The toxic components of chocolate are caffeine and theobromine. The fat in chocolate can cause problems as well. Caffeine and theobromine are methylxanthines and are typically in highest concentrations in bakers chocolate followed by semisweet chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate.

The first noted clinical signs are often vomiting and diarrhea. Dogs may also be restless, hyperactive and wanting to drink large amounts of water. Dogs may have an elevated temperature and fast heart rate. In cases of severe intoxication signs can include tremors, heart failure, seizures and death.

Treatment may involve making the dog vomit the chocolate (not appropriate in every case – proceed only under veterinary supervision) and symptomatic treatment as indicated. In cases of mild intoxication a bland diet and medication to address stomach upset may be all that is indicated. In cases of severe intoxication it may be necessary to place animals on IV fluids, anti emetics, stomach protectants, anti seizure medications and heart medications. Diagnostics that may be appropriate in severe cases include complete lab work, blood pressure checks, and an ECG to check heart rate and rhythm.

Another consideration with chocolate intoxication is other compounds the dog may have ingested – wrappers, containers, fat, etc. These can cause their own problems so be sure to give your veterinarian an accurate as possible account of what was eaten.

A good resource for information on all types of intoxications is the ASPCA web site.

The two types of demodex presentations are localized and generalized. Localized demodex lesions are typically mild with several patches of hair loss on the body. Sometimes these areas have some crust or scale present. Localized demodex will often resolve on its own or with topical treatment over a period of several months. This is the most common form in young dogs. It is suspected that puppies are susceptible to this form when their young immune systems are not fully functional or stressed from other issues in their environment.

Generalized demodex is more severe with lesions covering a much larger area of the body. This can be found in puppies who’s localized demodex has progressed or in adult dogs. Treatment for generalized demodex involves topical shampoos with benzoyl peroxide to flush the hair follicles and medicated dips every 2 weeks until multiple skin scrapes do not show any mites. Treatment typically takes at least 3 months. These dogs are often also placed on oral antibiotics to address secondary bacterial infections. In some refractory cases oral medications to address mites are needed. Adult onset demodex can be difficult to cure. It is necessary to evaluate the dog for possible underlying systemic disease that could be suppressing the immune system but in some cases no underlying cause is found. The mechanism for the immune system being susceptible to the mites is unknown. In some adult cases, the mites are controlled but infection is not completely cured.

The outcome of exposure to the virus varies widely. This is dependent on both viral and host factors. The viral strain, dose and length of exposure affect the chances of infection as does the cats age, immune system and concurrent disease status. Young cats are most susceptible to infection. Once infected, cats either clear the infection completely or remain infected. For cats that do not clear the infection there are two courses the disease may take. One is for the virus to become latent in some cells during which time all routine FeLV tests will be negative. This infection can be reactivated in times of stress. The other course is for cats to become immediately and persistently viremic. Tests on these cats will come up positive and they are infectious to other cats.

Clinical signs of FeLV infection are extremely variable, usually nonspecific and depend on the type of disease process present. These processes can be either neoplastic (as the name implies) or non-neoplastic. The two most common forms of cancer caused by the virus are lymphoma (lymphosarcoma) and leukemia. Non-neoplastic disease is typically due to immunosuppression and includes gastrointestinal disease, upper respiratory disease, skin problems, and dental disease. Often cats initially present for not eating well, fever, weight loss, lethargy or depression.

Testing for Feline Leukemia virus is readily available and easily performed with a blood sample. Testing is recommended on any at risk cats (outdoors, new cats being introduced into environment), sick cats and kittens. A single positive response indicates exposure and retesting in 12 weeks is recommended to confirm persistent infection. There is a vaccine available and it does not interfere with testing.

There is no treatment for FeLV infection but good preventative health care can allow these cats to lead long healthy lives. They do best indoors in a closed environment to prevent infecting other cats and limit their exposure to other infectious agents. It is recommended that infected cats have exams every 6 months to monitor weight and catch any problems early. They typically take longer to clear infections so it is recommended to begin treatment sooner and continue longer than would be done with a non infected cat. They should have year round parasite prevention and deworming as well as good dental care. These cats should also be spayed or neutered.

