News

February is Dental Health month.

Annual Pet Memorial Tree
We want to invite all of our clients to visit our annual pet memorial tree. Each ornament has the name of one of our patients that has passed this year. This is a tradition we are starting to remember the pets that have passed.

What are signs of pain in the cat?
A cat's behavior and interactions can be unique to the type of pain it is experiencing. A cat's reaction to pain is dependent upon its personality and the degree of pain it is experiencing. The characteristics listed below do not include everything that you may see, but the list gives you a general idea of what to look for if you think a cat is in pain. Some of these characteristics (marked with an asterisk*) are also things you will see when a cat is anxious or nervous or in poor health. Items that are in bold print are the subtle and early signs of pain or poor health you may see in a cat. Cats are extremely good at hiding their pain until it becomes almost totally unbearable. Remember that there is no substitute for being familiar with an individual cat in order to recognize how it shows pain.

Posture:

• Hunched back with head lowered
• Guarding (protecting) the painful area
• Sitting or laying abnormally
• Attempting to rest in an abnormal position (sternal or curled up)

Movement:

• Stiff
• Bearing no or partial weight on affected limb or any degree of limp
• Thrashing
• Restless*
• Trembling or shaking*
• Limited or no movement when awake*
• Slow to rise*

Vocalization:

• Screaming, yowling, or crying (with acute pain)
• Hissing or growling, especially if you touch a painful area*
• Lack of vocalization (no noise of greeting or wanting to be fed)*

Behavior:

• Hyperventilation (rapid shallow breathing)
• Agitated*
• Poor or no grooming*
• Decreased or absent appetite (associated with weight loss when chronic)*
• Dull, sleeping excessively, or noticeably less active*
• Inappropriate urination or defecation, or not moving away from it*
• Acts out of character (aggressive or playful cats may become docile or quiet)*
• Licking wound or surgical site*
• Sitting in back of cage or hiding under blanket*
• Retreating to quiet areas of the house for long periods of time*
• Vigorous attempts for escape, often with marked aggression

Adapted from: Mathews KA. Pain Assessment and General Approach to Management. In: Vet. Clin. Of N. Amer. Sm. Anim. Pract. Ed: Mathews KA. WB Saunders, Philadelphia, July 2000.
Dobromylskyj P et al. Pain assessment. In: Pain Management in Animals. Eds: Flecknell P and Waterman-Pearson A, WB Saunders London, 2000.

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What are signs of pain in the dog?
A dog's behavior and interactions can be unique to the type of pain it is experiencing. A dog's reaction to pain is dependent upon its personality and the degree of pain it is experiencing. The characteristics listed below do not include everything that you may see, but the list gives you a general idea of what to look for if you think a dog is in pain. Some of these characteristics (marked with an asterisk*) are also things you will see when a dog is anxious or nervous or in poor health. Remember that there is no substitute for being familiar with an individual dog in order to recognize how it shows pain.

Posture:

• Hunched back
• Guarding (protecting) the painful area
• "Praying" position (front legs and head on floor, hindquarters in the air)
• Sitting or laying abnormally
• Attempting to rest in an abnormal position
• Head hanging down*

Movement:

• Stiff
• Bearing no or partial weight on affected limb
• Any degree of limp
• Thrashing/restless*
• Trembling or shaking*
• Weak tail wag or low carriage of tail*
• Limited or no movement when awake*
• Slow to rise*

Vocalization:

• Screaming
• Whining
• Crying
• Barking or growling*
• Lack of vocalization (no greeting bark or noise)*

Behavior:

• Agitated*
• Poor or no grooming*
• Decreased or absent appetite*
• Dull*
• Inappropriate urination or defecation, or not moving away from it*
• Acts out of character (gentle dogs may bite or become aggressive)*
• Licking wound or surgical site*

Adapted from: Mathews KA. Pain Assessment and General Approach to Management. In: Vet. Clin. Of N. Amer. Sm. Anim. Pract. Eed: Mathews KA. WB Saunders, Philadelphia, July 2000. Dobromylskyj P et al. Pain assessment. In: Pain Management in Animals. Eds: Flecknell P and Waterman-Pearson A, WB Saunders, London, 2000.

