Intestinal obstruction in dogs may be due to foreign bodies such as rocks, string, bones, fibers, glues, pieces of plastic or metal, or others.  Clinical signs often include vomiting, dehydration, and pain in the abdomen.

If you believe your dog has an intestinal obstruction, please call.

EVESHAM VETERINARY CLINIC

800 ROUTE 73 SOUTH

MARLTON, NJ 08053

(856) 983-9440

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Clinical signs:

• Pain
• Lameness
• Toe-touching gait
• Tenderness
• Difficulty rising from sitting position
• Clicking or popping noise in knee

Typically it occurs in young, athletic, overweight dogs.  It is more common in males and in certain breeds such as Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers.  Often it occurs when dogs are running at full speed and try to turn or trip over an irregularity in the ground surface.

Even a partial tear of the cruciate ligament can cause significant pathology, as the immune system gains access to the stifle joint and inflammation ensues.

Diagnosis is through history and physical examination.  In addition, radiographs (x-rays), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or CT (computed tomography) can be useful.

Conservative Treatment:

Some cases can be managed medically with a period of exercise restriction and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as an NSAID (e.g. Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Metacam, Previcox).

Laser therapy is useful for dogs who are not good candidates for surgery due to other illnesses.  It is also helpful post-operatively.

Physical therapy and custom knee bracing/orthotics have also been tried with limited levels of success.

If the dog does not respond to conservative treatment over time, there is an increasing risk that the remaining good leg will become injured as well.

Surgical Treatment:

There are four common types of surgery.  There is very little research suggesting that any one technique is superior to the others.  Which technique  is best for a particular dog depends on a variety of factors including the size of the dog and the conformation of the leg.

• Lateral suture technique (lateral fabellar suture stabilization, extra-capsular suture stabilization)
• Tightrope
• Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)
• Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA)

In addition, many surgeons will perform a meniscectomy if surgery reveals a significant meniscal tear.

If you believe your dog might have a torn ACL, please call us at (856) 983-9440.  Timely evaluation and treatment is the best way to help ensure a positive outcome.

EVESHAM VETERINARY CLINIC

800 ROUTE 73 SOUTH

MARLTON, NJ 08053

(856) 983-9440

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Medications

NSAIDS

• Rimadyl (Carprofen)
• Deramaxx (Deracoxib)
• Metacam (Meloxicam)
• Previcox (Firocoxib)

Priprants

• Galliprant

Opioids

Steroids

• Prednisone
• Prednisolone

Muscle Relaxants

• Methocarbamol (Robaxin)

Nutritional Supplements

• Glucosamine with chondroitin
• Fish oil

Laser Therapy

• Laser Therapy is an advanced option for treating pain.  We use a Companion Therapy Laser, by LiteCure.  Laser Therapy is an FDA-cleared modality that reduces inflammation and that results in pain reduction. Laser Therapy is effective in treating acute pain, chronic conditions, and post-operative pain.

Evesham Veterinary Clinic

Marlton, NJ 08053

(856) 983-9440

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Bladder stones are mineralized objects that form in the bladders of dogs and cats.  They are often caused by urinary tract infections.  Diet may be another factor.

Clinical signs include difficulty urinating, bloody urine, or urinating a little bit at a time.  Left untreated, bladder stones can become life-threatening.

Diagnosis is confirmed with radiographs (x-rays) and/or ultrasound.  Sometimes the stones can be felt within the abdomen.

Treatment includes surgery, antibiotics, and/or dietary management.

Stones are often sent to the laboratory for analysis following surgery.  Common types are magnesium ammonium phosphate and calcium oxalate.

For more information or if you believe your dog or cat might have bladder stones, please call us.

Evesham Veterinary Clinic

Marlton, NJ 08053

(856) 983-9440

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The disease is causes by microscopic crystals that form in the urine.  These crystals are made from a mineral that goes by various names including struvite, triple phosphate, and magnesium ammonium phosphate.  It is unknown why these crystals form in some cats.  Urinary tract infections play a role in some cases, but the majority are sterile.  Because it is more common in some breeds, a genetic predisposition is suspected.  Diet is another factor, though most modern cat foods are formulated to prevent crystals from forming.  The disease also seems to be more common in cats with anxiety.

