WINTER PERSISTS....

The Pacific Northwest, the Great Plains, the Midwest, and the East Coast have been experiencing the type of winter that Desperado and Helpful Buckeye shoveled through last year.  If this is the result of La Nina, instead of El Nino, it's OK with us.  Granted, our temperatures have been lower than normal but...I haven't had to shovel nearly as much snow.  Our sympathies to all of you in the other parts of the USA, but it's much better to share this stuff, don't you think?

Mark Twain had a few really good things to say about cold, wintry weather:

"Winter is begun here, now, I suppose. It blew part of the hair off the dog yesterday & got the rest this morning."  In a letter to Chatto and Windus, October 21, 1892.

"The captain had been telling how, in one of his Arctic voyages, it was so cold that the mate's shadow froze fast to the deck and had to be ripped loose by main strength. And even then he got only about two-thirds of it back."  From Following the Equator

"Cold! If the thermometer had been an inch longer we'd all have frozen to death." Quoted in Mark Twain and I

And, lastly, our good friend, "Anonymous", had this to say about snow:

"A snowflake is one of Mother Nature’s most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together."

Anonymous must have been watching me last winter when I was shoveling 76" of snow in 4 days!

Anyway, the point here is that, while beautiful to behold in certain circumstances, winter and snow can add up to a bunch of trouble for your pets.  The Humane Society of the United States has offered these words of cautionary advice to pet owners: 

Keep Pets Inside in Winter

Leaving pets outside in extreme temperatures is a crime

As the temperature plummets in many parts of the country, The Humane Society of the United States is seeing a marked increase in the number of complaints of dogs and cats left outside with no food or shelter. Callers to The HSUS are encouraged to contact local law enforcement agencies because pets left outside in extreme temperatures without food and shelter are at risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and even death, placing their owners at risk of facing criminal charges.

“The act of leaving a pet outside without food or adequate shelter often receives less attention than a violent attack against an animal, but neglect is a crime. Especially in these cold months, it is important for people to bring their pets inside and for others to report neglected animals to law enforcement,” said Ashley Mauceri, The Humane Society of the United States’ manager of animal cruelty issues, who fields these calls.

Animal neglect is one of the most common forms of animal cruelty, and is investigated more by police and animal control agencies than any other form of animal abuse. Our most constant companions—dogs and cats—feel the effects of winter weather as much as we do, only they are too often cast outside to weather the storm due to a misconception that the fur on their backs will insulate them from suffering. Without proper food and water, to boot, these domesticated animals’ chances of survival in frigid temperatures is greatly decreased.

While views on animal welfare vary from region to region, laws are in place in every state to prevent needless suffering. Callers to The HSUS report numerous cases across the country of animals left out in the cold, but the organization is also working with an increasing number of law enforcement agencies that recognize the importance of intervention in these cases.

The facts:

• Animal neglect is considered a misdemeanor crime in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
• All but 10 states (Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico and North Carolina) specifically require pet owners to provide adequate shelter for a pet outside, the definition of which generally includes some variation of “protection from the elements or extreme weather.”
• Felony penalties can be levied in Massachusetts and Oklahoma for any animal neglect case.
• Felony charges can be applied in animal neglect resulting in death in California, Connecticut, Florida and Washington, D.C.

Most of our readers (80%) weren't quite sure how to feel about having a fever.  That's understandable when most of us have been taught that a fever is something to get rid of.  All of our respondents believed that the cat in reference was really 39 years old.  Nobody wanted anything to do with the "Tripe Sticks".  Lastly, about 25% reported having some form of pet insurance.  Remember to answer this week's poll questions in the column to the left.

Just as a reminder, you can e-mail Helpful Buckeye at: dogcatvethelp@gmail.com and you can leave a comment at the end of each blog issue...simply click on "Comment" and follow the instructions.

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Canine malignant lymphoma is a progressive, fatal disease caused by the malignant expansion of lymphoid cells. Lymphoma most commonly arises from organized lymphoid tissues including the bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, and spleen. In addition to these primary and secondary lymphoid organs, other fairly common sites include the skin, eye, central nervous system (CNS), testicles, and bone. Lymphoma is reported to be the most common blood cell-origin cancer in dogs, mainly in older dogs. Despite the prevalence of malignant lymphoma, its origin remains poorly characterized. Possible causes include retrovirus infection, environmental contamination with phenoxyacetic acid herbicides, magnetic field exposure, chromosomal abnormalities, and immune dysfunction.


Clinical Findings:

Canine lymphoma is a cancer with variable clinical signs depending in part on the anatomic region involved and extent of disease. In dogs, 4 well recognized anatomic forms of lymphoma have been described:

• multicentric,
• alimentary (digestive system),
• mediastinal (space between the lungs—location of thymus gland), and
• locations other than lymphoid tissue (renal, CNS, and cutaneous).

Multicentric lymphoma is by far the most common form, accounting for ~80% of all diagnosed cases. An early clinical sign of multicentric lymphoma is the rapid and nonpainful development of generalized swelling of lymph glands. In addition to dramatic peripheral lymph node swelling, malignant lymphocytes may infiltrate internal organs including the spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other non-lymphoid sites. Late in the course of disease, when a significant tumor burden exists, patients may show constitutional signs of illness, including lethargy, weakness, fever, loss of appetite, and depression.

Alimentary lymphoma accounts for <10% of all canine lymphomas. Dogs with focal intestinal lesions may exhibit clinical signs consistent with partial or complete intestinal obstruction (eg, vomiting, abdominal pain). With diffuse involvement of the intestinal tract, dogs with alimentary lymphoma may show significant GI signs, including loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and profound weight loss secondary to severe malabsorption and maldigestion.

Mediastinal lymphoma, similar to the alimentary form, comprises only a small fraction of diagnosed cases. It is typically characterized by enlargement of the forward mediastinal lymph nodes, thymus, or both. Mediastinal lymphoma arising from the thymus may exhibit clinical signs that include respiratory distress.

The clinical findings associated with extranodal lymphoma (which may involve the skin, lungs, kidneys, eyes, and CNS) can be quite variable and are dictated by the organ infiltrated. Cutaneous lymphoma may appear as solitary, raised, ulcerative nodules or generalized, diffuse, scaly lesions. Clinical signs of lymphoma at other extranodal sites include respiratory distress (lungs), renal failure (kidneys), blindness (eyes), and seizures (CNS).

