Q. What is the mode of action (MOA) behind the clinical evidence for FIC signs recurrence and struvite stones dissolution?

ANSWER : A. Prescription Diet c/d Urinary Stress contains a blend of nutrients that include omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that help break the inflammatory cycle and counteract oxidative stress associated with FIC. It is formulated with controlled amounts of magnesium and phosphorus (building blocks of struvite) and optimal urine pH (6.2 to 6.4) that results in urine under-saturated for struvite.

ANSWER : A. That’s a great question. As responsible pet owners we need to be aware of food items that can be harmful to our canine or feline companions. Here are some of the most common foods proven to cause illness in our animals at home:

Chocolate: A favorite and irresistible treat amongst most humans, chocolate is considered toxic to dogs. In very small amounts it is usually not a huge issue, but with larger volumes and with darker chocolates pet owners should be concerned. Chocolate contains methylxanthine theobromine, which is similar to caffeine. Chocolate ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, issues with normal heartbeats, seizures, and in some severe cases, death. It is best to keep your favorite chocolate treats in a good hiding spot and out of reach of your dog or cat.

Grapes and raisins: Dogs should not consume grapes and raisins because of the risk of acute kidney failure. Most dogs experiencing grape or raisin toxicity will begin to have vomiting and/or diarrhea within 6-12 hours of ingestion. Other abnormal clinical signs include lethargy, abdominal pain, dehydration, and tremors. Kidney failure develops within 24-72 hours of the initial ingestion. There are some dogs that do not experience these devastating side effects. It is best to contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency facility if you believe your pet has ingested grapes or raisins.

Garlic and onions: We often forget that our meals contain these two popular ingredients and will allow our furry companions a few bites or licks. Onion and garlic both can cause a type of poisoning that results in damage to red blood cells, making them more likely to rupture. They can also cause stomach upset and mouth irritation. Look for pale gums, increased breathing or drooling or any vomiting or diarrhea.

Bread dough: Unbaked bread dough is considered poisonous to our pets. The bread dough, when ingested, expands in the stomach because of the warm and moist environment. This can lead to a bloated or even twisted stomach. In addition yeast is often added to our baking products to help get bread to rise, and when this yeast is fermented it produces both carbon dioxide and alcohol. The alcohol produced can be absorbed into the bloodstream and causes dangerous drops in blood sugar, blood pressure and body temperature. Common clinical signs include vomiting or retching, distension of the stomach, weakness and collapse.

Macadamia nuts: Ingestion of these nuts are not proven to be fatal in dogs but can cause them to experience uncomfortable clinical sings, including fever, joint stiffness, vomiting, tremors and difficulty walking, especially in their hind legs. Often your pet will start to feel better after about 48 hours, but supportive veterinary care (such as pain medication) may help ease their discomfort.

Xylitol: The most common ingredient used in sugar-free gum is xylitol, which is a non-caloric sweetener. It is also found in some oral rinses, toothpastes and vitamins. Xylitol and dogs do not mix – it can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugars levels. Dogs will often display signs of disorientation, black tarry stool, tremors and seizures. If severe enough some dogs have developed liver failure. Keep your gum away from your canine companion.

Avocados: Avocados are not actually poisonous to dogs or cats but as many veterinarians can tell you the avocado pits can cause a foreign body obstruction. Avocados contain persin, which is actually toxic to the majority of pet birds. The abnormal clinical signs associated with avocado ingestion in birds include, respiratory distress, inability to perch, liver and kidney failure and sudden death.

Go forth and enjoy your favorite foods, but keep in mind which foods you should avoid sharing with your furry family members. Whenever in doubt, contact your veterinarian for healthy and safe food suggestions.

ANSWER : A. Cats with FIC have an abnormal response to stress – this allows excessive nervous input to the bladder, which causes inflammation.

