Introduction to Basic Healthcare & Prevention of Disease 2024 PDF

Introduction to Basic Healthcare & Prevention of Disease Written by Dr Kim Telford Adapted by Bianca Kuhlmann NSCI5738 - 2024 Learning Outcomes  Explain the common procedures used to: Maintain an animal’s coat/feet/teeth Control internal and external parasites Vaccinate animals against disease Prev...

Introduction to Basic Healthcare & Prevention of Disease Written by Dr Kim Telford Adapted by Bianca Kuhlmann NSCI5738 - 2024 Learning Outcomes  Explain the common procedures used to: Maintain an animal’s coat/feet/teeth Control internal and external parasites Vaccinate animals against disease Prevent the spread of disease  Identify the frequencies needed for: Various grooming requirements Vaccinations Worming requirements  Recognise the behavioural signs of pain, injury and disease in your animals  Be aware of some common diseases of companion animals Animal Health  Included in the Five Freedoms are: Freedom from pain, injury, and disease  The Third of the Five Domains is Health – a positive welfare state in the health domain is experienced with little to no Disease Injury Functional Impairment Poisoning Appropriate Body Condition & good Fitness Level  How can we ensure this? Through Preventative healthcare Rapid diagnosis and treatment  A proactive approach to healthcare  Health protocols and methods to maintain good health, prevent pain, injury and disease. These are…  Preventative measures enable our pets to live longer, healthier lives  Preventative care is NOT taking an animal to the vet after they are unwell  Prevention is better than cure! This Illustration by Karl Salisbury is from 3 Ways to Prevent User Errors. Errors are a fact of life when using… | by Karl Salisbury | The Startup | Medium Preventative Health Care 1. Regular Health Checks At Home  At a minimum distance exam - Daily visual assessment & EDUF  At least weekly Nose-to-Tail/Nose-to-Toes Regular Vet Checks… 1. Regular Health Checks Regular Vet Checks  Frequency depends on age & species More frequent when young and old More frequent in animals with shorter lifespan More frequent in exotic companion species Animals age much faster than humans, so need to be checked at the vet more regularly  Ideally includes Physical assessment Diagnostic tests Review of vaccination status, parasite prevention, & appropriate husbandry (housing, nutrition, exercise, etc.) Discussion of behaviour 2. Maintaining Integument = Grooming Integument = the outer surface of the animal This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA ► Feathers, fur, hair, skin & scales ► Also claws, hooves, nails & teeth, or beaks Brushing & Combing  Beneficial and essential in some circumstances: Removes … Decrease … Prevents … Improves … Opportunity to … Maintains …  Frequency  Equipment  Importance of Training Fur Trimming ► Ideally, grooming will prevent mats etc. ► If mats are not able to be brushed out – use clippers, not scissors ► If scissors – ensure you cut one finger width above the skin ► May require sedation for full groom ► Ideally regular grooming prevents the need for sedation etc. ► Professional groomers: professionally trained, member of National Dog Groomers Association of New Zealand: NGANZ – National Groomers Association of New Zealand (ndganz.co.nz) Bathing & Drying(!)  Frequency depends on the individual animal, species, integument type,  Cats…  Dogs…  Rabbits & rodents …  Birds …  Reptiles …  Use only species-appropriate products, or water only  Bathing too often can strip natural oils from coat  Towel, or warm air dryer: if the coat is left wet, it can predispose to illness, skin disease, fungal overgrowth, hypothermia This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA Nail Trimming  Technique & tool are very important  Can be very difficult  Long nails affect balance, comfort, walking, joint & tendon stress  Nails can curl around and grow into pads (geriatric cats, dew claw on dogs)  Care with black nails as you cannot see quick easily – look at underside (hollow part = no quick)  Tools: different types of clippers or grinder/Dremel  Trimming little & often is best. Often left too long between clips > long “quick”  Patience, positive reinforcement, praise make it less stressful and more repeatable Dental Health This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-ND  Periodontal disease causes Pain & discomfort Systemic disease Tooth loss  Dental health is affected by dental homecare diet chewing technique occlusion (how the teeth sit in the jaw), and oral microbes.  