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Mice vs. terrorists?
Mice are the newest, and squirmiest, weapon in the war on terror. Israeli scientists have developed a walk-through airport scanner that contains 24 mice conditioned to set off an alarm when they smell any of eight potential explosives. In a recent test at a Tel Aviv shopping mall, more than 1,000 people passed through the prototypical machine, with 22 hiding fake bombs in their clothing. The mice caught all 22 culprits and triggered false alarms only 0.1 percent of the time. Mice "beat dogs for olfactory talent, and by much more than a nose: dogs have 756 olfactory receptor genes, while mice have 1,120, resulting in a more acute sense of smell," says New Scientist. Plus they don't require much TLC. Yes, "there's something disconcerting and sweatshop-like about mice being trapped in containers to sniff air," observes The Economist. But the animals enjoy cushy after-work lives-relaxing "in comfortable cages with unlimited access to food and water" and retiring at 18 months.

Ear mite infestation in people
Although rare, otodectes cynotis infestation is considered a zoonotic disease. Lesions in people have been reported and consist of a papular eruption on the hands and arms. In one anecdotal report, a veterinarian placed mite-infested ear mite debris in his own ear on several occasions. He successfully infested himself with ear mites and reported intense itching. What was most interesting was his observation that the mites were most active at night and could be heard chewing and moving around his ear. This suggests that ear mite preparations would be best applied in the evening. On a more practical level, this also suggests that veterinarians and owners who clean the ears of pets with ear mite infestations should practice excellent hand-washing hygiene after treatment.
Karen A. Moriello, DVM, Dip ACVD

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"Sick" behavior in healthy cats
Change of routine can actually trigger behaviors normally observed with sick cats, according to a new study from the Ohio State University CVM. Researchers documented behaviors typically associated with sick animals, such as food refusal, frequent vomiting and litter box avoidance, in response to changes to their normal routine. For veterinary clinicians, when you have a cat that's not eating, is not using the litter box or has stuff coming up out of its mouth, the quality of environment is another cause that needs to be addressed in coming up with a diagnosis. The study recommends that when an other wise healthy animal presents with these signs, practitioners should consider counseling pet owners on ways to enrich the cat's environment. The study suggests pet owners feed at the same time, keep litter boxes in consistent locations and offer regular playtime.

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National Free Feral Cat Spay day is April 27, 2011. We are proud to be participating in this effort to help reduce the numbers of feral cats in our community. Please call or email us for more information.

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Get helpful information and tips for your pets on behavior and training, hot weather tips, traveling and many more. Click on For Pet Owners on the left hand side.

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We are now a Pet Assure provider.

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Top 10 Human Medications that Poison Pets

Almost half of the calls we receive at Pet Poison Helpline involve human medications - both over the counter and prescription. Sometimes dogs chew into pill bottles or well intentioned pet owners accidentally mix up packages and give their pets a human medication. However pet poisoning from human medications happen, they can be serious.

