GREYHOUNDS, POISON IVY, DOG BITES, AND ICE CREAM....

               

CAUTION

Reading This Blog

Makes People Feel

More Knowledgeable

About Their Pets

Randy, from Denver, sent an e-mail suggestion about using the above "warning" as a lead-in for Questions On Dogs and Cats.  Helpful Buckeye appreciates Randy's enthusiasm and we might use his idea once in a while...just not every week.  Thanks, Randy!

Thanks to all of our readers who sent e-mails responding to our question about whether or not our blog is loading too slowly for them.  Everyone who responded said the loading speed has been normal.

Only one of our readers has seen any of the AKC newly-recognized breeds...and that was the Cane Corso.  There was a book published back in 2003, Red Zone, by Aphrodite Jones, that recounted a deadly mauling of a human by a Cane Corso in San Francisco.  It presents a very interesting story that makes for an intriguing read.  Helpful Buckeye is not condemning the breed, but rather offering this book as an educational example of what can happen when a large breed of dog becomes uncontrollable.

Every reader who voted on the question about Chinese Doggie Dye techniques said they would never do that to their dog.  Be sure to answer this week's poll questions in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

1) The governor of New Hampshire has signed into law a bill that ends the racing of Greyhounds in that state.  Read more about why the Humane Society of the United States considers this a big accomplishment: http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2010/07/nh_bans_greyhound_racing_070810.html

2) An interesting news story came out of San Francisco this week about the city government considering the prohibition of all pet stores from the sale of all pets except for fish.  Similar city ordinances already exist in Albuquerque, South Lake Tahoe, and West Hollywood, CA.  Read about the reasons for their decision at: http://wcbstv.com/local/san.francisco.pet.2.1797221.html 

3) A few weeks ago, Helpful Buckeye included a notice from United Pet Group about a recall of some of their pet products, due to a possible Salmonella contamination.  Now, the UPG recall has expanded to include many more dog and cat products.  Check out this list carefully, in case you're using one or more of these products: http://www.petproductnews.com/headlines/2010/07/06/united-pet-group-expands-recall-to-include-cat-and-dog-products.aspx 

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

1) We've received a few questions lately about whether dogs or cats are affected by Poison Ivy and if they can spread its effects to their owners.  Here's the answer to those questions, as adapted from PetPlace.com:

Poison oak and poison ivy belong to a group of plants called toxicodendron. These are also known as Rhus species. The toxic principle in poison oak and poison ivy is urushiol. This toxin is an oil resin found in the plant sap. Animals are quite resistant to the effects of urushiol but can transmit the toxin to a person.

Poison Ivy

Poison Oak

Dogs and cats typically come in contact with the poison ivy or poison oak plant in wooded areas. They may ingest some of the plant but, more likely, they will rub against it while walking. The sap from the plant can adhere to the hair coat. When you pet your dog or cat later, the sap can transfer from their fur to your skin. If you are susceptible to poison oak or poison ivy, skin irritation can occur.

In animals, exposure to urushiol infrequently results in skin irritation.

For those pets exposed to topical urushiol, prolonged bathing and rinsing, at least 10 minutes, is recommended. Be careful to wear gloves when bathing the pet so you do not come in contact with the urushiol.

For those animals ingesting the plant, monitor them for vomiting, lack of appetite or diarrhea.

Preventing exposure to poison ivy or poison oak is the key to preventing urushiol toxicity. Do not allow your pet to freely roam. Familiarize yourself with the appearance of poison ivy and poison oak so that you can avoid them. If your pet has recently come in contact with poison oak or poison ivy, immediate prolonged bathing can help diminish the risk of toxicity. Fortunately, most dogs and cats seem to be resistant to the effects of poison ivy and poison oak.

2) Helpful Buckeye has offered numerous precautions about giving bones to your dogs.  Our regular readers are aware of the nasty consequences of doing so but, for those of you who might be new to Questions On Dogs and Cats, here's an interesting podcast from the American Veterinary Medical Association with even more emphasis on this topic: http://www.avmamedia.org/display.asp?sid=265&NAME=Don’t_Give_Your_Dog_a_Bone 

3) Heat exhaustion is always a major concern of dog owners when the weather gets hot and humid...and there's been plenty of that around the country lately. Helpful Buckeye has addressed this subject in depth in 2 previous issues of the blog: http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2008/05/hot-fun-in-summertime.html and
http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2009/05/heat-exhaustion-and-your-pets.html

After reviewing the above references, read these suggestions from Pawnation.com as a further reminder of the dangers of heat exhaustion:

With temperatures in the triple digits in many parts of the country, pet owners need to be extra vigilant about keeping their animals cool.  Dogs are much more prone than people to develop heatstroke, because they are only able to sweat through their foot pads and can cool off only by panting. Even the healthiest of dogs can succumb to heat-related illnesses if pushed too hard or left in a confined space. Dogs with medical problems are even more vulnerable.  Help keep your pooch safe with these tips from the Humane Society of the United States, and veterinarian Ira Roth, director of the Community Practice Clinic at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

Protecting Your Dog From the Heat


Limit time outside. During extreme temperatures, it's a good idea for everyone -- man and beast -- to be inside if they can. But short-nosed dog breeds who naturally have more trouble breathing -- such as Boston terriers, pugs, English bulldogs, or boxers -- should be kept in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible. The same goes for dogs with renal or cardiac failure, or other health disorders, says Roth. If you can't keep your dog inside, make sure it has ready access to fresh water and shade, like in a dog house.


