pet tales summer 2014

MESSENGER POST MEDIA

PetTalesSUMMER EDITION Advertising supplement for June 26, 2014

2 PET TALES • SUMMER EDITION 2014

PET TALES • SUMMER EDITION 2014 3

Pets and WATER SAFETYSummer is a time for all of us, including our furry family members, to enjoy some fun in the sun. Pool parties, days at the beach and boating are activities that your dog and maybe even a courageous cat can enjoy. Here are some water safety basics you should know in order to safely enjoy the water with your pet.

When it comes to swimming, not all of our canine friends are created equal! Some dogs, such as retrievers, appear to be natural born swimmers and typically require very little encouragement or teaching in order to safely enjoy a dip in the pool, lake, pond or ocean. Other breeds of dogs, however, especially small dogs, may need some extra help from their owners to learn how to swim and to safely enjoy time in the water.

Until you are con� dent in your dog’s swimming ability, it is crucial for you to take steps that will allow you to quickly intervene and lend a helping hand to your pup if he is in trouble. Keep a leash and a harness on your dog at all times during your � rst few water adventures. By having a leash in hand you will be able to quickly pull your dog to safety if he begins to panic or become tired from paddling. Additional protective equipment such as life vests should be used for small dogs and all dogs without a natural ability to swim.

Life vests come in all shapes and sizes for dogs. Life vests can also be found for the boat loving cat. Life vests should be used at all times if your dog has trouble staying a� oat in shallow water, if your dog is swimming in deep or choppy water and for all pets that enjoy time out on the boat. Life vests should be purchased from a reputable company. They should � t your pet appropriately and be brightly colored for easy visibility.

Never allow your pet to have unsupervised access to bodies of water, including pools. Even the most skilled canine swimmer could become tired from paddling or tangled in pool covers or weeds, potentially resulting in drowning.

Provide frequent periods of rest for your water-loving pooch. Although swimming is an excellent form of exercise for dogs, it is important to protect your dog from heat exhaustion and dehydration. Be sure your dog takes frequent

rest breaks in a shady area. Provide your pet with plenty of cool fresh drinking water. Do not allow brachycephalic breeds (such as pugs and bulldogs) to participate in vigorous outdoor activity on hot days as they can easily overheat to a life threatening level.

After a fun � lled day of water activities it is important to remember to rinse your dog’s coat with clean water. Chlorine, salt and algae left on the coat can lead to skin irritation and infection. If your dog is a frequent swimmer, ask your veterinarian to recommend a shampoo to help keep her coat and skin healthy.

Keep these basic tips in mind and your pet can enjoy all the bene� ts of water activities while staying safe and happy!

Dr. Heidi Aguiar Licata is the director of East River Veterinary Hospital, where she has been since August 2011. She joined the Monroe Veterinary Associates family in December 2007. A native of Fall River, MA, Dr. Licata attended the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology in 1999. She continued her veterinary education at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and was awarded her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. Acupuncture and exotic animal medicine are just a few of Dr. Licata’s many professional interests. She completed the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society course in 2006 and is a certi� ed veterinary acupuncturist.

Heidi Licata, DVMEast River Veterinary HospitalMonroe Veterinary Associates

“Arnie the Darling Starling” by Margarete Sigl Corbo and

Diane Marie Barras

This delightful, true story of an orphaned, talking starling named Arnie, and the grandmother who lovingly hand raised him is as heartwarming a book as you will ever read — a new classic in the tradition of Born Free and That Quail, Robert.

Arnie was just a familiar springtime sight: a baby bird lying helpless in the daisy patch. After unsucessfully trying to return him to the nest, Margarete took him into her home teaching him to perch, to � y, even to talk. Arnie resisted all attempts to restore him to the wild, preferring steak and canned corn to worms, which frightened him, and even developing a taste for wine.

Most astonishing of all, he learned to talk and sing, and he had a remarkable in� uence on a number of lives. Arnie is full of life, laughter, and love. It is a completely irresistable book. Find out where to buy a copy at www.goodreads.com.


As small animal veterinarians, we frequently get asked the questions “Why do I need to bring my pet in for an annual exam?” or “ Why can’t you just give the vaccines without an exam?”

Many owners do not understand the importance of an annual exam. Our job as veterinarians is to make sure that our patients are as healthy as possible. The annual or semi-annual physical exam is one of our main tools.

Unfortunately, our pets can’t tell us when something is wrong, and many times they don’t show any outward signs of illness until the disease is quite advanced. Pets also age at a faster rate than people, with one pet year equal to an average of four-�ve human years, depending on the breed and size.

Just as with human children, we need to see puppies and kittens more frequently in the �rst year of their life. As adults, we recommend seeing our patients annually (yearly). Once they are seniors we move to a semi-annual (twice a year) schedule. In most practices, seniors are recognized as cats aged 10 years and older and dogs aged seven years and older. Large or giant breed dogs may be considered seniors as early as �ve or six years old.

The annual exam is a great opportunity to detect early signs of disease, as well as to ensure that pets with existing health problems are being treated and monitored appropriately. This is the ideal time to implement preventative health measures such as vaccinations, routine blood and fecal testing, parasite control, oral health care, nutrition and weight control. It also is a wonderful opportunity to discuss your pet’s health and behavior and to address any questions or concerns that you may have.

