SNOW BOUND ISSUE....

If you're reading this issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats, it means that Desperado and Helpful Buckeye have lost our power and are not able to put together a normal blog issue at this time. Flagstaff is in the midst of a huge winter storm...I've already shoveled 31" of snow since Tuesday morning and we are expecting 8-12" today (Thursday)...another 10-15" tonight, and 8-12" tomorrow. To complicate things, the wind is supposed to be at 40-60 MPH tonight and that might present a problem of power outages...consequently, Helpful Buckeye will offer this shorter version for publication Sunday evening.

More than a year ago, Helpful Buckeye wrote about some suggestions for how a pet owner can go about choosing a veterinarian for their pets. In that discussion, we followed some guidelines that were presented by the American Veterinary Medical Association, which you can read at: http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2008/09/canary-in-coal-mine.html
The Humane Society of the United States has just recently published their recommendations for choosing the right veterinarian for your pets. By comparing these ideas with the previous listing, any pet owner should be able to make an informed choice that will help pick the right veterinarian.

Choosing A Veterinarian

A veterinarian is your pet's second-best friend. When selecting a veterinarian, you're doing more than searching for a medical expert. You're looking for someone to meet your needs and those of your pet, a doctor who has people as well as animal skills. The worst time to look for a vet is when you really need one, so plan ahead and choose wisely. Veterinarians often work with a team of professionals, including technicians and qualified support staff, so you'll likely want to evaluate the entire vet team's competence and caring (Helpful Buckeye has more information on this aspect further down the page). You should also consider the hospital's location and fees when making a decision. Driving a few extra miles or paying a bit more may be worth it to get the care you want for your cat.

How to find the right veterinarian
The best way to find a good veterinarian is to ask people who have the same approach to pet care as you. Start with a recommendation from a friend, neighbor, animal shelter worker, dog trainer, groomer, boarding kennel employee or pet sitter. Look in the Yellow Pages under "Veterinarians" and "Animal Hospitals," where you can likely find important information about hours, services and staff. You can also search for veterinarians in your area online. If you're looking for a specialist, ask about board certification. This means the vet has studied an additional two to four years in the specialty area and passed a rigorous exam. Once you've narrowed your search, schedule a visit to meet the staff, tour the facility and learn about the hospital's philosophy and policies. This is a reasonable request that any veterinarian should be glad to oblige. Write down your questions ahead of time.

What to look for:

• Is the facility clean, comfortable and well-organized?


• Are appointments required?


• How many veterinarians are in the practice?


• Are there technicians or other professional staff members?


• Are dog and cat cages in separate areas?


• Is the staff caring, calm, competent and courteous, and do they communicate effectively?


• Do the veterinarians have special interests such as geriatrics or behavior?


• Are X-rays, ultrasound, bloodwork, EKG, endoscopy and other diagnostics done in-house or referred to a specialist?


• Which emergency services are available?


• Is location and parking convenient?


• Do fees fit your budget, and are discounts for senior citizens or multi-pet households available?

Be a good client
Having good client manners encourages a happy relationship with your vet.

• See your vet regularly for preventive visits, not just when your pet becomes ill.


• Learn what's normal for your pet, so you recognize the first signs of illness.


• If a pet's not well, don't wait until she's really sick before you call your vet. It's frustrating for a vet, and heartbreaking to owners, to see an animal die of an illness that could have been treated successfully if professional care had begun sooner.


• Schedule appointments and be on time. Lateness is rude and wreaks havoc with the office's timing.


• For your pet's safety as well as that of other clients and pets, bring your cat to the veterinary office in a carrier.


• Don’t disturb your veterinarian during non-working hours for matters that can wait, and don't expect your veterinarian to diagnose a pet's problem over the telephone.


• Even if you have an emergency, call ahead to ensure that the veterinarian’s available.

Breaking up is hard to do

If you feel that your veterinarian isn't meeting your needs as a client or the needs of your pet as a patient, it may be time to find a new one. But sometimes simple misunderstandings cause conflicts, which you and your vet can resolve by talking things out and looking for solutions. If you've been happy with a certain veterinarian, make the effort to reach a mutually satisfying resolution.

When you visit your veterinarian's office/hospital/clinic, you most likely will encounter several different staff members, in addition to the veterinarian. Each member of the staff is an important part of the daily functioning of the hospital. The AVMA has put together a good overview of the staff members and what they do to contribute to the overall operation.

The Veterinary Health Care Team

Every veterinary hospital staff consists of a team of caring individuals, each contributing his or her unique abilities to ensure high quality veterinary care for animals and compassionate interactions with animal owners. Depending upon the size of the hospital, the team may employ from three to more than 30 people but, regardless of size, dedication to service remains a top priority.

The Veterinarian – Leading the Team

Veterinarians are doctors trained to protect the health of both animals and people. In a clinical hospital environment, veterinarians work with large and small animals to evaluate animals' health, diagnose and treat illnesses, provide routine preventive care (such as vaccines), prescribe medication, and perform surgery. Like physicians, some veterinarians specialize in areas such as surgery, internal medicine, ophthalmology or dentistry. In addition to opportunities in clinical practice, veterinarians may choose to work in zoos, wildlife parks, or aquariums; or focus on public health, regulatory medicine, or research. Personal attributes that contribute to a successful career as a veterinarian in clinical practice include a strong science and math education, the ability to work well with animals and their owners, basic business and management training, and leadership and organizational skills.

