Not that malicious poisoning is the issue; most cases are accidental as many gardens with snail problems also have resident dogs. Snail bait is typically formulated in pellets and flavored with molasses or bran to attract snails. Unfortunately, the pellets resemble kibbled dog food and the molasses and bran are also attractive to dogs. Snail baits are also available as liquids and powders that can get onto paws and be licked off in normal grooming. Very little metaldehyde snail bait is required to cause poisoning: less than a teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight.

Many snail bait products also contain insecticides that make them even more toxic. If at all possible, find out what specific product has been involved in the poisoning so that the veterinarian and animal poison control can determine proper treatment.

In a 2002 retrospective study by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 28 percent of all metaldehyde poisoning cases happened in California.

Obvious Twitching

Signs of poisoning begin fairly quickly after the poison is consumed. The dog will begin anxious twitching, at first only slightly and then uncontrollably. This progresses to seizures and potentially to death. The muscle contractions of the twitches raise body temperature so high that brain damage can result, leading to the colloquial emergency room term “shake and bake” syndrome.

Patients can also exhibit racing heart rates, vomiting, diarrhea, and rigidity, and respiratory failure.

A liver failure syndrome occurs in some patients approximately two to three days after poisoning, so it is important for liver enzymes to be monitored by blood tests throughout the recovery period. Additional liver support medicine may be needed.

Making The Diagnosis

Generally, the appearance of a twitching patient is characteristic even if there is no known history of snail bait exposure. Testing of stomach contents or urine for metaldehyde can be done, but is generally not necessary.

Treatment

Twitching can be controlled with methocarbamol (a muscle relaxant) or injectable benzodiazepine sedatives such as diazepam. Fluid therapy and body temperature monitoring will be needed throughout the recovery period.

Potential for complete recovery depends on how much poison was ingested, how quickly therapy was begun, and the general health of the patient. While this is a serious type of poisoning, most patients have a good chance at recovery if treated properly.

At home, the yard should be hosed down with water to dissolve the remaining metaldehyde, and the dog should be restricted from the treated area for a two-week period.

This page is dedicated to Justin, a companion to Saeeda, who did not survive his exposure to metaldehyde. We promised to put up a web page in his honor to help educate dog owners and hopefully save the lives of some snail-bait poisoned dogs around the world.

While hiking, stay on open paths. Off-trail hiking can stir up snakes. Keep your dog on leash and away from high grass and rocky outcrops in which snakes like to rest. Don’t let the dog explore holes or dig under rocks or logs. Remember that rattlers are nocturnal, so daytime hikes are safer. If you hear a rattling noise, keep your dog at your side until you figure out where the snake is, and then move away with your dog. Your best bet is to stay vigilant and keep control of your dog when walking in snake habitats.

If you see a snake that sees you, remember that a snake can strike only a distance of half its body length. Give the snake time to just go away. Snakes are not looking to interact with people or pets, either defensively or aggressively.

Don’t let your pet examine “road kill” snakes. Dead pit vipers can have some muscle contractions after death, and thus have been known to “bite” even after they’re dead. Those bites can still envenomate. Don’t handle a dead or injured snake – not even a decapitated head.

If your pet is bitten by a snake that you think might be venomous, get medical attention immediately. It’s better to go in and be checked out rather than wait and be sorry.

Repellants and Removal

Most wildlife experts believe there is no such thing as an effective snake repellant, although people have tried mothballs, vapor barriers, ultrasonics, sulfur, poison, etc. What can help is setting up physical barriers (e.g., fences that are set a foot or two into the ground), cutting off the snake’s food supply and shelter, mowing closely around the house, storing firewood away from the house, removing junk piles, removing weeds and brush, plugging up holes in the ground, etc. And if you need to have dangerous snakes removed from your property, contact a wildlife control operator to trap and remove the snakes. This is not a job for an inexperienced person.

Snake Identification: Venomous or Nonvenomous?

Most nonvenomous snakes have a large smooth cap over the top of the head past the eyes, divided scales on the underside of the tail, no pits, and no long fangs. Rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths are all venomous pit vipers, and have a pit between and slightly below the eye and nostril. Pit vipers also have long movable fangs, a “cat’s eye” pupil, undivided scales under the tail, and a large triangular-shaped head with a small shiny cap over the nose.

Learn about the snakes in your area. Familiarize yourself with what the local snakes look like by reading through a field guide of reptiles and amphibians for your area. Compare the drawings and photos of the local venomous snakes with the non-venomous species so that you can remember what they look like, in general. A single species of snake may have a wide range of colors and patterns.

Herpetology field guides can be purchased at book stores and science/nature stores, both off- and online. One online field guide is eNature. When you register (it’s free) on the site, you can store your zip code, and access all the species (plants, invertebrates, mammals, lizards, etc.) found in your region or state, if the species is found throughout the state. Each species has a photo, written description, and locale.

Kaplan believes everyone should have a herp field guide if they live where there are venomous snakes and poisonous amphibians because:

1. Drought and periods of prolonged dry heat drive prey into residential neighborhoods and irrigated parks from wild/undeveloped/non-irrigated areas; their predators will follow, including venomous and nonvenomous snakes.
   
2. Long-established residential neighborhoods can become inundated with prey and predators when an old house is torn down; ditto for vacant lots undergoing clearing and development.
   
