For This I am Thankful

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies.  The Puritans, having come to America in order to worship in a fully reformed church apart from the Church of England, had survived many perils in their newly founded home.  Being a religious group, they gathered to give thanks for their blessings from God.  Today, we continue to gather around a feast of food and family and friends to give thanks for our bounty.  

My son-in-law once commented to me that one the things that he cherished about the Gray family, was that we used just about anything as an excuse to get the family together under one roof; birthdays, Easter, Fourth of July, Mother and Fathers Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Not all of us could always make it to these family gatherings for a variety of reasons, however since we tried to get together so often, most of us did manage to get to at least a couple of the gatherings during the year. Thanksgiving has always been one of the big ones. 

Usually our Thanksgiving was at Mom and Dad's, later as the family grew and aged, we congregated at   whoever was up to hosting it.  We also opened our homes our to in-laws, and soldiers from the army base where our own soldiers where stationed, who could not go home for the holiday.  From this nucleus of friends and family many memories have been built and savored.

Ladies will gather in the kitchen, laboring over the stove with love (often with a few glasses of wine in hand), each adding their own unique speciality to the feast.  Here they will chatter about their children, their spouses, the grandchildren.  The kitchen will heat up and soon they will be opening windows, even in 30 degree weather.  Little kids rush in and out of the kitchen sneaking tidbits of food before the big meal, with women chasing them out from under their feet.  Pre-meal snacks are laid out to keep the masses satiated and out of the kitchen; cheese balls, summer sausage and crackers and vegetable trays.  

The men gather around the television and a football game or some other manly show.  They discuss manly things and I am sure that does not include their spouses or children.  A few of them will sometimes wander into the kitchen and help out with the cooking but usually just trying to get a handle on when the dinner will be laid out for devouring.

After hours of feast preparation, the meal is laid out in buffet style and we gather around for words of prayer and fellowship.  We give thanks for our togetherness, to those who could not attend and in remembrance of those that are no longer with us.  I like to think that we are much like those first Pilgrims that gave thanks around a feast.  We are part of the backbone that made this country. We have labored, harvested and endured and now we come together to share in our thankfulness to God and each other for our strength and bounty.  We have much to be thankful for.

This Thanksgiving I am personally thankful for the memories I have of my family. Of Josph Lister, our fallen soldier lost in Iraq November 20, 2003, who left us with a most precious grandson, Micah.  Of Janice Furman, my mother-in-law, who left us October 29, 2013, and gave me her son and made me laugh and smile.  Of my father, Armond Gray, who left us February 23, 2013, and gave me his good looks and his stubbornness to persevere.  I am an extension of these people and many others, each having given me a piece of themselves so that I am a better person.  

In tribute to the families that hold all of us up and the memories we all cherish, I share this slideshow of my family memories.  Family Memories

BE PREPARED

I bet when you first looked at that cute puppy/kitten face you didn't think about how much money you were going to be investing into the care of this cute critter.  I bet you didn't think about the fact that this critter could live to be 15-20 years old and cost you an average of $1,000/year in pet food, pet toys, grooming, flea control, heart worm prevention and veterinary bills.  Yet, sometime after you took that cute 'free' kitten/puppy home, you found that owning a pet is not just about loving it and sharing your life with it.  At some point in time you discovered the responsibility of pet ownership included teaching it good social household manners, the need for it's physical and mental exercise, how much of your time it takes caring for it and that sometimes your baby gets sick and requires medical attention that exceeds your normal financial budget.

Precious, your furry feline, played in your knitting box and swallowed yarn, requiring surgery that cost $500.  Waldo, dashed out of the house and ran into the street, getting hit by a car, costing you $1,000.  Mitsy got into the trash and suffered from pancreatitis requiring i.v. fluids and a few days in the hospital at $500.  These are just a few examples that veterinarians see every day, and something pet owners should prepare themselves for.  Emergencies happen, pets get sick and good veterinary care comes with a price tag.

Sadly, just today, I again experienced what happens to a pet as a result of lack of planning for veterinary health care emergencies by a pet owner.  The pet arrives in very sad shape; dehydrated, vomiting for days, not eating and after a preliminary exam I suspect there is a foreign body (ball, bone, toy, underwear) lodged in it's bowel.  Cost for diagnostics  and treatment is estimated between $500-$1000.  The pet owner does not have the funds available to allow me to do what I do best.  The pet parents are faced with the wrenching decision to elect euthanasia.  Situations like this sadden me and my staff as well, when there is something wrong that we can fix, but we cannot fix them because of financial constraints.

