Introducing a new tool in the battle against the pain of osteoarthritis
It has been estimated that over seven million dogs suffer from arthritis pain. Often pet owners report that they feel they have lost their "best friend". The dog just doesn't seem to want to do the same things he used to enjoy doing. This loss of interaction with their owner(s) can be heartbreaking.

We now have a new treatment for arthritis that could change both your lives. Although it is new to the United States, Metacam has been used around the world for 10 years. It is a honey-flavored liquid that is well received by most dogs. It is very easy to administer; you only need a small amount (a 75# dog only needs about 1/2 tsp!), and it is given just once a day. It is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and is a COX-2 inhibitor only. It does not affect COX-1 which is necessary for, among other things, the normal functioning of the lining of the gastro-intestinal tract. Some NSAIDs affect COX-1, often causing stomach ulcers, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Reported side effects with Metacam have been minimal.

If you feel your dog may be showing signs of arthritis or if your pet's current pain control medication isn't achieving the results you would like, speak with the veterinarian about Metacam. Keeping our patients (and their families) happy and active as long as possible is a goal of the entire staff of East Hilliard Veterinary Services.

By the way, our manufacturer representative tells us Metacam should be available for use in cats within a year. That is great news, as most of our currently available oral medications for pain control are not approved for use in cats.

Feline Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus (high blood sugar) is a common yet complex disorder of a cat's endocrine system. The most commonly seen form of Diabetes Mellitus is referred to as Type 1 diabetes. It is caused by an insufficient production of the hormone, insulin, by the pancreas. Diabetes Mellitus can affect cats of any breed, sex, or age, although it is most commonly seen in older, obese cats, and males are more commonly afflicted than females.

In the early stages of the disease cats generally remain active and alert, however early diagnosis is vital. Undiagnosed and untreated, Diabetes Mellitus can lead to a dangerous condition known as ketoacidosis which ultimately will prove fatal.

Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, physical examination findings, and laboratory results (blood and urine). Commonly, the veterinarian will recommend a series of tests to determine whether the increase in glucose levels is a persistent finding. Higher than normal glucose levels can be a transient occurrence.

Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus will be based on the severity of the disease. Most cats require daily insulin injections and a carefully controlled diet. Because each cat responds differently to the insulin, there will be a period of frequent blood tests and insulin dosage adjustments. Your veterinarian will determine the correct type of insulin, the proper dosage, and the frequency of insulin administration. Keeping a strict schedule for injections and meals is extremely important in maintaining control of diabetes. If the patient is obese, gradual weight loss is a great help in controlling this condition. Your veterinarian will want to weigh your pet regularly and may adjust the dosage of insulin based on their current weight. As an aid in treatment, your veterinarian will discuss the use of a feline diet made specifically for management of diabetes. Occasionally Diabetes Mellitus can be controlled through dietary management only. Also, as an alternative to daily injections, there is an oral medication for use in diabetic cats. Ask your veterinarian if this medication may be right for your cat.

If you have a diabetic cat, you should know the signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and what to do if this condition occurs. Hypoglycemia is caused by an overdosage of insulin. This is not necessarily a result of the patient being given an excessive amount of insulin in its daily injection. It can occur if the cat's appetite is a little "off"; if the feeding schedule is disrupted; if the cat has lost weight, etc. The signs include weakness, listlessness, incoordination, convulsions, and coma. If hypoglycemia occurs, the cat should immediately be offered its normal food if it is able to eat. Another choice of treatment is to give your cat a tablespoon of Karo syrup by rubbing it on their gums or, if they can swallow, give the syrup slowly by syringe. Never force food, fingers, or fluids into the mouth of a convulsing or comatose cat. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your diabetic cat shows any signs of hypoglycemia.

Management of Feline Diabetes Mellitus requires good communication between you and your veterinarian. Diabetic cats can live many healthy years but this condition does require regular veterinary visits and careful monitoring.

Thanks Hilliard Area Garden Club!
For the second year in a row we have been chosen as the winner in the Hilliard Area Garden Club's annual contest. Those of you who know Dr. Tom, know gardening is one of his favorite subjects. He is proud to be the recipient of this award. He, his staff, and his veterinary students worked very hard again this year to create and maintain this beautiful garden. Click on any of the images to see a full size version in a new window.

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