pet tales spring 2016

8/19/2019 Pet Tales Spring 2016

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MESSENGER POST MEDIA

PetTalesSPRING EDITION Advertising supplement for March 24, 2016


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2 PET TALES • SPRING EDITION 2016

Kent Burgesser,PhD, DVM, MS, DACVO

Veterinary Specialists& Emergency Services

Monroe Veterinary Associates

Service animal owners and handlerscan register April 1-30 for a free eyeexam in May.

Kent Burgesser, a board-certifiedveterinary ophthalmologist atVeterinary Specialists & EmergencyServices, will be offering free eyeexams to service animals as part ofThe 9th Annual ACVO/StokesRxNational Service Animal EyeExam Event.

This event takes place May 1-31, but all active working animalsmust be registered online prior toscheduling the free examination.

Online registrationwill be held April 1-30 atwww.ACVOeyeexam.org.

Exams can be scheduled once onlineregistration is complete. Please callVeterinary Specialists & EmergencyServices at (585) 424-1277 toschedule an exam.

The goal of the ACVO/StokesRxNational Service Animal Eye ExamEvent is to provide as many freescreening exams as possible toeligible Service Animals across theU.S. and Canada throughout the month of May.

Service Animals that may qualify include: guide, handicappedassistance, detection, military, search and rescue, and certified-current, registered therapy animals — all whom selflessly servethe public.

Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services has been proud toparticipate in this philanthropic event since its inception.

Since 2008, more than 45,000 Service Animals have receivedfree eye exam screenings — more than 7,000 in 2015 alone. Theevent started when ACVO recognized the good that was alreadybeing done by many members; the majority of whom wereproviding similar free exams across the country. By combiningand expanding these individual events, ACVO was able to createmore of an impact.

This year’s event is sponsored byACVO® and Stokes Pharmacy, aswell as several generous industrysponsors, volunteer ophthalmologistsand staff.

Dr. Burgesser and participatingdoctors across the country volunteertheir services, staff and facilities at nocharge to participate in the event.

How to register forthe 2016 event:

To qualify, Service Animals mustbe “active working animals” thatwere certified by a formal trainingprogram or organization, or arecurrently enrolled in a formal trainingprogram. The certifying organizationcould be national, regional or local innature.

Owners/agents for the animal(s)must FIRST register the animal via anonline registration form beginningApril 1 at www.ACVOeyeexam.org.

Registration ends April 30.Once registered online, the owner/agent will receive a registrationnumber. Appointments with Dr.Burgesser at Veterinary Specialists &

Emergency Services can then be booked.

Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services requires thatparticipants meet all event qualifications and provide theassigned registration number over the phone.

Dr. Kent Burgesser earned his PhD in immunology from theUniversity of Denver in 1989. He earned his DVM degree fromColorado State University in 1993. Dr. Burgesser completed his

residency in veterinary and comparative ophthalmology atColorado State University in 1998, where he also earned a Mastersdegree in Clinical Sciences. He received board certification fromthe American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2000. Dr.Burgesser was previously a clinical instructor in ophthalmologyat the Ontario Veterinary College, and practiced ophthalmologyin south Florida before joining Veterinary Specialists & Emergency

Services.

Dr. Burgesser, Local Veterinary Ophthalmologist,

oers FREE EYE EXAMS

for service animals

“You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says,

‘Wow, you’re right! I never would’ve thought of that!’” —Dave Barry


3/16

A diagnosis of cancer can be devastating for any pet owner, canceris the number one natural cause of death in senior cats and dogs.However, advances in the therapeutic approach to cancer in ourpets can prolong both the quantity, and more importantly, the

quality of life.When discussing options for cancer in pets, chemotherapy may beused as the sole treatment, or may be used in combination withother treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy.

Making a decision to pursue chemotherapy for one’s pet can bedifficult, especially for owners who have had a personal experiencewith cancer. It is important to understand that chemotherapyfor pets differs from chemotherapy for humans. This createsmisconceptions regarding its use, and many owners are rightlyconcerned for the quality of their pets’ life while undergoingtreatment.

Compared to people who receive chemotherapy, pets experience fewer side

effects. This is because chemotherapy in pets is not aimed at achieving a cure.Instead, it is used to minimize cancer-induced discomfort and slow the progressionof disease. In many, but not all cases, remission may be achieved.

Chemotherapy, however, is not without side effects. Chemotherapy drugs work bytargeting cells in the process of growth and division. These drugs are non-specific,meaning they cannot distinguish between cancer cells and normal cells in thebody. The tissues in the body that are the most sensitive to chemotherapy includethe intestinal lining and the bone marrow. Therefore, the effects of chemotherapymay include gastrointestinal symptoms (decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting,and diarrhea) as well as bone marrow suppression, which can lead to increasedsusceptibility to infection.

Many side effects are mild, and supportive medications may beprovided to relieve these symptoms at home. It is uncommon,although possible, for pets to require hospitalization for moreaggressive supportive care. Different chemotherapeutic drugs may

have unique side effects and most side effects are short lived.Many owners are concerned about hair loss as a result ofchemotherapy. While hair loss is not a common side effect ofchemotherapy in dogs, non-shedding dogs such as poodles may bemore susceptible. This can be most prominent around the face andtail. Cats may lose all or some of their whiskers. Hair will regrowonce chemotherapy is stopped, but may be a different color ortexture.

