Aroma Pets

Heartworm

Heartworm is a parasitic worm that lives in the heart and pulmonary arteries of an infected animal. The worms travel through the bloodstream—harming arteries and vital organs as they go—ultimately completing their journey to the vessels of the lung and the heart chamber about six months after the initial infection. Several hundred worms can live in one dog for five to seven years.
Heartworm disease is serious and can be fatal.

Heartworm Symptoms
Symptoms of heartworm can include:
Laboured breathing - Coughing - Vomiting - Weight loss, listlessness and fatigue after only moderate exercise - Some dogs exhibit no symptoms at all until late stages of infection

Heartworm Causes
Heartworms are transmitted from animal to animal by mosquitoes. An animal must carry at least two heartworms (a male and a female) in order for female heartworms to reproduce.
Females produce babies called “microfilaria,” which are shed into an animal’s bloodstream but are not capable of directly causing heartworm without first passing through a mosquito.

Microfilariae must be taken up by biting mosquitoes, and transform into infective larvae over a two-week period inside the insect. When a mosquito next bites a susceptible animal, the infective larvae enter the tissues and begin a migration into the blood vessels. Heartworms enter an animal’s bloodstream as tiny, invisible larvae, but can reach lengths of more than twelve inches at maturity.

Diagnosing Heartworm
Heartworm disease is diagnosed by examination, radiographs or ultrasound, and a veterinarian-administered blood test. All dogs should be routinely screened with a blood test for heartworm either annually in spring or before being placed on a new prescription for a heartworm preventative.

Dogs More Prone to Heartworm
Heartworm infestation can happen to any dog, but since mosquitoes are their carriers, dogs who live in hot, humid regions are at greatest risk. The disease has been seen in every state except Alaska, but is most common in or on the East Coast, southern United States and Mississippi River Valley.

Preventing Heartworm
Heartworm is easily preventable with an inexpensive, chewable pill or topical medication available as a vet’s prescription. The pills or topical are usually administered monthly and can be given to dogs under 6 months of age without a blood test. Older animals must be screened for the disease prior to starting medication.

The American Heartworm Society recommends keeping your dog on the medication all year long. Not only does this avoid errors, but many of the products also prevent other intestinal parasites. Please contact your veterinary immediately.

Heartworm Treatment
After diagnosis, a thorough examination of the infected dog should be conducted to evaluate the best course of treatment and the potential risks involved. The most common course of treatment is a series of injections of drugs called adulticides into the dogs’ muscle.

This cure has a high success rate and usually requires hospitalization. All treatment protocols require several weeks of exercise restriction after treatment and are not without risk. Disease prevention is a much better and safer option. After treatment, your dog should be placed on a preventative medication to reduce the risk of infection.

When to Consult Your Veterinarian
If you notice that your dog’s energy has decreased, he seems ill, or he’s exhibiting any of the general symptoms described.

Reference: RSPCA

Clary Sage - ( Salvia Sclarea) 

Clary Sage is a sturdy perennial herb with hairy, pale green, purple tinged leaves and insignificant blue flowers. Native to southern Europe it is also cultivated worldwide wherever the soil is well drained. In the Middle Ages it was known as Cleareye, which refers both to its ability to cleanse the eyes ( the herb, not the essential oil) and its reputation for including visions.

It is closely related to garden sage (salvia officinalis), but since it has lower levels of keytones it is much safer to use. Clary Sage is known as a euphoric and is deeply relaxing for muscles and mind. It lifts you above daily cares, but at the same time s grounding, earthy and inspiring. It is said to have a progesterone like effect and can be used to regulate hormonal cycles and relieve the discomfort of heats or season.

It also helps to release energy in the lower chakras and encourages sexual activity. Last but not least, Clary Sage releases constriction in the lungs, deepening breathing and relieving fearful tension.

Principal Uses
Physical
Alopecia - Asthma - Circulatory problems - Claustrophobia - Hormonal problems - Tight or strained muscles.

Behavioral
Anxiety - Changeable moods - Claustrophobia - Depression - Fear

I most often use Clary Sage for:
Restless. moody dogs, especially if there is any constriction of lungs or muscles, or claustrophobia.
Bad tempered females, especially if they are defensive of their personal space, or become moody or uncomfortable around their hormonal cycle.

Extraction and Characteristics:
Steam distilled from the flowering tops and leaves.

Fragrance:
Warm, musky, sweet, green and camphoraceous.

