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Senin, 24 Februari 2014

Don't Be Fooled! – Action Alert!

Here's an Action Alert for Maryland residents that I want to pass on...please get involved in the fight to protect animals! –Kim

Proposed Maryland Devocalization Law Would ALLOW the Cruelty to Continue

On the surface, a proposed Maryland state law – now before the Legislature as House Bill 667 and the companion Senate Bill 660 – would seem to prohibit devocalization.

But look a little deeper: This legislation actually allows veterinarians to continue cutting dogs' and cats' vocal cords, just to stifle their voices. Learn...then take 2 minutes to help protect animals from this cruel convenience surgery.

NOW'S THE TIME TO GET THE LEGISLATION RIGHT

On March 8, the Maryland Senate amended and improved SB 660, its version of the proposed law, by adding a definition of devocalization.

But the Senate left a fatal loophole, omission of the word "physical."

A devocalization law that doesn't define medical necessity as treatment of a "physical" illness would allow vets to cut vocal cords for barking or meowing--what the law is supposed to prohibit!

As of March 13, the companion House Bill 667 does include this crucial word, thanks to Delegate Benjamin Kramer. The two bills now must be reconciled in a joint House/Senate committee so their wording is the same.

It is vital that the final legislation retain the definition of devocalization...AND that it specifiy devocalization may be performed ONLY to treat PHYSICAL ailments...AND that NO other changes are made.

We hope Delegate Kramer stands firm. If he doesn't, this will be an empty law that does NOT protect animals at all.

Animals feel real pain. They need a real devocalization law.

BROAD OR NO DEFINITIONS = NO PROTECTION OF ANIMALS

Legislators know statutes must precisely define the actions being made illegal. The proposed Maryland devocalization law doesn't, rendering it completely unenforceable.

Any vet wishing to skirt the law can claim things like:

"I didn't de-bark (devocalize) my patient. I merely softened his bark; that's different.
"I didn't 'silence' my patient. This dog (cat) still makes vocal sounds."
"My patient had a 'behavioral' illness."

REALITY: No matter what it's called or how vocal cords are cut – through the open mouth or an incision in the neck – helpless dogs and cats face lifelong misery or a terrible death without any benefit, not even the claimed assurance of a home. These animals are surrendered, abandoned and euthanized like any other.

WHAT THE LAW MUST INCLUDE:

THESE THREE DEFINITIONS... EXACTLY AS WRITTEN

As used in this statute, "vocal cord surgery" shall mean a procedure involving the vocal apparatus of a dog or cat that includes cutting, notching, punching, abrading, laser, suturing or otherwise physically altering the tissue regardless of the surgical route.
"Devocalization" shall mean vocal cord surgery on a dog or cat, as defined above, performed with the intent of altering, reducing or eliminating vocal sounds produced by that animal. This includes procedures also referred to as debarking, devoicing, silencing, vocal cordectomy, ventriculocordectomy, bark reduction or bark softening.
"Medically necessary" shall mean necessary to treat a PHYSICAL illness, disease or injury or correct a birth defect that causes the animal medical harm or pain that cannot be relieved or remedied by other veterinary care.

If all three definitions are not added to the bill exactly as written above, Maryland's dogs and cats will continue to have their vocal cords cut for communicating.

THE LAW MUST NOT INCLUDE ANY OTHER CHANGES

Loopholes that would hurt animals are not always obvious. For example, substituting "pets" for "dogs and cats" leaves animals used for breeding and animal testing without any protection. "Allowable as a last resort" is unenforceable, and worse, it legitimizes this act of animal cruelty.

Sneaky loopholes like these and others can be added any time before a bill becomes law. Don't let that happen to this one.

MARYLAND RESIDENTS

TAKE 2 MINUTES TO PROTECT ANIMALS NOW...

BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE

Animals can't advocate for themselves; they need your voice to protect theirs. Politely tell your Senator:

The word "physical" MUST be included in the final version of the legislation to describe conditions deemed "medically necessary" – its omission is a glaring loophole that enables vets to continue cutting vocal cords for any reason.
The definition of devocalization adopted on March 8 MUST be retained.
NO other changes should be made or the law could be rendered unenforceable.

Calls are best – and fast! But if you email, put this in the subject line: "Close the Loopholes in the Devocalization Bill SB660"

If you're a constituent, say so! Don't know? Click here to find out.

Sen. Lisa Gladden
Phone: 410-841-3697 | Toll-free in MD: 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3697 | Fax: 410-841-3142
lisa.gladden@senate.state.md.us

Sen. Brian Frosh
Phone: 301-858-3124 | Toll-free in MD: 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3124 | Fax: 410-841-3142
brian.frosh@senate.state.md.us

Learn about the subtle wording that would cause animals lifelong misery or a terrible death:

http://stopdevocalizing.weebly.com/legislative-loopholes.html

Got a few more minutes?

Call any or all of these committee members in addition to – NOT instead of – Senators Gladden and Frosh.

If you're a constituent, say so! Don't know? Click here to find out.

