Newsletter

An exercise partner makes hitting the gym and staying active fun, and a new study by the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine found that your dog may be the best exercise partner of all!

The study found that people who walk dogs exercise more consistently and show more improvement than people who walk with a human exercise partner. The study, conducted by the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction (ReCHAI) at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, focused on 54 older adults at an assisted living home. Of the participants, 35 were asked to walk five days a week for 12 weeks (the remaining 19 functioned as a control group). Among the walkers, 23 elected to walk with a friend or spouse; the other 12 partnered with a dog from a local animal shelter for the daily walks.

According to the researchers, those walking with dogs exercised more consistently than walkers with human partners. Rebecca A. Johnson, the director of the research institute, said that human partners often discouraged each other from exercise. However, the prospect of walking with a dog encouraged the other participants in the study to walk each day, she said.

Dog walkers also showed improvement in their physical mobility: the study found that walking speed among dog walkers increased by 28 percent, while walking speed among human walkers increased only by 4 percent. According to Johnson, by the end of the study, dog-walkers also were able to rely less on canes and walkers to help them get around.

A previous study conducted by ReCHAI found that when people are responsible for walking a dog, they exercise more and lose more weight - one ReCHAI study group lost an average of 14 pounds in one year, according to Johnson.

With obesity rates on the rise for both people and pets, regular exercise benefits both you and your canine companion. If you need to shed a few extra pounds, or simply need a nudge to get outside and be active, look to your dog for help. After all, he or she will never say no to a walk!

Guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, and rabbits often are called pocket pets. Over the last few years, the popularity of pocket pets has increased dramatically. This increase in popularity is due to several factors.

In today’s modern family, it is not unusual to have both adult members leaving for work early in the morning. Since no one is at home during the day, a dog is often an impractical pet. Aside from the fact that dogs need to be exercised and walked throughout the day, many residences and condominium communities do not allow dog and/or pet ownership.

Pocket pets have become popular due to the fact that they are small, cute, fuzzy, relatively inexpensive, and found at most local pet stores.

Small size and low cost do not mean that pocket pets can be neglected. To remain healthy, these little creatures need the same care and attention as other domestic pets. Often overlooked by most people, pocket pets can have very special nutritional and housing needs.

Housing

Proper housing is a major factor in keeping pocket pets healthy. Your pet’s house should be made of glass, stainless steel, or durable plastic. Avoid wood and other porous substances as they are difficult to disinfect properly. Also, remember that these little creatures are avid gnawers. They can easily destroy, or even escape from, a poorly constructed home.

The house should be large enough to allow the pet(s) room for exercise. The exact area needed depends upon the species and size of the pet. Be sure to provide an area where your pet can hide. A hide box gives the animal a safe refuge if scared.

Bedding materials should be nontoxic, dust free and absorbent. Wood shavings, ground corncob, or shredded butcher paper meets these criteria. All bedding should be changed at least twice a week. The entire area plus all of its furnishings should be cleaned and disinfected with a dilute chlorine-bleach solution once a week (one-part bleach to thirty-parts water).

Food and water

It is best to use ceramic food dishes to prevent damage from gnawing. This type of dish also is less likely to tip over, decreasing the chances of contaminating the food with urine or droppings. A water bottle with a sipper tube is preferred to a dish.

Good quality, fresh commercial food, appropriate for each species of pocket pet, should be the main part of your pet’s diet. Fresh foods such as green leafy vegetables, carrots, alfalfa sprouts or hay should also be fed three to five times a week. Many pocket pets do not tolerate sudden changes in diet, so be sure to introduce new foods gradually and in small amounts.

If you are feeding a balanced commercial diet, most pocket pets do not require vitamin or mineral supplements. However, it is recommended that guinea pigs receive additional vitamin C. Supplementation can be provided by adding 200 milligrams of vitamin C per quart of drinking water.

Handling

Pocket pets often are given to children as a first pet. However, the inexperienced child can easily mishandle these animals, resulting in injury to the pet or a potentially serious bite or scratch to the child. Adult supervision is recommended until the child gains experience in handling the pet.

Handling always should be gentle, but be sure that support is firm. Go slowly and try not to startle your pet before picking it up. If it is asleep, leave it alone or carefully awaken it first.