Preventative dental care starts at the puppy & kitten age Effective Preventative Dental Care Preventative Dental Care at Home:  Brushing: Regularly daily brushing with a soft pet-specific toothbrush and pet toothpaste to remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup  Most effective technique for dental prevention  Focus on gumline, inside and out  Diet: Choose dental-specific or high-quality dry food  Dental Chews, Treats and Toys: Provide VOHC approval dental chews.  Say NO! to Chicken necks – no research to show they are effective, can be harmful Bones/antlers – break teeth  Water Additives: Consider adding water additives designed to inhibit plaque and tartar formation. Effective Preventative Dental Care Annual Check-ups & Veterinary Dental Prophylaxis ► Schedule regular veterinary visits for professional dental examinations and treatments. ► Recommended by the age of 1 for cats and small to medium-sized dogs, and by 2 for larger dogs. ► If periodontal diseases is present, it is recommended to complete dental cleaning (scaling of teeth), polishing, and to take intraoral radiographs to identify hidden issues – all under full general anaesthesia. Periodontal therapy should be provided regularly to manage preventable periodontal disease. Check out page E120-E125 for WSAVA dental homecare guidelines: World Small Animal Veterinary Association Global Dental Guidelines (wiley.com) 3. Exercise & Nutrition Provide opportunities for daily exercise Appropriate exercise can provide enrichment for the animals Allows animals to express species typical behaviours Reduces unwanted behaviour Nutrition will be covered at a later date and in other courses. Important are a balanced species-specific diet, weight management (BCS). Nutrition affects dental health, digestive health, joint health, heart health, skin & coat health, immune system health, etc. 4. Parasite Prevention & Treatment  Ectoparasites and Endoparasites  Signs of Infestations  Treatments This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC Endoparasites  Clinical signs vary depending on the parasite type but generally: Pot-belly & weight loss Diarrhoea Visible worms in faeces Increased appetite but weight loss Poor haircoat Anaemia Scooting This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY Endoparasite Treatment  “Wormers” = anthelmintics – ask vet for appropriate product  Need to be effective against all worms, not only roundworms Kill worms present at the time – do not have sustained effects   Worming Protocol for Kittens & Puppies Every 2 weeks from 3 weeks until 12 weeks old Then monthly until 6 months old Then every 3 months  Adults: Worm tablet 3 monthly  Pregnant bitch or queen: Check individual products for directions ideally worm at least pre-mating, and in late pregnancy (10 days before due date)  Check out: Worms in Dogs - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | Purina Ectoparasites  Organisms that live on the skin  Fleas - Species-specific  Flies – flystrike in rabbits  Ticks - Cattle tick (rare, farm dogs)  Mites Sarcoptes - burrow into skin, very itchy – contagious – zoonotic! “Mange” (pets), “Scabies” (humans) Demodex – burrows into hair follicles, immune compromised most at risk Cheyletiella – ‘walking dandruff’ – lives on skin Otodectes – ear mite > infection  Lice Species specific, biting and/or sucking lice Not to worry about cat or dog lice in NZ, but other species, especially birds, can get lice.  Clinical signs vary depending on parasite type: Itching and excessive scratching or nibbling at skin Red/inflamed irritated skin Alopecia (hair loss) – traumatic = broken hairs from grooming Scabs & infected skin = miliary dermatitis Flystrike         Very serious and potentially fatal. Finding maggots on a rabbit is an emergency! Flies are attracted by smell Lay eggs on (a rabbit’s) skin, especially around perineum, in wet skin folds. Eggs hatch into maggots that feed on the rabbit’s flesh. Maggots produce a toxin that can kill rabbit’s cells. Mild cases cause painful skin trauma, hair loss, reddened infected smelly skin/wounds, and they transmit infection, all of which can quickly lead to sepsis and death. Flystrike is preventable! Hygiene Control Methods  Wear PPE  Keep environment clean and dry  Pick up faeces daily – reduce eggs and risk to children  Post-birthing, change bedding in whelping box regularly to minimise eggs  Reduce cross-contamination with individual litter boxes/toileting areas; keeping animals in high-risk environments (shelters) separated; use of strict isolation and quarantine protocols.  Wash hands after touching pet, kennel etc. and advise children too  Do not squash fleas with your nails – if you do, scrub your nails!  