3. Long-established residential neighborhoods and, increasingly, business parks situated in areas where the city/county planners keep or create green belts of parks and nature trails become highways for animals, providing shelter, cover and food for all sorts of species who can then move into the more central areas of town. Squirrels, opossums, raccoons, and rodents of many types will come in, followed by those who dine upon them.

People with pets or kids need to know what they are looking at and what their pets or kids may be about to poke at or pick up, says Kaplan.

Preventive Options

Training your Dog

In areas where poisonous snakes are common, classes to teach dogs to avo snakes are usually offered. They teach a dog to keep out of harm’s way by training him to recognize and avoid the smell, sight and sound of venomous snakes. These classes are effective. If you live in an area where rattlesnakes or other poisonous snakes are endemic, ask your veterinarian about these classes.

Vaccination

A snake-bite vaccine may be useful if you’re in a part of the country that has lots of venomous snakes. One has been created by Red Rock Biologics. There have been no controlled studies on the effectiveness of the vaccine, but the vaccine may create protective antibodies that might be useful in neutralizing some of the injected venom.

The vaccine may lessen the severity of signs if a dog is bitten. However, because there is so much variability in signs due to the different amounts of venom injected during bites, it can be difficult to determine if the vaccinated dog was helped by the vaccine or by the fact the snake injected little (or no) venom into the dog.

Even if the dog has been vaccinated, he will still need to be examined by a veterinarian to determine just how much treatment will be necessary.

1. The vaccine is venom-specific. (It was developed for Western Diamondback envenomation only.)
2. The vaccine can cause a sterile abscess at the site of injection.
3. The vaccine is not labeled for use in cats.

Prognosis

A significant factor in the outcome of a venomous snake bite is how much venom was injected, but there is no way to determine that amount. If the bite was dry, the animal will survive even though it was not vaccinated, given antivenin, etc. If the bite injected a large amount of venom, even a vaccinated dog given massive post-trauma treatment may not survive.

However, we do know that quick action on the owner’s part improves the prognosis. A venomous snake bite is a life-threatening emergency. Irreversible effects from venom begin immediately after the animal is bitten, so speed of treatment is critical. The size of the snake can sometimes indicate how much venom was injected, and the size of the snake relative to that of the pet is significant; pound for pound, smaller animals are more likely to have more problems because of the “dose of venom” per pound of their body weight.

Your veterinarian’s knowledge and experience will help determine the appropriate treatment for your pet. Snake-bite envenomization treatment is complicated, and your pet’s well-being is best served by taking your bitten pet to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

What is a Sebaceous Gland?

Everyone has heard skin described as dry, oily, or normal, which refers to the amount of natural oil on the skin surface. The oils of the skin are important moisturizers as they hold water inside the skin and prevent its evaporation. The oil also acts as an important part of the skin’s protective barrier keeping irritants or even infectious organisms away from the skin cells below. The skin’s barrier function is complex and multi-faceted but it is the oil portion that concerns us with sebaceous adenitis.

The oils that coat the skin come from “sebaceous glands” which are oil secreting glands that feed into the hair follicles. Hair follicles are small holes from which a hair grows. The oil is secreted into the follicle, eventually making its way out of the follicle and onto the surface of the skin.

Sebaceous Adenitis Means Inflammation of the Sebaceous Glands

No one knows what causes sebaceous adenitis, but we know that certain breeds are predisposed (which means there is most likely a genetic component). In the Standard Poodle, sebaceous adenitis is likely a recessive genetic trait, though not all dogs who are genetically able to express the disease will actually go on to actually express the disease. We think a similar situation exists for the Akita.

Affected dogs should be registered with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals so that the heredity of the trait can be tracked. Other breeds that seem to have a genetic predisposition to sebaceous adenitis include the Chow Chow, Samoyed, Viszla, and Havanese (particularly prone to lesions on the ears) but any dog breed can be affected.

What Does an Affected Dog Look Like?

 Scaling areas tend to be round or S-shaped. For long-haired or plush-coated breeds, the scale is most obvious as a clump of dandruff sticking to a group of hairs. The coat is dull and brittle and tends to develop a reddish tint. In time, bald spots develop. Again, usually, the head is where problems start.

Biopsy of the skin is required for diagnosis.

Treatment

Response to therapy largely depends on whether there are still living sebaceous glands in the biopsy sample or not. If there are no glands left and they have all been destroyed, it will be much harder to get a response though it is possible for glands to regenerate with treatment. The inflammation that destroyed (or is destroying) the sebaceous glands must be stopped. Furthermore, new hair growth depends on a coat of sebum (skin oil), so if the patient’s skin is not making adequate skin oil, the oil must be replaced.

Topical

This is performed typically once a week for the first month, then as needed. There are topical products that enhance the barrier function of the skin, and these can be used to assist therapy. Omega 6 fatty acid topicals are also becoming more popular as an easy way to replenish skin oil as they are easily applied as a top spot.

Oral Supplements

Oral omega-3 fatty acids are almost always included in the treatment regimen. Vitamin A has been advocated for sebaceous adenitis but seems to be fading out of popularity with the advent of other oral treatments (see below).

Oral Medication

Cyclosporine seems to be at the heart of treatment for the more severely affected dogs; further, on cyclosporine, dogs with only two percent of their sebaceous glands left have been able to increase this number to 40 percent. Cyclosporine is an immunomodulator that is able to suppress the inflammation that is destroying the sebaceous glands. Patients may need ongoing low dose therapy.