If a pet is experiencing side effects of chemotherapy, their treatingveterinarian will adjust future chemotherapy doses or drug choicesto minimize future side effects. The main goal of chemotherapy isto help your pet maintain a good quality of life. If side effects begin

to have a negative impact, doses are adjusted or chemotherapy is discontinued.

Chemotherapy can be extremely beneficial in allowing owners to spend moretime with their beloved pets. Rest-assured, the aim of this treatment is to extendthe quantity of your pet’s life, but not at the expense of its quality.

Dr. Mary Lester is a staff doctor at Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Cornell Universityin 2015. She received multiple scholarships, including the Frederico Scholarshipwhich is 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.

PET TALES • SPRING EDITION 2016 3

CHEMOTHERAPY and PETS: What you need to know

Mary Lester, DVM Veterinary Specialists& Emergency Services


“A dog will flatter you, but you have to flatter the cat.” —George Mikes, author


4/16


Bloat or Gastric Dilatation

Volvulus (GDV for short) isa rapidly progressive andlife-threatening condition indogs in which their stomachexpands and then rotates, ortwists, anywhere from 180 to360 degrees.

Although the underlying causeis unknown, it is commonlyseen following a large meal.The theory is that the excessof food and gas causes the

stomach to dilate and expand,which can ultimately leadto rotation. The increasedpressure and size of thestomach can have very seriousconsequences, includingrupture of the stomach wall.

Unfortunately these conse-quences do not only affect thestomach. The entire body can suffer from poor oxygenation to thetissues, resulting in cellular death. With the stomach’s rotation,there is vital vasculature that becomes compromised when bloodhas trouble returning to the heart from the abdomen. In addition

to the stomach, the spleen can rotate because they are attached,therefore the blood supply becomes damaged there as well.

There may also be a loss of blood flow to the stomach wall andpressure on the diaphragm prevents the lungs from adequatelyexpanding which makes normal breathing difficult.

Although the underlying cause is unknown, many studies havebeen performed to help evaluate risk factors. It has been determinedthat there is a known association in dogs that:

• have a deep chest

• are older

• are fed a single large meal once daily

• have breed-related prepositions (Great Danes, Weimaraners, St. Bernards, German Shepherds, Rottweilers)

Signs and symptoms:

No matter the illness, our canine friends tend to show they aren’t feeling well withsymptoms from their GI tract. However, these specific symptoms can be distinctand early veterinary attention can save your pet’s life. These signs can include, butare not limited to:

• standing and stretching (often called the “prayer position”)

• anxious, looking at abdomen

• drooling

• rounded or bloated abdomen

• attempting to vomit without producing anything

What to expect at the vet:

This is a veterinary emergency!Most veterinarians will immed-iately request placement of anI.V. for fluid therapy and basicblood work to evaluate anychemical imbalances that canbe corrected. Additionally aquick X-ray will be performedto confirm the diagnosis ofGDV.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed,stabilization of your dog is most

important. Fluid therapy willbe used to combat the effectsof shock and oxygen supportwill be provided as needed.Decompression of the stomachmay need to be performed. Thiscan be done either by passing atube down the esophagus andinto the stomach to release air

and fluid, or a needle can be placed into the stomach from outsidethe body to release air. [Methods performed are dependent on each

patient’s situation.]

Surgery is the only way to treat this disease. It involves fullexploration of the abdomen and de-rotation of the stomach.Additionally, viability of the stomach wall, spleen and all otherorgans are determined. Removal of the damaged portions ofthe stomach and/or spleen will be performed if needed. Oncethe stomach is returned to its normal position, it is permanentlyfixed to the abdominal wall in order to prevent this from occurringagain.

Prognosis:

Complication rates increase as disease severity and time increases.Factors known to be associated include:

• symptoms for more than six hours

• removal of a portion of the stomach and/or spleen• heart arrhythmias prior to surgery

Depending on severity, pets may require several methods of additional supportduring surgery, including replacement blood products. Most pets are hospitalizedtwo-three days after surgery for continued care. Long-term management usuallyincludes dietary changes such as multiple small meals per day.

Remember, GDV is a veterinary emergency! If your pet is exhibiting signs ofGI distress, call your veterinarian immediately.

Dr. Jessica Yousif is a staff doctor at Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services. She received her Doc tor of Veterinary Medicine degree from St. George’s Universityin 2015. She completed her clinical year at the University of Florida. Her professionalinterests include emergency medicine. Dr. Yousif has a Greyhound named Shandy

and a domestic short hair cat named Roti.

