Article published November 18, 2007
Small dogs should have protection from cold
Dear Dr. Thompson: I have a 10-year-old Jack Russell. We walk every evening after work, until the temperature is below freezing (then it’s too cold for me). Is a “coat” or “sweater” necessary for my dog because of her short hair — or is she OK as is? Do d
ANSWER: Smaller dogs are more susceptible to colder temperatures due to a lack of body mass. The conditions in which you are walking probably do not warrant any accessories. However, even for short trips outside, small dogs should have something to protect them from the elements when the mercury dips well below freezing.
Cold temperatures are one of many winter hazards that exist for your pets. Rock salt and chemical de-icers can cause serious contact burns on pets’ feet. Watch for engine coolant spills in the garage. Remember, one teaspoon is enough to kill a small dog or cat. For outdoor pets, water supplies can freeze and heated shelter is a must for cold winter nights.
Ice and snow can create slippery conditions, and ligament tears and sprains can result. If you spend significant amounts of time walking on snow and ice with your dog, nylon or leather boots are great for preventing problems. Cold weather shouldn’t discourage you from being outside with your dog. Winter activities can be great exercise for you and your pet. Just plan ahead and prepare for the elements.Dear Dr. Thompson: We have an 8-year-old lab who has had fairly recent atrophy of the muscles on the top of his head. He also has trouble getting up and has arthritis for which he takes medicine daily. Could this be attributed to more than the arthritis?
ANSWER: What you are describing is more than an aging change in your dog. The large muscles on the top of the head, called the masseter and temporalis muscles, are the muscle for chewing. This can be a solitary problem or reflective of widespread changes in all of the muscles of the body. Nerve damage or inflammation can lead to atrophy of these muscles. Blood tests can detect high levels of an enzyme released when muscle inflammation or damage is occurring. If these blood levels are high, your veterinarian may run other tests to ensure more serious conditions are not the cause.
If the problem is isolated to the muscles of chewing, it may be a result of localized inflammation from the body’s own immune system. A common cortisone-type medicine can decrease the inflammation. Some breeds develop painful inflammation that interferes with the ability to open the mouth and malnutrition can result. Occasionally a muscle biopsy is needed to differentiate between the different diseases. If the problem is localized to the muscles of the top of the head and does not interfere with eating, the long-term outlook is generally good. Have your veterinarian examine your dog and see if anything more serious may be at the root of the problem.
Questions for Dr. Thompson can be e-mailed to askthevet@theblade.com or mailed to The Blade, Attn. Ask the Vet, 541 North Superior St., Toledo, OH 43660. Dr. Thompson regrets that he cannot answer individual letters.
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