How can you avoid this happening to you and your pet?  Be prepared.  With a little bit of financial preparation you can keep the above situation from happening to you.  How can you prepare?

• Be honest, realistic and responsible.  If you don't have the funds or time to devote to a family pet, then perhaps you (and the pet) would be better off by not having one.
• Apply for a CareCredit Card.  A healthcare credit card that is accepted by many veterinarians as well as dentists, eye doctors and chiropractors.  It offers you the opportunity to take care of your pet's medical needs and have up to 3 months to pay for it without interest fees.
• Start a Pet Care Savings Account.  I would recommend keeping a minimal balance of at least $1,000 that would cover most emergency situations (depending on the area where you live).  If you would like the account to also cubby hole funds for annual veterinary visits and medications, then you will need to be disciplined enough to set aside additional money on a monthly basis for these needs.  $20/week will give you a nice beginning nest egg for emergencies within one year.
• Pet insurance.  There are several companies out there that offer pet insurance.  Many offer you a variety of insurance packages.  My typical recommendation is to get a good policy that covers accidents, illnesses and other emergencies.  Most pet owners can financially handle the normal wellness care and elective procedure expenses.
• If you are afraid that you would get desperate and tap into that savings account that you have set up for your pet?  Here at our clinic we encourage you to prepay for non-emergency services.  You can come in and place money on your account for a rainy day or routine medical needs for your pet.  $10/week will leave you a credit balance of $520 that will be available for you to use for your pet's well being.

  I hate talking about money with my clients.  It makes me feel that my clients probably think that is all my staff and I are concerned about, when in fact that is far from the truth.  However, the cold hard fact is that in order to continue practicing medicine, have a hospital for you to bring your pet to, pay for the practice expenses (drugs, payroll, utilities, taxes, insurance, etc) we need to be paid for the work that we do.   We understand you truly love your pets and want the best for them.  We are asking your to be financially prepared to give them the best they deserve.

Service Dog or Not?

This is Port.  He is our second KSDS Service Dog in Training.  Today Port and I went out of the office on errands.  We went to our bank, with Port carrying the bank bag in and out of the bank.  The bank Vice President asked if he could pet Port and I allowed it today.  Port sat quietly and nicely while he got a rub down from the VP.  After our bank errand we stopped by our local Dollar General Store to pick up a few supplies for the clinic.  Port quietly and politely walked through the aisles and carried a fingernail brush for me to the check out.  At the check out, Port put the brush on the check out belt for me and a few other items that I handed him to place on the belt.  He did so quietly and enthusiastically.  Afterwards he sat quietly beside me, watching me intently, as I finished our business.  A woman behind us in line commented to me that she was happy to have come in and witnessed Port working.  It made her feel good to see Port working to learn how to help the disabled.  The check out woman also added that Port was the only Service Dog that comes in that truly acts like a Service Dog.  I was proud of Port.

Apparently the store has seen other dogs come in 'claiming" to be Service Dogs that have not behaved well.  I advised the check out attendant they had a right to ask the handler to remove the dog from the premises if they were not behaving well, but she said that their corporate office says they could not.  Since by law they cannot ask of the person's disability or cannot ask for any certification of their dog being a service dog, they have taken the position to not deny access; they have no way to be assured that a Service Dog is a Service Dog and not a 'wolf in sheep clothing'.

It is infuriating to me that there are people who misrepresent their dogs as Service Dogs, thus representing themselves as disabled.  They have no idea how their actions affect the disabled and the entire service dog community.  Through their actions, they leave the public with a negative perception about Service Dog Teams, making it harder for the legitimate.  Talk to a disabled person that uses a trained Service Dog and they can tell you of at least on circumstance where they have been denied access to a public place.  Their obstacles are already complicated without 'fake' dogs complicating their lives further.

By definition a service animal means any dog that is trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.  The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the handler's disability.  A service dog receives extensive training to perform a job(s) which aid their disabled partner.  The two work together to achieve what was once impossible for the handler to do alone.

So how can a business owner/employee tell a REAL service dog from a fake?  The Department of Justice permits you to ask two questions:  1) Is this a service dog required because of disability?  2) What is it trained to do to aid you with your disability?