The Veterinary Technician

Veterinary technicians perform valuable medical and non-medical services in clinical practice. They are graduates of an AVMA-accredited program in veterinary technology usually leading to an Associate or Bachelor degree. The veterinary technician is educated and trained to support the veterinarian in surgical assisting, laboratory procedures, radiography, anesthesiology, prescribed treatment and nursing, and client education. Almost every state requires a veterinary technician to pass a credentialing exam to ensure a high level of competency.
Some veterinary technicians pursue specialties in emergency and critical care, anesthesiology, internal medicine, animal behavior or dentistry. Personal attributes that contribute to a successful career as a veterinary technician in clinical practice include a strong science background, ability to work well with people and animals, and good communication and decision-making skills.

The Veterinary Hospital Manager

Most large veterinary hospitals find that having a hospital (or practice) manager greatly improves the team's efficiency. This person is responsible for managing the business functions of the practice. Depending upon the size and type of hospital, the manager's duties could include personnel hiring and supervision, budget and inventory management, accounting, marketing, and designing service protocols. A strong business background, computer knowledge, and desire to work with people are key attributes for success as a hospital manager.

The Veterinary Assistant

In some hospitals, a veterinary assistant supports the veterinarian and/or the veterinary technician in their daily tasks. The assistant may be asked to perform kennel work, assist in the restraint and handling of animals, feed and exercise the animals, and spend time on clerical duties. There is no credentialing exam for the veterinary assistant; however, training programs are available (see http://www.navta.net/). The ability to listen, communicate efficiently, and handle multiple assignments are skills that make a veterinary assistant an important member of the hospital team.

The Receptionist

The receptionist or client service representative is usually the first person to welcome a client into the hospital and the last person the client sees when they leave. The interactions he or she has with a client can determine how the client perceives the quality of medical services being offered. A good receptionist must have excellent communication skills and be able to handle a variety of questions and requests from clients and the public. In addition to setting appointments, responding to inquiries about hospital services, greeting clients, and managing callbacks, a receptionist may also perform accounting, marketing, or client counseling duties. A customer service attitude, the ability to manage multiple tasks, and professionalism under stress are important attributes for a hospital receptionist.

Other Team Members

The hospital team may also include an adoption counselor, a grief counselor, administrative assistant, kennel worker, and part-time volunteers. Everyone has an important role to play in assuring the health and well-being of the hospital's patients and the owners who care for them.

In some hospitals, especially smaller ones, health care team members may accomplish the tasks of more than one of these headings. Don't be timid...get to know the staff members at your veterinary hospital. You'll feel better getting to know the people who are taking care of your pets.

Along with choosing a veterinarian and learning more about the veterinary hospital staffers, most pet owners are also concerned about the costs of maintaining good health for their pets. The ASPCA offers a very comprehensive list of ideas for keeping health care costs for your pets a comfortable level.

Cutting Pet Care Costs

Designer collars, faux-mink coats, doggie donuts―you may love the novelties, but do your pets really need ‘em? The bucks we spend on those little extras for our animal companions add up—and in fact, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, U.S. consumers spent over $36 billion on their animals in 2005. “A tremendous amount of the growth in pet industry sales have probably been due to things people don’t really need for their pets,” says Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, Ph. D., Executive Vice President, ASPCA National Program Office. While it’s great to pamper Fifi and Fido, it’s also important to budget for the essentials. Otherwise, that couture pet carrier could leave you with empty pockets when the emergency veterinary bills come. We checked in with Dr. Z. for his take on easy ways to cut pet care costs. “The basics are still the same,” he says. “Quality food, litter for cats and good medical care.” Bottom line? Stick with the basics, and remember—preventative measures are excellent money savers!

• Go to the Vet! “A number-one money-saver is preventative veterinary care,” says Dr. Z. Annual veterinary exams can catch health crises early on and can save you a lot of time and money. This includes heartworm preventative treatment, flea and tick control, and a thorough check-up of your pet’s gums, teeth, heart, lungs and internal organs. If it’s been a year or more since your pet has seen a vet, make that appointment today!




• Give Your Pet Regular Check-Ups Weekly home checkups are a great way to nip potential health problems in the bud. - Check under your pet’s fur for lumps, bumps, flakes or scabs. Check your pet’s ears and eyes for signs of redness or discharge. Make note of any changes in her eating or drinking habits. If something seems off, call your vet right away. - Learn how to clean your pet’s ears, especially if your dog is prone to ear infections. - Brush your pet’s teeth regularly with a toothpaste formulated for pets, and check his gums. In some cases, this can help prevent the need for dental cleanings, which can run up to $200 per visit. - Check your pet’s breath. Bad breath can indicate a digestive problem that’s better dealt with sooner rather than later.




• Vaccinate Wisely “Although certain vaccines are required by law, there is no longer automatically one policy for all animals,” says Dr. Lila Miller, Vice President, ASPCA Veterinary Outreach. “Veterinarians are now advised to assess each individual animal's risk of exposure when designing a vaccination program.” So before subjecting your pet―and your wallet—to general vaccinations, ask your pet’s vet which vaccines he or she recommends.




