Small Animal Interactions
The term small animal in veterinary medicine refers to cats and dogs!
Dogs are descended from the grey wolf and they are the oldest domesticated animal. They have been domesticated so long that we have a hard time pining down exactly when and how they were domesticated.
Cats descended from the African Wildcat. It’s believed that cats became domesticated long ago when people began growing their own crops. The crops were a great new food source for local rodents and their populations grew. The cats followed the rodent population and began living close to humans which would eventually lead to their domestication!
Small Animal Restraints
Restraints are different ways to safely hold animals for different medical procedures. Using proper restraint technique is very important to not only ensure the safety of the animal but also ensure the safety of the people handling the animal. There are 3 restraints that we commonly use in veterinary medicine to assist with examining small animals and doing different medical procedures. Regardless of the restraint we are using, whenever we have a patient on a table for an exam or procedure, we must ALWAYS have at least a hand on them to ensure that they are not able to fall or jump off the table!
In veterinary medicine we try and make handling as least stressful as possible for the animals. Some techniques we use to reduce stress for our patients include: asking our patients to sit or lie down for us, distracting scratches/pats/encouragement and toys, and using treats to reward for cooperation.
Lateral Restraint
This is a restraint where we gently hold an animal on its side. We try to encourage the dog or cat to lie down or sit themselves using treats and then move them into the desired position. When in lateral restraint it is very important to hold the legs closest to the floor, as these are the legs that the dog or cat will primarily use to get up and out of the restraint. We use this restraint to collect blood from patient's legs, for X-rays, and many more procedures.
Sternal Restraint
This is a restraint where we gently hold an animal in a position where they are lying down on their chest and stomach. We try to encourage the dog or cat to lie down or sit themselves using treats and then move them into the desired position. When in sternal restraint it is very important to hold the patient's head, while the handler moves their own head out of the way, to ensure they and the handler are safe and the patient is unable to bite. We use this restraint to collect blood, place IV catheters into patients legs, complete physical exams, and many more procedures.
Dorsal Restraint
This is a restraint where two handlers gently hold an animal on its back. One person holds the patient's head and front legs, while the other holds its back legs. Communication between handlers is very important for this restraint to ensure coordinated movement of the animal onto its back. We use this restraint to collect urine from the bladder using a needle, X-rays, ultrasound the abdomen, and many more medical procedures.
Small Animal Restraints
Watch this video to learn more about small animal restraints and see them in action!
Cat Burrito Restraint
The cat burrito is a funny name for when you wrap a cat in a towel, like a burrito, to hold a cat. Learn how to wrap a cat burrito in the video below.
Please try this on a stuffed animal at home! To practice this skill the materials you need are a towel and a stuffed animal. IF you try this on your cats at home (which we do NOT recommend) please be patient and careful, some cats do not like being a burrito! We do not want you to get injured or stress your cat out.
Small Animal Medications and Injections
Giving animals medication is a large part of veterinary medicine. Appropriate measurements of medication and using proper technique are vital skills when administering medication to any animal. Learn some of the common methods and proper techniques of giving medications.
Please note that we are only mimicking how to do the injections in the video using a syringe without a needle.
Injection Sites
Here is an overview of the small animal injection techniques covered in the video above.
Image credit: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTp6z2cvvwnm0vmbRzdcByHwjFD7XIJYtzubA&usqp=CAU
Small Animal Physical Exam
Physical exams are one of the most important skills in veterinary medicine. Our patients cannot tell us what is wrong, so it is very important to examine our patients thoroughly, in order to find any hints that might tell us if something is normal or abnormal. Thus, it is important to understand how to complete a physical exam on a small animal, such as a dog or cat. You will learn some of the critical skills needed to complete a physical exam on a small animal below, and with practice maybe you can do a physical exam in under five minutes like our experienced vets!
Small Animal Normal Vitals
When performing a physical exam, we are collecting information about the animal to determine if it is normal or abnormal, and whether or not something is wrong and worth investigating. In order to determine if the information we collect during a physical exam is normal, we compare it to references ranges specific to that species!
Here are some references ranges for canine and feline heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature.
Emergency Veterinary Medicine
It's always a bit hard to know when to take your pet to the veterinarian. Learn some signs to look for in order to avoid some common veterinary emergencies,and hear some interesting stories with Dr. Murphy in the video below!
