Chupacabra Revealed

Here's a story that's perfect for Halloween.

For those who aren't into cryptozoology, the chupacabra is a creature seen in parts of the Americas that has a legendary status similar to Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. The name literally means "goat sucker" based on its behavior of drinking the blood of goats and other farm animals. The Wikipedia entry on chupacabras lists the following description:  
The most common description of chupacabras is a reptile-like being, appearing to have leathery or scaly greenish-gray skin and sharp spines or quills running down its back.This form stands approximately 3 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 m) high, and stands and hops in a similar fashion to a kangaroo. In at least one sighting, the creature was reported to hop 20 feet (6 m). This variety is said to have a dog or panther-like nose and face, a forked tongue, and large fangs. It is said to hiss and screech when alarmed, as well as leave behind a sulfuric stench. When it screeches, some reports assert that the chupacabras' eyes glow an unusual red which gives the witnesses nausea.

Here are some images of what the chupacabra is supposed to look like...

There is no scientific proof for this creature, though biologists and other scientists have tried to prove or disprove its existence.  As shown in a recent Discovery News article, most mainstream scientists believe that sightings of a chupacabra are actually a case of mistaken identity with the actual creature being an extremely mange-ridden coyote or wild dog.  Compare the images above to the pictures and video capture below.

I've always had a passing interest in cryptids, having learned a lot about the Yeti and Sasquatch as a child and having been to Inverness and Loch Ness as a teenager.  Besides my interest in the fantastic and mythological, I also find these creatures intriguing because of my background as a biologist and veterinarian.  In the case of the chupacabra, the thing that fascinates me the most is that the type of mange scientists believe are affecting these canids is scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei).  I've treated many cases of these mites!

This is actually a not-uncommon external parasite of dogs and can affect pet dogs.  In the huge majority of cases the pets see us vets long before they get to the point of complete baldness, as the mite causes intense itching.  It's also a mite that is relatively easy to treat through several methods and is not considered a major health concern. Yet in wild animals the mite can lead to severe skin disorders and even death due to weakness and secondary infection.

Does the chupacabra actually exist?  My instincts say no, though I'm sure there are cryptozoology aficionados who can argue otherwise.  Other cryptids?  I think the jury is still out on some of them.  And frankly, I like the idea of there still being some mysteries left in the world.  It keeps things from being too boring.

Happy Halloween!

Read more »

A Little Stardust

A new adventure has begun in the life of the Bern family.  Today we brought home our new puppy.

After losing our dog, Guinevere, to lymphoma in the brain back in August, my wife had been wanting to get a new puppy that she could bond with and have as a snuggle-buddy.  Last month we found a Labrador retriever breeder that had a litter of puppies born September 15th.  My wife picked one out, we waited until she was old enough, and today we brought her home.

Little Yvaine (pronounced "ee-vane"; "Evie" for short) is named for the female lead in the movie Stardust.  Played by Claire Danes, Yvaine is a living star that falls from the sky and is discovered by a young man named Tristan who has left his home to recover the fallen star for the woman he thinks he loves.  Yvaine and Tristan go on an adventure as he brings her back, and the two end up falling in love.  It's a great fantasy and romantic comedy, one which I would recommend to anyone who likes happy endings.  And Robert De Niro has a very memorable role as a tough skyship captain who has a secret affinity for frilly dresses.

Our Yvaine slept the whole way home and has had the typical puppy pattern of moments of playfulness interspersed with deep sleep.  She is a really sweet girl but with a bit of a rotten streak.  She is pretty courageous, already having dared going up and down the stairs at our house, something other dogs have taken months to master.  Right now we're trying to get her to calm down enough to go to sleep, and it's a bit of a challenge.

The cats are avoiding her so far, and don't seem too eager.  Our oldest cat, Pooka, isn't as upset as we thought he would be, as this is the third dog that has been brought into his house during his lifetime. Maybe he's getting used to it.  Our other dog, Inara, was eager but unsure at first.  She is still very curious and is starting to play, though Yvaine startles her a bit at times.  Once Inara gets used to the newcomer, I can see them terrorizing the house with their play.

The kids are pretty obsessed with her, which is understandable right now.  As is typical for children their age, they're arguing over who gets to pet her or feed her.  But they are responsible kids, and it's always been important to me that they learn how to properly handle and care for pets, so I know they'll settle down into a normal pattern within a week or so.  By then my son will be back to his video games and my daughter will be tired of cleaning up puppy poop.

My wife is thrilled.  After all, this is her baby, and something she really wanted.  Yvaine is already bonding with her and I came home from shopping this afternoon to find the two of them curled up next to each other on the bed taking a nap.  She's going to spoil this little girl, but I must say that I love seeing the glow in her face when she kisses the little puppy's nose.

And the adventure begins again.  Housebreaking, obedience training, dealing with a whining puppy, handling her chewing on things she shouldn't, cleaning up messes....all of that over again.  But it's worth it to have the little bundle of fur cuddle next to you and see those deep brown eyes.

Read more »

Yodeling Veterinarian?