There is a vaccine available to protect from Feline Leukemia virus. It is typically recommended for cats that are at risk – living in a house hold with a known infected cat or access to the outdoors. This vaccine has been implicated in association with vaccine associated fibrosarcomas (a very rare but potentially deadly tumor) so it is typically only used in cats that are at risk as stated above. Vaccine protocols should be discussed with your veterinarian and established on your cats particular needs.

The canine distemper virus is transmitted via contact with aerosol droplets from body excretions (mucus, fecal material, saliva, etc). The initial fever after infection is transient and usually not noticed. Dogs will then often begin coughing. This commonly progresses to anorexia, lethargy, dehydration and possibly vomiting and or diarrhea. These signs are typically made worse by secondary bacterial infections leading to pneumonia or other disease. Neurologic signs include seizures, incoordination, circling, inappropriate vocalization and blindness. These signs may occur with the other systemic signs or may present weeks or months after apparent recovery. There may also be changes in the eyes and problems with dental enamel development in young dogs.

Diagnosis is typically presumptive based on history and clinical signs. There are blood tests that can be used to determine infection but they have limitations. General lab work (blood chemistries and complete blood counts) is used to assess the general status of the patient and chest X-rays will help evaluate for secondary pneumonia.

Treatment is supportive care as there are no anti viral agents for canine distemper. This includes IV fluids to restore hydration, antibiotics to address the secondary bacterial infections common with distemper and supportive nutrition and other medications as indicated. The prognosis is typically guarded particularly if neurologic signs are noted though even in these cases patients may recover.

There are vaccinations readily available to induce immunity to canine distemper. These vaccines are typically given to puppies beginning at 6 weeks of age every 3 weeks until between 16-20 weeks and then yearly.

Gastrointestinal signs include vomiting and/or diarrhea. The excess thyroid hormone may cause an increased heart rate and can lead to changes in the heart muscle itself. In some cases this leads to heart failure. These changes may be reversible once the hyperthyroidism is controlled but not in all cases. These cats can also have decreased ability to deal with stress leading to panting and open mouth breathing in stressful situations.Underlying kidney disease is an especially important consideration in cats with hyperthyroidism. Since older cats are typically affected with both disease processes they may occur together though it is not thought that there is a cause and effect relationship. The hyperthyroid state can both harm and help the kidneys. The harm comes if high blood pressure is caused by hyperthyroidism. This in turn leads to the progression of kidney disease. The help comes from increased filtration of blood through the kidneys helping maintain their function. Treating hyperthyroid cats with underlying kidney disease is a balancing act and these patients need to be monitored closely

Methimazole is a drug used to manage hyperthyroidism. It does not cure the disease, but interferes with thyroid hormone production, controlling thyroid hormone levels as long as it is given. Upon discontinuing this medication thyroid levels will again rise. Because of this it is often the first choice treatment in cats with kidney disease when the decision has been made to treat them. Methimazole is not without risks. The most common side effects are vomiting and anorexia. These gastrointestinal signs may resolve with a lower dose or symptomatic treatment while continuing on the methimazole. More serious effects include facial excoriations, blood cell count problems and exacerbation of underlying kidney disease. For these reasons, during the initiation of therapy it is important to regularly monitor not only blood levels of the thyroid hormone but also blood cell counts and kidney values. Regular physical exams are essential as well.

Radioactive iodine therapy is considered the treatment of choice for many hyperthyroid cats. It involves the injection of radioactive iodine (I131). Since the thyroid is the only body tissue that concentrates iodine it is specifically targeted allowing the radiation to destroy the hyperactive thyroid tissue. This procedure is done at specialized facilities equipped to handle the radiation and require the patient spend several days while the radioactivity dissipates. This method does offer a cure.