The ON-LINE edition of our monthly newsletter

Holiday Safety Tips

Be careful how you deck your halls! The holiday season is generally a time of family togtherness in which even our pets participate. One’s thoughts generally are far from thoughts of injury; however, one must be aware of some important seasonal hazards in order to insure a happy holiday season.

RIBBONS & TINSEL

These are of special interest to playful cats and kittens who see these materials as toys (or prey) to be chased, pounced upon, chewed or swallowed. While chasing and pouncing pose no health threats, chewing and swallowing do, as these strings or “linear foreign bodies” can catch in the GI tract, leading to bunching of intestine as the body tries in vain to move the string or ribbon through. This is a life-threatening condition requiring surgery for correction. Supervise animals who play with string closely.

ELECTRIC LIGHT CORDS

These are also tempting to cats who like to play with string as well as to puppies who are teething and interested in chewing. If a pet bites through an electrical cord, it could result in a severe burn to the tongue which causes the pet’s lung to fill with fluid, causing respiratory distress. This is also an emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.

CHOCOLATE

Many people do not realize that chocolate can be a poison. Unsweetened baking chocolate carries a much higher dose of the toxin “theobromine” than does milk chocolate, but even normal milk chocolate can be dangerous; a small dog sharing candy can wind up in big trouble. Clinical signs of chocolate poisoning include hyperexcitability, nervousness, vomiting, and diarrhea. These signs may even progress to seizuring and death.

POINSETTIA

Consuming this festive-looking plant can be irritating to the mouth and stomach of the dog or cat that chews on or eats it. Contrary to popular belief, however, poinsettia is not specifically toxic.

MISTLETOE

The fact that there are several types of mistletoe makes it difficult to predict the clinical signs of poisoning. Some mistletoes produce only stomach upset while others may lead to liver failure or seizuring. Consider mistletoe to be a hazardous substance and keep it inaccessible to pets and children.

DIETARY INDISCRETION

We all like to include our pets in Holiday meals along with the rest of the family, but try to keep in mind that sudden rich diet changes are likely to upset a pet’s stomach. Vomiting and diarrhea are not uncommon. If leftovers are of an especially fatty nature, the pancreas may become inflamed and overloaded. This condition is serious and may require hospitalization.
 

The Mar Vista Animal Medical Center
wishes your family the happiest of holidays.
Please keep this information in mind as you celebrate.
 

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Debra Swartz, the newest friendly face behind our reception desk, is no newcomer to the animal hospital scene. She has worked as a receptionist at veterinary clinics for over ten years before bringing her expertise to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. Definitely an animal lover, Debra has three pets of her own: Nikki, a one and a half year old Shepherd mix dog; Chloe, a 13 year old cat; and Casey, an 8 year old Grey Cheek parrot. Debra, a native of California, can often be found taking Nikki to the park or the beach. Join us in welcoming Debra to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center staff.

 

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NEW ON OUR WEB SITE

HELICOBACTER INFECTION
This bacterium is not new but focus on it by both the veterinary and human medical community certainly is. The role of Helicobacter in stomach ulcer formation is now well recognized. If you have a pet with chronic nausea, you may want to be familiar with this infection.

LYMPHOMA
This form of cancer, also called “lymphosarcoma,” is the most common malignancy of dogs, cats and humans. There is a plentitude of information available, information that is necessary in order to make intelligent decisions about an affected pet. We are beginning a web center to summarize information about prognosis, chemotherapy and alternative treatments.
 

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Special Holiday Boarding Package

Compliment your pet’s stay with us with this special holiday package:

Just ask for the BOARDING PACKAGE at time of drop-off!

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Holiday Hours