Lesions:

Commonly, all superficial and various internal lymph nodes are 3-10 times normal size (in the multicentric form). Affected nodes are freely movable and firm. Frequently, there is liver and/or spleen enlargement. In the alimentary form, any part of the GI tract or abdominal lymph nodes may be affected. Involvement of the bone marrow, CNS, kidney, heart, tonsils, pancreas, and eyes can be seen but is less common.

Diagnosis:

The definitive diagnosis of lymphoma is often uncomplicated and can be obtained by either cytologic (fine-needle aspiration) or histopathologic (surgical biopsy) evaluation of the affected organ system. In dogs with multicentric lymphoma, fine-needle aspiration of enlarged peripheral lymph nodes usually provides specimens of adequate cellular content and detail to make a definitive diagnosis. Despite the ease of diagnosis, cytology  is unable to categorize the wide spectrum of lymphomas with regard to the stage of advancement of the disease. Due to these constraints, histopathologic tissue evaluation remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of lymphoma, providing additional information required for definitive classification of the severity of the cancer.

Treatment:

Treatment of multicentric canine lymphoma with aggressive, multi-agent chemotherapy protocols is often rewarding, with >90% of all dogs achieving some clinical response. The most common chemotherapeutic agents used in combination protocols are vincristine, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, L-asparaginase, and prednisone. Individual treatment protocols vary with respect to dosage, frequency, and duration of treatment. Advantages and disadvantages of each treatment protocol can be discussed with your veterinarian. With combination chemotherapy, the expected survival time for dogs with lymphoma will vary depending on the location and duration of the condition.

Despite the favorable outcomes expected in treating multicentric lymphoma, the successful management of other anatomic forms of lymphoma is often more difficult and less rewarding. Alimentary lymphoma, if localized, can be treated effectively with surgical removal and combination chemotherapy. However, with diffuse involvement of the intestinal tract, low constitutional reserve and severe malabsorption of nutrients and loss of proteins often results in poor clinical responses and short survival times (ie, <3 mo). The use of combination chemotherapy can afford dogs with mediastinal lymphoma considerable improvement in survival times and quality-of-life scores, but the expected median duration of remission is ~6 mo for them. Lymphoma involving other extranodal sites such as the skin, can be managed with combination therapies including surgery, radiation, and systemic chemotherapy; however, the development of progressive worsening of the disease is common.

Adapted from the Merck Veterinary Manual....

BREED OF THE WEEK

Cat Breed: LaPerm

Appearance: This increasingly popular cat breed is best known for the unusual curly coat for which it's named. "LaPerm" means wavy or rippled and, according to the LaPerm Society of America, even the LaPerm's whiskers are curly. The LaPerm's distinctive coat comes in a range of lengths, from short and wavy to long with corkscrew curls, notes the Cat Fanciers' Association. Likewise, the LaPerm's coat comes in all recognized colors and patterns.

History: The LaPerm breed was developed from humble, barn cat stock. In 1982, a bald kitten was born on an Oregon farm. Within eight weeks, according to the CFA, the kitten began to grow a very soft, curly coat. At the time, the farmer decided the cat was simply an anomaly. However, when an increasing number of bald, then curly-haired kittens appeared in future litters, the farmer decided to start controlling the breeding of the unusual cats.

Personality: Aside from its curly coat, another hallmark of the breed is the LaPerm's extremely social personality. According to the LPSA, LaPerms seek out human contact and love to rub their faces against their owner's face and neck. The CFA describes the LaPerm as an active breed, but one that is also quite content to be a lap kitty. On the whole, the LaPerm is reported to be a fairly quiet breed -- if you don't count its constant purring. LaPerms are also noted to be highly intelligent, often learning to play fetch and perform tricks.

What Fans Say: LaPerm Society of America webmaster Cathy Hurley says about her LaPerm: "I have a shorthaired LaPerm named Brisco; he is the sweetest, most loving cat I have ever had. He loves to follow me wherever I go, and he is a very good traveler. Brisco is always there to greet me at the door and cuddle with me at night. His fur is wavy and feels very airy and springy, but the best thing about the LaPerm is its wonderful people-oriented personality."


Breed information from PawNation.com....

PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK

1)  As all feline lovers know, odors from the litter box or the occasional accident can overwhelm the house with that dreaded cat urine smell.  Although cat owners may feel like the fearful odor is an unsolvable problem, a number of products can help restore a clean, fresh scent to households.  The folks at Zootoo.com have put together a list of 5 products they feel will help you deal with the problem of cat urine odors:  http://www.pawnation.com/2011/01/12/zootoo-review-5-great-products-for-getting-rid-of-cat-urine-sm/ 

After each product, click on the blue type and you will be taken to that information page.

2) Many pet owners use the trick of wrapping or crushing medicines and vitamins in food to help maintain pet health. Fortunately, certain pet treats now offer extra ingredients to promote wellness and help your four-legged friends thrive. Our pals at Zootoo.com rounded up their favorite pet treats with a little "something extra" to boost your pet's health. They present beneficial elements -- from antioxidants to arthritic pain relief -- in tasty packages: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/12/22/zootoo-review-5-pet-treats-with-something-extra/

GENERAL INTEREST 

1) For any of you dog owners who have some spare cash remaining after the holidays, you might be interested in one of these "high dollar" dog houses.  To see these (8 Beautiful Modern Dog Houses From $145 - $1500), go to: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/12/28/8-beautiful-modern-dog-houses-from-145-1500/

Even if you cannot justify buying one of these, they may give you some ideas for the future.