Managing a dog with this condition can be labor-intensive for the dog’s lifespan. The amount of work needed at home depends on the individual dog’s response to therapy. Marked improvement is typically realized within 4 months of treatment, but it is important to realize this can be a high-maintenance skin disease.

What is a Seizure and How Do you Know if your Dog has Had One?

A seizure results from excessive electrical activity in the cerebral cortex of the brain. The electrical activity starts in one area (called the seizure focus) and spreads in a process called kindling. Classically, the patient loses consciousness, collapses, becomes stiff at first and then begins paddling or struggling but seizures can take many forms. Any involuntary behavior that occurs abnormally may represent a seizure. Seizures are classified into several categories.

Generalized (Grand Mal) Seizures

This is the most common form of seizure in small animals. The entire body is involved in stiffness and possibly stiffness/contraction cycles (tonic/clonic action). The animal loses consciousness and may urinate or defecate. See a grand mal (violent) seizure. 

Focal Seizures (Also Called Partial Motor Seizures)

Focal seizures involve involuntary activity in only one body part. Consciousness may or may not be impaired. A classic example would be the “chewing gum” fit that frequently is seen in canine distemper infections but can be seen in other seizure disorders as well. See a chewing gum seizure in a Maltese with mild epilepsy. 

Psychomotor Seizures

Psychomotor seizures are focal seizures where the seizure is more like an episode of abnormal behavior than an actual convulsion. The pet’s consciousness is disturbed by this type of seizure as the pet appears to be hallucinating or in an altered state. The seizure may include episodes of rage or aggression where the pet does not recognize family members or may be as simple as a brief episode of disorientation or spacing out. Fly-biting is an example of a psychomotor seizure. See a psychomotor seizure.

Seizures (neurological events) are often difficult to tell from fainting spells (cardiovascular events). Classically, true seizures are preceded by an aura or special feeling associated with a coming seizure. As animals cannot speak, we usually do not notice any changes associated with the aura. The seizure is also typically followed by a post-ictal period during which the animal appears disoriented, even blind. This period may last only a few minutes or may last several hours. In contrast, fainting animals are usually up and normal within seconds of the spell, with no post-episode disorientation.

Post-ictal disorientation is the hallmark of the seizure.

Causes of Seizures and Diagnostics

There are many potential causes of seizures: toxins, tumors, genetic disease such as epilepsy, infections, even scarring in the brain from past trauma. Seizures resulting from metabolic problems or toxicity (i.e. when the brain itself is normal) are called reactive seizures.  Seizures resulting from identifiable brain abnormalities are called structural seizures. Seizures for which no clear cause can be found are called primary seizures and the patient is said to have epilepsy.

It turns out that dogs of certain age groups tend to have common causes for their seizures. This means that certain diagnostic tests are especially important in dogs of one age group while other tests are going to be more important for dogs in another age group. Here are some basic concepts concerning how age is an important consideration:

• Reactive Seizures: Seizures resulting from metabolic problems or toxicity (i.e., when the brain itself is normal).
  
• Secondary Seizures: Seizures resulting from an identifiable brain abnormality.
  
• Primary Seizures: Seizures for which neither of the above problems apply (i.e., when no cause can be found).

Animals Less than Age Six Months

In this age group, seizures are usually caused by brain infections. For dogs, the most common infectious diseases would be canine distemper or a parasitic infection such as with Toxoplasma or Neospora. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, obtained by a tap under anesthesia, would be important though now that PCR technology is available for detecting DNA of infectious agents, less invasive testing may be recommended depending on the infectious under suspicion.

Animals Between Ages 6 Months and 6 Years

The most common reason for a dog, particularly a purebred dog, to begin having seizures in this age range is genetic epilepsy (also called primary epilepsy.) Epilepsy is diagnosed when no other cause of seizures can be found, there are no neurologic symptoms between seizure events, and the first seizure episodes begin in this age range. Usually basic blood work is done to rule out metabolic causes of seizures but more sophisticated and expensive testing (such as advanced brain imaging) is forgone as the presentation is fairly classic.

Schnauzers, basset hounds, collies, and cocker spaniels have two to three times as much epilepsy as other breeds. Labrador retrievers and Golden retrievers are also predisposed to epilepsy but tend to begin their seizures relatively late, closer to age five.

Animals More than 5 Years Old

In this group, seizures are usually caused by a tumor growing off the skull and pressing on the brain (meningioma would be the most common tumor type). Consult your veterinarian about treatment options. Such tumors may be operable or can be treated with radiation if found early. A CT scan or MRI would be the next step. Referral is usually necessary for this type of imaging. For patients where surgery is not an option, corticosteroids may be used to reduce swelling in the brain. Treatment to suppress seizures may also be needed using one of the medications discussed below.

When to Begin Treatment

In 2016, the American College of Veterinary Internal medicine published a consensus statement on this very subject.

If the dog fits into any of these criteria, medication to suppress seizures should be initiated:

1. When seizures occur in clusters, which is more than 3 seizures within a 24-hour period.
   
2. When two or more isolated seizures occur within a 6-month period.
   
3. If a seizure has lasted 5 minutes or more.
   
4. If the seizures or their post-ictal disorientation periods are particularly severe.
   
5. If the dog has a visible structural lesion on a CT, MRI or even a radiograph.
   
6. If the dog has a history of brain injury or trauma.
   
7. It should be noted that the German shepherd dog, border collie, Australian shepherd, golden retriever, Irish setter, and Saint Bernard breeds are notorious for difficulty in seizure control. It is best not to wait for frequent seizures in these cases as each seizure makes the next more difficult to control. Often medication is started in these individuals after the first seizure. The more seizures the patient experiences, the more difficult control becomes in the future.

