pet tales winter 2015

7/23/2019 Pet Tales Winter 2015

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PetTalesWINTER EDITION Advertising supplement for December 24, 2015



2 PET TALES • WINTER EDITION 2015

It is estimated that 70 to 80 percentof all cats and dogs that are twoyears and older suffer from dentaldiseases including gingivitis andperiodontitis.

Periodontal disease is a progressivedisorder affecting the teeth andgums, which is caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar on the toothsurface. The largest contributingfactor to plaque development isthe entrapment of food debris inthe mouth. Although feeding yourpet dry food can help clean theirteeth, that alone is not enough toprotect against dental disease.

Without adequate care andattention, periodontal diseasecan result in discomfort, badbreath, irreversible damage togums, premature loss of teeth andinfections that can affect otherorgans in the body such as theheart, liver and kidneys. The goodnews is that periodontal disease ispreventable!

If your pet is in need of an oralassessment and treatment, below is a step-by-step guide of whatyour pet will experience before and during the procedure.

1.) A pre-anesthetic exam and blood testing are performed priorto the procedure. This is to ensure that there are no new healthconcerns that would put your pet at risk while under anesthesia.Once this is completed, your pet will receive pre-anestheticmedications and pain control, which help your pet relax before theprocedure and help minimize any discomfort he or she may feelupon waking.

2.) An intravenous catheter is placed and it is used to administerthe anesthetic drugs, as well as provide IV fluids that helpmaintain your pet’s blood pressure. The IV is also used as a port forother medications if needed.

3.) Your pet is then given its induction drugs, which will put your

pet under anesthesia. An endo-tracheal tube is placed to deliveroxygen and anesthetic gas. This tube will also help prevent water, tartar and otherforeign material from entering your pet’s lungs.

4.) Once under anesthesia, your pet is placed on several monitoring devices and aheating unit is used to keep him/her warm. Your pet will also begin to receive IVfluids to maintain blood pressure and preserve kidney health.

5.) The dental tartar is removed first from the tooth’s surface. This is done by acombination of hand scaling and the use of an ultrasonic scaler, which literallyvibrates the tartar off of your pet’s teeth. Next, the plaque and tartar must be

removed from beneath the gumtissue. Plaque and tartar containmillions of bacteria, if it is notremoved from under the gumline, bacteria will cause infectionof gums or gingivitis that canprogress to periodontal disease.

6.) After the removal of the tartar,x-rays of your pet’s teeth willbe taken to evaluate the rootand the bone structure of eachtooth. More than half of the toothstructure is under the gum tissue,so x-rays are necessary to properlydiagnose and treat your pet’s oraldisease.

7) Your veterinarian will evaluateall x-rays and perform a completeoral exam to determine if anyteeth require extractions or othertreatments. Repeat x-rays of anysurgical extraction sites will alsobe taken to make sure no toothfragments have been left behind.

8) After the procedure, your pet isclosely monitored by a technicianuntil he/she is awake enough

to have the endotracheal tube removed, then kept under staff supervision in the treatment room.

Following the conclusion of the procedure, the doctor will call todiscuss how the procedure went, go over all treatments receivedand schedule a discharge appointment for you with the technicianthat evening. When your pet is released, a technician will reviewthe procedure, treatments and post-treatment care. Any questionsor concerns will be addressed by the technician.

Remember, periodontal disease is irreversible but preventable.With regular vet visits and cleanings, your vet can immediatelyaddress early periodontal disease before it causes extensive andexpensive damage. If you believe that your cat or dog is in needof an oral assessment, please contact your veterinarian’s office toschedule an appointment. It can add years to your pet’s life!

Dr. Scheider is the director of Perinton Veterinary Hospital. Hereceived his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University in 2007, andhe completed his clinical year at the University of Missouri. He then went on tocomplete a one-year rotating internship at Bay Area Veterinary Specialists in SanLeandro, California. Following completion of his rotating internship, he gained two years of specialized surgical training as a surgical intern at Veterinary Specialists &Emergency Services. Before joining the Perinton veterinary team, Dr. Scheider wasan associate at Irondequoit Animal Hospital. His professional interests include smallanimal orthopedic and soft tissue surgery.

What to expect when your pet has an oral assessment and treatment

Ken Scheider, DVMPerinton Veterinary Hospital

Monroe Veterinary Associates



Hedgehogs are very cute,but not always cuddly smallmammals. They are not foreveryone as they often taketime to acclimate to handlingand are nocturnal, meaningthey are most active at night.Hedgehogs are solitaryanimals and can be territorial,so it is best to keep them inindividual cages as they canbecome aggressive.

The average lifespan of a pethedgehog is about four-sixyears, although they can livelonger with some living aslong as eight years.

Hedgehogs are quite active,so they should have a goodamount of space to runaround. Their cage shouldhave a solid bottom to avoid catching their legs and be at leasttwo-feet by three-feet in size. Some play time outside the cageis good as well, but be sure they are monitored and in a safe areawith no wires or other objects that could cause them injury.

Recycled paper beddings work very well; aspen shavings canalso be used. Cedar and pine shavings should be avoided becausethey can irritate a hedgehog’s skin and respiratory tract. The cageshould be spot cleaned daily as hedgehog feces is often soft andquite smelly, with a full changing of the bedding at least twice aweek.

Some basic cage furniture is a must. Hedgehogs need a hidingplace, which they will often spend a good amount of time induring the day. This can be as simple as a cardboard or wood box.You can also use a small animal igloo, which can be found at mostpet stores.