Animals whole sole function is to provide emotional support, comfort, therapy, companionship, therapeutic benefits or to promote emotional well-being are not service dogs. A service dog must be specifically trained to DO SOMETHING.   Additionally, if the animal behaves inappropriately, disrupts business, acts aggressive, interferes with patrons or uses the 'toilet' indoors, then it doesn't matter whether it is a service dog, you have the right to deny it access to your business.

Be warned there are people who may offer to show you their 'service dog certification'.  Certification does not mean the dog is a service dog.  There are businesses that sell fake certification, registration and identifications, along with service dog vests and harnesses.  All a person has to do is to pay the fees.  These dogs were never tested nor the person's disability ever verified.  Certification is not required for a service dog, so long as the dog meets the legal definition.  Those who purchase fake certification do so because they anticipate the need for it.

Since it is not illegal for a person to make the claim their dog is a service dog, you have to use your best judgement.  Ask the above questions of the handler.  Watch them in action.  Is the dog providing a service?  Does the dog perform it's duties in an quiet and inconspicuous manner?  Does it 'mind it's own business' and serve it's handler attentively?  If not, then you have a right to deny access to your business.  And shame on them!

Allergies: an Itchy Problem

My Weather Channel app sends me daily alerts for pollen counts.  Daily there are alerts for high grass pollens.  Just as reliable as the weather channel are my dog patients that suffer from allergies (canine atopy), because we have an increase in appointments for the 'itchy dog'.  We're at the height of allergy season here in the Midwest after enduring an extremely high tree pollen and grass pollen season. Needless to say, people with atopy have been suffering along with our pets. Even if you're not allergic, the high pollen counts tend to act as an irritant, bothering both mucous membranes and the respiratory system.  We all know that there are no cures for allergies, but there are some things you can do at home to help your itchy dog before you make your appointment with your veterinarian.

1. If they are itching, give them a bath.  New evidence shows that absorption of the allergen across the skin (percutaneous absorption) may be the primary mode of getting the allergic response started. It certainly explains why in dogs with atopy, the face, feet and perineal areas are most often involved.  By bathing you are washing away pollens that are attached to your pet's fur.  We often recommend bathing with a non-soap, hypoallergenic shampoo that contains anti-itch properties and omega fatty acids.  Following a bath, topical leave-in conditioners such as ResiCort, that contains hydrocortisone can help continue to give relief.
2. Grasses pollinate early morning and late night, which happens to be when we most typically send out pets out for bathroom relief.  So grass pollens are attached to their paws and now they are licking at their feet!  Take the time to wipe down your pet's feet with a damp cloth or antibacterial wipes such as Preva Medicated Wipes  or Wipe Out Dairy Wipes—ImmuCell, used in dairies. 
3. Clothing such as cotton t-shirts and onesies can act as a barrier to percutaneous absorption of allergens.
4. It has been shown that itchy dogs have a decrease in skin oils and topical skin lipid complexes containing ceramides, botanicals and fatty acids such as Allerderm Spot-on (Virbac Animal Health) and Dermoscent Essential 6 (Aventix) can help repair stratum corneum lipids.This can aid in restoring a normal skin barrier. The topicals are typically used once weekly but can be used more or less often depending on the patient's response.
5. There is evidence to show that the proper diet may help relieve clinical signs of atopy. Flaxseed oil and fish oil are both rich in omega-3 fatty acids. For flaxseed oil to have anti-inflammatory effects comparable to fish oil, it must be converted to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Unfortunately, conversion in dogs is only about 10 percent, so fish oil is a better source of omega-3 fatty acids in dogs.Diets rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs) may provide higher amounts of fatty acids than are available via capsules. The best time to start an atopic patient on a diet containing EFAs would be two to three months before its allergic season since it can take two months of EFA supplementation before results are seen. In a study of 50 atopic dogs fed one of four diets over an eight-week period, the dogs fed a fish-based diet had a much lower pruritus score. Dr. Gray often recommends diets with added omega fatty acids and the dietary supplement product EFA-Z plus for her chronic itchers.
   
   
   Treating atopy dogs are frustrating, because we know we cannot cure them, but doing everything we can to help relieve the itch during the allergy season will help give your pet some comfort.  Adding these tips to your pet's health care program can help, however does not negate the necessity of needing to visit your veterinarian.  Bacterial skin infections are common among allergy dogs and this requires a visit with your veterinarian.  Together as a team, you and your veterinarian can help your pet feel better.