Signs of Illness

General signs of illness in pocket pets include:

• decreased appetite
• discharge from mouth, eyes or nose
• loose stools
• lethargy (inactivity)
• lumps or bumps
• flaky skin or hair loss

Call your veterinarian if your pet is showing any of these signs. However, it is best not to wait for disease symptoms to appear. Just like dogs and cats, pocket pets benefit from a yearly veterinary examination.

If you have questions concerning the specific needs and diseases of your pocket pet, please don’t hesitate to contact a staff member at your veterinary hospital.

Dental care is vital to your pet's health! If you've already established a dental care program for your pet, you're off to a great start. But if your pet hasn't received a dental exam from your veterinarian, it's time to get started. February is National Pet Dental Health Month, the perfect time to schedule a dental exam for your pet and develop a home care regimen for your best friend.

Why is dental care so important for your pet? Periodontal disease is the number one diagnosed problem in pets - by the age of two, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have periodontal disease in one form or another. The buildup of plaque and tartar on your pet's teeth leads to bacterial infections that can enter the bloodstream and infect other parts of your pet's body. Periodontal disease has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, osteoporosis and other problems.

The good news is that periodontal disease is easily prevented. Routine dental cleanings and a home dental care regimen can eliminate the plaque and tartar that lead to gum disease and oral infections. During a dental cleaning, your veterinarian also performs a complete oral examination of your pet. This includes screening for oral cancer, broken teeth and cavities. Spotting these problems early on makes them easier to treat and improves your pet's overall oral health.

Your pet's dental cleaning is more involved than the same process you go through at the dentist's office. Anesthesia is required to keep your pet still and comfortable during the procedure. Because of this, your pet undergoes a thorough physical examination before each dental cleaning. Laboratory blood tests, as well as other diagnostic procedures are also used to screen for potential problems and risks before anesthesia is administered. Using these results, we develop a safe anesthetic protocol specifically for your pet.

During a dental cleaning, tartar is removed from your pet's teeth with a hand scaler. Next, a periodontal probe is used to check for pockets under the gumline - where periodontal disease and bad breath start. An ultrasonic scaler is used to clean above the gumline and a curette is used to clean and smooth the teeth under the gumline and in the crevices. Finally, the teeth are polished and an anti-bacterial solution is used to help delay future tartar build-up.

Dental care doesn't end in your veterinarian's office. Brushing your pet's teeth at home is an added level of protection against gum disease. In order to be most effective, brushing must be done at least three times a week; however, daily brushing is ideal. Brushing your pet's teeth can be supplemented with antiseptic rinses. Some pet foods and treats are also effective in preventing plaque and tartar buildup. However, there is no substitute for regular brushing and professional dental cleanings.

Schedule a dental examination and cleaning for your pet today. Your best friend will thank you!

Mammary tumors are among the most common tumors in the cat. The average age of diagnosis is 10-12 years though it can be seen in cats of any age. Most affected cats are intact females, however, the disease is occasionally seen in spayed females and, rarely, in male cats. Almost 90 percent of feline mammary tumors are malignant, meaning they have the potential to spread to other portions of the body. Since malignant tumors tend to metastasize rapidly, containing the spread can be difficult and requires immediate attention.

To date, surgical excision at the earliest possible opportunity is the most effective therapy for any mammary tumor. If the tumor is benign, complete surgical excision is curative. If the tumor is malignant, post-surgical treatment with chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation therapy may be warranted. With conservative surgery, more than half of the cats have a recurrence at the surgical site. The most significant predictive factors affecting recurrence and survival times for cats with malignant mammary tumors are tumor size, extent of surgery, and the grade of the tumor.

Tumor size is the single most important factor. Cats with tumors larger than 3 cm in diameter have an average survival time of four to six months, whereas cats with tumors 2-3 cm in diameter have an average survival time of about two years. Cats with tumors less than 2 cm in diameter have an average survival time of over three years. Thus, since the size of the tumor clearly affects the survival time of the cat, early diagnosis and treatment is vital in cats with mammary tumors.

There are various treatment options for a cat diagnosed with a malignant mammary tumor. However, since size and grade of mammary tumors vary, some treatments may not be an option. Consult your veterinarian to find the best treatment for your cat.

Congratulations on your new family member! If you are new to pet ownership or a seasoned veteran, it is important to stay up to date on proper care for your new puppy or kitten.

