pet tales summer 2015

MESSENGER POST MEDIA

PetTalesSUMMER EDITION Advertising supplement for June 25, 2015

2 PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2015

While cats are the most popular companion animal at this point, they lag far behind their canine counterparts in visits to their veterinarian. The goal of this article is to increase awareness of the benefits of seeking routine health care for kitties and to explain how an American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) certified Feline Friendly Practice has worked to make this sometimes stressful process easier.Your veterinary healthcare team is dedicated to preserving the health of your cat. Examinations once or twice a year give us the opportunity to gain familiarity with each cat and to counsel their families on changing preventative recommendations. Examinations also give us the chance to find problems early when intervention may be less invasive. The more quickly we begin to manage disease processes, or inappropriate weight gain or behavior, the higher our chances of success.Two of the best tools we have to assess our patients needs are a thorough history obtained from the patients family and a comprehensive physical examination performed on each patient.The history is obtained by discussing details of the cats life and behaviors at home. The following are examples of questions that cat owners may be asked to answer: Does your cat go outside or live with one that does?

Does he/she hunt?

Has the kitty traveled to other areas of the country or world?

Has there been any change in water consumption or urination?

What do you feed your cat?

How is his/her appetite?

Have you seen vomiting or diarrhea?

Tell us about your litterbox management.

The history helps identify health risks for the individual patient so that appropriate preventative measures may be recommended. For example, making sure that litterbox management is optimal might prevent inappropriate urination or defecation in the home.

Your veterinary team is at a disadvantage in assessing a cats health without this input. Observant families may provide key information for this creature that is secretive by nature.The value of the second tool, the physical exam, is drastically underestimated. Families are surprised at the amount of information our hands and eyes gather as they roam from the nose to the tip of the tail. Every body system is assessed and the information recorded in the patients record for future reference.Eyes: Is there conjunctivitis, pigment changes in any part of the eyes or retinal changes? Do both eyes look the same? Do they respond appropriately to stimuli like light?Ears: Is there any redness, discharge or itching?Lymph Nodes: Are they normal in size and texture?

Thyroid Gland: Is it enlarged?Oral Health: How are the teeth, gums, mucous membranes and salivary glands?Respiratory Tract - Nose to Lungs: Is there sneezing or upper respiratory congestion or obstruction? Is there discharge from the nose? Is the breathing rate and effort normal? Are the lungs clear? Are the gums pink and moist?Circulatory system: Is the hearts rhythm and rate normal? Is the color of the mucous membranes and the quality of the pulses normal?Skin and Haircoat: Are there parasites, growths or wounds? Is there hair loss or itching?

The Abdomen: We feel for the liver, stomach, kidneys, lymph nodes, intestines and urinary bladder. Is there discomfort? Is everything in its correct position and of normal texture and size?Musculoskeletal System: Does the cat move around normally and comfortably? Are any of the joints thickened, swollen or painful? Is the musculature normal? Is there muscle wasting? Is there weakness? What does the cat weigh? Is this weight appropriate?Neurological System: Does the mental state appear normal? Is his movement coordinated normal and coordinated?Continued on Page 8 ...

How a pet friendly practice can make it easier

How a Cat Friendly practice can make it easierBy EmBEr CouturE, DVm & JoannE HaCH, DVm

Ember Couture, DVMCats & Critters Veterinary Hospital

Monroe Veterinary Associates

Joanne Hach, DVMCats & Critters Veterinary Hospital


You may already be aware of the canine influenza outbreak that occurred in the Midwest earlier this year. This outbreak initially started in Chicago, with the first cases of cough starting in February. Currently thousands of cases have been diagnosed based on history and clinical signs. Eight states have confirmed cases through viral testing/isolation that have been performed at Cornell University (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Georgia, New York, Iowa and Massachusetts). There were five confirmed cases of canine influenza which resulted in death in the initial outbreak in Chicago. The strain of the influenza virus is H3N2. This strain originated from Asia in avian species and it has adapted to infect dogs. It is not infective to people (as far as we know) and it has no relation to the current outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N2 that originated in Washington State and is now very prevalent in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and South Dakota. Based on the current numbers the morbidity (those dogs who get sick) is very high, but mortality (death as a result of infection) seems to be lower (0.5 percent) than what has been documented in Previous H3N8 outbreaks (five percent).There are currently two vaccines on the market for the H3N8 strain. They are Vanguard CIV made by Zoetis and Nobivac CIV. There is no evidence to show that our current vaccines would give cross protection for the H3N2 strain. The current vaccines we use for the H3N8 strain are safe and effective. So by vaccinating our at-risk dogs for this strain we would minimally be protecting

our patients from future outbreaks of this strain and if there is cross protection for the H3N2 strain then they may benefit from this as well.The CDC has information about Canine Influenza for pet owners, which can be found at: www.cdc.gov/flu/canine/index.htmHopefully this outbreak will not continue to spread into other states. Please be aware of the clinical signs related to Canine Influenza. Lethargy

Depressed appetite

Runny nose/nasal discharge

Cough

Low-grade fever

More severe cases may have a high fever with increased

respiratory rates indicating the potential of pneumonia.If you think your dog may be showing signs related to Canine Influenza, make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.Dr. Herrema is the director of Penfield Veterinary Hospital. He was awarded his VMD degree in 2003 from the University of Pennslyvania. Dr. Herrema was the recipient of the Leonard Pearson Prize (the schools highest honor awarded to the fourth-year student who demonstrates the best potential for professional and/or academic leadership in veterinary medicine) and The American College of Veterinary Radiology Award at his graduation. With professional interests in internal medicine, cardiology, radiology and ultrasonography, Dr. Herrema enjoys practicing general veterinary medicine and surgery at Penfield Veterinary Hospital.