Sen. James Bronchin
410-841-3648 | Toll-free in MD: 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3648,
jim.brochin@senate.state.md.us
Sen. Jennie Forehand
301-858-3134 | Toll-free in MD: 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3134
jennie.forehand@senate.state.md.us
Sen. Stephen Hershey, Jr.
410-841-3639 | 301-858-3639 | Toll-free in MD: 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3639
steve.hershey@senate.state.md.us
Sen. C. Anthony Muse
301-858-3092 | Toll-free in MD: 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3092
anthony.muse@senate.state.md.us
Sen. Jamie Raskin
301-858-3634 | Toll-free in MD: 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3634
jamie.raskin@senate.state.md.us
Sen. Christopher Shank
301-858-3903 | Toll-free in MD: 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3903
christopher.shank@senate.state.md.us
Sen. Norman Stone, Jr.
410-841-3587 | Toll-free in MD: 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3587
norman.stone@senate.state.md.us
Sen. Bobby Zirkin
410-841-3131 | Toll-free in MD: 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3131
bobby.zirkin@senate.state.md.us

Source: Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets

CLICK HERE to SIGN THIS PETITION
against Devocalization

Also, see:

Please "Like" this Campaign Against Devocalization on FACEBOOK
Here's Piper on FACEBOOK (9 secs.) – Please "Like"!
More True Stories of Devocalized Dogs
United Against Devocalization
Myths & Facts about Devocalization
Tell Your Veterinarian: Devocalization is Mutilation!
ATTN: Vets and Vet Techs
Support State Laws Banning Devocalization

Videos:

Jumat, 21 Februari 2014

Jerky Treats Now Safe???

Here's some important info about the pet jerky recall. –Kim

New Report about Chicken Jerky Treats...

A new story has come out claiming that Chicken Jerky Treats are now safe....

Two brands of chicken jerky pet treats will soon reenter the market after years of reports of pet illness – even death – associated with consumption of jerky treats made with chicken sourced from China. Milo's Kitchen and Nestlé Purina (the maker of Waggin' Train treats) say that since the voluntary recall of their jerky treats last year due to antibiotic residue, they have reevaluated, revamped, reformulated and even discontinued certain products mired in suspicion and a nearly decade-old U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation. Now manufacturers are staking their name on the belief that they finally have it right.
———————————————
Disturbing Facts
———————————————
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it has received a total of approximately 3,000 reports of pet illness possibly related to the consumption of jerky treats, including 580 deaths.
———————————————
Cause STILL Unknown
———————————————
The FDA has issued several warnings about jerky products imported from China since it first received reports of pet illness in 2007. However, despite ongoing efforts to identify a cause of illness, testing has been inconclusive.
———————————————
What to Look Out For
———————————————
Watch your pet closely. Signs that may occur within hours to days of feeding the products are decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus), increased water consumption and/or increased urination. Severe cases are diagnosed with pancreatitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, and kidney failure or the resemblance of a rare kidney related illness called Fanconi syndrome.
———————————————
Questionable Ingredients
———————————————
Milo's Kitchen ingredients
Chicken Jerky Strips: Chicken, soy flour, sugar, glycerin, textured soy protein, salt, guar gum, sodium tripolyphosphate, monoglyceride, garlic powder, sorbic acid, citric acid, BHA (used as a preservative), natural smoke flavor, annatto color, onion extract.
Chicken Grillers: chicken breast, rice flour, glycerin, gelatin, soy flour, wheat gluten, modified tapioca starch, sugar, soy protein concentrate, salt, monoglyceride, sodium tripolyphosphate, potassium sorbate (used as a preservative), citric acid, caramel color, garlic powder, natural smoke flavor, BHA (used as a preservative), dried egg white.
Artificial color, artificial flavor, harmful preservatives (BHA), questionable protein sources, questionable carbohydrate contents

———————————————
Dr. Jones Responds
My Advice...
Don't EVER feed these to your pets.
The toxin is still unknown, and they contain an array of potential harmful ingredients, providing no nutritive value.

P.S. My supplements ONLY contain ingredients I have sourced to be safe and effective. Avoid harmful treats, but use these instead:

Dogs: www.thedogsupplement.com
Cats: www.thecatsupplement.com

Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM has been a practicing Veterinarian for over 20 years. He is a strong advocate of Natural Pet Health Care, and knows that the most important way to heal our pets and prevent disease is through proper nutrition. He developed Ultimate Canine to give our dogs that extra advantage – something that will provide them with everything they need to develop stronger immune systems to fight disease, heal sore or stiff joints, and help them live longer, happier lives. Dr. Andrew Jones' main focus is on alternative, non-traditional remedies for pets. His interest in alternative pet medicine culminated in the writing of his book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed.

Source: http://www.theinternetpetvet.com/jerky-treats-now-safe/

Also, see:
They May Have Killed 600 Dogs, But They're Headed Back to Store Shelves

Rabu, 13 November 2013

Bark Softening: Fiction & Fact

Here's more info about the cruelty of devocalization...please become informed and spread the word! –Kim

Bark Softening: Fiction and Fact

Some special interest groups have advanced misleading claims about devocalization for their own profit or convenience. Here's one – and the facts.

