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Ann Noble, one of the Vets at Paragon Veterinary Group has written a series of newspaper articles. Click on the topic you are interested in to read the full script. |
Cat Flu Autoimmune Disease Blood Donors Diseases Encountered in Europe Cat Bites and Scratches Cruciate Ligament Injury Eating at Christmas Fly Strike in Rabbits Geriatric Cats Hair Loss In Dogs and Cats Heart Failure Heat Stroke Lameness Lumps and Bumps Obesity Summer Allergies TB in Dogs and Cats The Dangers of Bones
Cat Flu
Everyone is aware how often the common cold occurs among school children. In almost all cases children will recover uneventfully with no residual consequences. Consider what would happen if some children developed life long respiratory problems and others became lifelong carriers of the viruses.
This is the situation we see among cats that get cat ‘flu. Vaccination of many of our pet cats controls the situation but feral cats and any unvaccinated cats remain vulnerable.
Cat flu is caused by several pathogens including some viruses and some bacteria. The viruses ‘feline calicivirus’ and ‘feline herpes virus’ account for approximately 80% of cases of cat flu. Both viruses can cause permanent damage to the upper airways and sometimes the eyes. With feline calicivirus most cats will stop shedding virus within a year of infection. With feline herpes virus almost all recovered cats have a latent infection, which causes active shedding of virus following stress. As a consequence, no cat that has had cat flu can ever be viewed as free from the disease.
Viral infections cannot be treated so care of a cat with flu involves careful nursing and control of any bacterial element. While most cats will recover from the acute infection, for some older cats and kittens disease will prove fatal.
It is therefore extremely important that cats are vaccinated as even those that are ‘house cats’ may escape outside from time to time. Cats are territorial and a tomcat’s territory is very large. Remember that many feral cats will be cat flu carriers, so there is always a possibility of encountering the disease.
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Blood Donors
Everyone is familiar with the regular calls for human blood donors. Have you ever considered what happens when an animal needs a blood transfusion, and where we get the blood from? We cannot, for various reasons store blood, so we are reliant on people generously allowing their pet to donate blood when the time arises. This may well be at short notice as one of the most common reasons for needing a transfusion is acute, life threatening blood loss, such as a road traffic accident.
If the canine recipient of the blood has never had a transfusion before, there is rarely a problem in not blood typing.
There are various requirements for being a canine blood donor:
- Be clinically healthy
- Be fully vaccinated
- Weigh more than 20 Kg
- Be between 1 and 8 years old
- Have a good temperament
- Not have travelled outside the UK
- Not have had a transfusion themselves
- Ideally be male, or female known not to have had pups
A canine patient that has received a previous transfusion more than four days ago would require blood typing before transfusing.
Cats have different blood groups to dogs and it is not safe to transfuse cats without blood typing (cross matching) first.
Therefore any potential feline donor would, in addition to meeting the above criteria, need to be blood typed in advance.
If you have a dog that meets these requirements, and you would consider them being used as a blood donor, contact your vet.
Autoimmune Disease
Many people think that a puppy from their beloved pet would be a nice addition to the family. This is often true but many factors should be considered before embarking on this potentially hazardous course. Firstly it is a fallacy to think your bitch should have a litter for the good of her health. There is no evidence that there is any health benefit and in many ways can actually be detrimental to the dog. - for example the risk of mammary tumours becomes greater if spaying is delayed.
Choosing the right mate for your bitch is very important. The stud dog's temperament and health are every bit as important as his good looks! Certain breeds should be hip and elbow scored and eye tested before being used at stud so always ask the stud owner what the scores are. Equally, to ensure that your litter is as healthy as possible you should have your bitch hip and elbow scored and eye tested if she is of a breed at risk. It is easy and certainly cheaper to use a friend's dog simply because he looks nice and you know him. Often this can be successful but if he has any potential hip or eye problems you're unaware of, the resulting litter of pups could be condemned to a life of misery due to hip dysplasia or blindness.
The next hurdle once you have mated your bitch (often easier said than done!) and waited the 63 days of gestation, is the birth. If the bitch gives birth easily and nurses the pups well then it has been a success, and the majority of births are like this. However occasionally a puppy will get lodged in the birth canal, or the uterus will stop contracting and a caesarian section will be required. During this procedure there is a risk of losing mother or puppies or sometimes both.
The puppies need 8 weeks of care from mother and owner and the amount of time involved in caring for a litter of 12 Labrador puppies should not be underestimated. The final task is finding good, caring homes for your babies, quite a responsibility but very rewarding once completed.