Let me show you a picture

I love the digital age; laptops, smart phones, iPads, tablets, digital radiography, 3D ultrasound, countless numbers of applications that allow doctors to work closer with doctor buddies and clients.  Our clinic sends e-mails for reminders to clients, we text information to let them know how their babies are doing after surgery and while they are recovering from an illness.  I send radiographs to clients and colleagues over my iPhone!  I have an application on my iPhone that allows me to measure an ECG on my patient, upload it into their record and send it to a cardiologist to have it read!  I take some of my continuing education hours (required to maintain my doctor license and keep me up to date on what is now considered standard medical protocols) on-line and video webinars, without having the expense of travel to conferences (which saves my clients money by keeping our expenses lower).  The internet helps me educate my client about their pet's general health by providing me with mediums such as Facebook, Twitter and this blog.  What a wonderful world we live in!

Recently a client came into my office, without her pet.  She explain to the technician that her dog had a rash on it's belly and wanted some medicine for it.  My tech explained that medicine could not be dispensed without benefit of a physical examination by the doctor and that she would be happy to make her an appointment.  Frustrated the pet owner reiterated that she didn't need to see the doctor, she just wanted something for rashes.  My tech further explained that her pet's rash could be caused by many things and we want to be sure that her pet gets the best we have to offer, we want to be sure that we send her home with the proper medication.  This was not what she wanted to hear.  So...she asked for the doctor.  Interrupting my regular appointment, I went to the front desk to talk with the lady.  I explained how it was necessary for me to exam her pet, I need to be sure of what medication would be needed.  It would not financially benefit her for me to send home a medication that may not work if I was treating the wrong condition.  I also pointed out that it is against the law (VCPR) for me to dispense medication without examining the patient (the dog had never been to our clinic).  That is when she whipped out her armory! She pulled out her smart phone to show me a picture of her dog's belly and the rash that covered it.  As interesting as her picture was, I resisted the urge to actually say out loud 'lady your aren't getting the picture!",  I politely looked at the picture and again reiterated that I could not and would not diagnosis her pet based on a picture.  She huffed and walked out.

Technology is great, these modern gadgets allow doctors to practice medicine with greater efficiency and precision.  However, these gadgets are just tools and do not replace a good old fashioned physical exam.  During an exam we can smell, feel, listen to our patient,  this provides us with a great deal of information.  Many health conditions mimic each other and often times we need very specific tests for specific diseases.  The physical examination helps guide us to which tests would be appropriate.  This is  not only good for our patient but also better for our client's pocketbook; saving money for medications that may not be needed and being sure that we prescribe the correct medication for the condition needed and not diagnosing based on trial and error.

I understand the hurried world we live in; never enough time in a day to get things done, too many irons in the fire, and lots of demand from others on our time.  Our gadget's help us reduce some of these demands, they will not however replace our experience, our senses and our personal knowledge.  Use these tools wisely and with common sense, don't ask  your doctor to treat your precious baby by way of Skype.  If your pet is truly your precious baby, care enough to provide them with the best medicine available, make an appointment and have them examined by your veterinarian.

Let the Itching Begin

Yep, it's spring time.  How do I know for sure?  Because nearly have of the patients I see in a day are coming into the office for itching, skin sores and ear infections.  Most of these patients are suffering from canine allergies aka canine atopy.  While dogs (and cats) can suffer from allergies year round, many do not suffer horribly until spring time when the pollens are abundant.

Our pets can be allergic to a plethora of things.  Common allergens include fleas, grass and tree pollens, molds, mites and foods.  Signs of allergies in your pet can include reddened itchy skin, itchy ears, licks at feet, belly and armpits, they can also have sneezing, coughing, vomiting and diarrhea (food allergies).  While seeing and hearing your dog licking and scratching is annoying (especially when you are trying to sleep), just think of how miserable your pet feels.  If you are an allergy sufferer, it should be easy to imagine,

Once the itch-scratch-itch cycle begins it can result in sores (called excoriations) in the skin, hair loss, scabs, crusts, and secondary bacterial skin infection. The skin infection (usually Staph) also results in a more intense itch feeling, which in turn causes more scratching, like adding gasoline to a fire!  Sometimes for some dogs, the only symptom of allergies that may be apparent are ear infections, where the dog scratches it's ears and may flop their ears, causing a ear hematoma.  For dogs that are itchy year round and have suffered with it for years, the skin becomes thick and darkly pigmented. A secondary dry or greasy seborrhea with flaky skin often develops in conjunction with the skin infection.

