Newsletter

Lumps are a very common occurrence, especially in aging pets. Approximately 30 percent of all tumors found in dogs and cats occur on the skin. There are a couple of important questions owners should ask themselves when they find lumps on their pets.

• Has the lump appeared suddenly, or has it been there awhile?
• Has the lump stayed the same in consistency and appearance or has it changed recently?
• Does the lump seem to separate from underlying tissue or is it attached?
• Is there only one lump or are there multiple similar lumps?
• And finally, are there changes in your pet's behavior such as eating less, losing weight, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy?

Answering these questions may help your veterinarian evaluate the seriousness of the lump's presence.

Often, lumps are benign accumulations of fat known as lipomas. Keep in mind, however, that while all lipomas are lumps, not all lumps are lipomas. Any detected lump should be evaluated for the possibility of a more aggressive malignancy. In general, many benign lumps may grow slowly or not at all and remain unchanged for many months or even years. Most malignant lumps, however, grow rapidly and may infiltrate into the underlying tissue. The best way to figure out if a lump is benign or malignant is to have your pet examined by a veterinarian.

Many skin tumors, benign or malignant, can be cured with surgery. Unfortunately, skin tumors could be just the tip of the iceberg. Diagnostic tests may be needed to determine if the lump on your pet might be a manifestation of a more widespread disease.

Canine Mast Cell Tumor

The most common malignant skin cancer in dogs is the mast cell tumor. Mast cells are normal cells in the body that serve as a defense mechanism. When you are bitten by a mosquito, for instance, the mast cells initiate the inflammatory response that causes the production of a red and itchy hive. Mast cells also contribute to asthma and food allergies.

If the normal mast cell undergoes a malignant change, a mast cell tumor may be produced. Canine mast cell tumors may be benign or possess varying degrees of malignancy. Malignancies range from local reoccurrence following surgical removal to aggressive systemic disease, which may ultimately be fatal. Biopsy can help determine the aggressiveness of a mast call tumor.

Although mast cell tumors primarily affect the skin, they have the potential to spread to other areas of the body. Therefore, it is important not only to address the skin tumor, but also to fully evaluate the pet for signs of metastasis. This often includes blood work, thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound. If there is no evidence of tumor metastasis, surgical removal of the mast cell tumor may cure the problem. If complete surgical removal is not possible, radiation therapy or chemotherapy can be considered.

Feline cutaneous (skin) mast cell tumors are generally benign and surgical removal is often curative. Metastasis from a skin mast call tumor is not as common in cats as it is in dogs. Some cats, however, may produce a distinctly different type of mast cell tumor that primarily affects internal organs, such as the spleen, liver and bone marrow. This type of mast cell tumor is called visceral mastocytosis and is much more aggressive than mast cell tumors of the skin.

When you notice a lump or bump on your pet, it is best to have your pet examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Many pets have lumps that remain benign all of their lives, but if a lump is malignant, your pet has a better prognosis if treated early. Skin cancers are quite common and often can be cured. The best way to detect lumps at any stage is to give your pet full body rubs on a regular basis. Not only are you contributing to your pet's health and your own peace of mind, your pet is going to love the attention!

Every dog has its day.

Initially celebrated in 1999, Pet Sitters International's Take Your Dog To Work Day® (TYDTWDay®) was created for two reasons: first, to celebrate dogs’ innate virtues of loyalty, love and dedication to their human companions, and second, to encourage canine adoption from rescue shelters, humane societies and breed rescue clubs. This year, the annual event occurs on Friday, June 21 and employers are encouraged to support TYDTWDay by opening their workplace to employees’ canine friends. Participation will create an immediate “feel good” workplace environment and allow your staff to meet each other's special family members.

Looking for additional ways to celebrate and support this popular day?

• Solicit photos and designate a bulletin board for a “Dog/Owner Look-Alike Contest”;
• Host a Pet Fair. Provide ASPCA or shelter materials and client educational materials regarding dog adoption, preventive care, training, diets, etc.;
• Award a “Top Dog” honor- which employee’s dog can do the best trick, has the cutest face or the most endearing personality?

So don’t let sleeping dogs lie. Win over your employees and your clients by participating in this fun annual event… and watch as wagging tails spread office joy.

Within the last few decades, advancements in veterinary medicine have caused a dramatic increase in the longevity of pets. Today, dogs, like humans, are living longer healthier lives. As a result of this increased longevity, a new branch of canine medicine has emerged called canine geriatrics.