Dog and Cat Dentals
Just like humans, dogs and cats can also have teeth problems and need to see a dentist. However, their dentist is a veterinarian!
Just like us, it is recommended that dogs and cats get dental procedures done regularly to remove built up tartar (hardened plaque deposited on teeth) or rotten/broken teeth, to ensure teeth and gum health and longevity. Dental health is important because in some cases bacteria from the mouth can circulate throughout the body and cause other issues in our animals.
How do we do dentals on dogs and cats?
Unfortunately, our animal patients are not often as cooperative for procedures as humans can be. For this reason, and others, we sedate animals and put them under anesthesia when doing dental procedures.
In order to sedate these animals appropriately, we must first place an intravenous (IV) catheter to be able to put drugs directly into their veins. This makes it easier for us to control the amount of drugs our patients receive and the time it takes for these drugs to take effect (because we have direct access into a vein it is much faster than other methods).
Once an IV catheter is placed, we give drugs to the patient through the IV catheter to induce sedation for the dental procedure. Once sedated, we are able to insert an endotracheal tube (ET) tube down their throat into their airways, to which we can attach tubing that provides oxygen and anaesthetic gas to help them breath and maintain sedation. Under anaesthesia we monitor the patients heart rate, breathing rate, and blood flow and pressure in order to ensure these vitals are normal.
Once under anaesthesia, we first do an ultrasonic dental cleaning to remove any built up tartar. After cleaning the teeth, the veterinarian does an exam to determine the health of the teeth and gums. After the dental exam, we take dental radiographs or X-rays. This is an important step because without X-rays it is almost impossible to tell how a tooth looks underneath the gums. After consulting the dental X-rays, veterinarians and veterinary technicians extract or remove any teeth that have rotted or are concerning for future health. Once these steps are complete, we polish the teeth, just like human dentists.
After the cleaning, polishing, exam, and any extractions are done, the patient's sedation is reversed with drugs that bring the patient out of sedation and anaesthesia to wake them up from the procedure. We then monitor them to ensure they are recovering well.
Dental Radiographs
When taking dental radiographs, we systematically take "pictures" of all the teeth of the mouth. Here is a picture showing all the different pictures or "views" that we take of the mouth.
Dental Charts
Keeping an accurate record of our patients teeth for future management is very important! In order to help with this process, veterinarians use dental charts to note important values or any abnormalities associated with each tooth. We also number the teeth systematically so we can consistently and accurately keep track of the teeth and their health. Systematically numbering the teeth also improves and simplifies our communication with others in the veterinary field. The image on the left shows an example of a dental chart that we use for our dog patients.
Diana's Dental Procedure
Watch one of our teaching dogs Diana get a dental and learn with Dr. Brown the importance of this procedure and how to read a dental X-ray in the video below!
Dog Breeds
Dogs have the greatest level of physical variation within a single species! This is because of extensive breeding efforts in order to create dogs for specific jobs over hundreds of years. Kennel clubs organize breeds into groups based on the purpose the dogs were bred for. The Canadian Kennel Club has 7 breed groups.
Sporting Dogs
The sporting group includes breeds that were developed for flushing, pointing, or retrieving game while hunting. Many sporting breeds have become extremely popular companion animals due to their trainability and desire to please!
Sporting Dog
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever was actually developed on the island of Newfoundland and not in Labrador. There was already the Newfoundland Dog so they were named after Labrador instead! They were bred as a waterdog to assist fisherman and retrieve waterfowl. As a result, they are excellent swimmers with their thick “otter tails” and webbed toes. Labs are an extremely popular choice for service dogs! Unfortunately, they are prone to hip dysplasia and bloat.
Sporting Dog
Weimaraner
A German gun dog originally used for big game like bears, these dogs are now generally used for pointing and retrieval of game birds. They are high energy and have been nicknamed “the grey ghost”. Weimaraners are very people oriented and can suffer from separation anxiety. They are prone to bloat and gastric torsion.
Sporting Dog
Golden Retriever
Originating in England and bred to retrieve game birds, these dogs love carrying things and have a “soft mouth” (which means that they hold things very gently). A soft mouth is beneficial for working Goldens because it means that they won’t damage the game they carry. This is also why Golden Retrievers can hold eggs without cracking them! They are known for their friendly disposition. Goldens are prone to cancer.