The Importance of Nutrition

Proper nutrition is extremely important for the health of your growing puppy or kitten. For this reason, we recommend a quality food that is specially balanced for your pet's needs. Because nutrition is such an important part of good pet health, we cannot emphasize the need to feed a puppy or kitten enough quality food. When you bring your new pet in for its first examination, be sure to ask us about the diet you are feeding to make sure it is appropriate for your pet's nutritional needs.

Canned Food vs. Dry Food

This question has been steadily debated for years, "Should I feed my pet canned or dry food?" The truth is that feeding canned or dry food is a matter of personal choice and pet preference. It is important to understand that dry and canned foods are nutritionally equal. However, there are some facts that may help you in your decision making. Dry food tends to be more economical, it doesn't spoil as easily, and it is better for tartar control and tooth strength. Canned food tends to be more flavorful and provides higher moisture content. Your decision to feed canned or dry food is going to be dependent upon what you and your pet wants. Keep in mind that you can also mix canned and dry food to successfully combine economy and taste!

When to Feed Your New Pet

It is very important that your new puppy or kitten be fed at regular intervals to help prevent episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Small breed puppies and all kittens should be fed three or four times daily after being weaned from their mothers. This should continue until around three or four months of age. At this point, you can reduce their feedings to twice daily. Larger breed puppies tend to do well on a twice daily feeding schedule. Before you commit to a feeding schedule for your puppy or kitten, be sure to ask your veterinarian which schedule is right for your pet. Feeding schedules become very important when housebreaking becomes an issue. Because young animals associate feeding with their need to eliminate, planning a good feeding schedule proves very helpful in housebreaking.

Vaccination Schedule

Vaccinations (Immunizations) are essential to the health of your pet. The most important vaccines for a pup or kitten are the series of vaccines that he or she receives post-weaning. It is critical to establish and maintain a firm vaccination schedule in order to maximize immunity against a host of debilitating and possibly deadly viruses and bacteria. When you bring your new pet in for its initial examination, a vaccination schedule is planned. For your pet's protection, it is necessary to follow this schedule rigorously. In general, puppies and kittens should be seen several times for examinations and vaccinations, completing the series at about four months of age. During this time, your pet should be provided with de-worming medication and have several fecal examinations in order to ensure that it is free from intestinal parasites. While your puppy or kitten is undergoing its initial series of vaccines, you should try to avoid exposing him or her to other dogs or cats. You should also avoid high traffic areas (streets, parks, and levees) until the vaccination series is complete. Even though your pet may have begun its series of vaccinations, he or she is still susceptible to diseases until all the vaccinations are completed.

Heartworm Preventative

Heartworm Infection is a very serious problem in both dogs and cats. Heartworms are blood parasites that are transmitted by mosquito bites. Once an animal is infected with heartworm, serious damage to the lungs, heart, liver and kidneys can result. The damage caused by heartworm can easily be fatal. If diagnosed early, heartworm disease can be treated. Though there is a treatment for heartworm, the treatment itself can be very difficult for some pets to handle.

Fortunately, there are very reliable medications that prevent heartworm infection. Dogs and cats should be kept on a monthly heartworm preventative medication. These medications are not only safe and effective, but several are combined with medications to prevent intestinal parasites and fleas.

Socialization

Proper socialization helps establish a loving and lasting relationship between you and your pet. Early in your pet's life, it is very important to deal with unfavorable habits and correct them in a productive and timely manner.

One of the best ways to train your pet is to introduce it at a young age to common social situations. Some of these may include trimming nails, bathing, brushing and medicating. By introducing these situations at a very young age, they are far more likely to be accepted by the pet later in life.

For puppies, obedience training is pretty much essential. Most trainers like to start the training process between four to six months of age, after vaccinations are complete. Many capable trainers are available to help you socialize and train your pet properly. Do your homework in order to take advantage of the training courses offered in your area. Similar to children, pets' habits, both good and bad, are learned at an early age!

Grooming Your Pet

The grooming protocol you develop for your pet depends heavily on the type of pet you have. Certain canine and feline breeds demand much more grooming attention than others. In general, it is good to bathe your pets only when necessary, as over bathing can lead to abnormally dry skin. In other words, don't feel obligated to bathe your puppy once a week when he may only need it once a month.