Reduce physical activity. Keep exercise short with just a walk in the early morning or evening hours. Taking your dog out to "do his business," or letting him walk with you to the mailbox in the middle of the day is probably fine. But it's easy to overexert a dog without realizing it, Roth says.  "If your daily routine is to come home and throw the ball and play catch for a while, you want to eliminate that or drastically reduce it," Roth tells Paw Nation. "Dogs will push themselves to exhaustion." It's up to you to recognize when your pet has had enough activity.

Never leave a dog in car. We know you've heard this before but we will say it again and again because even if you're parked in the shade, the inside of your car can quickly reach 120 degrees. "Pets who are left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and can even die. Don't think that just because you'll be gone 'just a minute' that your pet will be safe while you're gone," the Humane Society of the United States says in its Summer Care Tips guide. Also, don't leave your dog in the back of a pickup truck. The bed can get hot enough to scorch a dog's feet or belly.

What to Do if Your Dog Becomes Overheated


Quick action is the key to treating your pet.  If you suspect heatstroke, call your vet immediately. If your dog is panting excessively, staggering, seems disoriented or has reddish-purple gums your pet is in serious trouble. Fast treatment is critical to avoid life-threatening complications like blood-clotting abnormalities or multiorgan failure, Roth says. "Time will be an important factor," Roth says. "Many [overheated dogs] will die even with very, very aggressive treatment."

Cool your dog down. After contacting your vet, the Humane Society recommends that you move your pet to the shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply cool (not cold) water over his body to gradually lower his core body temperature. Apply cold towels or ice packs to your pet's head, neck, and chest only. Let your pet drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes.

By staying alert and taking action quickly, you can keep your dog safe. Of course not all pet owners will be as vigilant as you so if you see a pet in a car alone during the hot summer months, alert the management of the store where the car is parked, and if the owner doesn't return, call local animal control or the police department.

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

The AVMA has put together a great package of information for children about the dangers of dog bites and how to avoid being bitten.  Go to their web site for this 28-page coloring book (which you can print by the page) that contains all the advice a child will need to stay away from this problem: http://www.avma.org/products/children/dog_bite_prevention_coloring_book.pdf

GENERAL INTEREST

1) We've all read the stories of divorcing couples who have pets and the difficulty they experience in deciding who gets what.  A judge in Maryland has come up with a novel approach to this problem...each ex-spouse gets to have the dog every other 6 months.  The whole report is at: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/08/divorcing-dog-owners-ordered-to-share-custody/?icid=mainhtmlws-main-wdl4link3http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawnation.com%2F2010%2F07%2F08%2Fdivorcing-dog-owners-ordered-to-share-custody%2F

2) Helpful Buckeye has covered several stories about military personnel ending up with dogs that they picked up in a combat zone.  This is an interesting variation on that theme...a group of US Marines have rescued some kittens in Afghanistan and sent at least two of them back to the States for care until the Marines return home.  Read the rest of the story at: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/09/u-s-marines-rescue-kittens/

3) Lastly, what would a hot summer be without ice cream?  An ice cream manufacturer in California is using a kitten in one of their ads for ice cream.  Check out this story, watch, and listen to the video: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/09/kitten-sells-ice-cream-you-are-powerless-to-resist/ 

Do you feel that the ad is "shameless?"  Remember, Helpful Buckeye never said to give ice cream to your dog or cat!

SPORTS NEWS

The LA DODGERS are moving into the All-Star break, having taken 3 of 4 games from the Cubs.  We will begin the second half of the season only 2 games behind the Padres in our division, which means anything can happen.  The Dodgers have 4 players playing in the All-Star game.


PERSONAL STUFF

Helpful Buckeye has labored through a painful lower back problem for the past 10 days.  Riding my bike was not possible due to the pain.  I was able to get in a brisk long walk each of the last 3 days...before finally being able to get back on the bike Saturday.  A relatively short 24-mile ride went well, as did another one on Sunday, and there doesn't seem to be any residual soreness in my back.  This is the longest I've gone without riding my bike since I started doing serious riding 5 years ago.

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~

HAVING FOOD-RELATED PROBLEMS WITH YOUR PETS???

Helpful Buckeye was pleasantly surprised by all the e-mails sent by our readers this past week to express their best wishes for my Cowpoke friend, Ken, as he recovers from his heart-bypass surgery.  At last count, 16 of you have contributed a message wishing him well.  Those will be passed on to him soon.  Thanks a bunch for caring about my friend!

I still get an e-mail once in awhile asking whether or not there is an index of any type that covers all the topics we've addressed here at Questions On Dogs and Cats.  Yes, there is an index available and it is located in the left-hand column of each weekly issue of the blog...under the heading of "Labels."  Our regular readers know that there are numerous topics on this list and, in fact, many of the topic headings include more than one reference to that topic.  All you have to do is click on the topic of your interest and follow the screen choices to the issue that contains that information.