Hounds
Hounds are used for tracking and catching game. There are two main types of dogs within the hound group: scent hounds and sight hounds. Scent hounds use their keen sense of smell and endurance to track and locate game. Sight hounds spot game in open spaces and use their incredible speeds to chase and capture game.
Scent Hound
Beagle
Originating in England in the 1300s, they were originally used to track rabbits. “Snoopy” from The Peanuts comics was a beagle. Beagles are prone to heart disease. At UCVM, we have a group of lovely beagles that help all of the students learn!
Scent Hound
Bloodhound
Originally bred for hunting deer and wild boar, they have also been used for tracking people since the Middle Ages. Today, they are used all over to world to track missing people and lost pets. They have a keen sense of smell and their long ears help keep scents around their nose when they are tracking! They are known for being gentle and excellent family pets. Bloodhounds are prone to bloat.
Scent Hound
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds originated in Great Britain in the late 1800s and were originally bred for hunting hare. They are easily recognizable with their short legs, long backs, droopy eyes, and large ears! They are prone to ear infections and certain eye issues.
Sight Hound
Greyhound
Originating in Egypt around 5000 years ago, these dogs can be seen depicted in ancient art and writing. They were originally bred for spotting, chasing, and catching hares in the Egyptian desert. Greyhounds are the fastest dog breed and are very popular for a sport called lure coursing! Their deep chests and long snouts help them bring in enough oxygen while running but their deep chests also make them prone to bloat.
Sight Hound
Afghan Hound
Often thought to be the oldest breed, these dogs originated in modern day Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Egypt. They were used by nomadic tribes to hunt game like hares and gazelle. Afghan Hounds are prone to bloat and hip dysplasia.
Sight Hound
Irish Wolfhound
Originating in Britain in the 1400s, these dogs were bred to hunt wolves and big game using their great speed and size. They are the tallest breed of dog and males can grow up to 3ft tall at the shoulder and 180 lbs. Because of their immense size, they have a much shorter average lifespan than many breeds (average around 6-7 years). They are prone to bloat, hip and elbow dysplasia, and heart problems.
Working Dogs
These are dogs bred for a number of different jobs including guarding property, protecting livestock, and search and rescue. Many working breeds were also developed as draft animals, meaning that they are used to pull sleds or carts.
Working Dog
Saint Bernard
Originating in Switzerland, these dogs were first used as draft animals and for search and rescue. They are not well suited to live in warm climates and it’s important that they are kept cool. Saint Bernards are known for having a friendly and charming personality. They are prone to hip dysplasia and certain eye problems.
Working Dog
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies originated in Russia and were first bred as draft animals. You can still find them pulling sleds today! These dogs were bred to have great endurance, so they require a lot of vigorous daily exercise. They are known for being extremely vocal dogs! Although they are quite intelligent, they can be difficult to train.
Working Dog
Akita
The Akita was developed in Northern Japan in the 1600s. They have been used for a number of jobs including as a big game hunting dog and a guard dog. They are known for being extremely loyal to their families, but they tend to be wary of strangers. Akitas can be prone to bloat and hip dysplasia.
Terriers
Although primarily bred to hunt vermin or rodents to keep barns and residences pest free, some breeds were also used for hunting game. Terriers are known for their feisty nature and independence. These traits allowed them to work independently and be excellent pest control dogs!
Terrier
Russel Terrier
The Russel Terrier originated in England in the 1800’s for fox hunting. They are known for being confident, playful, and spirited and are very energetic dogs. Russel Terriers can be prone to eye problems.
Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer was developed in Germany from crossing Standard Schnauzers with smaller breeds. They were originally bred to keep rodents out of barnyards and stables. These dogs are known for being intelligent and outgoing. Miniature Schnauzers are prone to cataracts and urinary stones.
Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Originally developed in the United States, this breed was previously recognized as the American Pitbull Terrier. They are known for being smart, confident, and good-natured. Being an athletic dog, they require lots of exercise! American Staffordshire Terriers are prone to allergies, urinary tract infections, and autoimmune diseases.