The most common signalment is a young, male, overweight cat, although any cat may be affected.

Struvite crystals are very sharp, and after they form in the bladder they create microscopic lacerations in the urethra as the they pass out of the body.  This causes pain, swelling, inflammation, and spasm of the muscle in the urethra.  The lumen of the urethra narrows, and it becomes harder to pass more urine.  Eventually a plug of mucus and crystals can form.  This prevents the bladder from emptying, leading to kidney failure. (acute renal failure).

Treatment includes passing a catheter up the urethra into the bladder, and leaving it in place for some time time allow the bladder to empty and recover its strength.  Cats are also treated with intravenous (IV) fluids, to help the kidneys recover and correct electrolyte imbalances.  Prognosis is good if the disease is caught in time.

Most cats go home from the hospital with phenoxybenzamine or prazosin, medicines which relax the urethra and make it easier to urinate.  Many cats are also treated with antibiotics.

The disease can recur, and long term treatment includes feeding a prescription diet.  These acidify the urine more than over-the-counter foods, and they are low in magnesium.  They are laboratory tested for FLUTD, safe, and effective.  Examples of prescription diets are Purina UR, Hills c/d, and Royal Canin SO.

A new approach to FLUTD is a diet called Hills c/d Stress.  This is similar to c/d but contains added ingredients to manage stress, including tryptophan.

Cats with multiple recurrences may need a surgery called a perineal urethrostomy.  This usually solves the problem but is reserved for difficult cases due to the pain and recovery time involved.

For more information or if you believe your cat may have FLUTD, please call us.

Evesham Veterinary Clinic

Marlton, NJ 08053

(856) 983-9440

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Pyometra is an infection of the uterus caused by high levels of the hormone progesterone.  It usually occurs during the period called diestrus, following when a dog is in heat.  At this time the uterus is vulnerable to infection with bacteria.  The most common cause is a bacterium called Escherichia coli.

Pyometra can affect any female intact dog or cat.  It is more common in older animals.  Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) prevents the disease.

Clinical Signs:

• Increased drinking
• Lethargy
• Vaginal discharge
• Reduced appetite
• Fever

Pyometras are classified as “closed” or “open” depending on whether there is discharge from the vagina.  Closed pyometras are particularly dangerous because they can be unnoticed for longer and because they more often lead to rupture of the uterus, which can cause death within hours.  Either kind requires immediate veterinary attention.

Diagnosis is made through history, physical examination, complete blood count, radiographs (x-rays), or ultrasound.

The treatment of choice is spaying.  This removes the source of progesterone as well as the diseased pus-filled uterus.  Very sick animals may need to be stabilized first with intravenous fluids and antibiotics.  Antibiotics alone without surgery are ineffective against pyometra.

Evesham Veterinary Clinic

Marlton, NJ 08053

(856) 983-9440

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Definitions

• Spay (ovariohysterectomy, fix) – removal of the ovaries and uterus
• Neuter (orchiectomy, castration, alter) – removal of the testes

Ideal age to spay or neuter

Usually around six months but will vary depending on the individual.

Species

Cats, dogs, rabbits.

Choosing a Veterinary Surgeon

Any licensed veterinarian can spay or neuter your pet.  It is up to you to find a match based on your comfort level and budget.  We at Evesham Veterinary Clinic offer affordable spay and neuter surgeries while at the same time doing everything necessary to make the experience as safe and stress-free as possible.

In our experience the best way to assure a good outcome is for veterinarians and staff to spend time and give each individual animal the personalized attention that they need.  This starts at the front desk and continues through preparation, surgery, and recovery.  Our commitment continues after the surgery and we remain available for follow-up questions and rechecks.  Outstanding service and attention to detail are where we excel.

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When surgery is necessary, your pet is in good hands at Evesham Veterinary Clinic.  With sophisticated imaging and pre-operative diagnostic tests, we can make sure your pet is a good candidate for surgery.  We go over the procedure with you in advance, so you can know what to expect, and communicate with you along the way.

We have two state-of-the-art surgical suites.  During and after surgery, your pet is provided with modern pain management techniques in order to make the procedure and recovery as comfortable as possible.

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