2) Have you ever wondered about signs that say, BEWARE OF DOG, and the legal ramifications of displaying such a sign?  According to this consumer advisor at the Arizona Republic, the sign might be a good idea: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/2011/01/02/20110102biz-cherry0103.html

3) Do you think your pet shows signs of having a 6th sense?  You know, they might be able to let you know that something is about to happen? According to a new poll conducted by the Associated Press and Petside.com, two-thirds of American pet owners believe their animal companions have a sixth sense that alerts them to future events or gives them insight into their owners.  For more information on this phenomenon, go to: http://www.pawnation.com/2011/01/12/majority-of-americans-believe-pets-have-psychic-powers/

4) Perhaps it's time to put aside the time-worn phrase, "A dog is a man's best friend," in favor of ..."a woman's best friend"?  Also, the phrase "working like a dog" has never been more literal than in the English town of Coventry where a 4-year-old dog named Sandie is a regular "growl Friday" for her disabled owner, Sue Line.  Sandie, a crossbreed between a Sheltie-collie mom and a Staffordshire bull terrier dad, has been doing practically everything for Line since the pooch was a tender 3 months old, including the shopping, the washing and even paying for groceries.  This is a great story: http://www.aolnews.com/2011/01/13/this-dog-is-a-womans-best-friend-housekeeper-and-personal-shop/

5) In the war on roadside bombs, the Pentagon has spent billions on everything from radio-signal jammers to robots, but there's one tool that's beaten them all -- dogs.  Now, instead of trying to come up with a technology that's better than dogs, Navy scientists are focusing on how to make the bomb-sniffing dogs work better.  To learn more about this ongoing research, go to: http://www.aolnews.com/2011/01/13/nothing-sniffs-out-roadside-bombs-like-a-dogs-nose/

SPORTS NEWS

The Pittsburgh Steelers came from behind to beat the Ravens in a tough game.  The outcome was in doubt until the very end of the game.  Then, in a most improbable game, the NY Jets upset the Patriots.  That allows the Steelers to host the Jets next Sunday for the AFC Championship.  Granted, the Jets won't be easy to beat...but, the Patriots would have been even tougher to beat.  We also owe the Jets for when they beat us 4 weeks ago...with the winner going to the Super Bowl.

Ohio State's mens' basketball team should move into the #1 spot in the rankings since Duke lost this past week.  Pitt's mens' basketball team is still in the top 5.

PERSONAL STUFF

Desperado and Helpful Buckeye are beginning their quest this week to see new parts of Arizona.  Arizona is such a diverse state in many ways...it is NOT just a big desert.  Our goal is to see something new each month.  More on this as it develops....

"Animals are such agreeable friends, they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms."--George Eliot, British writer (Silas Marner)

Whether sniffing out bombs or doing the chores for an incapacitated woman, dogs still want to be around a human that cares for them.

~~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.~~

WHAT YOUR PETS ARE EATING, PART 2

Hopefully, the introduction last week to what your pets are eating has stoked your interest enough that you just can't wait to learn more about the various important nutrients your pets require. Instead of "must see" TV, our readers have made this the "must read" blog! Thanks for your continued interest and loyalty. The next part of What Your Pets Are Eating will appear a little further down the page.

With many of our readers still considering what presents to buy for that certain someone, the Humane Society of the United States has this pertinent "Holiday" advice: Finally, think twice before giving an animal as a gift. "The recipient of your furry gift may not be ready for the commitment involved with the lifetime care of a pet," says Betsy McFarland, The HSUS' senior director, companion animals. "Instead of a puppy among the presents, give the gift of adoption. Many shelters offer adoption gift certificates so the recipient can be actively involved in choosing the perfect pet who will share their home for years to come." When you stop to think about all the hustle and bustle surrounding the Holidays, it's easy to imagine a new puppy or kitten being slighted for attention.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has made available a new widget for inclusion in blogs such as Questions On Dogs and Cats. This widget will be located in the column to the left and will allow our readers to regularly check for "Tips and Updates" from the FDA relating to pet health and safety. The widget will include topics such as how to report a problem with pet food, purchasing pet drugs online and caring for a pet during a disaster. The widget also allows users to access content on the FDA's Web site without having to leave another site or Web page. As Helpful Buckeye has stated at the top of each issue of this blog, one of our goals is to "enrich the owner/pet relationship," and this will be one more way to ensure reaching that goal. Spend a couple of minutes checking it out and be sure to let Helpful Buckeye know your impressions of the additional site. For comments and/or questions, e-mail Helpful Buckeye at dogcatvethelp@gmail.com or submit a comment, where prompted, at the end of this issue.

This will be the last week for you to vote for Helpful Buckeye on the People's HealthBlogger Awards at Wellsphere, as the voting ends on December 15th. To vote, simply click on the "Vote Now!" on the Wellsphere icon in the column to the left. Thanks to all of you who have already voted!

The polling question from last week about any of your pets ever being involved in a recall of a pet treat or pet food revealed that 8 readers responded "Yes" and 11 responded "No." Hopefully, the ones who said yes did not have a pet that died from the incident. Be sure to answer this week's poll question in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

1) As reported by the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2 more cats have died from infection with the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus, 1 in Pennsylvania and 1 in Oregon: http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/default.asp

2) Also, from the AVMA, comes this advice about amphibians being a possible source of Salmonella infection: http://www.avma.org/public_health/salmonella/amphibians.asp

In addition, the advice continues: In the movies, kissing a frog can result in a prince. But, as the disclaimer often says, "Do not try this at home." Frogs, like all amphibians and reptiles, can be a source of Salmonella infections in people. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) are reminding the public that instead of a prince, improper handling of amphibians and reptiles—and that includes kissing a frog—can result in a nasty illness. For the rest of this news release, go to: http://www.avma.org/press/releases/091211_amphibian_reptile_salmonella.asp

Helpful Buckeye is aware that frogs aren't dogs or cats; however, a lot of our readers may well have a frog as a pet and this is important enough to mention.

WHAT YOUR PETS ARE EATING....a discussion of dog and cat nutrition, Part 2

This week, we'll start to talk about the various components of the food you should be feeding to your pets. When you look at the guaranteed analysis and ingredient portion of the information panel on your package/can of pet food, one of the first items listed will be protein.

Protein

Protein is required to increase and renew the nitrogen components of the body. A primary function of dietary protein is as a source of essential amino acids and nitrogen for the synthesis of the non-essential amino acids. The amount of protein required depends on the age of the animal and the quality of the protein. The amount differs significantly for dogs and cats, with cats needing almost double what dogs need. The quality of a protein is determined by the number and types of essential amino acids it contains, its digestibility, and how easily the pet's body being able to metabolize it.

The dietary need for protein is satisfied when the dog's metabolic need for amino acids and nitrogen is satisfied. Optimal diets for dogs will contain 20-25% protein as dry matter for growing puppies and 10-15% for mature dogs. Cats will require 25-30% when still growing and about 20% when mature. Protein in cat food must have enough taurine to aid in prevention of certain eye and heart degenerative problems. Protein requirements of dogs and cats will vary with age, activity levels, temperament, life stage, and health status.