PET TALES SUMMER EDITION 2015 3

CANINE INFLUENZA what you need to know

Erik Herrema, VMDPenfield Veterinary Hospital


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There comes a point in every pet owners life when his or her little furry one gets a cut or wound on their body. Your first instinct, as a pet owner, is to wrap up the wound or stick a Band-Aid on it for protection and healing. Our pets have a thick set of fur, which makes it very tough for homemade bandages to stay in place long term. I am here to tell you why it is so important to take your pet to your veterinarian to have bandages applied and maintained safely. When attempting to bandage pets at home, bandages are often placed very tightly to make them stay in place. If properly cared for, this technique may not cause any major problems. However, if left unattended for extended periods of time (potentially a few hours to a few days), this technique can cause major issues. For example, happy tail is a wound on the tip of the tail that occurs when a dog wags its tail excessively and hits it against walls or objects repeatedly. This can be a frustrating wound for pet owners because the wound will typically break open repeatedly as the dog continues to wag its tail, unless it is bandaged. The tail is one of the most difficult appendages to bandage on our pets. If bandaged improperly, such as a very tight bandage left in place for too long, the tail can lose blood supply, allowing the process of necrosis to set in. This is when the tissue of the tail starts to die from lack of blood and oxygen. This can lead to a tail amputation surgery which needs to be performed under anesthesia. Other common areas for our pets to have wounds are their legs and paw pads. There are similar issues with bandaging these body parts as with the tail. The back legs can be very difficult to bandage due to their unique conformation, they are very wide near the hip joint and taper down to a very thin appendage at the foot. Due to this shape and the

movement of the knee and ankle joints, the bandage will often roll down the leg and fall off. Once again, leg bandages that are too tight can stop circulation to the limb, causing necrosis similar to that seen with the tail. Severe skin infections underneath overly tight bandages are a less serious, but still a very common problem that can occur.Sticky tape (such as duct tape) is another method that we have seen pet owners use to try to keep bandages in place. This causes the animals fur to be ripped out whenever it moves or when the bandage is finally taken off, which can be very painful. Imagine if we had a ton of fur underneath a Band-Aid when we went to pull it off, it would hurt even worse than it already does!Lastly, making sure the bandage

stays clean and dry is essential. Placing a plastic bag over the bandage is very important when going outside, especially with our weather! If the bandage gets wet, there is a higher likelihood that an infection could take hold in the wound. Changing the bandage, if it does get wet, is important for all wound healing. You may save a few dollars by applying a bandage on your pet at home, but if you dont place it correctly and maintain the upkeep of the bandage, you may end up spending a lot more money on severe infections or surgery. Please allow your veterinarian to handle the care of your pets wounds. Dr. Sampson will begin working at Greece Animal Hospital as an Associate veterinarian in July. He is currently a rotating intern at Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services. He attended Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh,

Scotland where he graduated in 2014. He shares his home with an Antiguan Street dog (mixed breed) named Ellie.

HOME BANDAGING may not be best for your pet

John Sampson, BVM&SGreece Animal Hospital


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BITE WOUNDS in dogsAs an emergency veterinarian I see bite wounds in dogs almost on a daily basis. The severity of these wounds can vary from small lacerations to serious, life-threatening injuries. Frequently they involve a larger dog biting a smaller dog and/or multiple dogs attacking another dog.The scenarios where bite wounds occur are myriad, but frequently occur at dog parks or other areas where people bring their pets to walk or run off leash. They can occur while out walking your dog on the street or even in your own yard if there is a stray dog roaming your neighborhood that spots your dog and considers it a threat or prey. These situations can also occur among your own dogs if there are ones that dont get along or if some other dominance issue exits. The list goes on and on.It is important is to know what to do in case your pet is bitten by another dog. There are many factors that affect what the best course of action is, but having your pet examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible is probably the most important. If the dogs are actively fighting, do not try to grab or otherwise touch the fighting dogs. This can escalate things and you may be bitten as well. You can try to distract them with a loud noise such as banging pots or garbage can lids together, spraying the dogs with a hose or opening a large umbrella, folding chair or another object to get between them. Once the fight is over, you can start first aid. If your dog is small, it may be best to wrap them up in a towel and use something such as gauze or other similar item to tie a muzzle around their mouth to prevent yourself from being bitten. You may use a leash or other similar object to tie around the mouth of a larger dog and use a large blanket or comforter to wrap them up, if needed. If there are any bleeding wounds, apply pressure on the wound to stop the bleeding. Avoid the urge to put anything on or in the wound, as most over the counter topical medications such as hydrogen peroxide are not meant to go in open wounds and can cause more harm than good.

