Newsletter

The staff at our hospital would like to develop a close relationship with you and your pet. You will find that among the members of our staff, we have interest and expertise in many species and specialties. Hopefully, your pet will never require more than routine care, but sometimes more complex issues arise.

In many cases, early detection and monitoring can help prevent problems and provide long-term management of existing conditions. We have found great satisfaction in keeping our patients comfortable and happy! Because some health conditions have a genetic basis, we know that puppies of certain breeds are more likely than average to show specific problems. We would like to offer you help with early detection of these, so that their effects, if present, can be minimized. Please scan the list below; it is an illustration of how pervasive genetic diseases are. If your breed is listed, please ask a member of our staff about the linked disease, screening test(s), and recommendations.

German Shepherd

This list is just a sample and is not exhaustive; ask us if your pet is pre-disposed to something so that we can discuss how to help. Some problems, such as heart valve disease, dental/periodontal disease, and skin allergies are seen in many breeds. Some of our suggestions may be hospital-oriented (lab-work, X-rays, etc.) while some may relate to home management. For example: a large breed puppy that is checked for hip dysplasia may have a long, relatively comfortable life if he/she avoids games of Frisbee and long runs; a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel placed on cardiac drugs pre-emptively may significantly increase its life expectancy.

King Charles Cavalier Spaniel

When should these problems be addressed? Before the problem is so severe that your pet is showing symptoms. More often than not, a few simple tests can give a diagnosis. From there, we work with you to keep your pet comfortable and symptom-free.

Boxer

With warmer weather approaching, plenty of pet owners are thinking of getting into shape before hitting the beach. But what about pets? Obesity is a growing problem among both cats and dogs. And much like humans, too many extra pounds can have far-reaching consequences for our animal companions. In this report from the Veterinary News Network, Dr. Jim Humphries discusses the health problems that can occur if your pet is overweight and shares tips on how you can get your pet's weight under control.

Americans are crowding the highways for summer vacation, taking their four-legged friends along for the ride. But before pet lovers hit the road, it's important to take their pets' needs into consideration.

Trips should be as close to your pet's normal routine as possible. If you've never traveled with your pet, start with very short, round-the-block trips before you put them in the car or truck for the long ride. Your veterinarian can give you some good advice and recommend ways to make your pet more comfortable.

For the safety of both you and your pet, it's best to travel with dogs and cats in pet carriers. In case of an accident, airborne pets are very prone to injury. Carriers are especially important for cats. Many cats will ride on your shoulder, on your head, or get under your feet. It's a potentially dangerous situation if you need to stop quickly and they are under the brake pedal.

Though keeping a pet "strapped down" for safety is important, people should not use standard safety belts on their pets. These belts are designed for human positioning. Dogs don't conform to human positioning with much success. However, there are canine "seat belts," which are actually harnesses that attach to the car's seat belts and may be used to hold dogs in place during the trip.

Owners should also plan for extra stops if pets accompany them on a trip. Because of stress, some cats don't eat or drink and won't need to use the litter box. But it should be provided for them, especially if it's your first trip with your cat. If they don't use it, take them out at rest stops on a leash and see if they'll go.

The number of stops depends on what your pet is used to. Most pets eliminate shortly after they eat. Therefore, if you can control when the food goes in, you can usually control when it goes out.

In terms of exercise, owners should follow their pet's normal schedule. If you take your dog for a 30-minute walk in the evening at home, take the dog for a walk in the evening at your destination. Also, exercising your dog before it gets into the car may make the trip more relaxing for both you and your dog.

Many pets enjoy getting out of the house, as long as it's not a trip to the veterinarian. But if you're planning to drive non-stop, or if you're taking a very short trip, it is probably best to leave the pets at home. Really think if it's necessary for a pet to go with you, or if you are just being selfish and want the pet for company. A trip can cause unneeded stress on an animal.

It is an especially good idea to leave pets at home if they have current health problems that may worsen on the trip. For instance, if a pet has had respiratory problems and the trip is in the mountains, it may be better to leave that pet at home. If you know what direction you're traveling on a long trip, choose towns along the way that have easy access to veterinarians. This is particularly important if your pet has had a recent illness or problems traveling in the past.

If you're concerned about the pet having motion sickness or getting car sick, talk to your veterinarian about a prescription for a tranquilizer or sedative to calm the pet before the trip. Before giving any type of medication, contact your veterinarian to make sure that it is safe.

Finally, it's a good idea to call ahead and make reservations with hotels, motels and campgrounds that accept and welcome pets. Take the necessary supplies, including plastic bags, to clean up after your pet at rest areas.

Hip dysplasia is not just for dogs.

Until very recently, cats were not thought to be affected by hip dysplasia. Well known in many dog breeds as an inherited disorder, cats were thought to be free of the condition. New information and research has shown that this disease does indeed exist in the cat and is likely an inherited disorder.

Hip dysplasia is not caused by one single gene. It is a polygenitic, complex disease, caused by several genes. The disease is not congenital (meaning that an animal is not born with it), but rather develops over a period of time resulting from instability in the ball and socket portion of the hip joint. Abnormal hip joint laxity (looseness between the femoral head - the ball, and the acetabulum - and the socket) is the initiating factor that results in the condition known as hip dysplasia.