The last reminder Helpful Buckeye has for you this week is the "Pet Health & Safety" widget that is also displayed  in the column to the left.  This widget is sponsored by the Food & Drug Administration and provides many current tips and news updates about health and safety issues for your pets.  You should check out this widget each week for any new information...it's free.  Just click on the "tips" and "updates" icons.

We ran 3 poll questions last week and it appears that many of our readers will be traveling with a pet this summer (75%)...almost all of you perform at least an occasional "tick check" on your pets (90%)...and not very many of you have ever visited a restaurant that allows a dog in the serving area (10%).  Perhaps that number will change this summer if our readers got any help from the web site on finding places to dine out with your dog: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/14/local-lowdown-find-great-place-to-dine-out-with-your-dog/  Be sure to answer this week's poll questions in the column to the left.

Any comments or questions can be e-mailed to: dogcatvethelp@gmail.com or submitted by clicking on the "Comments" icon at the end of each issue of the blog.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

1) Another pet food recall has made the news.  This one is from Procter & Gamble and concerns an Iams canned cat food: The affected Iams canned cat food is:



• Iams ProActive Health canned Cat and Kitten Food, all varieties of 3 ounce and 5.5 ounce cans, with "09/2011" and "06/2012" date stamps on the bottom of the can.


The date stamps are found on the first line of the two lines stamped on the bottom of the can. All cans of this food marked with these two date stamps should be discarded.

Further information from the American Veterinary Medical Association about this recall is at: http://www.avma.org/petfoodsafety/recalls/2010/iams_cat_food_100609.asp

2) The AVMA has also released this news item about a new research program on cancer in dogs:

Two private institutes have created the Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium to study cancer in dogs.



The Translational Genomics Research Institute in Phoenix and Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, Mich., are partnering on the project with the National Cancer Institute, University of Pennsylvania, and Michigan State University.


Most of the funding comes from a $4.3 million grant for cancer research through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Hill's Pet Nutrition and PetSmart each contributed $500,000.


The consortium will collect saliva, blood, and tumor samples from dogs with the consent of owners. The goal is to identify genes that influence cancers in dogs and humans.


The Van Andel Research Institute already had been studying hemangiosarcoma in Clumber Spaniels with support from the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation and Clumber Spaniel Health Foundation. Now the program will expand to the study of osteosarcoma, oral melanoma, malignant histiocytosis, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and as many as 20 breeds of dogs.


A relevant but separate consortium was formed several years ago to study cancer in dogs. The Canine Comparative Oncology and Genomics Consortium is collecting tumor samples from dogs for a central repository at the National Cancer Institute. A number of veterinary colleges are participating in the project.

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Is pet food making your dog sick?  That's a question that comes up fairly often from dog owners.  The answer to that question, as with many other health-related concerns, is not a simple yes or no.  As the following discussion points out, there are many considerations to think about before arriving at the proper answer:

Your dog is scratching like crazy, or sick to his stomach. Could his food be the culprit?

Food allergies aren't extremely common in dogs, but they aren't uncommon either. Food allergies affect dogs in two primary ways, says Korinn Saker, a clinical nutritionist at the North Carolina State School of Veterinary Medicine who specializes in canine allergies. "We either see skin issues, or GI [gastrointestinal] issues," she says. If your dog is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea on a regular basis, or is itching constantly and licking or biting at his skin or fur, allergies may be to blame. (Your vet can help you rule out other ailments, like parasites or infections, that could cause similar symptoms.)


Unfortunately, it can be hard to tell whether an allergic dog is having a reaction to his food or to an environmental allergen such as pollen. (Dogs can also become allergic to food they've happily eaten their entire lives making detection even more difficult.) Still, there are ways to tell if food is the foe, Sakar says. "The most definitive way to do that is to do a feeding elimination trial," she says. In other words, try removing the suspected ingredient or ingredients from the dog's diet, and see what happens.


Choose a dog food with novel ingredients the dog hasn't had before. The new food should have a single source of protein, such as fish, duck or lamb, and a single source of carbohydrates, like rice or potatoes. (And don't give him any treats or table scraps during the feeding trial!) If the allergy symptoms go away on the new diet, you can then try adding back the suspected allergens, one by one. If the symptoms come back, she explains, you'll know what ingredient (or ingredients) to avoid from now on.


Testing your dog's diet is something you can do easily at home, but it's a good idea to consult with your vet if you suspect food allergies. Sakar also points out that when experimenting with new foods, make sure to choose a diet that also contains the many vitamins and minerals dogs need to stay healthy. "Make sure it's a balanced and complete diet based on the labeling," she says.


According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the most common dog allergens are beef, chicken, eggs, corn, wheat, soy and milk.


"Beef is the number one allergen," Sakar says. She adds that protein sources in general, including beef, chicken and fish, are much more likely to cause allergies than are carbohydrate sources like corn or wheat. (Irish setters, however, are known to have a wheat sensitivity.)


