Page 10 - Hobe Sound Reflections - September '22

Page 10, Hobe Sound

tip oF the tail

Leptospirosis The clinical signs of leptospirosis are variable and fluid therapy. Potential long-term complications include

nonspecific. Common symptoms include fever, vomiting, chronic kidney failure and chronic hepatitis.
diarrhea, abdominal pain, anorexia, depression, weakness, Infected animals can shed the bacteria in their urine for
and muscle pain. These symptoms usually occur within one weeks or months, which is a serious concern for humans
to two weeks of exposure, but can be as short as two days and other animals that may be exposed to the urine. Strict
or as long as four weeks. Occasionally, infected animals do protocols should be utilized to prevent the spread of this
not exhibit any symptoms. In severe cases, kidney failure disease, including wearing protective clothing and using
and/or liver failure can occur. Without proper treatment, proper disinfecting techniques. These protocols should be
leptospirosis can be fatal. practiced at the animal hospital where the infected animal
Blood testing is usually needed to definitely diagnose is being treated, as well as at the home where the infected
leptospirosis. The most commonly used blood test will animal lives.
detect antibodies against Leptospira. While a positive Fortunately, for dogs, vaccines are available for the
diagnosis can occur with one test, oftentimes a second prevention of leptospirosis. The best vaccine contains four
antibody level will need to be checked two to four weeks Leptospira serovars. Vaccines do not provide 100 percent
later to confirm a four-fold increase in antibody level. protection against leptospirosis known serovars, and the
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that can affect Vaccination may interfere with blood testing, as vaccines vaccines do not completely cross-protect against all serovars.
humans and animals, including dogs and, rarely, cats. stimulate the body to produce antibodies, which can result Vaccination does reduce urine shedding of the bacteria, which
Leptospirosis is caused by the bacteria, Leptospira, which in a false-positive test result. Occasionally, a diagnosis is important to controlling the spread of the disease. This and
is classified into subtypes called serovars. Currently, over of leptospirosis can be established through microscopic preventing the disease is why it is important to have your
200 serovars of Leptospira have been named. examination of the urine. Unfortunately, this type of urine canine vaccinated yearly against leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis is most commonly spread through the urine test is not readily available to most animal hospitals, and Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center
of infected animals. Contaminated urine can enter water and the bacteria are only intermittently shed in the urine; so is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your
soil, where it survives for weeks to months. Leptospirosis diagnosis in this manner can be difficult. pets. With focuses on compassionate care in surgery,
can be contracted from drinking contaminated water, through Treatment for leptospirosis relies on the use of antibiotics, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative medicine,
contact of skin or mucous membranes with contaminated which are usually administered for two weeks. Because of extensive diagnostics, and emergency service, Palm City
water or soil, or through direct exposure to infected urine. the risk of kidney failure, intravenous fluids are critical Animal Medical Center combines exceptional medical
Many animals are responsible for spreading leptospirosis, to ensure adequate blood flow to the potentially damaged care with a caring philosophy for pets and their owners.
including wildlife, such as rodents, raccoons, and opossums, kidneys. Prognosis varies and depends on the severity of For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit www.
as well as farm animals, including cattle, pigs, horses, sheep, organ damage. Survival rates are reported to be 80 to 90 palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
and goats. percent for animals treated with appropriate antibiotics and at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
ClevelaNd CliNiC MartiN health News

Relief For Severe Acid with an injection of a solution from underneath or with EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound) is an imaging test
Reflux, Gallstones And Other suctioning from above, and then removing it with a wire that combines ultrasound technology with endoscopy.
During the exam, a special endoscope with ultrasound
loop tool called a snare.
Digestive Disorders ESD (Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection) is a newer technology at the tip is passed through the throat into
technique that is used to remove a larger lesion in one the abdomen, where the endosonographic images help
Advanced Care For Better Digestive Health piece. It uses the same injection method to elevate the visualize the bile ducts, pancreas, gallbladder and liver.
lesion, but instead uses a cautery knife to meticulously “EUS is particularly useful for the diagnosis and staging
Digestive health relies on a complex system of organs remove the lesion. of pancreatic cancer,” notes Dr. Ngo.
to turn the food we eat into the nutrients and energy our Gallstones And More ERCP (Endoscopic Retr ograde
You are invited to attend the Unveiling Ceremony
bodies need to survive. Some of the most common digestive The biliary system includes the liver, gallbladder, and Cholangiopancreatography) is another imaging test
complaints, such as acid reflux and gallstones, occur in the pancreas and a network of tubular structures called ducts that uses an endoscope and X-rays to view an injectable
upper digestive tract and the accessory organs that support that connect them to the small intestine. Biliary diseases, dye as it travels through the pancreatic and bile ducts.
digestion, including the liver, gallbladder and pancreas. such as gallstones, affect some 20 million women and ERCP helps diagnose and treat gallstones, inflamed
Today advanced endoscopic techniques are used to care men nationally. gallbladders, bile duct blockages, pancreatitis, pancreatic
for patients with digestive disorders without open surgery. “Advanced imaging technology has expanded the cancer and other conditions.
“During upper endoscopy, we pass a flexible tube with visual field, which allows us to see far greater details of To learn more about advanced care available for the
a camera on the end down through a patient’s throat to the upper digestive tract and the intricate anatomy of the upper digestive tract at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health,
examine and treat conditions biliary system,” says Dr. Ngo. “That’s important because visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Digestive, or call (844)
of the esophagus, stomach if we can’t see it, we can’t treat it.” 630-4968 to schedule a consultation.
and the biliary system,”
explains board certified
gastroenterologist Tolga
Erim, D.O., regional director
of endoscopy for Cleveland Our Treasure for Martin County
Clinic Florida, which
includes Cleveland Clinic Country Road
Martin Health, Cleveland
Clinic Indian River
Hospital, and Cleveland M/M Tolve chose renowned artist, Ms. Carol Kepp, to paint their featured
Clinic Weston Hospital.
Chronic Reflux And Barrett’s Esophagus artwork for their home. Only a handful of people saw the portrait ahead of its
Chronic acid reflux is one of the most common
unveiling, including the framer. INSERT Hearty congratulations to Ms. Kepp. It
conditions that can be diagnosed and treated endoscopically.
must be a proud moment.
It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter opens
spontaneously, allowing food and stomach acid to back
up into the esophagus.
“Gastroesophageal August 19, 2022 4:00 – 7:00 pm
reflux disease (GERD), the
severe form of acid reflux,
can damage the esophagus
and increase the risk of Bridge Road Fine Arts
esophageal cancer, if left
untreated,” says Benjamin 8887 SE Bridge Road
Ngo, M.D., a board certified Hobe Sound, FL 33455
gastroenterologist with
Cleveland Clinic Martin (772) 618-2333
Health. An estimated 20
percent of people in the
United States are believed to suffer from GERD.
Cleveland Clinic Martin Health offers a number of
advanced treatments for acid reflux-related disorders,
including Barrett’s esophagus, which appears as lesions Refreshments will be served.
on the surface of the esophagus.
EMR (Endoscopic Mucosal Resection) is one of the *To read the complete BIO on Ms Kepp visit our website
most successful techniques for removing surface lesions
on the esophagus. It involves raising the lesion, either www.bridgeroadfinearts.com.

INSERT

Among her many accomplishments, Ms Kepp’s Cannon and Flag painting was
selected from all Florida applicants to represent Florida in the U.S. Capitol

Building during the 1976 Bicentennial Celebration of our nation’s
independence. We will have the honor of displaying that patriotic painting
also at our celebration.