Emergency tummy ache!Gastric Dilation Volvulus in the canine patient

Jessica Yousif, DVM Veterinary Specialists& Emergency Services



5/16


In order to understand the problemsinvolved in diabetes mellitus, it isnecessary to understand the role of insulinin the body. When the body eats, it turnsthe food into sugar, or glucose. The cellsof the body need glucose for energy, butthe cells can only absorb glucose withthe help of insulin, which is produced bythe pancreas. In diabetes mellitus, eitherthe pancreas makes too little insulin orthe insulin is not recognized by the cellsthroughout the body. If the cells are unableto absorb insulin, the following symptomsbegin to occur:

• glucose is not absorbed by the body

causinghigh blood glucose levels

• the cells of the body “starve,” whichresults in

weight loss despite a good appetite

• muscles do not have energy, causingweakness

• excess glucose in the blood enters theurine causing

frequent urination and increased thirst

• excess glucose in the urine can causeincreased risk of urinary tract infections

• excess glucose may cause cataracts toform in the lenses of the eyes

(not common in cats)

Treatment of diabetes is focused oninjecting insulin in order to resolve orimprove the symptoms listed above, andusually requires treatment for the rest ofan animal’s life. Finding an appropriatedose may take time and involve frequentveterinary visits. Additionally, any illnesscan cause a disruption of previously goodcontrol, so monitoring at home is animportant component of treatment.

It is very important to carefully followinstructions for administering insulin.Inappropriate handling can inactivateinsulin and make diabetes harder tocontrol. Always follow the treatment andmonitoring guidelines established by yourveterinarian, and do not hesitate to contactthem with any questions or concerns.

If your pet has unregulated diabetes,several complications can occur, such as:

SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS of DIABETES in dogs and cats

“Some of my best leading men have been dogs and horses.” —Elizabeth Taylor

HOW DOES INSULIN WORK?Insulin Glucose

Insulinreceptor

Glucosechannel(closed)

Glucosechannelopen,glucoseto enterthe cell

Insulin isthe key thatunlocks theglucosechannel

Diabetic Ketosis andDiabetic Ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketosis (DK) anddiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)occur when illnesses causefurther deregulation ofblood glucose. If the cellsare unable to absorb insulinand become “starved,” thebody begins to burn fat forenergy, which produceschemicals called ketones.The presence of ketones iscalled ketosis, but if presentfor long enough, the bloodacidity may also change

resulting in ketoacidosis. The acidity causes animals tofeel very sick, and they may develop vomiting, nausea,lethargy and exhibit other behavioral changes. Treatment

of DK and DKA involves supportive care while the acidityimbalance is fixed, and the underlying cause is treated.

Illnesses that commonly cause DK and DKA includepancreatitis, urinary tract infections and cancer.

Abdominal ultrasound examination is a very gooddiagnostic tool to rule out any illnesses contributing tothe disease.

Pancreatitis

The pancreas is an organ involved in digestion that sitsnear the stomach, colon, and part of the small intestine.

Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, causes painand local irritation of the GI tract, decreased appetite andoccasionally vomiting or diarrhea. In cats, the symptomsmay be very subtle, and the only change may be that thecat hides more than usual or eats a little less. Pancreatitisusually resolves on its own without a specific treatment,so management for it is largely supportive. In the

hospital, treatment involves addressing pain and nauseawith medications and sometimes the use of an appetitestimulant. Many animals that present for DK or DKA havefrequent pancreatitis. As mentioned previously, abdominalultrasound can help determine if pancreatitis is present inan animal that has DK or DKA; however, ultrasounds areunable to determine the severity of the inflammation.

Will my pet recover from this?

Approximately 70 percent of dogs and cats are dischargedfrom the hospital after five to six days of hospitalization.Up to seven percent of dogs and up to 40 percent of catswill experience recurring episodes of DKA. However even

with a guarded prognosis, many animals do well whenaggressive veterinary therapy is initiated.

Dr. Kyle Elias is a staff doctor at Veterinary Specialists &Emergency Services. He received his Doctor of Veterinary

Medicine degree from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2015, where he received the Richard & Sophia HungerfordTravel Scholarship and the James & Marjorie Pinkney

Student Research Scholarship. Dr. Elias’ professionalinterests include zoo and wildlife medicine. He has a browntabby cat named Lilly.

Kyle Elias, DVM Veterinary Specialists& Emergency Services



6/16


SAVE THE DATE:

Rochester Hope for PetsDog Walk & Pet Education Expo

June 18, 20169 am to 1 pm

Highland ParkPet activities

Kids activitiesFood • Fun • Music

Bring the

whole family for aday of fun with HOPE!

All proceeds benefit ...

Rochester Hope for Pets • 524 White Spruce Blvd. • Rochester, NY 14623 • 585-271-2733 x189 • [email protected]

Rochester Hope for Pets is a not-for-profit organization that was founded in 2008 with the mission to improve the quality of life for companion animals in the greaterRochester area. Through our award process, we offer financial assistance toward veterinary care costs to pet owners during times of need. Through Duncan’s Fund forEducation, we provide continuing education courses, upgraded equipment and technology, and the most current reference literature for veterinary health professionalswho practice in Monroe and surrounding counties. This training and knowledge serves to enhance the care and treatment of pets at facilities in our region. We alsopartner with other local nonprofits to improve the welfare of animals.


7/16


What to do when you find YOUNG WILDLIFE this spring

With every spring season comes litters of newbornwildlife species. Accident and injuries are a commonoccurrence and it is within our nature to want tohelp in any way we can. While these animals mightlook cute and helpless, handling wildlife speciescan be dangerous, as they may carry zoonoticdiseases which can be transferred to you or yourpets. It is also very easy to misinterpret a younganimal on its own as an animal in need when oftenthey are in a normal, safe environment. Here is alist of common wildlife that you might encounterin your own backyard.

