Archives for April, 2010
Friends of mine are quite excited about ripping out floors and installing new hardwood and/or laminate flooring in their homes. This wouldn’t work here. I know that Cagney, my 13-year-old, would find this footing difficult and perhaps slippery and so I would need to add firm non-slip scatter rugs. I DECORATE DOG–and I decorate with both health and safety in mind. I decorate in the “animal well-fare style”–good for my pets and good for me.
On April 27 the Canine Health Board will hold a meeting on flooring in kennels–under consideration is HOG PANEL FLOORING. Clearly this isn’t good for dogs although puppy millers may find it cheap to maintain.
Dogs are not livestock. Dogs do not have hooves like swine or pigs. Dogs have soft feet and their puppies have softer feet. Even though the cast iron brightly colored wire hog panels are more attractive than the chicken wire it replaces, it is not suitable for dogs. However, we all understand that wire flooring is easier to clean and not as labor-intensive as other forms of flooring. Still, we dog lovers don’t think of the cost but of the safety of our best friends. Once again–dogs are not livestock. As one shelter manager wrote, “ when you treat dogs like dogs and not like pigs or chickens being fattened for slaughter there is no profit to be made. Will we be eating our older dogs and those who do not reproduce?” Do write your elected representatives. Some are hoping the new U.S. Supreme Court Justice will be a woman or a Protestant or someone who is not part of the legal system. I am hoping for an animal lover–hopefully a dog lover. I want someone who will uphold a law aimed at animal cruelty videos. I happen to agree that videos showing women in high heels stepping on little animals, videos that depict dog-fighting, videos that show people having sex with animals and child pornography are not entitled to constitutional protection. Justice Roberts may have voted against the sale of these videos because they would impact films about hunting but I disagree. I happen to believe that any form of animal cruelty is wrong and that Roberts does hunters a disservice by placing them in the same category as child pornographers and dog fighters. However, since these films are legal it is up to us to be extra vigilant and to report animal abuse and cruelty immediately. Remember–someone’s life may depend on it!
A new FDA brochure addresses ONLINE PET PHARMACIES. Apparently there is no fool proof way to assure a “good pharmacy”; however, the brochure lists guidelines that can help. The best advice is to make sure the pharmacy has the VET-VIPRS seal of approval listed in its literature. These pharmacies have completed a voluntary certification program by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy and, according to the AVMA, can be judged as licensed and legitimate. For more information: www.fda.gov and click on online pharmacies.
“In the day” when I visited a veterinary hospital and drugs were prescribed I often found that when returning to my car there would be a brown paper bag on the seat with extra medications that had been given the hospital as samples. I have also had a veterinarian give me medications with an expired use date–at less than the regular cost. A different time.
PHARMACEUTICAL DISPOSAL–NEVER FLUSH PHARMACEUTICALS INTO THE TOILET OR SQUIRT DOWN THE SINK.
Apr 25, 2010 | | Uncategorized
Is it time for veterinarians to concentrate on managing “distress” in patients as well as pain? Distress–the kind caused by vaccinations, nail trimming and yes, even taking temperatures–distress from a squirmy puppy or a growling cat! Recently, a veterinarian in a “Letter to the editor” published in a veterinary journal noted that it was important to acknowledge an animal’s distress and then develop strategies to help deal with distress. For nail trimming he advised the use of lots of treats throughout the procedure–and, not to expect every pet to accept this as a distraction and show good behavior. Never try to force, he advised. Also, sedation should not just be used with painful procedures, he wrote and can be helpful with distress. Pay attention to timing and move slowly especially when taking a temperature. Consider altering and eliminating a procedure from a routine examination if it is distressful. His advice to his colleagues –”Press on as best you can. Sometimes as we all know we just have to do a procedure and do it now. In these cases, be as quiet, fast and respectful as you can.” His final advice–ACCESS EACH INDIVIDUAL and be prepared to try alternative strategies to reduce distress.
