Many of the diseases we face today in both pets and people probably originate with the importation of exotic animals. It used to be that when wild animals were not in their natural habitat they were confined to circuses and zoos and not apt to show up in a child’s bedroom. Now they are commonplace in pet stores, roadside zoos and at fair petting zoos–as well as pet and toy parades. In fact, I have even seen exotic animals receiving rabies vaccinations at a free rabies clinic! (This was the same rabies vaccine manufactured to protect dogs and cats. Would this vaccine protect or infect an exotic animal?) And, we know both wild animals and farm animals are invited into nursing homes where they are not only a disease danger both to residents and staff but to therapy dogs. SARS is said to come from caged civet cats in a Chinese market and of course turtles are a prime source of salmonella. Very few species receive a health screening when they enter the United States and we know very little about the diseases exotic animals carry. (We do know that pigs can catch swine flu from people!) In short, legal as well as illegal importation of wild animals and public exposure probably pose more of a threat to America than so-called dangerous dogs!!
Dr. Mary Burch has done much to encourage and broaden the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. Dr. Burch is an animal behaviorist from Tallahasee and came to fame working with Rottweilers on the local police force. These dogs were not only trained to attack but were kind and stable enough to qualify for a CGC. (I doubt the Northumberland police dog who attacked the dog in his search for a Danville bank robber had a CGC!) The Rottweiler, which is not a breed often seen on a police duty rooster, is one of those breeds not for “the first-time owner”. It has an authoritative baritone bark (as well as a warning Rottweiler rumble) and high intelligence, and requires an intelligent owner–one with a lot of adult-dedicated dog-time. Wonder if this is a commentary on our local police officers’ dog handling training? Burch is now owned by “Wyn” (aka Ch. Noel’s Wynn Wyn Situation, UD, OA, AXJ, CGC), a 9-year-old Welsh Springer Spaniel. Burch also successfully lobbied the Florida legislature into being the first state to recognize the CGC as a successful program. And, as far as I know she was the first to work with “crack babies” using dogs to achieve results in therapy.
Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a former president of the AVMA, has written recently on the use of DNA tests to determine which breeds comprise the mixed-breed companion you share your bedroom with–”I don’t recommend these tests unless they are used for curiosity’s sake. It does not reveal anything other than what an ancestry MIGHT be.” According to an article in YOUR DOG, testing ranges from$60 to $125 and varies in accuracy on the number of dogs in the database. The most accurate appears to be WISDOM PANEL MX by Mars Veterinary. At this time neither disease susceptibility nor behavior can be predicted from these tests.
Jul 29, 2009 | | Uncategorized
DOGS IN CHURCH–All Saints Episcopal Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has monthly services for pets–and even treats for communion! And, if a pastor can allow guns in church today–why not dogs? Ask the pastor of your church if he or she would allow dogs with CGCs and TDI dogs to accompany owners to church. Let Connie know the response. FOOD FOR SHELTER PETS–many groups collect food for the unfortunate ex-pets living in shelters but one has to wonder if this random but free food is always the best diet for dogs in a stressful environment–perhaps even pets that are ill. Why hasn’t some dog food company produced a special shelter food that would be easy to digest and palatable? Paw Prints Sanctuary cares for DOGS OF SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN for free until they return from duty. (717)-789-3236. pawprintsdogsanctuary.org, P.O. Box 161, Shermansdale, PA 17090. ONLINE ARTHRITIS RESOURCE FOR PET OWNERS www.MorrisAnimalFoundationorg/arthritis. 20% of adult dogs and 45% of cats experience arthritic pain! CESAR HAS TWITTER. Address is Twitter.com/cesarmillan. A study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association has identified a link between NFL games and Emergency Room caseload–at least when the New England Patriots are playing. A previous study attempted to determine the effect of lunar cycles on emergency clinic caseload.
CROP AND DOCK CONTROVERSY
According to Anne Irwin, president of the Federated Humane Societies, the humane organizations support the passage of the crop and dock bill before the legislature. (This includes dew claw removal.) The AVMA Board came out against these surgical procedures but this has been opposed by the Utah VMA so it is not “a done deal”. The Utah VMA believes crop and dock is an individual choice and stresses that vets should only be concerned with the surgical procedure being performed safely and humanely by a veterinarian.
MEET AND GREET
More and more AKC shows are holding orientations for new exhibitors–and to make observers feel welcome are conducting tours of the show grounds so the audience understands what is going on in each event. According to trainer Eileen Drummond this will occur at the Back Mountain Kennel Club Shows this fall on the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds.
CANINE FLU VACCINE H3N8
Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health has developed the first vaccine against the highly contagious canine flu. The vaccine was approved on May 27th. Two shots, given two to four weeks apart, are required for immunity. H3N8 is apt to affect dogs in animal shelters, boarding kennels and veterinary clinics as well as canine events.
LOST CAT
One of the most heart-warming stories on the Internet, provided courtesy of AKC Companion Animal Recovery, concerns the recovery of a lost cat named Dopey. Dopey had been missing for over 6 years and finally found and identified as a result of a microchip being scanned. Somehow Dopey had found his way to a town 40 miles from his home and had been adopted by an elderly woman. When she passed away Dopey was taken to a local shelter and the 9-year-old cat was scanned before being scheduled for euthanasia as an old cat. “Dopey purred like crazy when he saw his owner. The reunion included other family pets who all remembered Dopey–Spencer, a 17-year-old Am Staff mix and Inni , a 15-year-old cat. The owner says, ‘He’s still the same sweet kitty we remembered. He’s just a little bit more mature.’”
Jul 18, 2009 | | Uncategorized