Rabbits

The most common species of rabbit in New Yorkis the Eastern Cottontail. Eastern Cottontails havethree-four litters each year. Babies open their eyes

at six to eight days and are weaned at three weeksof age, at which point they are on their own.

If you come across a nest of young rabbits thatdoes not appear disturbed or in direct danger ofpeople or pets, do not worry. Mother rabbits onlyreturn to the nest to feed their young twice eachday. You may place a piece of yarn or string over the nest to seeif it is disturbed or moved the next day by the mother’s return. Ifyou worry about the safety of the nest, you can place a securedlaundry basket over the nest and remove it each night.

Do not worry if you find a young, four- to five-inch long rabbitwith its eyes open and ears pointing upward, as they are solitary

animals that will be fine on their own.If you come across an injured rabbit, there are a few things toknow before you try to help. Cottontails can have a severe stressresponse and could actually die of a heart attack from loud noisesand even gentle handling. Cottontails will attempt to escapecapture by jumping off their back legs. If improperly handled,they can easily damage their spine. You should place an injuredrabbit in a closed shoebox or container to transport them to yourlocal wildlife veterinarian or rehabilitator.

Do not attempt to feed injured rabbits as an improper diet can easily lead todiarrhea, GI disorders and death. Cottontails can also carry tularemia bacteriathat can cause flu-like symptoms. Please wear light gloves and wash your hands

after handling cottontails.Raccoons

Raccoons are another common species we encounter each spring. Raccoons haveone litter each year of four to six young between March and August. Babies’ eyesopen in 18-24 days and they leave the nest at eight to 10 weeks. When they reach16 weeks of age, they are weaned. Even though the raccoon might be weaned, itcan stay with its mother for up to a year.

You should not attempt to keep raccoons as pets because they can be infectedwith rabies or carry the roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis. While the raccoonwith roundworm will likely appear normal, they carry a significant risk to humansand other animals. Once the roundworm egg is ingested by human or animal,the larvae will migrate throughout the body often to the brain or eye. The eggs

of Baylisascaris are able to stick to fur and skin and are present in feces.Raccoons are also often carriers of canine distemper and capable of transferring

this virus to dogs. Canine distemper is a veryinfectious, deadly disease that affects therespiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervoussystems.

Squirrels

There are several common species of tree squirrelsin our area, the gray squirrel, fox squirrel and redsquirrel being most common. Squirrels usuallynest in the trees; they will use holes in the trees ormake a nest out of leaves high up in the branches.Squirrels have litters of three to five young twiceeach year. They leave the nest between 10 and 12weeks of age.

If you find a baby squirrel that has fallen out ofthe tree or has been displaced because of treecutting, put it in a box at the base of a tree wherethe mother has been seen and wait for the motherto come. Mother squirrels keep at least two neststhroughout the year. She will move the babies tothe other nest. Monitor for up to 48 hours for themother’s return. Keep people and animals away! Ifthe baby is cold, put a hot water bottle or jar full of

warm water in the box with it.

Squirrels are diurnal (active during the day) and will be seeneating nuts and plants. Squirrels can be very aggressive andoften bite. When handling squirrels it is recommended to usekevlar-lined gloves to keep them from breaking the skin. Anymammal that bites and breaks the skin has to be euthanized

and tested for rabies. The person that was bitten has to getthe rabies exposure vaccine from the County Public HealthDepartment.

Songbirds

Songbirds are perching birds that use songs for attracting matesand establishing territories. If a songbird flies into your windowand does not appear to have obvious injury or fracture, place itin a safe, quiet place outside.

The songbird may be stunned and will often recover after a short time withoutneed for medical attention. If the bird does not appear to recover after about anhour, transport it to your local wildlife veterinarian or rehabilitator.

If you find a baby songbird without full feathering, look for its nest in the

surrounding area. Return the baby to the nest if you can. Make a replacement nestout of a plastic container filled with grass and other nest-like material. Place thereplacement nest as near to the original as possible and monitor for the parent toreturn. If the baby does have full feathering, it is likely a fledgling that may spendsome time on the ground or low branches before it is able to fly.

If you have any questions about injured or orphaned wildlife, please call EastRiver Veterinary Hospital at (585) 334-3110. They have licensed DEC WildlifeRehabilitators on staff.

Dr. Anne Wyer is a staff doctor at Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services. Shereceived her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois in

2015. While there, she was awarded the VOICE travel scholarship. Her professionalinterests include zoological medicine. Dr. Wyer has a Catahoula dog named Banjo;

two painted turtles named Dr. Zoidberg and Bender; and two leopard spotted geckosnamed Louis and Calamity Jane.

Anne Wyer, DVMVeterinary Specialists& Emergency Services



8/16


Life is like a

box of chocolatesEASTER IS

RIGHT AROUNDTHE CORNER

AND CHOCOLATEIS A HOT TOPIC!

Chocolate is toxic and can be fatal to our pets,

with dogs being the most common offender.Chocolate contains products such as theobromine(a methylxanthine) and caffeine. Both of thesesubstances can contribute to the signs of chocolatetoxicity, but theobromine is the main contributor.