FICTION: "Bark softening" isn't devocalization. It's a different, non-invasive procedure.

FACT: "Bark softening" IS devocalization. The only way to alter the voice is by cutting the tissue of the vocal apparatus. Whether that's done through the oral cavity – spun as "bark softening" – or an incision in the neck, it indeed is invasive, painful and dangerous, with long-term consequences.

The term "bark softening" is also misleading in another way. No vet can predict the quality of the post-surgical voice: It may be hoarse. Or it could be shrill, wheezy or strange and disturbing. Most people say devocalized voices are far more irritating than those with which the animals were born. But once the vocal cord tissue is cut, there's no turning back.

Take a look at this brief video and meet Porter...

Newfoundlands like Porter rarely bark. But Porter's first owner had her vet, who'd performed many devocalizations, cut his vocal cord tissue just to stifle his voice anyway. Then, she no longer wanted Porter. He was given to a rescue group.

Though the devocalization was done through the oral cavity, the less invasive approach, scar tissue formed over 50% of Porter's airway. His new adopters paid for a $2,000 procedure to remove the blockage, but were told Porter still will never again breathe normally or bark like other dogs. Instead, his hoarse voice makes him sound like a chain smoker. His adopters say it's painful to hear.

Porter can barely walk a block without struggling to breathe. He is at great risk for heatstroke, even when it's not hot, or choking – a terrifying way to die. And because his larynx was permanently damaged by the devocalization, he risks inhaling food, liquid, even vomit into his lungs, which in turn can cause fatal pneumonia.

But at least Porter is still alive. Other devocalized Newfies given to the rescue group weren't as lucky.

Get the whole story about devocalization and sign the petition below. For more claims and facts, visit: http://stopdevocalizing.weebly.com/claims-and-facts.html.

And, please visit this page on FACEBOOK and "Like" it! Thanks for your help!

Source: http://cprpets.weebly.com/devocalized-porters-story.html
Copyright 2012, Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets

CLICK HERE to SIGN THIS PETITION
against Devocalization

Also, see:

Please "Like" this Campaign Against Devocalization on FACEBOOK
Here's Piper on FACEBOOK (9 secs.) – Please "Like"!
More True Stories of Devocalized Dogs
United Against Devocalization
Myths & Facts about Devocalization
Tell Your Veterinarian: Devocalization is Mutilation!
ATTN: Vets and Vet Techs
Support State Laws Banning Devocalization

Videos:

Minggu, 03 November 2013

Common Dog Behavior Myths

Here's a great article about common myths...hope you find it informative! –Kim

14 Common Dog Behavior Myths Decoded

By Mikkel Becker
March 5, 2012

Although dog training has become more of a science than a craft in recent years, some persistent myths still mislead us when reading canine behavior. Don't let a myth harm your relationship with your pooch. Here, we dispel 14 common myths and look at the facts.

1. An old dog can't learn new tricks.

False. Old dogs not only learn new tricks but they thrive when trained. My late Pomeranian, Mr. Teddy, who was adopted at an estimated 10 to 13 years of age, was a training superstar in Vetstreet videos, which were filmed two weeks before he passed away. By the same token, older dogs without housetraining experience as puppies can successfully be housetrained. As long as a dog is mentally and physically capable of learning to perform a behavior and is properly motivated, it's entirely possible to train her. While intense agility training for Teddy was not realistic, teaching basic commands was.

2. A dog shouldn't sleep with you or be allowed on furniture, or she'll think she's the boss and will misbehave.

False. Just like humans, dogs simply want a comfortable place to lie down. If comfort can be combined with being next to their beloved human, whether it's right next to you on the couch, or even on top of your lap, then they're all for it. In rare cases, dogs will guard their sleeping and resting areas, and will show aggression when humans approach these sacred areas. This type of behavior will require remedial training. But for the average Rover, sleeping in bed or resting on the couch has no adverse behavioral effects.

3. When your dog has a potty accident, it's important to rub her nose in it to let her know what she did.

False. When you rub a dog's nose in her own mess, she often sees no association between that and her having had a potty accident. Nor does rubbing her nose in her accident teach her not to potty on the floor again. Instead, rubbing her nose in her accident teaches her that humans are dangerous and unpredictable, and she will likely begin to hide in safety by sneaking into another room to go to the bathroom, making housebreaking even more difficult.

4. A dog who cowers from people was likely abused in the past.

False. There are various reasons for dogs cowering, and not all of them are because a dog was abused. Commonly, the dog was not properly socialized or had negative experiences during her prime socialization period as a puppy. Genetics also play a role in the fearful dog. Other reasons for a dog to duck away might be that she has learned to dodge people who try to grab her collar, or she is uncomfortable with petting, such as having her ears handled. Unfortunately, well-meaning strangers often approach dogs by bending over the top of their heads and reaching down to pet, which will send timid dogs into a cowering position. A better way to approach is by getting into a kneeling position, with your body turned toward the side, and then inviting the dog to approach you. If you practice this method, it will be less likely to cause a canine to cower.