Older Dogs Require Additional Care

The aging process can be defined as the time when deterioration takes place faster than regeneration or repair. When the aging process becomes greatly accelerated, this is known as the "geriatric stage."

Not all dogs age at the same rate. In general, the larger the dog, the earlier the geriatric stage occurs. St. Bernards and Great Danes age more rapidly and have shorter life spans than Poodles and Terriers. Certain breeds have a tendency to reach the geriatric stage earlier than others. This is true for the Brachycephalic dogs (flat-faced breeds) - Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers. Aside from aging rapidly, the brachycephalic breeds do not age well. This is due to the respiratory problems associated with the anatomy of the face and head.

As a dog matures and reaches the geriatric stage, functional changes occur in most major organs and organ systems. Many of these changes can be anticipated and special care is required. Since each dog is unique, an individualized geriatric program must be discussed with your veterinarian.

Listed below are some functional changes that occur in geriatric dogs

General Metabolic Rate

A decreased metabolic rate is the primary change associated with the aging process. As a result, an older dog's diet must be altered. In general, compared to the diet of a young active dog, an older dog's caloric intake should be reduced by about 20%. This can be accomplished by increasing the amount of fiber in the diet. In general, diets specially formulated for senior dogs contain increased amounts of fiber.

Cardiovascular System

Heart disease is a major problem in geriatric dogs. In fact, 75% of dogs over 9 years of age have evidence of heart disease. Although this number is quite large, only about 25% of these dogs develop symptoms of heart failure during their lifetime.

The most common heart disease in older dogs is endocardiosis. Endocardiosis is a degenerative disorder of the heart valves. The valves of the heart become thickened and distorted, leaking blood to other chambers when the heart contracts. Four valves are present in the heart: the mitral valve, the tricuspid valve, the aortic valve, and the pulmonic valve. The mitral valve is most commonly affected.

Symptoms associated with heart failure include coughing, respiratory problems, fatigue, and exercise intolerance.

Medical management is often effective in controlling symptoms associated with heart disease. This includes reducing the amount and intensity of exercise, decreasing stress, lowering salt intake (homemade diets or special commercial low-salt diets), and administration of prescription medication.

Understanding How to Care for Geriatric Dogs Improves their Longevity

Respiratory System

Tracheal Collapse in Small Dogs - This condition primarily occurs in toy and small breeds. This results from a weakening of the tracheal cartilage or the tracheal muscles. Obesity is a predisposing factor for tracheal collapse.

Bronchitis and Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - As dogs age, the normal elastic tissue of the lungs is replaced by fibrous tissue. This fibrous tissue decreases the capacity of the lungs to stretch. As a result, breathing becomes more difficult and less oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Small and toy breeds are predisposed to bronchitis and obstructive pulmonary disease.

Urinary System

As a result of the aging process, dogs' kidneys undergo degenerative changes. The kidneys normally filter waste material from the blood and concentrate urine. Older dogs' kidneys function less efficiently, and the ability to concentrate urine and eliminate waste products decreases. Symptoms associated with decreased kidney function include increased thirst, increased urine production weight loss, and occasional vomiting.

Kidney failure is a life-threatening disease of animals. It is one of the most common medical problems encountered in older dogs. Regular veterinary exams, along with blood tests, are extremely important for detecting early changes associated with kidney disease.

Bladder infections(cystitis) are also quite common in older animals. Straining during urination, increased frequency of urination, and blood in the urine are common symptoms associated with cystitis.

Dental Care

Periodontal disease (the progressive inflammation and destruction of supporting structures of the teeth) is an important cause of teeth loss in older dogs. Dental care is often neglected and should begin at an early age. Veterinary teeth cleaning is the first step in maintaining healthy gums and teeth.

Symptoms associated with advanced periodontal disease include bad breath, oral pain, and reluctance to chew food, and weight loss.

By combining regular veterinary visits with special home care, your dog can live a long healthy life. If your dog is approaching the twilight years, discuss blood testing and geriatric care with your veterinarian.

Hepatic lipidosis, also known as fatty liver syndrome, is a common and very serious condition that occurs in fat cats who, for some reason or another, have stopped eating. The disease results from an accumulation of fat in the liver and, if not treated during the early stages, can be deadly. Hepatic lipidosis is treatable and cure rates are good if the cat is presented to a veterinarian during the early stages of the disease.