Treatment Choices: Medication

There are currently four main medications that are used in suppressing seizures in dogs in the United States: phenobarbital, potassium bromide, levetiracetam, and zonisamide. If adequate control cannot be achieved with one medication, often two or even three are combined. The ideal first line anti-convulsant medication is effective, reasonably priced, convenient to administer, and has limited side effects potential. Most dogs are started on either phenobarbital or potassium bromide but we will take a moment to review the pros and cons of all four of these medications.

Phenobarbital

Phenobarbital has been the first-line therapy for canine seizure control for decades as it is effective, reasonably priced, and can be given twice daily which is relatively convenient. When dogs with seizures are started on phenobarbital, approximately 31 percent of them can be expected to become seizure-free. Approximately 80% of dogs on phenobarbital will experience a greater than 50% decrease in seizure frequency. Approximately 20-30% of dogs on phenobarbital will require a second anti seizure medication to achieve acceptable seizure control.

The downsides are phenobarbital use stem from its side effects potential. Phenobarbital blood levels need to be periodically monitored as higher levels are associated with the development of liver disease. The phenobarbital dose must maintain the phenobarbital blood level within a safe therapeutic range and be adjusted accordingly. There is some expense associated with such testing.

Side effects of the drug include sedation, which is usually temporary during the first one to two weeks of medication use and wanes as the patient’s body adjusts. The patient is likely to be unusually hungry and thirsty on phenobarbital. These side effects can be objectionable. Some lab test changes are associated with phenobarbital usage and need to be recognized as such. Phenobarbital is removed from the body by the liver so good liver function is essential for phenobarbital use and phenobarbital can alter the metabolism of numerous other medications. 

Potassium Bromide

Potassium Bromide was used for human seizure control nearly 100 years ago but was eclipsed by the development of phenobarbital. It turns out that while phenobarbital may be a superior seizure drug for people, potassium bromide may be superior for dogs. When dogs with seizures are started on potassium bromide, 52 percent of them can be expected to become seizure-free. Approximately, 70 percent will have greater than 50 percent reduction in seizure frequency.

Potassium bromide is associated with pancreatitis and probably should not be used in patients with a history of that disease. Potassium bromide takes many months to reach a stable blood level which could leave the patient vulnerable to seizures during that time. As with phenobarbital, there are monitoring tests associated with potassium bromide use and sedation is a side effect.

Levetiracetam (Keppra®)

Levetiracetam is popular for refractory epilepsy in dogs because it has been shown to be fairly reliable and has minimal side effects potential. It appears to work best in combination with other seizure medications rather than as a sole therapy but many dogs are able to use it as a single agent. There are no monitoring tests recommended for its use and an extended-release formula allows for twice-daily use.

Zonisamide (Zonegran®)

Zonisamide is a sulfa class anti-seizure medication that is rapidly becoming a first-line treatment choice but might also be used to supplement more traditional therapies. Because it is a sulfa, it is vulnerable to the side effects associated with sulfa antibiotics: mostly tear production/dry eye issues but also some immune-mediated reactions. (Sulfa side effects are reviewed more completely in our pharmacy library under the sulfa antibiotics such as trimethoprim sulfa). Zonisamide can be used twice a day in dogs but lasts long enough in the cat to possibly be used once daily.

Treatment Choices: Diet

In 2017, a veterinary therapeutic diet designed to supplement anti-seizure medications was released. The diet uses medium-chain fatty acids as a fat source (fats come in short, medium, and long-chain types which relate to the length of their chain of their carbon chain) and it turns out that MCTs have a direct anti-seizure effect. Dogs that were not able to achieve full seizure control with medication were able to improve control or achieve total control after a 3-month trial on this diet. It is not meant to replace medications by any means, just to give them a nutritional boost.

Seizures at Home (When is it an Emergency?)

A Single Breakthrough Seizure

It is a lucky pet that never has another seizure after beginning medications, but an occasional breakthrough seizure (as disturbing as it may be to watch) is rarely of serious concern. In most cases, one can simply give an extra dose of the oral anti-seizure medication that has been in use and consider the episode over with. The veterinarian should be appraised of the situation and the medication regimen evaluated to see if adjustments should be made to prevent further breakthrough seizures in the future.

A Second Breakthrough Seizure within 24 Hours

If a second seizure occurs within 24 hours, one might consider bringing the pet to the vet’s office for a “seizure watch” (which means the pet can receive medication to interrupt any further seizures) as well as for re-evaluation of the current medication protocol.

Since emergency care can be expensive, one might consider rectal administration of diazepam (valium®) as a means of first aid and tiding the pet over until one’s regular veterinarian is available. In anticipation of late-night seizing, one can request a set-up for rectal diazepam to keep on hand. The injectable product is delivered rectally with a special syringe that can be kept at home. The rectal route avoids any danger of being bitten while trying to administer medication. 

Recently compounding pharmacies have been able to produce diazepam rectal suppositories which may be easier to use than the syringe method, however, absorption rates are unknown with these products and most neurologists prefer using the injectable product. Rectal diazepam administration has been used successfully for many years in epileptic children; the technique has adapted well to veterinary patients. Diazepam can also be given nasally but there is a greater chance of being bitten.

It is important not to put yourself in danger around a seizing pet. Involuntary jaw motion may bite you and in the period of post ictal disorientation, the pet may not recognize you and may snap. 