The physical exam includes an examination of the entire body; the eyes, ears, mouth (including teeth), lymph nodes, skin, coat, spine, joints, heart, lungs, abdomen and the urinary system. If we suspect that something is wrong, we will recommend appropriate testing such as lab work or radiographs. In many cases, diagnosing a condition early may be less expensive than waiting until the problem becomes more advanced. It is also important

to note that veterinarians are unable to prescribe medications or make recommendations for patients that have not had an exam within the last calendar year.

As an owner, you can aid your veterinarian by being well prepared at your pet’s annual or semi-annual exam. When scheduling the appointment, be sure to ask if your pet should fast for the visit in anticipation of having blood work done. This is especially important for senior pets and those on chronic medications, since these patients need to have blood work done on a regular basis. You should also ask whether a fresh urine or fecal sample is due. Be sure to prepare yourself with some basic information, such as:

• the brand and amount of food you feed your pet,

• the names and doses of any supplements or medications, and

• any noticeable problems your pet is experiencing

The annual or semi-annual exam is your opportunity to ensure that your pet is as healthy as possible. Take advantage of this one-on-one time with your veterinarian and their sta� to make sure that all of your questions and concerns are addressed and that your best friend is receiving the level of care that you expect.

Dr. Susan Hubbard is the director at Greece Animal Hospital and has an extensive history of caring for pets in the Greece area. Dr. Hubbard started her animal care career at Stone Ridge Veterinary Hospital as a kennel worker and animal care assistant in 1986. A native of Rochester, NY, she continued working at Stone Ridge during school breaks until 1994 and returned to the hospital as an associate veterinarian in 2002 before joining Greece Animal Hospital in 2012.

Her professional interests include dermatology, canine reproduction and dentistry. She is a member of the Genessee Valley Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Susan Hubbard, DVMGreece Animal Hospital

Monroe Veterinary Associates

“I once decided not to date a guy because he wasn’t excited to meet my dog. I mean, this was like not wanting to meet my mother.” —Bonnie Schacter

The importance of ANNUAL and SEMI-ANNUAL EXAMS


Feline LOWER URINARY TRACT DISEASE

What is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease?

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) refers to a variety of medical conditions that result in similar clinical signs.

Bladder stones and crystals, urinary tract infections, abnormal anatomy, neurological disorders and cancer can all result in FLUTD.

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is considered one of the most common causes of FLUTD, in which the bladder becomes in�amed for an unknown cause, although stress is believed to be an important factor.

What are the signs of FLUTD?

The most common clinical signs of FLUTD include urinating inappropriately outside the litter box, straining and frequent urination, blood in the urine and excessive grooming of the genital area.

Vomiting, depression, vocalizing, dripping urine and loss of appetite are signs associated with a urinary tract obstruction, which is a medical emergency.

Theses signs are often misinterpreted to be constipation due to the increased time and e�ort cats su�ering from FLUTD spend in the litter box. However, indoor male neutered cats are predisposed to urinary tract obstructions, and if you notice these signs, a veterinarian should evaluate your cat as soon as possible.

FLUTD Risk Factors

Male cats con�ned indoors, neutered, overweight and fed solely a dry food diet are predisposed to FLUTD.

FLUTD and Stress

Given that stress is an important factor contributing to feline idiopathic cystitis, and some cats are unusually sensitive to their surroundings, here are some suggestions to help decrease stress and enrich your home for your cat:

Litterbox Management

1+1 rule: it is important to have one additional litter box to the number of cats in the household.

Location of the litterbox is import-ant — the area should be well

ventilated and easily accessed.

Some cats may prefer unscented, �ne-grained, non-clumping kitty litter.

Change the litter box frequently.

Environmental Enrichment

Provide your cat with toys and scratching /climbing posts to allow them to “play hunt” and mark their territory on scratching posts instead of your furniture.

Three-dimensional spaces such as kitty condos, cardboard boxes, beds or crates can provide enough space to reduce con�ict and stress in a multi-cat household.

Make sure you devote some time to play with your cat daily.

Feliway, a natural pheromone spray, can be very calming for some cats and the product is available in a di�use formulation.

Water Intake

Increasing water intake will help dilute your cat’s urine and decrease the likelihood of urinary stone and crystal formation.

Providing fresh water at all times with the use of water fountains can help increase the water intake.

Cats prefer bowls with a wide surface area so their whiskers do not touch the sides and seem to prefer glass bowels to plastic or metal.

Canned food diets can also increase daily water intake

It is important to be able to recognize the signs of FLUTD, especially in neutered male cats, which are predisposed to urinary tract obstruction. If you are concerned that your cat is displaying signs of FLUTD, please seek veterinary attention immediately. Litterbox management, enriching your home, water intake and weight control are all important factors of feline urinary tract health.

Dr. Fernandes grew up in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and attended York University where she majored in biology and then continued on to get her masters in animal physiology and endocrinology. Dr. Fernandes then attended Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, graduating in 2013.Her interests are emergencey veterinary medicine, outreach and international veterinary initiatives. She shares her home with a domestic long hair named Dawson.