Sakar says that corn has become a favorite villain, and many pet owners are sure their dog suffers from a corn allergy. However, "a real, true allergy to corn is very, very, very rare in a pet," she says.


Hypoallergenic prescription diets are available for allergic dogs. These foods often contain an unusual protein source, such as duck, venison or rabbit. Other special diets are made from hydrolyzed beef or chicken. In these foods, Sakar says, "the protein has been mechanically altered so it's very small in size and not recognized by the immune system." In other words, the dog's body doesn't recognize the altered protein, so it doesn't respond with an allergic reaction.


Of course, with so many dog food varieties available on store shelves, you might not need a prescription to find a food your dog can tolerate. If you have trouble figuring out what ingredients might be causing your dog difficulty, talk to your vet. With a little detective work, you should be able to find a diet that keeps your dog's tail wagging.

This discussion was adapted from: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/04/is-your-dogs-pet-food-making-him-sick/?icid=mainhtmlws-main-wdl9link5http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawnation.com%2F2010%2F03%2F04%2Fis-your-dogs-pet-food-making-him-sick%2F 

Helpful Buckeye urges all dog and cat owners who have a question about their pets' nutrition to talk it over with your veterinarian before coming to any conclusions on your own.  Misguided efforts where your pets' food is concerned can lead to difficulties your pets don't need.

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

How many of you have ever had a Greyhound...or knew someone who had one?  Greyhounds are a special breed of dog, having been bred for racing. 

Unfortunately, many of these racing Greyhounds will break down from the rigors of training and racing and that sad fact led to the founding of the National Greyhound Adoption Program by David Wolf.  The NGAP has put together a list of essential considerations if you are thinking about adopting a greyhound:

Rescuing Greyhounds - 10 Things to Know Before Adopting


Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog. "They can run up to 45 miles per hour for short distances," says David Wolf, founder and director of the National Greyhound Adoption Program (NGAP). This genetic gift ultimately puts these dogs in harm's way as it drives the racing circuit which puts greyhounds at great risk.

"I found there was a terrific need to reverse the trend of what was happening to greyhounds when they didn't win anymore [at the racetrack]," says Wolf, explaining why he started the NGAP some 20 years ago. "They would be destroyed in such enormous numbers, and it disturbed me so much I wanted to get involved trying to reverse that." To date, NGAP has rescued and found homes for some 7,000 former racing greyhounds.

Have you ever considered adopting a greyhound? Here are 10 essential things to know about adopting one (or more) of these magnificent dogs:

1. They are couch potatoes. Although greyhounds are very fast when they're in action, they are not hyper or high-strung dogs. "When they're not racing, they are in a cage at least 22 hours a day, so they're used to being sedentary," says Wolf. "They're actually quite calm and low-strung."
2. They have to learn to walk steps. Racing greyhounds have to be taught how to go up and down stairs because they've never had to do this before, says Wolf. Glass doors are another potential hazard because they've never been exposed to them. Wolf recommends frosting the lower portion of glass doors so that greyhounds are less likely to run into them.
3. Grooming is easy. Greyhounds have a short coat and shed very little. "They rarely have to be bathed," says Wolf, who bathes his greyhounds only a couple of times a year. They're very clean dogs and have no inherent body odor, he says. Greyhounds do need to be brushed occasionally, and are considered a good breed for people that are allergic to dogs.
4. Their racing years are few and their lives can be long. Most former racing greyhounds are between 3-and-a-half to 5 years old when they are adopted, sometimes a little younger. The life span of a greyhound is anywhere from 8 to 14 years. "It's the gift of life," says Wolf. "If you or someone else doesn't adopt that greyhound, there's a good chance it will be put to sleep."
5. Greyhounds make great family pets. The transition from racing dog to family pet is an easy one, says Wolf. "It's just part of the breed," he explains. "The greyhound is a 5,000-year-old breed. It was the favored dog of pharaohs of Egypt and went into the tents of kings. These dogs were held in very high esteem, and they've changed very little over the centuries." Still, greyhounds are used to being in packs, and separation anxiety can be an issue. Wolf's organization does not adopt to families who will need to leave their greyhound alone for more than eight hours at a time.
6. Oral hygiene is critical. The biggest health issue for greyhounds is their mouth, says Wolf. "It's a good idea to set up an oral hygiene program for any dog, but it's especially important for a greyhound," he says, due to the high-bacteria found in the meat they are fed when racing.
7. Exercise needs can vary. Every greyhound will have a different energy level. "Some will like to run a little bit every day," says Wolf. "Some will run for a minute or two minutes a couple of times a week, while some will cherish retirement and you won't typically see them run. Most of the dogs like to lounge around."
8. Fences and leashes are a must. Greyhounds are sight hounds, so you should not let them run freely because if something catches their attention, there's a good chance instinct will kick in and they'll take off after it. "They need to be in a fenced yard or on a leash at all times," Wolf says. "We don't adopt greyhounds to people who let their dogs run freely."
9. They are sensitive to temperature extremes. The sleek greyhound is sensitive to heat and cold. "In the winter, you should put winter coats on them for going outside in the cold, and on hot days, they should be in an air-conditioned home," says Wolf.
10. Greyhounds need special collars. A greyhound's head is so narrow that a standard collar can slip right over their heads if they stop and pull back on the leash. Use a safety or Martingale collar, recommends Wolf. "It's not a choke collar, but it has a mechanism that tightens up so greyhounds can't back out of the collar."