The looseness that occurs within the joint contributes to secondary changes. A major change is the deterioration of the articular cartilage (articular cartilage functions as a lubricating mechanism within the joint). The degenerative changes that occur within the joint cause the femoral head and acetabulum (the ball and socket) to rub together and with every step, causes the cat to experience pain. Eventually, as the condition progresses, the cat develops severe degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) of the hip.

Symptoms of feline hip dysplasia are somewhat similar to symptoms of canine hip dyspalsia. Severely affected cats have obvious symptoms and experience pain. These cats may appear to be stiff when they walk, walk with a pronounced limp, and may be reluctant to jump or climb. Cats that are moderately affected appear less lame or lame from time to time. In some cases, the symptoms only appear after some traumatic event, such as a fall. Other cats totally mask the symptoms of hip dysplasia and appear normal.

Hip dysplasia is a condition which is present in the general feline population (in the random-bred, general cat population as well as in purebred cats) and is seen in all types of body styles, from relatively small cats like the Siamese to the larger breeds like Persians and Maine Coon Cats.

Maine Coon Cat

In the case of purebred cats, the breeders determine which cats can breed. Current thinking suggests that the greatest impact on reducing feline hip dysplasia can be made by breeders who choose to breed only cats that have been evaluated for the presence of hip dysplasia.

Diagnosis of feline hip dysplasia is made by x-raying the affected cat's hips. There are two different methods for evaluating hips. The most widely used method is that of The Orthopedic Foundation For Animals (OFA). The other method is done in conjunction with the University of Pennsylvania and is called the Penn Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP).

The OFA method is readily available as x-rays are taken by your local veterinarian and then forwarded to the OFA for evaluation. The PennHIP method for felines is currently available only via the University of Pennsylvania. While both utilize radiographs, the methods vary as do the opinions on which method is best.

Selective breeding is the key for reducing the incidence of feline hip dysplasia. Only cats that have sound hips, with no radiographic signs of hip dysplasia, should be used for breeding. Cats with radiographic signs of hip dysplasia should not be used for breeding and should be neutered at the appropriate age.

With its small stature and long body, the Dachshund may look like a funny little dog, but don’t underestimate it. The Dachshund is a proven scent dog and is, like terriers, is adept at tracking small game into dens, burrows and other hard to reach places.

The Dachshund’s name comes from the German "dachs" meaning "badger" and "hund" meaning "dog." The breed’s long, narrow body and short stature may look comical, but the Dachshund’s attributes came in handy when hunting small animals like badgers. The Dachshund is known for its short legs, muscular body. The breed averages between 16 and 28 pounds.

The modern Dachshund is the result of cross breeding among various German, French and English terriers. The first printed references to Dachshunds were made in the 1700s, when the breed was called "Tachs Kriecher" or, "Badger Crawler." These Dachshunds were much larger—the average weight of the breed was between 30 and 40 pounds—and came in straight and crooklegged varieties.

The Dachshund has long been associated with Germany, and served as the mascot for the 1972 Summer Olympics held in Munich. The breed experienced a dip in popularity in American during World War I, as anything related to Germany was broadly disliked. According to some legends, the Dachshund influenced the naming of the hot dog, but those claims have never been verified.

Dachshunds are playful and intelligent, but like many hunting dogs, they are strong willed and challenging to train. As is the case with many small breeds, the Dachshund is bold and courageous and rarely takes into account its small size when chasing after other animals or playing with their masters.

Because of its long spinal column, the Dachshund is prone to spinal injuries, and some recommend Dachshunds avoid jumping and walking up stairs. Obesity also increases the Dachshund’s risk of spinal problems, and owners are encouraged to avoid feeding their dog too many snacks and treats.

1. What is the scientific word for a cat's whiskers?

A. Jactitatae
B. Oscillatae
C. Vibrissae
D. Quaverae

2. How many total whiskers does the average cat have coming from the 'whisker pad' (the puffy area between the top corners of your cat's mouth and the outer edges of his nose)?

A. 20
B. 24
C. 12
D. 16

3. How many times thicker than ordinary cat hairs are cat whiskers?

A. 2-3 times
B. 1-2 times
C. 3-4 times
D. 4-5 times

4. Whiskers are rooted very deep in the cat's face, in an area rich in nerves and blood vessels. Compared to cat hairs, how many times deeper in a cat's tissue are whiskers set?

A. 3 times
B. 4 times
C. 2 times
D. 5 times

5.Cat whiskers can give an indication of your cat's mood. When the whiskers are relaxed or pushed forward, which of the following is NOT how your cat feels?

A. happy
B. defensive
C. curious
D. content

6. It is okay to trim or cut your cat's whiskers.

A. True
B. False

7. Whiskers help the cat feel his way around. This is because whiskers are so sensitive that they can detect the slightest change in ...?

A. Air currents
B. Air speed
C. Air temperature
D. Air humidity

8.When can whiskers be a 'bother' to a cat?

A. When he is playing with string
B. When he sleeps on his side
C. When he tries to eat out of a bowl
D. When he is hunting

9.Cat whiskers fall out and are replaced.

A. True
B. False