5. Shelter dogs have too much baggage. It's better to adopt a puppy to start with a clean slate.

False. Many shelter dogs are well-behaved pooches who, for an endless list of possible reasons, could not be kept by their original owners. Older shelter dogs make ideal candidates for people wanting to skip the puppy stages of chewing, potty training and mouthing. The interview process at most shelters also pairs canine candidates with the family setting that will best suit the dog's temperament, which can create cohesion from the beginning.

6. All dogs should enjoy being around other dogs. It's essential for dogs to go on outings with other dogs, such as at the dog park. If a dog doesn't enjoy other dogs, there is something wrong with her.

False. Not all people are social butterflies and neither are all dogs. Some dogs may prefer solitude and only a small, select group of people. Dogs also have their own preferences when it comes to other canines. Breeding can play a big role in their sociability, with terriers being notorious for contentiousness with other pooches. Other times, whether from lack of socialization as a puppy or simply an individual preference, dogs may not enjoy canine comradery. Even though plenty of dogs enjoy the dog park, not all of them enjoy the idea of dozens of other dogs frolicking around them and would instead prefer a quiet walk with their owners.

7. You should let dogs just fight it out when they get into a scuffle.

False (well, at least partly false). It's true that you should never get into the middle of a dog fight, because some of the most damaging dog bites occur when owners try to separate fighting dogs. There are some tactics you can use to break up the scuffle without actually getting in the middle of the fray. Try using water, a really loud noise, or even a distraction like grabbing a treat bag or using voice to direct them to do something else. Owners should do everything they can to prevent another fight in the future. Often dogs don't settle matters on their own, and fighting intensifies over time, especially with dogs in the same home. This calls for advanced training with the help of an animal behaviorist or a certified professional trainer.

8. My dog is trying to show she's in charge when she doesn't listen to me.

False. It's easy to attribute human motives like "getting even" or "being spiteful" to our dogs, but dogs don't have the same complex emotions as humans. The more realistic reasons why a dog doesn't do what's being asked is either because she doesn't understand what she's being asked to do, or the dog doesn't have the proper motivation to want to perform the behavior. For example, most dogs don't come when called because the payoff isn't worth it. When they do, they usually are put on a leash or taken into the house when they'd rather stay outside.

9. My dog knows she was bad after she goes potty in the house. Her guilty face says it all.

False. Dogs show a perceived "guilty face" not because they feel an actual emotion of guilt, but they are actually showing appeasement behaviors in response to their owners intimidating body language. Whether we want to or not, it's difficult not to display negative body language when we're upset with our pets. A 2009 study by researcher Alexandra Horowitz at Barnard College in New York revealed that the "guilty look" dogs display is solely attributed by humans and has no relation to whether the dog is actually responsible for an offense. The study found that dogs who had not actually eaten the forbidden treat, but were scolded by their misinformed owners for eating a treat, showed guiltier-looking body language than dogs who had actually eaten the forbidden treat. The guilty look is simply a response of the dog to her owner's behavior.

10. It's always the owner's fault when a dog misbehaves.

False. Most owners are well-meaning, but are simply misinformed or lack knowledge on how to train their dogs effectively. Blaming the owner for all of a dog's problems makes for good TV, but there are a myriad of reasons why a dog misbehaves, including lack of proper socialization or preventive training, or even the genetic tendencies of the dog. It's important for pet parents to push past feelings of shame or guilt; instead get started in the right direction with help from a pet professional using positive reinforcement methods.

11. Using treats for training is bribery, and the dog won't do the behavior later if you don't give her a treat.

False. It's true that dogs need motivation to perform a behavior. That said, the motivation doesn't always have to be a food-based reward. Dogs can be rewarded in many other ways. Reward them with playing, petting or getting to go outside. They can also be put on a random schedule of rewards with a lottery-ticket-like system so they never know when the payout will come. This system helps keep them motivated. For example: learning to walk on a loose leash may be taught in the beginning by using treats, but once the behavior is learned, treats can be phased out so that the only reward becomes getting to go on the walk itself.

12. When a dog chews up shoes or destroys furniture it's because she's punishing the owner.

False. Dogs chew on shoes, furniture and other human items not to punish their owners, but simply because it feels good on their teeth, it relieves boredom, releases energy and, in some cases, may indicate separation anxiety.

13. A dog can't really be happy unless she can run off-leash.

False. Leashes are made for a dog's safety. They should be perceived as tools that keep your dog from running into oncoming traffic, going up to unknown dogs or people, and prevent them from running way. Although regular off-leash play in a fenced area is essential for a dog's well-being, while out in public, dogs can learn to be perfectly content on a leash at their owner's side.

14. Dogs are great judges of people, so if a dog doesn't like someone, it must mean there is something wrong with that person.

False. In the majority of cases, dogs who react aggressively or fearfully to a person are not doing so out of a negative moral evaluation of the individual, but are responding out of their own self-preservation. With that said, there have been plenty of circumstances where pets have used an apparent sixth sense to pick up on cues that went unseen by their human and actually saved their human's life. However, the majority of dogs I see in my training practice are unfriendly with a person because they are reacting out of fear to a certain physical attribute, movement or the physical proximity of a person, and are not reacting based on any moral evaluation of the individual.