As stated earlier, the best thing to do is to get your dog to your regular veterinarian or emergency facility as soon as possible. After your dog has been examined, wound exploration under sedation or general anesthesia is often recommended. I am often asked why cant we just clean the wound and put some sutures in it. The answer is that what you see on the surface is just the tip of the iceberg. Bite wounds, by nature, cause crushing injury to the skin and tissue below and carry hair, debris, skin bacteria and bacteria from the biting dogs

mouth under the skin and embed them in the tissue. Because of this, bite wounds need to be surgically explored to remove damaged and contaminated tissue, as well as flushed with sterile saline to remove bacteria and debris. Many of these bites will cause large pockets under the skin and drains will be needed in order to prevent fluid accumulation after the wound is closed. Antibiotics and pain medications will likely be prescribed and follow-up exams will be required to remove drains, monitor healing and remove sutures or staples. Some wounds will dehisce (break down) because crushing injuries can damage the blood supply to the skin. This may not be apparent at the time of the initial injury. Repeated surgery, open wound management and skin grafts may be required for more severe wounds.

In summary, bite wounds in dogs are one of the more common injuries seen in veterinary practice, can happen in almost any scenario imagined, have a wide range of severity and often need to be surgically explored to assess and treat the damaged tissue under the skin. Examination by a veterinarian is recommended in almost every case with frequent follow up to monitor healing.Board Certified in Canine and Feline Practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioner, Dr. Joe Wilder has been a staff clinician at the Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services since 2002. Dr. Wilder received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University in 1990.

Joseph Wilder, DVMVeterinary Specialists & Emergency Services


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


Trying to capture your pets personality on camera? Its harder than it looks. Getting pets to cooperate during a photo session requires skill, patience and a great eye.Bill Parsons and Natalia Martinez are the creative powerhouses behind The Photo Lab, which specializes in pet photography. Theyre supported by their pack: dogs Corbin and Willow, and cats Leeloo and RT. They offer some tips for readers to try at home.Comfort equals cooperationThe most important thing in our line of work is to make sure your pet feels safe and comfortable. Sometimes something pointed at their face, such as a camera or even a phone, can make them feel uncomfortable and cause them to look away, said Martinez. A camera lens looks like a giant, black, unblinking eye, and that can be scary or threatening to dogs especially. Offering treats can help get pets interested in posing for a photo. Not every pet is food-motivated, but most are. If they are not, then maybe it is a toy or praise that helps them. Use what works to reward them for what you want them to do, said Parsons. Also keep in mind they have shorter attention spans than us. So if they stop cooperating, have a good break and come back to it. Maybe the next day, even. Compose the shotA few things to remember include:Watch where you crop. Cropping off toes, tails, tops of heads or other odd areas will take away from your composition. Avoid cropping at joints, but feel free to get creative with your point of view. Abstract angles can be very cool and different.Mind your background. If you have a busy background, such as dappled light streaming through the trees on a bright sunny day and you have a black dog, it will be very hard to make him stand out from the background, Martinez said. Wide apertures can help in separating your subject from the background, but make sure you have enough contrast between your pet and the environment you are placing

him in. Watch out for odd trees or branches behind your subject that will appear on film to be growing from his or her head.

Negative space is a lovely thing. Your subject does not need to be in the center or be the largest thing in your photograph in order

to steal the focus. I love negative space, and a lot of our work has the subject off to one side of the frame. Ideally, angle

your pets body and attention towards the negative space instead of looking away from it, Martinez said.Lighting is key. To be a keen photographer, you have to learn how to see light and know how it will interact with your subjects. Photographing in harsh sunlight in the middle of the day will only give you harsh colors

and contrast and a very squinty-eyed subject. Shade is lovely light to work in, and if it is hot out, your dogs will

appreciate it, she said. Shooting at magic hour (one to two hours before or after sunrise

or sunset) will give a photo beautiful light. Dont be afraid of cloudy skies or overcast, foggy days. The sky often acts as a giant soft box and it gives even, beautiful light for your subject. It looks lovely on human skin, too. If you are shooting indoors, window light is my favorite, Martinez said.Getting closeClose-ups can be difficult, Parsons said: Many animals inherently dont look you in the eye because it can be taken as threatening. So for close-ups, use a long lens/focal range, or spend some time helping the pet get used to the camera. Also utilize macro settings or lenses for super-close-up detail and with small animals. In the actionPets in motion require, first and foremost, patience as well as trial and error, Parsons said. A good practice is, plan your shot before you take it and be ready when the pet reaches the spot in the motion you would like them to be. Take a lot of pictures some will come out, others will be outtakes. Make sure you are focused, and if possible try to use a high ISO and/or shutter speed.

A camera lens looks like a giant, black,

unblinking eye, and that can be scary or threatening to dogs especially.

Natalia Martinez

By mElissa EriCkson | morE ContEnt now

expert tips on taking beautiful pet photos


Avoiding DENTAL DISASTERSDid you brush your teeth this morning? How about your pets teeth? Did you know that just like in humans, an animals teeth can accumulate bacteria that live in the mouth? More than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have dental disease by the age of three. The normal bacteria that live in the mouth can adhere to the dentition, forming a sticky layer called a biofilm. In just three days, this biofilm can start turning hard, transforming into tough material called plaque or dental tartar. Although gross to look at, this dental tartar is not the worst problem in your pets mouth. The real disease starts when the bacteria on the teeth and in the mouth migrate under the gums, or gingiva. This causes local infection and inflammation of the gingiva (gingivitis). The gingiva becomes red and sore. Once bacteria are under the gums, they are able to reach the bloodstream and travel to other organs in the body including the kidneys, liver and heart! Meanwhile, those pesky pathogens continue to wreak havoc in the oral cavity. They can set up shop at the deep part of the tooth under the gums (the root), resulting in abscesses (pockets of pus) that cause pain and can loosen teeth. Bacteria can also get inside a tooth, killing the living tissue within. Animals may continue to eat despite pain and discomfort. Once that happens, the options include a root canal or removal of the tooth. Other noticeable signs of dental disease in a pet include: Bad breath (halitosis) Chattering (moving their jaws together quickly) Change in behavior Lots of drooling Bleeding from the gums/mouth Decreased appetite or desire to play with toys Loose teeth Not wanting to be patted on the head Sneezing Discharge from the mouth Chewing on one side of the mouth Swelling under the eye Drainage under the eye Discolored teeth