There is no doubt that breeding from your bitch can be a rewarding and pleasurable experience. This article has highlighted some of the potential problems that can be encountered however most births are relatively straightforward. If you decide to go ahead you should get your bitch checked by your vet and ensure all vaccinations are up to date as this will ensure maximum protection for the pups.
Diseases Encountered in Europe
Many pets are now travelling to Europe with the Pet Travel Scheme. It is important to realise that by taking animals outside the UK, diseases may be encountered that are not present in this country. The most important of these diseases are as follows:
Leishmaniasis is transmitted by the sand fly. The disease causes chronic weight loss and skin lesions in dogs. Natural infection in cats is rare. Transmission to humans is of increasing concern. There is no vaccine currently available to prevent infection, and treatment is difficult.
Babesiosis is caused by a protozoan parasite transmitted by ticks. In Europe, particularly southern France, dogs are at risk of infection. Disease results in a fever, loss of appetite, passing of red/brown urine, anaemia and weakness.
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. The adult worms live in the heart and blood vessels. The immature stage, the larva, is transmitted between animals by mosquitoes in hot countries including France and Spain. Signs include coughing, intolerance to exercise and breathlessness which can lead to death.
Ehrlichiosis is a rickettsial disease transmitted by ticks. Disease occurs in dogs, horses and humans in North Africa and Mediterranean Europe. Disease shows as fever, nasal discharge, decreased appetite, and weight loss in the early stages. This phase is followed maybe years later by a variety of more severe symptoms including seizures and bone marrow suppression.
The requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme are that animals are treated for ticks and worms before return to the UK. This is to prevent the vectors of these diseases (ticks, sand flies etc) coming into & becoming established in this country.
However, for the sake of our pets, it is important that we consider taking measures to prevent these diseases for the entire time our pets are abroad. This means worming to control heartworm and application of an appropriate product to control ticks and sandflies.
For further information consult your vet.
Cat Bites and Scratches
Anyone who has owned a tomcat will know what a problem cat bites can be. Cats have very sharp teeth and many bacteria in their mouths. The result is that when they bite, bacteria are implanted through a small hole, which often seals rapidly. The resulting infection builds up resulting in a local abscess.
Cats are usually bitten either on their front legs or face, or on the top of the tail depending on whether they were in attack or defence! Bites to the tail itself can be a problem as either the abscess or resulting scar tissue may constrict the blood supply to the lower tail.
Bite wounds may heal by themselves but many will require antibiotic treatment.
The most common significant injury seen as a result of a cat scratch is to the cornea (front) of the eye. This injury is usually seen in curious puppies who get too close to less sociable cats. The resulting tear requires emergency surgery.
Apart from the obvious injuries, cat bites may transmit diseases such as FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus). To help control the spread of such diseases it is important to neuter cats as this reduces fighting. If you have a known positive FIV cat, instituting a night time curfew is also advisable.
Cat bites may cause a problem to people – both owners and vets! If bitten, the wound should be immediately washed in disinfectant and medical advice sought.
Cat scratches can cause disease due to the transmission of the bacteria Bartonella.
In immunocompromised individuals this can cause severe illness and even death.
Please consult your doctor if concerned.
Cruciate Ligament Injury
Most people are aware of cruciate ligament injury in humans. Many of us saw on television Michael Owen’s injury as it occurred! It is also a well recognised skiing injury.
You may not be aware that it is also a common hind limb injury in dogs and is seen occasionally in cats.
Cruciate ligaments form a backwards to forwards cross formation (hence cruciate) within the knee (stifle) joint preventing the upper leg moving forward relative to the lower leg. In dogs the classic injury happens when the lower leg stays still (eg foot in a rabbit hole) and the upper leg moves forward. This would typically cause complete rupture of the ligament and immediate lameness. The dog will usually yelp at the time of injury but then becomes relatively pain free but unable / unwilling to use the leg. A broken leg will remain extremely painful.
The dog will not use the leg because the joint is unstable. Long-term instability of a joint will result in significant arthritic changes and lameness. It is for this reason that it is usually advisable to repair or stabilise the joint. In a small or old dog it may be suggested to manage the inevitable arthritis without having an operation but in most cases surgery will be the preferred option. There are several different surgical techniques used and your Vet would decide which is the best option for your pet.
If you think your dog or cat has suffered a cruciate injury, even though the pain may have reduced, do not hesitate in seeking advice from your Vet. If surgery is to be successful it is best done within the first two weeks post injury.