Avoid pets chewing grass as you don’t know what larvae have crawled onto it  Keep cats inside or give catio access to prevent hunting and picking up parasites from prey 30 This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BYSA Ectoparasite Control & Treatment Why control & treat? Treat … Prevent … Reduce … Reduce … Prevent … Protect … Who & What do we need to treat? This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 5. Vaccinations WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines ‘We should aim to vaccinate every animal with core vaccines. Non-core vaccines should be given no more frequently than is deemed necessary’. ► This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC Herd immunity suggests that where a minimum proportion (for example 75%) of a ‘herd’ of animals is vaccinated, it is difficult for an infectious disease outbreak to occur in that herd. Vaccinations: Dogs ► Core vaccines (DHP): Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus Vanguard Plus 5, Nobivac DHPPi – 3 yearly for adults (after puppy vaccination course) Canine distemper (Canine distemper virus) Infectious canine hepatitis (Canine adenovirus type 1) Canine infectious cough (Adenovirus type 2, Canine parainfluenza virus) Canine parvoviral enteritis (Canine parvovirus) ► Non-core vaccines: Leptospira (zoonotic!), Bordetella (Kennel cough), Parainfluenza (Kennel cough) Leptoguard, Novibac Lepto - yearly for adults Leptospirosis (Leptospiraicterohaemorrhagiae) Canine infectious cough – yearly for adults Oral, injectable, intranasal Ensure choice of vax has parainfluenza if V+5/DHPPi not concurrently administered Vaccination Protocols - Dogs Core Vaccines  Puppies (Initial course): 1st vax: 6-8 weeks old Then every 2-4 weeks apart until 16 weeks old E.g.: 1. at 8 weeks, 2. at 12 weeks, and 3. at 16 weeks Revaccination (booster) at either 6 months or 1 year  Adult dogs: Every three years Non-Core Vaccines ► Leptospira Puppies: 2 shots, at 8 and 12 weeks old - given with initial puppy course Adult dogs: Annual boosters ► Bordetella/Parainfluenza virus Puppies: Intranasal, single dose at 4 weeks or older – or - Injectable option, 2 shots, 4 weeks apart Adults: Annual boosters (Vanguard 5, alternating with KC only) Vaccinations are considered protective 7-10 days after vaccination (except intranasal kc – 72 hours). Vaccinations: Cats ► Core vaccines: Feline Calicivirus, Feline Panleukopeania, Feline Herpes Virus Felocell 3/Tricat – 3 yearly Feline viral rhinotracheitis (Feline herpesvirus -1) Feline respiratory disease (Feline calicivirus) Feline panleukopaenia (Feline parvovirus) Ducat (just cat flu components) – yearly Feline viral rhinotracheitis (Feline herpesvirus -1) Feline respiratory disease (Feline calicivirus) Felocell 4 also includes Feline chlamydia (Chlamydophila felis) ► Non-core vaccines: Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV), Feline Chlamydiosis FIV vaccination - yearly Efficacy? At risk cats? Testing & vax, testing after fights Interference with inhouse testing - improved FeLV no longer available in NZ Vaccination Protocols - Cats Core Vaccines  Kittens (Initial course): 1st vax: 6-8 weeks old Then every 2-4 weeks apart until 16 weeks old E.g.: 1. at 8 weeks, 2. at 12 weeks, and 3. at 16 weeks Revaccination (booster) at either 6 months or 1 year  Adult cats: Every three years if not at high risk; if going to catteries annual vaccinations are required Non-Core Vaccines ► FIV Vaccine must include microchipping and registering with NZCAR* 3 doses, 2-4 weeks apart, from 8-weeks-old Annual boosters Blood test before vaccination if 6mths or older Vaccinations are considered protective 7-10 days after vaccination. Vaccinations: Rabbits      Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHDV) – Rabbit calicivirus – Highly contagious and fatal in non-immune rabbits Virus was introduced to control wild rabbits Spread by direct contact, insects (fleas, flies), contaminated soil Signs: sudden onset anorexia, lethargy, convulsions, ataxia, paralysis, arching of the head, neck, and spine; groans/cries, breathing difficulty, frothy bloody nasal discharge, and cyanosis (blue MM), sudden death; Prevention & risk reduction: vaccination (!) & hygiene, & limited contact with wild rabbits & rabbits with unknown vaccination status Vaccine used to be Cylap Does not cover new strains – only 2/3 From 10 weeks of age: 2 vaccinations 4 weeks apart, then every 6 months (recommended) or annually. >>> now Filavac Single dose vials from MPI Rabbits can be vaccinated with a single dose from 10 weeks, then revaccinate annually. Protects against all 3 strains of calicivirus in NZ Isolation vs. Quarantine  Isolation = is where sick animals are sectioned away from animals considered well Sick and healthy animals kept apart to prevent spread of disease  Quarantine = is when healthy animals are held to ensure they are not sick New animals are kept away from main population to ensure they don’t introduce disease 10-14 days - Most contagious diseases will begin to show symptoms within this period  If you discover that you have a diseased animal, you need to isolate it to prevent the spread of disease to others.  