As mentioned, an isolated seizure at home probably does not require more than staying out of the way and keeping the pet from hurting himself.

 That said, there are some emergency situations:

1. Seizure activity non-stop for five minutes or more.
2. One seizure after another repeatedly.

Either of these situations is called “status epilepticus” and is a “drop-what-you’re-doing-and-rush-the-pet-to-the-vet emergency.

1. More than 3 seizures in a 24-hour period

This is considered “cluster seizuring” and definitely warrants seizure watch in a hospital setting.

Can Seizure Medication be Discontinued Eventually?

While there is some risk to discontinuing seizure medications, this may be appropriate for some patients. Dogs should be completely seizure-free for at least a year before contemplating stopping treatment. In breeds for which seizure control is difficult, it is probably best never to stop medication (German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Keeshonds, Golden retriever, Irish Setter, St. Bernard). Phenobarbital is a medication that cannot be suddenly discontinued; if you are interested in discontinuing seizure medication, be sure to discuss this thoroughly with your veterinarian.

Other Information

The Epilepsy Genetic Research Project

Veterinary neurologists at several universities are looking for a genetic answer to epilepsy. They seek DNA samples from epileptic dogs and their close relatives if possible.

Canine Epilepsy Network

Affiliated with the Veterinary School at the University of Missouri at Columbia, this site reviews canine seizure disorders, treatment, history and more.

Storm phobia, or fear of storms, is a common behavior in dogs. Many dogs are terrified of the noise and react by hiding, pacing, panting, trembling, peeing, pooping, drooling, and destroying things. Some dogs even take it to the extreme of hurting themselves by jumping through windows and doors. These behaviors can appear during a storm, or when they see or hear things such as thunder, lightning, rain, or formation of dark storm clouds.

Another type of noise phobia is the fear of fireworks and gunshots. Dogs with this fear show similar behaviors to storm phobic dogs. Some become so fearful they do not want to go outside the house or around the area they associate with these noises.

Treating Storm and Noise Phobia

Environmental Management

The first step in managing and treating all types of noise phobia in dogs is to give them a safe place to hide. This safe haven can be a windowless basement, closet, crate, or bathroom. It is important to make sure your dog has access to this area when no one is home.

Pheromones may be beneficial in some cases. These come in a diffuser, wipes, or spray. These pheromones can be placed on a bandanna, blanket, or a favorite toy to reduce anxiety.

Desensitization and counterconditioning are forms of behavior modification used to reduce the fear of noise and storms. Desensitization exposes the dog to a scary noise at such a low level that the animal is not scared. Counterconditioning changes the association of the noise with fear. Try to play with your dog, or do fun tricks he knows to distract your dog.

Food can also be a distraction, like an extra special treat that only comes out during scary events. Food puzzles (similar to these shown for cats) allow your dog to anticipate something fun and special when a storm is roaring overhead.

Short-Acting Medications

There are medications your veterinarian can prescribe to reduce the fear in your dog.

If medications are used, they must be given before the scary noise to be effective. Watch the weather closely and administer medication before the storm is predicted to arrive. It is better to medicate and no storm, than no medication and a storm. The same is true for other noise events.

Behavioral supplements may be beneficial in some dogs.

A magic pill to treat a noise or storm phobia does not exist. Treatment involves a combination of environmental management, behavior modification, and medication. Fear of noises can be reduced, but a cure is rare.

Sarcoptic mange, also called scabies, is an itchy disease in dogs caused by a mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var canis). Sarcoptic mites are small and not visible to the naked eye. They burrow into the skin and cause itching, redness, and skin crusts at the tips of the ears, elbows, hocks, chest and belly. In a severe infestation, Sarcoptic mites cause problems on the animal’s entire body.

How is sarcoptic mange (scabies) treated?

Several prescription medicines can be used to kill mites. These medicines come in various forms including:

1. dips such as lime sulfur or amitraz
2. spot-ons such as moxidectin (Advantage Multi®) or selamectin (Revolution®, Stronghold®)
3. oral pills such as afoxolaner (Nexgard®), milbemycin oxime (Interceptor®), or sarolaner (Simparica®)
   

Your pet’s veterinarian may also prescribe other medicines to treat itching while the mite medication takes effect.

No matter which treatment is chosen, follow the instructions from your pet’s veterinarian. For some medicines, the amount needed to treat sarcoptic mange is different than the amount needed to treat other health conditions. If you give the medicine less often or in a smaller amount than what your pet’s veterinarian recommends, your pet’s sarcoptic mange will not get better.

Can my other pets or my family get sarcoptic mange (scabies)?

Yes. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and can spread from pet to pet or from pet to human. Treat all other dogs in the household. Although mites can only survive a brief time off the dog, clean your dog’s living quarters and wash or throw away the bedding. If your dog has sarcoptic mange and anyone in your family has red and itchy skin bumps, consult your family physician.

Your dog may remain contagious for two to four weeks after starting treatment. Please keep your dog confined and away from other dogs and unexposed persons until your dog’s re-check veterinary appointment.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a fairly rare chronic and potentially-fatal autoimmune disease. The dog’s immune system fights itself by forming antibodies that “protect” it against its own cells and tissues. This results in inflammation and tissue damage in the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, nervous system, or blood. Usually several organs are affected. SLE can be managed, but not cured. While the disease itself is chronic, signs can be acute, chronic, or both. Lifelong treatment is necessary. It is different from discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), which is a skin disease.

