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Rutland & Addison County Fall 2018
A Happy Litter Box A Veterans Day Tribute to Nemo Pet Emergencies That Require Immediate Attention! A Holistic Look at Treating Cancer Does Your Pet Have Dental Disease?
Inside this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail
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2. A Cat and a Dog That LOVE Traveling Together 3. Woman Replaces Sister's Ex-Boyfriend with a Cat 4. Ginger Cat Finds an Uninvited Guest in His Bed 5. Camp Whiskers & Wags
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A look back at summer fun
6. Kingsley Robin Poirier
A local cat who make his mark at Starbucks
7. Chase Away Canine Cancer Debbie Safron
How one local couple was inspired to help others battle canine cancer
8. Wag It Forward Mark your calendar for October 14
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and Chittenden County's biggest dog festival
10. The Healing Power of Dogs Debbie Schoch
A firsthand account of the impact of therapy dogs at Rutland Regional Medical Center
12. Alternatively Speaking: A Holistic Look at Treating Cancer Anne Carroll, DVM 14. Why is my Dog So Itchy? M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM
Even in fall, allergies may be the culprit
16. Tick Disease Catherine MacLean, DVM 18. 13 Common Pet Emergencies That Need IMMEDIATE Attention! 20. Dental Radiographs Kristin Esterbrook, DVM
Making Your Pet's Oral Health Assessment and Treatment Complete
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22. 5 Easy Pet Cleaning Tips for Seniors Victoria Schade 23. Fall Safety Concerns for Animals 24. Nemo: He Was the First of His Kind A tribute to all Vietnam veterans and one dog who served his country
26. Thinking Outside the Box Holly McClelland
Alternatives to traditional clay cat litter
27. Simple Ways to Keep Cats Off Your Kitchen Counter Tess Wilson 28. The Coolidge Dogs (and Other Animals) Kate Kelly
A look at the four legged friends of this Vermonter and our 30th President, Calvin Coolidge
4 Legs & a Tail Volume R.318 P.O. Box 841 Lebanon, NH 03766
Publishers: Tim Goodwin, Tim Hoehn Senior Editor: Scott Palzer Office Manager: Beth Hoehn Graphic Design:
603-727-9214
Kristin Wolff, Kate Kurtz
TimH.4LT@gmail.com
Sales Manager: Ashley Charron
Fall 2018
If you have a tale about a tail or a photo that will make us smile, we’d like to hear from you. 4 Legs & a Tail is published quarterly and distributed free of charge throughout Western VT. 4 Legs & a Tail, Inc. is locally owned and operated and acts as a moderator without approving, disapproving or guaranteeing the validity or accuracy of any data or claim. Any reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.
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A Cat and a Dog that LOVE Traveling Together C
ynthia Bennett and her boyfriend, both based in Colorado, are keen hikers, back in 2014 they adopted their dog Henry at a puppy adoption event. “We looked around and Henry was just sitting there,” explained Cynthia. “They said he was only 3 and a half months, but he was like five times bigger than the other 3 and a half-month old puppies. And he had these long legs, and the body type of a wolf or husky.” Even though he was only 14 weeks old, it wasn’t long before he began hiking with them. “I think we only had him for three days when we took him on our first hike, which was to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs,” she said. “He found the steepest, tallest rock around, and he ran up to the top of it to look over the edge.” Soon the couple decided to extend their family and began the search for a kitten. “I really wanted a rescue kitten. I’d looked for five months, and I saw lots of different kittens, but none of them really had the right personality or fit. I knew that I wanted to take him anywhere — camping, hiking.” It was then that they found Baloo at a local animal shelter. He was a Siamese mix and as soon as they met a bond was formed. “He ran right up to me,” Cynthia said. “And he was the one who played, but he wasn’t the most rowdy.”
This kitty has a taste for adventure and loves to go hiking with his family… “He’s definitely not the kind of cat we can leave home alone on the weekend anymore, I think he thinks he’s more a dog than anything.” Baloo is so attached to the big pooch that when Cynthia put him onto Henry’s head for a photo — he liked it so much that it became a favorite spot! This loving family is so happy together that I’m sure there’ll be many more adventures ahead of them. You can see more of Baloo, Henry and Cynthia on Instagram All images @henrythecoloradodog
They took Baloo home and introduced him to Henry, it was love at first sight as Baloo immediately snuggled up to the big dog. Before long, Baloo started joining the family on their trips and they have wonderful adventures together which they have documented with these beautiful photos. It was love at first sight for Baloo and Henry and the two companions have become inseparable. 2 4 Legs & a Tail
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Woman Replaces Sister’s Ex-Boyfriend with Cat in Family Photos W
hen 27-year-old Chloe Forsberg of Southampton, England, broke up with her boyfriend, her sister Emily decided there was only one course of action to make her sister feel better, remove him from all the family photos so that they were not a constant reminder of the failed four year relationship. But not only did Emily remove him from all the pics, she replaced him with pictures of Chloe’s cat Woof. “My cousin got married and my boyfriend — we were together four years — he was in all the official pictures,” Chloe told Today. “When we broke up six months (after the wedding), my sister thought it’d be fun to replace him with a picture of my cat. It was a joke, really. I felt a bit bad to have the pictures ruined with photos of him. But my sister made me feel a bit better about it.” And the best part of this story? No PhotoShop skills were required. Emily did it all using Microsoft Paint! Fall 2018
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Ginger Cat Finds an Uninvited Guest in His Bed A
ginger cat named George was horrified today when an uninvited guest decided to use his bed while he was having a walk in the garden. George’s human, Meloney Blaze, couldn’t believe her eyes. “When I came downstairs, and walked past the kitchen into the bathroom, I did a double take as in the kitchen window I could see a pair of huge ears. I thought, “hmm, those are not the cat’s ears”, and I turned the light on to look at what was in the cat’s bed – and it was a fox!” “He was very tame, he did not want to leave. George was outside the window and was not impressed, I had to let him in the bathroom window. He jumped on the side and leapt into action and was telling the fox off – he was even hissing at him, but the fox just looked at him.” Meloney, from London, UK, explained that she had woken in the night to let George out of the kitchen window so he could go into the garden, the fox must of sneaked in after she’d gone back to bed and had made itself at home in the kitty’s bed. When George returned, he tried to scare the uninvited guest away by hissing, but the fox refused to budge until Meloney grabbed the bed and tipped the fox out of the window. “He was very tame,” she explained, “he did not want to leave.” And with the cold spell that is sweeping across the UK at the moment, who can really blame him!
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Campers provide a shelter cat with some TLC during post-lunch “Story Time Snuggles” at Camp Whiskers & Wags.
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Zeeke, an adoptable dog at Homeward Bound, pays campers a visit during week one of Camp Whiskers & Wags.
Fall 2018
omeward Bound hosted Camp Whiskers & Wags for the third year in a row this summer. Thirty seven area children ages 7-10 took part in the humane education camp. The humane society has plans to expand camp offerings during the 2018-2019 school year.
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Kingsley Robin Poirier
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e lost Kingsley last year to cancer. He was an extraordinary fella with a large fan base. Kingsley became an Ambassador Cat at animal events, where he ultimately caught the eye of a woman who does pet talent. Along with his public appearances we were fortunate enough to get him to NYC for some filming and photo shoots. His most notable was for designer Kate Spade who we have also just lost. She was an amazing person, designer and she loved using animals in her fashion lines and PR. Although she sold her name, she still oversaw her brand and loved Kingsley. In 2016 we also put Kingsley on the show circuit with The International Cat Association where he became a regional winner. Believe it or not, they do the same with Cats as they do with dogs like with the Westminster, you just don’t see it televised as much. Perhaps the most fun story was amidst his travels where he helped in innovating his favorite product. We travel across the country twice a year. In Nashville, TN while addressing my Latte fix in a Starbucks drive-thru, Kingsley waltzed over to the window to greet the staff. He had to meet everyone. They said they offered ‘Puppacinos’ for dogs but had never seen a cat come thru before. That day the ‘Catpuccino’ was born and yes cream was the main ingredient-not the best thing for them, but we all need to splurge sometime.