Eating at Christmas
When we are all looking forward to Christmas we don’t like to leave out our pets. Many people will buy them treats and give them a Christmas dinner. Pet shops and veterinary surgeries will usually sell stockings and other toys designed for animals. However - just as you need to be careful what you're buying for small children, the same is true when buying for animals. Treats designed for animals should be safe, but give them in moderation particularly if your pet has specific dietary requirements. For Christmas dinner for dogs and cats, turkey is fine and will rarely upset any animals. The same can't be said for turkey skin and the trimmings! As has been said before, beware of bones!! We like to indulge in chocolate but remember it is poisonous to our pets.
There are also a multitude of hazards around at Christmas. Lighting cables may be chewed by puppies, kittens and in particular house rabbits. Decorations are hazardous if bitten or swallowed – some are delicate glass, others just good at obstructing guts! Remember that walnuts, chestnuts etc are often left out at Christmas and again will cause major problems if swallowed whole.
If you have a young cat, the Christmas tree itself may be a hazard! –They will climb!
Don’t forget that with all the festivities, food and drink, the thing your dog will enjoy most of all is a good walk.
Fly Strike In Rabbits
Fly strike (or Myiasis) is a problem seen in rabbits in the summer months.
Myiasis is not restricted to rabbits – any animal can be affected, and in farmed livestock we see problems particularly in sheep.
The problem occurs when flies lay their eggs on the animal's skin. The eggs hatch into maggots, which then feed and grow on the animal, sometimes on the surface but also under the skin. This is obviously painful but can also, if left untreated lead to toxicity, shock and death of the animal.
Animals at risk are any to which flies are likely to be attracted. Rabbits are particularly vulnerable in a run outside. If your rabbit has recently undergone surgery and so has a wound, or if it is dirty around its back end due to diarrhoea or poor grooming it is at risk.Remember that poor grooming may indicate problems with your rabbit’s teeth.
Fly strike can appear to happen very quickly and usually initially is seen as sticky wet fur. The rabbit may appear irritated but will rapidly become dull and depressed.
Prompt veterinary attention to remove maggots and treat any accompanying wounds and infection may result in a cure, but often the situation is beyond recovery and euthanasia is the only option.
Products are available from your Vet to treat your rabbits every ten weeks over the summer to help prevent fly strike. It is advisable to use this, keep rabbits very clean and inspect them closely on a daily basis.
Geriatric Cats
With care and modern medicine cats can live to a good age, sometimes well over twenty years. There are some considerations specific to the older cat. It is important to feed an appropriate diet, often called ‘senior diets’. To maintain weight as they get older, senior diets are highly digestible. Special diets may be more expensive than commercial food but your old cat will be eating less. Diets for older cats are also designed to reduce the effects of kidney and heart disease.
Heart disease was discussed in a previous article.
Kidney disease in the old cat usually shows itself as increased drinking, weight loss and picking at food.
Another condition seen in older cats is over active thyroid (hyperthyroidism). This shows itself as weight loss even though the animals has a very good appetite.
As part of the care of an older cat it is important to maintain their teeth in good order.
Dirty teeth with inflamed gums will reduce the willingness or ability to eat. Bacteria in the blood stream as a result of inflamed gums may end up in the heart or kidneys causing further problems.
Old cats do not groom their coats effectively and we need to help to prevent knots forming which result in sore skin. Inactivity will result in claws growing long. This is seen with cats getting hitched up in carpets or bedding, but may result in the claws growing right round, back into the feet – very sore!
It is advisable to have your old cat examined at least twice a year. If you have any concerns, consult your Vet.
Hair Loss in Dogs and Cats
Unlike people, dogs and cats do not lose hair purely due to ageing! There are some ‘hairless’ breeds such as the Chinese Crested dog that are actually genetically modified to be born with no hair (or very little).
Hair does not grow continually, but in cycles. Each cycle consists of a growing period, followed by a resting period, at the end of which the hair is shed. Each individual follicle will be at different stages of the cycle.
The hair cycle usually takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks, but in winter hair will retained longer than in summer.
Certain breeds such as the poodle do not lose & replace hair regularly. This has the advantage that they do not shed hair continually but do need their hair cut. If they are unfortunate enough to require chemotherapy, they may lose their hair as people do, whereas for most breeds of dog and cat this is not a problem.
Loss of the hair coat may occur because hairs lost in the hair cycle are not being replaced, or because the animal is pulling out its hair.