Why would a fat cat not be eating?

Here are some reasons:

• Bad teeth
• Intestinal blockage
• Stress - examples: Moving into a new home, introducing a new animal into the family, owner goes on vacation
• Hairball
• Illnesses

These are all good reasons why a cat would stop eating. The most common reason for a cat to stop eating is an upper respiratory infection.

Think about it - cats like their food because they enjoy it and are familiar with the smell. So if a cat can't smell its food, it's not going to eat.

The question is: "What would cause a cat to loose its ability to smell food?"

An upper respiratory infection could cause a cat to loose its sense of smell.

Cats get upper respiratory infections all the time - sneezing, runny nose, runny eyes.

So, you have a fat cat that gets the flu and can't smell. Since the cat cannot smell his food, he stops eating. The body is looking for ways to feed itself, and tries to do this by converting stored fat into energy. In order for the fat to be converted into fuel, it must pass through the cat's liver. The liver can't handle this fatty saturation and liver dysfunction ensues. This doesn't happen to thin cats. They don't have enough fat available to mobilize and create this problem.

Many owners do notice that their cat is not eating, but they think, "That's all right, Tiger needs to lose a few pounds." Then, after a week or two without an appetite, they start to worry and finally bring the animal to the veterinarian. If they don't bring their cat in soon enough, he (or she) is a prime candidate for hepatic lipidosis.

Symptoms associated with hepatic lipidosis include loss of appetite, vomiting, depression, weight loss and lethargy. Some cats develop a yellow coloration of the eyes, ears and mouth. This yellow coloration (particularly of the mucus membranes) is jaundice and usually indicates liver disease and/or red blood cell destruction.

The prognosis for cats with hepatic lipidosis is good if treatment is not delayed. The longer that treatment is delayed, the less likely for recovery. Cats that have underlying diseases (cancer, pancreatitis) are less likely to recover.

How would a veterinarian treat a cat with hepatic lipidosis? The veterinarian would probably hospitalize the cat, and among other treatments, feed it through a tube. After your cat has recovered from hepatic lipidosis, or, before your fat cat gets hepatic lipidosis, you should put your cat on a veterinarian-recommended low-calorie diet. Exercise is an important factor in weight loss, so it is important to encourage exercise via catnip or toys. Carefully monitoring your cat's food intake in times of stress (for example, the addition of a new pet) can be crucial in preventing mortality due to hepatic lipidosis.

Preventing obesity is the best way to prevent hepatic lipidosis. Regular meals should be given and free-choice feeding should be avoided. Obese cats should be placed on a special diet food. By slimming Tiger down, you could save him from hepatic lipidosis and other life-threatening diseases related to cat obesity.

For more information on disease prevention, contact a staff member at your veterinary hospital

Just like a new parent needs a crib or playpen for a new baby, a new dog owner should provide a crate for his or her new pup. Crates are a place your puppy can call his own - a place they can go and retreat when they want or need space, and a haven for you to place them in for their own safety. Crates are an indispensable aid in house training and dealing with misbehavior. A crate can help calm anxious or hyperactive pups and help prevent a puppy from chewing and destroying your house and possibly hurting himself while you are away. In addition, a crate is a convenient method of carrying your pet when you travel.

Choosing a Crate

Both solid plastic airline and wire mesh crates are available. If you travel extensively, the foldable wire mesh crates are preferable. When purchasing a crate, make sure there is enough room for your pup to stand up and move around.

Introducing the Crate

If you introduce the crate when the pup is young, he should readily adjust to it. Puppies love people, so put the crate in an area where you and your family spend time. The kitchen, den or family room are general the best places. Crates need to be perceived as a fun place where your pup wants to be. If the crate is placed in an isolated area, your pup may cry and revolt.

A rule of thumb for how many hours your pup can be confined is the number of months they are old plus one; i.e., a three-month-old pup should not be crated more than four hours. Each pup has its own individual preferences and differences. Most pups can hold their needs by four months of age if they’re on a feeding and watering schedule.

Initially try and introduce the crate early in the day on a weekend and keep the door open. This allows him to investigate the area. Throw some treats in the crate, play fetch the ball in the crate, store his toys in there and let him go in and out at his own leisure. Feed him in the crate, leaving the door open. If he initially hesitates - put the bowl near the crate door so he can reach in and get to it.

