FR
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Autumn Southern NH & VT
Vermont DJ And His Dog Challenge School Bullies Why You Should Ask Your Horse To, “Say Cheese!” Is Your Cat Losing Weight? Lucky Labradors
4 LEGS & A TAIL FUN! What 7 Things Are Different?
Kids shoes are yellow, girl’s foot is missing, man’s thumb is missing, man’s foot is missing, tortoise claw is missing, shirt is missing the “N”, car and park bench are missing, silver box is missing, logo on shirt missing
On The Farm S D A O I C Z N H W Y F T D N N K T S I R W A R X P O A I D L Z H E X R Y F B T P Z E Y Y T N Q C U F J P A H Y T X I M L C Q C G Y S L I J S U N G A S Q E C I I P E M L L R J F H O U S B Q A C S O R Q K L V J S J R D C N N H J T V E A T J V V O A G T D L G Q Q Y C F K W Z H B A R P O X K K Z R N Y Q Y I O D X A E G C C M G C C S R G P I G S B E L A O I H O C H I C K E N S B H T N T F L B T S S K C U D R I S Q R K P B W S G O M R X A Q T S Q S L ALPACA CAT CHICKENS DOG DUCKS GOAT HOLSTEIN HORSE PIGS RABBIT SHEEP TURKEY
We met Wyatt Bonalumi of Canaan at the farmers market with his Sulcata Tortoise, Selma Hayek. She is six years old and weighs more than 33 lbs!
Tortoise Stats & Facts • Leopard tortoises are one of the largest tortoises in the world. • The tortoise are herbivores eating mainly tree leaves, grass and ferns. • Female tortoises dig nesting burrows in which they lay from 1 - 30 eggs. • In most tortoise species, the female tends to be larger than the male. • The tortoise is susceptible to parasites and pneumonia. • A Tortoise is diurnal, meaning active during the day. • Pet tortoises kept outdoors need some sort of structure in which to hide or spend the night. • Most male tortoises have tails that are longer than those of the female.
Inside this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail
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Bruce & Hobbes Hit the Airwaves (and the Roadways) to Help End Bullying - Local DJ Bruce Zemen and his dachshund Hobbes
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Horsemanship Yoga, Colleen Campbell
draw national attention with their efforts to make our schools a better place
A fun, unique way to understand your horse, improve your riding and compete
Bethany King
It took a “Foxy” cat to help a little girl cope.
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Preventing Your Dog from Door Dashing and Jumping on Guests, - Get professional advice before the doorbell rings
The Counseling Cat, Talaia Thomas, LCMHC
10 Blankets for Every Equine (and Animal!), Sarah Zabek
With cooler weather on the way, keep your loved one warm 12 Forever, Tim Hoehn - The dog who never left her side Pg. 17
13 Should You Look Your Gift Horse in the Mouth? Kristen Clapp, DVM
Similar to disease in cats & humans, EOTRH is only recently gaining the recognition that it deserves
A new product named SANOS may be just what the doctor ordered
What are the chances of finding the perfect home for Gretchen? Pretty good when you live in Vermont
An alternative approach to pet pain
15 If I Can’t Brush My Cat’s or Dog’s Teeth, What Else Can I Do to Control Periodontal Disease?, Sandra L Waugh VMD, MS 17 Fostering Cookie: A Medical Journey to a Second Chance of Happiness, Katie Achilli - How one dog beat the odds 20 Small Dog/Small World, Tim Hoehn 20 Acupuncture Can reverse Paralysis in Dogs, Anna Rosenberg, DVM CVA 21 Salvation, Arlo Mudgett
We should all be as lucky as one of Adrienne Finney Labrador rescues
The potential devastation to your horse from this abundant leaf
The popular photgrapher caught up with some Frisbee experts
Did you know the world’s largest Dairy Breed Association is located in Brattleboro, Vermont
22 Red Maple Toxicosis, Eleanor Warner, DVM
23 The Truth About Goldfish Bowls, Elisa Minkler 23 Fun at the Cheshire Fair, Gloria Towne 24 Right in Your Own Backyard, Tim Goodwin Pg. 23 25 Hyperthyroidism in Cats, Catherine MacLean, DVM
How a simple blood test can treat your feline friend to all nine lives
Things you should know from a leading expert
A few pointers before you and your horse head out this fall
26 Owning the Exotic Pet, Dr. Michael Dutton 28 Trail Riding Etiquette, Dorothy Crosby
Publishers: Tim Goodwin, Tim Hoehn
4 Legs & a Tail Volume K.315
Senior Editor: Scott Palzer
P.O. Box 841
Office Manager: Beth Hoehn
Lebanon, NH 03766 603-727-9214 TimH.4LT@gmail.com
Accounting: Elisa Speckert Graphic Design: Monica Reinfeld, Lacey Dardis, Kate Haas Sales: Karyn Swett
Fall 2015
Pg. 24 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 Southern NH & 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.