Hormonal problems such as low thyroid levels cause symmetrical thinning of the hair. This is usually seen over the flanks but is also seen in areas of wear such as the tail, the back of the legs, the bridge of the nose and under the collar.
Demodex, which is a mite that lives in the hair follicles will usually present as small hairless patches particularly around the head but can be anywhere, and is usually seen where the immune system is immature (such as in puppies) or compromised.
Cats are particularly good at removing hair through over grooming. This is seen most commonly with flea allergies when they may remove much of their hair on the ventral abdomen and hind legs. Close examination of the hair will show that it has been ‘chewed’ off rather than lost.
If your dog or cat has a thin, poor or patchy coat, consult your Vet to see if there is an underlying problem that can be treated.
Heart Failure
This is a common problem in older dogs, also seen occasionally in younger dogs and some cats.
As everyone is aware heart disease is a life threatening illness and so is of major concern in both human and veterinary medicine. The most commonly presenting symptoms of angina and heart attacks do not occur in domestic animals (except pigs), as they do not get arteriosclerosis (furring up) of the arteries supplying the heart muscle.
The heart is a muscular pump, which pushes the blood around the body. The direction of blood flow is controlled by a series of one-way valves. Problems occur when one or more of the valves do not work properly; the muscle of the pump is diseased (cardiomyopathy); or the rate at which the heart pumps is inappropriate.
Valve problems may be congenital. We see heart failure due to congenital valve problems in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels where the mitral valve is abnormal (dysplastic) and consequently does not close forming a tight seal; also in Boxers where the cause is more commonly aortic or pulmonary stenosis (narrowing of the valves). In either situation we will hear a murmur.
Many dogs that we see with heart failure have valvular insufficiency that they have acquired with age.
In dogs, cardiomyopathy is usually breed related with large breed dogs such as Dobermans and Irish Wolfhounds being particularly affected. In certain breeds such as Dobermans, there are schemes to investigate the genetics of the condition.
In cats, heart failure is usually due to cardiomyopathy.
Heart rate may cause problems because it is too fast or too slow. It is possible even in animals to fit pacemakers if required.
Failure to move blood in a forward direction either due to pump failure (cardiomyopathy) or valve insufficiency will result in back pressure and overflow into tissues. This may result in fluid build up in the abdomen (ascites) or in the chest. In dogs, fluid in the chest collects in the lungs resulting in a soft cough, whereas in cats fluid collects around the lungs resulting in difficulty breathing but no cough.
Any condition causing an increase in size of the chambers of the heart and disrupted blood flow could result in small blood clots forming in the heart (thrombus). These thrombi may at any time pass out into the circulation (embolism). They will ultimately lodge in smaller blood vessels. This may result in many symptoms from sudden death; loss of use of the back legs (esp. cats); sudden onset kidney failure; brain damage etc.
Once the type and severity of the heart failure has been established, specific treatment can be started which in many cases will be successful for months or years.
Heat Stroke
Hot weather can result in heatstroke or hyperthermia in our pets. Any animal can suffer from heatstroke but we most commonly see it in dogs as the usual cause is being left unattended in a hot car. Excessive exercise and anxiety can also cause heat stroke.
Normally a dog’s temperature is 101.5 to 102 degrees farenheit. Once the temperature reaches 105 we may see signs of heat stroke, and over 106 becomes a life-threatening situation requiring immediate attention. Panting is a dog's cooling mechanism, blowing off hot air and allowing water evaporation. Therefore, rapid panting as the dog heats up, helps to control the temperature but results in rapid dehydration.
First aid measures until veterinary assistance is reached are:
- Remove from the heat source e.g. car
- Wet the body with tap water ** DO NOT use iced water as superficial blood vesselsconstrict so decreasing heat loss **
- Direct a fan onto the body to increase heat loss
In addition, your Vet will give intravenous fluids and possibly sedation and stomach washing with cool water.
If medical treatment is instigated promptly the outcome is usually good.
Remember that dogs left in cars on sunny days can die. It is not sufficient to leave the windows open slightly. If it is a hot day, please leave your pet at home.
Lameness
If your pet (dog or cat) becomes suddenly lame on one leg, but otherwise seems alright, do you need to take him/her to the vet?
The answer is that it depends what is causing the lameness. Obviously animals will sometimes receive a minor injury from which they rapidly recover (within twenty four hours). If this occurs, there may be no need to visit the vet. There are, however certain criteria which necessitate taking immediate advice:
- If there is obvious deviation of the limb
- If there is noticeable swelling of the limb
- If there is obvious pain
- If there is an obvious wound
- If there is significant bleeding.