Source: VetStreet

Also, see:

Jumat, 01 November 2013

Canine Mystery Illness Spreading to People

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim

Vet Believes Midwest Canine Mystery Illness is Zoonotic

October 29, 2013
By: Julie Scheidegger
DVM360 Magazine

Darwin was admitted to the Emergency Veterinary

Hospital of Ann Arbor with clinical signs of the

mystery illness. Dr. Lindsay Ruland says his owner,

a local veterinarian, told her he had had gastro-

intestinal and upper respiratory symptoms in the

weeks leading up to the dog's illness.

A recent weekend at the Emergency Veterinary Hospital of Ann Arbor, Mich., owned by Lindsay Ruland, DVM, saw a dozen patients with signs of the mystery canine illness reported in Ohio and Michigan. "Some had milder forms and were treated on an outpatient basis if they lived within 10 minutes of our hospital; others were so critical they came in unresponsive and were immediately admitted," Ruland told dvm360.

Ruland says that although public attention surrounding the still-unidentified disease began with cases in Ohio late this summer, she's been seeing the gastrointestinal and respiratory signs in her patients for the past year – upwards of 100 cases. Last year, however, she says the signs weren't as severe. "This year it's definitely worse," she says.

Recently, Ruland says, she and her staff saw firsthand how aggressive the disease is. "We had a 5-month-old mixed-breed dog who had been having diarrhea for less than 24 hours, and it suddenly became bloody," she says. Coincidentally, the owner's cousin's dog had died suddenly two weeks earlier of hemorrhagic diarrhea. Ruland performed radiographs immediately, and while she was reviewing them with the owner, the dog turned gray. "He began breathing heavily and collapsed and was unresponsive," Ruland says.

She rushed an IV catheter and resuscitated the dog with crystalloids and Hetastarch. "He required oxygen supplementation and after 30 minutes finally became responsive," Ruland says. "He went home 24 hours later, but it just showed us how fast this thing moves. If that dog had done that at home, he would have certainly died."

Nearly a dozen dogs have been reported dead in association with the illness in Ohio and Michigan, according to state officials. Ruland says her hospital has seen six dogs die from the illness since the end of August. "And that's just our clinic," she says. She thinks it's a problem at other veterinary hospitals as well, but people may not know what they're seeing.

After local media picked up on the illness reports in Ohio, Ruland went public with her own cases to bring more attention to the illness with the hope it would hasten a diagnosis. Since then, Ruland says she's heard from several pet owners who were not her clients that their pets had exhibited the signs and died suddenly within 24 hours. "The other clinics never had a diagnosis for the owners and oftentimes told the owners that their dog must have had cancer if it was an older dog, or they blamed the owners for feeding the dogs some fatty human food and causing severe pancreatitis," Ruland says. "So the other clinics are seeing these cases, they just aren't seeing them."

According to Tony Forshey, DVM, state veterinarian at the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the most common, consistent clinical signs of the illness have been vomiting and bloody diarrhea, which could have a wide range of contributing factors. After ruling out common causes, Ruland began looking for answers for the increasing number of patients presenting with the illness. Her hospital performed abdominal exploratory surgery in 36 dogs with the same findings – varying degrees of vasculitis. "Vasculitis, edema to all the major organs – it's really impressive," she says. Testing by the Ohio Department of Agriculture found evidence of vasculitis as well.

However, Ruland says her cases seemed to present not only a GI component but a respiratory component as well. She contacted the Animal Industry Division of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for advice on what to test for and what samples to collect. She kept a spreadsheet of her cases.

As cases continued to come in, Ruland says she began to notice another component of the illness. "Owners started saying that they had been sick," she says. Clients would joke they had the same symptoms as their pet.

Ruland realized that cases had begun coming in around the start of fair season and human influenza season. Swine flu had been reported in the state. "The owners were getting sick themselves; my staff was getting more sick the more they handled the cases as well," she says. Then Ruland herself got sick.

She says the illness in people starts with the sudden onset of severe abdominal pain, high in the abdomen. It progresses to lethargy, vomiting and bloating. After a couple days of GI symptoms, it turns respiratory with shortness of breath and coughing. "It definitely seems flulike," Ruland says. She and her team have also noted postviral neurological issues.

"We're pretty certain this is zoonotic here," Ruland says. "I'm not going to put my reputation on the line just for nothing. I do believe in this. I got sick myself."

Ruland doesn't want to cause a panic as there is no scientific evidence yet that the canine illness is zoonotic other than what she, her employees and her clients have experienced. But until she's proved wrong, Ruland and her staff are taking precautions. If doctors and team members shake hands with clients, they sanitize after. They bleach down the clinic once a day. "We've taken a lot more precautions and we're still coming down with this," Ruland says.

And now her boys are sick. Ages 2 and almost 4, her sons are battling respiratory infections and intermittent GI symptoms. Ruland says they had full respiratory panels conducted to look for the common illnesses like influenzas and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), but all came back negative. Her youngest has suffered bloody diarrhea and the oldest was rushed to the emergency room after he woke up nearly purple with respiratory distress, she says.