The amount of theobromine in chocolate variesby type: white and milk chocolate contain theleast amount and dark chocolate contains themost. When ingested, theobromine can causehyperactivity, agitation and gastrointestinaldistress symptoms such as profuse salivation,vomiting and diarrhea.

At higher doses, the drug is “cardiotoxic,”

meaning that it has adverse effects on thecardiovascular system. Fast heart rate, highblood pressure and potentially fatal arrhythmias(irregular pattern of heartbeats) can occur.If your dog ingests enough theobromine,neurologic signs such as tremors, seizures,coma and even death can occur.

By nature, chocolate also contains highamounts of fat and sugar, which may causegastro-enteritis (inflammation of thelining of the GI tract) or pancreatitis. If thisoccurs, your veterinarian may recommend

longer-term management, supportive care andhospitalization.

Signs of chocolate toxicity usually occur withinsix to 12 hours after ingestion, depending on theseverity it can last up to 72 hours. Initial signs mayinclude vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, restlessnessand panting. These signs can progress tohyperactivity, fast heart rate, trembling, seizuresand coma or death.

If you discover that your dog has consumedchocolate, you should call your local veterinarianand/or poison control. It is helpful if you knowyour pet’s weight as well as the type and amountof chocolate ingested. This helps your veterinarian

Jocelyn Wichtel, DVMVeterinary Specialists& Emergency Services


determine if yourpet has consumed atoxic or fatal dose of

chocolate. Dependingon how long it hasbeen since yourdog consumed thechocolate, your vetmay instruct youto induce vomitingat home by admin-istering hydrogenperoxide orally. Thisis the fastest, mostconvenient way toempty your dog’s

stomach and prevent further absorption of the candyat home. If you are unsuccessful in getting yourdog to vomit at home, your veterinarian will likelybe more successful with the aid of a medicationcalled apomorphine. In many circumstances, partialabsorption of the chocolate has already occurred, sothe next step in the decontamination process is toadminister activated charcoal.

Charcoal is a black, liquid, tasteless substance that helpsbind theobromine (and other toxins) and decreasesabsorption in the GI tract. In severe cases, multipledoses of activated charcoal are recommended. Thiscan be a messy product to administer and often timesyour pet will have a black stained “charcoal beard of

shame” for several days after.

Your veterinarian will closely monitor your dog forany additional side effects of chocolate consumption.

Specifically, he or she will look for cardiotoxic effects(increased heart rate, arrhythmias, high bloodpressure, etc.), where drugs such as beta-blockersmay be necessary, as well as tremors and/or seizures,where your vet will likely recommend hospitalizationfor supportive care. Fluid therapy can be beneficialin stabilizing the patient’s cardiovascular system;this also keeps the patient hydrated and increasesurination. The bladder reabsorbs theobromine fromurine, so frequent walking to encourage urinationhelps promote excretion of the product more quickly.

Do not hesitate to call your veterinarian or poison

control if you believe your dog is experiencingchocolate toxicity. In general, owners who are diligentin inducing vomiting at home and those who bringtheir dog into the veterinarian for decontaminationand supportive care have a very good prognosis.

Dr. Jocelyn Wichtel is a staff doctor at Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services. She received herDoctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from AtlanticVeterinary College in 2015. While there, she receivedthe Dr. Lawrence E. Heider Leadership Award andthe Roy and Margaret Crosby Memorial Award. Her

professional interests include neurology, rehabilitationand emergency medicine. Dr. Wichtel has two shelter

rescues; a dog named Frodo and a cat named Kumara.


9/16


More than 90 million pet cats aresleeping on window sills, hidingunder beds or running to greet theirowners when they come home fromwork. And while cats get a bad rapfor being aloof, these pets reallyneed their owners in order to live ahappy and comfortable life.

If you think feeding and shelteringyour pet cat is enough, though, youmay encounter the problems familiar

to Jackson Galaxy, the cat behavioristand host of Animal Planet’s “My CatFrom Hell.”

“Pee and poop, blood and guts, thoseare the most common problems,”Galaxy said, but there are also catswith behavioral issues such as theones who lounge on the kitchentable or act aggressively towardother pets in the house.

Like dogs, cats are part of the family,and “the best, safest place for your

pet cat to be is in the house. Catswho live off the streets and out ofthe shelters live longer, healthierlives,” said Galaxy, who specializesin helping individuals whose “out-of-control” cats are turning theirlives and homes upside down.

Cat-friendly design

Galaxy’s new book, “Catification,”is a “design guide to create anenvironment that takes into account the needs of both pet and pet owner.Catification is about creating feline-friendly environments that cater to a cat’snatural instincts to climb, perch, rest, play and have their own space in a way thatmakes you both happy,” he said.

Wh y cat i fy your h ome? B ecause i t can h elp reduce oreliminate behavior problems, Galaxy said.

When you bring a child into a home, you childproof the home. Thesame is often true for dogs. Most people don’t try to hide the dogbed or bowl, but “there’s resistance to changing the home for the cat,”Galaxy said.

The catification projects in the book “can really affect life for the betterwithout looking like a crazy cat lady,” Galaxy said. “It’s meant to sparkideas and remove excuses.”

The first step is to get to know your cat “as a client,” Galaxy said. Where

does she feel confident? Where does she hide or hang out? What does shedo when a stranger enters the room? Then add in traits like age, physical

ability and groupdynamic if you

live in a multi-pethome.