If none of these criteria apply, it may be reasonable to ‘wait & see’. If, by the following day, the animal is still lame, advice should be sought. There are injuries, such as rupture of the cruciate ligament which will improve slightly from the initial injury, so that the dog (occasionally cat) will place the foot on the ground but will not properly take weight. If this is the case 4 & 5 days after the initial injury, it is essential that a Vet sees your pet even if there appears to be no associated pain.
Fractures are best repaired within 2 & 3 days of the accident happening and ligament injuries within 10 – 14 days. The long-term outlook may be compromised if there is a delay in repair.
It is better for us to see a minor injury maybe unnecessarily than to miss a major one until it is too late to repair. So if your pet becomes lame and you are not sure if it's a significant injury, do not hesitate to consult your Vet.
Lumps and Bumps
Many dogs, cats and other domestic pets will develop at some stage in their life, a growth (mass / lump).
A lump may be fluid filled such as a cyst, an abscess or a haematoma (large blood blister); it may be caused by a disruption in a muscle layer such as a hernia; or it may be a tumour (solid mass).
Tumours can be benign or malignant. A malignant tumour is one which if not treated will spread and cause similar growths in other parts of the body until normal organ function is disrupted and the patient dies (cancer).
A benign tumour is not life threatening although it may cause problems locally depending on its site and size.
The type and site of a tumour determines what treatment is required (if any) and if the animal’s well being is threatened.
Tumours can develop from any tissue of the body e.g. bone, gut, muscle, skin, etc., so can appear just about anywhere and cause a huge variety of signs.
Many owners do bring their animals to the Vet because they are concerned about a lump.
However, many are not brought because:
- It is assumed that the lump is insignificant.
- The owner has not considered that something should be done about the lump.
- It is assumed that the size or site of the lump makes it inoperable (let us be the judge)
- The owner fears that the lump may be malignant and doesn’t want to face the consequences.
Although diagnosing a malignancy is bad news, many malignant tumours are treatable.
Some lumps, such as skin warts, cysts and lipomas (fatty lumps) have a characteristic appearance, but in the majority of cases it is impossible to determine the nature of a lump just by looking at it.
We will often recommend a ‘biopsy’ i.e. taking a small piece of tissue and sending it for analysis. Knowing what we are dealing with is half the battle.
So if your pet has a lump that concerns you, make an appointment to see your Vet and they will advise you on how to proceed.
Obesity
Just as the medical profession is concerned about the increasing cost to the NHS of human obesity, so there is an increasingly recognised problem of obesity in our dogs and cats.
Many pet dogs are overfed through misplaced kindness. They are very good at using winning ways and appealing looks to get food from us.
Many dogs (e.g. Labradors) will eat far beyond the amount required to satisfy hunger.
Some dogs and many cats are fed dry food on an ad lib basis allowing them as much as they want. While this may be very convenient it does mean that again, they can overeat.
It is therefore up to us to control the amount our animals eat and to recognise and address any problems of weight gain.
In dogs, the main diseases associated with obesity are arthritis and heart disease.
In cats as in humans, obesity predisposes to diabetes through insulin resistance.
Control of these diseases can be helped enormously (and diabetes may be cured) by weight reduction.
Gradual weight reduction is the key to success. Your Vet will be able to advise on the best approach to weight reduction in your pet. How much food they should receive and the type of food are very important. Low calorie diets designed to aid weight reduction are available from your Vet. Be aware that ‘light’ diets commonly seen in shops selling pet food, are usually meant to help prevent weight gain and are often not effective as part of a weight reduction programme.
So in order to give your pet a good quality and possibly extended life, keep it healthy and slim.
Summer Allergies
Hay fever sufferers know clear blue skies and warm days in the sumnmer often mean a high pollen count. Details are even given out on the national weather forecast.
Our pets do not usually show the respiratory symptoms that we know as hay fever, but they do suffer from pollen allergies.
In dogs, atopic dermatitis (atopy) is the most common presentation of an allergy. In mild cases dogs may be seen nibbling at their feet, but do not require treatment.
In more severe cases, the feet, the ventral abdomen and often the ears and face become inflamed and itchy, and sometimes the whole body is affected. Treatment may require control of secondary infection, but is mainly aimed at reducing the itch. Steroids are usually very effective but their use must be carefully controlled. Antihistamines can be useful in preventing an allergic reaction but will not clear up existing lesions. It is possible by means of blood or patch testing to find out what the allergen (the cause) is, and creation of a vaccine against this (immunotherapy) may be helpful.