Bears ‘Guard’ Cannabis Fields Police in Canada found themselves dealing with some unlikely criminals, when they discovered a gang of bears guarding a marijuana farm during a raid. Five police officers had been called to the marijuana plantation to dismantle the farm and arrest two men, but found themselves confronted by 13 black bears. Fortunately police soon realized that they showed no signs of aggressive behavior and were in fact tame. 6 4 Legs & a Tail
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Chase Away Canine Cancer Debbie Safran
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e (my now-husband and I) noticed something was wrong in October 2006. The vet thought it was probably arthritis—Ellie was almost 10 after all—and sent us home with a bottle of carprofen. When the pills stopped working after a few days, we scheduled x-rays. That’s when we got the devastating news. Osteosarcoma. It’s one thing to know osteosarcoma is the leading cause of death in greyhounds. It’s another thing to know it will cause the death of your greyhound. The next few days were a blur. Crying. Meeting with specialists. Calling friends and family, “Ellie is dying!” And the guilt, oh, the guilt. All the signs she gave us, which we chalked up to her age. Truth is, it’s hard play when there’s a tumor at the head of your femur, jamming into your hip socket. But guilt doesn’t change the decision we needed to make. E uthanasia. Amputation. Pain management. How to treat your dog’s cancer is deeply personal. You have to consider what you can emotionally and financially handle. What your dog can emotionally and physically handle. I looked into Ellie’s big brown eyes and saw that she wanted the pain to stop. But she wasn’t ready to go. She had three good legs, a clear chest x-ray, and lots of life left. So, on November 6, 2006, little Ellie’s lost her left hind leg. The dog community showered us with more love and support than I could have imagined. And I knew, after Ellie recovered, I’d pay it forward.
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That same year, Cera Reusser got devastating news of her own. Her dock diving champion, Chase, was also diagnosed with cancer—nasal carcinoma—and was gone before her first chemotherapy treatment. To cope with this loss, Cera set her sights on a cure for this devastating disease. And founded Chase Away K9 Cancer. This grassroots campaign, under the National Canine Cancer Foundation, has so far raised $1.2 million and funded 17 research grants. Though we live 3,000 miles apart, it was only a matter of time before my and Cera’s paths would cross. Maybe because of the catchy nonprofit name. Or the Stephen Huneck-designed custom logo. Or maybe it was our shared passion. It was probably a combination of all three. Regardless, I needed to bring Chase Away K9 Cancer to Vermont. Because my husband and I have runners, not dock-divers, I took a different approach. In 2011, I organized the first-ever Chase Away 5K. Experts told me to expect about 50 runners that first year. We had almost 100. And the event keeps growing. It means so much to our repeat runners. To those who include their dogs’ names on the back of the event tee (which lists “We’re Running For…”). Who share with me their stories—and photos!—at fundraising events, before the run, and after. Who use the Chase Away 5K to build their own support network. Everyone wants to feel like part of the solution. Chase Away K9 Cancer gives them that chance.
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WAG IT FORWARD D
o you love animals? Do you want a fun and meaningful way to “pay it forward”? Then do we have the event for you! Last year Pet Food Warehouse presented the first annual Wag It Forward: A Festival for Pets. Despite some dodgy weather in the morning, it was a blast and a smashing success with an estimated 1558 human
attendees, 714 dogs, 50 non-profit groups, and 30 vendors. This year, as part of celebrating Pet Food Warehouse’s 35 years in business, the 2nd Annual Wag It Forward Festival will be the dog event of the year; a benefit party you won’t want to miss! On Sunday, October 14th, Pet Food Warehouse will close up both stores for
the day and head over to the Champlain Valley Exposition to host the community and their pets at this fun filled fest. It all kicks off with the 8th Annual VetriScience Chase Away K9 Cancer 5K. Registration begins at 8 am and the race starts at 9 am. Runners and walkers can pre-register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/VT/EssexJunction/ ChaseAway5K. All Chase Away 5K runners and walkers will receive free entry to Wag It Forward after the race with their race bib. The gates for Wag It Forward open to the public at 10 am. Want to skip the lines? You can pre-buy WIF tickets and pick up your canine waiver at either Pet Food Warehouse location now! Tickets are $5 minimum donation for adults. Kids and pets are free! All profits equally benefit participating non-profit animal welfare groups. At Wag It Forward we love wet dogs! Dock Dogs will compete on-site thanks to the generous support of GlycoFlex Continued Next Page
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and Pets Global, providing the opportunity for your dog to show off some water skills, too. The competition begins Saturday, October 13th at 3:00 pm and runs through Wag It Forward. If you’d like to participate in the jumps you can register on-site at 9am each day or, preferably, online at dockdogs.com. A variety of other demonstrations will be running throughout the day courtesy of 802 Disc Dogs, MotoDog Training, Comfort Hill Kennel, A Passion for Pets, and the Humane Society of Chittenden County! The Grift, Vermont’s premier goodtime party band, will keep us all moving with their booty-shaking grooves. Come hungry! We’ll have tons of local food options and, for the beer and wine drinking crowd, a beer tent nestled by the band will be the perfect spot to socialize with your two, three and four-legged friends. But, what will the kids do? They’ll bounce in a castle, get their faces painted and get inked at our (temporary) tattoo booth! Looking to memorialize the day? Stop by the bandana tie-dye station or step up to Photobooth Planet with your pup and walk away with a one-of-a-kind mementos. Be sure to get there early to participate in our costume parade and contest that starts at noon sharp. Place in the top three of any of the categories to win some goodies! The categories this year are: Matching Duos; Superheroes; and in honor of Pet Food Warehouse’s 35 anniversary, the 1980’s! The event is generously sponsored by many local and national businesses, including: GlycoFlex, Pets Global, Pronature, WellPet, Grizzly Pet Products, Healthy Hemp Pet, Sojos, American Natural Premium, BEVS, Koha, Laurie’s All Natural Products, Oma’s Pride, Petmate, PetSafe, The Honest Kitchen, The Pour House, PetSafe, Triumph, Vital Essentials, and so many more! Without these great sponsorships, we wouldn’t be able to provide a no cost avenue for local animal welfare and rescue groups to help raise awareness and funds as a community. Joining the non-profit organizations are tons of animal loving vendors who have dedicated their time and energy to creating unique products and experiences for your pets. We can’t wait to celebrate Pet Food Warehouse’s 35th anniversary with you and your pets on a beautiful fall day. For more details about the event, visit www. pfwvt.com/wag-itforward-a-festival-for-pets.html. For questions about the day’s events, please contact Ginny at ginny@pfwvt.com.
Fall 2018
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The Healing Power of Dogs Debbie Schoch, Director Volunteer Services Rutland Regional Medical Center
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he Animal Assisted Therapy program at Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC) spreads joy to patients and staff every day! The first visits began in November 2009 after many people got together to create and implement this extraordinary program -ranging from local therapy dog organizations, occupational therapists, psychiatric services staff, nurses and leaders. Hospitals are very controlled settings and having a therapy dog program can restore a sense of daily normalcy for the patient. It can distract a patient by reducing their anxiety, creating pleasant memories, and even help restore range-of-motion. It can be an important part of a patient’s healing. The RRMC visits started with patients on the Psychiatric Services Inpatient Unit, complimenting group guided therapy. It was so successful; the visits grew to other areas of the hospital. There are currently 23 RRMC registered therapy dogs visiting patients seven days a week. The dogs come in all sizes, breeds and ages but have one thing in common – an extraordinary empathy and patience towards the patients. We are so grateful to their handlers who selflessly give their time and talent to the hospital, often between their own full time jobs and active schedules. The joy on patient’s faces and the quotes from our volunteers and staff says it all! Here’s what several of them shared: “When I started volunteering at the hospital about 9 months ago, Murfree and I went for 5th floor visits and it’s now evolved into psych department visits. With his constant wagging tail Continued Next Page
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and happy demeanor he’s managed to bring smiles to patients and staff alike. Recently one of my other pups, Squeak, has become a certified therapy dog and he can be seen on the 4th floor with his big poof of a tail wagging as he goes to greet each new friend” - Linda Barker, Volunteer. “One of June and my new favorite spots to visit is the Foley Cancer Center waiting room. The patients and the folks just seem to soak up the good feelings that the dogs so happily give. On our most recent visit, one of the staff told us how much it meant to the people waiting for treatment to have the comfort the dogs give, but really, the rewards to us as handlers are just as great,” - Linda Somerville, Volunteer. “I have been able to sit in during many Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) groups that are provided to our patients on the Psychiatric Services Inpatient Unit (PSIU), and it is a wonderful experience for all involved. It is one of the best attended groups on the unit and the dogs, each in their own way, bring smiles and laughs to those who have not experienced joy in a long time. The group time with the dogs is often quiet, with only the laughs of the patients and snorts of the dogs’ audible for all to hear. AAT is a tremendous gift to our unit and our patients.” - Lindsey Lyle, RN Clinical Manager, Psychiatric Inpatient Service.
