Quarterly News Topics   

New Treatment paradigm for canine obesity – Slentrol

•  Obesity is an important medical condition with serious health implications

• 25% to 40% of canine population is considered overweight or obese

• SLENTROL decreases appetite and reduces food intake

• The SLENTROL treatment plan provides steady, sustained weight loss over time

• SLENTROL is proven to be safe and effective, and delivers dependable results

• Convenient, once-daily dose that can be used with any nutritionally complete diet

To ensure long term success, SLENTROL should be part of an overall weight management program that includes proper diet and exercise. 

Additional information available at  www. SLENTROL.com

Pfizer Animal Health 

 Aromatherapy for Dogs

 Traditional treatments for travel induced excitement in dogs may be time consuming, expensive, or associated with adverse effects. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the ambient odor of lavender in 32 dogs with a history of travel induced excitement in the owners’ cars. Each dog was studied during travel in the owners’ car to a familiar walking site. Two conditions of olfactory stimulation were applied: 1) Control condition during which the dogs were exposed to no odor other than that arising naturally from the environment. 2) Experimental condition during which dogs were exposed to the ambient odor of lavender. Dogs’ behavior was recorded during the car journey for three consecutive days under both the control and experimental conditions. Results showed that dogs spend significantly more time resting and sitting, and less time moving and vocalizing during the experimental condition. Aromatherapy in the form of diffuse lavender odor may offer a practical alternative treatment for travel induced excitement in dogs.

Reference: Wells, JAVMA 229:964-967,2006  Antech diagnostics

Treatment for Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Reconcile – a once a day chewable flavored tablet for the treatment of separation anxiety in conjunction with a behavior modification plan.  

• Evaluated at recommended label dose for one year in dogs and puppies 6 months and older.

• Once daily, chewable tablet available in four strengths, easy to prescribe and convenient to pet owners.

• The tasty tablets are easy to give and can be used as a treat or reward for dogs.

• First SSRI approved by FDA for treating canine separation anxiety in conjunction with a behavior modification plan.

42% of dogs receiving Reconcile showed significant improvement within one week.

73% of dogs receiving Reconcile showed significant improvement with in eight weeks compared to placebo treated animals. 

How SSRI works: 

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) work by inhibiting reuptake of serotonin in the brain.

• This increased binding ability helps promote a calmer, more receptive frame of mind in the dog.

The most common adverse reactions noted were calm or lethargy, reduced appetite, vomiting, shaking, diarrhea, restlessness, excessive vocalization, aggression and, in infrequent cases, seizures. 

Behavior Modification Plan 

Reconcile should be used in conjunction with a positive behavior modification plan. The four step BOND process focuses on reinforcing positive behavior. 

• Be Positive

• Only reward calm behavior

• No more drama when you come and go

• Develop our dog’s independence

To learn more visit www.reconcile.com

What Cat Owners Should Know About Virulent Systemic Feline Calicivirus
(VS-FCV) 

VS-FCV is a relatively new, more deadly strain of the traditional feline calicivirus, one of the two major respiratory viruses typically found in cats. 

Although VS-FCV appears to be less common than the traditional virus, it has gained attention because it is much more severe. Within a few days of exposure, VS-FCV can affect multiple organs and cause painful and devastating signs in infected cats. VS-FCV can kill healthy cats within 24 to 48 hours – even those previously vaccinated with a traditional FCV vaccine. 

VS-FCV is highly contagious. It can be easily transmitted from cat to cat through anything shed by the cat, including hair, dander, blood, urine, feces and secretions from eyes and nose. 

CaliciVax , the only vaccine licensed and proven effective against VS-FCV, is now available. CaliciVax contains a VS-FCV strain and a traditional calicivirus strain, providing a broader protection for your cat. 

Signs to watch for:
Traditional FCV

• Runny Nose

• Sneezing

• Conjunctivitis

• Ulcers on tongue

• Loss of appetite

VS-FCV
Any of the above plus:

• High ever

• Swelling of face and/or legs

• More severe oral and nasal ulcers

• Loss of organ function

• Skin lesions and hair loss

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Is my cat at risk?

Since its identification in 1998, VS-FCV has been reported coast to coast. Even healthy cats vaccinated with the traditional FCV vaccine can get the disease. Multiple cat households are at increased risk because of the ease of transmission. 

If my cat becomes infected, how long before I see signs? 

You will typically see signs 1 – 5 days after exposure. However, sometimes it has taken as long as 12 days.

How can I protect my cat? 

CaliciVax is the only vaccine licensed and proven effective against VS-FCV and FCV. 

Is the vaccine safe? 

Yes. The vaccine was proven safe in more than 700 client owned cats. 

How often should my cat be vaccinated?

Your cat will receive an initial vaccination followed by a booster about 3 weeks later. Then your at will be revaccinated on an annual basis. 

My cat has already been vaccinated against FCV, do I need to revaccinate? 

Yes, VS-FCV can kill healthy cats already vaccinated with a traditional FCV vaccine. 

Am I at risk of contracting this disease? 

VS-FCV does not affect humans, you can carry the disease on items such as shoes, clothing and hands, which may put other cats at risk. 

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