Another good option is a hedgehog pouch, which makes a great bed/hiding placefor the hedgehog and provides a convenient way to pick them up out of theircage.

A running wheel is also a good idea. The commonly seen open wire wheels arenot recommended because their legs can get caught in these. Mesh wheels orsolid plastic wheels are ideal. There are hedgehog wheels which are large enoughto be comfortable for hedgehogs and made of solid plastic.

You can also provide a litter box, which many (but not all) hedgehogs will learn

to use. The litter box should contain a different material from the rest of the cagein order for them to differentiate the litter area; dust-free, non-clumping litterswork best. Many people recommend using a non-clay litter, opting for plant-based litter instead.

Hedgehogs are sensitive to both low and high temperatures. Their idealtemperature range is between 70 and 85 degrees. In the winter you can use anundercage heater such as those used for reptiles or a heat lamp. Be sure to neverplace a heating pad in the cage, it should always be under the cage to avoid burnsor electrocution. Monitor the temperature to avoid making the cage too warm.If hedgehogs become too cold or too warm, they can enter a state of torpor,

becoming very lethargic andtheir appetite will decrease.This can be detrimentalto their health because itsuppresses their metabolismand immune system.

Loss of energy and appetitecan be signs of disease as well,so if you see this, it is best tocontact a veterinarian.

When it comes to diet,hedgehogs are omnivores.Their wild diet would consistmainly of insects, but alsoplants, and sometimes othersmall animals or eggs. Themain part of a hedgehog’sdiet should be a commercialhedgehog or insectivorefood because these arenutritionally balanced to

provide the necessary vitamins and minerals. Hedgehog diets canbe difficult to find at stores; if you are having problems finding ahedgehog diet, you can always find them online. Good optionsinclude Hedgehog Complete, from Exotic Nutrition, (www.exoticnutrition.com) and Mazuri Insectivore Diet (www.mazuri.com).

Hedgehogs are very prone to obesity, so they do need to be limitedin how much they eat. About two-three teaspoons of a commercialdiet per day is good for the average hedgehog. They should also

get one to two teaspoons of fresh chopped veggies or fruits along

with their regular diet. Hedgehogs can eat many different fruitsand veggies including cooked beans, cooked carrots, squash,tomatoes, apple, banana, grapes and berries. Any hard foodsoffered should be cut into very small pieces because they canchoke on these or have them lodge against their palate.

An excellent treat for hedgehogs is mealworms, they will often gobble down livemealworms if they are offered. Three to four mealworms a day is a good amount.Because they are nocturnal, hedgehogs should be fed at night.

When handling your hedgehog, go slowly. They are very cautious and jumpyby nature, so handling them from a young age is important in order to socializethem. Just as with feeding, it is often best to play with your hedgehog at night,in the evening or morning. They typically prefer to sleep during the day and aremore likely to reject interaction.

When hedgehogs are frightened they will raise their spines and roll into aprotective ball. If you touch them in this state, they will make a puffing/sneezingsound and jump, trying to warn you away by threatening with their spines. Thespines are actually fairly sharp, so when your hedgehog is still getting used tobeing handled, it is a good idea to use a small towel or wear gardening gloves toprotect your hands.

A unique hedgehog behavior worth noting is that of “anointing” or “anting”.Hedgehogs will perform this behavior when they come across a new objector strong scent. They will sometimes perform the behavior when they smell aContinued on Page 6...

PET TALES • WINTER EDITION 2015 3

HEDGEHOGS 101

Chris McKinney, DVMCats & Critters

Veterinary HospitalMonroe Veterinary Associates




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We all understand the importanceof visiting the doctor for our annualexam; a simple check-up to makesure that everything is functioningproperly. Our blood pressure ismeasured, temperature taken,bloodwork drawn, and weight(often unwillingly) given. On theoccasions we don’t feel well, wego back to our doctors so they canfix whatever is ailing us. But whatof our four-legged friends? If weskip their annual wellness exams,

how do they let you know that it’stime for a check-up?

Unfortunately, our pets can’t tellus when something is wrong,and many times they don’t showany outward signs of illness untiltheir disease is quite advanced.As veterinarians, we can tell youthat what “seems to be” and what“is” can be very different. Consideryour cat: she is not only a predator,but also prey. This means that it isin her nature not to exhibit signsof a problem — until it’s a big

problem.This is why the annual wellnessexam is so important for ouranimals. It is a great opportunityto detect early signs of disease,as well as to ensure that pets with existing health problems are being treatedand monitored appropriately. Bringing your animals to their annual check-ups isperhaps some of the best time and money you can invest in your pet’s health. Inmany cases, diagnosing a condition early may be less expensive than waiting untilthe problem becomes more advanced. Preventative care for your pets can result inincreased longevity and significant savings in the long term.

But what do we check exactly? We sometimes hear people refer to exams assimply “running our hands over the animal.” When doing this, however, we areactually checking virtually every body system:

• Ears for mites and infection

• Eyes to ensure healthy vision and to look for signs of systemic disease

• Teeth and gums for dental disease and oral growths

• Throat and neck for issues with the thyroid or lymph nodes

• Heart for heart murmurs and disorders of the rate or rhythm

• Lungs for breathing problems

• Abdomen for abnormalities in organ shape, size and location

organ shape, size and location

• Stool for intestinal parasites, such as roundworm,whipworm, hookwormor tapeworm

• Vital signs includingtemperature, weight, pulse and respiration

• Diet to ensure adequatenutrition andweight management

• Skin and coat for ticks,eas, coat qualityand signs of irritation

• Joints for arthritis or pain

Your pet’s annual wellness examis an ideal time to implementpreventative health measures.The goals of any veterinary visitare to: address owner concerns;take a thorough history; doa comprehensive physicalexamination; recommendtests procedures, vaccines andmedications as appropriate;make owners aware of, andprotected from, diseases thatmay be shared between themand their pets; prevent problemswhenever possible and todiagnose and treat illness early.