S o m e o f t h ecatification projects

shown in the bookare amazing examples

of design that blend ahomeowner’s tastes with a

certain amount of practicalcat fancy.

It’s surprising how well-appointed rooms maintain

their sophistication whenwall-mounted cat climbers, floor-to-ceiling climbing poles andcat bridges are added.

Simple tricks

On the simpler side, the book is also dotted with plenty of no-excuseexamples of catification that are both low-cost and easy to do.

“Take a pot or a planter and fill it with natural catnip and allow yourcat to graze. It’s good for the digestive system and also provides the cat with apersonal piece of territory,” Galaxy said. Another no-excuses catification is to simply

clear the clutter to create cat-only surfaces. If you don’t want cats on the kitchencountertop, cover a small desk area with a sisal mat with nonstick

backing to give your cat an option of where to go. If your cat likesit on top of the fridge, incorporate the sisal mat treatment there,too.

If you really want to make your cat happy, create a catsuperhighway that will allow your pet to navigate around an

entire room without touching the ground. Cats are naturalclimbers and will be happy if you provide them with theability to go from the cat tree, to the mantel, to the back of

the couch to a window perch.

“You don’t have to buy a bunch of cat trees. Instead

think about what your cat wants, what gives your catconfidence, and try and accommodate,” Galaxy said.

‘Catify’ your home Cat guru JACKSON GALAXY advocates feline-friendly room design

C o u r t e s y J a c k s o n G a l a x y

BY MELISSA ERICKSON | MORE CONTENT NOW


10/16


1. Chocolate, coffee and caffeine

These products contain theobromine (a methylxanthine)found in cocoa seeds, coffee beans and some nuts. Toxic sideeffects include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, panting,hyperactivity, increased thirst and urination, tremors, seizuresand death. Dark chocolate, baking chocolate and cocoa powderhave higher levels of methylxanthines than milk or whitechocolate.

2. Raisins and grapes

These fruits have the potential to cause kidney failure, but thetoxic substance is unknown and not dose-related. Some dogscan eat them and be just fine, but other dogs may be moresensitive and develop clinical signs after ingesting a smallamount. It is best to avoid feeding these to your pets due to thepotentially lethal effects.

3. Over the counter medications (Aspirin,Aleve, Advil, Tylenol, etc.)

It may be tempting to try to treat your pet’s pain at home; however administeringthese common pain relievers can be deadly. Symptoms include gastrointestinalirritation, ulceration, perforation leading to sepsis and death. They can also causeacute kidney failure and neurological disease. There are other veterinary painmedications that are specifically formulated for dogs and cats, and are much saferto use than the human versions.

4. Lilies (Lilium andHemerocallis species)

Lily toxicity has mainly been reported in cats. The target organis the kidneys, and clinical signs include vomiting, anorexia,lethargy and acute kidney failure. All parts of the plant are toxicand clinical signs are usually seen between six-12 hours afteringestion.

5. Garlic, onions and chives

These plants can cause gastrointestinal upset and red bloodcell damage in dogs and especially cats. If they ingest toxicdoses, they can develop a condition in which red blood cells aredestroyed called Heinz Body Anemia.

6. Xylitol

This is an artificial sweetener used in many candies, sugar-free gum, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release, low-bloodsugar and leads to liver failure. Initial signs include vomiting, lethargy, loss ofcoordination and seizures. Prompt treatment may be effective but liver failure canbe seen within days of ingestion; if this occurs prognosis is poor.

7. Hops

Home brewing has become very popular and veterinarians are seeing anincrease in the number of dogs that have ingested hops. Hops are used in thebeer-making process and are toxic to dogs. It can cause a dangerously highbody temperature, panting, elevated heart rate, anxiety, vomiting and even

death. Effects can be seen very quickly and death can occur after only six hours.Continued on Page 13...

TOP 10

household toxinsTO DOGS AND CATS

Ashley Forti, BVMS, MRCVS Veterinary Specialists

& Emergency ServicesMonroe Veterinary Associates


11/16

Baby birds should be given access toshallow water to prevent drowning. Besure that water sources are not allowedto freeze during the colder months.


“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”

—Josh Billings (a.k.a. Henry Wheeler Shaw; humorist and lecturer)

Keeping your BACKYARD BIRDS HEALTHY

The popularity of backyard flocks ofchickens, ducks, turkeys, geese andguinea hens for egg and/or meatproduction is increasing in the greater

Rochester area. Many towns and citieshave begun to change laws in order toallow these backyard flocks.

These birds can help supplement afamily’s dietary protein source, be agreat learning experience or 4-H projectfor children and provide endless hoursof entertainment and enjoyment forthe whole family. Poultry will also helpreduce the insect population as well asprovide a great source of fertilizer.

Housing

It is important to be sure your birds haveadequate housing. Birds require a clean,dry, warm, and well-ventilated spacewith enough room for all members ofthe flock. There are many books availableat book stores, feed stores and online togive you an idea of appropriate housingand space requirements for the specificspecies you are keeping. Adequatehousing should protect your birds fromthe weather as well as predators.

