Interesting Medical Case — Squirrel
Squirrel's stone was a bit camera shy, but this one looks strikingly similar!
Recognizing February as Pet Dental Health Month
You may have seen signs around advertising that February is Pet Dental Health Month. At North Portland Veterinary Hospital, we honor Pet Dental Month all year long. When you bring in your pet for their wellness check-up, our doctors assess their dental health. Sometimes we recommend an anesthetic dental cleaning, sometimes we simply talk to you about what you can do at home to improve your pet’s dental health. If an anesthetic dental cleaning is recommended, we give you a coupon for $50 off that procedure if it is performed in the next 3 months. We even are able to make payment arrangements in most cases. These deals are available all year long, you just have to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations!
Dental health is important!
Bacteria in the mouth is part of what makes bites so dangerous.
Bacteria build up turns to plaque and than to calculus. Each stage is more difficult to remove from teeth than the last.
Did you know that your pet can get cavities?
Gum inflammation (any chronic inflammation) can lead to heart disease.
Did you know that the best thing that you can do for your pets teeth is to brush them every day?!
(Please don’t sting me up, I’m just the messenger!) We know that this is a hard task to accomplish. Developing good habits takes time, yes. But overall, you should be able to reach a point where brushing your pets teeth takes less time than brushing your own.
Need help getting started?
Give us a call, we can schedule appointments with the technicians for demos, or with your veterinarian for an oral check up. We also have goodie bags that take you through the steps to brush on your own.
Or you could check out these links:
The American Veterinary Medical Association has a great video on brushing. Cornell University also has a great video on Brushing Cat Teeth, and how to get your cat to like it!
GPS Pet Tag — On Groupon Now!
Groupon deals are something we talk about “behind the scenes.” You know, the “what did you do this weekend?” chatter that co-workers share at the water cooler, coffee pot, or while drawing up vaccines. This Groupon deal I thought would probab
ly interest some of our readers, so I’m linking to it here.
One of the most common questions asked when talking about microchips is, “Isn’t that like GPS tracking or something? What’s next ‘chipping people?” And the answer to that is “Nope. A microchip is a permanent identification tag.”
Well now there is a company that is making tracking devices for your pets to wear (note, this is not something that can be inserted, like a microchip). In fact, it looks just like any other pet tag.
And our friends at Groupon have brought the price down substantially. Woohoo!
Please let us know if you have ordered one, already have one, and what you think about this pet recovery method.
Oh, and the Groupon deal is only good through January 25th.
IQ testing for cats
There is an 8th grade student, at the Beaverton School District’s gifted middle school program, who is collecting data on cat intelligence for a science project. The goal is to create an IQ scale for cats.
Intelligence Quotient, or IQ, scoring has similar flaws across species, particularly when it comes to examiner bias and interpretation of results. But it is still a fun thing to think about!
If you have the time, and a feline subject who is able to complete the test, you should check this out and participate.
Tree Cat-astrophe Sidestepped
A friend recently asked me how to keep her new kitten out of the Christmas tree. I jokingly told her to hang the tree upside down from the ceiling. Not the most useful of replies, but I don’t have the most experience in that department.
I haven’t had a traditional Christmas tree in years. I had a living tree in a pot (a ficus) that got strung with miniature lights and paper decorations for years. Part of that was because I was a poor college student already with said ficus, and another part was because I didn’t trust my cats not to make a mess/hurt themselves/otherwise get into mischief.
My cats like to climb in the fireplace and roll around in the soot. They go crazy when they hear the bag of wrapping paper come out, because they know that kitty crack (aka curling ribbon) comes with wrapping paper. They like to bat at candle flames.
So, yes, I do let my feline friends dictate what the holiday looks like in my house. And that leaves me ill equip to give advise on Christmas trees and kittens. It turns out that my flippant response wasn’t all that far off the mark.
Here is what is recommended to “pet proof” your Christmas tree:
- Anchor the bottom securely
- Anchor top of tree to ceiling (use fishing line)
- Use a lidded base for the tree, so you can add water and not have pets fishing in it. (Still water can breed bacteria)
- Beware of “icicles” or other stringy tinsel
- Cover cords with barriers (such as “critter cord”) to avoid chewing
- Hang any glass or breakable ornaments high out of reach of paws and wagging tails.