As for puppies and kittens, bathing can be performed as needed after they are weaned from their mother. It is best to avoid human shampoos, as most are too harsh for young animals. There are several good shampoos available through your veterinarian, but regardless of which type you choose, be sure to read the label carefully and address your veterinarian if you have any questions. When bathing your pet, you should also use eye protection in case shampoo gets into their eyes (either sterile ophthalmic ointment or mineral oil).

Your pet should be bathed in a warm room and tepid water should be used. When finished, it is best to towel dry and perhaps finish the job with a blow dryer. If you chose to blow dry, be sure to keep the hot air far enough away from the skin to avoid burning. Running your fingers through the fur while blow-drying is a good way to gauge the temperature.

Identification

A permanent microchip is the most effective way to ensure proper identification of your pet. It is also extremely helpful in the recovery of lost pets. Ask your veterinarian about microchipping your pet.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is a rapidly growing industry and is currently available through several companies. The insurance policies are very helpful to pet owners, especially when unexpected illnesses and injuries occur. Ask your veterinarian for information as policies vary.

Spaying or Neutering

Unless your pet is going to be used for responsible breeding, having it spayed or neutered by six months of age is highly recommended. This helps to avoid the inconvenience of heat cycles in females and provides health and social benefits to both males and females.

Dogs are not only our friends, but also our protectors. And in this case, they even keep our beds insect-free! Today, dogs are increasingly being used to help sniff out bed bug infestations around the nation. Companies like "Sniff K9" even offer bed bug certification programs – where dogs run the show. Sniff K9 works with people at their own homes, or those in the hospitality and retail business to ensure that rooms and products are bed-bug free. You can also buy these bed-bug sniffing companions.

The recent surge in these services is due to an increase in bed bug infestations experienced around the country. "Bed bugs are no longer common simply in cheap motels," stated the co-founder of Sniff K9, "but are now frequent at even 5-star facilities and luxury boutiques."

Dogs are used because of their incredibly keen sense of smell. What dog is best for the task, however, may be up for debate. Sniff K9 uses Labradors because they are characteristically fearless, especially when it comes to searching small spaces, relatively low maintenance, and are particularly good at detecting scents. Although seemingly odd or unconventional, the method appears to be a rather effective and quick way to keep these unwanted guests out of your bed.

Older cats have special health needs and may require more attention and care than younger kitties. The aging process varies between species - if you own a senior dog, your cat may not be considered a senior, even if they are the same age! You should consider your cat a senior around 10 years of age. As your cat ages, changes occur in his physical condition that warrant more frequent visits to the veterinarian. If medical problems are recognized and treated when they are first detected, the treatment may be easier for your cat and less costly for you. Twice-a-year wellness examinations are recommended in order to diagnose medical problems during the early stages.

A geriatric exam is more extensive than a simple check-up and includes a complete physical exam, oral and rectal examinations and a recording of body weight and body condition. The veterinarian will also examine your cat's ears, eyes and various internal organs. Some laboratory work may be done, including a complete blood count, urinalysis, fecal exam and perhaps endocrine blood tests and other complementary examinations. Establishing a base line is an added benefit and can ultimately help, should there be any changes, even small ones, to your cat's health.

As cats grow older, their organs may become less efficient and they may be less resistant to infections and other diseases. As a responsible cat owner, you want your cat to remain healthy and active for as long as possible. It is important to be aware of any condition that may warrant our attention.

General Tips for Your Aging Cat

Diet - There are several reasons why a special diet may be needed for an elderly cat. He or she may be less active than a younger kitty and, therefore, may require fewer calories. The digestive organs may become less efficient in digestion and absorption, and a highly digestible diet may be more appropriate. Phosphorus and protein content may need to be decreased if your cat has kidney problems. Under certain circumstances, the vitamin and mineral needs of an elderly cat may change as he or she ages. Some of the special senior feline diets have mineral and vitamin content carefully adjusted to help provide the appropriate balance for elderly pets, especially those with failing kidney or heart functions.

Joints - As your cat ages, joint pain and stiffness may develop. This may mean that your cat becomes less active and his or her energy level may decrease. Your cat may become tired more easily and want to nap more often. Muscle tone tends to reduce, which may further reduce your cat's ability to run, jump and climb. This decrease in muscle tone and exercise also contributes to the stiffening of joints.