Ruland and her husband, who co-owns the hospital, now change clothes in the garage after work and put their hospital clothing right into the laundry before entering their house. They have hand sanitizer everywhere. "It must be airborne or traveling on clothes or something," she says.

Ruland also says her sons' pediatrician told her she's sent more children by ambulance to the intensive care unit in the past couple of weeks than she has in the past five years. "She is certain something serious is going around in humans right now, and it just seems too coincidental that it is also going around in our animals," she says.

Ruland realizes she's putting her neck on the line with her belief that this illness is zoonotic. She's hoping science will back up what she's seeing and experiencing at her clinic. "We've been taught viruses don't cross species," she says. "It's very scary if this is passing readily. We don't want to cause a panic until we know exactly what we're dealing with."

While a spokesperson with the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health at Michigan State's College of Veterinary Medicine says officials there are in contact with other agencies about how the illness might affect public health, Thomas Mullaney, MVB, MS, PhD, director of the Diagnostic Center, says he doesn't see any evidence of zoonosis whatsoever. To his knowledge, neither the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) nor any other public health organization is conducting an investigation concerning the canine illness at this time. Officials in Ohio and Michigan have stated they do not believe the illness is spreading.

However, Ruland says epidemiologists and other public health specialists interested in a possible zoonotic component have contacted her. She is working with them and other private agencies to investigate the possible human side of the illness while continuing to work with the MSU Diagnostic Center on the animal side.

With so much unknown about the illness – researchers have ruled out canine circovirus as a primary cause – Ruland feels it's important to explore what she is witnessing and experiencing at her hospital. "It's not proven in scientific fact, but it's strong enough we needed to get the word out to people," she says. She says other veterinarians and former classmates are contacting her, sharing cases they now believe could be tied to the illness.

While testing continues at the Diagnostic Center and other laboratories, Ruland's partnerships with private researchers continue as well. "The research group we are working with is working on deep DNA sequencing to try and figure out if the canine samples show circovirus or an entirely new virus," Ruland says. She may have her sons tested for circovirus, both porcine and canine if possible, if their respiratory symptoms persist.

"We're seeing a lot of these cases still," Ruland says. "We are very alarmed at the sheer number of animals who have this illness right now and expect it to only increase as the flu season goes on. We are trying to obtain answers quickly to see if there is a way we can prevent this from continuing."

Ruland is footing the bill for all samples her hospital has submitted for testing. She says she doesn't care what it costs. There are 20 different samples in the refrigerator right now. "I don't want my staff getting sick; I don't want these dogs getting sick. I just want an answer," she says.

Source: DVM360 Magazine
© 2013 Advanstar Communications

Also, see:

Senin, 28 Oktober 2013

Pets in Costume

Here are some great pics that I thought I would pass on and a FREE petcare DVD! –Kim

Some Cute Dog Costume Pics

Here are some really cute pics of pets in costume from Dr. Andrew Jones:

Free Petcare DVD from Dr. Jones

Learn the fundamentals of holistic dog and cat home health care. In the video, I demonstrate and discuss the most important aspects of at-home pet healing.

The Video is a great way to learn how to start treating your pets at home with alternative healing modalities and methods.

Basics of how to Care for your Sick Pet At Home

How and where to start at-home Healing, first steps you need to take

The At-Home Pet Health Exam – full how-to demonstration:

Where to perform
How to start
What areas you should focus on, and what to look for

Extensive discussion and demonstration of the most important at-home healing Modalities, including:

Neutraceuticals

Scientific Studies backing effectiveness
MOST IMPORTANT Nutraceuticals to give
How and when to use

Herbal Healing

Background and scientific studies
Safety precautions – Important points to keep in mind
Best forms of Herbs to use
How to use and apply herbal remedies
Using Herbs for allergies and other diseases

Homeopathy

Theory and background
How to properly handle and give homeopathic remedies
Homeopathic remedies for injuries/shock, digestive issues and more

Acupressure

Background and explanation
Scientific studies proving effectiveness
Basic application, proper technique
Charts of main Acupressure points for dogs and cats
Demonstration of 5 specific Acupressure points for seizures, joint pain and arthritis, general health and wellness, and hip dysplasia

Pet Massage

Benefits of Massage, with scientific studies
Specific Pet Massage techniques – how to apply them and what health issues to use them for
Demonstration of therapeutic pet massage for back arthritis

Order it FREE online; all you need to pay for is shipping.

Get your copy here:
http://www.theonlinevet.com

Rabu, 23 Oktober 2013

Teach Your Dog to Stop Barking

Here's a great video that might help if your dog barks a lot...hope it helps! –Kim

How to Teach Your Dog to Stop Barking

It's natural for a dog to bark. It's one way he expresses his feelings – everything from excitement to agitation. If you have an incessant barker, it's important to teach him an alternative behavior like the "quiet" command. If your dog is fearful or aggressive, though, the "quiet" command might not be the right fit for your pooch. Talk to your veterinarian, who may recommend a referral to a behaviorist or certified trainer for your pet.