Take advantage of this one-on-one time with your veterinarian and their staff tomake sure that all of your questions and concerns are addressed and that yourbest friend is receiving the level of care that you expect.

It’s also important to understand that our pets age much more rapidly than we do;this means that senior pets will need to visit the veterinarian for a wellness examsemi-annually. In most practices, seniors are recognized as cats aged 10 years andolder, and dogs aged seven years and older. Large or giant breed dogs may beconsidered seniors as early as five or six years old. If you were to skip your pet’sannual wellness exam for three years, this is equivalent to you not seeing yourdoctor for 15 years.

As pet owners ourselves, we recognize the value pets add to our lives. Our goal is tokeep our animals healthy and enjoying a good life with us. Medicine is an evolvingscience; there are always new recommendations to learn and communicate toowners about illness prevention and treatment. It is much more rewarding forus as veterinarians, and better for all pets, to prevent issues whenever possible.However, if prevention isn’t possible, early diagnosis and intervention yields thebest response.

The importance of wellness exams for your pets

BY MONROE VETERINARY ASSOCIATES




Sheba’s ail o HopePROVIDED BY ROCHESTER HOPE FOR PETS

At 9-months-old Sheba is a happy, healthy puppy that loves toplay and snuggle with her owner Chr istine.

While outside one day, Sheba escaped from Christine’s yard, raninto the road and was hit by a car that did not see her in timeto stop.

Christine rushed her to the emergency hospital where theveterinarian suspected Sheba had broken a bone in her leg.X-rays were needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Christine was unsure how she would be able to cover the costs ofthe x-ray and treatment for Sheba’s injuries, but was determinedto make sure she received the care she needed.

Through an award from Rochester Hope for Pets, the x-rays wereperformed which showed that Sheba luckily did not have anybroken bones.

Hospitalization and observation were still needed due toseveral deep lacerations and bruising.

“I was very appreciative of the award,”Christine said. “I didn’t know what I was goingto do.”

After an exam and x-rays showed no criticalinternal injuries, Sheba was transferred to her regularveterinarian for care and fur ther treatment.

“Since her accident, Sheba is coming along fin e,” Christine said.“Her hair is growing over the scars and she is trying to use herleg again.”

We are very happy to hear that Sheba is on the mend andbouncing back to her old self!

Rochester Hope for Pets • 2816 Monroe Avenue • Rochester, NY 14618 • 585-271-2733 x89 • [email protected]

Rochester Hope for Pets is a not-for-prot organization that was founded in 2008 with the missionto improve the quality of life for companion animals in the greater Rochester area. Through ouraward process, we oer nancial assistance toward veterinary care costs to pet owners duringtimes of need. Through Duncan’s Fund for Education, we provide continuing education courses,upgraded equipment and technology, and the most current reference literature for veterinaryhealth professionals who practice in Mo nroe and surrounding counties. This training and knowledgeserves to enhance the care and treatment of pets at facilities in our region. We also partner withother local nonprots to improve the welfare of animals.

Continued from Page 3...

person’s hands after the person has used scented soap or lotion. Anointing startsby licking the object in question repetitively until they build up a frothy drool.They will then begin to groom themselves, spreading this frothy saliva over theirspines. The reason for this behavior is not fully understood, although there aremany theories including using it to attract mates or to make themselves lessattractive to predators.

Just like any animal, hedgehogs can get sick. You should call your veterinarian if yourhedgehog has a decreased appetite, lethargy or is otherwise acting abnormally.Hedgehogs are excellent at hiding signs of illness, so an annual examination is agood idea to monitor their health closely. Be ready for the possibility that yourveterinarian may have to anesthetize your hedgehog to perform an examination.Hedgehogs are often quite frightened by strange environments and people, and

will often roll into a protective ball making them very difficult to examine. A gasanesthetic can be used and once they are anesthetized, they will relax and unroll,allowing the veterinarian to perform a full examination in order to determinewhat is wrong with the hedgehog. Sometimes blood work or x-rays are alsorequired to diagnose diseases.

Skin problems are commonly seen in hedgehogs. It is normal for hedgehogsto shed a few spines from time to time. If you see many quills being shed orpatches where large groups of quills have fallen out, this is a sign of disease. Themost common skin disease is mites. Mites will cause quill loss and often crustscan be seen at the base of the quills or on the face. The mites are thought to be

carried by some hedgehogs and can also infest bedding. In some cases, the mitescan be diagnosed visually, but sometimes diagnosis requires a skin scraping.Hedgehogs can also have bacterial and fungal skin infections, as well as allergicskin irritation.

Hedgehogs are also prone to eye injuries and infections. They can developgastrointestinal illness leading to diarrhea. Urinary diseases also occur,including urinary tract infections and bladder stones. Hedgehogs are alsoprone to developing tumors, so any abnormal lumps should be examined by aveterinarian.

This article covers some of the hedgehog basics. There are many good websitesand books that can be found on hedgehogs. If you have questions you can alsocontact a veterinarian experienced with hedgehogs. As mentioned, hedgehogsare not for everyone, but they can be very fun little critters!