Actions:
Anti-fugal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-sudorific, detoxicant, decongestant, hormone balancer (progesterone-like), neurotonic, phlebotonic, regenerative.

Safety & Cautions:
Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Do not mix with alcohol.

Maximum dilution 3 drops in 5ml/ 1 tsp

Reference: The Aromatic Dog: Nayana Morag

Common Cat & Dog Diseases - Diabetes

Diabetes in dogs is a complex disease caused by either a lack of the hormone insulin or an inadequate response to insulin. After a dog eats, his digestive system breaks food into various components, including glucose—which is carried into his cells by insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas. When a dog does not produce insulin or cannot utilize it normally, his blood sugar levels elevate. The result is hyperglycemia, which, if left untreated, can cause many complicated health problems for a dog.

It is important to understand that diabetes is considered a manageable disorder—and many diabetic dogs can lead happy, healthy lives.

Diabetes can be classified as:
Type I (lack of insulin production)
Type II (impaired insulin production along with an inadequate response to the hormone).
The most common form of the disease in dogs is Type I, insulin-dependent diabetes, which occurs when the pancreas is incapable of producing or secreting adequate levels of insulin. Dogs who have Type I diabetes require insulin therapy to survive.

Diabetes Symptoms in Dogs
The following are signs that your dog may be diabetic:

• Change in appetite
  Excessive thirst/increase in water consumption
• Weight loss
• Increased urination
  Unusually sweet-smelling or fruity breath
  Lethargy
  Dehydration
  Urinary tract infections
  Vomiting
  Cataract formation, blindness
  Chronic skin infections
  Causes of Diabetes
  

The exact cause of diabetes is unknown. Autoimmune disease, genetics, obesity, chronic pancreatitis, certain medications and abnormal protein deposits in the pancreas can play a major role in the development of the disease.

Dogs More Prone to Diabetes
It is thought that obese dogs and female dogs may run a greater risk of developing diabetes later in life (6-9 years of age)

Some breeds may also have a greater risk, include Australian Terriers, Standard and Miniature Schnauzers, Dachshunds, Poodles, Keeshonds and Samoyeds
Juvenile diabetes can also be seen and is particularly prevalent in golden retrievers and keeshonds

Diagnosing Diabetes
To properly diagnose diabetes, your veterinarian will collect information about clinical signs, perform a physical examination and check blood work and urinalysis.

Treating Diabetes
Every diabetic dog is an individual and will respond differently to therapy. Diabetes treatment is based on how severe the signs of disease are and whether there are any other health issues that could complicate therapy.

Some dogs are seriously ill when first diagnosed and require intensive hospitalized care for several days to regulate their blood sugar levels.

Dogs who are more stable when first diagnosed may respond to oral medication or a high-fiber diet that helps to normalize glucose levels in the blood

For most dogs, insulin injections are necessary for adequate regulation of blood glucose. Once your pet’s individual insulin treatment is established, typically based on weight, you will be shown how to give him his insulin injections at home. Spaying your dog is recommended, as female sex hormones can have an effect on blood sugar levels.

As your veterinarian will explain, it’s important to always give your dog insulin at the same time every day and feed him regular meals in conjunction with his medication; this allows increased nutrients in the blood to coincide with peak insulin levels. This will lessen the chance that her sugar levels will swing either too high or too low.

You can work with your vet to create a feeding schedule around your pet’s medication time. It is also important to avoid feeding your diabetic dog treats that are high in glucose. Regular blood glucose checks are a critical part of monitoring and treating any diabetic patient, and your veterinarian will help you set up a schedule for checking your dog’s blood sugar.

Diabetes Prevention
Although a certain form of diabetes—the type found in dogs less than a year of age—is inherited, proper diet and regular exercise can go a long way to avoid the development of diabetes. Aside from other negative effects, obesity is known to contribute to insulin resistance.

If You Suspect Your Dog Has Diabetes
If your dog is showing any abnormal clinical signs as listed above, make an appointment to see your veterinarian immediately. If a diabetic dog is not treated, he can develop secondary health problems like cataracts and severe urinary tract problems. Ultimately, untreated diabetes can cause coma and death.

Reference: RSPCA

Plumage colour determines which flamingos stay in the pink – study

The pinkest flamingos are the most aggressive when it comes to squabbling over food, scientists have found. 

New research from the University of Exeter also suggests bright pink plumage to be an indicator of good health in lesser flamingos.