Newsletter

Cancer is an often life-threatening disease that many people think affects only humans. So, it often comes as a shock to many pet owners when their pet is diagnosed with cancer.

Cancer in animals is unfortunately not uncommon and is very similar to cancer in humans. Like humans, the causes of cancer can either be genetic or environmental. The common types of cancer seen in companion animals are diagnosed more frequently only because we can detect them more easily. These cancers involve the lymph nodes, limbs or skin tumors. Tumors located in organs or inside body cavities are more difficult to diagnose and are often not detected until the animal develops clinical symptoms.

Know the Signs of Cancer in Pets

There are a number of indications that an animal may have cancer. The best way to detect the commonly diagnosed types of cancer is for owners to carefully feel their animals all over once a week. It is also a good idea for owners to try and look inside their pets mouths once a week. Owners should pet their animals thoroughly once a week and feel for abnormal lumps, bumps, swellings, and any area that's just plain painful. Open, ulcerated wounds that take a long time to heal (or not heal at all) might be another potential sign of cancer.

Some non-specific symptoms of cancer include a lack of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, or diarrhea. Also, certain breeds are more prone to cancer than others. Breeds such as boxers, Bernese mountain dogs, and golden retrievers are overrepresented in the development of cancer. There have even been studies that have traced the family trees of dogs. These studies have suggested a genetic predisposition in certain families.

Bernese Mountain Dog

In order to identify the exact type of cancer, aspirates and biopsies are performed. Once the cancer is identified, it is "staged". This is accomplished by performing additional diagnostic tests such as lymph node sampling, ultrasonography and / or radiology examination.

Often, the diagnosis of cancer leaves owners feeling that there is no hope for their pet. However, many types of cancer can be successfully treated and these pets can return to a normal life.

Treatment depends on the type and location of the cancer. If possible, surgical removal of the tumor is performed. Some types of cancer are responsive to chemotherapy, which include a variety of oral and intravenous medications. Dogs and cats tend to tolerate chemotherapy well and rarely develop the same side effects that are seen in humans. Prior to treatment, blood and urine tests are performed to asses the overall health of the pet to be sure they are good candidates for treatment.

Before beginning a cancer treatment, many things need to be taken into consideration. Most important is the animal's quality of life verses the aggressiveness of the treatment. The same types of drugs that are used in human cancer therapy are used in veterinary cancer therapy. The chief difference is that we tend to use lower doses at less frequent intervals.

Chemotherapy is one form of cancer therapy that is offered. The primary goal of chemotherapy is to obtain a cure. If a cure is not possible, the goal of chemotherapy is to provide a better quality of life for your pet. We recommend treatment only if it is appropriate for your pet.

Most chemotherapy protocols are designed so pets don't become terribly ill. In fact, many pet owners don't even realize that their pet has had chemotherapy. Less than 5 percent of the animals develop severe vomiting, diarrhea or a severe drop in their blood counts. Compared to the side effects of chemotherapy in humans, hair loss is very uncommon in pets.

For many people, their pets are more than just animals; they are members of their family. Usually pet owners want to do everything that they can to prolong their pets' lives and keep them feeling healthy. Chemotherapy is an excellent method for treating many types of cancer in pets.

Cats are well-known for their independence and resistance to doing as they're told. Training a cat to do most anything is a difficult task, but according to a new study, cats are masters at training their people. A study in the latest issue of Current Biology found that cats use a unique purr - a sort of cry or meowing sound combined with the purr you might hear while petting your cat - to prod humans into feeding them or giving them attention.

Loud meowing might not get a cat what he or she wants, according to Karen McComb of the University of Sussex, one of the study's authors. But insistent purring - which McComb called "solicitation purring" - sends a kind of subliminal message that taps into a person's nurturing instincts, McComb said. The solicitation purr contains a high-pitched sound that somewhat resembles an infant's cry, which is part of the reason why humans can't help but rush to meet their feline friend's desires.

McComb's own cat, which wakes her up in the mornings with a prodding purr, inspired the study. After talking with other cat owners, she found that other felines use a similar tactic when craving food or attention. To identify the purr that cats use, McComb's study team had cat owners record their cat's cries (the researchers found early on that cats did not use solicitation purring when strangers were present). The cries were then played back and humans were asked to judge the cries based on urgency and pleasantness.

"We found that the crucial factor determining the urgency and pleasantness ratings that purrs received was an unusual high-frequency element - reminiscent of a cry or meow - embedded within the naturally low-pitched purr," McComb said. "Human participants in our experiments judged purrs with high levels of this element to be particularly urgent and unpleasant." When the high-pitched sound was removed from the solicitation purr and played back for the human test subjects, they reported the purr was less urgent.

Not all cats use this purr, according to McComb; however, some use it exceedingly well and might "dramatically exaggerate it when it proves effective," she said. Most often, the insistent purr is used in smaller households where a cat is likely to have a close relationship with his or her owner. When other cats or many people are present, McComb believes cats find a regular old meow to be the best way to get noticed.

While the phenomenon of solicitation purring may be news to scientists, cat owners have always known the old saying is true - dogs may have masters, but cats have servants.