The word lupus is Latin for “wolf.” (Some humans get a facial rash that has a slight similarity with a wolf’s face.)

Breeds that most typically are affected by SLE include Afghan Hounds, Beagles, German Shepherd Dogs, Irish Setters, Old English Sheepdogs, Poodles, Rough Collies, and Shetland Sheepdogs. Dogs are usually middle-aged when they get SLE. Females are not more likely than males to get SLE.

The most common significant signs of SLE are a non-erosive polyarthritis (an arthritis that affects several joints), painful muscles; shifting lameness; skin sores and blisters; proteinuria (protein in the urine); decreased platelet and white blood cell count; fluctuating fevers, and immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). Some less-significant signs are mouth ulcers, inflamed lining of the chest cavity or heart, dementia, swollen lymph nodes, and seizures. Usually, dogs with SLE are first taken to the veterinarian because of the skin problems or lameness.

Blood tests are needed for diagnosis. While all dogs won’t have the same signs, dogs with SLE typically test positive for anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA). There are so many effects of this multi-systemic disease that it’s hard to rule any one disease in or out. Diagnosis is typically made using a combination of a positive ANA test with at least two significant signs. A positive ANA test, with one significant sign plus two less-significant signs is also indicative of SLE.

(SLE can be suspected if there is only one significant sign plus positive ANA, or if there are two significant signs with a negative ANA test.) It can be difficult to make a positive diagnosis since other problems, such as drug reactions and cancer, can have many of the same signs. (ANA can be positive with any chronic inflammatory disease, so if there are no other consistent pathologic or clinical signs, your veterinarian may suspect a false-positive ANA.)

Treatment is aimed at decreasing the inflammation and autoimmune activity, so treatment centers around anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medications such as corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone). Sometimes a second immunosuppressant, such as azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, or cyclosporine will be necessary. Specific problems, such as kidney or spleen damage, will also have to be treated. Treatment plans depend on what organs are affected.

The ultraviolet rays in sunlight can cause flare-ups of SLE, so exposure to sunlight should be limited.

Prognosis depends entirely on how each dog is affected, but owners can expect that their pets will require life-long treatment. Unfortunately, sometimes the damage caused by this disease can result in death.

Swimmer’s tail is known by many names, including limber tail, cold water tail, dead tail, broken wag and sprained tail. These names all refer to the same condition: a suddenly limp and flaccid tail. Swimmer’s tail most commonly affects large breed, hunting, athletic and working dogs such as Labrador retrievers and pointers.

Dogs with this condition have essentially strained the muscles in their tail. This is thought to result from overuse of the tail, which can happen when a dog swims for a long time, especially in cold water. Sometimes it happens just because the dog has had an exciting day or two and has spent far more time than usual wagging their tail.

For example, maybe they spent the weekend at the lake or the grandchildren came to visit. Other risk factors for swimmer’s tail include intense physical activity, prolonged transport in a cage and being in cold and wet weather. After these activities, signs usually appear quickly, within hours to days.

The primary sign of this condition is a limp tail that droops between the dog’s legs. In some cases the entire tail is flaccid, but in other cases the tail is stiff at the beginning and becomes flaccid towards the end. Because swimmer’s tail can cause pain and discomfort, affected dogs may pace, yelp when lying down or defecating, frequently change position while lying down, and eat less. Some dogs may struggle to stand up because the tail helps with balancing. Other potential symptoms include chewing the tail and raised hair on the top of the tail due to swelling.

To diagnose this condition, your veterinarian will rely on information about your dog’s recent activities, clinical signs and physical exam findings. Your veterinarian may also take X-rays to rule out other causes of your dog’s symptoms, such as tail fractures.

Once swimmer’s tail is diagnosed, your dog should rest and exercise less to allow for recovery, just as you would do if you sprained a muscle. Your veterinarian may also recommend giving anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the pain associated with this condition. Warm compresses on the tail may also help with pain and quicken the recovery process. Swimmer’s tail has an excellent prognosis, as dogs generally get better within 2-14 days. However, having swimmer’s tail once does not mean your dog can’t get it again. Relapses are possible.

Potential ways to prevent swimmer’s tail include not overexerting your dog, especially if they aren’t trained for it, and, during transport, letting your dog out every 4 hours or so. There is no prevention for over-wagging when your dog is really happy, though!

As the name implies, the syndrome is characterized by fevers that seem to arise out of nowhere, run their course, and may or may not be responsive to anti-inflammatory medications.

The dog will feel bad during the fever episodes: listless and without appetite. Fevers typically last 12 to 36 hours and can go as high as 107ºF. Often the dog’s ankles (hocks) become swollen during these episodes. It is normal for a Shar-Pei to have a large skin fold around the ankle called a sock; the swelling that occurs during the fever is different and only lasts during the fever. The muzzle may also swell and become painful, and sometimes there is some associated nausea or diarrhea. It is important to learn how to take your dog’s temperature so you can monitor the situation. 

A fever of 106ºF is a medical emergency. It is good practice to know how to take your dog’s temperature and is especially important if your Shar-Pei seems listless. Normal canine body temperature is 100-102ºF.

The fevers are unpleasant and can be dangerous if the fever rises to 106ºF but what makes this syndrome a serious problem is the accompanying kidney damage. An abnormal protein called amyloid is laid down in the kidney, destroying the kidney’s ability to filter protein. The valuable blood proteins are thus lost in urine along with waste chemicals. The dog becomes thin from the loss of body proteins, develops a propensity to throw abnormal blood clots throughout the body (from urinating out the proteins that would normally prevent this), and high blood pressure results.