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Senin, 07 Oktober 2013

Jaxon's Story: Devocalized

Here's the story about one of our fosters who had almost died, due to devocalization! –Kim

Abandoned in an Empty House, Unable to Bark for Help

Jaxon

Jaxon, a young, neutered Chinese Crested, and Foxie, a Pom, were found in an empty house, where they'd been abandoned without food, surviving by eating their waste.

If Jaxon were alone, he wouldn't have been discovered in time to save his life: That's because he was devocalized.

But with her vocal cords intact, Foxie could bark loudly enough to be heard, and the dogs were discovered. The rest is what happy endings are made of.

A dog rescue group called Bald is Beautiful pulled Jaxon and Foxie from the county pound, and a kind couple – veteran rescuers and dog bloggers (TopDogBlog!) – fostered them. Another couple drove from Maryland to Chicago to adopt Jaxon, Foxie and a third dog, Maddie.

Foxie

Now 4 years old, Jaxon is living the good life with his foster siblings in a loving home. And Jaxon is extra lucky: His adoptive mom, a nurse, knows how to manage the consequences of devocalization. Adopters who don't – or who don't even know their animals were devocalized – may unwittingly cause their deaths.

Becky waters Jaxon's food to ease swallowing so he won't die the terrifying way other devocalized animals have, choking on food.

And she monitors his play, because though he loves to do "zoomies" in the yard with Maddie, Jaxon becomes winded after a few minutes as a result of devocalization.

He coughs after drinking water and intermittently throughout the day and night, sometimes so badly, his family worries he won't be able to catch his breath.

Becky says, "No animal should ever be devocalized. It's especially odd to us that Jaxon was, because he barks only when one of our cats is near him. He doesn't even try in doggy park."

But that didn't keep someone from having his vocal cords cut.

Source: United Against Devocalization / Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets
© 2013 Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets

CLICK HERE to SIGN THIS PETITION
against Devocalization

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Videos:

Minggu, 29 September 2013

Has Big Pharma Taken Over Veterinary Medicine?

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim

The 'Drugification' of Veterinary Medicine

Here's what Dr. Andrew Jones has to say about it...

Source: http://www.theinternetpetvet.com/video-big-pharma-has-it-taken-over-veterinary-medicine/

Also, see:

Sabtu, 21 September 2013

Where Should the Puppy Sleep?

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it helpful! –Kim

Brand New Puppy? Let Them Sleep Near You

by Sarah Wilson, Dog Expert
September 17, 2013

A trainer friend came in the door looking haggard. Her new client puppy cried off and on all night crated in her kitchen. "I'm exhausted" she said, stating the obvious.

She got a hug then this advice, "Put the puppy's crate next to your bed."

She looked surprised. "I've always heard I should let them cry it out." she stated.

That is common advice and I used to say it, too. I was wrong.

Allowing your new puppy to sleep near you for a week or so makes things epically easier for everyone. Here are the benefits:

You sleep which is critical to you being the sort of puppy person you planned on being.
You can hear when your pup gets restless so can take them to their potty area before the crate is wet or the pup is upset.
Your pup gets to bond more to you.
Your family and spouse isn't stressed by the constant crying.
Ditto your neighbors, if you have some close by.
Your puppy gets critical rest after the stress of changing homes, leaving the litter, etc.

The pup in this story had been spayed the week before at 8 weeks, been vaccinated, flown across the country, landed in a new home for two days, been given a heartworm preventative, flea and tick treated and wormed for parasites all before coming to my friend. All that totals up to an assault on her tiny system and I advised quiet and lots of sleep for the next few days, at least, to give her little body a chance to recover.

Once your new friend is sleeping through the night and is calmly crating during the day, then the crate can move to the kitchen. This is my standard routine now and it works great.

My most recent student, Button, was screaming her adorable lungs out when left alone day one, then crating quietly by day five. Having her next to my bed those first five days made life easier for both of us.

Now you know.

Enjoy!

PS - If you like my blogs, you'll love my e-mails.

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Rabu, 11 September 2013

Vet Clients Don’t Understand the Value of Preventive Healthcare

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...it pays to be well informed! –Kim

Don't be Duped by the True Intent of this Media Blitz

By Dr. Becker

According to dvm360, "It's no secret that veterinary clients don't understand the value of preventive healthcare."
This may be the case for clients of conventional vet practices, but the majority of pet owners in my proactive, integrative practice certainly understand the importance of regular wellness visits. In fact, my preference is to see younger, healthy animals twice a year, and older pets and those with chronic health conditions even more often.