The main allergens in dogs causing atopy are assorted pollens (esp. grasses & trees), dust mites, storage mites (found in dry food bins) and flea saliva. Food allergies can be a cause but this is less common. Dust mites are present in all houses however clean they appear to be. Storage mites are usually found where people keep dry dog food in storage bins. If the bin is not thoroughly emptied and cleaned out before the next bag is emptied into it, there is a risk of storage mites proliferating. It is advisable, if you keep food in a bin, to still keep it in the bag and not empty the food out. Allergy to flea saliva can be controlled to a large extent by good control of the fleas both on the dog and in the environment.
In cats, the most commonly seen allergy associated skin condition is due to flea saliva. ‘Flea allergic dermatitis’ usually presents as some or all of the following: thinning of the hair coat along the spine; scabby spots around the head and along the spine; excessive grooming and thin hair on the ventral abdomen. Again, good flea control is essential.
True food allergies (as opposed to food intolerance) are rare, and can usually be identified by putting the animal on a strict exclusion diet.
Urticaria is an allergic reaction that appears suddenly in reaction to contact, inhalation or ingestion of an allergen. Most commonly seen in dogs it appears as soft raised areas in the skin over the whole body and is usually not itchy.
The sudden appearance of a solitary swelling may be due to a bee or wasp sting and remember that a massive swelling around the head of a dog could be due to an adder bite (they will investigate with their noses!).
If you see significant swelling always get this checked by your Vet to ensure that the animal's airway is not affected.
TB in Dogs and Cats
TB (Tuberculosis) is regularly featured in the farming news due to the infection levels in cattle in some areas of the country, and due to the controversy over the involvement of badgers.
TB in dogs and cats is a rare occurrence.
An organism called Mycobacterium causes TB. There are three main types; M. bovis seen mainly in cattle, M. tuberculosis seen mainly in people and M. microti seen mainly in small mammals such as mice and voles.
M.tuberculosis is uncommon except in immunosuppressed individual humans. In foreign countries it is occasionally seen in dogs who contract it from their owners. They often get granulomas in the kidneys and pass the organism in the urine.
M. bovis , when present on an infected farm, may be a threat particularly to farm cats who will often have access to untreated milk.
M. microti is the most commonly seen form of TB in cats . This is due to their habits of hunting and eating ‘small furries’.
A cat with TB may present in many different ways but usually with a slow onset of signs. Ultimately they usually show skin lesions with or without respiratory involvement.
TB is a very difficult disease to treat involving several drugs which in themselves can cause significant side effects. Human infection with M microti is extremely rare but would still be considered in a household with young children or individuals on immunosuppressive drugs.
Cats with infection of M. tuberculosis or M. bovis are a threat to human health and diagnosis requires that DEFRA be informed. It is usually advisable to have an infected cat euthanased.
The Danger Of bones
Everyone associates dogs and bones, and many dogs will regularly be given bones without any apparent problems.
There are many different types of bones that dogs have access to, including marrowbones, lamb bones, beef rib bones, & chicken bones.
It is common for dogs to be given bones (and meat) raw. This is because in the wild dogs eat raw meat and bones. However it should be remembered that in the wild it would have been alive only minutes before being eaten. It is well known that meat can harbour bacteria (including salmonella) which is, of course, why we would cook it before eating it ourselves. We should remember that our dogs can also get ‘food poisoning’.
Bacterial contamination can be alleviated by cooking but has the downside of making bones more brittle.
Apart from upset guts, (which sometimes occur just because the bone is richer food than the dog is used to), we see problems when bones are swallowed.
Crunched up bone which passes through the stomach and small intestine can solidify in the large gut causing severe constipation problems.
A larger piece of bone such as beef rib or lamb bones, when swallowed whole can gut stuck either part way down the oesophagus (between the mouth and the stomach), in the stomach or in the small intestine. Any such obstruction will cause the dog to be seriously unwell with repeated vomiting, and usually will require surgical removal. This may be relatively straightforward or much more complex such as would be required to remove a bone from the oesophagus, as this is only accessible through the chest cavity. It is occasionally possible to endscopically remove bones.
Chicken bones are particularly dangerous as they produce sharp spicules when crunched and they can cause significant damage to the gut.
Probably the safest type of bone is a cooked marrowbone.
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