All Shar-Pei should be regularly screened for urinary protein loss with a urinalysis. Red flags include urinary protein and dilute urine (specific gravity less than 1.020).

Why This Happens: Wrinkles Gone Wrong

The characteristic skin wrinkles that make the Shar-Pei what it is are caused by excessive production of hyaluronan. Hyaluronan is a structural protein in everyone’s skin but a mutation in the Shar-Pei leads to multiple copies of the genes regulating the production of hyaluronan. The result is a whole lot of extra hyaluronan puffing up the skin and creating all the wrinkles that characterize this breed.

All Shar-Pei have this mutation; without this mutation, the dog cannot really be a Shar-Pei but not all Shar-Peis have this mutation in the same way. Some have a mutation that leads to variable qualities of hyaluronan. In other words, not all the hyaluronan produced is of a healthy quality. Poor quality hyaluronan breaks down rapidly in a process that generates inflammation which, in turn, creates fever and damages organs. The mutation that creates all this poor-quality hyaluranan is often called the meat mouth mutation.

It might seem that you could simply look at a Shar-Pei’s face to determine if the dog is a candidate for fever syndrome but the situation is more complicated.

As for screening tests, there is a genetic test available at Cornell University. The mutated genetic variant that creates the meat mouth appearance is typically in multiple copies within an affected Shar-Pei. The more copies the dog has, the more reactive the inflammation. The genetic test determines the number of mutated copies present and reports the “copy number variant.” The higher this number, the more trouble for the dog. In the absence of a test, a diagnosis is made based on the clinical findings. One episode of fever is enough to make the diagnosis. Fevers classically begin before 18 months but can begin at any age. 

The test requires a blood sample and a six-page information form filled out by both the owner and the veterinary professional drawing the blood. A microchip number or tattoo is required to confirm the identity of the patient. Learn more about testing.

Though testing had been temporarily suspended as of August 21st, 2020, it seems that Cornell’s latest information says SPAID testing has been revived as of December 15, 2022.

Treatment

During a fever episode, anti-inflammatory medications provided by your veterinarian can be used to control high fevers. Pain medication is often needed to control the discomfort during the episode. The real challenge, however, is to prevent kidney damage in the long term. A dog can have substantial kidney damage before the first fever episode even happens therefore, it is important to begin therapy after the first episode and to regularly screen for urinary protein loss in any Shar-Pei whether fevers have occurred or not.

The medication central to preventing amyloid deposition in the kidney is colchicine.

Cell division, a process more scientifically known as mitosis, requires microscopic protein fibers acting like structural cables to pull dividing cells apart. These cables are called mitotic spindles, and colchicine interferes with their formation. The ability of colchicine to interfere with this sort of structural protein formation has led to its use in abnormal protein depositions such as amyloidosis. This means that colchicine can prevent the kidney damage that occurs in recurrent fever syndrome.

Recently, legal issues have forced generic colchicine off the market, leaving only the brand name product Colcrys®. This medication is problematically expensive for most pet owners. An arrangement has been made for the owners of recurrent fever syndrome dogs. An application can be obtained at www.needymeds.com; a valid prescription is required and your veterinarian will need to fill out part of the application. Colchicine can also be obtained through a compounding pharmacy. A prescription is still necessary.

Other Therapy

Antioxidants are important in amyloid prevention in that they help preserve cell membrane fatty acids. Current recommendations include supplements in omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil) and a quality multivitamin. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, lecithin granules, and glucosamine supplements to improve the hyaluronan quality are also recommended. Consult your veterinarian for a specific protocol for your dog. Early intervention is the goal with this condition.

Herbal antioxidants have also been recommended. Normalizing proper hyaluronan metabolism may require magnesium supplementation. Consult your veterinarian for specifics.

Older dogs tend to lose muscle and gain fat. As they age, their energy requirements decrease; they may not need the same number of daily calories they did as when they were young. Part of this is biological, part of this is due to increased sleeping and decreased activity. Many older dogs will not have the same endurance for play and exercise as they did in their youth. It’s a good idea to discuss their diet and energy levels with your veterinarian to avoid over-feeding and obesity.

Take your senior dog (see below for age ranges considered “senior”) to the veterinarian at least twice a year. Aging also increases your pet’s susceptibility to a number of different health issues. Regularly checking in with your veterinarian helps catch any potential issues sooner and provides an opportunity to address any changes you may have noticed in your pet. If you see a sudden change in your pet or notice a gradual worsening of their state, see your veterinarian.

Signs you don’t want to ignore:

1. increased panting or difficulty breathing
2. vomiting
3. diarrhea
4. change in appetite or thirst
5. change in frequency of urination
6. “accidents” in the house
7. pain
8. aggression

Defining Seniors

Where most veterinarians draw the line between an adult dog and a senior dog is different from where pet owners do. When a dog becomes a senior depends on their individual health and condition. The chart below provides a general guideline on when a dog is considered a senior based on their size. The ages veterinarians consider a dog to become a senior are much earlier than many owners think. It’s important to keep this difference in mind as your dog may be more likely to develop certain diseases earlier than you expect.