I have found that sometimes if the veterinarian thinks there might be a distressful event which could cause DISTRESS IN THE PET OWNER –he or she takes the animal out of the examining room so the procedure can be done privately on a level field without owner anxiety. However, this makes some owners imagine the worse. But why? If they don’t trust the veterinarian, or staff member or hospital the pet won’t either and neither of them should be there.
One leading Pennsylvania veterinarian says the easiest dogs to examine and treat are those who have passed a Canine Good Citizen evaluation. The “stand for examination” exercise makes the veterinarian’s task quick and easy and he claimed–gives a more accurate pulse and blood pressure reading.
WORLD VETERINARY DAY TO CENTER ON “ONE WORLD, ONE HEALTH”. The theme of WORLD VETERINARY DAY 2010 April 24th is to raise awareness of the links between animal and public health by fostering and encouraging more cooperation between veterinarians and physicians.
CALIFORNIA CONSIDERS ANIMAL ABUSER REGISTRY. California is considering a list of persons convicted of animal cruelty similar to listings of sex offenders and arsonists. The publicly accessible list would be useful to animal shelters, animal sellers as well as law enforcement. Persons listed in the proposed California law would have been convicted of felony animal abuse such as torture, sexual abuse, animal fighting or neglect. Animal abuse can be a sign of domestic violence and other criminal activity. (The Latham Foundation, a California-based humane education organization, has long worked in the field of these “cycles of violence” tracing the connection of animal cruelty and domestic violence particularly with children.) Similar legislation has been introduced in Rhode Island, Louisiana, Colorado and Tennessee.
Apr 20, 2010 | | Uncategorized
As if you weren’t tired of the subject of health insurance let’s look at PET HEALTH INSURANCE which relies on breed profiling. According to multi-award winning veterinarian Nancy Kay, “THOSE OF US IN THE VETERINARY PROFESSION BREED PROFILE ON A REGULAR BASIS PARTICULARLY PERTAINING TO HEALTH ISSUES. Name just about any breed or dog or cat and I can provide you with a laundry list of potentially inherited diseases,” she writes in her Blog, “Spot Speaks”. She cites Patty Khuly a University of Pennsylvania veterinarian who has created a comprehensive list of canine breed-related diseases and provides approximate cost to diagnose and treat. (I wonder if area veterinarians use these costs?)
Since my experience in breed profiling is about as negative as the insurance-driven DANGEROUS DOG list I had my doubts and so checked out the list for English Springer Spaniels. The profile assumed the dog was bred by a responsible breeder–and unfortunately as we know we cannot assume this. With regard to Springers the author cites the differences between Springers bred to hunt and Springers bred to show. Yes, there can be a difference but not always. Recently, I received a copy of a magazine with a Springer on the cover chasing a pheasant. The Springer was the very well-known show dog “Jesse James”. He was a product of artificial insemination and so his sire–now deceased–was a long ago dual champion. Again, the author made an assumption. And I have known Springers who came from shelters and some who were imported. There are as many variables in dogs as there are in us and so while breed profiles may be helpful guides for veterinarians they may also be dangerous–and expensive if a pet health insurance company is using them to set rates.
Will Boxer owners pay a higher premium than people who own a toy Poodle? Too often I wonder if veterinarians treat the disease and don’t see the dog. And since the profiles are under the auspices of a pet health insurance company I AM SUSPICIOUS! www.embracepetinsurance.com/PetHealth/default.aspx.
If pet owners are going to borrow anything from the health insurance industry, why not the medication/diet list? We should prepare a list of medications and foods our pets consume each day to include in his or her health records for veterinary use. Under medications we could include not only the names, but what it’s for, date started, dosage and instructions–the same information on supplements and foods. Then when we have questions (which we should write out beforehand also) ,we are all on the same page! And, importantly, this could yield useful breed information that works–and helps in a positive and useful way.
