Dr. Nelson's Veterinary Blog

Dog Allergies - Environmental Control

2010-03-07T14:23:00Z

One of the most overlooked aspects of allergy treatment for dogs is removing allergens from the animal's environment. We spend so much time treating the dog that we sometimes forget to treat the environment in a way that will minimize allergens. The following is a list of recommendations I make to my clients who live with allergic dogs and cats.

1) Get an air purifier. I used to scoff at the effectiveness of air purifiers until my husband bought a Holmes unit for our bedroom. It made a huge difference for me, our dog and our cat.
2) Use hypoallergenic products to wash all of your dog's bedding.  Double rinse after cleaning.
3) Avoid sprinkle in carpet cleaners. I think it is the powder that sets-off allergic animals.
4) Prevent exposure to aerosols of any kind. Place them in another room while using the products and wait at least two hours before allowing them back in.  Besides cleaning products, this category includes air fresheners, perfume and hairspray.
5) Do not use flea collars. I have seen dogs with allergies suffer horrible reactions to the chemicals in flea collars. They develop an ulcerative dermatitis that is difficult to treat because the chemical remains in the skin for a long time.
6) Avoid wool blankets or real fleece beds. Cotton seems to work better although I had one patient who developed an allergy to cotton.
7) Keep your dog off golf courses.  The chemicals used to keep the grass growing often cause severe reactions. If you absolutely must take your dog on the course, i.e. the dog is used to keep waterfowl off the course, then rinse their feet off well at the end of the day.
8) Avoid recently salted roads and sidewalks.  The salt burns if trapped between their toes.
9) Vacuum regularly to decrease the amount of dust in your house.
10) Use high-quality filters in your HVAC system. At my home we use 3M brand Ultrete filters (in the purple wrapper).
11) If you smoke, go outside and leave the dog inside until you are finished.

This post concludes the series on dog allergies. I hope you gained a better understanding of the problem, available tests and treatments to help manage your pet's allergies! -Dr. Nelson

Perfume Your Cat - A Vet's Trick

2010-02-28T18:27:00Z

Have you ever brought your cat home from the veterinary clinic and found your other cats hissing at them or worse yet, attacking them? Unfortunately, this is a common response when one member of a cat family comes home wearing scents from the hospital. The cats who stayed home pick up the smell of antiseptics, other animals or the veterinarian who vaccinated them! Some react as if their feline sibling is now an enemy - and one who smells like the Vet! The strange scents override all other forms of recognition.

If this situation occurs with your cats, I have an easy way to treat it. Spray all the cats in your household with the same perfume. The strong scent overwhelms their sense of smell and makes it more difficult, if not impossible for the cats to pick up any traces of the hospital visit. Cats usually run to a hiding spot to deal with the offending perfume. They emerge with a freshly groomed coat and new attitude. The feline family is back to normal and that ever so offensive smell of the vet is gone.

Dog Allergies - Shampoos, Rinses And Other Topical Treatments

2010-02-25T14:14:00Z

There are numerous products including shampoos, rinses, sprays, lotions, creams and leave-on conditioners designed to help dogs with allergies.  These topicals contain anti-inflammatory ingredients (steroids, antihistamines, colloidal oatmeal, fatty acids, capsaicin and aloe vera) to make the patient more comfortable.  In my experience, the response to each is highly individualistic. I see the best response in patients who have localized disease and owner's that are able to treat regularly.

With so many products to chose from, it can be difficult to know where to start.  I usually begin with a hypoallergenic shampoo followed by a soothing conditioner with residual action.  This combination seems to work well as long as the dog does not suffer from other infections or infestations. Massage the shampoo into the skin and then let it soak according to the manufacturer's recommendation. To keep the dog from licking the shampoo off or rolling in the dirt, I tell people to lather the dog up and then go for a short walk.

Rinsing is a very important part of the procedure. Since cold water decreases inflammation, I recommend a 10 minute rinse with cool water.  Rinse, rinse and rinse again.  Pay special attention to the underarms, groin, under the tail and chest.  Shampoo and debris collects in these areas.

