Whenever a dog or cat develops a new lump or bump, your first (and correct) instinct is probably to contact us at Shiloh Mobile Vet. It can be hard, though, even for our trained eyes, to know exactly what a mass might be just by looking. Keep reading to learn everything you ever wanted to know about masses on dogs and cats. 

If it Swells…

When a new growth or mass is noted on a pet, it is best to get things checked out sooner rather than later. All masses should be monitored closely by a veterinarian. 

When you bring a pet in to see us for a mass, we will do a few things:

• Assess and document the location of the mass
• Note the physical characteristics including size, shape, color, and feel
• Examine the pet for other signs of illness such as weight, enlargement of lymph nodes, overall well being
• Take a sample depending on the size and location of the area.

There is a saying in veterinary medicine that if it swells, stick it! This refers to obtaining a fine needle aspirate by gently obtaining some cells from the area to observe under the microscope. 

The microscopic appearance of the cells can help us determine what the mass might be, and the best course of action. Most swellings will either be consistent with infection (such as an abscess on a cat after a fight), reactive tissue (such as a lymph node reacting to a systemic infection), or neoplastic (benign or malignant tissue growth). Sometimes we even get a surprise and find out it’s a hernia on a dog or cat patient. 

It can be difficult to tell for sure what is going on based on a fine needle aspirate, or a mass may not want to shed any cells to look at. In these cases, sometimes surgical biopsy is warranted. 

Masses that appear suddenly, cause the pet discomfort, seem irritated, or show up on a pet with a short hair coat like a pitbull, boxer, or pug should be seen more urgently. 

Soft Tissue Surgery and Mass Removals

If after an examination it is determined that your pet’s growth should be removed and/or biopsied, not to worry! You are in good hands. 

Shiloh Mobile Veterinary Care takes surgical procedures very seriously. For your pet’s procedure you should expect:

• Your pet to be fully anesthetized unless otherwise discussed
• Activity restriction post surgery (we will try to educate you ahead of time so that you can prepare)
• Some type of surgical incision and/or stitches that will need to be monitored
• The need for pain medication and sometimes other medications at home
• A healing time of at least 2 weeks post surgery
• No baths until surgical incision(s) are healed
• To have to wait a little while (about one to two weeks) for biopsy results

When a pet has a mass removal performed, we remove all visible diseased tissue where possible. Sometimes, if this is not possible, a mass will be “debulked.” Some types of soft tissue growths, though, may be very difficult to remove in their entirety. A cyst on a dog, for instance, should be able to be removed. A cancerous soft tissue sarcoma, though, may have tendrils of abnormal tissue invading locally that cannot be visibly seen.

When we send the removed tissue to the laboratory for evaluation by a pathologist (a biopsy or histopath), they can give us more detailed information about what the mass was, whether it was entirely removed, if it is likely to return, and what other treatments may be appropriate. 

If your pet has a new or changing growth, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help. We are here to make sure that everything is okay and help guide you if there are concerns. 

The post An Owner’s Guide to Soft Tissue Surgery and Mass Removals appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

The holidays are upon us, and this fact has many of us jumping for joy. The turkey, stuffing, casseroles and desserts are enough, but add in all the other holiday indulgences and it’s easy to see why so many of us overdo it, and pay for it later. 

For our pets, though, such overindulgence in fatty and rich holiday foods can spell disaster. Every holiday season, pets are seen like clockwork in the animal emergency clinic for pancreatitis, a painful and life threatening condition often caused by the consumption of such foods. 

Avoid a pet emergency this holiday season by learning about pancreatitis in pets and holiday food safety. 

Food Safety

Many of our delicious and traditional holiday foods are toxic to pets, and accidental pet poisonings are unfortunately common during the holiday season. Keep the following food items away from your pet. 

• Chocolate
• Xylitol
• Yeasted raw bread dough
• Macadamia nuts
• Alcohol
• Chives, onions, and garlic
• Grapes and raisins
• Raw poultry or meat
• Sage and other herbs

Sometimes our pets’ love of eating can also get them into trouble when they ingest something that causes an intestinal obstruction. Corn cobs, bones, aluminum foil, turkey string, and wrappers are common items ingested by pets that can result in an emergency surgery to remove. Remove temptation by clearing leftovers right away, keeping garbage bins tightly lidded and behind closed doors, and by resisting the urge to share fatty or rich foods with your pet. 

Pancreatitis Basics

You may regret overindulging in pumpkin pie or casseroles, but for pets, eating even a bite or two of fatty or rich foods can be truly dangerous. Pets don’t digest rich foods well, and the result can be gastrointestinal upset and a potentially life threatening condition called pancreatitis.

If your pet is exhibiting any of the following signs of pancreatitis, she needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Hunched position
• Depression
• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Difficulty breathing

Holiday Food Safety For Pets

Thanksgiving may pose some risks for our pets, but that doesn’t mean our pets can’t join us in some of the holiday fun. They can even enjoy a few extras this time of year, without the added salt, sugar or fat. 

If you’d like to treat your pet and still practice holiday food safety for pets, try steamed green beans instead of green bean casserole, plain cooked sweet potato instead of candied yams, and a scoop of plain pumpkin instead of pumpkin pie. 

And, remember that not all treats are food! Indulge your pet in play and exercise instead, which is a great way to relieve stress, burn extra calories, and is great for bonding with your pet. Treat your pet to a neighborhood walk, or a game of ball or laser pointer tag when the big meal is over. You can also show your pet how thankful you are for them with lots of snuggles and affection. 