SHE’S BACK. Remember Tammy Grimes, the founder of “Dogs Deserve Better”, the anti-chaining group? She has been arrested again–this time for trespassing and “rescuing” three dogs. Apparently the dogs were not underfed and were in good shape. Because it isn’t against the law to chain a dog the owners can’t be charged with a crime. Video and pictures can’t be used as evidence because they were obtained illegally. And, yes, Pennsylvania has a new bill coming out to stop the chaining of dogs and Grimes hopes to alert people once again to her cause. Remember–a dog that is chained is not necessarily living with an uncaring owner or worse yet, that he breeds dogs to fight! An occupational therapist who during a home visit placed a chain outside so her patient who was recovering from hip surgery could allow his dog to leave the house and tend to his needs. For this dog owner it was important in caring for his dog to chain him–especially as he recuperates. Clearly, chaining and/or tethering is not a simple problem.
Apr 12, 2010 | | Uncategorized
Each of us has memories of Riley Cuff. We could each write a chapter on what this good friend meant to us. He defined love and generosity. For me, he will always be smiling at his many friends and he will ride in the most grand parade in God’s kingdom!
QUESTION ONE FROM CAGNEY. Why didn’t the 2010 CENSUS ask questions about cats and dogs–companion animals? It would help form pet evacuation plans now mandatory in disasters We could call it –THE KATRINA QUESTION. Why is this important? It has been proven that the evacuation of pets is a necessary factor in the rapid and safe evacuation of people. It is so important that everything be looked at to make pet evacuation safe. For example, studies are currently ongoing on safe carbon dioxide levels in refrigerated carriers used to evacuate pets.
NO HAM FOR EASTER. The FDA is investigating Dynamic Pet Products REAL HAM BONES. Many reported problems and even deaths. At present the company is refusing to recall them or issue warnings.
AS BAYER GOES RETAIL WITH ADVANTAGE AND K9 ADVANTIX– WILL VETERINARIANS TURN TO ADVOCATING VACCINES? In February 2010, Bayer decided to sell Advantage and K9 Advantix directly through pet speciality retailers and Web sites. According to an article in JAVMA veterinarians reacted with a mixture of emotions. Many who had lent their authority and expertise to promoting the Bayer products felt misused. And, perhaps they should. When it comes to using a preventative that is poisonous the best advice logically would come from someone who knows the patient and his health as well as his lifestyle. Cheaper is not always better if misuse could contribute to trauma and or death. Also, this Bayer business move could signal the beginning of a new decision process among veterinarians about which drugs vet practices will dispense in the future. (Advantage is for use on dogs and cats for the control of fleas. Introduced in 1996 the active ingredient is Imidacloprid. K9 Advantix is for use on dogs only and controls fleas, ticks and mosquitos. Introduced in 2002 the active ingredients are Imidacloprid and permethrin. The Bayer products are applied to the skin/coat. )
A new vaccine, available only through veterinary clinics, claims to give dual protection against lyme disease. Intervet/Schering Plough Nobivac Lyme vaccine is given twice 2 to 4 weeks apart with a one-year booster. It appears to be Lyme-specific whereas other preventatives kill not only other insects but parasites. I have no idea about the vaccine’s cost or if it is widely available locally. As more and more diseases are carried by insects, protection of our dogs, cats, ourselves and our environment present many challenges both with regard to cost and side-effects. For example, in addition to Lyme disease where there is a river or a wet season we have the danger of heartworm. And, leshmaniasis, a potentially fatal disease affecting both people and animals, is now found in Montana, carried by sand flies! In short, just because Bayer made a decision based on a poor economy, pet owners should not plan to treat their best friend’s health as an economic decision. Veterinarians must always be part of the human-pet bond. Their oath and ethics do not vary with the economy. Further, we need to remember that state budget cuts affect pet health care. The poor economy leads to higher vet student tuition which down the road will mean higher veterinary expenses for the dog and cat sharing your home.
Apr 05, 2010 | | Uncategorized