• Spay/Neuter Your Pets “Spaying and neutering your pet will have a dramatic impact on their health,” says Dr. Z. “For females, it dramatically reduces the potentiality for breast cancer, and ovarian and uterine cancer disappears.” Neutering also reduces chances of testicular cancer in males. Not only will spaying or neutering save you on future health care, but it will significantly diminish your pet’s desire to wander―and will save you the surprise of an unplanned litter.




• Invest in Training “A lot of people don’t think about dog and cat training as a way to save money,” observes Dr. Z, “but a well-trained dog will be easier to walk, will be calmer in most situations and will be less likely to get into things he shouldn’t.” Teaching your dog to stay by your side and to come when he is called proves far cheaper than paying for expensive emergency care caused by his running off―possibly into the street―and eating items that he shouldn’t.




• Consider Pet Insurance “One of the reasons why medical care has become so expensive,” explains Dr. Z, “is the recent growth spurt of procedures your pet can undergo―MRIs, cat scans, cancer treatments. Kidney transplants, though life-saving, are a $15,000 surgery that also typically requires the pet owner to adopt the donor animal.” Accidents, too, can be costly. Pet insurance is one way to take some sting out of the bill. The cost of a policy typically runs about $300-$400 per year and many cover both regular and emergency visits.




• Save Up for the Future & Pet Emergencies Invest the money you spend on toys and extra snacks into a fund for possible emergencies, and deposit a fixed amount into it every two weeks. If no emergencies arise, you’ll be all the richer, but if something does come up, money will not stand in the way of getting your pet the care she needs.




• Elderly Pet Care The great news is that pets are living longer, thanks to better nutrition and veterinary care. But this often entails more frequent trips to the vet, blood screenings tests, special food and medication. “Very often you see people bringing older pets into shelters because they are confronted with bills they can’t manage,” says Dr. Z. You can avoid an ambush of sudden bills by saving up while your pet is young.




• End-of-life care Caring for your pet at death could cost between $300 to $1,000, depending upon the services you choose. Some insurance policies cover the cost of euthanasia and cremation, but it is a smart idea to put aside a savings account that will cover those bills. This way you won’t have to haggle when the time comes.




• Serve Healthy Food in Moderate Portions “Buy a good, premium-quality dog or cat food,” advises Dr. Z. “Don’t go crazy,” he says, but remember that cheaper foods will set you back in the end. They are full of less digestible filler material and artificial colors that offer no nutrients and can contribute to allergies and digestive problems. A high-quality, age-appropriate food results in a healthy coat, more energy and fewer costly trips to the vet.




• Don’t overfeed This includes resisting the urge to spoil your pets with too many treats! “You don’t need to feed your pets as much as people do,” Dr. Z. reminds us. “One of the things we’re confronting is a huge obesity problem. Serving moderate portions not only saves you money on food ―it also reduces the likelihood of obesity.”




• Veterinarians and Hospitals When looking for a reliable, cost-effective veterinarian’s office, check out a few before you settle on one. Ask for recommendations from pet owners you know. Most vets’ offices also offer multi-pet or senior pet discounts. Compare fees and be sure to find out what is covered during a routine visit in each office.




• Pet Supplies Buy supplies online or in bulk. Just keep in mind that it’s wise to get product recommendations from your vet first. Online or store-bought products that you know nothing about could prove to be harmful or of poor quality. And if you rotate your pet’s toys, they’ll stay interested without you having to buy new ones every few months.




• Groom Your Pets at Home Save the price of a visit to your groomer with regular brushings. While you’re at it, you’ll reduce the hair around your home and your cats will have fewer hairballs. Trim your pet’s nails on a regular basis. It’s not hard to do, and you’ll likely save yourself the cost of new furniture and curtains.

Still got visions of your dog gliding down the cat walk in a couture collar? Face it, your pet could probably care less whether she’s wearing Gucci. “A good quality leash and collar with a nylon braid should run you no more than $10 and should last for years,” advises Dr. Z. “You don’t need to buy all the fancy stuff.” Yes, your pets love toys and an occasional treat, but the best gift you can give to your furry loved one is your attention!

P.S. Well, we didn't lose our power after all...although, the lights did flicker a few times. Considering that I spent a fair amount of time shoveling what ended up being 76 inches of snow from our driveway between Tuesday morning and Saturday morning, I made an executive decision and decided to publish this issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats as is. Hope you enjoyed it...we'll get back to our regular format next week.

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~

CANARY IN THE COAL MINE....

Early coal mines did not feature ventilation systems, and the miners would have difficulty detecting any build-up of methane and carbon monoxide gases. Since canaries are especially sensitive to these gases, miners would routinely bring a caged canary into new coal seams they were working. As long as the canary in a coal mine kept singing, the miners knew their air supply was safe. A sluggish or dead canary in a coal mine signalled the need for an immediate evacuation. Because canaries tend to sing much of the time, they provided both a visual and audible cue in this respect. Even as gas detection technology improved, some mining companies still relied on the 'canary in a coal mine' method well into the 20th century, 1987 in Britain. Other animals were used occasionally, but only the canary had the ability to detect small concentrations of gas and react instinctively. Today, the practice of using a canary in a coal mine has become part of coal mining lore, but the ideology behind it has become a popular expression. The phrase "living like a canary in a coal mine" often refers to serving as a warning to others. This little tidbit of history will later tie into one of our stories of current interest.