1. NSAIDS (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen) - Topping our list are the common household medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, which include common names such as ibuprofen(e.g. Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (e.g.Aleve). While these medications are safe for people, even one or two pills can cause serious harm to a pet. Dogs, cats, birds and other small mammals including ferrets, gerbils and hamsters may develop serious stomach and intestinal ulcers, as well as kidney failure.
2. Acetaminophen - When it comes to pain medications, acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) is popular. Even though this drug is safe for children, it is not safe for pets - especially cats. One regular strength tablet may cause damage to cats red blood cells, limiting their ability to carry oxygen. In dogs it leads to liver failure and in large does, red blood cell damage.
3. Antidepressants (e.g. Effexor, Cymbalta, Prozac, Lexapro) - While these and other antidepressant drugs are occasionally used in pets, overdoses can lead to serious neurological problems such as sedation, incoordination, tremors and seizures. Some antidepressants also have a stimulant effect leading to a dangerously elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Pets, especially cats, seem to enjoy the taste of Effexor and often eat the entire pill. Unfortunately, just one pill can cause serious poisoning.
4. ADD and ADHD medications (e.g.Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin) - Medications used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder contain potent stimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. Even minimal ingestions of these medications by pets can cause life threatening tremors, seizures, elevated body temperatures, and heart problems.is
5. Benzodiazepines and sleep aides (e.g. Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Lunesta) - These medications are designed to reduce anxiety and help people sleep better. However, in pets, they may have the opposite effect. About half of dogs that ingest sleep aides become agitated instead of sedate. In addition, these drugs may cause severe lethargy, incoordination and slowed breathing in pets. In cats, some forms of benzodiazeprines can cause liver failure when ingested.
6. Birth control( e.g. estrogen, estradiol, progesterone) - Birth control pills often come in packages that dogs find irresistible. Thankfully, small ingestions of these medications typically do not cause trouble. However, large ingestions of estrogen and estradiol can cause bone marrow suppression, particularly in birds. Additionally, intact female pets are at an increased risk of side effects from estrogen poisoning.
7. ACE inhibitors (e.g.Zestril, Altace) - Angio-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are commonly used to treat high blood pressure in people and, occasionally pets. Though overdoses can cause low blood pressure, dizziness, and weakness, this category of medication is typically safe. Pets ingesting small amounts of this medication can potentially be monitored at home, unless they have kidney failure or heart disease.
8. Beta-blockers (Tenormin, Toprol, Coreg) - Beta blockers are also used to treat high blood pressure but, unlike ACE inhibitors, small ingestions of these drugs may cause serious poisoning in pets. Overdoses can cause life threatening decreases in blood pressure and very slow heart rate.
9. Thyroid hormones (e.g. Armour desiccated thyroid, Synthroid) - Pets, especially dogs, get underactive thyroids too. Interestingly, the dose of thyroid hormone needed to treat dogs is much higher than a person's dose. Therefore, if dogs accidentally get into thyroid hormones at home, it rarely results in problems. However, large acute overdoses in cats and dogs can cause muscle tremors, nervousness, panting, a rapid heart rate, and aggression.
10. Cholestrol lowering agents (e.g.Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor) - These popular medications, often called statins, are commonly used in the United States. While pets do not typically get high cholesterol, they may still get in to the pill bottle. Thankfully, most statin ingestions only cause mild vomiting or diarrhea. Serious side effects from these drugs come with long term use, not one time ingestion.

Pet poison Helpline is a service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for pet owners, veterinarians and veterinary technicians that require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. Pet Poison Helpline's fee of $35 per incident, includes follow-up consultation for the duration of the poison case. Pet Poison Helpline is available by calling 1-800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.

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Facts about canine influenza

And a new vaccine that's now available to protect dogs

Canine influenza is...

An emerging threat to the respiratory health of dogs across the US

• All breeds and ages are susceptible to infection
• Because it's a new virus, dogs have no natural immunity to it

Highly contagious and easily spread through:

• Direct contact (licking or nuzzling)
• The air (coughing or sneezing)
• Contaminated surfaces (picked up on the hands or clothing of a person and then spread
• when another dog is touched or petted)

Characterized by a persistent cough that may last several weeks, as well as runny nose, watery eyes, and a loss of appetite and/or energy

Usually mild, but can progress to a more severe infection or pneumonia in 10% to 20% of cases and is fatal in up to 8% of sick dogs

A concern for owners whose dogs:

• Come from a shelter, rescue center, breeder, or pet store
• Board at a kennel
• Attend doggie daycare or group training
• Visit a groomer, dog park, or other places where dogs congregate
• Participate in dog events and competitions

Canine Influenza Vaccine, H3N8 is...

The first vaccine available to aid in the prevention of disease associated with canine influenza

Proven to significantly reduce the coughing, severity, and spread of canine influenza infection

Proven safe, a killed virus vaccine developed, manufactured, and marketed by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health and conditionally licensed by the USDA

• A conditional license is issued to meet a special circumstance such as the emergence of a new
• virus for which there is no existing vaccine
• Administered in two doses given 2 to 4 weeks apart
• One annual booster injection is needed to continue protection

Please contact us to schedule a vaccination for your pet. For more information on canine influenza, visit www.doginfluenza.com

Our clinic now requires vaccination with Canine Influenza Vaccine, H3N8 for all dogs that board with us.

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Excerpts from a Dogs Diary...

8:00 am - Dog Food!! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

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Excerpts from a Cats Daily Diary...

Day 983 of my captivity...

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies". I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow - but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe...For now...

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Did you know? Cats rub up against other cats and people to mark them with their scent.