settings as a health delivery system on four legs”. -Mark Szuchman, Volunteer “From my perspective, therapy work is very rewarding. In addition to hearing the supportive comments and feedback from the staff around the benefits to the patients, I see the enjoyment my dog gets from participating. It is a win, “I have been with psychiatric ser- win, win situation where the patient, vices for three years and I love the AAT my dog and I are all able to benefit program! The patients are always so from the interaction that therapy work excited to see the pets, as they are miss- provides”. - Alice Ayres, Volunteer ing their own, and have positive energy “It’s easy to see that our dogs make before, during, and after the pet’s visit. patients smile. As a handler, we can see There is research on the positive effects the healing effects of a wagging tail. A of animal therapy and I am so glad visit by a dog can help a patient experiwe offer that on our unit. The dogs ence more comfort and love and less are well trained and provide positive stress in a hospital environment which energy during a difficult time in our can be stressful and scary. Our dogs patient’s lives.” - Michelle Hoffman, MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
also light up the visitors of the patients and the staff, bringing smiles and relief from the stress of caring for patients. You can see how the dogs have a calming effect on people they visit with, whether it’s a patient, a visitor, or a staff member.”- Jane Klonsky, Volunteer “When Jack and I visit RRMC, we seem to make a positive impact not only on patients, but also on staff, physicians, medical staff, visitors, and other teams, and employees. Smiles appear when anyone meets Jack and his consistently wagging tail, and that always completes our goal. We also hear, “You have really made my day.” We appreciate the opportunity to make a difference. Hopefully, we are succeeding.”- Patti Chartrand, Volunteer
“The positive effect of touch on humans has long been the subject of research (e.g., the work of Dr. Tiffany Fields at the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami Medical School). We know some of the effects of being touched — and the not-so-positive consequence of touch deprivation. Dog therapy extends touch benefits by giving patients the opportunity to be the providers of touch, with the stress reduction that accompanies it. This is our biological response, wired to our brains. So, think of a dog in therapy Fall 2018
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Alternatively Speaking :
A Holistic Look at Treating Cancer Dr. Anne Carroll, DVM, CVA
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ancer can be a daunting and very intimidating diagnosis to receive for a loved pet. It comes with a stigma that causes us to go to that worst place, fearing a disease that is impossible to treat. But if we take a moment to put those knee-jerk emotions aside, cancer is just like many other diseases. Modern research is constantly identifying the mechanisms by which specific types of tumors operate in the body, and in doing so uncover their vulnerabilities. This information allows us to develop modern tools to use in the fight against cancer, some of which rely on harnessing the body’s own immune system to engage in the battle. Meanwhile, we also have far older tools long used by alternative practitioners. In our hospital, we use Chinese medicine, homeopathic remedies and nutrition to treat the imminent
threat of a cancer and attempt to subdue it into a manageable condition while preserving a good quality of life. Before launching into a discussion on cancer itself, let’s back up to before we reach that diagnosis. After all, holistic medicine is as much about prevention as it is about treating illness. When pet guardians and veterinarians team up to promote ideal health in advance that is where we see the most impact on quality and length of our animal’s lives. When I am assessing a young healthy animal from a Chinese perspective, I am looking for that animal’s weaknesses or areas of imbalance, some call that their ‘constitution’. Every medical philosophy I can think of, even Western medicine to a lesser extent, takes the patient’s constitution into account when trying
to prevent or treat disease. Do they struggle with obesity, get lots of infections that are smelly, and tend to be hyper? Or are they thin, timid, and have a dull dandery coat? Just as their constitutions differ, so will these animal’s medical complaints, and when using Chinese medical philosophy the nature of those medical complaints are fairly predictable in advance. Ideally we take this predictive information and use diet, herbs, etc. early on to minimize that basic imbalance, because without intervention the body will take its own measures to function as best as possible in the short term. The issue comes over time when these quickfix workarounds interfere with the ways the body was ideally designed to operate, and that opens the door for acute, then chronic disease, and in many cases finally a cancer. So let’s say we did not have an opportunity to identify and address imbalances in advance and now our dog or cat has an illness. We use the same assessment technique to treat disease issues when they occur, and that includes cancer. Identifying imbalance is often not as straight forward in this case as in younger pets, since over time the body has made many different attempts to ‘fix’ things. We are often addressing patterns like layers in an onion, dealing with the current situation and slowly working back to the core issue as we discover it. We can use Elsie Mae as an example. She is a 9 year old Golden Retriever, diagnosed with an aggressive and inoperable thyroid cancer by MRI. The thyroid gland is in charge of the body’s metabolic rate, and Elsie’s tumor was forcing it into an overactive hyperthyroid condition that is not typical in dogs. She had a fast heart rate, was panting all the time, and unable to settle quietly due to a constant feeling of restlessness. Medications were used to bring her thyroid levels down, but her symptoms were not going away, so her owner wanted to explore any alternative options. When we saw Elsie she was just as described above, by all impressions a hot and slightly Continued Next Page
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restless dog which is not unusual for the types of imbalances we see in her breed. However, her tongue and pulse showed a different story, that Elsie’s problem was metaphorically one of stagnant circulation of blood and a lack of that cooling fluid. Her ‘heat’ in this moment was more a side condition, like a car radiator that overheats when it doesn’t have enough coolant. Elsie had already outlived the time her veterinarians had predicted for her and now her quality of life was declining, so we used acupuncture and homeopathy to try to get some immediate relief. Elsie’s response was dramatic and rapid. That same evening after her first treatment, her panting and restlessness were gone, and those symptoms did not return for two weeks. This type of symptom management is not always so complete for every patient but most do have some response, enough to give us time to address the pattern of imbalance with slower acting herbs and diet. In Elsie’s case we also used aggressive supports known to hamper cancer cells such as Vitamin A and medical mushrooms to try to slow her cancer’s progression and spread. Perhaps more importantly, holistic supports often achieve our primary goal, to make patients like Elsie Mae feel well for whatever time they have left, however long that may be. Not all cases require an aggressive intervention using so many tools. Some tumors are slow to cause issues and we are not as pressured to do a lot quickly. Take Rudy for example, a 13 year old mixed breed dog who came in for his annual checkup with complaints of being a bit less active than usual. An examination found some enlargement of his abdomen and an xray confirmed a large mass that was taking up enough of his midsection that his intestines were crowded into his lower belly. His person decided that any invasive intervention was not the best choice for Rudy. So Dr Black, our homeopathic practitioner, prescribed a remedy and afterwards Rudy felt better. His energy improved, and over the next year and a half his mass reduced in size as he took nutritional supports and a series of adjusted homeopathic remedies to fit his changing condition. The mass is still there, but is being effectively managed so it does not pose any immediate concern to his well-being, and that is all we ever hope for when dealing with any serious disease. Fall 2018
Rudy and best friend Gypse