If you are thinking of adding a loving and loyal canine companion to your family, you will want to consider many factors in selecting the type of animal which best suits your family and lifestyle. The time and effort you invest in making this decision is well worth it—your new family member will be a part of your life for the next 10 to 12 years, or more!

Once you and your family have agreed that the time is right to make a commitment, you will need to decide what kind of dog is right for you.

Where Do You Begin Your Search? - Your local animal shelter is a good place to start. It usually has a wide variety of puppies. Generally, these puppies receive careful medical exams and have already had initial vaccinations. Spaying or neutering is usually included in the adoption fee, and can be performed when the puppy reaches the correct age. Most shelters also have excellent support services, such as free behavioral counseling.

In addition to visiting your local shelter, you may wish to talk to local obedience training facilities, a groomer, reputable breeders and a practicing veterinarian to help you find that perfect puppy.

Consider Your Lifestyle - Breeds such as hunting or working dogs require more exercise than some smaller breeds and may crowd an apartment or small home. Do you have a fence to contain your new companion? What about grooming? Keep in mind that all dogs shed their hair coat at least twice a year in the spring and fall. Some breeds shed constantly and some breeds need to be groomed regularly by a professional.

Purebred vs. Mixed Breed - Any puppy or dog can make a great pet, no matter where it comes from. If the prospective owners take the time to properly socialize and train the puppy, then its parents should have no bearing on whether or not it is a good companion. If you still aren't sure, here is some further food for thought

• The Purebred Puppy - Each breed of puppy was bred with a specific purpose in mind. Knowing as much as you can about a breed will help you in making the right selection. Your local library or book store has books on specific breeds. Investigate the breeds of puppies you are most interested in to find out if this is the breed that will fit best into your family's lifestyle.
• The Mixed Breed Puppy - Mixed breed dogs are the most popular in America. They come in all shapes, sizes, coat styles, colors and personalities. As suggested earlier, your local shelter is an excellent source for finding your mutt. If you are simply looking for a loving companion, you need not look further than your local humane shelter.

Choosing the right puppy takes time. Owning a dog is a serious commitment and should be taken with reasonable consideration. A puppy requires just as much attention as a young child and deserves to be given a caring home. Whether you choose a purebred pup or a mix from the shelter, it is important to know that you are giving yourself a loving companion and forming a relationship that will last forever.

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.

While the history of dogs and cats is more commonly known, rabbits actually hold a longer record for domestication. Commonly misunderstood to be rodents, rabbits belong to their own order and are a separate species from hares or jackrabbits. Further distinction must be noted when identifying domestic rabbits from wild ones. Although domestic rabbits originally descend from wild rabbits, there is such a variety of domestic breeds - more than sixty-five - that the evolution of wild rabbits and domestic rabbits has progressed separately for hundreds of years.

Champagne d'Argente

The rabbit, as we know it, has been in existence for thousands of years. Although there is very little evidence to pinpoint the domestication of rabbits, there is proof that rabbits were introduced to Europe as early as 1100 B.C. and brought over to Spain by the Phoenicians. The abundance of rabbits in this area is suggested by its appearance on the Roman-Spanish coins of Emperor Hadrian (117-138 A.D.). Rabbits, in general, have a long history in a number of areas. In China, rabbits were used in Confucian ceremonies while according to the Roman scholar Varro, rabbits were kept in leporaria or escape-proof enclosures. The Greek historian Polybius, made mention of the modern European rabbit when writing about Corsica in the second century B.C. He called them kunikloi.

The actual domestication of rabbits is attributed to the early French Catholic monks. Selective breeding produced what we know today as the Champagne d'Argente. Champagne refers to the region of France in which they were bred and d'Argente refers to the color of the pelt which turns silver after six months of age. The word "rabbit" was first applied in the 15th century derived from the French word "rabet". It is probable that most of the domestic rabbits we see today are direct descendants of the hutch-raised rabbits of the French monks.

Folklore has a number of stories involving rabbits:

• Easter bunny
• Lucky rabbit feet - especially the left hind one
• Symbol of fertility

Prior to the 20th century, there is little evidence to suggest domesticated rabbits in America, though their presence in the wild is undisputed. The Belgian Hare was the first rabbit to catch the public's attention as a fancier's rabbit. Despite it's size, having one as a pet came first, eating it for dinner came second. With time, this particular breed evolved to fill the needs of the fancier, the commercial meat market, as well as the fur industry. It is believed that the Belgian Hare opened the door for many other breeds.

Belgian Hare

The pronounced gentleness of the rabbit is the best known quality that contributes to its popularity as a pet. Rabbits are not likely to bite and can easily become tame and companionable. Treated with patience and consideration, they may allow themselves to be picked up and handled frequently. Rabbits are silent creatures, prompting many people to think they are voiceless. This is not the case. Generally when they are not happy they will grunt or make noises to indicate their dislike of something.