CLINICAL SIGNS, RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION

“Cats know how to obtain food without labor, shelter without con�nement, and love without penalties.” —W.L. George

Lucy Fernandes, DVMVeterinary Specialists & Emergency Services



When it’s hot outside, leave your pets at home

BY ADRIENNE MCHARGUE | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITCATIONS AND OUTREACH LOLLYPOP FARM, HUMANE SOCIETY OF GREATER ROCHESTER

Summer is a great time for you and your pets to enjoy the outdoors, but the warmth and sunshine bring dangers that can threaten the health and safety of your pet. As temperatures soar, pets left in cars are a hazard encountered daily by the law enforcement department at Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester.

Pets Can’t Stand the Heat

During the summer months, the interior of your car can reach 120°F in a matter of minutes in warm weather, even with the windows open or when parked in the shade. This can mean serious trouble for pets left in cars, even brie�y.

Dogs and cats can’t perspire to regulate their body temperature like humans do. They can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. That means that in the overheated air of a hot car, pets can su�er from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and brain damage and can even die.

Signs of heat-related stress can include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue. If your pet becomes overheated, you need to immediately lower his body temperature. Move him into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water over his body to gradually lower his core body temperature. Apply cold towels or ice packs to his head, neck and chest only. Let your pet drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes. Most importantly, call your veterinarian immediately.

Don’t think that your pet will be safe just because you’ll be gone “just a minute” or because you leave the car running with A/C. Tragedy can still strike — and it has. News reports from across the country tell the sad tales of animals who lost their lives after the air-conditioning in their cars shut down and began to blow hot air. (In many cars, the air system’s compressor will kick o� when the engine gets too hot.)

It’s Against the Law

In addition to putting your pet in mortal danger, you are also opening yourself up to legal action. New legislation prohibits the con�nement of companion animals in vehicles in extreme temperatures. Violators can be �ned between $50 and $250 if a pet is found in a vehicle without proper water, protection, or ventilation. This law also authorizes law enforcement o�cers and agents of the SPCA to remove the animal(s) from the

vehicle if the owner cannot be located. Our law enforcement o�cers are now able to act immediately to help an animal, and the owner is held accountable for his/her actions.

How can you help?

Leave your pet at home on warm days. On trips with your pet, bring a bowl and plenty of fresh drinking water. If you see signs of heat-related stress, move your pet to the shade immediately.

If you see a pet in a car alone, alert the management of the store where the car is parked and ask them to make an announcement for the owner to return to their vehicle.

If you see an animal in a car that appears in distress or if the temperatures are extreme, call the Humane Society of Greater Rochester Animal Cruelty Hotline at (585) 223-6500 or call 9-1-1 and a law enforcement o�cer will be dispatched. Animals in distress will be removed by authorities from the car to protect their lives and the owner may be charged with a violation.


July 15th is NATIONAL PET FIRE SAFETY DAYJuly 15th is National Pet Fire Safety Day. If you are a pet owner, it is a good day to review your household �re safety and emergency plans for the entire household — including your pets.

One of the most fundamental elements of �re safety is to have working smoke detectors throughout your residence. Smoke detectors can quickly alert occupants to a �re so that they can escape. That said, pets are frequently home alone and unable to escape a house �re on their own. Consider using a monitoring company so that �re�ghters are alerted more quickly, thereby increasing the likelihood that pets can be rescued from the �re.

Practicing “Exit Drills in the Home” (EDITH), can help families identify emergency escape routes when there is a �re. When doing these drills identify places in the home near exits where leashes and cat carriers could be stored for easy access. Decide on a holding area outside of the home such as a car where animals could temporarily be safely con�ned. Be sure all pets are properly identi�ed with collars and tags or microchips so that they can be reunited with their owners if they escape during the commotion of a �re. Have a plan for a place the pets can stay if you are unable to return to your home right away. This preparation and training can increase the chances that you and your pets will get out safely should there be a �re.

Never re-enter a burning building to save your pets. Please leave this to the professional �re�ghters. The use of pet alert window stickers can help rescuers know how many and what kind of pets need to be rescued. It is important to keep these updated so that this information is as accurate as possible. Free stickers are available from the ASPCA at www.ASPCA.org.

The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 500,000 animals are a�ected by �res and about 1,000 �res are started by pets each year. Here are some ways you can reduce the chance that your pet will inadvertently start a �re or be burned:

Use caution with candles because pets, especially cats, can easily knock over a candle and start a �re. Pets can also be burned by candles. Always

extinguish a candle that will be unattended. Consider using �ameless candles, that use a light bulb instead of a real �ame, or candle warmers instead.

Supervise pets around other open �ames such as �replaces, �re pits and barbecue grills. Curious pets can easily get burned when they come too close to any open �ame. It is best to restrict a pet’s access to these areas.

Keep electrical cords out of reach of pets who may chew them. Puppies and kittens are notorious for getting into trouble with this. Chewing electrical cords can cause serious electrocution injuries and potentially start a �re. Access to electrical cords should be restricted, especially when pets are unsupervised. Crating puppies is highly recommended to eliminate this and other hazards.