Helpful Buckeye continues to receive numerous e-mails from our readers covering many of our topics, but you shouldn't ignore the option of returning a "comment" directly to the blog. This subject was addressed many weeks ago after a reader inquired about posting a comment (Sherri from PA); however, the process has recently been streamlined and simplified, so you might want to try it. At the end of each week's post, click on "comments"...this produces a box in which you can type your comment/question. Check the space for "anonymous" (although you are welcome to include your name and location)...then click on "publish your comment." Helpful Buckeye has chosen to be able to moderate these published comments before including them in the blog...this helps eliminate the problem of SPAM comments. If you approve having your comment published, say so and include what name and location you would like to be used. If you want to stay anonymous, say so and your comment will still be published, if appropriate to the blog. Go ahead and send an e-mail, dogcatvethelp@gmail.com or post a comment, ask a question, make an observation, offer a critique...Helpful Buckeye will welcome all forms of communication.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

1) In the 17 August 2008 issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats, Helpful Buckeye reported on the rescue of 363 animals from a filthy southwest Missouri property. As is frequently the case, these unfortunate stories take on a positive twist when caring people step in and accept the challenge of nurturing these abused animals. This past week, the Arizona Republic reported that 28 Beagle dogs from that group have been placed in foster homes in order to be prepared for adoption to local residents: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2008/09/08/20080908beagle0908.html

...at least, a partial good ending to a sad story!

2) Dogs will swallow just about anything, as any small animal veterinarian will attest. One of Helpful Buckeye's colleagues worked on a dog way back in Veterinary School that had swallowed a small butcher-type knife, blade first. On a more modern slant of this story comes this news item from South Africa:

Dog back home after cell phone surgery ----------PRETORIA, South Africa - A Pretoria, South Africa, family said their dog underwent a $700 surgery after he swallowed a cell phone whole. Marie Matthews, 67, said her daughter Driekie Boojens was feeding the family dog, a Doberman-Great Dane mix named Nero, when the canine snatched the cell phone from her hand and swallowed it whole, The Daily Telegraph reported Monday. "My daughter screamed terribly because we were scared that Nero would die," Matthews said. The family took Nero to a local animal clinic where the cell phone showed up on an X-ray of the large dog's stomach. Matthews and she and her husband, Archie, shelled out $737 for an operation the following day to remove the phone -- which she said had to be thrown out -- from the 11-year-old dog's stomach. "They not only found the cell phone, but also a lot of stones," she said of the operation.Matthews said the family is just happy to have their dog back at home. "He is my life, like one of my children," she said.

No word on whether Nero had made any long distance calls while "holding" the phone....

3) Just 2 weeks ago, the Food and Drug Administration reported that almost 6000 claims had been received stemming from last year's massive pet-food recall. Then, just yesterday, the FDA sent out this news release:

Mars Petcare US Issues Voluntary Recall of Everson, PA Plant Dry Pet Food Product due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
Contact:Debra Fair(973) 691-3536
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Franklin, Tennessee -- September 12, 2008 -- Today, Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary recall of products manufactured at its Everson, Pennsylvania facility. The pet food is being voluntarily recalled because of potential contamination with Salmonella serotype Schwarzengrund. This voluntary recall only affects the United States.
Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination caused by handling of the pet food, in people as well, especially children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems. Healthy people potentially infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. On rare occasions, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and can potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The company stopped production at the Everson facility on July 29, 2008 when it was alerted of a possible link between dry pet food produced at the plant and two isolated cases of people infected with Salmonella Schwarzengrund.
Even though no direct link between product produced at Everson and human or pet illness has been made, Mars Petcare US is taking precautionary action to protect pets and their owners by announcing a voluntary recall of all products produced at the Everson facility beginning February 18, 2008 until July 29, 2008 when we stopped production.
The company is continuing to work collaboratively with the FDA to determine the nature and source of Salmonella Schwarzengrund at the Everson facility. Since it has not yet identified the source of the Salmonella Schwarzengrund at the Everson facility, Mars Petcare US does not plan to resume production out of a commitment to the safety of our pet owners and their pets, customers, and associates.
The top priority of Mars Petcare US has always been and continues to be the health and welfare of pets and their owners. Consumers can continue to have confidence in the quality and safety of the products produced at other Mars Petcare US facilities. Only those products which were produced at the Everson facility are impacted by the voluntary recall.
Many of the brands involved in the recall are national brands produced at multiple facilities. A chart for all products is below. For example, PEDIGREE® is manufactured in numerous facilities throughout the country, and Everson represents a very small portion of the manufacturing base – 2.7 percent of total PEDIGREE® production.
Mars Petcare US will work with retail customers to ensure that the recalled products are not on store shelves. These products should not be sold or fed to pets. In the event that consumers believe they have purchased products affected by this voluntary recall, they should return the product to the store where they purchased it for a full refund. Specific product details and other information can be found at www.petcare.mars.com
Please find recalled pet food UPC information below.
The products listed below are made at our Everson facility on behalf of a variety of retailers. All code dates, with the exception of PEDIGREE®, are listed in a similar format as noted below:Consumers should look for “17” as the first two digits of the second line. Sample:Best By Feb 18 0917 1445 1
For PEDIGREE® the Everson code date format is as follows:
Consumers should look for “PAE” on the bottom line – the sixth, seventh and eighth digits. Sample:PEDIGREE ® Small Crunchy BitesBest Before 02/2009808G1PAE01 12:00
In an effort to prevent the transmission of Salmonella from pets to family members and care givers, the FDA recommends that everyone follow appropriate pet food handling guidelines when feeding their pets. A list of safe pet food handling tips can be found at: www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/petfoodtips080307.html
Pet owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-877-568-4463 or visit www.petcare.mars.com.