Dr. Christopher R. McKinney is an associate veterinarian at Cats & Critters VeterinaryHospital and East River Veterinary Hospital. He graduated cum laude from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology in 2004. He attended theUniversity of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine from 2006 to 2010, wherehe received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. McKinney’s professional interests include exotic animals, wildlife and internalmedicine. He is a member of the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. He shares his home with his wife, Elizabethand four cats; Max, Jawa, Viggo and Vlad.




NSAID toxicity

When you see a dog or cat limpingor showing other signs of pain, it isa natural response to want to givethem an over-the-counter painreliever.

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are widelyused in both human and veterinarymedicine; they are helpful for theirpain-relieving, anti-inflammatoryand anti-fever properties. Examplesof NSAIDs include human medicationssuch as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin)and naproxen (Aleve). However,even if data shows an NSAID is safe inpeople, the drug may not be safe andeffective in dogs and cats.

Pets are not small people, and theymetabolize drugs very differently. Cats particularly have areduced ability to metabolize NSAIDs and are more susceptibleto toxic effects.

NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins.Prostaglandins are present throughout the body and haveseveral important functions. Though prostaglandins contributeto pain, inflammation and fever, they also have other importantroles in protecting the lining of the stomach from the damagingeffects of stomach acid, maintaining blood flow to the stomach,and maintaining blood flow to the kidneys.

Even when NSAIDs are given appropriately, possible side effectscan include stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea due to blockingthe protective effects of prostaglandins on the stomach.

When given inappropriately, effects can be much more severe.Pets who receive a toxic dose of an NSAID either receive it because the NSAID isinappropriately administered (too large a dose of a veterinary product, or given ahuman product), or when pets get into medications that they sh ould not.

Signs of NSAID toxicity include gastrointestinal (digestive tract) symptoms suchas vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea and black or tarry feces. More severe effectsinclude stomach ulceration. This can cause a significant amount of bleeding intothe gastrointestinal tract, and may even result in perforation of the stomach,

which can be life threatening. Evenhigher doses of NSAIDs can result inacute kidney failure due to loss ofblood flow to the kidneys.

NSAIDs may also cause liver damage inmassive overdoses, though rarely canliver damage occur in dogs who receivean appropriate dose of an NSAID.Without rapid veterinary attention,NSAID toxicity can result in death.

If your pet receives a high dose ofNSAIDs or receives a human NSAID, he/she should be seen immediately by aveterinarian. If seen quickly enough,vomiting can be induced to remove themedication from the stomach. Typically,hospitalization and intravenous fluids

are needed to support the stomach andkidneys. Kidney function tests may be monitored in intervalsover three days following the exposure.

Medications to protect the stomach and prevent ulcers arefrequently needed. Outcome depends on how much NSAIDthe pet was exposed to, and for how long and complete thetreatment is.

The best way to avoid any drug-related toxicity is to talk withyour veterinarian prior to administering any medication. Itwill be important to inform them if your pet has a history ofdigestive problems (such as vomiting or diarrhea) or is on anymedication. It is not recommended to give two different typesof NSAIDs, or an NSAID and a steroid at the same time. If yourpet is prescribed an NSAID and begins to show side effects suchas vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or black/tarry stool, stop

the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Dr. Lester is a veterinarian at Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services. Shereceived her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Cornell University in 2015. She received multiple scholarships, including the Frederico Scholarship whichis awarded to a student with a demonstrated interest in feline medicine. Her professional interests include geriatric medicine, feline medicine, oncology, internalmedicine and surgery. Dr. Lester has two domestic short hair cats named Merlin andLuna.

Mary Lester, DVMVeterinary Specialists& Emergency Services


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Common knowledge says that owners should avoid feeding their petstable scraps, but many owners make their own dog food and lotsof pets eat “people food” with no problems at all.

“Everyone loves to offer treats to their pets” and that’sperfectly acceptable as long as owners follow somesimple guidelines, said veterinarian Glenn Buckley, ownerof Pet Rescue RX, an online pet pharmacy that donates100 percent of net profits to animal shelters and rescuegroups.

“If you are going to offer lean meats or veggies you have leftover from dinner, then place these items in the pet’s food bowl,”Buckley said. “Feeding pets from the table will just encourage themto continue this behavior with every meal.”

A begging dog with pleading eyes is hard to resist at dinnertime, but owners shouldknow better than to slip Fido something from their own plate. Instead, feed yourpets before you eat to decrease their appetite and the potential to use those eyesto get a quick snack from you, he added.

To keep your pet healthy and avoid a possibly expensive vet visit, prevention is key.“One of the most common issues I see as an emergency veterinarian is vomitingand diarrhea in dogs. The causes are many, but a common one is the pets eatingsomething that does not digest well and causesgastrointestinal problems.

I think we can allrelate to eatingsomething thatdoes not dowell in our owndigestive tract, andthe same things happento our pets,” Buckley said.

There are certain foods that petsshould not eat. “Any foods that are spicy, highin fat, fried, or sweet and sugary I wouldavoid. These foods can cause gastrointestinalproblems (vomiting/diarrhea) in many dogs,”

Buckley said.

Some foods are actually toxic to dogs, including avocado,grapes and raisins, onions, chocolate, macadamia nuts and

any products containing Xylitol, the artificial sweetenercommonly found in chewing gum.