Masses in the mouth

It is even possible for dental disease to be so severe that a pets jaw may break!What should you do if you see these signs in your pet? A trip to the veterinarian is in order.Your vet may suggest an Oral Assessment and Treatment (OAT, also referred to as a dental). This procedure involves general anesthesia, to allow dental x-rays to be taken. These pictures allow your vet to see whats going on below the surface of your pets pearly whites. During the OAT, veterinary staff will also check the depth of the gingival sulcus (the area between the pets tooth and the gingiva). A very deep sulcus

can indicate disease. If any teeth need to be removed, now is the time. Your vet will have discussed this with you before the procedure or may call you during the OAT to give an update. The teeth will be scaled (to remove all of the tartar both above and below the gum line) and polished (to smooth them out and get rid of any rough spots to which bacteria could adhere). Frequently, the mouth will also be rinsed with a special pet mouthwash to help kill bacteria for extra kissable breath. Once your pet comes home, what do you need to do to keep that mouth sparkling? Daily brushing is recommended (or at least three-four times weekly). Do not use human toothpaste. There are special toothpastes available that are safe for pets to swallow and come in yummy flavors like chicken, peanut butter and salmon. Ask your vet about techniques to get your pet in the

habit of good hygiene. Even if your pet is not a fan of brushing, you can still place the paste on rubber toys such as Kongs. When your pet chews on the toy, the tooth gets rubbed with the paste. A good general rule for pet toys is that they should be soft enough to indent them with your fingernail (hard rubber toys are fine; bone, antlers and hooves are too hard). Dental diets and dental treats are also available to help remove tartar. Brushing may also help prevent your pet from needing an OAT or may lengthen the time between procedures.By performing regular brushing and having OATs done by your veterinarian, you can help keep Fido feeling fine!Dr. Ferderbar is completing a rotating internship at Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services. She will begin working at Greece Animal Hospital as an Associate Veterinarian in July. Originally from Menomonee Falls, Wis., she graduated from veterinary school at Western University of Health Sciences in 2014. She received a Service Award and a National VBMA Business Certificate while attending veterinary school. Some of her professional interests include exotic, avian and alpaca medicine.

Elizabeth Ferderbar, DVMGreece Animal Hospital


How we behave toward cats here below determines our status in heaven. Robert A.


Tail of Hope - Elis storyProViDED By roCHEstEr HoPE for PEts

Last fall, Katrina went to her local shelter and instantly fell in love with a small kitten she named Eli. Even though Eli was blind, Katrina knew that it was meant to be. After several months of caring for Eli, it became apparent that his eye health was interfering with his quality of life. Despite his daily maintenance drops, his eyes were severely inflamed. This caused constant discharge that needed to be cleaned every day. Not wanting to see Eli live in discomfort, Katrina took him to a specialist to find out if the eye issues that Eli had could be fixed or at least improved. Luckily there was a surgery that could be performed, but the cost was more than Katrina expected. I knew I had to do what was best for Eli to ensure that he was as healthy and as comfortable as possible, Katrina said. Eli received the surgery needed to fix his painful eye issues with the assistance of a grant from Rochester Hope for Pets. While the award did not cover the entire procedure, I was so very grateful for any help I could get, Katrina stated. Elis surgery went smoothly and he has completely healed. He no longer has painful irritation and almost no drainage. He is such a happy and loving kitty and I am so lucky to have him in my life Katrina said.

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

Continued from Page 2 ...Every cat is different. Familiarity with the individual cat and his or her unique characteristics helps us more accurately and efficiently target our attention when there are health concerns.The Cat Friendly Program was developed by the American Association of feline Practitioners (AAFP) to improve the relationships between cats, their families and their healthcare team. Thereby increasing the quality and quantity of health care that cats receive during their lifetimes.Certified practices have taken extra steps to make their interactions with cats more positive by better understanding their behaviors and needs and implementing feline-friendly techniques. Certified Cat Friendly Practices have also committed ourselves to providing high quality care. Everything from the hospital design to medical equipment and practices, referral services, grooming and continuing education is addressed. Achieving the distinction of a Cat Friendly Practice was an important step for us at Cats & Critters Veterinary Hospital to demonstrate our commitment to our feline patients. Our goals are to work with families to reduce the stress involved with veterinary visits,