If pet-food scares are going to become more common, perhaps pet owners would be wise to have a "canary in the coal mine" as a way of getting an early warning of a problem in the making. A just-published book, Pet Food Politics: The Chihuahua in the Coal Mine, by Marian Nestle, does just that, according to the publisher, University of California Press:

Marion Nestle, acclaimed author of Food Politics, now tells the gripping story of how, in early 2007, a few telephone calls about sick cats set off the largest recall of consumer products in U.S. history and an international crisis over the safety of imported goods ranging from food to toothpaste, tires, and toys. Nestle follows the trail of tainted pet food ingredients back to their source in China and along the supply chain to their introduction into feed for pigs, chickens, and fish in the United States, Canada, and other countries throughout the world. What begins as a problem merely for cats and dogs soon becomes an issue of tremendous concern to everyone. Nestle uncovers unexpected connections among the food supplies for pets, farm animals, and people and identifies glaring gaps in the global oversight of food safety.

With increasing publicity of pet food contaminations, it wouldn't surprise Helpful Buckeye if more readers don't consider going the route of Rachel Ray, from last week's blog issue, and start preparing food for their pets.

4) Reminiscent of a similar story in Louisiana recently, the state of Texas is being lambasted by Hurricane Ike which made landfall on the Texas Gulf Coast in the early morning hours of Saturday, September 13, 2008. In what is the largest evacuation in Texas history, approximately a third of the state is being evacuated, including the state's entire Gulf Coast. From the AVMA, came this call for help:
Texas Veterinarians Call for Help in Aftermath of Hurricane Ike
SCHAUMBURG, Ill.
—The Texas Veterinary Medical Association Foundation is sending out an immediate call for funding to assist them with the purchase of fuel for generators delivered to veterinary clinics hardest hit by Hurricane Ike. Those wanting to assist in this effort can call the Texas Veterinary Medical Association Foundation at 512-452-4224. Hurricane Ike, the largest hurricane to touch United States soil since Hurricane Katrina, made landfall on the Texas Gulf Coast in the early morning hours of Saturday, September 13, 2008. Due to massive power outages in that area expected to last through the week, the Texas Veterinary Medical Association is delivering generators to veterinarians in hard hit Orange County.
People wishing to help are encouraged to be sure that any organization they donate money to is not just a political organization but one that uses donations to actually help save, treat and house animals and those who take care of them during emergencies. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) is one such group, offering grants to help fund disaster preparedness efforts, educating the public, providing disaster training, and reimbursing veterinarians for their out-of-pocket expenses on medical supplies, and also offering grants to help rebuild veterinary clinics destroyed in a disaster like a hurricane. Make donations to the Animal Disaster Relief and Response Fund by calling the AVMF at (800) 248-2862, ext. 6689 or visit www.avmf.org.

Any Comments, please send an e-mail: dogcatvethelp@gmail.com or post a comment at the end of this issue.

DISEASES, AILMENTS, MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Following the recent multi-network program on progress in the fight against cancer, Helpful Buckeye has received several questions on cancer in dogs and cats. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers a question and answer pamphlet on what you should know about cancer in animals:

What is Cancer?
Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells on or within the body. Cancer may be benign or malignant. It may be localized or it may invade adjacent tissue and spread throughout the body.

How Common is Cancer?
Cancer is common in pet animals and the incidence increases with age. Cancer accounts for almost half of the deaths of pets over 10 years of age. Dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans, while cats get fewer cancers.

How is it Diagnosed?
Strong circumstantial evidence of cancer can be attained from x-rays, blood tests, ultrasonography, the pet's physical examination and medical history. Most cancers, however, will require a biopsy (a removal of a piece of tissue) for confirmation that cancer exists and to grade the level of severity from benign to aggressively malignant.

Is Cancer Preventable?
Unfortunately, the cause of most cancers is not known and, therefore, prevention is difficult. Early detection and treatment are the best ways to manage cancer in pets.