Next comes the conditioner.  Since I prefer leave-on products, I instruct people to gently towel off the dog. Pat dry as rubbing will inflame the skin. Apply the conditioner as directed. Massage a little extra into the more inflamed areas.  If the dog can tolerate it, I prefer to let them air dry with the conditioner in place. If not, please use the cool setting on the blow dryer to avoid aggravating the skin.

For those emergency situations when your pet is keeping you up all night licking or scratching one spot, I dispense Dermacool. This spray contains a topical anesthetic called lidocaine that deadens the itch after a few minutes.  The solution is acidic which inhibits growth of yeast and bacteria and contains colloidal oatmeal to decrease inflammation.  This product was a life-saver with Susie, my golden retriever. When she started to lick, I sprayed the area and kept it from becoming a bigger problem.

Dog Allergies - Fatty Acids

2010-02-19T21:59:00Z

Fatty acids come in two varieties, omega-6 and omega-3. Omega-6 fatty acids are contained in vegetable oils. They are generally used to correct defects in the lipid barrier of skin damaged by allergies. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseed, are best known for their anti-inflammatory effects.  Since most dogs with allergies can benefit from both, I usually choose a product that combines omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.  The only exception is with dog's whose main problem is dry skin and scaling (dandruff). In those animals I will use strictly omega-6 fatty acids.

Before you start your dog on fatty acids, talk to your veterinarian. I don't use fatty acids in dogs who have a history of pancreatitis or in breeds that are prone to pancreatitis.  Also, be careful with fatty acids in dogs with digestive problems as diarrhea may result.  Some dogs require therapy for two months before any improvement is observed.

One last tip, never used expired fatty acids. Look at the bottle before you buy.  Store according to the manufacturer's recommendation.  Always smell the product, especially omega-6 fish oil, before you administer it.  If it smells bad, don't give it. Fish oil, especially, become rancid with improper handling.

Dara Rybalov Wins The Cover Contest

2010-02-17T02:37:00Z

Congratulations to Dara Rybalov, winner of the cover design cover contest. Although I liked the artwork and creativity of all the entries, I felt Dara's design best captured the spirit of the book. I can't wait to share it with you! Coated With Fur: A Vet's Life will be published in April.

From a young age, Dara displayed an avid interest in books and art, so it was only natural that she combine the two in cover design. She enjoys using her creativity to visually portray the messages contained within each book. Dara's creative process in enhanced by her two Siamese cats, Ming and LeMei who insist she take regular breaks from designing to play fetch.

I want to thank all the artists for the interest, energy and ability your brought to this project. Your creativity is truly inspiring!

Happy Valentines Day From Keanu And Mauka

2010-02-14T15:04:00Z

Keanu and Mauka

It has been awhile since I updated everyone on these two precious boys. We adopted them six months ago and have they ever grown. They also stole my heart . . . . In retrospect I am pleased they have had each other to play with and learn the ways of the world. They are genuinely best friends. Our older cats Tigre and Kalani are still coming to terms with the youngsters. But, our dog Buddy remains as enthusiastic about them as ever. For their part, the kittens purr at the sight of Buddy. In fact, they purr all the time. They are a great blessing to us. I hope this Valentine's Day you experience unconditional love in your life, these kittens certainly share that gift with us.

Dog Allergies - Antihistamines

2010-02-11T14:26:00Z

Antihistamines are a class of drug that decrease inflammation by inhibiting histamine release.  There are many drugs in this class including diphenhydramine (Benadryl), hydroxyzine (Atarax), chlorpheniramine (Chlortrimeton) and cetirizine (Zyrtec). The most common side effect is sedation, dogs sleep more than normal. This effect usually improves after a few days of therapy. In rare individuals, the opposite reaction occurs with dogs trembling, salivating, panting and showing other signs of excitation, although this is far more common in cats.

