Why Fat Cats and Dogs are a Problem

By Beth Davidow, DVM DACVECC

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

As the fall sets in, I always feel that I really want to eat more. The colder weather means we are inside, closer to the kitchen. I find I’m baking more and thinking about desserts for upcoming holidays. As we eat more, and spend more time in the kitchen, our furry companions tend to join us and they know just how to meet our eyes, do tricks and convince us, that they too need a little extra something yummy.

But just as extra pounds can be problematic for us, extra pounds can also be problematic for our pets. Because they are smaller than us, we sometimes don’t realize how much the percentage gain really is. While if we average 150 lbs and then went up to 200 lbs over the winter, we would probably be very concerned with our weight gain, we sometimes don’t bat an eye when our 15 lb cat suddenly becomes 20 lbs, a similar proportional gain.

Obesity is a huge problem for animals and has been an increasing problem. As in humans, obesity in our pets can lead to bone and joint problems, increased risk for certain cancers, increased heart and lung problems, increased urinary issues, and much increased risk for diabetes.

At our emergency hospital, one common life-threatening emergency in cats is urinary blockage. There are good studies that show that overweight cats are at a much higher risk for this condition than cats in good body condition. In small dogs, a large portion of the dogs with severe respiratory problems are also overweight. Many of these patients present on emergency needing oxygen and end up on many medications. If owners are successful in having these dogs lose weight, many end up requiring less medications over the long haul.

So why do dogs and cats become obese?  In the vast majority of cases it is because caloric intake is in excess of the calories burned during the day. In a few cases, they have an underlying problem such as hypothyroidism but this is the exception not the rule. Thus, to keep thin, pets either need less calories or more exercise. As in people, often the culprit is not the meals but the in between meal snacks. Remember that if your 10 lb dog usually gets a ¼ cup of food twice a day, two large milk bones probably increased his calories by 10%.

This fall, try not to succumb to that cute little face cocking their head at you to share your muffin. Although extra treats may show them you love them in the short term, the consequence may be higher vet bills and more trips to the emergency room. Instead, pick up their leash, brave the rain, and take them for a walk. You will both be happier and healthier in the long run. 

Canine Pneumonia

By Beth Guerra, DVM  

Pneumonia is an infection in the lower airways that causes inflammation in the lungs. Organisms can be bacterial, viral or fungal in nature. The infection is established when these organisms are inhaled, aspirated (from gastrointestinal contents), or spread through the blood from other body systems. The usual defense system of the body traps infectious organisms in the mucus lining the respiratory tract and moves them upward where they can be expelled by coughing. Failure of this mechanism allows bacteria or fungi to colonize the airways. Once the infection is established, secondary inflammation can develop, impairing normal oxygen exchange.

Bacterial pneumonia is frequently seen at our facility. The two most dominant types of organisms are Bordatella bronchiseptica and E. coli. In young or incompletely vaccinated dogs, we often see Bordatella pneumonia, otherwise known as kennel cough pneumonia, which is a contagious disease. The E. coli organism is the most common inhabitant of the upper GI tract and infection results from aspiration of stomach contents.

Aspiration pneumonia is by far the most common type of pneumonia we encounter in our ICU. Patients at risk for aspiration include sedate or recumbent animals, or those recovering from anesthesia. Pets that have vomiting, regurgitation or reflux, or altered esophageal motility are also at high risk for aspiration. Another condition, known as laryngeal paralysis, can also precipitate an aspiration event.

Often the only symptom in these dogs is acute lethargy and inappetance. There may be weight loss, fever, or a moist or productive cough. Diagnosis is made by thoracic x-rays, but bloodwork often reveals an elevated white blood cell count, and can also help to rule out other predisposing conditions. To further support a diagnosis, samples of the lower airway bacteria are collected by endotracheal or transtracheal wash, where sterile saline is introduced in small amounts into the lower airway in an attempt to retrieve bacterial organisms for culture. This will help direct antibiotic therapy.

Dogs with pneumonia can range from fairly stable patients that are eating and active to patients that are severely ill and dependent on oxygen. In the former, treatment with oral antibiotics for an extended period may be all that is required. In the latter, hospitalization is recommended to provide more aggressive supportive care. Systemic hydration is important to help loosen secretions and also because the patient is usually not eating or drinking. Intravenous antibiotics are usually given for a minimum of 48 hours. Oxygen therapy, via nasal cannula or chamber, is needed in those patients with low oxygen saturation. Nebulization with saline, followed by coupage, or gentle percussion to the chest cavity, can help the patient cough up secretions.

Several years ago, we examined the records of the animals we had treated for pneumonia over a two-year period. We treated 94 cases and were able to send home 82%. In animals who were less than two years old, 95% went home. Most of the cases that we could not save were found to have an underlying condition such as a megaesophagus, laryngeal paralysis, other neurologic disease, or concurrent diabetes. 

The treatment for pneumonia often includes four to six weeks of antibiotic therapy. Follow-up chest x-rays are very helpful in tracking the progression of the disease. Once a patient is eating and stable without oxygen, convalescence can continue at home with rechecks as needed.