Toy Breed
Toy breeds are small dogs that have become extremely popular companion breeds. Some toy breeds were originally bred for different jobs, but many were bred specifically to be companions for nobility!
Toy Breed
Chihuahua
Originating in Mexico in the 1500s, they were originally bred for companionship and keeping sick people warm. They are better suited for living in warmer climates. Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed and they are known for being good companion dogs. They are prone to heart and eye problems.
Toy Breed
Pug
The Pug is an ancient breed that originated in China and were bred to be companions for royalty and nobility. Pugs were also often given as a prized gift since they are known for having a charming personality. Pugs are not well suited to live in hot climates because their short faces make it hard for them to keep cool. Their wrinkles require regular cleaning to prevent skin infections! They are prone to many health issues unfortunately, including breathing problems, heart and eye disease, and joint issues.
Toy Breed
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred in England in the 1800s. Although they were initially used for hunting vermin, they became fashionable lapdogs for English ladies and the toy breed we know today was born! They are known for being affectionate and feisty. Yorkies can be prone to joint and eye problems.
Non-Sporting Dogs
Kennel clubs were originally divided into two groups: Sporting and non-sporting. They have since broken off into the more specific groups we know today but the breeds that didn’t fit with the others remained in the non-sporting group. Because of this, there is great variety within the non-sporting group!
Non-Sporting Dog
French Bulldog
Originating in France in the 1800s, they were initially bred as companion dogs. These close relatives to the English Bulldog are easily recognized because of their big bat ears! French Bulldogs are prone to allergies and breathing problems.
Non-Sporting Dog
Poodle
The origin of the Poodle is up for debate as both Germany and France have claimed to be responsible for the breed. Within the breed there are three varieties: standard, miniature, and toy. The Poodle was originally bred as a waterdog to retrieve game, hence their name coming from the German word for “puddle”. The haircut poodles are known for comes from the way they were groomed for swimming. This cut kept the important parts of the dog warm (chest, joints, kidneys) in cold water, while also decreasing drag when the dog is swimming! Poodles are prone to eye problems. The two smaller varieties are also prone to joint problems.
Non-Sporting Dog
Dalmation
The Dalmatian originated in Eastern Europe and were initially used as coach dogs to protect the horses and the coach. Because of their history, Dalmatians are known to get along famously with horses! They are also well known for working alongside firefighters. Dalmatians are prone to deafness and urinary stones.
Herding Dogs
Herding dogs were bred for herding or moving livestock and are known for their intelligence and extremely high energy levels! These dogs often work closely with livestock guardian dogs.
Herding Dog
Border Collie
The Border Collie originated in Britain in the 1800s and were bred to herd sheep. Many Border Collies still do this job today! They have a unique herding technique where they control their flock by crouching and staring. Because they are notoriously smart and easy to train, Border Collies are popular choices for many different dog sports like agility, competitive obedience, and flyball! Border Collies can be prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems.
Herding Dog
German Shepherd
Originating in Germany in the 1800s, these dogs were initially bred to herd sheep. Today, it is much more common to see them used as police or military dogs. German Shepards are known for being intelligent, athletic, easy to train and very loyal but can be wary of strangers. They are prone to heart and joint issues.
Herding Dog
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of two Corgi breeds developed in Wales. They were originally bred to drive cattle. Corgis use a strategy called “heeling” where they bite at the heels of cattle to move them. Their short stature helps them with this! It also helps keep them safe because when cattle kick, they tend to kick over their heads! Queen Elizabeth II has owned over 30 Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Pembroke Welsh Corgis can be prone to spine and joint problems.
Cat Breeds
There are 71 cat breeds recognized internationally.
Here we have divided some of the more popular or interesting feline breeds by their hair length! Read below to learn more about different cat breeds!
Image Credits: Purina, Cat Breeds
Short Haired Cats
Short Haired Cats
Domestic Short Hair
Domestic short hair or house cats are cats with mixed ancestry and don't belong to any recognized breed. Domestic short hairs are one of the most common types of cats and are very diverse in colour and pattern.
Short Haired Cats
American Short Hair
American Shorthairs are not actually American! This breed originates from Europe and were brought to North America by sailors. American shorthairs are very diverse as they can be nearly 80 colors, including white silver, brown, and orange. They can also have various different patterns, such as tabby, tortoise shell, bicolored...the list goes on and on! They are an affectionate and playful but low maintenance breed making them great family pets.