Finally, when it comes to adding a greyhound to your life, beware of the "potato-chip effect," says Wolf. "It's hard to stop at one," he says. "I know people that have 10 greyhounds in their home, and it's not uncommon to have two or three living with you. Greyhounds have an inherent ability to make you feel so good about having them. That's why people have so many."

More information about the National Greyhound Adoption Program can be found at: http://www.ngap.org/ 

Learn more about the Martingale collar at: http://www.collargirl.com/how_martingale_work.htm

PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK

1) Walking your dog doesn't have to be a complicated process. You grab a leash, some water, something to scoop poop, and you're out the door. But if you're trying to turn a simple dog walk into a serious workout, the right equipment will help you and your dog make the most of your time.  For the more serious hiker, read this short account of "hiking with your dog" products:  http://www.pawnation.com/2010/06/08/dog-walk-workouts-products-to-help-you-get-the-most-out-of-you/ 

and then take a look at some of these products:

http://www.kurgo.com/products/cab.html    The "Collapsing Bowl"....

http://www.kurgo.com/products/wp.html   The "Wander Pack"....

http://www.theshabbydog.com/catalog/item/category/categoryId/42/id/317/ 

http://camelbak.com/sports-recreation/hydration-packs/2010-annadel.aspx

2)  Ben Westhoff, of The Doggie Diaries, has evaluated 5 dog toys that claim some amount of "indestructibility" and you can read his review at: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/06/07/pet-product-review-indestructible-dog-toys/ 

His choice of the 5 products was the Orbee-Tuff Woof Ball, which you can find at: http://www.planetdog.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=WOOF_FETCH_BALL

GENERAL INTEREST

1) Ellie, a young King Charles Cavalier Spaniel in England, is almost completely blind. While her owner and a local animal organization are working to raise money for a vision-restoring operation, a German shepherd named Leo has taken matters into his own paws, and is protecting and guiding her.

Read the rest of Ellie's story at:  http://www.pawnation.com/2010/06/11/blind-dog-has-her-own-seeing-eye-dog/?icid=mainhtmlws-main-wdl7link6http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawnation.com%2F2010%2F06%2F11%2Fblind-dog-has-her-own-seeing-eye-dog%2F

2) Candace, one of our regular readers from Sacramento, sent in this video preview of a movie she has recently seen.  She gives it a lot of praise. The movie is Hachiko--A Dog's Tale, stars Richard Gere, and it's a true story.  It is now available on DVD...Helpful Buckeye is on the waiting list for it from the Flagstaff Public Library.  Watch the short video preview and see if it interests you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaS37E3gKOU  If you've already seen the movie or see it as a result of this suggestion, send Helpful Buckeye an e-mail or comment with your thoughts about it.

3) This story has to be ranked along with some of the other bizarre creations we've featured in the "General Interest" section of the blog.  Take a long look at this "Chihuahua" and then ask yourself if you would like it to be your birthday day cake decoration: http://www.holidash.com/party-central/birthday/food/bizarre-birthday-cakes?icid=mainhtmlws-main-wdl3link3http%3A%2F%2Fwww.holidash.com%2Fparty-central%2Fbirthday%2Ffood%2Fbizarre-birthday-cakes

Yes or No....

4) Helpful Buckeye received an e-mail from Barbara, who has created a web site that deals with the problem of life-threatening infections human patients contract while in a medical facility/hospital being treated for something else.  Even though this isn't directly related to dogs and cats, all of you might personally benefit from being more knowledgeable about this problem.  Take a look at the web site, spend a few minutes browsing the information: http://www.haiwatch.com/

If any of our readers want to pursue this topic further, send an e-mail to that effect and we will do so.

SPORTS NEWS

The LA Dodgers have been hot this week...swept the Cardinals for the first time in LA since 1988 and now have the best record in the National League.  Unfortunately, they are playing the LA Angels this weekend and the Angels have always had a "second best" team in LA stigma, which motivates them to beat the Dodgers.  We'll see how the series goes.

The LA Lakers and the Boston Celtics have tied their series, 2-2, with the very important 5th game Sunday evening in Boston.  The 5th game is important because the loser would have to win the last 2 games in order to be the NBA champion...which would be tough to do.

PERSONAL STUFF

Desperado and Helpful Buckeye will be on the road for part of this upcoming week, celebrating Flag Day (and our anniversary)....

Happy trails to all of our readers!

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~

THESE MIGHT BE THE MIGHTIEST OF THE MITES....

Let's hear it for the rest of the mites! We've discussed the ticks and the ear mites, which leaves us with the last of the 8-legged external parasites...those pesky, burrowing creatures that are not-so-affectionately paired with the word "MANGE!" Now that we've got your undivided attention, welcome to Questions On Dogs and Cats for this week's visit with the veterinarian.