to create an awareness of the benefits of preventative care and early intervention and to preserve the relationships that exist between cats and their families.More information on Cat Friendly Practices may be found at catvets.com and more information about Cats & Critters Veterinary Hospital can be found at catsandcritters.com.Dr. Ember Couture has been hospital co director at Cats & Critters Veterinary Hospital since 1999. Previous to her arrival at Cats & Critters Veterinary Hospital, she completed an internship at Animal Hospital of Pittsford/Veterinary Specialists of Rochester in 1997. She continued on as a staff veterinarian at the Animal Hospital of Pittsford until 1999. Originally from Massachusetts, Dr. Couture attended the University of Massachusetts where she received her Bachelors Degree in Mathematics in 1989. Following her undergraduate education, Dr. Couture was employed as a veterinary technician, before going on to the College of Veterinary Medicine at LSU.Dr. Joanne Hach is hospital co director at Cats & Critters Veterinary Hospital. A native of Randolph, NJ, Dr. Hach attended Bucknell University and received her Bachelors Degree in Biochemistry in 1995. Following her undergraduate studies, she completed a Masters Degree program in Biochemistry at the University of Pennsylvania. She went on to attend Cornell University and was awarded her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2001.

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


TOYS and TREATS: How these items could land you at the vets officeWe all love our animals and like to show that love by giving them toys to play with or bones to chew on, but it is important that we take into consideration what kinds of items are given and that our pets are properly supervised when playing with them.Esophageal foreign bodies:Bones, rawhides and dental chews can be good for your dogs teeth and provide hours of activity to keep your dogs attention. However, if left unsupervised, these items can pose a big risk to your pet. If the bones are too hard or too small, your pet may swallow them without chewing them into appropriately-sized pieces, resulting in the bone becoming lodged in your dogs esophagus. This is different than choking on something in that it is not in the trachea or windpipe, but actually in the esophagus, which connects the mouth to the stomach. This is incredibly painful, can cause temporary or permanent damage to the esophagus and can be very difficult to remove often requiring special scoping instruments not available at all veterinarians offices. Soft, breakable treats (cookie consistency) that can easily be chewed into small pieces or large bones that cannot be swallowed whole are often the best choices.Intestinal foreign bodies:Small, soft toys or toys that can be ripped into pieces small enough to swallow (depending on the size of your pet), pose a risk for ingestion and subsequent blockage of the intestinal tract. Sometimes dogs or cats swallow toys, clothing (socks, mittens, etc.) or other materials that do not become lodged in the esophagus, but pass easily into the stomach. However, there are multiple points at which these items can become stuck in the intestinal tract. The pylorus of the stomach is the narrowing where the GI contents are funneled from the stomach into the intestines. This is a common region where foreign items can get stuck. The item could pass through the pylorus, but could become stuck anywhere along the small intestines, particularly at places where the intestines take tight turns. If an item becomes stuck, anything your pet eats or drinks will not be able to pass through normally and can result in: Vomiting (unable to keep anything down)

A painful abdomen

Decreased to absent bowel movements

Dehydration

Anorexia

The only way to evaluate for an obstruction is to take x-rays of the abdomen and evaluate the GI tract. Sometimes, hospitalization for supportive care with intravenous fluids alone can rehydrate the GI system enough to move the material along, but sometimes the only treatment that will help is abdominal exploratory surgery to remove the material.Unfortunately, this can sometimes be on an emergency basis depending on how sick your pet is.Strings, ribbons, rope and cloth-like material (socks, towels, etc) comprise a special category of foreign bodies called linear foreign bodies. These items often

have one end anchored in the pylorus of the stomach, while the rest of the material starts to travel onto the intestines. This results in a bunching of the intestines, similar to an accordion or scrunched up sock, as the muscle contractions continue to try to move the foreign material along. This can lead to damage to a greater portion of the intestines and also poses a greater risk, especially with thin thread or rope, because it can cause a saw-like motion and cut through the wall of the intestine, leading to spillage of the GI contents into the abdomen and making your pet very sick. This is more common in cats, so be particularly careful with toys that contain strings or have ribbons attached.Things to watch for:If you ever see your pet ingest something he or she should not,

please contact your veterinarians office or the local veterinary emergency clinic. They may recommend inducing vomiting to reduce the risk that these items will cause an obstruction. If your pet begins displaying clinical signs of an obstruction (vomiting, anorexia, painful abdomen, etc.), please seek veterinary care as this can become life threatening if left untreated. If you are ever concerned about the size of your pets treats or toys or want further guidance as to which items to purchase, consult your veterinarian to help make the best choices for you and your pet.Dr. Benavides grew up in Houston, Texas. She received her degree in Biochemistry with a minor in Animal Science from The Ohio State University in 2010. She went on to attend Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine where she graduated in 2014. Dr. Benavidess professional interests include pursuing a residency in surgery or emergency and critical care medicine. She is currently a rotating intern at Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services. Dr. Benavides shares her home with four cats; Olive, Oscar, Odessa and Orylee.