Feeding

Baby birds, growing birds and adultbirds all have different nutritionalrequirements depending on the age andspecies. Ducklings require more niacin(vitamin B3) than many other speciesand therefore require additional niacinto be added to their diet in order toprevent leg deformities.

Growing waterfowl (ducks & geese) areat risk of developing a wrist deformitycommonly known as “angel wing” whenfed a diet too high in protein. As soon assigns of a wing deformity are noted, yourbird should be brought to a veterinarianwho treats poultry to correct thedeformity. The sooner veterinary care issought, the better the chances are thatthe deformity may be corrected.

Water

All animals need access to fresh cleanwater which needs to be changed daily.

Gregory R. Hoyt, DVMCanandaigua Veterinary Hospital


Veterinary care

Your birds should receive routine veterinary care annually to ensure they arehealthy and to protect them from diseases and parasites. Your veterinarian willprovide a full beak-to-tail physical exam and screen for external and internalparasites. Knowing and being familiar with your local poultry veterinarianbefore a problem or emergency arises can help ensure your birds receive prompt

medical attention.

Safe handling

Poultry can carry the bacteria Salmonella. Young children have a tendencyto handle birds before putting their fingers in their mouths, which can leadto illness. Children should always wash their hands well with soap and waterimmediately after handling any birds. Additionally, all eggs should be washedand meat should be handled and cooked appropriately prior to consumption.

Adding to your flock

When adding new animals to your flock, they should be quarantined to ensurethey are free of disease before mixing them with the rest of your flock.

Canandaigua Veterinary Hospital and East River Veterinary Hospital both have

verterinarians on staff that treat poultry. If you have any questions about caringfor poultry, please call Canandaigua Veterinary Hospital at (585) 394-3340 or EastRiver Veterinary Hospital at (585) 334-3110.

Dr. Gregory Hoyt is an associate veterinarian at Canandaigua Veterinary Hospital.He attended A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine and completed hisDoctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. Preventative medicine, orthopedic

surgery, dentistry, exotic animal medicine and poultry medicine are among Dr.Hoyt’s many professional interests.


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Ask a Vet...

A: Fecal exams are a very important part of your pet’s annualexam. Chewbacca’s stool gives clues and insights to his health.Fecal exams include an evaluation of color, consistency andcontents. Abnormalities can indicate gastrointestinal disorders,

liver disease, diabetes and undiagnosed parasites.Intestinal parasites are a fairly common pet health problem.Tey can live and grow in the intestinal tract of your pet.Intestinal parasites can infect puppies, kittens, cats, dogsand many types of exotic pets. Te most common intestinalparasites are hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms andwhipworms.

Some intestinal parasites are zoonotic, which means thathumans can become infected by these parasites, especiallychildren and immune-compromised individuals.

Tere are a few ways to help prevent your pets and family fromcontacting intestinal parasites:

• Use monthly ea and tick prevention all year long(eas can carry tapeworms)

• Use monthly heartworm prevention year round

• Try to prevent your pet from eating feces

• Avoid areas that are heavily populated by wildlife

Tere isn’t really a trick to providing a proper stool sample, butwe have a few tips to help you collect a sample to get the mostaccurate results.

1. Samples should be fresh and collected quickly aer deposit.

2. Samples should be refrigerated if you are not able to drop ito to your veterinarian quickly. Never freeze a fecal sample.

3. Samples do not need to be large. A sample roughly thesize of a walnut is what we recommend.

4. Please do not bring in samples wrapped in tissuesor paper towels.

Pooch haveyou puzzled?

Cat haveyou curious?

Email your questions [email protected]!

Want answers to your questions?

Q: So, what’s thescoop on my pet’spoop? How comemy veterinarianrecommendsand stresses thatChewbacca needs ayearly fecal exam?What are theytesting for? Is therea trick for providinga proper sample? Ican’t tell you howmany times I’ve hadto provide morethan one sample.What am I doingwrong?


13/16


Portraits

Love of

Each week, Lollypop Farm receives letters and emails filled withhappy endings for animals who have been adopted from our shelter.

Pictures help to tell these wonderful stories.

BILLY was adopted

by John and Laura S.in 2016

Billy

GUNTHER

was adopted

by the Heegs

Family in 2005

ROBERTO was

adopted by

Nicole E.

in 2015

Gunther

Roberto

Continued from Page 10...

8. Raw breaddough/yeast

Yeast can cause your pet’s stomach to painfullyswell, bloat with gas and potentially twist,which is a life-threatening emergency. The

yeast undergoes a reaction in the stomachand one of the byproducts of this reactionis ethanol. Ethanol (alcohol) created in thestomach causes your pet to become drunk andother symptoms of a twisted gut may becomeapparent (please see “Emergency TummyAche” on page 4 for a detailed description).

9. Albuterol inhaler

Biting or chewing these inhalers can causesevere issues including arrhythmias, changesin blood pressure, anxiety, restlessness,tremors, weakness and electrolyte abnormal-ities. With prompt veterinary care, prognosisis generally good.

10. Recreationalsubstances

These substances can be consumed by accidentand cause severe symptoms. Alcohol causesdepression, lethargy, sedation, wobblinessand metabolic acidosis. IV fluid therapyand other treatments may be warranted ifyour pet is experiencing these symptoms.Marijuana causes vomiting, changes inheart rate and body temperature, vocalizing,urinary incontinence, hyperactivity, seizures,

weakness, depression and coma. Dogs ofteneat brownies or cookies that contain thissubstance, but they can also eat the marijuanaby itself.

