Dogs
by Mark Nunez, DVM
Dr. Nunez is a practicing veterinarian while also assisting patients through The Balanced Canine blog and his own online veterinary pharmacy. Have a question for Dr. Mark? Send it to [email protected]. You can also follow Mark on Twitter.
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Dr. Mark's remarks do not replace an actual examination with a veterinarian.
- Ask The Vet: Dogs And Separation Anxiety
by Mark Nunez, DVM © All Things Dog Blog Happily Enjoying Crate Time is Healthy for Your DogMy rescue dog has been with me since she was quite young. Living alone, I wonder if she has become too attached to me. When visiting family she displays...
- Ask The Vet: More On Pet Allergies
by Mark Nunez, DVM Daniel Y. Go via Flickr.comDear Dr. Mark,I've read that long-term use of prednisone can cause Addison's disease, Cushing's disease, and a dependence on the drug to the point where his body will not be able to produce...
- Ask The Vet With Dr. Mark: The Dangers Of Animals Bones
by Mark Nunez, DVM © courtesy Mateuszz via Flickr.com Natural Bones Have Multiple Dangers Hello Dr. Mark: My husband hunts deer. He brought home some deer bones for Rex, our Jack Russell mix. I suggested he cook them to kill parasites or germs...
- Ask The Vet With Dr. Mark: The Toughest Decision
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © courtesy of amcdaniel83 via FlickrHi Dr. Mark, I have an 11 year old pom that is currently experiencing very advanced heart disease, very enlarged heart, a severe murmur and lung disease. We are on 4 different medicines twice...
- Ask The Vet, With Dr. Mark: My Dog Licks His Packmate's Eyes
by Mark Nunez, DVM © courtesy 1corey via Flickr Eye Licking-- Grooming or Dominance? Dear Ask the Vet: Oreo has always licked Cocoa's eyes. I'd guess he does this about 5 times a week. The groomers have been saying Cocoa's eyes look...
Dogs
Ask the Vet with Dr. Mark: Tuberculosis and Dogs
by Mark Nunez, DVM
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| © Carrie Boyko TB is Serious in Dogs Please Read Dr. Mark's Advice |
Dear Dr. Mark: Hello there. My dad was just called by his doctor telling him it's a possibility he may have TB. My concern is for my 7 yr. old dog that stays with him while I'm at work. I'm concerned because I've read where the treatment in dogs can be toxic and they usually end up having to put them to sleep. I'm not wanting to accept that. Can you please tell me what I can expect as far as treatment options and what symptoms I should be looking for. I will also be contacting her veterinarian first thing tomorrow to schedule her an appointment.
Sincerely, Kathy G.
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Hi Kathy,
The risk of transmitting TB to your dog is pretty low, but not zero. Dogs are more resistant to TB infection than humans are. The symptoms in dogs can involve coughing, but will likely be lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, and weight loss. Unfortunately there are about a thousand other diseases that present with these symptoms.
The approach to preventing transmission would be the same precautions that we take to prevent transmission in humans, namely no spitting, coughing, or sneezing around your dog and good environmental hygiene. Also, follow all of the same precautions that his doctor recommended for prevention in humans.
Once the infectious period has ended with TB, we do not have to worry about transmission. If your father's MD is comfortable with him being around other people, chances are he is okay to be around your dog.
Skin testing is possible, but I would recommend that you go to a specialty hospital or veterinary college (if there is one in your area) to get this done. If the result is negative, have the test repeated in 6 weeks to be sure. If he should show positive, unfortunately euthanasia is what is typically recommended because of a poor response to treatment and the public health risk. Thanks for the question!
The approach to preventing transmission would be the same precautions that we take to prevent transmission in humans, namely no spitting, coughing, or sneezing around your dog and good environmental hygiene. Also, follow all of the same precautions that his doctor recommended for prevention in humans.
Once the infectious period has ended with TB, we do not have to worry about transmission. If your father's MD is comfortable with him being around other people, chances are he is okay to be around your dog.
Skin testing is possible, but I would recommend that you go to a specialty hospital or veterinary college (if there is one in your area) to get this done. If the result is negative, have the test repeated in 6 weeks to be sure. If he should show positive, unfortunately euthanasia is what is typically recommended because of a poor response to treatment and the public health risk. Thanks for the question!
Dr. Mark
- Arthritis Treatment and Prevention
- Safe Dog Chews
- The Toughest Decision
- Ask The Vet: Dogs And Separation Anxiety
by Mark Nunez, DVM © All Things Dog Blog Happily Enjoying Crate Time is Healthy for Your DogMy rescue dog has been with me since she was quite young. Living alone, I wonder if she has become too attached to me. When visiting family she displays...
- Ask The Vet: More On Pet Allergies
by Mark Nunez, DVM Daniel Y. Go via Flickr.comDear Dr. Mark,I've read that long-term use of prednisone can cause Addison's disease, Cushing's disease, and a dependence on the drug to the point where his body will not be able to produce...
- Ask The Vet With Dr. Mark: The Dangers Of Animals Bones
by Mark Nunez, DVM © courtesy Mateuszz via Flickr.com Natural Bones Have Multiple Dangers Hello Dr. Mark: My husband hunts deer. He brought home some deer bones for Rex, our Jack Russell mix. I suggested he cook them to kill parasites or germs...
- Ask The Vet With Dr. Mark: The Toughest Decision
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © courtesy of amcdaniel83 via FlickrHi Dr. Mark, I have an 11 year old pom that is currently experiencing very advanced heart disease, very enlarged heart, a severe murmur and lung disease. We are on 4 different medicines twice...
- Ask The Vet, With Dr. Mark: My Dog Licks His Packmate's Eyes
by Mark Nunez, DVM © courtesy 1corey via Flickr Eye Licking-- Grooming or Dominance? Dear Ask the Vet: Oreo has always licked Cocoa's eyes. I'd guess he does this about 5 times a week. The groomers have been saying Cocoa's eyes look...