If you have any questions about holiday food safety for pets or pancreatitis, please don’t hesitate to call us. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your pets from Shiloh Veterinary Hospital. 

The post Pancreatitis and Holiday Food Safety For Pets appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

To be a truly awesome pet owner, all you need is love, right? Without a doubt, warmth and tenderness are essential parts of the puzzle. But to be a responsible pet owner, an understanding of what to do in a pet emergency is crucial.

Acquiring items for a pet first aid kit is a great place to start, and knowing how to perform pet CPR takes it to the next-level in emergency preparation. 

Our Duty

Sharing a home with a pet is a privilege not to be taken lightly. Of course, they bring a lot of fun and happiness to the table. However, acknowledging and providing for all their needs involves preparing for sudden illness or injury. Being able to respond appropriately can also come in handy during a natural disaster or other emergency.

What’s In Your Cabinet?

Print out or organize your pet’s medical history and records in waterproof bag. Include a recent photo, microchip information and proof of all vaccinations. Place these documents inside the travel crate / cage, as well as the dedicated container for pet first-aid supplies. If you ever have to evacuate or travel quickly with your pet to an emergency hospital, all their information is in one place.

Keep our contact number at hand, as well as the one for ASPCA Poison Control.

The Right Stuff

Pets that are seriously ill or injured may growl, hiss, bite or swipe at your hands. As a result, it may be necessary to muzzle them to protect yourself. However, if your pet is having breathing difficulties or is vomiting, coughing, choking or panting heavily, do not muzzle them.

Assessing the Damage

As with any crisis, it’s important to stay calm. Stabilize your pet and assess the situation. Call us for help. 

Having the following items in your pet first-aid kit can make all the difference:

• Self-cling bandage
• Absorbent gauze pads and rolls
• Blunt ended scissors
• Cotton balls or swabs
• Antiseptic wipe or spray
• Saline solution
• Disposable gloves
• Rectal thermometer (and lubricant)
• Ice pack
• Ear-cleaning solution
• Antibiotic ointment
• Plastic syringe or eyedropper
• Tongue depressor
• Splints
• Styptic powder
• Small flashlight
• Tweezers
• Nail clippers

Over time, go through your pet first-aid kit and replace any items that have expired. 

Pet First Aid or CPR?

The American Red Cross offers online training for pet CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Anyone can learn and apply this life-saving skill in the event that an animal stops breathing or has no heartbeat.

• Lay the animal down on their right side. 
• Circulate blood to the vital organs by pressing down on the chest to about ½ of the width.
• Release after a count to one. 
• Repeat 100-200 times per minute.
• Every 15-20 seconds, blow 1-2 breaths into the pet’s nose (keep a hand around the snout or muzzle to keep the mouth closed).

Stick to the Motto

When pet owners are prepared to handle various pet emergencies, their animals have better odds of surviving emergency illness or injury. If you need more help on this topic, please reach out to us. Shiloh Mobile Veterinary Hospital is always here for you!

The post Always Be Prepared: A Primer on Pet First Aid and CPR appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Most pet owners understand the value of preventive care and prioritize annual wellness visits, vaccinations, and parasite prevention. Unfortunately, taking these precautions don’t entirely eliminate the threat of accidental illness or injury.

Recognizing a pet emergency and getting your pet the help they need quickly is often the key to a successful outcome. Pets are hardwired to hide signs of pain, which can make it difficult to tell when they need medical attention.

The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital has put together a quick guide on the most common problems that require immediate attention.

Warning Signs of a Pet Emergency

Certain situations are always considered a pet emergency, such as:

• Breathing problems – This includes any type of breathing difficulty, such as choking or coughing uncontrollably.
• Wounds – Bring your pet in if they have a wound that doesn’t stop bleeding within 5 minutes or if they have any bleeding from the nose, mouth, or anus.
• Eye injuries – All eye injuries are considered pet emergencies. Bring your pet in if you notice bleeding, swelling, or discharge in or around the eye.
• Elimination difficulties – Straining or inability to defecate or urinate for more than 12 hours can signal a dangerous intestinal blockage or other medical emergency.
• Pain – Signs of pain in pets include limping, favoring one side, hunched posture, difficulty standing or walking, extreme anxiety, sudden aggression, or disorientation.
• Severe vomiting/diarrhea – A pet who’s vomiting or has diarrhea several times a day should be seen by a veterinarian, especially if accompanied by fever or lethargy.
• Trauma – Your pet should receive medical attention after any trauma, such as falling from a great height, being struck by a vehicle, or fighting with another animal  – even if there are no visible injuries.
• Fever – Your pet should be seen by a veterinarian if they have a rectal temperature greater than 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Refusal to eat/drink – Not eating or drinking for 24 hours or more is considered a pet emergency.
• Difficulties during labor – Seek medical attention if a laboring pet has gone several hours without delivering a puppy or kitten.

The Next Steps

Time is of the essence when it comes to a pet emergency. Know the names of nearby veterinary emergency hospitals, and program their contact information into your phone.

Always use caution when transporting a sick or injured pet – even the gentlest animal may bite or scratch out of fear or pain. A box or crate is the safest way to get them to a veterinarian without compromising your own safety.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our staff for more information. We’re always here for you!

The post Recognizing and Responding to a Pet Emergency appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.