Senses - Hearing, sight and smell can all become less acute with age and you may need to make allowances for these changes. Watch these changes. Unfortunately, hearing aids and contact lenses still have yet to be fit for cats! Be cognizant of indications of impaired sight, such as bumping into furniture, or loss of hearing, such as if your cat stops reacting to its name or familiar sounds. Eye infections, cataracts, decreased night vision, or even blindness is common; however, these can also be symptoms of a larger problem.

Dental - Older cats are more likely to develop tooth and gum conditions. If your cat has sore gums or loose teeth, he or she may be reluctant to eat, or it may cause food to drop out of his or her mouth. Gum disease not only leads to loss of teeth, but can also cause heart and kidney infections if bacteria enter the bloodstream through enflammed gums. Examine your cat's mouth regularly and ask us for advice if the teeth or gums do not look healthy.

Urinary - Urinary incontinence or inappropriate urination is common in an aging cat. Inappropriate urination may also be the result of a urinary tract disorder, kidney problem or symptomatic of a larger problem. Changes to your cat's litter or litter box location may also trigger urinary issues. Consult our veterinary staff if your cat suddenly becomes incontinent or begins to urinate more frequently.

Behavior - As your cat ages, his or her behavior may change significantly. You might interpret this as simple aging, but it actually might be due to a treatable geriatric disease like cognitive dysfunction. Some typical signs include confusion, disorientation, decreased activity, changes in the sleep/wake cycle, loss of litter box training, or signs which suggest a decrease in your cat's interest in, or ability to interact with, his or her environment or with you.

Kidneys - Excessive thirst and frequent or uncontrolled urination are often signs of kidney problems or diabetes. Since the kidneys process and eliminate waste products into the urine, it is important that these organs remain healthy. If your cat's kidneys are not functioning properly, your vet may recommend a diet specially designed for kidney problems. These diets contain a low phosphorus level, to slow down the progression of the disease, and a lower protein level to reduce the build up of harmful waste products in the blood.

Coat - As cats get older, their temperature sensitivity increases because their coats are often poor and not as resistant to temperature changes. Tolerance of cold temperatures and wet conditions decreases, and the need for a dry, draft-free, sleeping area is a priority. If your cat does go outside, do not leave him or her outside for long periods of time in cold or wet weather. In hot and humid weather, use air conditioning and/or fans to help keep your cat cool.

Grooming - Provide regular grooming. This helps to remove dead hair and prevent hair balls that may cause vomiting or intestinal impaction. Grooming also gives you a chance to inspect your cat for parasites, skin disorders and unusual lumps or lesions that may require our attention. Besides the health benefits, many older cats enjoy the extra physical contact!

Even if your cat seems perfectly healthy, regular geriatric check-ups are important to manage many of the changes associated with aging. Cats over seven years of age should have a veterinary examination twice a year. A complete geriatric health maintenance program can provide a means to target age-related health problems, institute preventive health care measures, and detect any disorders early enough to provide appropriate medical treatment. Cats can be the most rewarding when they reach middle or old age; they know you, have a special routine, and have spent years as a companion to you. Maintaining the health of your aging kitty is a part of your mutually beneficial relationship and can provide both of you with many more years of love and companionship.

We all claim that we have the smartest cat. And maybe you do. But is your cat a musical genius?

Ketzel, a cat from the Upper West Side of Manhattan, sure was. Ketzel died this summer at the age of nineteen, but has left in her paw steps a musical legacy. Ketzel was a composer – an award-winning composer, in fact, who won a prize at the Paris New Music Review’s One-Minute Competition for a piece she pawed onto her owner's piano one morning in 1996. Morris Cotel, one of Ketzel's owners, was the chairman of the composition department at the Peabody Conservatory, who claimed Ketzel as "one of his best students." Cotel was shocked the morning Ketzel composed her one-minute-wonder, which he claimed to have a "structural elegance … with a beginning, middle, and an end." Cotel took note of his cat’s masterpiece and submitted it to the competition. Although he explained the composer's identity in the entry form, the judges were not told that "Piece for Piano, Four Paws," truly was written by four paws.

Ketzel's piece premiered in 1998 in Peabody. It was later performed in Europe, over public radio, and at the Museum of the City of New York, where the composer herself was in attendance. After announcing Ketzel's piece, a meow was heard from the back of the hall acknowledging her new claim to fame.

Now that is one smart cat.