Common Types of Cancer in Pets
Skin - Skin tumors are very common in older dogs, but much less common in cats. Most skin tumors in cats are malignant, but in dogs they are often benign. Your veterinarian should examine all skin tumors in a dog or cat to determine if any are malignant.
Breast - 50% of all breast tumors in dogs and greater than 85% of all breast tumors in cats are malignant. Spaying your female pet between 6 and 12 months of age will greatly reduce the risk of breast cancer. Surgery is the treatment of choice for this type of cancer. Follow up treatment may be recommended.
Head & Neck - Cancer of the mouth is common in dogs and less common in cats. Signs to watch for are a mass on the gums, bleeding, odor, or difficulty eating. Since many swellings are malignant, early, aggressive treatment is essential. Cancer may also develop inside the nose of both cats and dogs. Bleeding from the nose, breathing difficulty, or facial swelling are symptoms that may indicate cancer and should be checked by your veterinarian.
Lymphoma - Lymphoma is a common form of cancer in dogs and cats. It is characterized by enlargement of one or many lymph nodes in the body. A contagious feline leukemia virus can be the cause of lymphoma in some cats. Chemotherapy is frequently effective in controlling this type of cancer.
Feline Leukemia Complex - The feline leukemia virus is contagious among cats and will occasionally cause different types of cancer. It is not contagious to humans. While a great deal of research is ongoing, no consistently effective treatment is presently available for virus-positive cats.
Testicles - Testicular tumors are rare in cats and common in dogs, especially those with retained testes. Most of these cancers are preventable with castration (neutering) and curable with surgery if done early in the disease process.
Abdominal Tumors - Tumors inside the abdomen are common but it is difficult to make an early diagnosis. Weight loss or abdominal enlargement are signs of these tumors.
Bone - Bone tumors are most often seen in large breed dogs and rarely in cats. The leg bones, near joints, are the most common sites. Persistent pain, lameness, and swelling in the affected area are common symptoms of the disease.
Many of the above signs are also seen with noncancerous conditions but they still warrant prompt attention by a veterinarian to determine the cause. Cancer is frequently treatable and early diagnosis will aid your veterinarian in delivering the best care possible.

How is Cancer Treated?
Each type of cancer requires individual care and may include a combination of treatment therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, cryosurgery (freezing), hyperthermia (heating) or immunotherapy. Once you have a diagnosis, your veterinarian will discuss the best treatment option(s) for your pet. In some instances, your veterinarian may refer you to a board-certified oncologist (cancer specialist) depending upon the recommended course of treatment.

What is the Success Rate?
This strongly depends upon the type and extent of the cancer, as well as the aggressiveness of therapy. Some cancers can be cured and almost all patients can be helped to some degree.
Your veterinarian will have a betterchance to control or cure your pet's cancer if it is detected early.
This brochure was developed with assistance from the Veterinary Cancer Society.

10 Common Signs of Cancer in Small Animals

• Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow


• Sores that do not heal


• Weight loss


• Loss of appetite


• Bleeding or discharge from any body opening


• Offensive odor


• Difficulty eating or swallowing


• Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina


• Persistent lameness or stiffness


• Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

Resources for More Information American Veterinary Medical Association http://www.avma.org/

American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine http://www.acvim.org/

Veterinary Cancer Society http://www.vetcancersociety.org/

Any Comments, please send an e-mail to: dogcatvethelp@gmail.com or post a comment at the end of this issue.

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS


Back when Questions On Dogs and Cats first started, Helpful Buckeye asked our readers what it was that drew them to their current veterinarian and/or veterinary hospital. What attracted you to the facility in the first place? What are the reasons that keep you going back to the facility? Many of you responded that you either chose a hospital that was reasonably close to your home or one that an acquaintance recommended. Some of you dug a little deeper and chose a veterinarian because they had a special interest in the breed of dog or cat you have. A few of you looked for a veterinarian who accepted the type of pet insurance you had already purchased. All of these are valid and understandable reasons for making this decision. The AVMA has produced a comprehensive guide for choosing a veterinarian who will most meet your expectations for best helping your dog and/or cat live a healthy life:


Today's pets are living longer, healthier lives thanks to the availability of high quality medical services and pet-owners' careful monitoring of their animals for early signs of illness. With so much attention being given by owners to their pets' daily needs, doesn't it make sense to take some time in selecting the veterinarian who will become that pet's health care provider?
When choosing your family's veterinarian, use the same care and criteria that you would in selecting a physician or dentist. Think about what is important to you. Location? Convenient hours? Range of medical services? Friendliness and commitment of doctors and staff? Payment options? Your goal should be to find the veterinarian who you believe can best meet your pet's medical needs and with whom you feel comfortable in establishing a long-term relationship.
The veterinarian you select will want to maintain an ongoing history of your pet, including health records that detail immunizations, reactions to medications, surgical procedures, behavior traits, etc. He or she will also advise you on the best preventative care program available to maintain your pet's health.


Where to Look for a Veterinarian
Ask a Friend...Animal-owning friends are generally a good source of information. Ask them why they chose their veterinarian. If you believe their expectations of service are similar to yours, you may want to schedule a visit to the facility.
Breed Clubs...If you have a purebred dog or cat, area breed clubs can be a good source of information. They have often established a strong relationship with a practice that is very familiar with the potential health-related problems for your particular breed.
Local Directories/Internet...Turn to the business pages of a phone book or yellow pages for contact information on local veterinarians. Also check the Internet for listings of veterinary association Web sites - many state or local veterinary medical associations maintain lists of area practices.
Your Current Veterinarian...If you are relocating to another city or state, ask your current veterinarian if he or she can recommend a practice where you will be living. Many times they have colleagues in other towns whose practice policies and services are similar to theirs. Your current veterinarian should also give you copies of your pet's medical records to take to the new practice to ensure your pet's medical history is available to the new staff.