The problem with antihistamines is that not all dogs respond to them. Most will improve somewhat, but not completely. A few show no response at all. I used diphenhydramine on my own dog Susie. It worked well for two years and then she stopped responding. I switched to chlorpheniramine until it stopped working, then switched back to diphenhydramine. I recommend trying a specific antihistamine for 7 days before switching to another. I also like to combine antihistamines with other treatments to give the dog more relief such as omega 3 fatty acids, shampoo and creme rinse. For emergency situations, when your dog is keeping you up all night scratching and licking their abdomen, I have owners spray Dermacool on the area. This product contains lidocaine which is a topical anesthetic. After a few minutes, the spray numbs the area allowing the dog and their owner to go back to sleep.

I find that antihistamines are more effective when given early, before the allergic reaction gets too strong. I teach owners how to spot allergies in the early stages.  In many dogs, the ears are one of the easiest places to spot the onset of allergies.  Faint red streaks occur on the inside of the ear flap.  It often takes only a few days of therapy to control a dog whose condition is caught at this stage. Early detection also prevents the inflammation from transforming into a full blown ear infection.

Regardless of whether your dog suffers from allergies or not, I recommend that all pet owners keep an antihistamine on hand just in case your pet is stung by a bee or another insect.  This can be a life-threatening condition. Before a crisis unfolds, call your veterinarian to get the proper type and dose of antihistamine to use in an emergency situation.  Early treatment is the key to successful treatment of allergies.

Dog Allergies - Treatment With Cyclosporine (Atopica)

2010-02-05T20:21:00Z

Cyclosporine is an immunossupresant drug that is commonly used in allergic dogs.  Although the exact mechanism of action is not understood, it appears to decrease allergy symptoms by dampening the cell-mediated immune response. The trade name for the veterinary version of the drug is Atopica. I usually start therapy with a daily dose for 30 days and then taper off to the least amount possible that will also keep the dog comfortable. Clients are instructed to give the drug at least one hour prior to or two hours after a meal for best effect.

In my experience, the most common side affects of cyclosporine are related to the gastrointestinal system; vomiting, diarrhea and anorexia. It may also cause excessive growth of the gums (gingival hyperplasia) as well as warts (papillomatosis). Regular dental care is needed to address these issues.  The drug is not recommended in patients who have suffered with malignant cancer and is used with caution in animals with a history of liver or kidney problems.

The biggest hurdle to this therapy is cost. The drug is expensive to use, especially in large or giant breed dogs.  Depending on the patient, cyclosporine may be given with another drug, ketoconazole, that is commonly used to treat fungal infections. Ketoconazole increases the duration of action by inhibiting the breakdown of cyclosporine allowing the dose to be cut by a third or so in most cases.

If your pet is on cyclosporine, do not give any other medications without first speaking to your veterinarian. Cyclosporine cross- reacts with many drugs.  It may also take weeks to months to see improvement in your pet's allergies on this drug. A typical dog will show moderate improvement in 30 days and then plateau over the next 2 to 4 months.  If a dog's symptoms have not improved at all after 6 weeks of therapy, I generally switch to another form of therapy because not all dogs will respond to cyclosporine.

Some in the profession believe cyclosporine is a safer alternative than utilizing steroids. I believe the jury is still out. I know of no study which provides a conclusive answer to the long-term effects of cyclosporine use versus steroids. So, if your animal is on this treatment, stay close to your veterinarian as time unfolds to insure your pet stays healthy.

Dog Allergies - Allergen Specific Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots)

2010-02-01T21:21:00Z

The best treatment for an allergic dog is to identify the cause and remove it from the environment. I remember testing one Golden retriever and learning he was allergic to wool. The owner got rid of the wool carpeting and wool blanket on his bed and he was cured. Unfortunately, not all allergens can be removed. For these cases, I recommend Allergen Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT). Although it is costly, this treatment has the fewest long-term side effects for the dog.

A small amount of the offending allergens are made into a vaccine that is injected into the dog. The concentration of these allergens starts out low and builds as the dog becomes less and less sensitive to them. About seventy-five percent of the dogs treated will improve.

When I place a dog on ASIT, I send the owners home with the following directions:
1) Follow the injection schedule carefully. Do not alter it without talking to your veterinarian. A sudden change might undo everything.
2) After giving the injection, observe your dog for three hours. In rare cases, dogs may suffer allergic reactions that need emergency treatment. I had one patient that got hives everytime the concentration was increased.
3) Keep the vials refrigerated. If they are left out, the allergen might decompose and/or bacteria might colonize the vial.
4) Be patient! It may take up to one year before any positive effects are seen. During this time, the pet might still require other therapies to keep them comfortable.