Dog size	Age considered senior
Small breed (2-20 lbs.)	7
Medium breed (21-50 lbs.)	7
Large breed (51-90 lbs.)	5
Giant breed (over 90 lbs.)	5

Sensory Changes

Many older dogs experience decreases in their senses. Their ability to see, hear, taste, and smell may be affected. Partial or complete loss of hearing and vision can decrease your dog’s ability to sense their environment. As a result, your dog may not sense your approach and startle more easily. To avoid scaring your dog, try to announce your presence with a loud greeting and approaching from within your dog’s line of vision. Minimize rearranging or adding furniture to the areas your dog has access to as it will keep their environment familiar and make it easier for them to get around if their eyesight is failing. Your dog may also be less responsive to voice commands if they have some hearing loss; it may be beneficial to teach them hand signals before this occurs as this allows you to continue communicating with your dog regardless of their ability to hear you.

As dogs age, the number of taste buds they have decreases. That decrease coupled with a decreased ability to smell, may affect your dog’s desire to eat. Food becomes less tasty. Consult with your veterinarian if you note a decrease in appetite.

While sensory losses are a natural part of the aging process for many dogs, this may not be the case for every dog. There are several medical conditions and illnesses that cause visual, auditory and other sensory impairments in dogs. It’s important to have your veterinarian examine your dog to determine whether their changes are part of the aging process or whether there is an underlying disease or condition.

Behavioral Changes

It’s common for an older dog to slow down a bit and take more naps. It’s a mistake, however, to assume all changes in your dog are a natural part of the aging process. Behavior changes such as difficulty getting up or stiffness, anxiety, aggression and other abnormalities may mean something is wrong. There are many health issues that cause pain and discomfort in your dog which lead to their reluctance to move or increased irritability. It’s important to bring up behavior changes with your veterinarian as some conditions are treatable and doing so helps maintain a good quality of life for your dog.

Health Issues

In general, the most common health issues older dogs develop are dementia, arthritis and cancer. Other problems include heart, kidney, liver, and dental disease.

Dementia in dogs is called canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). It is similar to the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease in people. About 14-35% of dogs over 8-years-old are affected, a percentage that increases significantly as dogs continue to age. Dogs with CCD have a slow progression of behavioral signs, such as aimless wandering/pacing, staring into space and more. If you notice any of these behaviors or the ones listed below bring it up with your veterinarian. They may be related to CCD or another disease.

Signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome:

1. decreased interaction with owner, other people and animals
2. inappropriate or excessive vocalization
3. changes in sleep/wake cycle
4. restlessness
5. disorientation
6. confusion
7. anxiety
8. house-soiling
9. altered appetite 
10. irritability 
11. aggression
12. apathy

There is currently no cure for CCD but early diagnosis and treatment can improve your dog’s condition and slow progression.

Arthritis in older dogs results in pain and discomfort, which can lead to difficulty jumping up and down surfaces and decreased activity. If your dog is in significant pain, they may show signs of depression or irritability. There are many therapies to help alleviate discomfort including exercise, medication, nutritional support and complementary therapies.

Almost half of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer. Symptoms of cancer vary depending on the type of tumor and its location, but may include abdominal swelling, bleeding from body openings, difficulty breathing, non-healing wounds and sudden changes in weight. Your pet’s prognosis, like their symptoms, depends on their individual situation but it is generally better to catch the disease early on.

As dogs age, changes to their internal organs take place. These changes can increase the risk of developing heart, kidney and liver disease. Symptoms of heart disease include coughing, abdominal swelling and exercise intolerance while symptoms of kidney disease include changes to urination and thirst. Liver problems can show up as general signs of sickness, such as vomiting and depression. The same symptoms could be caused by many different diseases so your veterinarian may need to perform several diagnostic tests.

It’s important to keep up with oral hygiene as tartar buildup can lead to infection. Aside from problems directly affecting the mouth, bacteria can pass into the bloodstream and directly affect the health of the heart and kidneys. Discuss an oral health care plan with your veterinarian to keep your pet’s teeth in good shape.

Nutrition

The diet a dog is fed should be tailored to their individual condition and health. Not every dog will need to switch from an adult diet to a senior diet as they get older. Many dogs do well if fed the same good quality adult commercial diet they are used to. Some seniors, however, may benefit from changes to their nutrition. One important factor to consider is how much protein and what quality of protein they are getting.

Older dogs tend to lose muscle mass and feeding adequate protein can help prevent this. Another important factor to consider is the number of calories your dog actually needs on a daily basis. Senior dogs tend to have a slower metabolism and thus may not need as much food as before. Consult with your veterinarian to discuss how much to feed your dog and whether you need to feed your dog less or change them to a lower calorie diet.

There are many diets tailored to specific diseases dogs may develop. These include reduced sodium diets for dogs with congestive heart failure, urinary diets for dogs with kidney issues, and many others. Supplements such as antioxidants can help reduced inflammation and boost brain function.

Prevention and Maintenance

There are many things you can do to support your dog’s health as they age. Regular play and exercise are great for maintaining a healthy weight and active mind. Try teaching your dog new tricks and commands. Learning new things can help keep them mentally sharp and improve signs of dementia. With a combination of appropriate nutrition, social interaction and vigilance on your end for signs of illness, coupled with your veterinarian’s medical skill, your dog can continue to have a great life into their senior years. Remember that some age-related changes are not avoidable such as vision and hearing loss. It’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian to make sure there is not an underlying disease, but otherwise these changes are manageable and do not have to decrease your dog’s quality of life. Your dog may just need some extra patience and care.