Short Haired Cats
British Shorthair
The British shorthair originated from Britain, making it the oldest natural cat breed in Great Britain. They have a chunky body, broad face, and dense fur coat and are easy-going cats, making them great pets. Fun fact: This breed inspired the cheshire cat in Alice in Wonderland!
Short Haired Cats
Burmese
Burmese cats originated from the Thai-Burma border in the 1930s. Originally, Burmese cats were a solid dark brown color, but they can now be found in several shades. Burmese are very affectionate, loyal, and playful cats. They are very dog-like cats because they love to seek attention and affection!
Short Haired Cats
Egyptian Mau
Egyptian Maus originated from Egypt. Depictions of these cats can be seen in ancient Egyptian texts and paintings and they were likely worshiped by Egyptians! They can be three different colors (silver, bronze, smoke) and often have a dark stripe that start at their head and end at their tail. They are very smart, loyal, playful, and vocal cats!
Short Haired Cats
Japanese Bobtail
Japanese bobtails originated from southeast Asia and Japan and are one of the oldest cat breeds. They are often white with some other spots of colour and while they are categorized as a short haired cat, they can also have long hair. One distinctive feature is their short bobtail. They are smart, playful, and mischievous!
Short Haired Cats
Devon Rex
The Devon Rex originated from a place called Devon in England. Their short curly coats are the result of a genetic mutation. These cats are considered one of the fancier breeds of cats. They are very social, intelligent, and playful cats that also happen to be excellent jumpers!
Short Haired Cats
Siamese
Siamese cats originated from Thailand and are one of the first recognized pedigree breeds. Their distant coloration makes them easy to recognize as they often have a light tan/cream body with points of chocolate brown at their tails, ears, and paws. However they can also have color and pattern variations, including tabby. They are incredibly social, loving, and intelligent cats!
Short Haired Cats
Sphynx
The Sphynx breed actually originated in 1966 from a genetic mutation in a cat in Toronto, making them hairless. Although they do not have hair, they still produce allergens in their saliva, making them not hypoallergenic. While they are generally healthy cats, they are at a high risk for a heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Many breeders screen their kittens for this heart disease. They are very devoted, attention seeking, sweet natured cats!
Long Haired Cats
Long Haired Cats
Domestic Long Hair
Domestic Longhair cats or long-haired house cats are cats with mixed ancestry that do not belong to any recognized breed. They are very diverse in colour and pattern and can have manes, ear tufts, and toe tufts!
Long Haired Cats
Maine Coon
Maine Coons are believed to have originated from breeding of domestic short haired cats with Norwegian cats like the Norwegian forest cat! They have large manes and fluffy tails. Their paws are large and tufted making them well equipped to walk in snow. They are large cats but are very friendly and gentle-natured!
Long Haired Cats
Norwegian Forest Cat
Norwegian Forest cats originated from Norway, as the name suggests. They are large, have a thick coat, with tufted ears and can be various colours and patterns. These cats are gentle giants that are low maintenance, independent, and athletic!
Long Haired Cats
Himalayan
Himalayan cats originated from the mixing of Persian and Siamese cats to study colorpoint genes. They have lighter coloured bodies with darker faces, ears, and tails. They are the most popular pedigree cat but unfortunately as a result of their short faces, they often have difficulty breathing, misaligned teeth, and eye problems. They are sweet, mild-tempered, and selectively affectionate cats.
Long Haired Cats
Persian
Persian cats originated from what is now modern day Iran. They have a round face, chubby cheeks, and a short and small nose. Due to their short face, they also often have difficulty breathing, misaligned teeth, eye problems, and are sensitive to heat. Persian cats can look very different from one another since there is up to 80 different colour combinations they could be! They are quiet, docile, and selectively affectionate cats.
Long Haired Cats
Scottish Fold
As you might suspect, the Scottish Fold originated from Scotland. They represent the first breed recognized for their lop or folded ears which comes from a unique genetic mutation. Although their ears work just as good as any other cats, the unique conformation may make them more susceptible to ear infections. They can also be short haired and have a very diverse range of colors and patterns, including tabby. They are smart, outgoing, and friendly cats.