There are hundreds of other household toxinsthat are toxic to our pets. For a complete listplease visit www.aspcapro.org/poison. Themost important part of treating any toxinexposure is rapid decontamination, so it isimportant to seek veterinary care as soon aspossible.

If you are at all concerned that your pet may

have ingested any of these toxins, pleasecontact Veterinary Specialists & EmergencyServices at (585) 424-1277 or ASPCA poisoncontrol at (888) 426-4435.

Dr. Ashley Forti is a staff doctor at Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services. She grad-uated from the University of Glasgow Schoolof Veterinary Medicine in Glasgow, Scotland in

2015. Dr. Forti’s professional interests include small animal surgery and exotic pets. She hasa 10-year-old Chinese Firebelly Newt namedGary and a four-year-old Russian Tortoisenamed Boris.


14/16


Q: My cat hates getting in his carrier whenever Ihave to take him to the vet. I feel terrible that he’s sostressed out, plus I usually get scratched. What can Ido to make him more comfortable and get him in iteasier?

A: Getting a reluctant cat in their carrier is not easy! The best thing you cando is help your cat get used to their carrier by leaving it out in your house.Don’t keep it in a closet or the basement and just have it appear when it’stime to go to the vet. Start feeding your cat close to the carrier to get himcomfortable with the idea of being near it, and eventually put his foodinside it. By gradually desensitizing your cat to their carrier, you’re breakingthe connection that the carrier is a scary thing. Don’t forget to repeat thisprocess when you get home and make it a regular part of your cat’s routine;not just when it’s time for a check-up at the vet. If your cat is still reluctantto get in his carrier or it’s an emergency, use a towel to swaddle your catand place him in the carrier. If necessary, turn the carrier upright and loweryour cat in back feet first while holding him wrapped in the towel.

Q: I have a 2-year-old dog named Winnie. WheneverI leave the house she whines a lot and sometimeschews up pillows or shoes. Does she have separationanxiety?

A: Separation anxiety in dogs is an extreme aversion to being left alone,

and is often referred to as separation phobia. It typically results indestruction to exit points in your home such as doors, windows, blinds, etc.If you feel your dog suffers from this, it’s always best to contact a behaviorprofessional for individualized attention to your dogs specific issues.However, it sounds like Winnie is just bored or not ready to be out of hercrate yet when home alone.

I would suggest restricting her access to your home by leaving her in a crate.If you choose to let her roam in the house, pick up anything she can use as a chewtoy before you leave. Give Winnie other things to do and keep rotating her toysso she doesn’t get bored. Give her empty and clean cereal boxes to shred, or aKong filled with frozen food so it takes her a long time to eat. Regular exercise,playtime, and mental stimulation when you are home are just as important and

will help Winnie behave better when you are gone.Q: My cat Suzie is so fearful of people. She’s fine whenit’s just me and her, but anytime someone comes over tomy house she runs and hides. Is there anything I can doto help her become less afraid and more social with myguests?

A: The most important thing to remember here is acceptance of your cat and theirunique personality. If Suzie is a wallflower she may always be a nervous cat andnot the social butterfly you’d like her to be. You can try to help her become morecomfortable with new people by making sure her favorite things happen, such asgetting a cat treat or tuna, when guests come to your house. When new peoplecome to your home, go to Suzie’s hiding spot and bring her favorite treat to her.Your guests should ignore her unless she initiates interaction with them and if shedoes come out, they can try playing with her with her favorite toy. This helps her

associate new people with play time and something she enjoys. Don’t ever dragSuzie out of her hiding spot and force her to interact with your guests. Doing sowill reinforce that scary things happen when new people are in your home whichwon’t help her become more social.

Q: My dog barks at me constantly for food and attention.Is he trying to be the alpha?

A: No, your dog is not trying to be the boss of you! The idea that your dog istrying to be the “alpha” is based on antiquated, and since disproved, research ofwolves which resulted in dominance-based training methods that shouldn’t bepracticed. We don’t need to use force and dominance to communicate with ourbest friends. The best thing you can do to get your dog to stop demand barkingis to not respond to it. Don’t even say “no” or “stop it” because doing so reinforcesyour dog receiving a response for their behavior. I know it can be frustrating to notreact to his barking, but it’s so important to him learning that barking to get whathe wants is not okay. Leave the room if you have to! What you should do is rewardhim with positive attention when he sits quietly or makes silent eye contact. Makesure you work on this with him daily or sign up for a training class to learn morepositive reward-based training methods.

For more Pet Peeves behavior and training advice from Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, visit www.lollypop.org/petpeeves.

PET PEEVESUNLEASH THE HELP YOU NEED!

REBECCA LOHNES, BEHAVIOR AND TRAINING MANAGER AT LOLLYPOP FARM,offers some expert advice for you and your pets!


15/16


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We welcome our readers’ letters.

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major sponsor!Monroe Veterinary Associates was foundedin 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 nea r you, visit monroevets.com. Youcan also follow us on Twitter @MonroeVets orlike us on Facebook.

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