“The toxicity of these foods varies by the amount ingestedand the size of the pet,” Buckley said. “I find smaller-breeddogs and in particular Schnauzers have a higher risk of

developing pancreatitis (inflammation to the pancreas) fromeating table foods or getting into the garbage. Pancreatitisis a s erious condition which causes vomiting and diarrhea

many times and can be very severe,” requiring hospitalizationand supportive care.

Cats tend to be more selective in what they will eat, but owners should avoid givingthem milk and ice cream, as this can cause gastrointestinal upset.

“Any pet which has blood in the vomit or feces should be checked by a veterinarianimmediately,” Buckley said.

For a happy, healthy pet, provide a good quality diet that they enjoy and occasionallyreward them with lean por tions of meat, crunchy carrots and broccoli. “Packaged

treats for our pets should be used sparingly. They can be very high in fat. Irecommend purchasing only products (pet foods and treats) which are

manufactured in the United States,” Buckley said. “While this does not

guarantee the quality or safety of these products,there is a better standard and regulation over

these products.”

Or, use your culinary skills to h ome-cook for your pet.

“There are some great recipes forhomemade pet treats which aresimple to make and you know exactly

what they are eating. I like to make mydogs an oatmeal/peanut butter treat that

is baked and actually taste pretty go od,”Buckley said.

If you are going to offerlean meats or veggies youhave left over from dinner,then place these items in

the pet’s food bowl.”

— Glenn Buckley




FELINE Lower Urinary Tract Disease

Unfortunately, our feline friends are talentedat making sure we don’t see when they’re notfeeling well. Even the most vigilant ownersmiss out on key signs that their cat isn’t feelingits best. When we finally do pick up on thesewarning signs it’s important to be able todifferentiate what is an emergency and whatcan wait for an appointment.

The phrase Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease(FLUTD) is a blanket term that refers to severaldifferent conditions that can affect a feline’surinary bladder and/or urethra.

The most common cause of this condition isFeline Idiopathic Cystitis. We are unsure ofwhat causes it, but it often affects cats less than10 years of age and is a diagnosis that can onlybe reached after your veterinarian has ruled all

others out.

Other causes include: bladder stones (morecommon in females), urethral blockage (morecommon in males), urinary tract infection,urinary tract cancer, previous trauma to theurinary tract (have been hit by a car, etc.)

Urethral Obstruction occurs when a stone ormucous plug is lodged in the urethra and prevents the cat frombeing able to urinate. This is often seen in middle aged malesand risk factors can include obesity, stress, and neutering. This isa veterinary emergency.

Common clinical signs seen by owners include: straining tourinate, blood in urine, frequent urination and/or urination in

places outside the litter box. Since these signs can be indicative ofFLUTD, it is important for your veterinarian to perform diagnostictesting.

Urinalysis is especially important, this involves examining theappearance, concentration and content of urine. Abnormalurinalysis results may point to a disease or illness. For example,a urinary tract infection can make urine look cloudy instead ofclear. Increased levels of protein in urine can be a sign of kidneydisease. A sample is often attained by performing cystocentesis, which involvesobserving the urinary bladder with an ultrasound probe, inserting a small gaugeneedle into the bladder through the abdominal wall and removing a sample.

In the event that your veterinarian suspects a urinary tract infection, some ofthis sample will likely be saved for a urine culture, which will allow him or her todetermine an appropriate course of antibiotics. It is important to note that urinarytract infections as a cause of FLUTD are much more common in felines over theage of 10 years.

Ultrasound is another method of diagnostic imaging used to gaininformation about a cat’s urinary bladder. If your veterinarian is concerned aboutthe presence of stones, an additional diagnostic testing method of radiographs(x-rays) may be used to visualize stones.

Armed with information on your cat’s history,breed, age, gender plus the diagnostictesting your veterinarian can make importantrecommendations on how to treat your pet.Common recommendations include:

• Keeping the litter boxes clean and makingsure there is one cat per litter box. Even if thereis only 1 cat in the house, multiple boxes canbe helpful.

• Encourage water consumption. This includesproviding additional bowls of water throughoutthe house and even using running water, suchas a fountain to entice them.

• Provide your cat with ways to avoid stress.Allow them access to places where they canfeel safe and secure. Good examples include a

perch or a cardboard box raised off the ground.• Keep your cat healthy and t! If yourveterinarian decides your feline is carryingsome extra weight then consider putting themon a diet.

• Introduce new critter friends slowly andcautiously. Your feline may be content living as

a single pet. It’s up to you and your veterinarian to devise a pl anto introduce new family members with minimal stress.

• Consult your vet about a diet change. There are manyprescription diets available to help dissipate stones and helpdecrease the incidence of obstruction.

Let’s Review

Who does it affect? This disease can affect middle-aged,male and female cats; however males are more prone to urinaryobstruction which is an EMERGENCY!

What do you see? Difficult or painful urination, blood inurine, frequent passage of small amounts of urine, urinationin inappropriate places, over-grooming (especially of genitalareas) and/or irr itable behavior.

Why does it happen? The easy answer is we don’t know!But there are several risk factors including: stress, obesity, multicat households,neutered and/or indoor housing.

When is this emergency? When obstruction occurs it’s time to see the vet! Oftenseen with male cats, they can be observed repeatedly straining to urinate but notproducing any. They are also often heard loudly and continuously vocalizing andcan even be see vomiting. They will eventually progress to being lethargic and

depressed. No urination for more than 24 hours is a veterinary emergency!Dr. Jessica Yousif is a veterinarian at Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from St. George’s University in 2015. She completed her clinical year at the University of Florida. Her professionalinterests include emergency medicine. Dr. Yousif has a Greyhound named Shandyand a domestic short hair cat named Roti.