Dog Allergies - Treatment With Steroids

2010-01-27T14:10:00Z

Steroids such as prednisone, methyl prednisolone and trimacinolone bring relief to allergic dogs by decreasing inflammation.  At higher doses, they actually suppress the immune system.  Unfortunately, they also have many unwanted side effects because they effect so many body systems.  Dogs on steroids often have increased thirst, appetite and urinations. They may also suffer with excessive panting, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal ulcers, pancreatitis, muscle wasting and liver problems.

When I was in high school, I remember taking our dog in for an allergy shot. The shot was actually a long--acting glucocorticoid (steroid) called triamcinolone. Although this treatment brought him relief, I later learned it also has many dangerous side effects. Early in my career, I saw a yellow lab who suffered from liver disease. Her gums, eyes and other mucous membranes were actually yellow in color from bilirubin. The dog had been on triamcinolone injections for most of her life to control her allergies. Now at only 8 years of age, her liver failed. Despite aggressive treatment, she did not survive.

Because of the side effects, I reserve steroid therapy for dogs with severe cases of allergies and allergies that are not responding to other treatments.  For these dogs, I prefer using a drug called Termaril P that is a combination of the antihistamine trimeprazine and prednisone. This drug comes in a pill form. The oral dosing gives better options if side effects should develop. With an injection, once it's in the body, that's it.  My goal in therapy is to control the dog's allergies and then get them off as quickly as possible. That usually means the dog will be on the drug for about two weeks, starting with a higher dose for about 3 days and then tapering off. As a brief but important side note, tapering is critical.  Animals should not stop steroid treatment without a taper.

Because intradermal or serum allergy testing and desensitization therapy are all expensive, some owners want to use steroids as a cheap alternative.  Because of the potential side effects, I strongly discourage this approach. I think the risks associated with chronic steroid therapy far outweigh the benefit.  In my opinion, the best treatment is to remove whatever is causing the allergy from the dog's environment. If that is impossible, then pursue desensitization therapy. As I said before, steroids should be the last resort because of their side effects. Used properly, they are an excellent tool in a veterinarian's arsenal but again, only in skilled hands after careful consideration.

Dog Allergies - Additonal Tests

2010-01-25T20:03:00Z

When working up a dog with allergies, I perform several tests to rule out other diseases before launching into a food trial, intradermal test or serum allergy test. In my experience, dogs with allergies often suffer with skin infections caused by bacteria and yeast. Mange is a third common problem that can be misdiagnosed as allergies. Here's a list of the tests I use:

1) Skin Scrape - Mange or infections caused by mites can look a lot like allergies. The dogs are really uncomfortable and the constant scratching causes skin damage. To check for mites, I scrape the patient's skin with a sterile scalpel blade and examine the contents under a microscope.

2) Skin Cytology - Dogs with allergic dermatitis often suffer with secondary yeast and/or bacterial infections. In this test, a sample is collected, transfered to a microscope slide and examined for abnormalities. Samples are collected in a variety of ways including dry skin scrapes with a scalpel blade, pressing the slide directly onto the skin or using cellophane tape. Cotton swabs work well for ears.

3) Bacterial and Fungal Cultures - The skin is cultured to see what kind of organisms might be growing on it. Again, this is to test for secondary yeast and/or bacterial infections.

4) Flea Combing - Flea bites cause horrible itching in dogs. A special fine-toothed flea comb is used to find fleas on the dog. It is a good way to make sure the flea control is effective.

5) Skin Biopsy - Full-thickness biopsies of the skin are sometimes needed to differentiate allergic dermatitis from other skin conditions.

6) Blood Tests - Used to detect hormonal abnormalities that may cause skin problems.

As a veterinarian, I have to confess that dermatologic conditions can be vexing for everyone involved. The animals suffer greatly, vets and owners can too as they struggle to uncover the true cause of the problem. So, if you find yourself dealing with allergies or skin - hang in there! The answers can be hard to find but the relief to the animal is rewarding.