Congratulations to several of our readers who sent in e-mails correctly identifying John Fogerty's guitar, in the video of "Centerfield," as a modified Louisville Slugger...a baseball bat!



In last week's reader's poll, 2/3 of you felt that an animal hospice might have some benefits under the right circumstances. That strikes Helpful Buckeye as an open-minded and very receptive attitude from our readers! Be sure to answer this week's poll in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

1) The College of Veterinary Medicine of the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, will be offering free eye exams for Service Dogs on May 4 and May 6, 2009. Drs. Anne Metzler and David Wilkie, board certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, are two of more than 150 board certified veterinary ophthalmologists across the U.S. and Canada offering these eye assessments to thousands of service dogs nationwide as part of the ACVO®/Merial® National Service Dog Eye Exam Day. For more information on this program and how to register for the free exam, go to: http://vet.osu.edu/5697.htm

2) Again, at Ohio State University, the College of Veterinary Medicine has been organizing a Greyhound Health and Wellness Program. With the increasing popularity of retired racing Greyhounds, veterinarians are likely to evaluate dogs of this breed more frequently in their practice. Adoption efforts have made a positive impact in reducing the number of Greyhounds that are killed every year due to poor performance in the racetrack. To read more about this program, go to: http://vet.osu.edu/GHWP.htm

3) The Humane Society of the United States is offering guidance and suggestions for anyone wanting to get a job working in the animal welfare field. They have provided a lot of information and ideas in this notification: http://www.hsus.org/pets/pets_related_news_and_events/career_love_of_animals_040409.html

4) The state of Arizona is bracing for a bad rabies year. We are already well ahead of last year's reported cases of rabies in animals by this date. Read the report from the Arizona Health Department: http://trends.aahanet.org/eweb/dynamicpage.aspx?site=trends&webcode=newsdetail&articleKey=e947e39c-a548-4585-a4f7-95af40c3dadb For more information on rabies and the vaccinations available for your dogs and cats, from previous issues of Questions On Dogs and Cats, click on "Rabies" in the "Labels" column to the left.

5) The SPCA International is asking for everybody's help and support in the killing of an injured Navy SEAL's service dog in Texas. This web site tells the story of the Navy SEAL's injuries, the drive-by shooting of the dog, and the upcoming prosecution of the alleged criminals, while asking for you to sign a petition asking for full punishment under the law: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/seals-dog-killed-give-criminals-maximum-sentence

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

In bidding good-bye to the 8-legged external parasites, Helpful Buckeye presents the two final diseases associated with mites, both of which come under the general name of "Mange." These two forms of mange are similar only in the definition of mange: "a parasitic infestation of the skin of animals; common symptoms include hair loss, sometimes intense itching and inflammation, all of which are caused by microscopic mites." The numerous differences between these two forms of mange begin with the type of mite involved and include mode of transmission, prolonged severity of the infection, ease of treatment, and contagiousness to other animals or to humans.

The first of these is Sarcoptic Mange, also known as Scabies, caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. This microscopic mite burrows into the skin of a dog after being transmitted by direct contact with an already infected dog. Scabies is considered to be a highly contagious disease. Intense scratching is the main characteristic of this disease and is probably due to a hypersensitivity to the waste products of the mites. Typically, the damage starts on the abdomen, chest, ears, and elbows, and, due to self-trauma, can easily progress to thick crusts of secondary bacterial and yeast infections.

Diagnosis of Sarcoptic Mange is based on the history of severe scratching of sudden onset, possible exposure to an infected dog, and possibly, a human case of scabies in the household. Your veterinarian will perform a skin scraping in an attempt to isolate one of the mites, which would confirm the diagnosis. After confirming the disease or by having a strong suspicion of its presence, your veterinarian will recommend a course of treatment that might involve topical treatments of just the affected spots or a systemic treatment which takes care of the whole body. This treatment should include all dogs which have contact with the affected dog. If secondary infections have developed, further specific treatment may also be necessary. The human form of this disease is uncomfortable at worst and is easily treated with topical products available from your physician. Helpful Buckeye has "survived" several infestations of this mite with no more than a disturbing itch!

The last of the mite diseases is Demodectic Mange, or Demodicosis, caused by the mite Demodex canis. This microscopic mite inhabits the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of dogs and, in small numbers, these mites are considered to be a part of the normal inhabitants of the skin of dogs and actually cause no clinical disease. Demodectic mites are transmitted from the mother to her puppies during nursing within the first 72 hours after their birth. These mites spend their entire life cycle on the same dog, and the disease is not considered to be contagious. The actual development of Demodectic Mange is complex and not completely understood. There is a lot of evidence that certain breeds of dog are predisposed to demodicosis and that a weakness of the immune system can precipitate the disease.

Demodectic Mange is seen in two forms, localized and generalized. The localized form usually occurs in dogs under 2 years of age and is characterized by small patches of hair loss and perhaps redness or darkening of the skin. The intense scratching seen with Sarcoptic Mange is usually absent in these localized forms. Most of the localized forms of demodecosis will spontaneously resolve themselves without much, if any, treatment.