Without sufficient energy available from the fat and carbohydrate portion of the diet, dietary protein that is normally used for growth or maintenance of body functions is then less efficiently used to provide energy. In this way, these 3 vital components of the diet need to be in a proper balance. The higher the biological value of a protein, the less protein needed in the diet to supply the essential amino acid requirements. Egg has been designated as the highest biologic value, followed by organ and skeletal meat, then vegetable proteins. Most commercial pet foods contain a combination of cereal (vegetable) and meat proteins.

The signs of protein deficiency or protein imbalance in your pet's diet could include weight loss, skeletal muscle atrophy (wasting away) in dogs, dull or unkempt hair coat, loss of appetite, reproductive disorders, low-grade infections, and a failure to properly respond to treatment of an injury or disease.

Fats

A fat is a very concentrated source of energy, yielding more than 2 times as much energy as an equivalent portion of protein or carbohydrate. As much as 60% of the calories in a cat's diet may come from fat. In general, as the fat content of a diet increases, so does the caloric density and palatability (taste). Increase in palatability can lead to excess consumption which can then lead to obesity...we've all heard this story before, huh? Animal fats are the most digestible component of the diet and the addition of too much dietary fat may result in excessive energy intake followed by decreased intakes of protein, minerals, and certain vitamins.

Dietary fat also makes easier the absorption, storage, and transport of the fat-soluble vitamins...A, D, E, and K.

Most dog foods will have less than 20% fat content, depending on the purpose of the diet...work, stress, growth, and lactation (milk production in nursing mothers).

Essential fatty acid deficiencies in good quality, commercial diets are very rare in dogs and cats, but are more likely to occur in homemade or unbalanced diets. These deficiencies could cause dry, scaly, lusterless hair coat; inactivity; and reproductive disorders.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates in pet foods will include low and high-molecular weight sugars, starches, and various plant cell wall and fibers. In cats, carbohydrates apparently are not essential to the diet when ample protein and fats are included. Increased levels of crude fiber from plant sources can increase fecal output.

This will leave vitamins and minerals for next week's discussion, which will then finish up with a comparison of dry foods, canned foods, soft-moist foods, and home-cooked diets. Be there or be square!







NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

Questions On Dogs and Cats has previously presented at least 3 discussions on winter safety tips for your pets: http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2008/11/winter-is-begun-here-now.html

http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2009/02/darwin-and-lincoln.html

http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2009/11/decreasing-disease-risks-for-your-dogs.html

but one more rendering of that topic would be appropriate at this time of the year, especially in light of the 39" snowfall we had in Flagstaff this past week. The Humane Society of the United States offers this short list of considerations to help you avoid winter problems with your dogs and cats:

• Don't leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops. Dogs and cats are safer indoors, except when taken out for supervised exercise. Regardless of the season, short-haired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.


• Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.


• Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.


• The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet and may be harmful if ingested. Wipe the feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them to remove snow packed between your pet's paws. Pet-friendly ice melts are available at many pet supply stores across the nation or online.


• Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that can attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol, which is less toxic in small amounts than traditional ethylene glycol antifreeze.


• No matter what the temperature, wind chill can threaten a pet's life. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If your dog spends significant time outdoors, however, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.


• If you're feeding homeless cats, be sure to provide an insulated shelter for them. Information about building a shelter, spaying and neutering and more is available at humanesociety.org/issues/feral_cats.

This last word from The HSUS about your dog and/or cat: The best prescription for winter's woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time. Dogs and cats are social animals who crave human companionship. Your animal companions deserve to live indoors with you and your family. PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK

1) If you haven't yet finished your holiday shopping for friends, your pets, or yourself, take a look at the HSUS PetFulfillment Store: http://hsus.petfulfillment.com/index.php?shop=dog

2) Then, go over to this web site if you're looking for gifts for a cat: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/11/gifts-for-cats/

3) Likewise, there are many offerings for your favorite dog at: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/11/gifts-for-dogs/

4) Lastly, since this section deals with "products," Helpful Buckeye thought our readers would be interested in seeing the first public advertisement for a dog flu vaccine: http://www.doginfluenza.com/ Remember, this is not the same influenza virus as the Swine Flu, but it is still something about which you might want to consult with your veterinarian.

GENERAL INTEREST

1) This interesting report from the UPI indicates that the current worldwide flu distribution may also affect prices for certain dinner recipes:

Ginger prices rise on flu fears
BEIJING (UPI) -- Ginger prices could skyrocket this year because of a supply shortage coupled with an increase in demand during flu season, a Chinese research firm said. Wholesale prices for ginger prices have increased 85 percent so far this year and could go the way of garlic prices, which increased by 1,500 percent since March, Global Markets China Research said in a release Thursday. Garlic and ginger are believed by many Chinese to have health benefits that include flu-fighting properties, the firm said. Ginger prices began to rise after a 3-year drop, which led many farmers to stop growing ginger and turn to more profitable crops. That has led to a shortage in ginger supplies at a time when demand is increasing, Global Markets said. Ginger and garlic also are two of the most important ingredients in the cuisines of India, China, Thailand and Japan.


2) For our readers who already run (jog) with their dogs and for those who might be contemplating doing so, here is a nice overview of considerations to think about: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/10/running-with-dogs-what-you-need-to-know/

3) For the first of 3 amazing tales (tails?) about a dog or cat being rescued following a harrowing experience, read about this dog which had been marooned on an island, not far from its home, for 98 days: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/11/dog-missing-for-98-days-on-deserted-island-reunited-with-family/

No, this didn't occur in the South Pacific...but rather, along the coast of New Jersey. Perhaps Buddy should be re-named Robinson Crusoe???

4) Secondly, this cat survived being closed in a container on a freighter for 2 weeks on a voyage from Egypt to England: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/09/trapped-cat-survives-three-thousand-mile-journey/

5) Lastly, Millie, an Australian Shepherd, was rescued after spending 2 weeks in a closed storm drain in Utah: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/08/rescued-dog-home-after-weeks-in-storm-drain/

Isn't it amazing that these stories would all show up at the same time?