Kathryn Benavides, DVMVeterinary Specialists & Emergency Services



Canine AGILITY TRAININGAgility: the power of moving quickly and easily; nimbleness; exercises demanding agility.The ability to think and draw conclusions quickly; intellectual acuity for your dog? Yes, through canine agility training! What is agility training? Canine agility training is a popular sport in which a handler, many times the owner, directs their dog through a variety of obstacles such as a tunnel, teeter-totter, tire jump, weave poles, pause table and standard jumps. During competitive agil-ity events, handlers attempt to navigate dogs through a course as quickly and as accurately as possible. Agility competitions have been televised more lately, which has been a great way to introduce a larger audience to this wonderful sport. Once thought of as an activity for working dogs such as border collies, agility is fast becoming a popular sport for dogs of all sizes and types. Is agility training right for your dog? In speaking with local agility trainers, generally any dog can do agility. Although, dogs with heavier and shorter frames, like bulldogs, may not be the best fit. Diversity in the sport has been increasing from collies, shelties and retrievers to hounds, mixed breeds and even Jack Russell terriers. There are many benefits of agility training for you and your dog. First and foremost, agility provides an opportunity to connect and develop a relationship between you and your dog. The sport also gives the dog a chance to reach both intellectual and emotional potential by having to think, draw conclusions and make decisions in a split second. And a benefit not commonly thought of, agility gives a dog an opportunity to develop responsiveness and almost telepathic communication with humans. Are there any risks for the dog? As with any sporting activity, human or canine, there is the potential for injury from minor sprains and strains to more complex knee or back issues. According to a survey published in the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association, one in every three agility dogs sustained a sports-related injury, with a majority, 70 percent, involving tendons and ligaments. As with human sports, prevention and awareness are key. Its always good to remember that at age five a dog is 40 in human years and their bones, joints and tendons need care and attention just like ours.Preventative measures include managing your dogs weight, keeping toe nails trimmed and keeping your dog exercised. This may sound funny, but just as with

us humans, you dont want to go run a five mile race the first time you go out! Pre-exercise stretching is another great preventative measure for the canine athlete. Low jumps, wide turns and warming up with a brisk trot is a good start to any athletic event. Kathy Sercu, a licensed veterinary technician at Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services, has been training her seven-year-old Labrador Retriever, Halligan, for six years. During this time Sercu and Halligan have been fortunate to have not had any major injuries; however, they are a great example of the power of preventative medicine. I take as many

preventative measures as I can to ensure we have luck on our side, Sercu said. I manage Halligans weight, I have had her on joint supplements since she was a year old (when we started training) and we stretch and warm up before any training or competition. Sercu added, I made sure to start her training slow and not to stress out her young, still developing joint and bones. In the beginning, and when she was two years old, we had radiographs done of her hips and elbows to make sure there were not any underlining problems. I hope that at age 13 Halligan and I will still be competing and learning this amazing, fun sport together. What type of time investment is needed for you and your dog, for the sport? The good news is that the time commitment is what you are able to give. You will want to spend time in an initial training class, which are usually held on evenings or

weekends. After that, you can participate as little or as much as you and your dog are ready for. If you find your dog excels at the sport, there are local competitions in the Finger Lakes area, as well as national and international competitions. Agility training can be an incredibly rewarding experience for you, for your dog and for the relationship between the two of you. With good training, and keeping in mind standard preventative measures such as weight management, stretching and massaging, your dog could be an agility champion in no time! Rochelle is accountable for the hospital operations at VSES. She has previously worked at Rochester Regional Health System where she led the business transformation team focusing on change management, process improvement, strategic planning and market analysis. Rochelle has also worked at Xerox Corporation where she worked in customer service, program management and quality process improvement. Rochelle attended Ball State University in Indiana and holds certifications in Lean Process Improvement and Change Management. Rochelle, her wife and kids have a mixed breed dog, Daphne.

Rochelle RichardsonHospital Administrator Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services


Brachycephalic dog breeds are those whose facial conformation is characterized by a shortened nose and upper airway. Brachycephalic breeds include, but are not limited to, Bulldogs, Pekingnese, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers and Pugs. While these cute little wrinkled faces can steal your heart, they can also cause signifi cant problems for these dogs including breathing problems, predisposition for heat intolerance/heat stroke, skin infections and eye problems. Brachycephalic upper Airway obstructive syndromeThese dogs have been bred for optimum squish to their faces. While the actual nasal passages and airway are shortened, they have the same internal anatomy forced into a smaller space, leading to diffi culties breathing.The three characteristics of Brachycephalic Syndrome include stenotic nares (narrow nostrils), an elongated soft palate that can occlude the airway and everted saccules (tissue within the airway that impedes air fl ow to the lungs). Clinical signs include noisy breathing/snorting, snoring, coughing, gagging and exercise intolerance. If signs progress or are exacerbated by environmental stresses (excessive activity, heat and humidity), surgical intervention may be necessary. As an owner of these loveable dogs, the best things you can do to manage these clinical signs is to keep them cool (especially during the warm months of summer), dont allow them to overexert themselves and keep them at a healthy weight. If you are considering surgery for your brachycephalic dog, contact your veterinarian for more information.Heat intolerance/Heat strokeDogs dissipate excess heat by panting. Since these brachycephalic breeds have diffi culty passing air effi ciently and quickly through their airway, they do a

poor job regulating their body temperature through panting when they get too hot. The blood fl owing through the tongue and throat is not adequately cooled, so their core temperature is more likely to rise during those hot months. Overexertion also causes the body temperature to rise and increases the diffi culty of breathing for these dogs. Extra care and attention must be taken to keep these dogs cool and calm. In the warm months, take them only on short leashed walks to go to the bathroom and limit the amount of time they spend playing outside to fi ve or 10 minutes at a time.skin Fold Pyoderma

The excess skin and wrinkles in these dogs, while endearing, creates an excellent place for moisture to accumulate and bacterial infections of the skin (pyoderma) to develop. It is important to keep these areas clean and dry, particularly the fold above the nose as this can be quite signifi cant in some dogs. Cleanse with warm water and a dry towel and monitor for any signs of infection including redness, moistness, discharge, itchiness or a foul odor. Infections will typically require treatment with antibiotics either topical or oral and should be addressed by your veterinarian.The brachycephalic breeds generally make great family pets with their mellow attitudes and sweet personalities, but take into consideration these health concerns if you are thinking of adopting one of these great dogs.