- Keep edible gifts hidden away until they are to be opened.
- Watch for dried pine needles, they can cause stomach upset.
The tree is the most obvious “danger zone,” but also to be taken into account are holiday plants (holly, mistletoe, lilies, and the lesser but often thought of poinsettia), increased foot traffic, potpourri – both liquid and sachets, unattended food and drinks, and snow globes.
For more tips on holiday pet safety visit the ASPCA website.
Photos of Kiss courtesy of lillyblossom.com. Photo of Pretty © s.c.spencer.
Growing Concern Over Jerky Treats
The FDA has its hackles raised again over possible illness in dogs related to the treats they are fed. The current suspect: chicken treats for dogs, that can be sold as jerky, strips, tenders, or chews. The treats in questions originate from China. At this point in time there are no conclusive leads, but this “caution” from the federal government is not the first of its kind in recent years. In 2005, there was the giant pet-food melamine recall. In 2007, the FDA gave “warning” about jerky treats for dogs, seemingly unrelated to the early melamine contamination. That warning was elevated to a “caution” in 2008, and then things went quiet.
Perhaps people were paying more attention to where their dog treats were coming from. Or maybe they were making treats at home. 2008 found us in the middle of the housing bust, maybe there were cases of dogs getting sick from treats, but not reportably because the affected families weren’t able to seek veterinary attention, or there were just bigger news items than a “caution” from the FDA.
Part of the issue seems to be that the FDA doesn’t know where to point the finger. They report that research is being done to pin-point the root of the problem. Thus far, they have ruled out melamine. Regardless, we need to know how to keep our pets safe. And how can we do that proactively?
First, buy local. Treat their food as you do your own. Our pets’ metabolism is remarkably faster than ours, so illness pops up a lot sooner.
If your dog is a jerky addict, then purchase a dehydrator (often seen at thrift stores) and make your own.
Save your packaging. If you cannot recall what type of food or treats you are offering, keep the label. You never know when it could be important.
One of the things that I do when I open a new bag of cat food, is dump it into a plastic storage container. I know lots of people do that. It keeps the pets from helping themselves, or pests from getting into it. Something that I could be better about, is clipping the information from the bag and taping it to the container. What information is important? Well to begin with, the brand name, type, and flavor. The expiration dates and lot numbers are crucial if there is a recall — finding those 2 pieces of information can be tough (check along the seams of the bag and by the proof-of-purchase barcode). That barcode could be useful also. Actually, the FDA has a whole list of things that would be helpful if you ever suspect a problem.
In the case of the “off” chicken jerky/tenders/strips/treats, here are the symptoms that have been reported so far:
- decreased appetite;
- decreased activity;
- vomiting;
- diarrhea, sometimes with blood;
- increased water consumption
- and/or increased urination.
As always, monitor your pets’ behavior. If you notice anything odd, give us a call. Likely, the recommendation will be to schedule an appointment or come right in, depending on a number of factors.
Thankful For Rescued “Gray-bys”
When I was a junior in college (the first time around), I lived in a farmhouse with a handful of other girls. One night we were making the trek back from campus and saw a cat in our drivewa
y. He ran off before we could really find him, so we left some food out. In two days, we had a new cat. This was a straggly cat, who had obviously seen better days, with inward turned feet and a funny gait, kinks in his tail and scars on his ears and nose. JC was a skinny guy, not much more than bones, although he was obviously an intrepid hunter. That first night we saw him, it was when he popped up out of the tall grass, pouncing on his dinner.
Once JC grew comfortable with us, we took him in for a check up and the vet told us that he was at least 7 years old, maybe as much as thirteen. This was largely based off his atrocious mouth, he would shortly have all but 4 teeth extracted. Cats are considered seniors when they are 8 years old. A group of college girls had just gotten adopted by one old man cat. He loved it.
JC was not a cat that we would have gone out of our way to adopt. After all the elderly need medicating, and don’t live long, and kittens are just so stinkin’ cute! But he adopted us and that was the end of it.