For those who aren't familiar with VeggieTales, let me give you a little peek.  Created as a children Christian video series, the appeal of the CGI cartoons has reached the mainstream.  Besides the Biblical lessons and values they are also just fun and entertaining.  One of the key features in all of the videos is "Silly Songs With Larry", one of the main characters, who happens to be a cucumber.  These silly songs are just for fun and can make even adults laugh.

A few years ago they produced one Silly Songs entry about a veterinarian.  Of course this caught my attention, and since then it has become one of my favorites.  Enjoy!

Read more »

Questionable Anal Mass

Gayle sent this in...

Bandit has always been a healthy Dog!!

but recently he has developed a problem there is a round marble size blood red thing that keeps coming out of his anas he 's not able to have a bowel movement my husband keeps pushing it back in and Bandit seems very happy for the help lol but I'm worried and normally would have him at the vet but we have been out of work for 6 months we have to wait for some money to come in please tell me what this could be and where i can do some research on it thank you so much 

 

Gayle, I know these are financial hard times for many people, but this is something you really need to see a vet about as soon as possible.  If he is having problems defecating it can be a very serious problem. Several things could be the cause, including a hernia, rectal polapse, polyp, or tumor.   If it's a tumor it or hernia, it would need to be corrected as soon as possible, and would require surgery.  Without actually seeing the pet I couldn't be more specific than this.

Earlier this year I had a similar problem in a patient.  There was some bleeding from his anus and we thought it was colitis or a similar problem that would cause blood in the stool.  The owner thought they had seen a small mass, but I had done rectal exams and not found anything.  One one follow-up visit they brought some pictures of the strange mass, taken on their cell phone camera.  It was definitely a polyp of some sort, so I did another rectal exam.  This time since I had an idea of what to look for I was able to feel a very small mass on the "roof" of the rectum that could be easily pulled outwards with my finger.  It was a soft mass and almost blended with the rectal wall, which is why I had missed it before.  We scheduled surgery and I was able to remove the polyp without complications.  It was a benign growth and healed normally.

I know this is a difficult financial time, Gayle, but not being able to have a bowel movement is a serious problem and you need to see a vet this week.  Good luck.

Read more »

Yes, Males Have Them

One of my favorite humorous web sites is Not Always Right. Today I came across this post under the title "Nip-Picking".  Though I've not dealt specifically with this situation, the idea of males having nipples seems to be a strange concept for many people to understand and I've certainly had to try to convince clients of this biological fact..  Enjoy this real-life encounter.

Nip-Picking

Vet | Ontario, Canada

(A customer brings her dog to the front desk in a panic.)
Customer: “My dog has fleas, so I need you to help me. I have been using the flea medication you gave me, but I can still see flea eggs.”
Me: “Ma’am, you can see flea eggs?”
Customer: “I have been trying to pick them off, but they seem to be stuck.”
Me: “Ok, can you show me the eggs you have been trying to pick off?”
(Customer lifts up the dog to show me it’s belly.)
Customer: “See! These!”
Me: “Ma’am, those are not flea eggs, they are his nipples.”
Customer: “Nipples? But he’s a male, how does he have nipples? They have to be flea eggs.”
Me: “I assure you, he has no fleas, and the ‘eggs’ you have been trying to pick off are in fact his nipples.”
Customer: “Get the vet, you don’t know what you’re talking about, he’s a male! He can’t have nipples.”
Me: “Ma’am, do human males have nipples?”
Customer: *stares blankly for a moment* “Well s***!” *walks out*

Read more »

Both Ends And The Middle

Doesn't it sometimes seem like your life is crazy and nobody else can compare?  Sure seems that way to me.  We go around in our lives with a "to-do" list as long as our arm and try to survive what it takes to get through it.  That can mean that when we're interacting with others we may be a bit short-tempered, never realizing that they are going through the same things.

I'll see this often with my clients.  They are hoping to rush in and rush back out since they have to pick up the kids, plan for a party, clean house, and so on.  When we don't usher them from the front desk to the room and back out again in 10 minutes, they get a bit miffed.  After all, they have so many other things to do, they can't take the time to wait like a normal visit, and expect us to hurry it up.  Unfortunately, quality service usually can't be rushed.

Now this isn't really a complaint against my clients.  Actually, it's a realization from the other side of the fence.  Lately my wife and I have been burning the proverbial candle at both ends AND the middle.  Here's a quick list of the things that keep me busy in my life....
Veterinarian
Hospital manager
Father to two
Husband
Volunteering in community theater
Leading a geek/fan ministry online
One of the leaders in my local church
Teaching online for a local college
And that's just a list of my regular responsibilities, without getting into the details of the numerous things I do for each.  That also doesn't include things like helping my wife keep the house picked up and trying to find time to simply relax, peruse the internet, read, or blog.

