrapings in humans are frequently negative, so it is important to tell heath care providers about suggestive history. Usually self-limiting.



Prevention of sarcoptic mange: Affected animals and  same-species animals that have been in direct contact may be given appropriate treatment.  Current treatments include a course of ivermectin injections [ivermectin injection is not licensed for use in dogs and cannot be used in all breeds],  or topical spot-on selamectin (Revolution®), at appropriate doses. Other treatments include various dips, sprays, etc to kill mites.  The mites do not usually survive for more than a few days under normal indoor conditions, but survival may be increased in cool and humid conditions. In cases involving multiple affected animals or where scabies recurs, treatment of contaminated areas with an environmental flea control product may be considered.



This article gives general information only, and any suspected or affected animal should be examined and treated by a veterinary surgeon.

Parvovirus

What is it

Parvovirus is an often-fatal viral disease. If not treated immediately, it will almost always lead to death. There are two main types of infections – cardiac (heart-related) and intestinal. It is possible for a dog to contract both infections at once. Cardiac infections cause breathing problems and heart failure, while intestinal infections attack the lining of the digestive system. This makes the dog unable to absorb nutrients or liquids. If not treated immediately, parvovirus will lead to dehydration, shock, and death.

Symptoms

Generally, dogs start displaying symptoms 7 to 10 days after infection.

Cardiac infection symptoms are breathing difficulties, followed by heart failure.

Early symptoms of intestinal infection are:

·       high fever

·       lethargy

·       depression

·       loss of appetite

Advanced symptoms are:

·         vomiting

·         severe, bloody diarrhoea. The diarrhoea is foul-smelling and may be yellowish in colour.

How it spreads

Parvovirus is highly contagious, and spreads through direct or indirect contact of feces. This includes oral contact with infected soil, or even infected objects such as rags and toys. It is also possible for other animals (such as birds or even humans) to come into contact with infected objects and pass the virus on. Pregnant dogs may also spread the infection to unborn puppies, even if they do not display the symptoms themselves.

Who it affects

Dogs of all ages can contract parvovirus, but puppies are especially susceptible. Dogs that have contracted parvovirus in the past are more likely to contract the disease again.

Vaccinations and prevention

Colostrum (milk produced by the mother immediately after giving birth) carries antibodies that help nursing puppies fight off diseases. However, puppies may not take in enough antibodies to be able to effectively ward off parvovirus. Therefore, it is important to vaccinate your dog against this disease.

It is important to note that it can be difficult to successfully vaccinate a puppy, since lingering antibodies from the colostrum could prevent an effective response against the vaccine. You will therefore need to give your puppy a series of vaccinations over a period of time, usually every 3 to 4 weeks when your puppy is between 6 to 20 weeks of age, or as recommended by your veterinarian.

Bleach is effective in killing parvovirus. A mixture of chlorine bleach and water (1 part bleach, 30 parts water) may be used to disinfect areas and objects that may be contaminated.

The ABCs of Tick Fever in Dogs

Tick fever, or tracker dog disease, is the common name for the disease, erhlichiosis. Tick fever affects dogs and in rare instances, humans. German shepherds and Doberman pinschers tend to be affected more severely by the disease. 

Tick fever is caused by bacteria carried by the brown dog tick, which passes the ehrlichia organism into a dog’s bloodstream when it bites. 

Red dog ticks

What are the Symptoms?

There are three stages of tick fever, each varying in severity:

1. The first (or acute) stage can lead to fever and blood disorders, which involve sudden nosebleeds or blood in the stool. An infected dog may also have trouble breathing, noticeably swollen lymph glands and coordination problems. Watch out for trembling and shivering, as well as dark-coloured urine and pale gums. Depending on the severity of infection, the dog will refuse food and be reluctant to leave his bed. This stage can happen anywhere from eight to 20 days after the tick has bitten the dog, and could last for up to a month. It is possible for a dog to be cured during this phase.

2. The second stage (or the subclinical phase) can last anything from two weeks up to five years if the tick fever eventually progresses to the chronic stage. This stage has no outward signs. Only blood tests can tell that the dog is still infected, as these blood tests will show if the bacteria are lingering in the dog's bloodstream. 

3. Unfortunately, the infected dog's immune system may be unable to eliminate the bacteria. The third and most serious stage of infection, the chronic phase, will then commence. The signs are similar to the initial symptoms, but come on far more severely. As compared to a nosebleed, the dog may bleed out of the nose or eyes. There is a danger of bleeding in the kidneys or bowels as well. The infected dog could also suffer from lameness, anaemia, and neurological disorders. Additional symptoms include ocular pain (uveitis), corneal oedema ("blue" eyes), retinal haemorrhages and detachment with blindness. Tick fever at this stage can be fatal, and a dog can die in a matter of days when chronic symptoms start.

What are the Remedies?

A definite diagnosis of tick fever can be difficult, since blood smears (taken from the ear or a toe) may not always show the parasite. As rapid treatment is the key to success, subject to the vets’ assessment, they may treat regardless of whether the parasite is found.

Treatment consists of antibiotics to kill the parasite. Vets may prescribe supportive therapy such as a drip or anti-vomiting drugs to supplement the treatment. There may also be other problems that need to be corrected such as anaemia or low platelet count (treated via blood or plasma transfusions) and breathing difficulties (treated via oxygen therapy). Other than that, lots of tender loving care to persuade your dog to recover is the most valuable medicine.