Except it wasn’t. JC lived another 9 years, with arthritis and eventually renal failure. JC’s life doubled in the time he had us; time I sincerely doubt he would have had otherwise. Even in a shelter setting he probably wouldn’t have lived that long.
JC was a sweet, albeit very drooly cat. I sure will miss him. Don’t wait to be adopted by a senior pet, make your next family member a fur gray-by. (Gray, as in old, -by like baby or loved one.) November was declared National Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month. In recognition of that, and to honor those who are able to adopt a gray-by, we are offering a web-based discount. Each new senior shelter pet will have their senior bloodwork discounted by $20. Just tell the front desk, “I love my new gray-by,” and we’ll apply the discount.
STAY Pet Hotel
If you are looking for luxury accommodations for your furry best friends (good enough for humans, even) then STAY Pet Hotel may be the answer. It is called “a boutique hotel for dogs”.
I toured the facility and was very amazed at how clean and good smelling is was. It was about 9 am, the dogs were being fed and barking to get out to the play yard.
Kim, the owner said that she and her husband had an in home pet sitting business in 2002. Then they bought this facility in 2006 which was previously a boarding kennel but was in bad shape.
They have done a wonderful job rejuvenating and remodeling making it a perfect place for your dogs to have a comfortable, warm and fun vacation while you are away. Kim and her husband live very close by. The facility also has an apartment where an employee lives full time.
The address of STAY is 3606 NE Columbia Blvd. in Portland. Their telephone number is 503-288-7829. So give them a call to reserve a “pampered vacation” for your special 4-legged friend!
Loralei, CVT
Who was really “Lucky?”
Weight loss and cats. Seems to be a common thread here? Really this fascination stems from my own battle with the kitty bulge. I know how tough it can be. Its a long road, and you do not have to go it alone. And neither does this “Lucky” cat, who is now named for the piece of furniture that he most resembled. I wonder if they will change his name again when his transformation is complete…?
~Cara
**Disclaimer**
**While Otto’s monthly weight loss goal is 1 pound per month, this is not a rate that we would recommend without strict veterinary oversight. Please bear in mind that Otto is living with veterinary staff who are able to continually monitor his health.**
Morbidly obese cat gets a second chance at life
This article is from the American Animal Hospital Trends news magazine.
When his owner brought 35-pound “Lucky” to an animal hospital in January to be euthanized for improper litterbox habits resulting from extreme obesity, the staff at Clementon Animal Hospital in New Jersey didn’t know what to do.
Sachina Lyons, DVM, suggested finding a way to sponsor the animal’s weight loss diet so that it could be of minimal cost to the owner. When the owner declined, the hospital also offered to do free regular weight loss checks for the cat to help him stay on track with a new diet and weight loss plan. Finally, Lyons flat-out refused to put the cat to sleep, upsetting the cat’s owner.
A staff member suggested the owner turn the cat over to the hospital, at which point the owner dropped the cat’s carrier on the floor and walked out.
Originally named Lucky, the practice is now calling the obese feline “Otto” due to his ottoman-like figure. The staff at the hospital has fallen in love with the cat, and the practice is working with Otto to get him back down to a normal weight.
Otto’s story is an example of pet overeating gone dangerously wrong.
Though people find Otto to be cute due to his large size, the serious health risks can put his life at risk, the hospital says. In people terms, a 35-pound cat is equivalent to a 500-pound person. Health threats can include diabetes, liver disease, joint pain, skin problems and digestive problems.”People just don’t realize that obesity can run in our pets too,” Greaney said. “Over-the-counter foods might not be the best for them – it can be the equivalent of feeding your pet McDonald’s every day, which most people don’t realize.”
So far, the 10-year-old cat is surprisingly very healthy other than being morbidly obese, Greaney says. Other than taking pain management medications for very bad arthritis and being restricted to a calorie-control high fiber diet, he is not currently facing any other health issues.
Despite being locked in a basement with minimal contact from people, those who know Otto say he is extremely people-friendly and affectionate.
“He is the most loving and affectionate cat you can imagine. What impressed me the most about him was how affectionate he is after spending his life in the basement with very little contact with people,” said Wanda Ross, practice consultant for the American Animal Hospital Association. “He has a very dedicated fan base between clients and Facebook followers.”