Closing the Door

It is important to schedule crating after your pup has had a good amount of exercise and has eliminated. Put your pup in there when he is tired and give him a treat and a toy, then praise him and shut the door. Provide him with a toy or bone that he can chew. (If necessary, this bone or toy can amuse him for several hours.) As soon as this is done, leave the room for a few minutes. He may complain, but give him a few minutes. NEVER reward his cries by letting him out (he will learn to continue crying if you do so). Once his crying has stopped - let him out.

Do not put papers in the cage. This may encourage him to go to the bathroom there. If your pup messes on blankets in the crate, do not put any inside the crate.

The Noisy Pup

Some pups will cry continuously for 15 minutes or more. If crying continues, a light correction may be needed. You can try to sneak up on the pup (without him seeing you) and tap the wall. This sudden noise may quiet him. You may need to repeat this several times. Another recommendation is to try a squirt from a water gun or shake a soda can full of coins. Do not speak; you do not want the pup to associate the punishment with you. If all else fails, anti-barking devises such as a citronella spray collar may be needed. This is quite effective and a humane method to control barking.

Ten Fun Facts About Cats

1. Cats "paw" or "knead" to mark their territory. Cats sweat through the bottom of their paws and rub off the sweat as a marking mechanism.
2. Cat urine glows in the dark when a black light shines on it. If you think your cat or kitten has had an accident in your home, use a black light to find the mishap.
3. If your cat is near you, and her tail is quivering, this is the greatest expression of love your cat can give you, but if your cat is thrashing its tail, she is in a bad mood so keep your distance!
4. During her productive life, one female cat could have more than 100 kittens. A single pair of cats and their kittens can produce as many as 420,000 kittens in just 7 years.
5. Sir Isaac Newton invented the cat door.
6. Cats spend 30 percent of their waking hours grooming themselves.
7. Ancient Egyptians shaved their eyebrows in mourning when their cats died. And if someone killed a cat, he or she could get the death penalty.
8. According to the Guinness Book of World records, the oldest cat was Crème Puff from Austin, Tx who died in 2005 at 38 years old.
9. When cats are happy, they may squeeze their eyes shut.
10. The reason for the lack of mouse-flavored cat food is due to the fact that the cat test subjects did not like it.

Danger in the Dish: Pet Food Recalls

As a responsible pet owner, protecting your pet from harm is very important. You take care to provide your pet with love, exercise, a comfortable place to sleep, and—you hope—a healthy diet. However, pet food can become contaminated during manufacturing, putting your pet, you, and your family at risk of illness. For this reason, veterinarians know how important it is to stay up-to-date on pet food recalls.

An Unavoidable Reality

There have already been 19 separate pet food recalls reported by the FDA this year—more than double the number reported by this time last year. Pet food contamination can have widespread effects: manufacturers often issue recalls for products sold under numerous brand names and distributed nationwide.  In 2012, the FDA received reports from 900 veterinarians and pet owners about animals who suffered vomiting and diarrhea and in some cases kidney failure and death after eating products produced and packaged in China as chicken jerky strips, treats, and nuggets, and sold under three different brands in the US.

But contaminated pet food doesn’t just affect pets. Over a six-month period beginning in October 2011, 22 people in the US and Canada developed Salmonella after coming in contact with contaminated dry pet food manufactured at a Diamond Pet Foods’ plant in Gaston, SC. According to a study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention conducted after the outbreak, people were most likely infected after handling their pet’s food. As a  preventive measure, the CDC recommends storing and handling dry pet food in an area away from where you and your family prepares or consumes food  and washing your hands right after handling pet food and treats and cleaning up after your pet.

When Pet Food is recalled

If your pet's food or treats are recalled, immediately stop feeding the product to your pet—even if your pet appears perfectly healthy. If you have questions about recalled food or treats or require additional information, like how to obtain a refund, contact the manufacturer. If you choose to throw away uneaten food rather than return to the store, place it in a secure area not accessible to animals.
If your pet has consumed a recalled product, please give us a call even if your pet does not appear to have any symptoms. Common Salmonella symptoms include lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some animals will have decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain.

2013 Recalls

The following is a list of recalled pet food products since February 2013. Up-to-date information is available on the FDA’s Animal and Veterinary website for Recalls and Withdrawals http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/RecallsWithdrawals/default.htm and extends back t0 2008.

