Continue reading »]]> At least a few times a week, owners will ask us if their pet is suffering. How do they know if it is time to humanely put them to sleep? We ask them about their pets’ quality of life at home. One criteria we use: has your pet given up on eating, especially their favorite human food? This is not a good sign. Can they get up to eat and go to the bath room? If the answer to these questions is “no”, then they are suffering. If they cannot maintain proper hygiene, their mobility is greatly affected and no pain medication can help, then we must make sure that they do not live under these conditions.

Remember, all throughout their lives they gave us unconditional love. When you see these signs, and with the help of your family veterinarian, you can return that love to them in the end. Please call your veterinary team for help during these times.

Michael J. Ponte, DVM
1029 Sarno Rd.
Melbourne, Fl. 32935

If you have general health questions regarding your pet, call Dr. Ponte at 321-254-1754

Continue reading »]]> Have you seen Fido shaking his head a lot lately? How about Little Kitty scratching at her ears incessantly? In dogs, ear irritations are usually caused by allergies. This could be allergies to food or anything out there in nature. The most common ear problem in cats is due to ear mites with secondary infection.

Once the causative agent(s) initiate the ear issues, usually next to follow is the infection of the ear canals and flaps. As the irritations progress, the dog can violently shake his head and even produce a swollen ear flap called a hematoma. Cats scratching at the ear flaps can produce wounds to the flaps and also an aural hematoma.

We also see more ear problems with the floppy eared dogs as compared to the breeds with erect ears. Prevention is the key to preventing the ear issues from occurring or progressing to permanent ear damage or loss of hearing.
Please contact your veterinarian for further information.

Michael J. Ponte, DVM
Sarno Animal Hospital
1029 Sarno Rd.
Melbourne, Fl. 32935

If you have general health questions regarding your pet, call Dr. Ponte at 321-254-1754

Continue reading »]]> Food allergy and intolerance has been recognized in people and animals for many years. Foods can cause an immune reaction or toxic effect on the body. In dogs and cats, it can lead to itchy skin and/or gastrointestinal signs such as diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain! Up to 15% of dogs and 10% of cats with skin or ear disorders can be caused by food allergies. Also, food allergies can occur as early as 3 months of age and start as late as 14 years of age. Some of our pets may have combined allergies such as atopy, flea allergies, and food allergies.

Your veterinarian will eliminate other causes of itching, hair loss, and skin infections, first. If these tests are negative, your veterinarian will recommend a food trial with a unique protein source or hydrolyzed diets. Please contact your veterinarian for more information.

Michael J. Ponte, DVM
Sarno Animal Hospital
1029 Sarno Road
Melbourne, Fl. 32935

If you have general health questions regarding your pet, call Dr. Ponte at 321-254-1754

Continue reading »]]> Water, water everywhere!

That is one of the reasons we and our pets live in Florida.  A
number of our pets love to be in or drink from any of the 7,700 lakes, 27
springs, 1,191 miles of coastline and 11,000 miles of rivers!  Living in these waters lurks a cross between
a bacteria and a plant called cyanobacteria, also known as pond scum or blue
green algae.  Some of these cyanobacteria species can produce skin, liver, neurological, and cellular toxins.  In the ocean, these creatures are called red
tide and have been known to cause seizures and G.I. symptoms in dogs.  If you suspect the water is contaminated,
i.e. bright green, brown, red, orange, purple or other color, do not let your pet drink or jump in this water.  If they
do, wash them office immediately and if they ingest the water, call your veterinarian as soon as possible for advice.

Michael J. Ponte, DVM

1029 Sarno Road

Melbourne, Fl. 32935

If you have any general questions regarding your pets’
health, contact Dr. Ponte at 321-254-1754.

Continue reading »]]> Tis the season to be jolly and for our pets to get into foods that are unsafe for them. Some foods for humans can even be dangerously toxic to our furry buddies. Foods that have become moldy can lead to neurological toxins that will affect the nervous system causing tremors, convulsions and uncoordination.

Chocolate is also toxic to dogs and cats. Cats, however, usually don’t like sweets! Dark chocolate and bitter chocolate are the most dangerous to your pets, while white chocolate is fairly safe. Symptoms of chocolate toxicity include hyperactivity, tremors and increased heart rate and can lead to death. Inducing vomiting right after ingesting the chocolate can help eliminate the toxins from the body.

Onions have been the cause of severe anemia in dogs and cats. Once again, inducing vomiting as soon as possible after they ingest the onion or onion product is best.

Other toxic foods that should be avoided are Macadamia nuts, rising bread dough, grapes and raisins, tobacco products and sugar free gum containing Xylitol.

Please call your veterinarian for advice if you suspect that your pet has ingested any of these foods.

Happy Holidays.
Michael J. Ponte, DVM
1029 Sarno Road
Melbourne, Fl. 32935

If you have any general questions regarding your pets’ health, call Dr. Ponte at 321-254-1754