Dr. Benavides grew up in Houston, Texas. She received her degree in Biochemistry with a minor in Animal Science from The Ohio State University in 2010. She went on to attend Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine where she graduated in 2014. Dr. Benavidess professional interests include pursuing a residency in surgery or emergency and critical care medicine. She is currently a rotating intern at Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services. Dr. Benavides shares her home with four cats; Olive, Oscar, Odessa and Orylee.


Common health concerns in BRACHYCEPHALIC DOGS

Kathryn Benavides, DVMVeterinary Specialists & Emergency Services


Underwater Dogs Seth Casteel

The exuberant, exhilarating photographs of dogs underwater that have become a sensation! From the waters surface, its a simple exercise: a dogs leap, a splash and then a wet head surfacing with a ball, triumphant. But beneath the water is a chaotic ballet of bared teeth and bubbles, paddling paws, fur and ears billowing in the currents. From leaping Lab to diving Dachshund, the water is where a dogs distinct personality shines through. Some lounge in the current, paddling slowly, but others arch their bodies to cut through the water with the focus and determination of a shark. More than eighty portraits, award-winning pet photographer and animal rights activist Seth Casteel captures new sides of our old friends. In Underwater Dogs, Seth Casteel gives playful and energetic testament to the rough-and-tumble joy that our dogs bring into our lives. $14.38 at barnesandnoble.com.


Aginggracefully

adapting to older pets health needs

Your loving companion still greets you at the front door when you come home, hes just not as quick as he used to be. Your pet is growing older. His needs are changing, and he depends on you to stay healthy and comfortable.A pet becomes a senior in the last quarter of their predicted lifespan, so this has a bit of variability, as average life expectancies decrease the bigger the pet, said veterinarian Jessica Vogelsang, who blogs at Pawcurious. Her new book, All Dogs Go to Kevin will be out in July. A cat, for example, can be considered senior around 10 years of age, where a Great Dane might be considered a senior at around 5 years of age. Almost half of pets are seniorsAbout 45 percent of dog owners have a dog age 7 or older, while 46 percent of cat owners have a cat in that oldest age bracket, according to a 2015 Packaged Facts Pet Owner Survey.As pets age, we see some of the same changes that we see in ourselves: a slowdown in metabolism, onset of arthritis, cognitive changes, Vogelsang said.Older pets also can suffer from age-related conditions such as Type-2 diabetes, respiratory disorders, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, as well as other afflictions. Studies show older pets have a higher incidence of being

overweight or obese. The Packaged Facts survey found that 52 percent of dogs and cats in the U.S. are obese.

Because pets cant tell us how they are feeling and a lot of the changes are often very subtle, it

becomes key to have biannual exams for senior pets so early signs of disease can be identified and treated early, Vogelsang said. This makes a huge difference in an aging pets quality of life. In addition, keeping senior pets at a healthy weight becomes vital as well, as it not only decreases the

onset of metabolic diseases such as diabetes, it helps reduce the signs of joint disease.

Tools to helpBecause we treat pets as a part of the family, aging pets are

benefitting from myriad products on the market aimed at making their twilight years more comfortable. Pet owners are opening up their wallets for things like orthopedic mattresses, hind limb harnesses, steps and ramps.Pet owners are becoming more interested in services for aging pets, but in order to take advantage of them they need to know that those options are available, Vogelsang said. I am very excited to see more veterinarians discussing senior care with clients. We are even beginning to see hospice and palliative care services for pets in the end-of-life stages that mirror the services we offer to people.

As pets age, we see some of the same

changes that we see in ourselves: a slowdown in metabolism, onset of arthritis, cognitive

changes. Jessica Vogelsang

PIXABAY.COM

By mElissa EriCkson | morE ContEnt now


Some people are terrified of snakes, but others love them. While keeping them as pets is not for everyone, it can be very rewarding. Snakes are amazing animals and can be very enjoyable to keep. There are many different species and various color patterns (morphs) can be found with many of the common species. This article will discuss some basic snake information, but every species has its own requirements and a single article cant cover everything. There are entire books devoted to snake husbandry. If you decide that a snake is the pet for you, please do your research! The most common reason for medical problems in snakes, and other reptiles, is poor husbandry. Thats not to say that if you do everything right, you wont have problems. Always monitor for changes in behavior, appetite and general condition. Seek veterinary attention if you have questions or concerns. If your veterinarian is not experienced with snakes, they can direct you to someone who is.It all starts with choosing a snake. Looking into some of the literature on snake husbandry or speaking with people experienced with snakes can help you to make this decision. Be sure to know the local and state laws regarding ownership of exotic animals. There are species that are illegal to own or that may require special permits depending on where you live. Know how big the snake you are acquiring can get and make sure that you have the appropriate sized housing for it. That cute baby red tailed boa may be small now, but they can grow up to 10 feet in length and weight more than 50 pounds! It is best to get your snake from a reputable source to reduce the risk of getting an unhealthy snake. If you have never owned a snake, good species to consider are corn snakes, California kingsnakes or ball pythons. However, ball pythons will commonly go off feeding and can present some difficulties. Snakes can be kept on various types of substrate. One popular substrate is cage carpet, which is convenient because it is durable, easy to clean and there is no concern with your snake accidentally ingesting any material. You can also use butcher paper or newspaper. Depending on the snake species, you could also use aspen chips, mulch or sand. However, when using these materials, there is some risk that the snake could ingest some of the material which could potentially cause an obstruction. Be sure to keep the enclosure clean. If you are using cage carpet, or paper, you can just replace the substrate whenever it is soiled. If using other types of