The cat faces no shortage of love around the office: Staff members rotate taking him home on the weekends to care for him, and original plans of adopting him out have been abandoned as the hospital employees have fallen in love with him.
“Everyone is so attached to him now, I don’t think we could let him leave the hospital,” Greaney said.
Otto has even become a local and national celebrity for his “fat feline figure” and affectionate nature. The local NBC affiliate in Philadelphia, Pa., filmed a segment about Otto and the clinic’s weight loss efforts for him; Otto also traveled to New York for a special appearance on the “Today Show”, and has even been considered for Animal Planet’s “Must Love Cats” show.
The hospital is on track to have Otto lose a pound a month as a part of his weight loss plan. As of Oct. 14, 2011, he is down to 27 pounds, 10 ounces. The hospital is aiming to get Otto’s weight down to that of a healthy 12-13 pound range of a normal cat.
Fluorescent Cats To Fight AIDS
Fluorescent kitty pictures started flying around social networking sites recently. The pictures are supercute, but did leave some folks wondering, “is this news or perhaps just seasonal, after all Halloween is just around the corner.” Wonder no more, faithful readers, the glowing kitty is not just festive, but news! This research (ahem) sheds some light on possible immunizations therapies — that will benefit our feline family as much as our human brethren.
This article was reprinted from the American Animal Hospital Association. Enjoy.
ROCHESTER, Minn. — Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a genome-based immunization strategy to fight feline AIDS and illuminate ways to combat human HIV/AIDS and other diseases. The goal is to create cats with intrinsic immunity to the feline AIDS virus. The findings — called fascinating and landmark by one reviewer — appear in the current online issue of Nature Methods.
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) causes AIDS in cats as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) does in people: by depleting the body’s infection-fighting T-cells. The feline and human versions of key proteins that potently defend mammals against virus invasion — termed restriction factors — are ineffective against FIV and HIV respectively. The Mayo team of physicians, virologists, veterinarians and gene therapy researchers, along with collaborators in Japan, sought to mimic the way evolution normally gives rise over vast time spans to protective protein versions. They devised a way to insert effective monkey versions of them into the cat genome.
“One of the best things about this biomedical research is that it is aimed at benefiting both human and feline health,” says Eric Poeschla, M.D., Mayo molecular biologist and leader of the international study. “It can help cats as much as people.”
Dr. Poeschla treats patients with HIV and researches how the virus replicates. HIV/AIDS has killed over 30 million people and left countless children orphaned, with no effective vaccine on the horizon. Less well known is that millions of cats also suffer and die from FIV/AIDS each year. Since the project concerns ways introduced genes can protect species against viruses, the knowledge and technology it produces might eventually assist conservation of wild feline species, all 36 of which are endangered.
The technique is called gamete-targeted lentiviral transgenesis — essentially, inserting genes into feline oocytes (eggs) before sperm fertilization. Succeeding with it for the first time in a carnivore, the team inserted a gene for a rhesus macaque restriction factor known to block cell infection by FIV, as well as a jellyfish gene for tracking purposes. The latter makes the offspring cats glow green.
The macaque restriction factor, TRIMCyp, blocks FIV by attacking and disabling the virus’s outer shield as it tries to invade a cell. The researchers know that works well in a culture dish and want to determine how it will work in vivo. This specific transgenesis (genome modification) approach will not be used directly for treating people with HIV or cats with FIV, but it will help medical and veterinary researchers understand how restriction factors can be used to advance gene therapy for AIDS caused by either virus.
The method for inserting genes into the feline genome is highly efficient, so that virtually all offspring have the genes. And the defense proteins are made throughout the cat’s body. The cats with the protective genes are thriving and have produced kittens whose cells make the proteins, thus proving that the inserted genes remain active in successive generations.
The other researchers are Pimprapar Wongsrikeao, D.V.M., Ph.D.; Dyana Saenz, Ph.D.; and Tommy Rinkoski, all of Mayo Clinic; and Takeshige Otoi, Ph.D., of Yamaguchi University, Japan. The research was supported by Mayo Clinic and the Helen C. Levitt Foundation. Grants from the National Institutes of Health supported key prior technology developments in the laboratory.
