Information For Animal Shelters

Recently, I learned about a wonderful website devoted to animal shelters called  www.animalsheltering.org.  The site contains a wealth of information including how to design and set-up an animal shelter, care for the animals, solicit donations, encourage volunteers and apply for grants.  There is even a section on dealing with the problem of feral cats.  Most information is available in Spanish as …

Hawaiian Elephants Get New Home

The Honolulu Zoo is building a new enclosure for their two Indian elephants, Mari and Vaigai.  These girls have been living in a 6,000 square foot enclosure, which is way too small for elephants.  The new one is five times larger.  It even includes a pool where Mari and Vaigai can swim during the heat of the day.   I want to thank the people of …

Canadian Veterinarians Observe Illness In Dogs Fed Chicken Jerky Treats

This week, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association alerted the American Veterinary Medical Association about potential problems associated with some chicken jerky treats manufactured in China.  The brand names were not included.   Veterinarians in Ontario, Canada have observed Fanconi-like signs in dogs including vomiting, anorexia, lethargy, increased thirst and increased urination.  The real Fanconi Syndrome is an inherited kidney condition …

You Make The Diagnosis: Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dog in the United States.  They are handsome dogs with fluffy coats that range in color from blonde to deep red.  Goldens have beautiful brown eyes and a black nose.  As for personality, I think of goldens as the “Miss Congeniality” of the dog world.  They greet …

A Wobbly Meerkat Named Bobbles

On a recent visit to the Honolulu Zoo I noticed a wobbly meerkat trying to dig a hole.  “Bobbles” was born with a medical problem.  Based upon observing him for a time I believe it is probably cerebellar hypoplasia.  This condition effects coordination and balance.  He is easy to spot as he teeters his way around the enclosure.  According to his …

Nevada Close To Passing Cooney’s Law

In 2010, an adopted dog named Cooney was brutally murdered by his owner.  The man gutted Cooney with a box cutter.  Under Nevada Law, the maximum penalty for first time animal abusers is only a misdemeanor – no matter how horrific the crime.  The system does not allow judges to increase the penalty.  A bill named in honor of Cooney is …