These cases show a wide difference between how dramatically a cancer can affect the body, and how fast. Just as we mentioned above, that early intervention to manage imbalances is best done before serious disease occurs. It is equally important to seek out alternative therapy as soon as a cancer or any disease is diagnosed. The longer illness is allowed to progress and do damage, the less resources and energy the body has to fight it. Holistic medicine is not magic, it simply uses tools that modern medicine has not researched and developed into mainstream therapy or pharmaceuticals yet. Its methods can modulate circulation and tissue oxygen levels to create improvements that can seem magical in that they exceed conventional expectations, but we still rely on the body’s ability to respond and do the work. As such we always recommend starting early, even integrating therapy alongside conventional care. Research has indisputably shown that alternative therapies do not interfere with conventional cancer care, and overwhelmingly they help to improve quality of life. In our experience, they improve response to treatment as well by affecting tumor vulnerability in ways conventional medicine can’t harness, and since multi-modal tumor attack is the goal in any oncology protocol, the safe application of alternative therapy
can’t hurt and often helps enormously. We do treat patients who are receiving conventional care differently, tailoring their program to maximize their Western care and minimize its side effects. Once the patient is stable on their conventional care, new alternative additions are given slowly so as not to overwhelm the patient with too much at once. Trying to tackle the daunting task of treating cancer is not for everyone, nor every animal, whether using alternative medicine, surgery or chemotherapy. The first step is to get educated since each type of cancer is different. Exploring the details of what each therapy entails, its prognosis and cost is the first step in deciding what is best for your family and pet. Then if you decide that alternative medicine is going to be part of your therapy, embark on early coordinated treatment when possible and give yourselves the best chance for success and don’t wait until all western options have been exhausted and your pet is in decline. Unfortunately sometimes a critical condition arises so fast that you find yourself having to make immediate decisions, often without the benefit of past holistic care to give you confidence to try. In these cases follow what your heart tells you is best. Perhaps in the future specialists will include alternative options as front line therapy in acutely critical cases, but for now it is up to the individual to seek out those options when they feel their pet still wants a fighting chance. The same goes for patients that have had a tumor removed, but the expectation is for it to come back. Sometimes chemotherapy or tumor vaccines are options, but keep in mind using alternative medicine addresses the imbalance that allowed that condition to arise in the first place. Doing so may slow its return, and give us more time to relish playing ball or snuggling on the couch with our furry friends. Dr. Anne Carroll is owner of the Chelsea Animal Hospital where she practices conventional medicine and surgery as well as several alternative modalities including traditional Chinese acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Her associate Dr. Betty Jo Black brings classical homeopathy to the practice. For more information on alternative veterinary medicine visit their website at www.chelseaanimalhospital.com www.4LegsAndATail.com 13
Why is My Dog So Itchy?! It Might Be Allergies M. Kathleen Shaw DVM - Vermont Veterinary Medical Association
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easonal allergies (atopy) is one of the most common skin disorders in dogs. It is an inherited allergic reaction to pollen, grass, mold, or one of many things Mother Nature makes. These dogs also have certain areas of the body where the skin is defective and doesn’t form a good barrier, allowing these allergens to contact it and trigger an immune reaction. The result is your dog is miserable: it’s intensely itchy and uncomfortable and it’s made worse by secondary bacterial and yeast infections. This includes the ears. Imagine how it would feel to have mosquito bites all over your body all of the time, and you’ll get an idea of how your dog feels. 14 4 Legs & a Tail
Before we even begin to try to control atopy, it is crucial that we start by preventing another main cause of itchy skin: fleas and ticks. Even though you don’t see fleas or are only seeing a few fleas on your pet, monthly flea/tick prevention is crucial. If your pet is allergic to them, just one flea bite can make your dog intensely itchy and this can mimic atopy. Your veterinarian can identify and treat any other skin problems such as other parasites, bacterial, or yeast infections. Sometimes a hormonal problem such as a low thyroid level (dogs) can make the skin barriers weak and lead to infection and itching. Continued Next Page
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Once these other contributors are under control, treatment options for the atopy can be explored. Treatment for atopy often starts with symptomatic care, which is always a good place to start if your dog is mildly itchy. The advantage is it doesn’t cost as much, is very safe, and you see relatively quick benefits. It doesn’t require monitoring blood work or more expensive medications. The downside is that it is not as effective as the drugs and is labor intensive. The single most important thing you can do to help your itchy dog with atopy is bathing. Despite the widespread belief that frequent baths will dry out the skin, most dermatologists agree that you cannot over- bathe an allergic dog provided you use a veterinary skin barrier repair product and moisturizer after bathing. Wipe down your dog’s feet and undercarriage after coming in from outside twice a day. This will help remove the allergens from the skin. Keep the hair coat short to decrease the “dust mop” effect where it collects even more allergens when outside. Remember if your pet has atopy, you will want to choose a flea/tick preventative that is not susceptible to being washed away from repeated bathing. Other symptomatic treatments for atopy include essential fatty acids, topical anti-inflammatory products, and antihistamines. Your veterinarian can help you come up with the doses and frequency of administration of medications to symptomatically treat atopy. If symptomatic care is not controlling your pet’s itching, we must then consider additional therapies. There
are two options: Allergy Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT) or medications. ASIT involves blood or skin testing to determine which allergens are affecting your pet. It can be one of the easier, safer, and more cost-effective therapies and a long-term track record of safety and efficacy. Once results are obtained, the dermatologist can formulate a plan for treating your pet with “allergy shots” much the same as in human medicine. Medications can be very effective for controlling atopy and are used in conjunction with symptomatic therapy. As with any drug, it’s important to look at the risk vs. benefit to the pet. Your veterinarian, who knows your pet, can tailor the treatment. It is important to understand that atopy is a frustrating, chronic disease and the goal is to improve your pet’s quality of life and decreasing the itching. It is a disease that is controlled, rather than “cured”. Your veterinarian will tailor a treatment plan to your dog, considering your pet’s tolerance to the treatment and also your ability to administer it. Your dog will likely have flare-ups from time to time, making it necessary to alter
the treatment plan, so keep in contact with your veterinarian and don’t assume because one treatment is not helping that none of them will. Celebrating 120 years of service in Vermont! The Vermont Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA), founded in 1898, is a professional organization of 370 veterinarians dedicated to compassionate animal care and quality medicine.
Announcing Vermont Veterinary Student Scholarships S tudents graduating veterinary school generally have an extraordinary debt load, with some students having borrowed up $350,00. This is a
crushing amount of debt for young veterinarians just starting out in their career and can take decades to pay off. The Vermont Veterinary Medical Association Foundation’s mission is to provide scholarships for Vermonters attending veterinary school to help lower the debt load they face upon graduation. Applicants are chosen based on their overall burden of debt, academic achievement, desire to return to practice in Vermont, and their ability to overcome obstacles which confront them upon entering the veterinary profession. Funds are raised through contributions from veterinarians in Vermont and from the New England Veterinary Medical Association Conference. Since its establishment in 2012, the VVMAF has contributed $56,000 to Vermonters attending veterinary school. The number of scholarship applicants in 2018 exceeded the number of awards given, and it was a difficult task to make the decision this year among extraordinary candidates.