How to Prevent Tick Fever?

The only way to prevent tick fever is to ensure that your dog does not get bitten in the first place. This is accomplished by using anti-tick products that will repel or kill ticks. Such products include spot-on applications and anti-tick collars. Do also conduct rigorous checks on your dog after it has frolicked in the woods or high grass to be sure that ticks are not on its coat or body, and use anti-tick washes or shampoos as well. Focus on the armpits, groin, belly and in between toes. 

Heartworm Disease

HHHeartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is a parasitic filarial worm that lives in the right side of the heart and adjacent blood vessels of infected dogs and (to a lesser extent) cats.

The disease is transmitted to mosquitoes and it is important to know that this parasite does occur in Singapore.

The adult worms can live for several years in the host and can block and damage the heart and blood vessels going to the lungs.

When the adult worms mature at about 6 months old, they produce live offspring called microfilariae – these small wriggly worms can be seen in the blood of infected dogs under the microscope.

The microfilariae are then transmitted via mosquitoes to another dog where they mature and migrate to the heart.

Dogs that are infected with heartworm disease show signs such as weight loss, anorexia, coughing, breathing problems and exercise intolerance depending on the severity of the infection. If left untreated, they eventually develop congestive heart failure and die.

Heartworm disease is more of a problem in certain districts in Singapore. We have observed that the areas more prone to this disease are: Katong, Changi, Bukit Timah, Woodlands, Yio Chu Kang, Seletar, Sembawang, Thomson and Upper Thomson next to the nature reserves.

Dogs living in landed properties are also more at risk. This ties in with greater incidence of mosquitoes around these residences. Furthermore, these dogs are more likely to be living outdoors.

Fortunately, heartworm disease is preventable. It is administered either with monthly oral tablets / chewables, or monthly topical solutions, or with an annual injection. It is recommended that puppies start on heartworm prevention from 4-6 months of age. Dogs above 6 months old require a blood test to ensure that they are disease free prior to starting on prevention. It can be dangerous to give prevention to an already infected dog.

Heartworm Test Kit

To test for heartworms, a small blood sample is collected and an ELISA test kit is performed for adult heartworms (above) and a small drop of blood is visualised under the microscope for juvenile heartworms (called microfilriae).

The dark blue spot on top is the control dot (to indicate that the test is performed correctly). The faint blue spot below on the right hand side indicates this dog is positive for adult heartworms.

In the instance that heartworm disease is detected, your veterinarian will be able to discuss with you the treatment options.

To Note:

-          Intestinal deworm tablets such as “all-wormers” do not prevent or treat heartworms.

-          Mosquitoes are required to spread the heartworm disease; therefore the dog does  
           not need to be directly in contact with other dogs to be infected.

By Dr Ang Yilin for Mount Pleasant Animal Medical Centre

Canine Vaccinations

CCGetting the right vaccinations for your dog is easy when you know how. Unfortunately, not all dog owners do. There are many myths and misconceptions regarding vaccinations, and this article will help dispel some of them.

Why vaccinate?

Singapore law requires all imported dogs be vaccinated. However, it is always a good idea to vaccinate your dog, imported or not. Like they say, "better safe than sorry". Getting your dog the right vaccinations could prevent illnesses that could lead to death.

How do vaccinations work?

Pet vaccinations work the same way as human vaccinations. A shot containing a tiny sample of a virus is given to your dog, which stimulates the immune system to create antibodies that combat the virus. For a period of time (called the immunity period), your dog’s immune system will then be able to recognize the virus if exposed to it, and produce the necessary antibodies to prevent your dog from falling sick.

Types of vaccines

There are 2 groups of vaccines: core and noncore. Every dog should receive core vaccines. Noncore vaccines, however, may not be necessary. Whether your dog needs a noncore vaccine depends on several factors, including age, breed and health status. Below is a list of common core and noncore vaccines.

Core vaccines:

- Distemper

- Canine Adenovirus-2 (hepatitis and respiratory disease)

- Canine Parvovirus-2

Noncore vaccines:

- Leptospirosis

- Canine Parainfluenza ("kennel cough")

- Bordetella Bronchiseptica ("kennel cough")

There are also 2 different types of vaccines against the same disease, modified live vaccines (MLVs) which are genetically modified living viruses, and killed viruses (inactive vaccines). MLVs take effect more quickly than killed vaccines, and provide immunity for a longer period. However, they are not suitable for pregnant or sick dogs. Killed vaccines are more stable, but require several shots to be effective and are more likely to cause side effects like fever, hives, facial swelling or vomiting and diarrhea. Before making a decision, ask your vet about the suitability of each type of vaccine for your dog.

Frequency of vaccinations & boosters

Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to bring your dog for booster shots or re-vaccinations annually. The length of immunity provided by each vaccine varies, and it is very important to pay attention to each vaccine's effective period. Draw up a chart for your dog's vaccination schedule to help you keep track of when you need to bring your dog for re-vaccination. Bringing your dog for vaccinations too frequently could harm your dog's health and immune system.

The AVA of Singapore does not have a recommended vaccination schedule.