Now here is the crummy part.  There is no cure for allergies and treating allergies can be frustrating to the pet owner and your pet's veterinarian.  There is no one magic drug that is going to alleviate your dog's misery.  Since it is unlikely your pet is allergic to just one thing (oh how easy that would be!), a visit to your veterinarian is necessary.  Besides allergies, there are many other things that can cause itching in your pet: mites, hypothyroidism, and simple flea allergy are among them.  Your veterinarian will need to rule in and out these other diseases so that a good treatment plan can be prescribed.

In  most cases, pets are allergic to many things, and a multi-level treatment protocol will be needed, such as ridged flea control (I personally love COMFORTIS for my allergy patients), food allergy trial diets, dietary supplements (aka nutriceuticals), topical treatments with shampoos/conditioners/sprays, antihistamines and corticosteroids.  In severe cases, I use ATOPICA, a non-steriodal medication that suppresses the pet's immune response to allergens or recommend intradermal skin testing (to discover specifically what your pet is allergic to) for the purpose of allergy immunotherapy injections. Your pet's allergy problem will need your patience and persistence to keep him comfortable during the allergy season.  Many times your veterinarian may try a variety of different things to help your dog suffer less, this is because no two allergy patients are alike; what works for one, may not work for another.

The best advise I can give you is 1) if your dog itches, give it a bath (you are removing allergens from it's skin and hair coat)  2) use monthly flea control religiously and 3) contact your veterinarian.

Canine Distemper On The Rise?

I have been practicing veterinary medicine for 19 years.  During this time, it has been rare that I see a case of Canine Distemper.  In fact, until the last 30 days, I have seen less than 6 cases of distemper.  I have become quite alarmed to have seen 4 cases of distemper in the last 30 days.  I have lots of theories of why there appears to be a sudden increase in distemper for this area, more important is pet owners need to be aware that this virus still exists and that vaccination the key to saving their dog's life against this horrible disease.

Canine distemper is a contagious and serious viral illness with no known cure. The disease affects dogs, and certain species of wildlife, such as raccoons, wolves, foxes, and skunks. Young, unvaccinated puppies and non-immunized older dogs tend to be more susceptible to the disease.


The virus, which is spread through the air and by direct or indirect (i.e. utensils, bedding) contact with an infected animal, initially attacks a dog’s tonsils and lymph nodes and replicates itself there for about one week. It then attacks the respiratory, urogenital, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.

In the initial stages of Canine Distemper, the major symptoms include high fever (≥103.5 ° F, or 39.7° C), reddened eyes, and a watery discharge from the nose and eyes. An infected dog will become lethargic and tired, and will usually become anorexic. Persistent coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. In the later stages of the disease, the virus starts attacking the other systems of the dog’s body, particularly the nervous system. The brain and spinal cord are affected and the dog may start having fits, seizures, paralysis, and attacks of hysteria.

Canine distemper is sometimes also called “hard pad disease” because certain strains of the virus can cause an abnormal enlargement or thickening of the pads of an animal’s feet. In dogs or animals with weak immune systems, death may result two to five weeks after the initial infection.

The disease can be acquired from vaccines that have been improperly stored or given in a manner that denatured the vaccine. Bacterial infections of the respiratory or gastrointestinal systems may also increase an animal’s vulnerability to the disease. Non-immunized dogs that come into any kind of contact with an infected animal carry a particularly high risk of contracting the disease.


there is no cure for canine distemper. Treatment for the disease, therefore, is heavily focused on alleviating the symptoms. If the animal has become anorexic or has diarrhea, intravenous supportive fluids may be given. Discharge from the eyes and nose must be cleaned away regularly. Antibiotics may be prescribed to control the symptoms caused by a secondary bacterial infection, and phenobarbitals and potassium bromide may be needed to control convulsions and seizures. There are no antiviral drugs that are effective in treating the disease.

A dog's chances for surviving canine distemper will depend on the strain of the virus and the strength of the dog’s immune system. Recovery is entirely possible, although seizures and other fatal disturbances to the CNS may occur two to three months after recovery and sometimes for life. It has been my experience that dogs with CNS involvement rarely survive.  Fully recovered dogs do not spread or carry the virus.