The VVMAF is pleased to announce the recipients of their 2018 scholarships: Heather Curley of Jericho is a senior at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She plans to work in Vermont at either a small or mixed animal practice. She has strong ties to Vermont and the VVMA and volunteered at the VVMA Summer Meeting in 2017. Melissa Trayah of Colchester is a junior at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. She plans to become a radiologist and work in Vermont after going through a radiology residency. She has worked at multiple referral hospitals in the Burlington area.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE VERMONT STUDENTS! Fall 2018
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Tick
Diseases I
Catherine MacLean - Grantham, NH
f you live in New England, you are aware of the fact that we have a tick problem. When most people think about ticks, they think about Lyme Disease. However, there are two other tick borne diseases that we are seeing more frequently in pets. These other tick borne diseases that are becoming more common are Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichia. Although cats can get Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis, and Ehrlichia, it is less common since they are fastidious groomers and often remove ticks before they have time to attach. For the purpose of this article, I’m going to focus on these diseases in dogs. Lyme Disease is most commonly spread by the deer tick and is caused by the bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi and other emerging subspecies of Borrelia. Clinical signs of
Lyme disease include fever, swelling of joints, shifting leg lameness, decreased appetite and Lyme Nephritis. Lyme Nephritis occurs when the kidneys have long term exposure to Borrelia, which causes an immune reaction within the kidneys. As the body is trying to fight the Borrelia organism, it creates antibody complexes which get deposited within the kidneys and causes damage. As a result, the dog’s body may start losing protein through its kidneys, which can be life threatening and eventually lead to renal failure. Ehrlichia Canis and Ehrlichia Ewingii are the two most common species of Ehrlichia that affect dogs. Ehrlichia attacks the white blood cells and platelets in dogs and is transmitted by the brown dog tick. There are three phases of infection that occur in dogs
when they are infected with Ehrlichia. The first phase is the acute phase and occurs 1-3 weeks after the tick bite. During this phase the Ehrlichia organism will attach to the dog’s white blood cells and cause the dog’s platelets to drop. Clinical signs during this phase include lethargy, lymph node swelling, and decreased appetite or anorexia. If treated during this phase, infected dogs usually recover. If they go untreated, they will move on to the second phase which is called the subclinical phase. During the subclinical phase, dogs will often appear normal. The Ehrlichia organism is living in the spleen at this time. Dogs can harbor the organism in their spleen for years and may never progress to the chronic phase. There may be clues on bloodwork that the dog is harboring the Ehrlichia organism in its body. The final stage is the chronic stage. In this stage the dog will become sick again. Dogs in the chronic stage will often have abnormal bleeding due to low platelet numbers. Other clinical signs include deep inflammation, uveitis, a severe decrease in white blood cells and possible renal involvement. This stage of the disease can be fatal. Anaplasmosis is another tick borne disease that has become more common over the last decade as well. It is also spread by the deer tick as well as the black legged tick. Anaplasmosis affects platelets and white blood cells just like Ehrlichia. Anaplasmosis has similar clinical signs to Ehrlichia. The clinical signs are often vague and can include fever, lethargy and decreased appetite. It can also cause bleeding issues. The good news is that all of these tick borne diseases are treatable with antibiotics. Early detection and treatment is often key. Most veterinarians will test their canine patients annually for the three tick borne diseases mentioned above. Based on those results and what the current recommended protocol (which is constantly changing as more research is being done) is, will determine what the next step for your dog is. The good news is that for Lyme disease there has been a vaccine available for dogs for years. Through advances in research, the vaccine has evolved and is very effective. Nothing is 100% though, and there are no vaccines for the other tick borne diseases. That is why it’s a good idea to have a really good tick preventative. There are many tick preventatives available over the counter and through your veterinarian. They are not all created equal. Many over the counter products have been around Continued Next Page
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Percentage of Visits Due to Tick Encounters
2.5%
Surveillance of Vermont Emergency Room & Urgent Care Visits for Human Tick Encounters (Beta Version) Tick Encounter = any visit due to tick-related issues such as a recent tick bite or a request for tick removal.
2.0%
1.5%
1.0%
Week Ending July 29
0.5%
0.0%
January
February March
April
May
June
July
August
September October November
December
Month 2017
Historic Average (2004-2016)
Historic Maximum (2004-2016)
for decades and may not be the best choice for your pet. Which tick preventative is best for your pet should be discussed with your veterinarian. Another common misconception is that it takes 24 hours or more for a tick to transmit diseases to your pet. The latest research is showing it takes less than 8 hours to transmit tick borne diseases, so it is very important that whatever tick preventative you use has a quick killing time. You should also use tick prevention year round. Ticks are not just a spring time or fall issue. They are not out every day of the year, but they are out every month of the year. For the last three years I have picked ticks off of my patients every month of the year. Tick borne diseases can be fatal, but when detected early their damage can often be reversed or prevented. With annual tick testing, appropriate vaccination for at risk dogs, and good tick prevention, many tick borne diseases can be prevented. If you want to know what tick borne diseases are being seen in your county go to www.capcvet.org where you can look at prevalence maps. Veterinarians that do the annual testing and report the results contribute to the data on these prevalence maps. Dr. MacLean completed her Bachelor of Science from Penn State University, her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Atlantic Veterinary College, and her pet acupuncture certification from Chi Institute. Her areas of special interest include general practice and acupuncture. She opened Sugar River Animal Hospital in 2013, and she has been practicing veterinary medicine since 2010. Dr. MacLean’s family consists of her husband Matt, her daughter Katarina, her son Alexander, and their three pets: Jack and Misty, two cats, and Arrow, a dog. Fall 2018
www.4LegsAndATail.com 17
13 Common Pet Emergencies That Need Immediate Attention H
aving a pet is a commitment. Most people misunderstand the most common pet emergencies, and don’t call for help until it’s too late. Understanding and keeping a list of the most common emergencies that require a veterinarian’s attention will help keep a pet healthy for a long time. 1. Severe Bleeding This is the number one emergency because too many people believe an animal’s first aid can be done at home. If bleeding is severe or lasts more than five minutes, it must be checked by a vet. The fur could be hiding a bigger problem, or the animal might need stitches to heal without infection. The cut could be deeper than it appears, or there could be internal bleeding that needs surgery. 2. Choking and Difficulty Breathing As with humans, it’s never a good idea to “wait and see” when an animal cannot breathe. Never try to clear the airway, and learn animal CPR to keep the animal safe. Take the vet to emergency care, even if CPR helps the animal breathe again, to make sure the animal is safe. A vet is the best trained person to make sure the animal does not have internal damage that caused the breathing issues. Continued Next Page
*We will not sell or give your information to a third party R318 18 4 Legs & a Tail
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3. Blood from Extremities If there is blood in sputum, vomit, excrement, nose, ears, eyes, or mouth, it’s important to find out why. Perhaps the animal was injured while out of your sight, and needs emergency procedures to live. Blood should never be taken lightly. Seek emergency care immediately if blood is found coming from an animal. There could be unseen internal injuries.
If you can pinpoint the area of the pain, it will help the vet’s diagnosis. Note the animal’s change in behavior and anxiety activities as well, as these notes will also help the vet.
10. Heat Stroke As more stories of animals left in cars surface, so does the awareness of heat stroke. If an animal is suffering from heat stroke, he or she must see a vet immediately. Some signs of heat stroke are: - panting excessively 4. Inability to Toilet If the animal has pain in urination or - dark or bright red gums defecation, or can do neither, it’s impor- - dry tongue tant to find out why. The animal could - staggering, stupor or seizures have an issue larger than you can handle, - bloody diarrhea and/or vomiting and may need a doctor’s care. Animals often do not express pain, so an ongoing 11. Severe Vomiting/Diarrhea issue can progress to a life threatening Many people like to wait these out, but either of these items in their severity will problem without your knowledge. cause dehydration and death quickly. It’s 5. Injury to Eyes important to find out why the animal is An animal’s eyes are structured dif- having this reaction. Take the animal ferently than a human’s eyes. If the to the vet, and try to remember what eye is injured, there could be internal the animal has eaten. Consider any poidamage to structures close to the brain. sons the animal may have encountered Asking a vet for help will save your pet using the poison list mentioned above. further harm. The information you can provide about your pet’s most recent activities will help 6. Eating Poison Many things that are fine for humans the vet find out what’s wrong. are toxic for animals. Items such as antifreeze, multivitamins, chocolate, pest 12. Refusal to Drink poison, and more are very dangerous. They An animal will drink consistently. If are also items an animal will ingest will- the animal has had nothing to drink in ingly. Learn what items are poisonous to the past 24 hours, despite available water, your pet and call a vet emergency service take the animal to the vet. It’s important immediately if you suspect your animal to understand your animal and keep the water dish clean, but even if the dish is has ingested any poisonous substance. dirty, an animal will eventually drink from 7. Seizures it. Any refusal to do so over 24 hours is an If an animal seizes, vet attention is indication of an emergency situation. required immediately. Staggering also falls under this category. These activities 13. Unconsciousness indicate a problem with the brain, and the This item seems obvious, but some pet animal needs immediate help. A vet can owners may think their animal is simply assess the situation, and might require sleeping. If the animal cannot be roused more tests to find out how to best help from a sleep, contact a vet right away. the animal. The animal may have passed out. The vet will need to evaluate the animal to find 8. Lameness and Broken Bones It’s never a good idea to allow an ani- out what could be happening to make mal to “heal” when he or she displays the animal lose consciousness. leg issues. Allowing this to happen will cause the animal unnecessary pain later in life. Avoid these issues by taking the animal to the vet and help him or her live a longer, healthier, happier life. 9. Pain and Anxiety As stated above, pets will not tell their humans when there is pain. If an animal is exhibiting signs of pain, it has progressed to a severe state and the animal must see a vet right away. Another method of expressing pain or illness is anxiety. If your normally happy dog suddenly snaps at your hand or does not welcome visitors, there might be a physical issue. Call a vet right away to have the animal evaluated to check for any possible pain. Fall 2018
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DENTAL RADIOGRAPHS: Making Your Pet’s Oral Health Assessment and Treatment Complete Dr. Kristin Esterbrook
D
ental disease in some form is present in over 70% of dogs and cats. Although we often discuss teeth cleanings or “dentals” in the exam room, the procedure itself is much more involved. The patient is examined and may have preoperative lab work. Then the patient is anesthetized, an oral exam is performed, teeth are scaled and polished and charted, and full mouth dental radiographs are performed. Then, based on oral exam and radiographic findings, a treatment plan is formulated. Even when performing what we believe will be a routine cleaning in dogs and cats, we often find some level of abnormality, and in order to determine the most appropriate treatment, dental radiographs (x-rays) are required. And when we don’t find obvious abnormalities during the oral exam, we often do find abnormalities on radiographs.