6) Twenty-nine years ago this past week, the 8th of December, John Lennon was murdered in New York City. Helpful Buckeye can still remember learning of this tragedy while watching Monday Night Football, with Howard Cosell breaking the news. With the Holiday Season upon us, take a few minutes and watch/listen to John Lennon's contribution to our compendium of Holiday music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUCbZhIfQbA&feature=related

SPORTS NEWS

The Pittsburgh Steelers are even more DOA this week than they were last week!
PERSONAL STUFF

Desperado and Helpful Buckeye continued our Holiday movie fest this week by watching White Christmas, Love Actually, Elf, and The Holiday. It's tough duty, but somebody has to do it!

Helpful Buckeye shoveled 39" of snow from the driveway on Monday and Tuesday...with a little help from Desperado. Not bad for the first snow of the season!

Saw this ad in a local newspaper this week: Christmas sale...Handmade gifts for the hard-to-find person.

Thinking back to my early years in western Pennsylvania, where we always seemed to be walking "uphill" in deep snows, this past week brings to mind this short, but meaningful, quote from George Herbert: "Every mile is two in winter."

Whether you're going one mile or two this holiday season, do it carefully!

~~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.~~

UPPER RESPIRATORY DISEASE AND YOUR CAT....

Media coverage and conversation just can't seem to get away from the "flu"...both the annual influenzas and H1N1 (Swine Flu). We are presented with a barrage of information, ranging from the availability of vaccines to mortality statistics to more crossovers of H1N1 from humans to cats and ferrets. Where will it end? Influenza viruses have been around for a long time and have been shown to be very active in their evolutionary development. As these viruses evolve, they can present new challenges to their respective hosts. That's the main reason for the variations necessary in your yearly flu vaccine.

Now that influenza viruses have shown up in dogs and cats, a new diagnostic and medical challenge awaits those who care for these pets. In much the same manner as humans trying to tell the difference between the flu and a good, "old-fashioned" cold, a pet owner might be confused between a typical upper respiratory disease and one of the newer influenza infections. Dog Influenza (http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2009/08/dogs-get-flu-too.html) might be initially confused with Kennel Cough, which Helpful Buckeye discussed in last week's issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats (http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2009/11/kennel-cough-and-your-dog.html). Likewise, a cat that has contracted H1N1...Swine Flu, as did a cat recently in Iowa, may be hard to distinguish from a cat suffering from Upper Respiratory Disease Complex.

As Helpful Buckeye has advocated since our first issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats, back in May 2008, a well-informed pet owner will make much better decisions concerning the health of their dogs and cats. This week's issue will present an overview of upper respiratory diseases in cats.


Helpful Buckeye received several e-mails about last week's topic of Kennel Cough in dogs, most of which were nicely summarized by this comment from "K" in Singapore: "I'm writing in regards to your article on kennel cough. The article is very helpful and I wish I had known more about it before my pups caught it." Hopefully, our readers will pick up several tidbits of helpful knowledge each week that will help them to either prevent or avoid many of the diseases that confront our dogs and cats.

Our poll question from last week produced 24 responses, both online and by e-mail. There were 14 respondents who have had a dog diagnosed with kennel cough and 10 who were really fortunate to have avoided this aggravating disease. Remember to answer this week's poll question in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

1) In keeping with our opening theme, the Mayo Clinic had presented this comparison for use in determining whether you might have the flu or just a cold: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/flu-symptoms/FU00013

2) The ASPCA has announced a new research effort directed at Canine Influenza:

Groundbreaking Canine Influenza Study Spearheaded by ASPCA

Last week, the ASPCA announced the launch of a three-year research study of the Canine Influenza Virus, a highly contagious respiratory illness. Funded by the Morris Animal Foundation, the groundbreaking study—conducted by Dr. Miranda Spindel, ASPCA Director of Veterinary Outreach, and Dr. Gabriele Landolt of Colorado State University's Department of Clinical Sciences—will help animal shelters develop effective testing and control methods to limit the transmission of the disease. "Canine influenza is a newly emerging disease that does not discriminate by breed or age," says Dr. Spindel. "The virus is easily transmitted between dogs housed in close contact with each other, and is especially problematic for animal shelters. This study seeks to address this vulnerable population.” First identified as a respiratory pathogen in 2004, CIV has spread widely among dogs in the United States. The virus is transmitted in droplets created by coughing and sneezing, and other symptoms include fever, rapid breathing, loss of appetite and lethargy. With proper and timely treatment, the disease’s fatality rate is quite low.

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Following the discussion last week of Kennel Cough in dogs, Helpful Buckeye got several e-mails from cat owners inquiring about whether cats can catch Kennel Cough and if there are comparable diseases in cats. The answer to the first question, at least for now, is a simple "No" and "Yes"....

By that, "No" means that the Kennel Cough complex of infectious agents has not been shown to occur in cats; however, the "Yes" refers to recent findings of the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria being discovered in the upper respiratory tract of a few cats. So, until some involvement of the Parainfluenza virus is established, cats will not be afflicted with Kennel Cough.

The answer to the second question is a most definite "Yes." Even though the infectious agents are different, cats do suffer from upper respiratory diseases, some of which present a greater challenge to your cat than Kennel Cough does to your dog.

Feline Upper Respiratory Disease Complex

Feline upper respiratory disease complex includes those illnesses typified by runny nose, conjunctivitis, excessive tear production, salivation, and oral ulcerations. The principal diseases, feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) and feline calicivirus (FCV) infections, affect exotic cats as well as domestic species. Feline pneumonitis ( Chlamydophila [formerly known as Chlamydia] psittaci ) appears to be of lesser importance. FVR and FCV are host-specific agents and pose no known human risk of infection. Chlamydophila has been reported to cause conjunctivitis in humans. FVR and FCV account for about 90% of upper respiratory infections in cats and there can actually be simultaneous infection with both viruses.

Natural transmission of these agents occurs by way of aerosol droplets produced by sneezing and coughing, contact with the discharge from the eyes and nose of an infected cat, and contact with contaminated food dishes, hands, and bedding. Cats that have recovered from either of these infections can harbor the virus for months, with FCV being shed continuously and FVR being shed intermittently.