Cover stove knobs if you have a dog who tends to be a “counter surfer”. There have been a number of house �res started when a pet inadvertently turns on the stove while jumping up to steal food o� the stove top. Reduce the temptation. Do not leave food on top of the stove, and consider restricting your dog’s access to the kitchen or crate your curious pup when you are not home.

With a little preparation you can successfully reduce the

chances that your pet will accidentally start a �re or be injured by �re. This July 15th take some time to review your household’s �re safety and prevention plans, and be sure to include your pets.

Dr. Carolyn Fisher is the hospital director of Suburban Animal Hospital. A general practitioner, Dr. Fisher has cared for pets at Suburban since 1997. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine and particularly likes observing and experiencing the special bonds people and their pets share.

A native of Rochester, Dr. Fisher attended the State University of New York at Geneseo. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology in 1993 and went on to attend the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Fisher is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Genessee Valley Veterinary Medical Association and the Cornell Feline Health Center.

Carolyn Fisher, DVMSuburban Animal Hospital



Bandit’s Tail of HopePROVIDED BY ROCHESTER HOPE FOR PETS

Elizabeth knows that Bandit became a part of her family for a reason — to help her son cope with his learning di�erences as well as the sudden death of his father. They also had recently lost their 14-year-old dog, so she decided a puppy might bring her son out of his shell and help him become less fearful in social situations.

Elizabeth came across the photo of a little black dachshund puppy that was given one last chance for a home by the breeder. He didn’t show much emotion and crouched even further into his crate when the door was opened, but Elizabeth sensed that by saving his life, Bandit might save her family from their sadness.

“I have never regretted getting Bandit, because he stole my heart when I did not think I had one left. He’s been a blessing,” says Elizabeth. In the past few years, Bandit has been by their side during her own job loss and multiple health scares.

When Bandit was going outside in April 2012, he fell and immediately started to limp. His veterinarian in Syracuse diagnosed a sprained leg, and he was put on crate rest. Soon after, Elizabeth was carrying him outside when he saw a chipmunk and jumped out of her arms. He landed on his sprained leg, which folded under and caused him to drag his entire hind quarters.

His veterinarian determined that he had herniated three discs and arranged for Cornell University to operate. Elizabeth went straight to Ithaca, where Bandit was given a 50-50 chance of recovery. Despite the prognosis, she emptied her savings account to pay for the surgery.

He fully recovered after 12 weeks of physical therapy, rotating and strength exercises, and using a sling to help him get around. Eight months later Bandit fell on some ice and reinjured his repaired discs, which left him unable to walk at all. Elizabeth’s veterinarian told her that the MRI machine at Cornell was not available, so her only hope was to go to Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services (VSES) for an MRI.

After they did the imaging at VSES, Bandit’s prognosis was not good and Elizabeth had to decide whether to euthanize him or operate. She chose to help him �ght for his life. Elizabeth received a Rochester Hope for Pets award to assist with the surgical expenses.

Bandit came through the surgery and has recovered 95 percent, although he has some small motor “kinks” when he walks, a rabbit hop when he runs and his tail “wags” in a low circle. Elizabeth is most grateful for the award from Rochester Hope for Pets and the hope it provided her family during their time of need.

It’s easy! Call

394.0770 today!

Established in 2008, Rochester Hope for Pets is a nonpro�t funded by the generosity of private donors. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for pets living in the greater Rochester area, with our key objective being to provide cost-sharing awards to owners who have �nancial limitations but whose pets are in need of veterinary care. The organization also assists with continuing education for veterinary health teams and works to reduce Rochester’s feral cat population. For more information, visit www.RochesterHopeforPets.org or call (585) 271-2733 extension 89.

Sunday, September 14 Seventh Annual RHFP Golf Tournament

Shadow Lake Golf & Racquet Club • 1850 Five Mile Line Road • Penfield Shotgun start at noon.

Saturday, September 26 RHFP Team George Eastman House PhotoFinish 5k We welcome community members to join the RHFP Team! Our Crowdrise

page is at: https://www.crowdrise.com/2014RHFPPhotoFinish5K.

Thursday, October 2 An Evening of Wine & Beer Tasting

Locust Hill Country Club • Pittsford

Rochester Hope for Pets (RHFP) will be hosting the following events in the coming months. Visit rochesterhopeforpets.org/activities.php for more details about each event.

SAVE THE DATES!

“You really should advertise in the next issue of Pet Tales...”

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


Lately, a growing tick problem has hit Rochester, which naturally has many people concerned about ticks and diseases associated with them. These little insects are fairly hardy, and have evolved over time to an almost perfect external parasite. They exist mostly to feed and breed and are challenging to kill (think cockroaches). To prevent disease, we need to better understand both ticks and the diseases they can carry.

Why am I finding ticks on my animals when I’ve never seen them before?

Global warming. Whether you believe in it or not, with our recent milder winters, more ground animals (hosts) and ticks are making it through the winter.

Encroachment. We love trees and wildlife and are moving toward integrating wooded areas (tick habitats) into our community; with these changes come ticks.

Migration. Speci�c tick species have been slowly expanding their habitats (usually through wildlife migration).