Cost in treating distemper is in the hundreds.  Cost for vaccination is considerably less.  The best prevention for canine distemper is vaccination.  During our current economic difficulties, prevention is certainly less costly than treating.  Your dog's life will be lengthened by a proper preventative health program.  Talk with your veterinarian!

Yacking Cats

Does this image look familiar to any of you cat owners?  How many of you have stepped on a expelled hairball in the middle of the night?       I find my cat's hairball presents in the middle of the floor, mixed with undigested food and my dogs love the extra dietary treat! (YUCK)

Hairballs are most common in long-haired cats, but short haired cats get them too.  As cats groom themselves, they swallow the loose hairs.  Most of the hair passes through the intestinal tract and in stools uneventfully.  However, longer hair and tufts of hair can stay in the stomach where the churning rolls them up into balls, thus upsetting the stomach and results in a vomiting cat.

Cat owners bring their cats into me concerned that their cat is coughing, choking or gagging that may be simply suffering from hairballs.  As the hairball passes through the esophagus, it is squeezed into the shape of the esophagus (tubular), and the cat is trying to hack it up.

Hairballs can be problematic.  If not cleared by the cat via gagging it up or passing it through the intestines, they can cause obstruction of the bowel, slow normal g.i. peristalsis thus create constipation or even diarrhea due to g.i. irritation.

When should you be concerned?

• Ongoing vomiting, gagging, retching or hacking without producing a hairball
• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy
• Constipation-No stools in litter box or straining in litter box
• Diarrhea

Time to call the veterinarian.

What can you do to decrease hairballs?

• Regularly brush your cat to remove loose hairs.
• Shave or trim fur to keep it short (this is my personal favorite for my cat)
• Administer hairball product (petroleum based) to help lubricate the swallowed hair, allowing it to pass more easily.
• Feed a higher fiber diet to push hair down the g.i. tract (Science Diet Hairball Control)
• Take steps to identify why your cat may be excessively grooming, such as fleas or behavioral issues, and then treat the issue (you need your veterinarian's help here)

Fun Fact:  Large cats such as lions rarely get hairballs.  This may be a reflection of their grooming behavior, their more natural higher fiber diet or the relatively larger size of the g.i. tract compared to their hair length.

An Idle Mind is the Devil's Workshop

George Borrow has been quoted saying "It has been said that idleness is the parent of mischief, which is very true; but mischief itself is merely an attempt to escape from the dreary vacuum of idleness".  When Mr. Borrow made this comment, I am sure he was talking about humans, however, we can apply this same observation to our four legged friends.  Our pets can sometimes get into trouble with us just by being themselves, doing things that are normal behaviors in their world (scratching on the furniture or digging in the trash), but we find them unacceptable.  In these cases, providing a great scratching post and teaching 'leave it' verbal commands can often solve the problem for you and your pet.  However, not all unwanted behaviors are that easily solved.  Anxiety related behaviors can be complicated and frustrating to deal with.  Some behavioral problems are genetically hardwired, some arise from boredom and stress.

How can you tell your pet is experiencing stress in their lives?  While there is no hard and fast rule or signs, the following can sometimes be an expression of stress.  Cats:  Scratching on household items, obsessive licking and/or hair chewing, aggression toward people and other pets, inappropriate urination and/or defecation and night time vocalization.  Dogs:  Destructive behaviors, obsessive licking/chewing on self, aggression towards people or other pets, unexplained lapse in house training and separation anxiety.

How can you enrich your pet's environment in order to alleviate stress and/or boredom?

Cats:  1) Create specific spots on shelves and windowsills for you cat to perch.  Cats like high places.  Commercial cat towers can be found at many pet stores.  I have one for my cat that is six foot tall, very sturdy, multi-level with posts that are designed for scratching.  My cat is usually at the very top!  These areas should be sturdy and give the cat the opportunity to climb, perch, rest and hide.  2) Provide opportunities for your cat to forage (hunt) for it's food (cats are predators) by using feeder toys, multiple bowls throughout the home and hiding treats in different areas.  Be aware of overfeeding however, measure your cat's food so that they are not overfed.  Put the food up high, if you have a dog in the home! 3) Stimulate it's smeller by using catnip (in toys or as a catnip garden) and pheromone diffusors such as Feliway  4)  Play with your cat.  Cats prefer toys that are light and can be picked up and easily moved.