Rabbits can make great pets but, like most companion animals, require appropriate care. There is a variety of breeds, sizes, colors, fur type, and disposition from which to choose. It can be difficult to choose a particular breed for personality type since most rabbits are bred for a specific look. Some breeds are happy to live outside in a hutch while others may prefer to remain indoors. Unfortunately, rabbits are high-risk prey animals and should never be left outside unattended for long periods of time unless safely enclosed in a hutch. With so many breed choices, the domestic rabbit has clearly carved a spot as a companion animal with a long and varied history.

In order for any dental program to work properly, home care follow-up is essential. Brushing your pet's teeth is the single most important procedure the owner can do to maintain good oral health. If performed regularly, daily brushing will dramatically increase the interval between teeth cleaning appointments.

Plaque is constantly being made and deposited in the mouth. Humans have a buildup of plaque in the morning. This accumulation of plaque makes our breath smell bad. Proper dental care, for dogs as well as humans, can keep plaque buildup under control. People brush their teeth several times daily to remove plaque—why not our pets?

The goal of dental home care is to remove plaque from tooth surfaces and under the gum line before it mineralizes into calculus, a process that occurs within days of a teeth cleaning. Success depends on the owner's ability to brush the pet's teeth, as well as the dog or cat's acceptance of the process. True oral cleanliness can only be achieved through the mechanical action of toothbrush bristles above and below the gum line.

Home care is best started at a young age, before the adult teeth erupt. The younger the animal is, the more likely he or she is to accept it.

Your veterinarian may discuss the advantages of home dental care at the time of your pet's first vaccinations. Daily brushing not only keeps your pet's teeth clean and healthy, it also enhances the bond between you and your pet.

A misconception is that hard food keeps pets' teeth clean. Some believe that when their dog or cat chews on hard food or biscuits, mineral deposits are broken down and the teeth stay clean. This is not true. Granted, animals on soft diets accumulate plaque more readily than those on dry foods, but the only way to keep teeth clean above and below the gum line is by daily brushing.

If you are unsure of how to brush your pet's teeth, you may want to ask a veterinary hospital staff member for instructions. There is nothing better than a hands-on demonstration for learning this.

Proper brushing technique involves applying the bristles at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Use small circular motions around the outside of the teeth, being sure to get the bristles under the gum line. It is not as important to brush the inside of the teeth, as dogs and cats do not accumulate tartar on the insides of their teeth.

Proper Brushing Technique

The most important area to keep plaque and tartar from accumulating is under the gum line. Adding products such as Oxyfresh to the drinking water or rubbing the teeth with dentifrice impregnated pads may help in home care, but it's necessary to understand that periodontal disease begins below the free margin of the gum line.

How to get the pet to accept tooth brushing

Start with a healthy comfortable mouth. Untreated problems can cause pain and a non-compliant patient. Dental pathology must be cared for first. If you suspect that your pet has an accumulation of tartar, a painful mouth (he pulls away each time you touch his head or jaw), bad breath, or a problem chewing, drinking or swallowing, a veterinary dental exam is in order.

Choose a proper toothbrush and toothpaste. Toothbrushes have bristles that reach under the gum line and clean the space that surrounds each tooth. Plaque accumulates in this space. Devices such as gauze pads, sponge swabs, or cotton swabs remove plaque above the gum line, but cannot adequately clean the space below the gum line.

The size of the toothbrush you choose is important. There are specific brushes for mouths of long muzzled dogs, as well as small brushes for cats. Each dog or cat must have his or her own toothbrush. Sharing brushes may result in cross contamination of bacteria from one pet to another.

Introduce the toothpaste and toothbrush gradually. When you sense that your pet has had enough, give him reassurance by talking and try again. Expect progress not perfection. Reward progress immediately with a treat or a play period after each cleaning session. Don't expect to brush your pet's teeth on the first try. Take time. Each pet is different. Some will be trained in one week, while others will take a month or more. The payoff is well worth the learning curve.

The type of dental home care products dispensed by your veterinarian may vary from animal to animal. Trust your veterinarian to dispense the products that are best suited to your own pet's dental needs.

Flea Questions - Take this test to see how much you know about fleas. Answers and explanations are given in the article that follows.

The Flea - Magnified

1. Fleas transmit tapeworms in both dogs and cats.
   True
   False

2. The female cat flea will consume ____ times her own body weight in blood daily.
   5
   10
   15
   20

3. The female cat flea lays about ___ eggs per day on your pet at her peak production.
   10
   25
   50
   100

4. Adult fleas live and breed well over ___ days on the pet if not disturbed.
   10
   25
   50
   100

5. Once fleas begin feeding on your pet and begin to lay eggs, they become dependent for a constant source of blood.
   True
   False

6. Female fleas begin to lay eggs ___________ after their first blood meal.
   12 to 24 hours
   24 to 36 hours
   36 to 48 hours
   48 to 72 hours

7. The flea is a tropical insect and won’t tolerate freezing temperatures for long periods of time.
   True
   False

8. During the _______ months, fleas are most likely surviving as adults on untreated dogs and cats.
   Spring
   Summer
   Fall
   Winter



9. One female cat flea can lay ______ eggs in her lifetime.
   500
   1000
   1500
   2000