Dog Breeds - None Are Hypoallergenic

2010-01-21T03:55:00Z

There is a myth that some breeds of dogs are hypoallergenic. I wish this were true, but sadly it is not. One common view is that dogs with continuously growing coats like poodles and bichons are less antigenic than other breeds. Although this has some conceptual appeal, there is no scientific evidence to support it.

As a veterinarian, I see how serious allergies are for both the animals and people involved. Consider the following example; A family brings a reportedly 'hypoallergenic' breed of dog into their home. Initially, the allergic child experiences mild allergy symptoms. As time goes by, the symptoms become more severe until the family is forced to get rid of the pet. Of course, the child feels terrible and view this turn of events as being their fault. The dog is obviously traumatized when they lose their family. The parents also feel guilty for bringing the dog into their home in the first place.

So, I have more to write on the topic of allergies but wanted to take this moment to discuss the notion of breeds and hypoallergenic traits. Clearly, this is a tough condition for everyone involved.

Dog Allergies - Intradermal Tests, Serum Allergy Tests And Food Trials

2010-01-17T02:56:00Z

Once a dog has been diagnosed with allergies (allergic dermatitis), the next step is to determine the specific cause and remove it. Dogs may develop allergies to a number of things, far too many to list here. The most common causes I see are dust, corn, wheat, wool and grass, but it really depends on where you live.

There are three different tests used to diagnose this condition.

1.) Intradermal tests (skin tests): This test assesses the allergy antibody IgE in the tissues. The patient's side is clipped into a large square and minute amounts of the antigens commonly found where the dog lives are injected into the skin. The reaction at each site is compared to a control area. Although the test is very accurate, only a limited number of antigens maybe checked.

2.) Serum allergy tests: This measures IgE circulating in the blood.  A blood sample is all that is required.  The sample may be analyzed for many more antigens than the intradermal test. Besides the antigens common to all dogs, there are regional screens that check for antigens from specific plants and other antigens specific to the area. Although most of these panels offer food screens, the dermatologists I follow believe the results are not helpful.  They recommend a 12 week food trial with a hypoallergenic diet instead.

Please note that with both the intradermal test and the serum test, medication such as steroids and antihistamines will interfere with the results by limiting the immune response.  Patients should be off of these medications to promote accurate test results.  Before withdrawing any medication, talk to your veterinarian as sudden withdrawal of steroids may trigger a life-threatening crisis.

Also, some antigens are seasonal. If your pet's allergies are seasonal, perform the test during the time when your pet exhibits clinical signs.

3.) Hypoallergenic diets:  The proteins in these diets are hydrolyzed into small fragments, unrecognizable by the immune system.  During the 12 week food trial, the dog must not eat anything else beside the prescription food, this includes treats and flavored medicine.

References:

Hillier, A., Allergy Testing: Uses and Interpretation (VET-93), Western Veterinary Conference 2004 Proceedings.

Dog Allergies - History and Clincal Signs

2010-01-13T00:11:00Z

With spring right around the corner, I thought it was time to do a series of blog posts on allergies. Allergies may develop at any age but typically dogs start showing signs around two or three years of age. The symptoms are usually seasonal at first and progress slowly over time. The typical history goes something like this: Owner notices that the skin on the dog's abdomen or other thinly haired areas is reddened. The dog seems more itchy than normal. The owner seeks veterinary attention when the constant scratching keeps them up at night. Symptomatic therapy brings the dog relief at first. Eventually, the dog has symptoms throughout the year and requires a full medical workup to determine the cause of the allergies and optimal treatment strategies.

Clinical signs vary greatly. Here are some of the more common ones:

1) Reddened eyes.
2) Brown stained fur on paws from constant licking.
3) Ear disease, especially recurring ear infections. The inflammation caused by allergies changes the mucosa of the ear, predisposing it to infection.
4) Excessive itchiness (pruritis) anywhere on the body including the anus.
5) Diarrhea and less commonly, vomiting from food allergies.
6) Stronge body odor.
7) Dull, poor hair coat and reddened skin.
8) Hot spots (localized areas of moist dermatitis caused by staph.)
9) Behavior changes, these dogs are miserable.