This tooth appears normal on oral exam and with periodontal probing, but the radiograph reveals a lucency or dark area around a root tip where painful infection has destroyed the supporting bone.
Here, with simple oral exam and charting we may have believed this tooth required no treatment. Radiographs reveal the tooth should be treated by either root canal or extraction. Continued Next Page
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This cat’s tooth is afflicted with a We would not have known this withresorptive lesion. out radiographs. This patient appeared to be missing a tooth. When radiographs were taken, it was noted that the tooth was present under the gumline.
These are just a small sampling of clinical cases where dental radiography was crucial to diagnosis and treatment planning. Most pets will need regular complete oral health assessment and treatments (dentals) under anesthesia in their lifetime. To make these assessment and treatments truly complete, dental radiography is always included. *https://www.dogbeachvet.com/ pet-owners/common-problems/ tooth-resorption
Osteoclasts, a type of bone cell, have begun to resorb or destroy the crown of this tooth. As this occurs, nerves are exposed causing pain. The only treatment for this condition is tooth extraction. What we don’t know with oral exam alone, is whether the roots have been affected by resorption as well. Before extraction is performed, radiographs are taken. On the radiograph we see roots that will need to be extracted in full.
This is an important finding as an unerupted tooth can become a space occupying cystic mass that will destroy surrounding bone if not removed. It is much easier to extract this tooth before it causes such problems.
In a different patient with a similar lesion on exam, radiographs reveal that the roots have already been completely resorbed, and therefore a crownectomy or simple crown extraction is performed, and the much more extensive root extraction is unnecessary.
Fall 2018
www.4LegsAndATail.com 21
5 Easy Pet Cleaning Tips for Seniors Victoria Schade
C
leaning up after a pet can be a full-time job. Pet parents must deal with potty training and the accidents that go along with it, as well as wiping muddy paws, toweling rainsoaked fur, and all the pet hair that covers the house during shedding season. Maintaining a tidy home with a four-footed mess-maker takes work, which can be challenging, especially as you age. If you’re a senior living with a dog or cat, things like reduced vision and smell, as well as balance and mobility issues, can impact your ability to stay ahead of the mess. The following pet cleaning tips can help make tidying up more effective and efficient. Try Using a Reach and Grab Tool Having a pet in the house usually means that there are a variety of toys scattered around, which can be a major tripping hazard for seniors. According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in older Americans, so keeping walkways clear of obstructions is crucial. Bending over to pick up dog and cat toys can be tough for people with reduced mobility, so a “reach and grab” tool with a long arm and gripping claw can be a lifesaver. Use a Black Light to Search for Stains Pet accidents aren’t always obvious puddles or piles on the floor, particularly with smaller animals. Sometimes the stain soaks into the couch or bedding before it’s noticed, leaving behind odors that might go unnoticed by a senior homeowner. A black light that makes urine stains fluoresce can help seniors with a decreased sense of smell hunt down invisible problem spots and ensure a proper clean up. This will discourage pets from urinating in the same spot in the future.
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Wear Gloves and use a ‘Natural’ Cleaner Aging skin is fragile, and cleaning up after pets with harsh cleansers can take a toll on the hands. Tamara Owoyemi, education and training manager of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, suggests wearing gloves when cleaning, and using environmentally friendly green cleansers that are gentle for both pets and pet parents. Cover Pet Sleeping Surfaces Cheryl Sousan, a cleaning expert that runs the popular blog TidyMom, suggests using an easy-to-clean blanket or towel on top of shared sleeping spaces like couches and beds. This solution makes interim cleanup simple. Rather than stripping the bed or vacuuming the couch, just remove the cover, wash and replace. Consider a Self Cleaning Litter Box If bending down to scoop the litter box is physically challenging, try investing in a self-cleaning model that does most of the dirty work for you. Some boxes scoop continuously and leave the clumps in an easy to access disposal section. Keep in mind, abruptly changing a successful litter box setup can cause felines stress, so transition to a new litter box slowly. There’s also no guarantee that your cat will accept a self-cleaning box, so only use this type of box if your cat is comfortable with it. Fall 2018
Fall Safety Concerns for Animals Large and Small W
M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM - Vermont Veterinary Medical Association
ith dazzling colors on the trees and harvest festivals abounding, many people love the autumn season. But, with the holidays and cooling temperatures, the fall brings some potential dangers to our animals-large and small. As we winterize cars, houses and barns, remember that antifreeze is highly toxic to pets. Just one or two licks of antifreeze can cause kidney failure and death. Look for the newer, safer version of antifreeze which does not contain the sweetener so tempting to pets. Another toxin, rodenticide (rat poison), is formulated to be tasty to rodents, but is also appealing to dogs, cats, and wildlife. These poisons prohibit blood clotting, leading to fatal blood loss and death. If you must use these products, put them up high or in a place where dogs and cats and larger wildlife cannot reach them. Every year veterinarians see cases where owners have forgotten that they put out the poison or where they put it. Don’t assume that “out of sight” means the dog or cat won’t find it-- they have an excellent sense smell and, given the chance, will make a beeline to it once they detect it. Fall decorations including stringy fake spider webs (cats like to eat them), candles (burns), and potpourri (toxic to cats) can present serious dangers to pets. Most people are aware that chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs, but many don’t realize that xylitol is also toxic. Xylitol, used to artificially sweeten gums and other candies, causes a potentially fatal Fall 2018
drop in blood sugar. The easiest way to help prevent accidental exposure to these dangers is to keep all people food out of reach of pets. Also, keep a close eye on pets around household decorations to minimize the temptation to chew or eat them. Mother Nature also produces health risks for pets: mushrooms and other fungi. With the cooler, damper weather, mushrooms sprout, and many can be toxic to pets, causing liver and kidney damage, and seizures. Dogs seem irresistibly drawn to the compost pile, where they often gorge on decaying food of all sorts. Rotting debris often leads to vomiting and diarrhea, requiring a trip to the veterinarian. Compost piles contain an additional, more serious hazard: mycotoxins. These toxins, produced by the fungi growing in the compost as it decays, cause seizures. It is often necessary to keep the poisoned pet in the hospital for a day or two to treat the seizures with intravenous medications. With the fall comes hunting season. Although hunters try to be safe, accidents occasionally happen. Animals and humans should take precautions to avoid being mistaken for game. Hikers and horseback riders should wear bright colors to make themselves more visible. Dogs should wear bright orange collars or vests. Keep horses and small ruminants close to home, and post “Hunter Safety Zone” signs to make hunters aware that there are domestic animals in the area.
These common sense precautions during the fall season can help keep you and your animals safe. For more information, contact your veterinarian, or go to www.vtvets.org.
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In March 1965*, military working dogs were approved for use in Vietnam. By July 17th, forty teams had been deployed to three bases - Tan Son Nhut, Ben Hoa and DaNang. This was only the beginning, by the end of the year there were 99 dogs in the country. By September 1966 more than 500, dog teams were deployed to ten bases. In the seventeen months between July 1965 and December 1966, not a single Viet Cong sapper team penetrated a base guarded by sentry dogs.