Signs and Symptoms

It can often be impossible to differentiate between infections with FVR and FCV. However, there are several differences that can help identify which infection is present:

• Sneezing is common with FVR...uncommon with FCV


• Oral ulcers are rare with FVR...common with FCV


• FVR rarely progresses to pneumonia...FCV commonly includes pneumonia


• FVR can cause abortions...FCV does not


• High fevers (105 degrees) common with FVR...no consistent pattern with FCV


• Severe loss of appetite with FVR...only mild appetite loss with FCV


• Severe depression is common with FVR...only mild depression seen with FCV

Chlamydophila infections usually involve conjunctivitis, with some occasional sneezing and fever. They can progress from just a watery eye discharge to that of a mucus and pus combination.
Treatment

As with many viral diseases, treatment for FVR and FCV is mostly symptomatic and supportive. If there are secondary bacterial implications, antibiotics (either oral or for the eyes) may be included in the treatment plan. Supportive treatment would include:

• Keeping the eyes and nostrils clear of discharge


• Increasing humidity with a vaporizer...or putting the cat in a closed bathroom with a hot shower running


• Keeping the cat warm and quiet


• Correct dehydration by running fluids


• Force-feeding if necessary...either by running fluids or by installation of a feeding tube

Due to the very contagious nature of these viruses, cats with FVR and FCV usually should not be hospitalized unless they are quite ill and if they can be placed in some type of isolation.

Prevention

Prevention of FVR, FCV, and Chlamydophila can be greatly enhanced by the proper use of vaccinations against these agents. There are several different types of vaccines available and your veterinarian can suggest which will be best for your situation. None of these vaccines is 100% effective as vaccinated cats can still be infected with the viruses. These cats will usually only show very mild forms of the diseases but they can still be chronic carriers. For prevention of these diseases in groups of cats, additional control measures are advised. Routine vaccinations should be given to all cats, while new cats should be vaccinated and kept in isolation for at least three weeks. Multiple-cat households should be kept thoroughly clean, with overcrowding being avoided. Any suspected carriers of these viruses should be removed from the population and kept in isolation.

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

1) Part 3 of the ASPCA's winter health tips for your pets is here.

Cat Survives 2-Mile Ride in Car Engine: Points to Winter Danger

Recently, the country was mesmerized by the story of a tan-and-white Tabby cat from the Bronx, NY, who survived an unusual ordeal: a two-mile drive through his northern NYC borough, while stuck inside the engine of an SUV. The stray was so severely wedged inside that the battery and other engine parts had to be removed in order to free him. Though the story has a happy ending—two detectives from the NYPD's Emergency Service Unit pulled the cat, who is now recovering nicely, to safety—the incident points to a winter phenomenon that many felines do not survive.

During the winter, ASPCA experts explain, it’s common for outdoor cats to sleep under the hoods of cars for warmth and protection. Once the motor is started, however, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan or fan belt. One solution is for owners of vehicles to bang loudly on the vehicle hood before starting the engine or blow the horn. This gives a sleeping cat the chance to escape or announce his presence by meowing or moving around.

The danger doesn’t only apply to strays, however. Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, ASPCA Executive Vice President, warns: "For their own benefit and for the benefit of the communities where they live, owned cats should not be allowed to roam freely outdoors."

Pet parents, be aware: there are many other dangers that our animal companions face during winter.

• Keep your cat inside. When outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. And cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.


• Engine coolant is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.


• If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, minimize his time outdoors—briefly take him out, and only to relieve himself. This includes puppies, who can be paper-trained during the colder months rather than housebroken.


• Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter—a longer coat will provide more warmth. And continue to brush your pet regularly during the winter months. This will remove dead hair and keep the coat clean to ensure better insulation. It will also keep natural oils distributed throughout the coat.

2) Thanksgiving Safety Tips From The ASPCA

‘Tis the season for friends, family and holiday feasts—but also for possible distress for our animal companions. Pets won’t be so thankful if they munch on undercooked turkey or a pet-unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink. Check out the following tips from ASPCA experts for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too.

• Talkin’ Turkey...If you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don't offer her raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria.


• Sage Advice...Sage can make your Thanksgiving stuffing taste delish, but it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils.


• No Bread Dough...Don't spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him raw bread dough. According to ASPCA experts, when raw bread dough is ingested, an animal's body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring surgery.


• Don't Let Them Eat Cake...If you’re baking up Thanksgiving cakes, be sure your pets keep their noses out of the batter, especially if it includes raw eggs—they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.


• Too Much of a Good Thing...A few small boneless pieces of cooked turkey, a taste of mashed potato or even a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn’t pose a problem. However, don't allow your pets to overindulge, as they could wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. In fact, it’s best keep pets on their regular diets during the holidays.


• A Feast Fit for a Kong...While the humans are chowing down, give your cat and dog their own little feast. Offer them rawhide strips, Nylabones or made-for-pet chew bones. Or stuff their usual dinner—perhaps with a few added tidbits of turkey, vegetables (try sweet potato or green beans) and dribbles of gravy—inside a Kong toy. They’ll be happily occupied for awhile, working hard to extract their dinner from the toy.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Check out these dog and cat beds from Dog Gone Smart Bed: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/11/pet-product-review-dog-gone-smart-bed-its-smart-for-cats-too/ According to the ad, they are anti-odor, anti-stain, and anti-hair buildup. What more could a pet owner want?

GENERAL INTEREST

1) What better way to get started this week than with a bunch of "crazy" cats? Enjoy their antics at: http://www.evtv1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=15486

2) A Great Dane, named Titan, has been selected as the World's Tallest Dog by Guinness World Records: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/13/titan-the-great-dane-named-worlds-tallest-dog/ Helpful Buckeye wonders if this is considered the same as the "biggest" or the "largest" dog in the world. Uncertainty in terminology....

3) Apparently the powers that be in the United Kingdom have decided that it will no longer be tolerated for a dog owner to let their dog become obese. One obese dog was confiscated from his owner and another owner was fined the equivalent of $1900 for allowing his dog to be 100 lb. over its normal weight. Read the news story at: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/10/obese-dog-confiscated-from-owner/

4) We always hear about child-proofing a home, but here's your opportunity to learn more about cat-proofing your home: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/02/how-to-cat-proof-your-home/ There are 6 areas of interest in the home that this article covers.

5) The United Bamboo Cat Calendar presents some cats in interesting poses, wearing unexpected apparel: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/10/united-bamboos-cat-calendar/

6) Cat owners are known to wonder what their cat does all day when home alone. The folks at Purina have taken a first step toward providing some answers. Purina Friskies recently undertook a study to find out what cats do all day when they're home alone. They fitted 50 indoor cats with collar cameras to get a cat's eye view of the world. To learn about their findings, go to: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/13/what-do-cats-do-all-day-just-ask-them/

7) This past Tuesday, 10 November, was the 26th birthday of Microsoft's Windows operating system. The first Windows operating system was released in 1983 and has gone through many upgrades, with Windows 7 just being released back in October. Most of us are using Windows, for better or for worse, as we share our interests in dogs and cats.