How do ticks find their hosts?

To simplify, ticks “quest” in the wild for a host. Questing involves ticks getting on leafy vegetation, sitting up and holding their legs out in front of them. When a shadow crosses their paths, they lunge and grab on. Once on their prey, they look for a good place to start feeding and then breeding. Ironically, since ticks like leafy vegetation, some of the bigger exposure areas tend to be edges of woods or �elds, which we tend to think of as safe areas. This means if you are walking your pets and let them sni� the edges of woods, �elds or roads, they may have a higher risk of exposure than a pet walking through the woods where there is no undergrowth.

I’m using flea and tick preventatives and ticks are still on my pets! Why isn’t it working?!

This is another common question regarding ticks. Note the tick hunting pattern: They quest and lunge. They often do not know your pet has tick protection until they are on your pet and exposed. After the tick is on your animal, it is just a matter of time before the medication kills it. However, if you �nd a tick on your pet, please remove it.

Why does the tick medicine say it repels ticks?

There are many di�erent medications and they all work di�erently. The key is to check with your veterinarian on how your preventatives work. Most medications say they repel ticks and they actually do, but you still have the questing tick to contend with. Each tick species quests di�erently, which increases the challenge factor of keeping them o�. Once a tick is on an animal, it is a matter of how fast the medication kills the tick. Di�erent animals and situations have tick prevention medicine that should be recommended for them by their veterinarian to ensure the best protection.

How does my animal get a tick disease?

When the tick attaches and starts feeding, it can transmit tick borne diseases. Tick borne diseases are carried in the tick and mature to an infective stage in the tick. Most people know about Lyme disease (caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria), but for animals, a large number of additional diseases (such as Ehrlichia canis) can spread from infected ticks. Although not every tick has a tick borne disease, the longer an infected tick is attached to your animal, the greater the chance it can spread the disease.

How can I remove a tick?

Here are a few tips on removing ticks.

Do NOT attempt to burn a tick! Your animal is �ammable.

Do not try and su�ocate the tick with Vaseline, oil, nail polish or other substances. This method takes a long time due to microscopic air bubbles getting trapped and providing the tick with breathable air. Plus, it irritates your pet’s skin.

Try to avoid using your �ngers. If you squeeze the tick, you can facilitate the release of contagious bacteria from the tick’s gastric system to your animal’s skin.

Sta� members at your animal hospital can help you remove it and can discuss or show you di�erent tick removal tips and devices.

For more information on ticks and how to remove them, you can also visit here.

What should I do to limit my pet’s exposure to diseases that ticks can spread?

Tick control is the most important aspect of preventing disease. Using a veterinarian-recommended tick preventative for your dog or cat is important. Be aware many over-the-counter products that are used for tick control may contain chemicals that are harmful if inappropriately applied or used. If your animals leave your house, you should do a full-body visual and touch check for ticks when they return. Also, at home it is important to keep surrounding grass and vegetation short to make it harder for ticks to migrate into your backyard. In addition, Lyme disease vaccines are available for dogs. Your veterinarian would be the best individual to assess your dog’s current need and discuss the vaccine’s usefulness, bene�ts and risks.

How should you respond to ticks?

Every dog deserves his day in the sun. This article isn’t intended to frighten you into becoming housebound, but rather to help you understand the challenge of ticks. To summarize, here are a few tips

to help you overcome the di�culties ticks present.

Talk to your veterinarian about the best tick protection for your animals. Your veterinarian will determine the most e�ective and safest product available for your pet.

Use tick prevention regularly!

Be vigilant. Check your animals thoroughly when they come back from outside, even if it was a short walk in the neighborhood.

If you �nd a tick, stay calm! Remove it or seek assistance from your veterinarian.

If you are �nding a lot of ticks on your pet, discuss it with your veterinarian so they may modify your pet’s prevention plan.

Dr. Annette Jones is the hospital director of Bayview Animal Hospital. She has cared for pets at Bayview as a general practitioner since 2004 and has been with Monroe Veterinary Associates since 2001.

A native of Webster, Dr. Jones attended Hartwick College and graduated Summa Cum Laude with her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology in 1997. She continued her veterinary education at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and was awarded her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the New York State Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Jones is also an accredited veterinarian with the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

What pet owners SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TICKS

Annette Jones, DVMBayview Animal Hospital



�e real cost of heartworm disease

Sentinel Tablets K9 Prevents heartworms, controls �eas and intestinal parasites

Heartworm prevention should be given each month. The following costs are for a monthly, year-round supply of Sentinel Tablets and include a $25 rebate:

2-10 lbs. - $78.96

11-25 lbs. - $82.92

26-50 lbs. - $99.00

51-100 lbs. - $118.92

Revolution is also available as a topical heartworm preventative for dogs and cats. Please ask for pricing.

PREVENTION vs. TREATMENT

Preventing heartworm disease is easy.

Treating it, sadly, is anything but.

Total cost of diagnosis and treatment is $1,500. Cost may vary depending on the weight of animal and the stage of disease.