'Partners for Healthy Pets' Campaigns to Promote More Frequent Vet Visits

To encourage more vet visits, a group called Partners for Healthy Pets (PHP) is waging a $5.5 million campaign to convince pet owners that visiting the vet regularly "is essential to responsible pet ownership" – and is "as important as food and love."
If you're wondering who is behind the campaign, this is from the PHP Web site:
"Partners for Healthy Pets is the face of the Partnership for Preventive Pet Healthcare™, a committee of the non-profit American Veterinary Medical Foundation that was created to ensure that pets receive the preventive healthcare they deserve through regular visits to a veterinarian. This alliance of more than 20 leading veterinary associations and animal health companies is committed to a vision of improved overall health for pets."
The list of members/sponsors reads like a who's who of the veterinary drug industry and assorted pet healthcare companies.
The campaign was rolled out to veterinarians at the AVMA annual meeting in July. According to dvm360, the pet owners being targeted are "urban and suburban women ages 32 to 49 who already have a relationship with a veterinarian but who are not regularly seeking preventive care." This demographic is being solicited for their $75,000+ household income and a willingness to spend 20-25% more than average on their pets.

The campaign kicks off this month and will run through 2014, so I imagine many of you will begin to see PHP advertisements encouraging preventive vet visits. You might also hear directly from your DVM, since veterinary practices can enroll in the program and receive information from PHP on how to promote the campaign at their clinics and on websites.
According to Dr. Ron DeHaven, CEO of the AVMA and chairman of PHP…
"This is an unprecedented opportunity for the veterinary care community. It's a platform for all of us to communicate the importance of preventive care to pet owners, to enhance the relationships we share with them, and ultimately to deliver even higher quality preventive care."
As a proactive, holistically oriented veterinarian, I'm certainly a huge advocate of preventive care for animals. However, preventive care in a holistic context is very different from what the vast majority of traditional vets consider it to be.
It's clear from the Partners for Healthy Pets members/sponsors list where the conventional vet community focuses when it comes to preventive care for pets. It's primarily about vaccines and chemical pest preventives, in a one-size-fits-all approach.

Why Yearly Vaccinations Should Never Be a Reason for Regular Vet Visits

Yearly re-vaccinations are unnecessary and dangerous and should never be used to promote annual veterinary visits. Even the latest canine vaccination guidelines, now two years old, no longer call for annual re-vaccinations. Unfortunately, veterinary compliance with the guidelines is not what it should be. It seems the majority of vets are still promoting annual re-vaccinations.

It saddens me that so many pet owners have been led to believe their dog's or cat's health revolves around yearly re-vaccinations.
In my practice, I tailor vaccine protocols to minimize risk and maximize protection, taking into account the breed, background, nutritional status and overall vitality of the pet. With healthy puppies, for example, I generally follow the protocol set by Dr. Ron Schultz. I give a single parvo and distemper vaccine at 12 weeks of age, and a second set after 14 weeks. I run a titer test two weeks after the last set and if the dog has been successfully immunized, she's protected for life.
If titer tests on any pet no matter the age indicate vaccine levels are low, I recommend a booster for only the specific virus or viruses that titered low, and only for those to which the animal has a real risk of exposure.
I do not use or recommend combination vaccines (six to eight viruses in one shot), which is the traditional yearly booster.

Veterinary Wellness Exams Should Be a Review of the Status of Your Pet's Health

In my opinion, more veterinarians could help pet owners understand the value of regular vet visits by rejecting the traditional notion of preventive healthcare (vaccines and other drugs) in favor of adopting a proactive approach to keeping their pet patients healthy. Being proactive means being focused on initiating change rather than simply reacting to events as they occur.
In my practice I use what I call the Three Pillars of Health as a proactive approach to wellness. These pillars form the foundation for your pet's health, quality of life, and longevity.

Pillar #1 is species-appropriate nutrition. The diet you feed your cat or dog should be balanced and biologically appropriate for a carnivore.
Pillar #2 is a sound, resilient frame. This aspect of your pet's health involves maintenance of the musculoskeletal system and organs.
Pillar #3 is a balanced, functional immune system. The goal here is to keep your pet's immune system in balance. It should protect against pathogens, but not be over-reactive to the point of creating allergies and other autoimmune conditions.

What Effective Preventive Healthcare Looks Like

One of the primary ways proactive vets like me keep on top of a patient's health is by tracking blood work changes over time. Let's say your cat's kidney enzymes (BUN and creatinine) are climbing, but are still within normal reference ranges. A reactive vet will wait to see those enzyme levels climb above what's considered normal before taking action. My approach is to pay attention to any change in those enzyme levels, and long before your kitty is diagnosed with chronic kidney failure, I will suggest lifestyle changes that can prevent the disease from developing.
Another way proactive vets manage their patients' health is by regularly reviewing diet, supplement protocol, and exercise habits with pet parents. A dog's or cat's wellness and nutritional goals change yearly, and over the age of eight can require fine-tuning every four to six months. Cats, in particular, are very good at hiding illness and pain, so it's not a good idea to wait until there seems to be a problem.
Your vet's preventive healthcare goal should be to help your pet avoid preventable disease. Unnecessary vaccinations and other traditional chemical "preventions" will not ultimately achieve that goal, and can actually help create disease where none existed.
In addition, your vet shouldn't wait around until your pet is sick or debilitated and then attempt to fix the problem. He or she should use your regularly scheduled wellness visits as an opportunity to check the status of your pet's health and take proactive steps to prevent serious disease from taking hold.
This is the true essence of preventive healthcare, and I hope you'll advocate for it with your own veterinarian.

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