There are dietary recommendations including, c/d Multicare Urinary Stress, which contains 2 ingredients shown to decrease anxiety or stress-related behaviors in cats. One of these ingredients is L-tryptophan (an amino acid), which is converted to serotonin, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that affects mood (decreased anxiety). The other ingredient, hydrolyzed casein, facilitates inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain, resulting in decreased anxiety.

The c/d multicare Urinary Stress diet also contains a blend of nutrients that include omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that help break the inflammatory cycle and counteract oxidative stress associated with FIC. It is formulated with controlled amounts of magnesium and phosphorus (building blocks of struvite) and optimal urine pH (6.2 to 6.4) that results in urine under-saturated for struvite formation.

ANSWER : A. There are generally a low number of animals that actually exhibit clinical signs when being administered NexGard or any oral flea/tick preventative. These clinical sings would be vomiting, dry skin, diarrhea, lethargy, and lack of appetite.

If your animal experiences any of the clinical signs it is recommend you discontinue the medication and contact both your veterinarian and the company.

ANSWER : A. Yes chocolate is toxic to dogs. The higher the cocoa content the more toxic it is. Therefore, less amount of 80% dark chocolate needs to be consumed compared to white chocolate before toxic signs can be appreciated.

Also, the weight of the dog is important in terms of the amounts needed to be ingested before toxic symptoms appear. Less than 1oz of milk chocolate per 1lb of bodyweight needs to be eaten to be potentially lethal and less than 0.1oz per 1lb of baking chocolate is needed to be potentially fatal. If you are unsure, you should always contact your vet or emergency vet straight after ingestion.

If your dog has eaten more than the toxic amount, vomiting needs to be induced within two hours of ingestion. Clinical signs usually occur within 6-12 hours post ingestion. Mild signs can include increased thirst, restlessness, vomiting and diarrhea. More severe signs can include hyperactivity, increased urination, muscle tremors, unbalanced/uncoordinated, seizures, increased heart rate, increased breathing, coma and death.

ANSWER : A. Cats with FIC have an abnormal response to stress – this allows excessive nervous input to the bladder, which causes inflammation. c/d Multicare Urinary Stress contains 2 ingredients shown to decrease anxiety or stress-related behaviors in cats. L-tryptophan (an amino acid) is converted to serotonin, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that affects mood (decreased anxiety).

Hydrolyzed casein facilitates inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain, resulting in decreased anxiety. Prescription Diet c/d Urinary Stress contains a blend of nutrients that include omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that help break the inflammatory cycle and counteract oxidative stress associated with FIC. It is formulated with controlled amounts of magnesium and phosphorus (building blocks of struvite) and optimal urine pH (6.2 to 6.4) that results in urine under-saturated for struvite.

ANSWER : A. More information would be required in order to advise on this case and I recommend you discuss options and prognosis with the diagnosing vet; your local humane societies and charities may be able to help in getting her the care she needs. Kidney stones do not generally respond to any medication or diet changes and require removal to prevent serious damage. Some bladder stones can be managed with specific diet changes but this is very specific in relation to the exact type and size of stone and medical management can occasionally cause stones in the bladder to shrink sufficiently that they can then move down the tract and cause blockages lower down and resulting in the need for intricate surgery with a high risk of permanent side effects. The exact size, location and chemical make up is all important in assessing her options and no specific advice can be given without all the relevant information

ANSWER : A. Clinical signs of lyme disease include fever, inappetance, lethargy, episodic shifting and limb lameness. Dogs look like they are coming down with flu, they walk hunched over, as stepping on egg shells.
The stiffness is related to polyarthritis, that will reverse once treatment is initiated, although changes in the joint can persist after the inflammation is controlled. A small reddened lesion can also be seen where the tick bite was, and it will normally disappear within the first two weeks.

From this general picture, symptoms can progress to kidney failure and even death if your dog is left untreated. Specific blood test will be able to confirm whether the dog has been exposed to the disease.

Antibiotics are normally prescribed and lead to an improvement in clinical signs within 2-3 days time. Treatment is often required for weeks or even months, and the greatest rate of success is achieved in the initial phases of the clinical illness.