Diagnostic testing cost includes:• Complete blood count, chemistry panel and full urinalysis

• Heartworm test then Modifited Knotts test

• Radiographs with radiologist consult

Treatment requires:• Approximately three days of hospitalization

• Medication to kill adult heartworms (cost based on weight)

• Three painful injections and STRICT CRATE REST for a total of four months

There is a 10-20 percent risk of complications during treatment.

Complications from treatment may include:• Blood clots

• Injection pain

• Trouble breathing

• Fever

• Sudden death

Treatment to kill adult heartworms is NOT available for cats.


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Finally, those long, hot, sunny days are upon us in Monroe County. The weather o�ers a great opportunity to spend more quality time with family including man’s best friend: hiking, gardening, biking, swimming, vacationing and trips in the car. But as you prepare to enjoy this season, be aware of potential hazards to your canine companion.

The most obvious threat to your dog is the reason we look forward to this time of year — heat. Dogs do not have sweat glands in their skin to cool themselves. They must pant to lose heat from their bodies. Unfortunately, panting requires muscular activity which can then increase core temperature further. This can quickly spiral into a dangerous situation with heat stress and heat stroke. Brachycephalic (short snout) breeds are particularly susceptible to overheating. Save strenuous outdoor activities for the cooler times of day, carry water for your dog or spend time near bodies of water where your pet can cool o�. If your dog starts to display signs of heat stress — excessive panting, weakness, dark coloration of the gums — immediately wet your dog’s coat, place him in a cool area with a fan blowing on him, apply ice to the foot pads and call your veterinarian.

When traveling with your dog in warm weather, never leave him in a car even with the windows open. In just a few minutes the temperature in a car can skyrocket, resulting in heat stroke and death. If you must stop in your travels, either have someone stay with the dog outside or make the correct decision to leave your pet at home.

Trauma is far more common during the summer season. Lacerations, foot pad burns, bite wounds, orthopedic injuries and automobile trauma all rank high on the list. When spending time with your dog outdoors, be cognizant of the potential threats in the area, such as broken glass or metal, other dogs and access to roads. Always keep your dog under your control, either on leash or voice command for a well-trained dog. A common injury seen in veterinary hospitals at this time of year is foot

pad burns and erosions. These occur when a dog in running excessively on hot pavement or concrete. The heat and the friction can rub the pads raw in a short time, causing a painful injury that requires pain medications, rest and time to heal. Remember, your dogs do not know they are injuring themselves until after the trauma has happened. It’s up to us to control their activity before they hurt themselves.

With the warmer weather comes the return of insects. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors will often have �y bites on their ear tips. These can become ulcerated, and they also tend to bleed and be quite uncomfortable. Insecticidal creams can be applied to the margin of the ears to repel the �ies. Tick and �ea activity increases during the summer. Flea bites result in itching and, in some dogs, severe allergic reactions will be seen with self-induced skin ulcerations and secondary infections. Although ticks do not generally cause skin irritation, they are responsible for the transmission of organisms that cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other infectious diseases. Both �eas and ticks can be brought into our homes by our dogs, resulting in

indoor infestations. The best treatment is prevention, and there are a variety of good options available today. It is best to discuss proper parasite control with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian is aware of your pet’s total health care and can create the safest and most e�ective internal and external parasite control program to best �t your pet’s lifestyle and health concerns.

So get out there this summer with your favorite canine companion! Enjoy all the wonderful activities that nature has in store for us in Upstate New York. Just remember your dog depends on you to keep him happy, healthy and safe.

Dr. Paul Black has served as President of Monroe Veterinary Associates since 1996. A graduate of Pittsford Sutherland High, Dr. Black earned his DVM degree from Cornell Veterinary College in 1982 and has worked as a general practitioner with MVA since that time.

THE DOG DAYS of summer

Paul Black, DVMPresident of



Income quali�ed spay/neuter program

The Bene�ts of Spaying (female)Prevents pet from going into heat: In addition to giving o� a scent which will attract males from miles around, many females also display undesirable behaviors such as loud and persistent crying and rubbing or rolling on the floor when in heat.

Reduces desire to roam: When in heat, females experience an urge to escape to find a mate. This unwanted and dangerous behavior is eliminated when spayed.

Improves chances for a long, healthy life: Spaying reduces your pet’s risk of developing uterine and ovarian cancer, as well as a potentially life-threatening uterine infection known as pyometra. Spaying also reduces your pet’s risk of developing breast cancer. Dogs and cats spayed before their first heat cycle have less than a one percent chance of developing breast cancer.

AVAILABLE in the CITY of ROCHESTER

Rochester Community Animal Clinic • 985 Bay Street • Rochester, NY 14609 • 585.288.0600 • rochestercommunityanimalclinic.com

The Bene�ts of Neutering (males)Undesirable sexual behavior: Attraction to females, roaming and mounting can be reduced or eliminated by neutering.

Urine marking or spraying: A common behavior problem in dogs and cats is urine marking or spraying; typically on walls or other vertical household objects. Neutering significantly reduces marking in roughly 80 percent of dogs and cats.

Aggression: Neutering a male dog can reduce territorial aggression and aggression toward in-tact males by eliminating the urge to attract and compete for a mate. Neutering will prevent reproduction and passing on of genetic traits that can cause aggression. Neutering may also reduce or eliminate aggression toward other dogs or cats in the house, people in the family and toward unfamiliar animals and people.