Jessica Yousif, DVMVeterinary Specialists& Emergency Services


“Happiness is like a cat sleeping on your lap. You can’t force it to come to youand you can’t force it to stay with you.” —Pierre Foglia




At Decadent Dogs in pet-friendly South Haven, Michigan,

manager Sarah Keeton sees people and their prized petson a daily basis. She’s now noticing something new: thedog grandma.

“It’s really taken off. Their own kids are grown and out ofthe house, but the younger generation doesn’t have kidsyet for grandma to enjoy. So instead, she’s buying treats forher granddog. I hear it all the time, ‘I have to take somethingback for the granddog,’” said Keeton, who is happy to oblige witha full line of gourmet treats that look just like people food, everythingfrom Moon Pies to cannolis.

Americans love to pamper their pets, and pet spending is expected to hit $58.5billion in 2014, according to the American Pet Products Association. From sparklyleashes and organic food to posh playhouses and personal trainers, the new trendis that boomers are spoiling their pets rotten.

“Boomers most definitely enjoy pampering their pets, as they see their pet as acompanion. Their children have left home to go to college or start their own family,so people 50 and older appreciate the affection they receive from their pets andtreat them as a member of the family,” said Dixie Eng, general manager at the OldeTowne Pet Resort in Springfield, Virginia.

A premiere boarding facility, Olde Towne caters to pets and their owners withone-on-one attention, individual walks, playtimes and a climate-controlled suitecomplete with soft music playing overhead. There’s also heated indoor swimmingpools, a “pawlates” (like pilates) fitness c lass, an outdoor agility training courseand even a Fido Fit Class for chubby puppies.

When money is no object

Industry analysts think that baby boomers spend the moston their pets, and companies are responding with over-the-top, luxurious pet products. The custom doghousedesign artists at la Petite Maison will build a work of art

that will compliment your estate with prices starting at$5,500. You can even duplicate your own home in a mini

mansion for your pet.

“For people with the disposable income and who don’t have kids orwhose kids have left home, they display that same maternal instinct for their

pets. They want only the best, and not just jeweled collars and premium food,”said Michelle Pollack, the company’s interior designer.

La Petite Maison playhouses are popular with people who entertain outdoors andwant their pets to be a part of the party, Pollack said. Some are large enough to fitsix or seven people inside — standing up — or tiny and cozy for smaller breeds.

They’re not only comfortable with air conditioning, dog-themed artwork, mediarooms and stereo and lighting systems, they’re also made of the highest qualitymaterials such as hardwood or marble flooring, custom cabinetry, handmade rooftiles and architectural details.

Developing a bond

While pampering a pet is a way for owners to express their l ove and appreciation,some luxe services are a way for owners and their pets to bond and develop apersonal relationship, said Scott Smith, owner of New York City’s Biscuits & Bath,Continued on Page 13...

granddogsBOOMERS ARE INCREASINGLY PAMPERING THEIR PETS


“Boomers most definitelyenjoy pampering their pets,

as they see their pet as acompanion. ”

— Dixie Eng




There are many misconceptions about homeless

animals who are under the care of shelters. Somepeople may assume that pets at shelters havesomething “wrong” with them, or they’re h esitantto adopt a shelter animal because they think theywon’t know what they’re getting.

Some may think that it’s not a good idea to adopt apet who has experienced medical problems. Othersmay feel that an older pet is not a good candidatefor adoption. Still others subscribe to stereotypesthat exist about certain breeds or type of animal.

They’re not broken.

“The truth is, a shelter pet has been throughphysical and perhaps behavioral evaluation—and, depending on the type of animal, possiblytraining— at the shelter, so prospective ownershave helpful information to determine if ananimal is right for their home,” says Kristina Faller,associate director of communications at LollypopFarm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester.Pets can end up in shelters through no fault oftheir own. Owners may:

be moving to housing that doesn’t allow pets

no longer be able to care for petsdue to personal or health problems

feel they don’t have the time to care for the pet

be facing nancial diculties.

Faller points out that all pets have distinctpersonalities, and even animals that are purchasedmay have behavior or temperament issues thatare unforeseen. But shelter pets come with somehistory, which can help adopters choose the rightfit for their family.

When Bella, an Alaskan husky mix dog, was broughtto Lollypop Farm, she wasn’t house-trained anddidn’t socialize well with other animals. LollypopFarm’s Behavior and Training team worked withher, teaching her how to share her space withother animals. This program at Lollypop Farmhelps pets learn behaviors that will enable themto transition successfully to be a family pet.

Months later, says Faller, the owners report thatBella is well-behaved, thriving and has become ahappy member of their family.

An older pet, even with medical issues, can be agreat choice.

Ten-year old domestic shorthair cat, Gomer, wasbrought to Lollypop Farm because his ownershad health problems that made them unable tocare for him. Upon examination from Lollypop

Farm veterinarians and a specialist, Gomer was

diagnosed with glaucoma in both eyes, andpermanently blind.

“Glaucoma can be a painful condition, so wedetermined that the most humane course ofaction would be to remove both of Gomer’s eyes,”said Christine Garvey, DVM, a veterinarian atLollypop Farm’s clinic. After his surgery, Gomerhealed quickly and was able to move around verywell. After being at the shelter for almost sevenweeks and having surgery, Gomer was adopted bya local family who has reported that he is doingvery well in his new home.