Dogs: 1) Exercise-the amount and type is determined by breed, age and physical condition, from leash walks to physical rehabilitation.  Your dog needs a job!  Consider it's breed type and try to fit his exercise with the type of work he was bred to do.  Take a walk with your dog!!  Move his body!  Have a treadmill?, teach your dog to walk on it.  Herding dog?, clicker train your dog to herd balls into a laundry basket.  Use your imagination. 2)  Mental exercise is important too.  Teach your dog new behavioral skills.  Hone his basic obedience skills.  Try out clicker training to help your dog learn a new language in learning new skills.  Dogs are very social and human interaction consisting of daily routines, such as feeding and simple games can become boring.  Expand your interaction with your dog; obedience/agility classes, games and a good game of fetch may be the ticket.  Food puzzles and games are always a hit for that food motivated chow hound.  Again, be sure not to over feed your dog, measure it's food, or better yet feed his entire daily meal out of your hand as you work towards teaching him a new skill.  3) Increase socialization by organizing 'doggie' play dates with friends.  4) Toys that provide a mental challenge or treat puzzles keep him busy while you are otherwise occupied.

A helpful hint--think like a cat/dog, keep in mind their natural instinctual behaviors and provide an enivronment/opportunity for him to show off his natural abilities.  Ask yourself, why do I have a pet?, then implement strategies that allow you and  your pet to share time together doing things you both enjoy.

Port and I hope that we may see you and your dog some Sunday morning at Gunn Park, while we enjoy our Pack walk and trail exploration.

Link to more helpful ideas:

http://www.catsinternational.org/articles/fun_for_cats/index.html
http://www.fabcats.org/behaviour/
http://www.indoorpet.osu.edu
http://www.americantreibballassociation.org
http://www.texasvetbehavior.com/Canine_Enrichment.pdf

Canine Bladder Stones

These smooth whitish rocks were removed from the bladder of a very nice Rottweiler today.  Bladder urolithiasis (aka bladder stones) is a common condition seen in many practices.  A dog with urolithiasis will exhibit some or all of the following symptoms: frequent urination (often in unusual places), bloody urine, dribbling urine, straining, weakness, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting and pain. If your pet has any of these symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. In some cases without appropriate diagnosis and treatment, your dog could face a life threatening situation. Stones can block the urine flow, prevent elimination of poisonous wastes and cause death. It is important to know that not every dog with canine urolithiasis exhibits all of these symptoms.

The most common question a pet owner asks me is how do they get there and what can be done to prevent them. There is no single cause of canine urolithiasis. Yet, there are a number of important factors. 

• Age: Urolithiasis may appear in your dog when it is less than two months old, but most stones occur in dogs two to ten years of age.
• Sex: Urolithiasis appears to occur with equal frequency in adults of both sexes. However, because the urethra of the male is longer and narrower than the female's, urethral obstruction is more common in males.
• Breed: Small breeds, including the Welsh Corgi, Miniature Schnauzer, Pug, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese and Yorkshire Terrier are more commonly affected than are large breeds. The Beagle, Dachshund, Dalmatian, Bulldog, Basset Hounds, Cairn Terrier and Scottish Terrier are also susceptible.
• Confinement and Exercise: Infrequent urination, as a result of confinement, lack of regular exercise, or low water intake, contribute to the formation of crystals and uroliths.
• Diet: High levels of some minerals in the diet, such as magnesium, phosphorus, and sometimes calcium, have been directly linked to canine urinary bladder stone formation. A diet with excess protein can also contribute to stone formation.

Normal dog urine is slightly acidic and contains wastes from metabolism, including mineral salts and other compounds.  If the urine becomes exceptionally concentrated or if it becomes too alkaline, mineral crystals can precipitate and the beginnings of a stone is born.  Next comes a bladder infection, caused by bacteria, that produce an enzyme known as urease.  This enzyme breaks down urea present in the bladder and causes an excess production of ammonia, which in turn causes the urine to become more alkaline.  Ammonia in the urine also causes bladder inflammation.  Inflammation, bacteria and crystals continue to build on each other until a small grain of sand becomes a boulder.  

How does your veterinarian diagnose bladder stones?  They may perform some or all of these diagnostic tests: abdominal palpation, to feel stones present in the urinary bladder; urinalysis, to determine the types of crystals present; urine culture with antibiotic sensitivity, to determine if bacteria are present in the urinary tract and the appropriate antibiotic with which to treat these bacteria; and radiographic examination (possibly with contrast media), to see if stones are present and their location in the urinary tract and ultrasound. To evaluate how well your pet is responding to therapy, your veterinarian may periodically repeat some of these tests. Therefore, you will need to bring your pet in for rechecks as directed by your veterinarian.