Miniature Schnauzer - Common Blood Problem

2010-01-11T03:32:00Z

This beautiful puppy is a Miniature Schnauzer named Heidi. Schnauzers are a popular companion dog because of their energetic and affectionate personalities. It is very important to keep this breed of dog fit like her owner's do with Heidi. Obese Schnauzers are prone to developing a blood disorder that may lead to serious problems.  What is the name of this possibly inherited disease? What are the clinical signs?



Diagnosis: Idiopathic Hyperlipidemia

Unfortunately, Miniature Schnauzers are prone to hyperlipidemia which basically means too much fat in their blood. In severe cases, the blood is thick and reminds me of a strawberry milkshake. After it is spun down to separate the cells from the serum, the fat accumulates in a white clump. It is disgusting!

Clinical signs of hyperlipidemia include anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, neurologic problems including seizures, cloudy eyes from fat accumulation and abdominal pain if pancreatitis is present.

Because hyperlipidemia is so common in this breed, I recommend routine annual blood work. I also encourage owners to avoid high fat foods or treats and provide plenty of exercise for their dogs.  With treatment, these dogs can avoid the health problems hyperlipidemia causes and live a long, healthy life.

Dog Covered With Ticks

2010-01-08T01:19:00Z

Last summer, a woman found this dog wondering the streets of Phoenix.  Filthy matted hair covered his body and he smelled like garbage.

When we removed his hair, a new problem emerged. Ticks!  They covered his body. It was the worst infestation I have ever seen. We used a spray to kill the ticks and then removed them with slow steady traction. As you may know, ticks carry a serious disease commonly referred to as "Tick Fever". What is the scientific name for the disease? What are the clinical signs of this disease?  Scroll past the bowl of ticks to check your answer.

Diagnosis: Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichia is the causative agent in tick fever. The organism is transmitted from animal to animal by ticks. Once in the body, Ehrlichia invades the white blood cells.  Clinical signs of the disease are non-specific in the early phase: lethargy, anorexia and sometimes, a shifting leg lameness.  As the disease progresses, the gums turn pale pink to white, blood may be observed in the urine or feces, bruises may occur on the body and the animal struggles for breath.  Luckily for this little stray, he tested negative for Ehrlichiosis.

After three hours of work, most of the mats and ticks were gone.  Even though it hurt a little when the ticks were removed, he never tried to bite. He sat on the floor and wagged his tail whenever anyone spoke to him. At this point in time, he needed a break. We placed him in a run before tackling his face. He ate, drank and curled up on a clean blanket. Later that day, he went home with the woman who found him. It was a happy ending to this a sad beginning.

Raw Diets For Pets - The Freezing Myth

2010-01-03T19:14:00Z

Recently, I've had several people ask me about raw pet diets commonly called BARF. When I first heard about this diet, the letters stood for "bones and raw food". Now the marketing has changed to "biologically appropriate raw food".  In these discussions, I have learned that many people believe freezing makes raw diets safe for their pets.  This is not true. Given the buzz around raw meat diets, I feel compelled to alert everyone about the scientific findings on the topic.

According to Betsy Berry, Manager of the United States Department of Agriculture's Meat and Poultry Hot line, "Freezing merely puts the bacteria in suspended animation."   It does not eliminate bacteria. Think of the recalls for frozen hamburger patties destined for human consumption.  In fact, freezing is the method of choice for storing bacteria in research settings!  Scientists have been able to culture bacteria after a millennium in the permafrost.

Heat is one of the most commonly used methods to destroy bacteria in food and on inanimate objects. Remember passing a loop through the flame of a Bunsen burner to sterilize it in biology?  Autoclaves use a combination of heat and pressure to destroy pathogens on surgical instruments. Milk is pasteurized and meat is cooked to an internal temperature of around 160 degrees Fahrenheit to destroy bacteria. (The USDA/Food Safety and Inspection Service provides fact sheets on their web site for safe food handling. Please refer to them for specific details on handling different types of meat.)