SPORTS NEWS
The Pittsburgh Steelers ran into an unexpectedly tough Cincinnati Bengal team today and lost the game, for their second loss to the Bengals this year. Perhaps the Bengals are for real? This loss puts a slight damper on playoff considerations.

The San Antonio Spurs are still close to the lead in their division, which isn't too bad considering they have been without Tim Duncan and Tony Parker.

PERSONAL STUFF

The Four Musketeers galloped into Scottsdale, AZ, and toured Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West this past week on a beautiful day.
From Robert Louis Stevenson, Scottish novelist and poet: "A friend is a gift you give to yourself"...Aramis, Porthos, Athos, and d'Artagnan....

Robert Louis Stevenson also contributed this quote, which reflects part of our stated goal for Questions On Dogs and Cats: "All speech, written or spoken, is a dead language, until it finds a willing and prepared hearer." Helpful Buckeye strives to help our readers be "willing and prepared hearers" so that your dogs and cats can benefit from your knowledge.

~~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.~~

KENNEL COUGH AND YOUR DOG....

The last few weeks have been very interesting for veterinary medicine. First, we learned of two pet ferrets that had come down with swine flu, most likely contracted from their owners. Both of the ferrets died. Then, this week, a pet cat in Iowa was treated at Iowa State University veterinary hospital for swine flu. The cat has since recovered. A couple of people in the cat's household had been experiencing flu-like symptoms before the cat became sick. What does this all mean for you and your cats and dogs? Helpful Buckeye has already discussed swine flu in a previous issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats, at: http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2009/05/swine-flu-and-your-pets.html and these recent events have required an update to that information. That update will be presented in the "Current News" section below. In the meantime, be alert for the swine flu virus:

Helpful Buckeye was surprised by how many of our readers had either read the book or seen the movie, Marley & Me. There were 26 responses, both at this site and by e-mail and 18 of those had read the book AND seen the movie! Remember to answer this week's poll question in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

1) The Food & Drug Administration, as reported by the American Veterinary Medical Association, has issued an alert about the insulin product, Vetsulin, from Schering-Plough Animal Health. The concern is that the concentration of the active ingredient may have variations between formulations. If your pet is using this product, read more about it at: http://www.avma.org/aa/vetsulin_091102.asp

2) The FDA, through the AVMA, has also issued a recall for pig ear and beef hooves pet treats. These pet treats, produced by Pet Carousel, may be contaminated with Salmonella organisms. The affected products are as follows: Pet Carousel Pig ear pet treats...Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel Beef hooves pet treats...Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight. For more information on these products, go to: http://www.avma.org/petfoodsafety/recalls/2009/pet_carousel_091105.asp

3) The AVMA has released a new public health statement this week to address new information about swine flu and its effects on household pets. Take a few minutes to read the questions and answers so that you will be aware of the important new recommendations: http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/new_flu_virus_faq_pet_owners.asp

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Helpful Buckeye has received just about as many e-mails about kennel cough in dogs as for any other pet disease. Since kennel cough is the most common upper respiratory ailment seen in dogs, many of our readers have most likely experienced it with their dogs.

Kennel cough, known medically as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious disease in dogs. It is found worldwide and probably will infect a very high percentage of all dogs at some point in their lifetime. The disease became known as kennel cough since it usually showed up soon after a dog had been boarded in a kennel. We now know that, due to the highly contagious nature of the causative agents of the disease, dogs can also become infected at vaccination clinics, obedience classes, local dog parks, animal shelters, veterinary hospital waiting rooms, and grooming parlors. Kennel cough is the most prevalent upper respiratory ailment of dogs in the USA.

Kennel cough usually begins as a result of inflammation of the upper airways. It is currently thought that this inflammation occurs mainly from an inhalation of canine parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus, or even canine distemper virus. The damage to the linings of the upper airways by these viruses can then allow certain bacteria to complicate the already bothersome viral infection. The most common bacteria to do so is Bordetella bronchiseptica, a close relative of B. pertussis, the cause of human whooping cough. The illness spreads rapidly among susceptible dogs which are in close confinement, particularly if they are stressed by extremes in ventilation, temperature, and humidity. Both the viral and bacterial components are mainly spread through the air by infected dogs which are sneezing and coughing. They are also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and through direct contact with infected dogs.

Signs and Symptoms

The first sign of a kennel cough infection is usually a dry, hacking cough, which may be followed by a lot of gagging or retching. There may also be sneezing and snorting. The dog’s owner will frequently describe this as “my dog sounds like it has something stuck in its throat.” Any or all of these signs may be easily brought on by exercise, excitement, or simply rubbing on the dog’s windpipe. In most cases of kennel cough, it is considered to be a self-limiting disease and the dog will recover on its own, without any medical intervention. Most of these dogs will maintain their level of activity and a normal appetite, in spite of the frequent fits of coughing. They usually don’t have a fever or show any listlessness. Puppies and adult dogs with compromised immune systems from other problems are most likely to suffer more serious complications as a result of kennel cough. The main and most serious complication is bronchopneumonia, which would be accompanied by a fever, lack of appetite, lethargy, and a productive cough.

Treatment

Due to the self-limiting nature of uncomplicated kennel cough, most of these dogs will not need to receive any treatment while they are recovering. Ideally, they will be kept at home, away from other dogs that might be susceptible. Limiting exercise and any form of excitement should help to reduce the “tickling” feeling in their windpipes that brings on the spasms of coughing. Most veterinarians now feel that uncomplicated cases of kennel cough should not be treated with antibiotics. If these dogs need anything at all, it might be beneficial to use a cough suppressant or a bronchodilator, but only on the advice of your veterinarian. For the more complicated or chronic cases, your veterinarian may recommend antibiotics in order to deal with the secondary bacterial components of the infection. The more seriously affected dogs and those with probable bronchopneumonia will need to be hospitalized in order to be more closely monitored.