When to Look for a Veterinarian
It is a good idea to start thinking about selecting a veterinarian before acquiring a new pet. In fact, a veterinarian can assist you in selecting a pet that complements your personality, work schedule, and home life.
If you have recently moved to a new area, locate a veterinarian before your pet actually needs one. Don't wait until your pet becomes ill or requires emergency care. It is best to have secured a doctor's name and number and become acquainted with the practice and staff in advance of such situations. Consider scheduling an initial visit soon after arriving at your new home. Your veterinarian will suggest ways to help your pet become accustomed to its unfamiliar environment.
Pay a Visit...When deciding on a veterinary practice, first schedule a visit with the veterinarian to discuss your pet and ask questions about fees and services. You may want to visit several practices before making a final selection.


Tips to Keep in Mind When Visiting a Veterinary Practice
Office Hours
What are the regular hours?
Are they compatible with your schedule?
Will they accept e-mails or appointments electronically?
Who covers the practice when the doctor is unavailable?
What is the average wait time for making a non-emergency appointment?
Professional Staff
How are telephone calls handled?
Can you request an appointment with a specific veterinarian?
Does the staff dress and act professionally?
Do you feel comfortable talking with the doctor? The technician?
Fees and Payment
What methods of payment are accepted?
Does the hospital treat patients of clients that have pet insurance?
Services
What is the range of medical services that the practice provides?
Does the hospital have educational materials for pet-owners on a variety of topics?
Are there non-medical services such as boarding, grooming, and training classes?
If necessary, does the veterinarian have a network of specialists for referrals?


Emergency Care
How are emergency calls handled during regular office hours and after office hours?
Is there an emergency facility in your area should you need it?


Facility
Is the building environment clean and orderly?
Are there any unpleasant odors?
Can you take a tour of the non-public areas?


Professional Affiliations
Are the doctors members of a professional veterinary association such as the American Veterinary Medical Association or a state or local veterinary association?
What is the hospital policy regarding continuing education for the professional staff?


Your Responsibility As a Pet Owner
In order for your veterinarian to maintain your pet's good health, it is important for you to schedule regular checkups and practice preventive care at home. At each appointment, be sure to communicate clearly your pet's behavior and habits. Since many signs of illness are subtle, even minor changes in your pet's behavior can give your doctor valuable information on what might become a serious health issue.
Remember that veterinarians care as much about you as an owner as they do about your pets. They are available to give you the information and resources you need to take the best possible care of your animals. By taking the time to select the veterinarian that you feel confident can provide for your needs as an owner and the medical needs of your pet, you will establish a rewarding partnership.


Any comments, please send an e-mail to: dogcatvethelp@gmail.com or post a comment at the end of this issue.



WORDS OF THE WEEK


1) Last week, Helpful Buckeye showed you this picture:



and asked you how the word heterochromia applied to this dog. Heterochromia iridis refers to the pigments of each iris being different from each other, as they are in this dog. Several of our readers had the right idea on this one, but my Aunt Cathy in FL e-mailed the correct answer first.


2) Neoplasia--noun; defined by the National Cancer Institute as "Abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth"


3) Neoplasm--noun; defined by the NCI as "An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Neoplasms may be benign (not cancerous), pre-cancerous, or malignant (cancerous). Also called a tumor.



PETS OF THE WEEK


Since last Monday was the observance of Labor Day, Helpful Buckeye would like to recognize the working breeds of the dog world. The American Kennel Club divides all registered breeds of dogs into groupings of similar traits, talents, and uses. The AKC group of "working" dogs is described as such:


Dogs of the Working Group were bred to perform such jobs as guarding property, pulling sleds and performing water rescues. They have been invaluable assets to man throughout the ages. The Doberman Pinscher, Siberian Husky and Great Dane are included in this Group, to name just a few. Quick to learn, these intelligent, capable animals make solid companions. Their considerable dimensions and strength alone, however, make many working dogs unsuitable as pets for average families. And again, by virtue of their size alone, these dogs must be properly trained.


You can look at each of the 26 breeds recognized as working dogs by the AKC at this web site: http://www.akc.org/breeds/working_group.cfm How many of these dogs did you recognize?


An alternate view of working dogs is presented by Joseph Sabol, a Doberman breeder:


When someone mentions "working dogs", most people think of the breed group recognized by the American Kennel Club. This group includes Dobermans, Rottweilers, Akitas, Newfoundland, Bullmastiffs and several other breeds. These dogs were developed to perform specific duties, such as guarding and protection, sled pulling, herding and farm work. They are successful because of their intelligence, strength and determination.


Today, the term "working dogs" refers to a much wider variety of dog breeds because of all the different jobs they have been trained to perform. Naturally, different breeds excel in different tasks depending upon their physical abilities as well as temperament. Now working dogs do many different jobs and assist their human counterparts in so many ways. Dogs that will be used as guard or protection dogs require a certain temperament and instincts. Police and military K-9s are trained in Schutzhund, which consists of obedience, tracking and protection. Strong instincts required in guard and protection dogs include, prey instinct, which drives the dog to chase. Active aggression is the fighting drive for defense and self preservation, and reactive aggression defines their protective, territorial nature. Social aggression characterizes the dogs desire for pack leadership and dominance. This is most notable in male dogs. These dogs also must display a pack instinct, which leads to close bonds with handler or family.