Isolation also makes it easier to monitor and administer medicines.  Ensure that animals have had preventative treatments before introduction. 6. Desexing Neutering is a non-gender specific term for removal of sexual organs Spay (female)  Ovariohysterectomy = removal of ovaries and uterus  Done close to puberty to reduce risk: Pyometra Uterine neoplasia (all species, esp. rabbits 70-80%) Cystic ovaries (76% of guinea pigs) Mammary neoplasia (all species, esp. rats 90%) Unwanted litters Oestrus Reduce disease risk – FIV, FeLV Unwanted animals Castration (male)  Orchidectomy = removal of testes  Done close to puberty to reduce risk: Prostate disease Testicular neoplasia (cancer) Unwanted litters Behaviour problems Reduced disease risk – FIV, FeLV Advice & welfare: Desexing your companion animals saves lives SPCA New Zealand WSAVA Animal Welfare Guidelines Neutering your cat | International Cat Care (icatcare.org) mcm-client-brochures-spayneuter-2022.pdf (avma.org) 7. Positive Training Methods Important for holistic approach to pet care improving physical, mental & behavioural aspects of health  Use of praise & reward reduces stress = may prevent stressrelated health issues such as gastro-intestinal problems or skin conditions;  Training methods include physical exercise (healthy weight, body composition and cardiovascular health)  Training methods include mental stimulation to prevent cognitive decline and keeping pets mentally engaged.  Positive training concentrates on reinforcing desired behaviours and can prevent stress-related behavioural issues.  Positive training enhances the human-animal bond.  Are used to train cooperative care for routine health care This Photo by Doctor Grondo is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 HHHHHMM Scale – Quality of Life Hurt – is pain adequately controlled? Lameness? Able to breathe well? Hunger – are they eating enough? Weight loss? Hydration – are they drinking, losing fluid (from vomiting/diarrhoea/polyuria)? Happiness – are they doing their normal behaviours? Hygiene – are they toileting, self-grooming? Any odours? Mobility – are they able to move on their own, jump? More good days than bad – Any nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, pain/discomfort, inability to breathe etc. Rabbits  Husbandry and diet are the most important ways to prevent, manage and treat disease  Diet – > 80% hay, greens, then high-fibre pellets (1/8cup/kg/d) & veggies  Environment – grass substrate, lots of exercise  Regular monitoring of food intake & faeces  Regular Nose-to-Tail  A companion for mental health  6-monthly vet visits  Mites / Fleas / Lice / Ticks / Fur Loss / Skin Issues — Westley’s World (westleysworld.com) ► They have continuously growing teeth Rabbit & Guinea Pig Dental Care ► Feed > 80% hay to wear down teeth ► Teeth trimming – this is NEVER a DIY procedure. Vet only! ► A full dental requires sedation at a minimum, or General Anaesthesia and adequate tools to file, burr, cut or remove teeth. ► Trimming with hand tools like scissors or human nail clippers can crush, break or split teeth which will cause further harm. ► Regular dental checks are very important because teeth are root-less and continuously growing (all teeth in rabbits and guinea pigs; incisors only in rats/mice) and are naturally worn down by eating fibrous foods – grass in particular. Malocclusion of incisors > prevents proper wear of teeth and abnormal wear can be related to diet or jaw alignment. ► Have teeth vet checked every 6 months. Key Points  Prevention is better than cure!  Maintaining a routine healthcare schedule for your animal will improve the chances that they will live a longer and happier life.  Many preventative health care procedures must be administered at specific time intervals to be effective E.g. Flea treatment, worming tablets and vaccinations  You must be aware of potential opportunities for injury to your animals Call the Vet!  When an animal appears to be in pain, ill or injured, call your vet for advice  Don’t try to diagnose the problem yourself  When describing your animal’s signs of injury or disease, ensure that you only describe what the signs are, not your interpretation of what is wrong Duration – how long it has been going on for Severity – describe, this varies for different people Progression – is it getting better or worse