Medical bene�ts: Neutering eliminates the possiblility of testicular cancer and greatly reduces the chance of prostate disease, two common and serious problems. It can also reduce the risk of perianal tumors (surrounding the anus) and perineal hernias.

Other Bene�ts of Spaying & NeuteringPopulation control:

Millions of dogs and cats are euthanized annually at animal shelters across the U.S. and Canada. Neutering males is as important as spaying females when it comes to population control.

Rochester Community Animal Clinic (RCAC) offers income-qualified, high-quality spay/neuter surgery services. For more information about RCAC or for low-income eligibility requirements for the spay/neuter services, please call 585.288.0600.


Ask a Vet...I have an indoor cat? Why does she need to take �ea and heart worm preventative? Great question! Most cats that we think of as being strictly indoors o�en really do have exposure to the outdoors; they will sometimes “escape” when someone enters the home, they may have access to screened in porches or sit in window sills where they could potentially be bitten by a mosquito or �ea while lying against the screen. Fleas can jump up to 48cm, which is just over 1 and ½ feet! For those cats who really are isolated from the outdoors, the unfortunate truth is that we can never prevent the outdoors from coming inside. Mosquitoes will readily �y in through an open window, door or torn screen. And �eas can jump through screened windows and porches if small holes exist, or enter through any openings under doors, in basements or in attics. Parasites can also enter the home by catching a ride on other critters (rodents, beetles and roaches, just to name a few). �ey will hitch a ride on our clothing, our shoes and in any containers we happen to bring into our homes. We also unwittingly bring them in if we do any gardening (roundworm eggs have been found in potting soil) and if we have wood-burning �replaces (�rewood can harbor all kinds of bugs, larvae and other parasites).Several products are available which provide broad spectrum, comprehensive protection against these disease carrying parasites. Many of the diseases carried by �eas, mosquitoes and intestinal parasites are treatable, but some of them are not and can be fatal (i.e. Feline Heartworm Disease). Treating others can be expensive, and more importantly, our feline friends can experience unnecessary discomfort while they recover.It is much easier on them to prevent these diseases from occurring in the �rst place with an easy to administer monthly preventative. For more information, please call your veterinarian today!

Linda Banks, DVM

My cat really enjoys an occasional treat of catnip but I’m worried it may not be good for him. Is it okay to allow him to have it, and is there such a thing as too much? Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family. It also can be called catmint and catswort. It is a common garden plant that is enjoyed by wild and domestic cats, other mammals and insects. �e main ingredient in catnip that attracts cats is neptalactone. It has also been used by people in tea, juice, tinctures, infusions or poultice for a variety of ailments including those of the neurologic system. Compounds within catnip can alter the behavior of our cats and generally brings about a euphoric state of mind. When exposed to catnip, cats will primarily sni�, lick and chew the provided leaves and stems. It can be provided to cats in a dried form or freshly picked from the garden. Once exposed to the plant, cats will continue to rub their body (especially cheek and chin) in the catnip, roll around, eat some of the plant and some will even vocalize. Some cats may respond as if they have received a mild stimulant and may be more anxious or nibble one’s hand more readily. Other cats may behave as though it has had a calming and quieting e�ect on their nervous system. �e e�ects last between �ve and 15 minutes and then dissipate from there. �e response to catnip is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. �erefore there are many cats that respond with exuberance to catnip, but there are other cats upon which catnip will show no e�ect. It has also been demonstrated that kittens less than six-eight weeks old do not respond readily to catnip. Catnip does not appear to be harmful to cats. It appears to be safe and non-addictive for cats. Catnip can regularly be provided in moderation for all cats.

Joanne Hach, DVM

Pooch have you puzzled?

Cat have you curious?

Email your questions to [email protected]!

Want answers to your questions?


PortraitsLoveof

Each week, Lollypop Farm receives letters and emails fi lled with happy endings for animals who have been adopted from our shelter.

Pictures help to tell these wonderful stories.

ALCO was adopted by Kevin in 2014

Alco

Boris

BORIS was adopted by Carol in 2011

Dexter

DEXTER was adopted by The Ioele Family in 2014

Shelter animals make great additions to a family. According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), an estimated 6-8 million dogs and cats are admitted into shelters each year. An even more shocking number is the estimated 3-4 million animals that are euthanized in shelters each year. Adopting a shelter animal gives you a chance to change an animal’s life by providing a loving home. Before you rush out to adopt a dog or cat there are some important items to consider and questions to ask to ensure the new addition to your family � ts in perfectly.

Pets are Life-Long Commitments

When you adopt a pet you are committing to caring for that dog or cat for the rest of its life. Avoid impulsive decisions when selecting a pet. You should consider things like how much time you can commit to training and socializing your new pet and if your new pet will � t into your lifestyle and living situation.

A high-energy young pup is probably not the best choice for someone who works long hours. Have everyone in the family express what he or she is looking for in the new furry companion, then chose an animal whose energy level is a good match for your family. If you love to run, then a young active dog may be perfect for you versus a calmer, older dog that only needs short walks or a cat who loves to rest on the couch with you.