*The United States Air Force K-9 was in Vietnam as early as 1960, with a sentry dog research and development project, located at Go Vap, an old French dog compound on the outskirts of Saigon.
He Was the First of His Kind... H
e was the first hero of his kind to return from the Vietnam War. The welcoming committee watched him walk down the ramp of the plane that had just landed at Kelly Air Force Base. He was wounded, his right eye was missing and a scar ran from below his right eye socket to his mouth. But his wounds weren't what made him different from other returning Vietnam veterans...it was because he was a dog. Of the many dogs that served this country in Vietnam, Nemo is probably the most famous. Nemo was whelped October 1962 and was procured by the Air Force in the summer of '64, from a sergeant, for sentry dog training, when he was 1 1/2 years old. After completing an eight-week training course at Lackland's Sentry Dog
Training School, in San Antonio, Texas; the 85 pound, black and tan German Shepherd, and his new handler, Airman Bryant were assigned to Fairchild AB, Washington for duty with Strategic Air Command. In January 1966, Nemo and handler, Airman Leonard Bryant Jr., were transferred to the Republic of South Vietnam with a large group of other dog teams and was assigned to the 377th Security Police Squadron, stationed at Tan Son Nhut Air Base. Six months later, in July, Nemo's original handler rotated back to the States. The dog was then paired with 22-year-old Airman 2nd Class Robert Thorneburg. It's here that we begin our story, on how and why Nemo was to become famous... Nemo No. A534, 377th Security Police K-9 Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam. Tan Son Nhut: The story took a tragic turn on December 4, 1966. During the early morning hours, a group of 60 Viet Cong emerged from the jungle. Several sentry dog teams stationed on preventive perimeter posts gave the initial alert and warning almost simultaneously. Immediately, Rebel, a sentry dog on patrol, was released. The response was a hail of bullets that killed the dog. Forty-five minutes later the group was detected by sentry dog Cubby. Cubby was released with the same results. It was clear that the VC had learned to handle the attack dog. Another dog, Toby, was killed and several handlers wounded before the attackers were finally driven off. As a result of this early warning, security forces of the 377th Air Police Squadron successfully repelled the attack, minimizing damage to aircraft and facilities. Although wounded, one dog handler maintained contact with the enemy and notified Central Security Control of their location and direction of travel. Two security policemen in a machine gun bunker were ready and waiting as the Viet Cong approached the main aircraft parking ramp. In a few seconds, they stopped the enemy, killing all 13 of the attackers. Continued Next Page
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Security forces rapidly deployed around the perimeter and prevented the infiltrators from escaping, forcing them to hide. Three airmen and their dogs had died in the fighting. By daybreak, the search patrols believed that all of the remaining Viet Cong were killed or captured. Unfortunately, supervisors did not include dog teams in those daylight patrols. Airman 2nd Class Bob Thorneburg and his dog Nemo were to become legends later that night. The sentry dog teams that climbed into the back of the army truck that night were quieter than usual. Many of the handlers were thinking about the events of the previous night. They were saddened by the loss of their fellow K-9s. They were also anxious about what awaited them on their patrols. There was a good chance that stragglers from the previous night's attack could still be out there. That night, Thor neburg and Nemo were assigned duty near an old Vietnamese graveyard about a quarter mile from the air base's runways. No sooner had they started their patrol... Nemo alerted on something in the cemetery. But before Thorneburg could radio the CSC, that "something" opened fire.
Airman L. Bryant and Nemo
Thorneburg released his dog and then charged firing into the enemy. Nemo was shot and wounded, the bullet entering under his right eye and exited through his mouth. Thorneburg killed one VC before he too was shot in the shoulder and knocked to the ground. That might of been the sad end of the story. But Nemo refused to give in without a fight. Ignoring his serious head wound, the 85-pound dog threw himself at the Vietcong guerrillas who had opened fire. Nemo's ferocious attack brought Thorneburg the time he needed to call in backup forces. A Quick Reaction Team arrived and swept the area but found no other Viet Fall 2018
Cong. However, security forces, using additional sentry dog teams, located and killed four more Viet Cong. A second sweep with the dog teams resulted in the discovery of four more Viet Cong who were hiding underground. They, too, were killed. Although severely wounded, Nemo crawled to his master and covered him with his body. Even after help arrived Nemo would not allow anyone to touch Thorneburg. Finally separated, both were taken back to the base for medical attention. Thorneburg was wounded a second time on the return to the base. Lt. Raymond T. Hutson, the base vet, worked diligently to save Nemo's life. It required many skin grafts to restore the animal's appearance. Nemo was blinded in one eye After the veterinarian felt Nemo was well enough, the dog was put back on perimeter duty. But it turned out his wounds needed further treatment. On June 23, 1967, Air Force Headquarters directed that Nemo be returned to the United States with honors, as the first sentry dog to be officially retired from active service. Thorneburg had to be evacuated to the hospital at Tachikawa Air Base in Japan to recuperate. The handler and the dog who saved his life said their final goodbyes. Airman Thorneburg fully recovered from his wounds and also returned home with honors. Nemo flew halfway around the world accompanied by returning airman Melvin W. Bryant. The plane touched down in Japan, Hawaii, and California. At each stop, Air Force vets would examine the brave dog for signs of discomfort, stress, and fatigue...after all he was a War Hero! Finally, the C-124 Globemaster touched down at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas, on July 22, 1967. Captain Robert M. Sullivan, was the officer in charge of the sentry dog training program at Lackland and was the head of Nemo's welcome home committee. "I have to keep from getting involved with individual dogs in this program," Sullivan said, "but I can't help feeling a little emotional about this dog. He shows how valuable a dog is to his handler in staying alive." After settling in Nemo and Captain Sullivan made a number of cross-country tours and television appearances, as part of the Air Force's recruitment drive for more war dog candidates, until the US involvement in Vietnam started to wind down. Nemo then spent the rest of his retirement at the Department of Defense Dog Center, Lackland AFB, Texas. He was given a permanent kennel near the veterinary facility. A sign with his
Nemo Having His Monthly Checkup At Lackland
name, serial number, and details of his Vietnam heroic exploit designated his freshly painted home. Nemo died December 1972 at Lackland AFB, shortly before the Christmas holiday; after a failed attempt to preserve his remains, the Vietnam War hero was laid to rest on March 15, 1973, at the DoD Dog Center, at the age of 11. Until then, his presence at Lackland reminded students just how important a dog is to his handler - and to the entire unit. --- Dedication -- Vietnam ...was to become the longest war ever fought by the American armed forces and certainly one of the U.S. most unpopular. For almost ten years, we sent our young men and women to serve, fight and died alongside each other without the full support of a country, whose flag they served. This article is dedicated to all those, who served their country!