Lollypop Farm reports that through Septemberof 2015, their veterinary clinic has performed

5,211 surgeries, and veterinary clinic expenses areexpected to total $1.1 million in 2015. Accordingto the CEO, fees for programs and services onlycover approximately 1/3 of those costs.

“We wouldn’t be able to provide the type ofmedical care we did for Gomer and all the animalsunder our care without donations from oursupporters,” said Alice Calabrese, President andCEO of Lollypop Farm. She continues, “It’s becauseof our supporters’ generosity that we are able toturn homeless and abused pets’ worlds around forthe better.”

Erin Sandle, shelter manager, says, “LollypopFarm has adopted out countless senior pets who

have settled in quickly and have become loving,vital members of the family.” Another payoff,says Sandle, is the emotional return for a family,knowing they’re providing quality, loving care foran animal who may have stayed longer at a shelterbecause of their age.

A breed stereotype does not define an animal.

The truth is, all pets are individuals. Pit bulls belongto a group of dogs who have some stereotypesassociated with them which can sometimes leadto longer stays in a shelter because they may beoverlooked for adoption. The general term “pitbull” refers to a number of terrier or retriever breedmixes and includes dogs who have a muscular

build and square face.According to Rebecca Lohnes, behavior andtraining manager at Lollypop Farm, “A pit bull mixwho is available for adoption poses no more of athreat to people or other animals than any otherdog who is up for adoption.” As with many shelteranimals, pit bulls most often find themselves at ashelter through no fault of their own.

Continued on Page 13...

The truth about shelter dogsBY KRISTINA FALLER, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS | LOLLYPOP FARM, HUMANE SOCIETY OF GREATER ROCHESTER




Ask a Vet...The first time my dog reversed sneezed, I was

convinced something was seriously wrong. I knowdifferently now after an emergency visit to ourveterinarian, but could you explain to me whatexactly a reverse sneeze is and what causes them?

Thanks so much,One formally freaked out dog owner

Dear One ormally reaked out dog owner:

I hope you know that you are not the only pet owner thathas rushed their pet to their veterinarian amidst the crisis oa reverse sneeze event. Te reverse sneeze is a very normaloccurrence and can be very routine in some individuals andrare in others. In order to understand what a reverse sneezeis and what may cause it, a general understanding o the

respiratory tract may help to put things in perspective.Te reason why it is called a reverse sneeze is because insteado the air moving orward and out o the nose it is beingsucked back into the trachea and lungs. As a result, negativepressure is generated rom this and will actually cause a smalldecrease in the diameter o the trachea which makes it harderor air to flow through the trachea and this exacerbates thesituation.

In general, any irritant that affects the trachea and lungsin a dog is going to elicit a cough response (inectioustracheobronchitis or kennel cough). Anything that causesirritation in the nasal passages is going to cause sneezing i.e.snorting up dust bunnies when trying to sniff out a pieceo ood that ell under the couch. I the middle zone o the

respiratory tract become irritated, it will more than likelycause a spasm o this tissue or a “reverse sneeze”.

Tere are many different things that can act as irritants such aspollens, oreign debris/material, dry airways, drinking watertoo ast, excessively long sof palates and many others.

I liken the sound o a reverse sneeze to a pig that is rooting orood — it is loud, sometimes violent and just does not soundgood!

Generally the reverse sneeze will dissipate on its own but iyou can pick your pup up, gently caress the throat area and gethim or her to relax, the spell may end sooner.

Reverse sneezing can occur at any time and i the events areew and ar between then you probably do not need to worrytoo much about them. However, i they seem to continue

on or long durations or are very requent, you may wantto consult with veterinarian to make sure there is not onunderlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Erik Herrema, VMDPenfield Veterinary Hospital


Pooch haveyou puzzled?

Cat haveyou curious?

Email your questions [email protected]!

Want answers to your questions?

Do I need to give my dog his monthly preventative

medication even in the winter? If I give himpreventatives all year long, does he still need anannual parasite test?

Te simple answers to your questions are yes. Preventativesneed to be given to your pet all year long, even in winter.Heartworm preventives not only protect against heartworm,they also protect your dog and YOUR FAMILY rombecoming inected with dangerous intestinal parasitessuch as hookworms and roundworms. And Rochester’sunpredictable weather (remember when it was 70 degreesin November and December) has resulted in less predictablereeze cycles, thereore mosquitoes are being seen much later(and earlier) in our area.

And yes, yearly testing is needed. Te parasite test that we use,

the 4dx test, screens or three tick borne diseases includingLyme disease which is an increasing concern in MonroeCounty or both dogs and people.

Even though heartworm prevention drugs are highly effective,human error and circumstances beyond your control (yourdog vomiting up the pill or not ingesting the entire dose)could alter the effectiveness o the medication.

Dr. Heidi LicataEast River Veterinary Hospital Monroe Veterinary Associates




Portraits

Love of Each week, Lollypop Farm receives letters and emails lled with

happy endings for animals who have been adopted from our shelter.

Pictures help to tell these wonderful stories.

OLLIE was adopted by

Raleigh in 2015.

Ollie

DOC was adopted

by Mary in 2015.

LIBBY was adopted by

Chris and Ann P.

in 2013.


Marilyn Monroe, a pit bull mix, was adoptedfrom Lollypop Farm after waiting nearlythree months to find a home. She is a sweetdog who socializes well with people andother animals, but may have been passedover by potential adopters simply because

of her breed’s stereotype. Her new ownerssay they can’t believe that she hadn’t beenadopted sooner, and they feel lucky to havefound her.

