December can have many health issues that seem to be much more of a problem than other months.
PANCREATITIS
During this month various holidays are celebrated. There is usually a lot of varied foods, many of which may have high fat or oil contents or high spice levels. These are not usually present in your pet's regular foods. When eaten as a variation to a well balanced diet, especially in large amounts, these foods can lead to a sudden, painful, severe inflammation of the pancreas (the organ responsible for provide digetive enzymes and insulin). Pancreatitis can come on suddenly or creep up slowly. If left untreated, it can cause vomiting, dehydration and shock. Certain breeds (schnauzers) seem more prone but it can happen in any dog (or cat). Treatment usually involves several days of fluid therapy and intravenous medications.
FOREIGN BODIES
Dogs and cats both can suffer from stomach or intestinal blockages from foreign bodies at this time of year. Both animals can get blockages from the bones of the turkey or ham often used for holiday dinners. Either pet may also have problems eating pieces of ornaments or the wire hangers that they hang from.
Cats are also known for getting a "linear foreign body" obstruction from eating the string used to lift the turkey out of the pan. They also get these obstructions from ingesting tinsel from the tree or ribbons from packages. These obstructions are unique in that they cause the intestines to fold up like an accordian, which traps the loops of intestines and does not allow food to travel through. All of these obstructions often need surgery to ensure a favorable outcome.
If you feel driven to offer your pets a little of the holiday fare, then you might try small amounts of pumpkin (not the pie), turkey (skinless white meat, no gravy), green beans (without the caserole), peas (without the butter or seasonings) and sweet potato (without the brown sugar and marshmallows). Most pets can probably tolerate small amounts of these but some may not be able to stomach (pun intended) even these few foods. Feed at your own risk.
PLANT TOXICITIES
MISTLETOE
This plant can be very toxic and potentially fatal, especially the European variety. The main organ system affected is the heart; however, most common ingestion of the American mistletoe usually results in mild stomach and intestinal upset.
POINSETTIA
The true level of the toxicity of these plants has been exaggerated. This plant is more often an irritant rather than a truly toxic plant. Signs most often reported when this plant is ingested are vomitting or diarrhea, anorexia, and depression.
HOLLY
This plant is moderately toxic most often presenting with intestinal upset symptoms, but can have worse symptoms if large amounts are ingested. The most common signs are vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, and anorexia.
LILY
This plant can be very toxic and is potentially fatal to cats. Potentially lily members of the lilium family (Stargazer, Tiger, Asian, Easter, Show Lily) can cause kidney failure in cats. Some types of day lily can cause kidney failure also.
CHRISTMAS ROSE
This plant is moderately toxic most often presenting with intestinal upset symptoms, but can have worse symptoms if large amounts are ingested.
CHRISTMAS CACTUS
This plant is another irritant and not truly toxic. Expect vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and depression with ingestion of this plant.
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