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THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX: Alternatives to Clay Litter
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Holly McClelland
ost cat owners are familiar with scoopable clay formulations, which account for 73% of U.S. litter purchases, according to https://globalpets.community/. This same segment of cat owners is accustomed to purchasing their big-brand, clay litter products through mass-market channels, such as Walmart and Costco, as well as grocery stores. Clay litter products certainly get the job done when it comes to providing cats with a place to go and controlling odor, but they are not the most innovative litter products on the market. Some of the drawbacks of traditional clay litters are that they are heavy to maneuver around the house and not environmentally-friendly. In recent years, several unique litter products have launched in pet specialty stores that offer additional benefits for the environment, home cleanliness, and cat health. Here is a list of five litter brands that surely stand out from the crowd. Boxiecat’s BoxiePro Deep Clean Probiotic Cat Litter – This functional product is marketed as the world’s first cat litter to eliminate 100% of bacteria contained in the litter box with natural probiotics. The elimination of bacteria keeps homes, cats, and pet parents healthier by reducing odors and preventing the spread of germs that could be tracked out of the box. Additionally, Hard Flat Top™ clumps form on the top of the litter box, which makes it easy to scoop, and an advanced dust suppression process keeps dust levels low, which increases household cleanliness. BoxiePro is soft on cat’s paws and resists tracking, so cat parents can spend less time worrying about cleaning their homes. SaniCat Oxygen Power Clumping Litter – This is the first clumping cat litter to use active oxygen for complete disinfection. Active oxygen is touted as an excellent clumping agent that eliminates bacteria naturally because it does not contain antibacterial chemicals. The natural elimination of bacteria keeps cats healthy and cat owners do not have to fret about the negative effects associated with litter chemicals. This litter is comprised of thicker granules, which improves home cleanliness by preventing cats from dragging litter on their paws throughout their houses. Poop Bags Catfidence – A 100% organic bamboo cat litter is made from natural bamboo, so the absence of chemicals and additives makes cats healthier and helps protect the environment. The manufacturer states that Catfidence has 5x the water absorption capacity of other litters due to the cellular structure of bamboo, which improves odor control and makes the product last longer. Furthermore, Catfidence is a USDA Certified Biobased Product with a 98% biopreferred rating. It is very eco-friendly because it is made from sustainably-harvested bamboo farms, as opposed to harmful strip mining. Customers that choose Catfidence can feel good about protecting the environment, their homes, and their cats simultaneously. CatSpot Organic Cat Litter – A 100% coconut-based, all-natural, organic cat litter is touted as beneficial for the home, cat health, and the environment. Coconut, which can absorb 560% of its weight in liquid, naturally absorbs ammonia without the use of chemicals and additives. This level of absorption is very powerful for odor control. The product is also sustainable because the litter is biodegradable and can be repurposed in yards, compost, or flower beds. CatSpot is easy for cat owners to use because it is marketed as the lightest litter on the market. World’s Best Cat Litter Picky Cat and Attraction Action – Picky Cat, available in pet specialty stores, and Attraction Action, sold in the mass/grocery channels, combine corn with a natural, plant-based ingredient to attract cats to the litter box. This formulation is ideal for newly adopted pets, senior cats, and fussy cats. Both products are also effective at clumping and have strong odor control which keeps the home environment clean. Additionally, these lightweight, natural products are environmentally-friendly, and the products are flushable and septic-safe. The products highlighted above are only a few of the specialty niche cat litters that have launched in recent years. There are dozens of other small players who are trying to make a name for themselves. It is challenging for these smaller manufacturers to stand out in a crowd that is dominated by only a few large litter manufacturers with large marketing investments behind their brands. However, it might become easier for these niche players to gain recognition over time as cat owners continue to become more concerned about how litter ingredients are impacting the environment, their homes, and their cats’ health.
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Holly McClelland leads marketing and is an analyst for Fletcher/CSI, a boutique market research and consulting firm headquartered in Williston, Vermont. Holly monitors industry trends and product developments for several brands in the CPG space, including the pet industry. The pet research is focused on tracking nutrition and ingredient trends, technological innovations, and new product launches for dogs and cats. Fall 2018
Simple Ways to Keep Cats Off Your Kitchen Counters Tess Wilson
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n all-too-familiar dinner party scenario: At the home of friends, you’re sipping a glass of wine while your hosts put the finishing touches on dinner. Soon later, their beloved cat does its business in the litter box, licks itself a bit, and proceeds to hop up on the kitchen counters right where your dinner is being made. The cat wanders all over the counters, pausing now and then to lick and paw particularly interesting spots, perhaps even nosing the ingredients. Particularly bold and limber cats will step over the prepared food, forcing you to imagine the hair and kitty litter they're leaving behind. You as a guest are eternally grateful for your hosts’ generosity and good company, but you’re no longer psyched about the dinner aspect of the dinner party. How to Keep Cats Off Counters There might be moments when you might want to allow your furball to have free rein of the countertops, but there are also some instances when it’s best to set up the kitty equivalent of a “keep off” sign. So what’s a devoted cat-lover to do? Let’s start out with an excellent quote from the ASPCA: Rather than spraying your cat with water when they jump on a forbidden counter, “arrange for the environment to punish your cat directly.” “Balance some lightweight cookie sheets on the edge of the counter. When your cat jumps up, she’ll land on the sheets. They’ll move and possibly topple over, making some unpleasant noise while she leaps back onto the floor.” If you don’t want your cats on your cookie sheets and your cookie sheets on the floor (or if you only own one cookie sheet), Huffington Post recommends using cheap, recyclable aluminum foil. The Humane Society advises making your counters unpleasantly sticky, either DIY-style using double-sided tape, or using ready-made products. This Old House notes that cats hate the feel of sandpaper underfoot, so you could lay it on your counters when you're not cooking. If your counters are your cat’s idea of a little piece of heaven, Petfinder recommends simple ways to make them less enjoyable, like pulling down the blinds to block the basking sun — and the view of the bird feeder. According to The Nest’s Pet column, a peppermint solution can be sprayed on countertops to deter cats — and to make your kitchen minty fresh. WikiHow has similar advice involving black pepper, lemon, eucalyptus, cinnamon, rosemary, and lavender — delicious. One of my favorite solutions comes from Pawnation: “Some experts recommend clicker training. This method involves training your cat to jump off the counter on a cue word, like ‘off’. When the cat follows your cue, click the clicker, then reward your cat with a treat.” Positive reinforcement! ..And Don’t Forget to Clean Well After Cats Have Been on the Counters If your cats do occasionally traipse around your countertops, VetStreet wants you to protect your health —and the health of your guests — by cleaning the surfaces thoroughly before preparing food. Hot water, soap, and an antibacterial agent should do the trick. Fall 2018
www.4LegsAndATail.com 27
THE COOLIDGE DOGS (and Other Animals) Kate Kelly
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f the American population divided itself into pet people and nonpet people, Calvin Coolidge—our 30th president (1923-1929)—and his wife Grace, would definitely be on the “pet” side of the line. They had cats, birds, two pet raccoons, and of course, dogs. Peter Pan, a terrier, came with the Coolidges to the White House but he did not like the hustle and bustle of Washington life, so the Coolidges found a quieter home for him. Paul Pry, an
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Airedale, was the next dog to arrive, and he was fiercely loyal to the Coolidges, to the point that he would not permit the housekeepers to enter a room where the president was. Rob Roy and Prudence Prim were two white collies that joined the family. Prudence was a particular favorite of Grace’s. Beans was a Boston bulldog who arrived and took position as the lead dog, which put Rob’s nose out of joint so the Coolidges gave Beans to Mrs. Coolidge’s mother who lived in Northampton, Massachusetts. Tiny Tim and Blackberry were chows. Tiny Tim soon became “Terrible Tim” in the president’s eyes, so he was soon moved to other quarters. The family picked up Blackberry on a trip to the Black Hills. Blackberry was all black including the inside of her mouth, and she became a gift to their son John Coolidge’s “intended.” Calamity Jane was a Shetland sheepdog who joined the family, but there were still more (though not all were at the White House): There were two other collies, Bessie and Ruby Rouch, and a German shepherd named King Cole. There was also a bird dog named Palo Alto.
As definite pet people, they also created homes for many other animals. Rebecca was a raccoon given to the Coolidges to be part of Thanksgiving dinner but Grace Coolidge spared her. They built a pen around a tree at the White House, and they got her a friend, Reuben, but he soon escaped. In addition, the Coolidges received a wallaby, a bobcat, a black bear, a donkey, a Pygmy hippo, and two lion cubs (named Tax Reduction and Budget Bureau) , a duiker (a small antelope), and 13 Pekin ducks (a type of domestic duck from Long Island) while Coolidge was president. The Coolidges attempted to raise the ducks in one of the bathrooms in the White House, but they soon became too large, and along with the other more exotic animals, had to be given to the zoo. This article first appeared on the website, www.americacomesalive. com America Comes Alive publishes more stories about American dogs and other animals. Visit the website and sign up for “American Dogs” to receive the stories in your In Box. Or email Kate Kelly at kate@americacomesalive.com Fall 2018
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Rutland & Addison County Fall 2018
A Happy Litter Box A Veterans Day Tribute to Nemo Pet Emergencies That Require Immediate Attention! A Holistic Look at Treating Cancer Does Your Pet Have Dental Disease?