What's New Doc?

Every 10 years, members of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners are required to renew our certification.  It’s a way of maintaining the highest standards of current practice for board-certified veterinarians.   I just completed a 6 month recertification process that involved attending continuing education sessions, lecturing, researching and writing case reports, and formulating questions for the board examination. It’s a pretty enormous time commitment. But it’s absolutely worth it, knowing that I can continue caring for my patients using the most current information available. Here are a few of the latest advancements in the care of our dogs and cats:

·         Hyperthyroidism in cats. Dietary iodine is used by the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormone, which regulates metabolism. In hyperthyroid cats, overactive thyroid glands produce too much thyroid hormone, resulting in symptoms such as weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst. Recently, a prescription diet has become available that is restricted in iodine, resulting in less production of thyroid hormone in hyperthyroid cats. For many cats, it’s a viable and affordable way to control hyperthyroidism without the use of medication, surgery, or radiation.

·         Obesity in cats. Cats are carnivores. Their bodies are meant to process foods that are high in protein and fat, and low in carbohydrates.  A recent study showed that cats need to eat a diet greater than 30% protein, and less than 5% carbs. Current commercial cat foods don’t even come close to that. So until they do, try to get your cat to eat more canned food (which tends to be higher in protein) and less dry food (which tends to be higher in carbs). Meat-based canned foods are best (fish is not part of a normal cat’s diet – have you ever seen a cat jump into a lake to catch her lunch?). Avoid foods with gravy (all sugar!), and “human-appealing” foods (cats should not eat cheese and bacon!). A proper diet can help many obese cats lose weight, and many underweight cats gain weight. It can also help prevent diabetes and other diseases.

·         Compounding your pet’s medications. Giving pills to cats is one of the least enjoyable activities on the planet – for you and your cat. But there are now licensed compounding pharmacies around the country that can formulate your cat’s (and dog’s) medications into flavorful liquids or pills, mini-melt tablets (that dissolve on contact with the tongue), and even ointments. Many cats enjoy the taste of vanilla bean frozen yogurt, which may be a way to encourage your cat to take his medicine without a fight.

·         Ear infections in dogs and cats. For animals with chronic, recurrent ear infections (especially yeast), food allergies may be an underlying cause. Grain-free and limited-ingredient diets might be worth a try for long term management.

·         Chronic bronchitis and asthma. Special inhalers are now available to administer medications to dogs and cats with chronic respiratory diseases. They fit right over the nose, and offer an easy way to deliver medication right to the source of the problem, especially in an emergency. An even bigger benefit is that many animals can be weaned off of their oral or injectable medications which can have long term side effects.

As veterinary medicine advances, diagnostic and treatment options can change. Even if your cat or dog is being treated for a chronic condition, it never hurts to ask your vet if there are any new therapies available.  And if your pet has a recently diagnosed condition, be sure to discuss all of the treatment options currently available so you can make an informed decision that’s best for you and your pet.