According to Faller, “Lollypop Farm hasplaced many pit bull mixes in happy homes,with very successful outcomes. Owners oftencheck in with updates, saying that their dogsare friendly, smart, wiggly, sweet, happy, andenergetic.”

It’s not their fault that they are homeless.

The truth is, in most cases, it’s not an animal’sfault that they need a new home. The truthis, each shelter pet should be considered asan individual. Prospective adopters can workskilled adoption counselors at the shelter tohelp make the right match for the home andfamily.

The truth is, these pets have unconditionallove, companionship, and joy to give to thefamilies who bring them home. In manycases, a shelter pet just needs a loving,committed home to shine.

Libby

Doc


which offers dog daycare, boarding, trainingand other pet services.

Smith’s clients are often looking for more thana well-behaved dog. “Some people want to

know what their dog is thinking. They want tomake their dog happy and more comfortable,”he said.

Biscuits & Bath training runs the gamut frompets getting their energy out and using theirbrains on agility courses to custom playgroupswith outings to different neighborhoods.The dog day can even end with a relaxingmassage.

“In the past three to five years, I’ve noticedmore and more people in this age range whoare getting a dog after their kids have gone tocollege,” Smith said.

“They want a companion for the next stage

in their life. Dogs are great for socialization.They break down barriers and help peoplemeet other people. It gives them somethingto care for. They’re very committed to theirdog and they can spend the money if theywant to.”




Welcoming a new pet into your home is the beginning of awonderful journey. To get things off to a smooth and easystart, you’re going to have to make some adjustments tobe sure your pet is comfortable at home, too.

“When you get a dog, a puppy, you’re basically taking in anew baby,” said Mary Ellen Walsh, canine behaviorist andfounder of The Grateful Dog (thinklikeyourdog.com). “Lifefor a puppy is all about exploration. Everything goes intotheir mouths. They want to chew on everything.”

If you don’t want your table legs, area rugs and baseboards gnawedon and destroyed, “you’ve got to be sure your pet has everything itneeds to feel at home, too,” Walsh said. She offers the following tips to allow manand beast to live together comfortably.

House training

One of the most common pet problems is kittens and puppies doing their businesswhere they’re not supposed to. To that end, “if you have carpets, pick them up, rollthem up and put them away,” Walsh said. “Puppies will pee on what’s absorbent.Owners complain, but I see that as a sign of intelligence.”

So roll up the area rug in the dining room as well as smaller rugs in the kitchen, bathand other areas and put them away until the kitten or puppy is fully trained.

If your home is decorated with wall-to-wall carpeting, be sure to vacuum regularly.If it’s an option, use carpet tiles, which can be replaced if soiled. Hardwood andnonporous flooring such as bamboo, concrete and tile are better options becausethey’re easier to clean. “Think of your pets when you think of your flooring. Petsspend a lot of time on the floor,” Walsh said.

Crate training

Puppies also spend a vast amount of time napping, so provide a comfortable place

for them to rest.

“Get a crate. There are times in the day when a puppy needsto nap. The crate should be located near the door whereyou’ll be taking him out.

Be sure to keep collars, leashes and a pair of slip-on shoesnearby so you can make a quick exit when needed.

Since puppies are unpredictable, Walsh recommends cratingthe pet when you’re too busy to watch it. “I say, ‘One eye on

what you’re doing and one eye on the puppy,’” Walsh said. “Thepuppy should be in the crate if you can’t see it, because the moment

you walk out of the room, it’s bound to star t chewing things up.”

Tips

• Cats and dogs are curious creatures, so for their safety, be sure that all electricalcords and wires are out of reach. “Dogs have taken tremendous shocks — evendied” from chewing on plugged-in cords. Also, be sure to stash away anything youdon’t want your pets to get into, such as a bowl of cocktail nuts on an end table ora charging smartphone.

• Pets get into things, so the convenient kitchen garbage can that opens with thetouch of your foot might have to go. Same goes for the kitchen towel hangingaround the handle of your refrigerator.

“Dogs will show off their higher intelligence,” Walsh said. “So take a good lookaround your home, especially at their level, and check for things they can getinto.”

• As any pet owner will attest to, mistakes will happen, so invest in washablefabrics for beds and slipcovers. “Everything should be easy to clean,” said Walsh,who is a big fan of OxyClean.

welcome homeWHAT TO EXPECT WHEN BRINGING HOME A PUPPY OR KITTEN


“When you get a dog,a puppy, you’re basically

taking in a new baby.”

— Ellen Walsh




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in 1969 as a single hospital and has grown toinclude 14 full-service veterinary hospitals,a 24-hour emergency and specialty practice,and a full-service reference laboratory, all ofwhich are located in or around Rochester.

Monroe Veterinary Associates contributesactively to the community in a variety of ways.MVA provides financial support to RochesterHope for Pets, Rochester Animal Services, theSeneca Park Zoo and the Humane Society atLollypop Farm. MVA veterinarians and staff members volunteer countless hours towardhelping animals in the community. Forexample, veterinarians donate their time toFriends of Ferals, which works to help decreasethe feral cat population in the Rochester area.

Also, MVA’s personnel are active in localeducational initiatives, including classroompresentations, student shadow programs andstudent externships.

Find out more about the many services thatMonroe Veterinary Associates offers or to finda location near you, visit monroevets.com. Youcan also follow us on Twitter @MonroeVets orlike us on Facebook.

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