substrate, the cage should be spot cleaned daily as needed. The entire cage should be cleaned and the substrate replaced every one to two weeks, or more often if necessary. At least one hide should be provided. The hide should be large enough for the snake to coil up in, and provides an area where the snake will feel secure.Snakes are poikilothermic meaning that their body temperature varies based on the ambient temperature. All reptiles have a preferred optimal temperature zone (POTZ). This will be different for every species, so make sure that you know what the proper temperatures are for your snake. Your snake will need a basking area, which is the warmest area in the enclosure. The basking area should be on one side of the enclosure, so that there is a cooler area on the other side. This creates a temperature gradient so that the snake can regulate its body temperature as needed. The basking area can be created using a basking light. Some snakes, like

boa constrictors, may prefer under cage heating. Most pet stores carry a variety of basking lights and under cage heating elements, such as heat tape or heating pads that stick on under the cage. Do not use heat rocks or other heating elements in the cage that the snake may come into contact with. This can cause severe burns. Even heating elements under the cage can get too hot and cause burns, so it is important to monitor these to ensure that they dont overheat. The temperature in the basking area should be monitored to ensure that it is maintained in the proper range. The best way to monitor the temperature is by using an infrared thermometer. You can also use a thermometer in the cage. Be sure to monitor not only the temperature of the basking area, but also the cool side of the cage as well. If you are using a thermometer that sticks onto the side of the cage, you should have at least two, one on either side of the cage.

Humidity is also an important part of proper husbandry. If the humidity is too low, this can cause respiratory problems or difficulty shedding. If the humidity is too high, this can lead to fungal growth and can also contribute to respiratory or skin problems. Even snakes that are adapted to dry environments need some humidity. In the wild, species from dry environments will often spend time in burrows where there is higher humidity. A water bowl must be provided and kept filled with fresh, clean water both for drinking and soaking in. The bowl should be large enough for Continued on Page 14 ...

Enjoy your new reptilian companion!

Chris McKinney, DVM East River and Cats & Critters

Veterinary HospitalsMonroe Veterinary Associates

A well-trained dog will make no attempt to share your lunch. He will just make you feel so guilty that you cannot enjoy it. Helen Thomson


PortraitsLoveof Each week, Lollypop Farm receives letters and emails lled with

happy endings for animals who have been adopted from our shelter. Pictures help to tell these wonderful stories.

IVORY was adopted by ELIZABETH C in 2009

Ivory

Kelly

KELLY was adopted by VANESSA M. in 2014

Davis

DAVISwas adopted by MADDIE G.

in 2013

Continued from Page 13 ... the snake to enter in order to soak. This will help to maintain some humidity, but may not always be enough, especially for tropical species. You can increase humidity by using a humidifi er or mister, or misting the cage as needed.Snakes should be fed whole prey, typically rats or mice. It is best to wait about fi ve days after getting a new snake before feeding. After that, they should be fed every one to two weeks depending on the species and the age of the snake. I recommend against feeding live prey because the prey item may defend itself and cause injury to the snake. Rats can do major damage or even kill a snake. Obviously this is also very stressful for the prey! The easiest way to go is to get frozen prey items and thaw them out for feeding. The prey should be thawed in the refrigerator and then heated in warm water immediately before feeding. To prevent any disease risk to humans, do not heat the prey in anything that is used for human food/drink and do not use a microwave (this would make a disgusting mess). If you purchase live prey, it should be killed in a humane manner prior to feeding. It is best to feed snakes in a separate enclosure from where they are normally kept. The reason for this is to avoid having the snake associate its regular enclosure with feeding as this can lead to aggression and diffi culty handling the snake. Use feeding tongs to hold the prey, not your hand. This will avoid having a hungry snake accidentally bite your fi ngers. The tongs can be used to dangle the prey in front of the snake, sometimes moving it will help to entice the snake to eat.Remember that to keep your snake healthy, you need to know the proper requirements for that species. For more information you can call your veterinarian or people experienced with reptiles, such as members of the Western New York Herpetological Society. You can also obtain a book on husbandry or look online. As with anything, be careful when looking online as there are many websites with misleading or wrong information. A couple of good, reputable websites that I recommend are anapsid.org and reptiles magazine.com. Enjoy your new reptilian companion!Dr. McKinney is an associate veterinarian at Cats & Critters Veterinary Hospital and East River Veterinary Hospital. He received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine. After two years in practice Dr. McKinney attended Tufts University, where he received his Master of Science in Conservation Medicine in 2013. Most recently he worked at a small veterinary practice in the greater Buff alo area. His professional interests include exotic animals, wildlife and internal medicine. Dr. McKinney shares his home with his wife, Elizabeth, and four cats; Max, Jawa, Viggo and Vlad.

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