Prevention

The best way to prevent your dog from contracting kennel cough is to not expose your dog to other dogs. However, in many situations, this cannot be avoided. That being the case, then having your dog up-to-date on its vaccinations would be the next best protection. Most of the annual vaccines given by your veterinarian will include parainfluenza and adenovirus. The Bordetella vaccine is available as an injectable or an intranasal preparation. The important thing to remember about these vaccines is that your dog needs to have the vaccine several days before being exposed to any of those diseases in order for its immune system to build a decent response. If your dog is going to a boarding kennel or a dog show, don’t wait until the day before to have it vaccinated. Also, it must be pointed out that vaccination is not useful in a dog that is already incubating kennel cough. Spend a little time discussing your dog’s circumstances with your veterinarian in order to put together the proper vaccination program. Have your dog well-protected before a disease exposure moment arises.

There has been some recent research that seems to show that Bordetella bronchiseptica might cause disease in certain humans, especially young children and those with a compromised immune system. Normal, healthy adult humans do not appear to be at risk.

Please send any questions or comments to: dogcatvethelp@gmail.com or click on the comment icon at the end of this issue and leave your comment.

NON-MEDICAL CONDITIONS

1) "Clipnosis"…A new technique can calm cats in a veterinarian’s office and at home. Using clips to gently squeeze the skin at the back of a cat's neck before minor veterinary procedures or even a nail-trimming at home is an effective and pain-free way to humanely hold cats that might otherwise put up a fuss, according to a study conducted in the College of Veterinary Medicine of The Ohio State University. Read more about this new technique in the OSU Veterinary School newsletter at: http://vet.osu.edu/5732.htm

2) Part 2 of the ASPCA's winter health tips for your pets is here.

Top Ten Cold Weather Tips

Brrrr…it’s cold outside! The following guidelines will help you protect your companion animals when the mercury dips:

1. Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.


2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.


3. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.


4. Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.


5. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.


6. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.


7. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.


8. Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him—and his fur—in tip-top shape.


9. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center more information.


10. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

Part 3 of the ASPCA's winter health tips will appear next week.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

The QuickFinder and QuickFinder Deluxe are a new type of pet nail trimmer that will actually give you a red light or a green light when trimming your pet's nails. Red light...you're too close to the quick. Green light...you're safely away from the quick. Read about these at: http://www.quickfinderclipper.com/ Click on either product to learn about its availability.









GENERAL INTEREST

1) The Top 10 Pet-Safe Vehicles as determined by Edmunds.com and reported in Highroads magazine are (in alphabetical order):

1. Dodge Journey


2. Ford Flex


3. GMC Acadia


4. Hyundai Tucson


5. Jeep Liberty


6. Kia Borrego


7. Mazda 5


8. Mitsubishi Outlander


9. Subaru Tribeca


10. Volvo XC70

The criteria for making this list were pet safety restraints, tri-climate control, fold-flat rear seats, treat holders, and backup cameras.

2) Helpful Buckeye's Aunt Cathy in Florida sent this information about a web site that helps free food and care to be given to animal rescue shelters. Simply go to: http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3 and click on the purple icon to start the ball rolling. You can do this once a day. I checked snopes.com for the credibility of the web site and they declared it as "True."

3) According to a study by a Dublin university, Irish pet owners are much more fond of dogs than they are of cats. To find out some of the reasons, go to: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/02/dog-loving-irish-hate-cats-new-study-reveals/

4) ...But a hidden danger lurks in many lakes and ponds -- toxic blooms of blue-green algae that can be harmful to people and fatal to dogs. These toxins can be neurotoxins, hepatotoxins, and endotoxins. Several cases of human poisoning (and now this dog) have been documented but a lack of knowledge prevents an accurate assessment of the risks. Blue-green algae are probably best known for the extensive and highly visible blooms that can form in freshwater ponds and lakes and can have the appearance of blue-green paint or scum. The association of toxicity with such blooms has frequently led to the closure of recreational waters when blooms are observed. Officials in Minnesota last month warned residents to keep kids and pets away from suspicious looking lakes after linking the algae to the death of a 3-year old black Labrador Retriever, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. For the rest of the story, read: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/05/blue-green-algae-can-be-fatal-to-pets/

5) Due to the recent recall of certain pet treats as described earlier in this issue, perhaps our readers would like to try their hand at making some dog bone treats at home. That way, you can be a little more certain of the safety of the ingredients. For some easy dog bone recipes, go to: http://www.best-dog-treat-recipes.com/dog-bone-recipes-3.html and cursor down the page until you get to the list of 9 tasty recipes. Let us know if you try any of these and whether or not your pooch likes them.

For those of you seeking even more pet culinary challenges, you might want to get a copy of the book, The Ultimate Dog Treat Cookbook: Homemade Goodies for Man's Best Friend, which is available at: http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Dog-Treat-Cookbook-Homemade/dp/0764597736

6) Now that we've gotten the serious stuff taken care of, let's finish this section with a little "salsa"....

No, not the kind you dip your nachos into...this salsa is the dance. Turn on your speakers and check out this dog doing the salsa. You decide whether the dog needs more practice or not: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/06/salsa-dancing-dog/ Desperado gave the dog an "8" and Helpful Buckeye gave it a "9"....

SPORTS NEWS

The LA Dodgers announced that Manny Ramirez will be back again next year. That will only be good news if Manny stays away from the forbidden pharmaceuticals that got him suspended for 50 games this past season. He never did get back into his normal style of play after the suspension.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are playing in Denver tomorrow (Monday) night. A win in Denver would keep us in first place in our division, but Denver always seems to enjoy a big home field advantage.

The San Antonio Spurs have lost 2 games this week as they try to get more comfortable with the new players in their lineup.

PERSONAL STUFF

Helpful Buckeye ran into an unexpected change in biking plans this past week. My bike had a flat front tire while hanging on the rack...I pumped up the pressure to 60 lb...rode 35 miles with no problem...an hour after I got back home, the tire was flat again! When getting the problem diagnosed, my bike guru, Lionel, found a long sliver of glass actually puncturing the tire and the tube. Helpful Buckeye decided to go with a Kevlar replacement tire in case there may be more glass slivers in my future.

Galileo felt that discovering truth was important: "All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them." Questions On Dogs and Cats always attempts to help our readers discover some "truths" about their pets.

Albert Schweitzer, the German/French physician and philosopher, had this to say about certain "special" people: "In everyone's life at some time our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." If you have been rekindled by one of those people, take a minute to thank them this week....it's also very conceivable that a dog or a cat could have done the rekindling?

~~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.~~