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At Central Texas Vet, we go beyond standard testing.Dr. Madigan is actively developing advanced serologic testing methods to improve detection accuracy.Your dog’s evaluation may include:<ul><li>Comprehensive physical exam</li><li>Cardiac screening</li><li>Specialized blood testing for T. cruzi</li><li>Advanced diagnostics when needed</li></ul>Early detection allows for better management and improved outcomes.

Dr. Roy Madigan, D.V.M., is not just a veterinarian. He is one of the leading experts in canine Chagas disease in the United States.<ul><li>Founder of Vida Pharmacal, focused on breakthrough parasitic disease treatments</li><li>Filed the first veterinary drug patent for anti-T. cruzi activity in dogs</li><li>Principal scientist for the U.S. military working dog Chagas treatment study</li><li>Veterinary lead for the Texas Chagas Task Force alongside the CDC and UT Health</li><li>Pioneer in developing diagnostic and treatment protocols for infected dogs</li></ul>Your pet is being treated by the same expert helping shape how Chagas disease is understood nationwide.

Dr. Roy Madigan, D.V.M., is not just a veterinarian. He is one of the leading experts in canine Chagas disease in the United States.
 
• Founder of Vida Pharmacal, focused on breakthrough parasitic disease treatments
 • Filed the first veterinary drug patent for anti-T. cruzi activity in dogs
 • Principal scientist for the U.S. military working dog Chagas treatment study
 • Veterinary lead for the Texas Chagas Task Force alongside the CDC and UT Health
 • Pioneer in developing diagnostic and treatment protocols for infected dogs
 
Your pet is being treated by the same expert helping shape how Chagas disease is understood nationwide.

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by “kissing bugs” commonly found in Texas.Once infected, dogs may appear normal while the parasite attacks the heart and other organs.Without intervention, Chagas can lead to:<ul><li>Heart disease</li><li>Arrhythmias</li><li>Sudden death</li></ul>

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Early Detection. Advanced Treatment. Led by One of the Nation’s Top Experts.

Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Chagas disease progresses in stages. The earlier it is identified:<ul><li>The more treatment options are available</li><li>The better heart damage can be managed</li><li>The higher the chance of improving quality of life</li></ul>Waiting can mean irreversible cardiac damage.

If your dog may have been exposed to kissing bugs, do not wait. Chagas disease can silently damage the heart before symptoms appear. Early diagnosis can make the difference.

Chagas disease is often silent early on, but warning signs may include:<ul><li>Lethargy or decreased activity</li><li>Fainting or collapse</li><li>Irregular heartbeat</li><li>Difficulty breathing</li><li>Unexplained weight loss</li></ul>If your dog spends time outdoors, lives in Central Texas, or has been exposed to insects, they may be at risk even without symptoms.

If your dog may be at risk, schedule an evaluation today and get answers from one of the leading experts in the field.

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At The Animal Hospital of Smithson Valley, we go beyond standard testing.Dr. Madigan is actively developing advanced serologic testing methods to improve detection accuracy.Your dog’s evaluation may include:<ul><li>Comprehensive physical exam</li><li>Cardiac screening</li><li>Specialized blood testing for T. cruzi</li><li>Advanced diagnostics when needed</li></ul>Early detection allows for better management and improved outcomes.

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by “kissing bugs” commonly found in Texas.Once infected, dogs may appear normal while the parasite attacks the heart and other organs.Without intervention, Chagas can lead to:<ul><li>Sudden death</li><li>Heart disease</li><li>Arrhythmias</li></ul>

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We’ve all seen the memes since this COVID-19 pandemic started about dogs who have had enough of you walking them, thank you very much. And in turn, the cat memes are all about them wondering when we are going back to work and giving them their much-needed personal space back. We get it. Dogs tend to be goofy and friendly, while cats are, ahem, a bit more discerning about their company. The truth is, though, cats have plenty of different personality types, and many of them do experience separation anxiety. This is particularly true of cats who were orphaned. And with many of you going back to work, if you haven’t gone back already, it’s a good idea to know the signs of separation anxiety in cats.<h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2">What Are the Signs My Cat May Be Experiencing Separation Anxiety?</h2><h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2">While every cat has a different personality, the general signs of separation anxiety in felines are:</h3><ol><li>Excessive meowing, crying, or moaning</li><li>Eating too fast or not eating at all</li><li>Excessive self-grooming</li><li>Elimination outside the litter box</li><li>Destructive behavior</li><li>Excitement upon returning from home is out of the ordinary</li><li>Vomiting food or hairballs</li><li>Trying to escape</li></ol>As veterinarians and pet owners, we know that some of these things can be frustrating, particularly the elimination outside the litter box. Many cat owners have gotten the “gift’ of defecation on the bed, in a shoe, or on an item of clothing. It’s important to remember that this isn’t necessarily a sign of spiteful behavior, but can often mean that your cat is looking to mix their scent with yours. Cats believe they are also helping you find your way home. Instincts run deep!<h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2">What Can I Do if My Cat Shows Signs of Separation Anxiety?</h2>Thankfully, there are things you can buy and actions you can take to minimize the anxiety your cat may begin to feel when you return to work or other activities outside the house.<h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2">Some of the ways to minimize separation anxiety in cats are as follows:</h3><ul><li>Leave the radio or TV on a station that is often on when you’re there</li><li>Keep arrivals and departures low-key (hint: Don’t announce, “Mommy is leaving!”)</li><li>Create a nook, haven, or refuge for your cat that is their safe space</li><li>Provide plenty of toys and/or puzzles for playtime while you are gone</li><li>Channel prey instincts by hiding food in toys that make them work for it</li><li>Start with shorter absences first</li><li>Provide a perch or “catio” so that your cat can see their favorite views</li><li>Consider a room diffuser or pheromones to provide a calming scent for your cat (check the safety of this with your vet first)</li><li>Remove departure cues (ie, put your keys in your pocket a few minutes before leaving)</li><li>Provide plenty of cuddles and playtime once home</li><li>For more serious cases, consider having a sitter come for 1-2 play sessions during absences</li></ul>We cannot emphasize enough the importance of checking with your veterinarian when you see any change in your cat’s behavior before you chalk it up to separation anxiety, as early treatment of illnesses is crucial to cat wellness. For example, some cats go outside the litter box when they have urinary tract infections.In extreme cases, medication may be an option, but your vet will usually leave that as a final alternative. As the ASPCA notes, "Sometimes for cats, veterinarians will advise using pheromones or calming treats before prescribing medication. Always consult with your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist before giving your dog or cat any type of medication or supplement for a behavior problem."If you have any other questions about this or how to deal with anxiety in your cat, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

This is particularly true of cats who were orphaned. And with many of you going back to work, if you haven't gone back already, it's a good idea to know the signs of separation anxiety in cats.

8 Signs of Separation Anxiety in Cats And What to Do About Them

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8 Signs of Separation Anxiety in Cats And What to Do About Them

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