How are bladder stones treated?   If the urinary tract is blocked, your veterinarian will have to correct the blockage and empty the dogs urinary bladder. Then, your dog will be further examined to determine the stone type and appropriate therapy. Your pet may need to stay at the hospital during this process. In the past, urinary bladder stones have been surgically removed and for some stones, surgery may be the only effective treatment. But for some stones, there is an alternative. In some cases, stones may be dissolved by feeding a special diet with reduced amounts of certain minerals and protein, or a special diet plus medication. If an infection is present, antibiotics are also necessary. Special diets work by reducing the mineral building blocks or urinary stones in the urine. These diets affect the urine pH and increase urination to help flush the urinary tract.

A pound of prevention is worth a ton of cure.  Of dogs treated for urolithiasis, 20 to 50 percent will have a recurrence of the problem and accompanying pain if preventive measures are not taken.  First of all I recommend that you feed a good quality balance dog food (Old Roy, does not qualify).  While top of the line dog foods may cost slightly more than 'generic' dog foods, in the long run your pet will be better for it.  Be sure your pet is has lots of fresh water, change the bowl daily.  Take your dog out frequently for 'potty' breaks, having to hold their urine for hours on end leads to more concentrated urine.  Provide your dogs with lots of good exercise, a trim and fit dog is healthier.  Limit or avoid human foods.  Dog foods are especially balanced for your pets needs.  The addition of human food not only adds unnecessary added calories, but can also alter your pet's urine pH, predisposing it to crystal formation.  If you have a pet that is over 5-6 years of age, consider allowing your veterinarian to perform a urine analysis annually as part of your pet's annual wellness visit.  This test may give your veterinarian a clue of impending problems.  Lastly, go outside with your dog when they go for a 'potty' break.  If you are not there, you will not be able to observe if your dog is having problems, such as blood in urine or difficulty in urinating.  You will want to be especially observant if you have one of the breeds of dogs that have a genetic tendency to stone formation.  

Parting advise, talk with your veterinarian about any concerns you have about your pet and it's health.  Veterinarians love to educate their clients and help you to make good sound decisions about your pet's health care.

Pyometra or Pyrometra?

Veterinarians and veterinary technicians everywhere preach to all their clients about the benefits of spaying and neutering their pets.  Surgical sterilization not only aids in decreasing the number of dogs and cats seen in shelters (millions of them!), but also leads to a healthier pet and is financially more economical for the pet owner.

This week we have seen two cases with illnesses that could have been prevented by spaying/neutering and whose illnesses where cured by spaying and neutering but not without a healthy price to resolve.

Today, I am going to discuss one of these two cases, a small Chihuahua, 10 years old, with the complaint of a foul smelling vaginal discharge, not eating well and depressed.  Based on history of a heat 60 days prior, physical examination and radiographs, our patient was diagnosed with a pyometra.  Our client asks, "What is a pyrometra?" I smiled.  A pyrometra would mean "fire" (pyro) and 'metra' (uterus).  But in this case we have a 'pyo' (pus) 'metra'.  I think I like the pyrometra terminology my client used, because while the uterus was pus filled,  I would imagine it was also on fire!

Pyometra is a result of hormonal and structural changes in the uterus, most commonly seen in older females and following a heat cycle.  During her heat cycle the cervix is open and this allows for bacteria to migrate from the vaginal tract into the uterus. If the cervix remains open, the pet is not as sick as when the cervix is closed.  Signs of pyometra may include dehydration, lethargy, anorexia, sepsis and shock.  A pyometra is considered an emergency.  Spaying is the only effective way to treat a pyometra.

Stablization of your dog with intravenous fluids and antibiotics should precede the surgical spay.  Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) completely and promptly removes the infection, prevents uterine rupture and peritonitis, and of course prevents recurrence.  Dogs usually recover quickly.  Rare instances of 'stump' infection can occur however.

Pyometra

Spaying a dog with pyometra is more expensive than a normal spay.  As the saying goes, a pound of prevention is worth a ton of cure.  Spay now to prevent the occurence of "pryometra", along with decreasing the incidences of mammary tumors and the overburden of dogs in shelters.