To make a raw diet safe, everything added must be free of pathogens.  Ideally, that means each piece of meat should be cultured prior to feeding to detect pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli and Campylobactor.  I do not know of any commercially available BARF diet that guarantees pathogen-free contents.  In commercial raw diets tested in three Canadian cities, the Salmonella prevalence was 21%. Also, do not confuse the term organic with pathogen-free. Organic generally means without chemicals while pathogen-free means the product is free of pathogens. In my experience, BARF made with human grade products has less contamination than the other grades of meat.  But the risk is always there.  That's why posters at the butcher counter and menus warn about the inherent risks of consuming raw or undercooked meat products.

Whether you feed raw diets or not, now you know the science.



Finley, R. et al., The Occurrence Of Microbiological Susceptibility Of Salmonellae Isolated From Commercially Available Raw Food Diets In Three Canadian Cities, Zoonoses Public Health, Oct. 2008;55 (8-10):426-9.

Inman M., Frozen Bacteria Repair Own DNA For Millennia, National Geographic News, 8/27/08.

Weese, J.S, Infectious Disease Risks Of Feeding Raw Diets, ACVIM 2006

Pete The Moose Needs Our Help

2009-12-24T03:25:00Z

Those of you who live on the east coast are probably already familar with Pete the moose. For those who don't know the story, Pete was attacked by dogs when he was five days old. Thanks to the wonderful nursing care of David Lawrence, he survived the ordeal. Today he is the picture of health. Unfortunately, the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife wants him and the other deer and elk that live in his area destroyed. They claim it is to prevent Chronic Wasting Disease. As a veterinarian, I find this preposterous. None of the animals in the vicinity show signs of the disease.

To see this handsome moose and learn more about him, please check out www.savepetethemoose.org. I signed a petition asking the Vermont Department of Fish and Game to reconsider their decision. It has no medical basis. This Christmas season, I invite you to sign the petition and help in any way you can. If you live in Vermont and know a legislator or the Governor, please speak up on Pete's behalf. Thanks and have a blest holiday!

Holiday Kitten Update

2009-12-20T18:18:00Z

I realized today that I have not posted an update on the kittens in a long time. Sorry! Myka (the tabby) and Jerry (the short hair black) continue to thrive in their new homes. No one wanted the long hair black kitten because of his shy personality. When around a potential adopter, he hid.  When I gave him to a stranger to hold, he tried to get away. So my husband and I decided to make Keanu a permanent part of our family. I think that was his plan all along.  It just took awhile for us to get it.

That brings me to the buff kitten.  I placed him in a wonderful home only to have him boomerang back because he didn't get along with the resident cat. He is dominant.  He runs right up to other cats and goes nose to nose with them, even if they are hissing.  And MJ you were right about lynx points being large. He is huge! At five months of age he weighs over eight pounds. His feet are enormous.  My husband and I named him Mauka which means towards the mountain in Hawaiian.



Shortly after we decided to keep Mauka and Keanu, we lost our beloved 17 year old cat Genevieve. Although they will never replace our precious girl, the kittens helped us through the grieving process with their unconditional love.  Who could resist these adorable little faces!

Coated With Fur: A Vet's Life - Read The First Chapter

2009-12-17T23:30:00Z

For the past year, I spent most of my free time writing a book called Coated With Fur: A Vet's Life. I turned it over to the editor for the final time last week. What a relief! A friend told me writing a book is like living in the desert and they keep moving the oasis. That description sums up my experience to a tee.

Coated With Fur: A Vet's Life celebrates animals and the amazing bond we share with them. Set in a veterinary practice, the book chronicles my experience in the first year of owning a clinic. It recounts joyful stories such as saving a dog's leg to the agony of euthanizing a long-term patient. It examines the unexpected when a snake gets stuck, scaring the society ladies in the waiting room. In the end, readers will possess greater appreciation for life and the animals with whom we share this planet.

If you would like to read the first chapter, surf over to www.veterinarycreative.com. Since this is my first book, I would like to get your thoughts about the chapter. Please leave comments at my e-mail address included at the end of the chapter. Enjoy!