Adult Canine

Parasiticides

• Simparica Trio Chewable Tablets is the only broad spectrum single preventative and thus our Tier 1 recommendation. SImparica Trio provides protection from fleas (kills adult fleas and the eggs after they hatch), ticks, heartworm, hookworms and roundworms.‍
• In case of known sensitivity to Simparica Trio, the recommended alternative is a combination of Interceptor Plus and Credelio or Bravecto. This combination provide protection from fleas, ticks, heartworm, hookworms, roundworms, whipworms and tapeworms.
• Bravecto kills adult fleas and the eggs after they hatch, and has a protection duration of 3 months. Credelio only kills adult fleas and has has a protection duration of 1 month.
• For pets previously positive for whipworm, the combination of Interceptor Plus and Credelio or Bravecto should be recommended. This is due to it’s high pathogenecity and ability to stay in the ground for a long period of time.

• ProHeart 6 & 12
  —ProHeart 6 and ProHeart 12 are approved for dogs 6 and 12 months of age, respectively.
  —ProHeart should not be administered concurrent with any vaccination- https://www.zoetisus.com/products/dogs/proheart6/documents/proheartcis_pi.p4df

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Parasiticides Comparison

Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) Data

Raw food diets

The AVMA and AAHA discourage the feeding of raw animal-source protein to dogs due to the high risk of illness to both pets and humans. Pathogens found in raw protein diets can be transmitted to the human population by contact with the food, pet, or environmental surfaces.

• https://www.aaha.org/about-aaha/aaha-position-statements/raw-protein-diet/
• https://www.avma.org/raw-pet-foods-and-avmas-policy-faq

Neutering / Spaying

Neutering is associated with a prolonged life expectancy for both sexes compared to their entire counter parts. This has been reported in multiple studies. In female dogs, neutering reduces or eliminates the risk of pyometra, a potentially life-threatening condition. Neutering is linked to a reduced risk of cancer of reproductive organs and heart disease, but an increased risk of joint disorders and some cancers (lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma) especially in females. [1,2]

Breed Associated Health Risks (3-6)

Health risks by breed can be found at https://www.akc.org/ under the Health link on each breedinformation page. A handful of large scale publications on breed related mortality are available.

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Brachycephalic (short nosed) breeds

Brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Pug, and American Bulldog) are predispositions to life-limiting disorders that occur early in life, such as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BUAS), spinal disease, and dystocia.Brachycephalic breeds should avoid high temperatures, overexertion, and over-conditioning(obesity). Harnesses rather than collars should be used for leash walks. Preemptive surgical intervention to improve upper airway conformation should be recommended before a respiratory crisis occurs.

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Deep chested, large and giant breed dogs

Deep chested, large breed dogs (Great Danes, Weimaraners, St. Bernards, Irish setters, Gordonsetters…) are predisposed to gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV). Pre-emptive gastropexy should be recommended to reduce the risk of GDV. Feed more than one meal a day and select a dog food with a low fat and oil content.

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Chondrodystrophic breeds

Chondrodystrophic breeds (Dachshund, Pekinese, Beagle, Lhasa Apso) are predisposed to intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). Avoid over-feeding and obesity. Use a harness rather than a collar for leash walks. Avoid high impact activities like jumping on and off furniture, consider the use of portable pet stairs.

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Congenital cardiovascular disease [7,8]

Many breeds are predisposed to congenital heart disease. If a murmur or arrhythmia is detected on annual physical exam, a thoracic radiograph or EKG should be pursued. If these are abnormal, a cardiology referral is recommended. [6, open access journal with helpful diagnostic flow chart]

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● Aortic Stenosis: Boxers, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Newfoundlands

● Pulmonic Stenosis: Boston terriers, Boxers, English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, BoykinSpaniels, Jack Russell Terriers, Keeshonds, terriers

● Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): Small breed dogs, German Shepherds, Newfoundland

● Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): English Springer Spaniels

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Congenital kidney disease

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● Renal dysplasia: Alaskan Malamutes, Bedlington Terriers, Chow Chows, Cocker Spaniels,Doberman Pinschers, Keeshonden, Lhasa Apsos, Miniature Schnauzers, NorwegianElkhounds, Samoyeds, Shih Tzus, Soft-coated Wheaten Terriers, and Standard Poodles

o Usually diagnosed via renal ultrasound imaging in juveniles in conjunction with azotemia, isosthenuria.

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● Polycystic kidney disease: Beagles, Bull Terriers, Cairn Terriers, and West Highland White Terrier

o Diagnosis is usually made via renal ultrasound in juveniles

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Congenital hepatobiliary disease including vascular anomalies

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● Ductal plate malformations: Boxers

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● Portosystemic vascular malformations (Extravascular portosystemic shunts): Small and Toy breeds (Bichon Frise, Border terriers, Maltese, Yorkshire terriers, Cairn terriers, Havanese, Miniature schnauzer, Silky terriers) should be screened for congenital portosystemic vascularmalformations. Large breed dogs (Labrador retrievers, Siberian Husky) occasionally haveintrahepatic portosystemic shunts.

o If a paired serum bile acids test is abnormal, submit a protein C level to CornellCoagulation Laboratory. A protein C less than 70% is consistent with a portosystemicshunt, between 70-99% is in the grey zone, and a value greater than 100% is normal, consistent with microvascular dysplasia. Dogs with a portosystemic shunt should be started on medical management (modified protein diet (Hill’s l/d or Royal Canin Hepatic, lactulose, and gut flora modulation). A CT angiogram will be needed if surgical shunt attenuation will be pursued or to definitively diagnose dogs in the gray zone. No therapy is needed for dogs with microvascular dysplasia.

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