One of the most familiar roles of working dogs is in Search and Rescue. The American Rescue Dog Association (ARDA) is the organization that tests and certifies dogs for Search and Rescue. The dogs and handlers of the ARDA are volunteers that work with local law enforcement to find missing persons in wilderness and disaster locations, water search, rescue and recovery, and even help locate human remains. Some of the dog breeds used for these jobs include, German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and for water rescue especially, Newfoundlands. The ARDA requires 2 days of tough field evaluations for certification and dogs must be tested every 3 years. Search and Rescue or SAR dogs also work around the world doing avalanche rescue. When skiers are buried under tons of snow, there is not much time to find them and dig them out. If not for the specially trained dogs, it would take rescuers far too long to locate the skier and it would become a recovery rather than a rescue.


We have seen Search and Rescue dogs working many hours alongside their handlers going through the rubble after the World Trade Center towers came down. They showed determination and a willingness to keep going in spite of the danger. The stress of that environment took its toll on the dogs as much as on their handlers. One dog, Worf, found the bodies of 2 missing firefighters the first day. He was so overwhelmed that he lay down, curled up and began shedding profusely, quit eating and would not play with the other dogs. His handler decided that the 12 year old dog would retire right then. Some of the handlers explained that their dogs were trained to find lost people and would be rewarded when the person would praise and pet and thank the dog. In the case of the World Trade Center disaster, the dogs were not finding people alive and became discouraged. The handlers would have to set up a "find" where another volunteer would hide and the dog could find him and be rewarded with hugs and praise. Some dogs were brought in specifically to provide emotional support and stress relief to the men and women working so hard in such a depressing environment. The motto of the ARDA is ..."these things we do so others may live".


Dogs have been trained to track people for miles, sniff out drugs and bombs and some dogs have even been able to detect when a person is about to have a seizure. We are all familiar with guide dogs for the blind and assistance dogs for the wheelchair bound. Dogs have been trained to detect land mines in war torn countries and detect accelerant in arson fires. Dogs are not just our best friends and companions, they help us accomplish things we could never do on our own. They love to work and will work for nothing more than praise and some special playtime. I cannot imagine our lives without these amazing animals.

This cartoon from The New Yorker magazine offers a tongue-in-cheek insight into the success of one of the working breeds, the Bloodhound:



Cat Breeds--Maine Coon


Affectionately referred to as "the gentle giant," the Maine Coon is one of the largest breeds of domestic cat, and is known for its intelligence and playfulness as well as its distinctive physical appearance. They have a tendency to use their front paws extensively and can easily learn to open cabinet doors and get into other mischief. Their extreme intelligence makes them a relatively easy cat to train and may explain their "dog-like" behavior. Playing fetch is a favorite game, where they'll bring their ball, drop it your feet and wait for it to be thrown. They can indeed be large cats, growing up to 40 inches long and even healthy cats can weigh as much as 25 pounds. Maine Coons have medium-long, dense fur, with longer hair, or a ruff, on their chests similar to the mane of a lion. They're also distinguished by their long, bushy tail and large ears which are tipped by tufts of fur.



GENERAL INTEREST

1) For a example of some "working" dogs doing their stuff, take a look at this video (and try to imagine being on the wrong end of one of these dogs!): http://video.aol.com/video/super-police-dogs/1883247/?icid=VIDURV02

2) We often see TV reporters working with or holding pets that always seem pretty docile. Well, here's one reporter who got more than she expected from this cat (she did, however, admirably retain her composure): http://video.aol.com/video/reporter-with-cat/1882696/?icid=VIDURV07

3) This past week, the 3rd annual Surf Dog "Surf-A-Thon" was held in Del Mar, CA. It is a fund-raiser for the Helen Woodward Animal Center. Watch this short video of some of the competition (some of these dogs are better than humans at staying on the surf board!): http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-80127?ref=feeds%2Foncnn

4) In our 17 August issue, Helpful Buckeye reported on the AKC election to choose the dog for the Obama family. The election is now finished and...the winner is...the Poodle, which beat out the Wheaton Terrier by a "(dog) hair." Read the complete story about this "election": http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/28/americans-elect-poodle-as_n_122088.html

Since the subject of the upcoming Presidential election has been broached, it is only fair to mention that Helpful Buckeye has heard rumblings from the dog and cat worlds that they will be holding their national conventions soon...and hope to be offering viable candidates from which the American voters can choose. More on this as the story develops.

SPORTS NEWS


1) OK, let's get this out of the way right now! The Ohio State Buckeyes were vastly over-matched against USC...whether it was the players or the coaches is open for debate. It is Helpful Buckeye's humble opinion that Pete Carroll (USC's head coach) could have won with Ohio State's players.


2) The LA Dodgers continue their rampage toward the playoffs by winning 12 out of their last 13 games...and taking a 4.5 game lead over the Diamondbacks! It's hard to tell what caused this mysterious turnaround, but having Joe Torre at the helm probably hasn't hurt.


3) The Pittsburgh Steelers played at Cleveland Sunday night and beat the Browns, 10-6, in a hard-fought game.


PERSONAL STUFF


Helpful Buckeye did successfully complete the climb of Mt. Humphreys, although it was a day later than planned due to inclement weather on the mountain. The day of the climb was a beautiful, sunny day and the arrival on the peak was exhilarating!


~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~