• 4/19/2013: Natura Pet Products, makers of California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Innova, and Karma brands, issued a recall for all dry dog and cat food treat varieties (all UPCs and all lot codes) with expiration dates prior to and on March 24, 2014. This is an expansion of a voluntary recall first issued on March 18, 2013. For more information, visit naturapet.com or call 800-224-6123.


• 4/18/2013: Merit Bird Company, LLC of Chatsworth, California recalled five Vitae brand lot codes (#2840090, #2840225, #2840234), #2840252, #2840279) shipped between May 2012 to February 2013, because they might be contaminated with Salmonella. If you have questions, please contact the company at 818-727-1655.


• 4/3/2013: Bravo! recalled three of its raw diet frozen foods for dogs and cats because they might be contaminated with Salmonella. For more information on the Bravo recall, please visit www.bravorawdiet.com, or call toll free (866) 922-9222.


• 3/13/2013: Bravo! recalled its Chicken Blend Raw Frozen Food Diet for Dogs and Cats because it might be contaminated with Salmonella. For more information on the Bravo recall, please visit www.bravorawdiet.com, or call toll free (866) 922-9222.


• 3/10/2013: Diamond Pet Foods recalled limited production codes of five cat food brands.  For more information, contact the Pet Food Information Center at ­888­-965­-6131, Sunday through Saturday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST or visit www.petfoodinformationcenter.com.


• 3/7/2013: Diggin' Your Dog withdrew one lot of its Strippin' Chicks™ Pet Treats, lot code 250322, use by date 2-23-14. For questions or more information, contact Diggin' Your Dog at 775-742-7295.


• 3/7/2013: Steve's Real Food of Murray, Utah recalled 5 lb. bags of "Turducken Canine Diet – 8oz. Patties distributed from October 2012 to January 2013 due to potential contamination of Salmonella. For more information, contact the company at 801-540-8481 or gary@stevesrealfood.com.


• 3/6/2013: Jones Natural Chews Co of Rockford, IL recalled 245 boxes of Woofers (beef patties) because it may be contaminated with Salmonella. For more information, contact the company at 877-481-2663.


• 3/5/2013: Cargill's animal nutrition business announced a voluntary recall of certain brands of its ruminant mineral products because they were deficient in vitamins A, D, and E. For more information, go to www.cargill.com/feed/news/mineral-recall/index.htm or call 866-420-5425.


• 2/27/2013: United Pet Group, Inc. voluntarily withdrew a limited quantity of bird food products because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. For more information, contact 800-645- 5145.


• 2/22/2013: Hy-Vee, Inc. issued a voluntary recall of certain bags of Hy-Vee dog food due to elevated levels of a chemical contaminant commonly found in corn. To learn more, visit the company's Web site at www.hy-vee.com.


• 2/21/2013: Kasel Associates Industries Inc. recalled all pet treats it manufactured from April 20 through Sept. 19, 2012 due to potential contamination with Salmonella. For more information, contact Kasel Associated Industries at 800-218-4417.


• 2/21/2013: The Honest Kitchen voluntarily recalled five lots of its Verve, Zeal, and Thrive pet food products because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. For more information, call 866-437-9729 or email info@thehonestkitchen.com.


• 2/20/2013: Nutri-Vet, LLC. voluntarily recalled its Nutri-Vet and NutriPet Chicken Jerky Products because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. For more information contact Nutri-Vet at 877-729-8668.


• 2/19/2013: Kaytee Products recalled several bird treats and greens items due to possible contamination of Salmonella. For more information, call 800-Kaytee1 (800 529-8331) or visit www.kaytee.com.


• 2/19/2013: Kasel Associated Industries voluntarily recalled all products manufactured at its Denver, Co facility from April 20, 2012 – Sept. 19, 2012, due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recall included Boots & Barkley, BIXBI, Nature's Deli, Colorado Naturals, Petco, and Best Bully Stick items. For more information, contact Kasel Associated Industries at 800-218-4417.


• 2/15/2013: Nature's Variety issued a recall of one batch of Instinct® Raw Organic Chicken Formula with a "Best if Used By" date of 10/04/13 because pieces of clear plastic may be found in some bags and could cause a potential choking risk to pets. For more information, call 888-519-7387 or email cservice@naturesvariety.com.