Today I was rushing to the theater to get ready for the show.  I'm managing the lobby and have it decorated for Halloween and have to bee there at least 90 minutes before curtain to make sure everything is in order, as well as put on my own costume.  I was sitting in the drive-thru at a fast-food restaurant waiting at the window for my order and started to feel very impatient.  If I didn't get my food quickly, I was going to have to rush even more! I started tapping my fingers on the steering wheel and could feel my muscles tighten.  They were making fresh fries, so it was taking longer than normal. But I had to get going! At that point I made myself realize that they were doing their job, I was going to get fresher food, and it wasn't their fault that I was the one in a hurry.  There was no reason for me to take it out on them by getting short-tempered.

When I'm at work I have to try and put aside the thousands of other things running through my mind and concentrate on my cases.  But while I'm reading lab results I may start to think about the decorations I need for the theater.  While I'm doing a spay my thoughts may drift to the exam I need to make for the online class.  Like everyone else, I often have to juggle multiple ideas and priorities, keeping them all straight.

So the next time any of us get hurried and stressed, remember not to take it out on that doctor, waitress, cashier, or any other person.  Chances are that they have just as many things that they're dealing with also.  Let's show each other a tad more courtesy.

Read more »

Inaction On Seizures?

Jessica sent this in yesterday....

A night or two ago, my mom called me at school hysterical, saying that something was wrong with the dog.

She described to me that the dog, a Boxer/Beagle mix named Cooper, had fallen to the ground, couldn't stand up, and was foaming at the mouth. He peed himself and I guess it looked pretty bad. Then in less than three minutes apparently he was up and wagging his tail.

I'd never seen him do that, but before I went to university my sister woke me up one morning, freaked out, saying that something was wrong with the dog and he was growling at her. I got up and checked on him and he was laying on the couch. He seemed fine and wasn't acting out of the ordinary but when felt him his chest was soaked and I noticed there was some remnants of foamy saliva on his mouth. At least one other time before leaving I found him with spit all over his chest. I thought that he must have eaten something strange that made him salivate heavily like that, like when our last dog somehow stole a whole pork roast off the counter and ate the whole thing... in one gulp.

But when my mom told me about this I thought something must be wrong with him neurologically. I work at a doggy daycare and I know of a few dogs that are on seizure meds and what happened to him sounded like a seizure.

I told my mom to call the vet and they said to bring him in, but he would be fine, but when they ran the bloodwork everything came back positive. I thought it was strange that they would run bloodwork for something that seemed neurological but they said they wouldn't do anything for now and that he might have to go on meds if it kept happening.

I thought that their inaction was REALLY strange. What do you think? Can you tell me more about identifying seizure problems and its treatment? I'm puzzled by this. Especially since evidently he's had more than one in a short span of time. Maybe two or three months tops, he's had at least three, the last one being fairly serious. 

Good questions, Jessica, and I'll try to answer them.  There is a lot that goes into seizures that people may not think about, and it's not always a simple situation. A seizure is basically a mis-firing of the neurons in the brain.  Imagine a city with lots of one-way streets and traffic flowing fairly well along the roads.  Then all of a sudden cars start going in directions that they shouldn't, ignoring stop lights, and pretty much moving around erratically and with no regard for the normal rules of the road.  Chaos would ensue and the city would be tied up in gridlock.  In a very simplistic nutshell, that's what happens during a seizure.

Seizures can be caused for numerous reasons.  Certain toxins can cause seizures, including many over-the-counter flea preventions.  Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can also lead to seizures, as well as liver dysfunction or failure.  Brain tumors and even infections can affect the nervous system and lead to various neurolgical disorders.  And then there is epliepsy, which in dogs is a seizure disorder with no discernible cause.  Once other causes have been ruled-out, a good rule-of-thumb is that if the seizures start at or before five years old, it's probably epilepsy; if they start after five years old there is a high likelihood of a brain tumor.

When we're examining a pet for seizures, the first set of testing that we do after the exam is basic blood testing.  As I mentioned above, there are many reasons why various metabolic and organ disorders can impact the nervous system, and we want to screen for infection, toxicity, and other disorders. Any of these problems are treated very differently from each other, so we need to try and figure out what it may or may not be.  

If all of the tests are normal, this is a good thing.  It means that the vet has eliminated many disorders and in this case indicates that we likely have epilepsy.  This disorder is not life-threatening and doesn't normally cause long-term damage to the brain or nervous system.  It can become worse with time, but there is no way to predict ahead of time whether this will happen.

Treatment is normally reserved for very severe or frequent seizures.  The medications must be given twice daily every day on an ongoing basis in order to effectively prevent seizures.  These medicines also can have some significant side-effects and can damage the liver, so we don't normally use them in mild cases.  My own rule of thumb is that I start to consider anti-seizure medication when the patient is having a seizure every month or more frequently.  Short seizures that happen every few months aren't normally treated, as in these cases the risks of the side-effects of medication don't outweigh the benefit of controlling the seizures.  In cases like this it's common to NOT treat and observe for worsening, at which time we can consider treatment.

So basically it sounds like your vet did what I would normally do and made similar recommendations.  Hopefully you understand a little better the reasoning behind those decisions. If you have any further follow-up questions, feel free to ask.

Read more »