The generalized form is a much more severe disease that is usually complicated by secondary bacterial infections. Frequently, the toes or the whole foot will be involved, swollen, and draining with infection. These dogs have difficulty even trying to walk. Your veterinarian can easily detect these mites on a skin scraping and a bacterial culture may also need to be done in order to choose the proper antibiotic to include with the treatment plan. Since the immune system is probably weakened in these dogs, there will need to be further evaluation to identify any other possible underlying disease that may be contributing to the generalized nature of this mange. In some generalized cases, the treatment may only control the condition, rather than cure it. Due to the probable breed predisposition to Demodectic Mange, even if your dog survives this infection, it should NOT be used for breeding. The breeds that seem to be the most predisposed to this disease are the Afghan Hound, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Chihuahua, Shar Pei, Collie, Dalmation, Doberman Pinscher, Bulldog, English Bull Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Old English Sheepdog, American Pit Bull Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Pug.

As an additional educational example, Helpful Buckeye encourages you to watch the following video, which depicts many of the microscopic organisms found on the skin of...humans! Yes, if you can bear to watch it the whole way through, you just might see something you recognize: http://www.evtv1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=14883

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

The American Veterinary Medical Association is promoting their "Easter and Spring Tips for Pet Owners" this week. Some of these we've already discussed, but the review will be beneficial:

Ah, spring! The greening of lawns, Easter egg hunts, giant chocolate bunnies, baby chicks and beautiful Easter lilies are all harbingers of the season. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reminds pet owners the coming of spring brings with it certain risks to your pet's health. Take a few moments to review AVMA's top Easter and spring hints for pet owners:

• Chocolate bunnies and Easter baskets. Chocolates are poisonous to dogs and cats, but dogs will eat them up if they can get at them.


• If the Easter bunny is hiding a basket of candies for your children, make sure it's in a place where your dog can't find it first. Also remember that live chicks in an Easter basket grow up quickly into live chickens, and Easter chicks and ducks have been reported to cause cases of salmonella in children.


• Lilies. Lilies are a flower common in the spring, and they are very, very toxic to cats. But cats will often chew them, and even small amounts can lead to kidney failure and death. Cat owners may want to pass on this spring and Easter tradition.


• Fleas and ticks. They can be tiny, little more than a pinhead in some instances, but they grow and spread quickly once they find a host. The preventative treatments that you may have discontinued in the winter should start early in the spring to keep your pet's coat, and your home, free of pests.


• Lawn fertilizers. Lawn fertilizers are very toxic to pets. Store fertilizers in a place far from where your dog or cat -- and children -- can get at them. After applying fertilizers to your lawn, follow manufacturer instructions on how long you should wait before allowing your pet on the lawn. If you see a sign posted on a lawn that tells you to keep your pets off, abide by it.


• Pesticides and herbicides. It's probably not surprising that these chemicals can be toxic to your pets, but, even when they're not lethal, there are some long-term health concerns. Studies indicate the use of pesticides and herbicides may be tied to increased rates of specific forms of cancer in dogs. If your pet is exposed, wash them with soap and water immediately and call your veterinarian.


• Coco bean mulch. It's becoming common to mulch a garden with the fragrant scent shells of coco beans. But just like chocolate, dogs like to eat them and they are toxic.


• Rhubarb leaves. Rhubarb makes a fine pie and it's a staple in many vegetable gardens, but the leaves are poisonous and can cause kidney failure.


• Rat and mouse poisons. Controlling vermin becomes an issue again in the spring. Be aware that the same properties of common rat and mouse poisons that make them irresistible to pests will also attract your pet. If consumed, these can be fatal to your animal.


• Cleaning products. Spring cleaning is an annual tradition in many households, but make sure the cleaning products don't hurt your animals. If the label states "keep pets and children away from area until dry," follow those instructions carefully, and store all chemicals out of reach of children and pets.


• Paint and paint thinners. If you're putting a fresh coat of paint on the house, keep the pets away. Paint thinners, mineral spirits and other solvents can cause severe irritation or chemical burns if swallowed or even if they come in contact with your pet's skin. Latex house paints typically produce a minor stomach upset, but some specialty paints may contain heavy metals or volatile substances that could be harmful if inhaled or ingested.


• Preventative medications. Consult with your veterinarian about seasonal medications to keep your pet healthy. For example, in many parts of the country heartworm medications for dogs are often discontinued in the winter. Springtime is the season to restart this medication to keep your dog free of this parasite. But keep in mind that manufacturers' instructions warn that heartworm medications should not be given without first visiting your veterinarian to ensure that your pet has not developed the heartworm parasite. A simple blood test will give you that peace of mind.

GENERAL INTEREST

1) In 2003, police in Warwickshire, England, opened a garden shed and found a whimpering, cowering dog. It had been locked in the shed and abandoned. It was dirty and malnourished, and had clearly been abused. In an act of kindness, the police took the dog, which was a Greyhound female, to the nearby Nuneaton Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary, run by a man named Geoff Grewcock and known as a willing haven for Animals abandoned, orphaned or otherwise in need. Geoff and the other sanctuary staff went to work with two aims: to restore the dog to full health, and to win her trust. It took several weeks, but eventually both goals were achieved. They named her Jasmine, and they started to think about finding her an adoptive home. But Jasmine had other ideas. No one remembers now how it began, but she started welcoming all animal arrivals at the sanctuary. It wouldn't matter if it was a puppy, a fox cub, a rabbit or any other lost or hurting animal. Jasmine would peer into the box or cage and, where possible, deliver a welcoming lick. Here is a picture of "Jasmine, the Protector" with several of her "protectees"....