Be Prepared

Pet ownership requires an investment of time and money. You need to consider how much your new pet will a� ect your budget. Every year it is important for your pet to receive proper preventative health care, like an examination by your veterinarian, vaccines and parasite control. It is also important that your new pet has proper identi� cation with tags and/or microchips, in case they ever become separated from you. Finally, if possible, try to budget for potential emergencies by setting aside a small emergency fund for your pets.

Peace at Home

It is important to consider how this new pet will � t in with your current pet’s social dynamic. Bringing a new animal into the household can be very stressful to some animals. Consider the personalities of all the pets in your home. Introductions should be slow and monitored to ensure that each animal feels safe. Don’t expect your pets to be friends right away; you may have to have multiple introduction sessions. Introducing new animals into a household takes patience in order to keep everyone at home happy and stress free!

By taking the time and e� ort to consider how an adopted new pet will a� ect your life, your � nances and your current pet’s life, you are taking the right steps toward a lifetime of happiness and ful� llment for everyone in the family, while also giving an animal a loving new home.

A native of Wisconsin, Dr. Beyer attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where she majored in Animal Science with minors in Biology, Chemistry and Spanish. From there she went to veterinary school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating in 2013.

Dr. Beyer has professional interests in shelter medicine and community outreach, as well as international veterinary medicine and pain management. She has two cats, Eleanor, a black and white domestic long hair, and Roe, a dilute tortie domestic short hair.

Mel Beyer, DVMVeterinary Specialists& Emergency Services


ADOPTING a pet

PET TALES • SUMMER EDITION 2014 15MESSENGER POST MEDIA

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Monroe Veterinary Associates was founded in 1969 as a single hospital and has grown to include 14 full-service veterinary hospitals, a 24-hour emergency and specialty practice, a house call service, and a full-service reference laboratory, all of which are located in or around Rochester.Monroe Veterinary Associates contributes actively to the community in a variety of ways. MVA provides �nancial support to the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm, Rochester Animal Services, Rochester Hope for Pets and the Seneca Park Zoo. MVA veterinarians and sta� members volunteer countless hours toward helping animals in the community. For example, veterinarians donate their time to Friends of Ferals, which works to help decrease the feral cat population in the Rochester area. Also, MVA’s personnel are active in local educational initiatives, including classroom presentations, student shadow programs and student externships. Find out more about the many services that Monroe Veterinary Associates o�ers or to �nd a location near you, visit monroevets.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @MonroeVets or like us on Facebook.

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ANIMAL EMERGENCY SERVICE 825 White Spruce Blvd. Rochester, NY 14623 585.424.1277 animalemergencyservices.com

Veterinary Hospitals O�ering Boarding

ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF PITTSFORD 2816 Monroe Avenue Rochester, NY 14618 585.271.7700 pittsfordvet.com

COMPANION ANIMAL HOSPITAL 2800 West Henrietta Road Rochester, NY 14623 585.424.2900 companionvethosp.com

FAIRVIEW VETERINARY HOSPITAL 6735 Pittsford Palmyra Road Fairport, NY 14450 585.223.0940 fairviewvet.com

IRONDEQUOIT ANIMAL HOSPITAL 2150 Hudson Avenue Rochester, NY 14617 585.266.8020 irondequoitanimalhospital.com

PENFIELD VETERINARY HOSPITAL 1672 Pen�eld Road Rochester, NY 14625 585.381.2441 pen�eldvet.com

PERINTON VETERINARY HOSPITAL 11 LaSalle Parkway Victor, NY 14564 585.248.5566 perintonvet.com

STONE RIDGE VETERINARY HOSPITAL 550 Center Place Drive Rochester, NY 14615 585.227.4990 stoneridgevethosp.com

SUBURBAN ANIMAL HOSPITAL 2495 East Henrietta Road Rochester, NY 14623 585.334.4230 suburbanvet.com

Veterinary Hospitals

BAYVIEW ANIMAL HOSPITAL 1217 Bay Road, Suite #1A Webster, NY 14580 585.671.3120 bayviewanimalhosp.com

CANANDAIGUA VETERINARY HOSPITAL 4410 Lakeshore Drive Canandaigua, NY 14424 585.394.3340 canandaiguavet.com

CATS & CRITTERS 23 Somerton Street Rochester, NY 14607 585.442.4373 catsandcritters.com

EAST RIVER VETERINARY HOSPITAL 5152 East River Road West Henrietta, NY 14586 585.334.3110 eastrivervet.com

GREECE ANIMAL HOSPITAL 3180 Latta Road, Suite 800 Rochester, NY 14612 585.227.7100 greecenanimalhospital.com

PALMYRA ANIMAL HOSPITAL 1215 Canandaigua Road Palmyra, NY 14522 315.597.4567 palmyravet.com

VETERINARY HOUSECALL SERVICE OF ROCHESTER 2800 West Henrietta Road Rochester, NY 14623 585.264.0200 rochesterhousecallsvet.com

VETERINARY SPECIALISTS OF ROCHESTER 825 White Spruce Blvd. Rochester, NY 14623 585.424.1260 vetspecialistsofrochester.com

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pet tales summer 2014

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