2) This news item was sent in by Holly, from PA, and it relates the story of an Australian family who lost their dog overboard off the coast of Sydney. This is a good one! http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090406/ts_afp/australiaanimaldogoffbeat_20090406082210

"Sophie Tucker" has a story to tell....

3) In keeping with the international flavor of these stories, here's one from Russia. Apparently, Moscow has a big problem with stray dogs and some of those strays have mastered the art of riding the subway. Read more about it and watch the short but interesting video at the end of the photos: http://www.urlesque.com/2009/04/09/todays-cry-moscows-stray-dogs-are-super-geniuses/?icid=mainhtmlws-maindl8link4http%3A%2F%2Fwww.urlesque.com%2F2009%2F04%2F09%2Ftodays-cry-moscows-stray-dogs-are-super-geniuses%2F

4) There were several informative articles this week about how auto manufacturers are trying to appeal to dog owners. Some of the newer designs and features that might be pet-friendly are covered here from the USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2009-04-07-pets-autos_N.htm (be sure to click on the video with the Black Labrador). Another viewpoint from the Humane Society of the United States: http://www.hsus.org/pets/pets_related_news_and_events/honda_story.html To enjoy a bunch of photos of dogs and one cat "going for a ride," click through these from the USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/money/gallery/autos/m090330car_pets/flash.htm?gid=929&aid=4422 ....at least, the one dog is equipped with goggles! Remember our admonition about allowing your dog to ride in the car with its head out the window???

5) Since we're talking about dogs and cars, here's a curious invention that might have you scratching your head a bit. For some background, a police officer in suburban Phoenix forgot that his canine partner was still in his closed vehicle on one of Phoenix's very hot days and the dog died from overheating. Now, a police department in another suburb of Phoenix is experimenting with this warning system that hopefully would keep that from happening again. From the Arizona Republic: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2009/04/06/20090406dogalert0406.html

6) Another lost dog was reunited with its owners in California recently. As reported by the ASPCA, this reunion was made possible by the ASPCA using the power of MySpace, the Internet social network: http://www.aspca.org/news/national/04-10-09.html#2 However, don't forget about the benefits of proper collar and tag IDs, in addition to having your pet micro-chipped!

7) Apparently, some insurance companies are now taking a dim view of whether or not to insure a pet owner against their dog possibly biting someone. Read this somewhat provocative account of how some insurance companies look at certain breeds of dogs and tries to evaluate their biting potential: http://www.walletpop.com/insurance/article/_a/bbdp/insurers-blacklist-vicious-chihuahuas/420095?icid=mainhtmlws-maindl5link5http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walletpop.com%2Finsurance%2Farticle%2F_a%2Fbbdp%2Finsurers-blacklist-vicious-chihuahuas%2F420095 Helpful Buckeye fully expects many dog owners to say, "My dog wouldn't do that!", but, as the article points out, just about any breed of dog can show aggression if the right buttons are pushed. Here, again, is our favorite Chihuahua...watch out for this one!

8) A woman who might need some insurance is this lady in Idaho, whose cat, Jack, is seemingly a kleptomaniac. Click on the video of the black and white cat for the puzzling story: http://news.aol.com/article/burglar-cat/423811?icid=mainhtmlws-maindl1link6http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Fburglar-cat%2F423811 Are you missing anything lately???

9) By now, most people are somewhat familiar with DNA and its "double helix" structure:

This past week, we celebrated the 81st birthday of James Watson (6 April 1928) who, along with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins, shared the Nobel Prize for their description of the DNA molecule in a 1953 journal. So much has been made possible as a result of this discovery!

SPORTS NEWS

The first week of the new baseball season is finishing up today and there have been some surprises. However, as any baseball fan understands, the baseball season is more like a marathon than a sprint. It is in that spirit that Helpful Buckeye is trying to cope with the 4-3 lackluster start of the Los Angeles Dodgers. After all, all those games have been on the road...we'll do better back in Dodger Stadium this week!

Walt Whitman, American poet and essayist, had this to say about baseball: "Baseball will take our people out-of-doors, fill them with oxygen, give them a larger physical stoicism. Tend to relieve us from being a nervous, dyspeptic set. Repair these losses, and be a blessing to us." Helpful Buckeye thinks that perhaps Walt had it backwards...the lousy playing of your favorite team actually leads to a "nervous, dyspeptic set!"

If you're fortunate enough to be at the ballpark this week, remember the words of Laurence Peter: "The noblest of all dogs is the hot-dog; it feeds the hand that bites it." Put a little mustard on mine, please....

PERSONAL STUFF

This week is National Public Library Week. Our public libraries are a wonderful resource for all of us. Use them and enjoy them! Former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson had this to say about public libraries: “Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance requirement is interest.”

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~