www.4LegsAndATail.com 1
Bruce & Hobbes Hit the Airwaves (and the Roadways) to Help End Bullying W
hen Bruce & Tami Zeman first rescued Hobbes from the Addison County Humane Society in Middlebury, Vermont in November 2009, they hoped to give the tiny dog a second chance, and change his life. Little did they know adopting the smooth, red dachshund would not only change his life, but theirs, too. Radio personality & animal rights activist Bruce Zeman still remembers the phone call he received on November 26th, 2009 about the small, battered dog. It came from the shelter manager of the Addison County Humane Society, who asked Zeman to look at the pup, recently rescued from a terrible domestic violence situation. Having extensive experience
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with dachshunds, Zeman agreed, and in seeing the dog, and the effects of his injuries - he knew he had to act. The next day, the Zeman’s adopted the pup, changed his name to “Hobbes,” and brought him home. Not long after “Hobbes” joined his new family, Zeman began talking about him on his morning radio show, ‘The Wake-Up Crew with Bruce Zeman,” on WVTK-FM in
Middlebury. The response from listeners was immediate, and unprecedented, as the show grew in popularity, and gained a nationwide following. Listeners loved Hobbes, and wanted him to be more involved in the program. Zeman realized the important opportunity the duo had to help animals, and people, by telling Hobbes’ story. Working with his program Continued NEXT PAGE
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director, the visionary Gale Parmelee, the two made a historic decision - to create the nation’s first, and only, human / canine radio duo, “Bruce & Hobbes.” The two “Best Buddies” were on their way, and haven’t looked back. Since becoming radio partners, “Bruce & Hobbes” have used their radio show, and celebrity status, to help kids & animals across the country. The duo regularly speak at events on topics such as anti-domestic violence, bullying, empathy, compassion and the humane treatment of animals. Judging from the impact of their work, Bruce & Hobbes’ message is making a difference. In 2012, Bruce & Hobbes were honored by the Vermont Association of Broadcasters with the prestigious Alan Noyes Award, recognizing their extra-ordinary commitment to community service. The duo was also recognized by the Vermont Legislature, in 2012, for their work on behalf of animals. The pair has helped over 1,000 animals find homes, and raised over $50,000 for the Addison County Humane Society. Yet the “Best Buddies” hopes to do more, and they’re hitting the roadways (and the airwaves) to do it.
Last year, to tell Hobbes’ story, Zeman and his wife Tami, wrote a groundbreaking children’s book, “Hobbes Goes Home,” which not only tells the dog’s story, but talks about issues such as bullying, an issue almost every school, and student, is confronted with. In an effort to help Vermont’s students, Bruce & Hobbes launched a statewide, antibullying tour, and are reading “Hobbes Goes Home,” in EVERY Vermont school. To date, the boys have visited over 80 schools, and they’re just getting started. With the 2016 school year underway, more schools are scheduled – and now, Bruce & Hobbes are receiving invitations to speak in schools across the nation. How important is the book? “Hobbes Goes Home,” has received attention from President Barack Obama, VT Congressman Peter Welch, and Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin. The book has also been praised by educators, teachers and parents – some of whom have called “Hobbes Goes Home,” one of the most important children’s books written in years. Earlier this year, Bruce & Hobbes returned to the airwaves with their new,
national podcast, “Bruce & Hobbes Radio,” which is available Wednesdays at www.bruceandhobbes.com. The show features animal-related topics, and explores all aspects of animal care & welfare. Bruce & Hobbes speak with experts on animal-related subjects, and invite listeners to share their views & comments on the informative, and interactive podcast. Listeners can subscribe to “Bruce & Hobbes Radio” for free on I-Tunes, or can have the show sent to them each week by sending an e-mail to info@bruceandhobbes.com. le Bruce & Hobbes are availab for speaking engagements, and anti-bullying presentations, nation-wide. “Hobbes Goes Home” can be purchased by visiting www.bruceandhobbes.com. Contact Information Scheduling / Inquiries: Info@bruceandhobbes.com Scheduling Contact: 7-1602 Tami Crupi Zeman - 802-37 Website: www.bruceandhobbes.com
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HORSEMANSHIP YOGA A Fun, Unique Way to Understand Your Horse, Improve Your Ride and Compete Colleen Campbell
Warrior Gus, taking part in yoga.
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grew up riding Hunt seat, starting at the age of 12. I competed in a few small shows and spent a year on the UMASS Equestrian team, but something never clicked with me and Hunt seat. I didn’t like the rigidity and the “sit and look pretty” lessons. I wanted to connect with my horse, understand how to communicate better and allow him to function better. Studying Equine Studies at UMASS Amherst, an encounter with Joe Delano gave me the opportunity. I rode a horse for a friend of a friend at Joe’s barn, Sky High Farm. Joe liked the way I rode and offered me a job. From that point on, the way I rode, taught, trained and thought about horses changed for the better. Joe
taught me to be clear, how the horse thinks, and how to stay out of their way while riding so they function better. As I learned and got more proficient I started teaching and training at Joe’s Barn. I was always searching for ways to break down and de-mystify what I was teaching. Riding issues are almost always our fault, usually a very simple fix. The year I started taking Yoga classes it all came together. My first yoga class focused on breathing, being present, releasing tensions and tight muscles and body awareness. The missing piece to my teaching! I approached Sheila Thorn, asked her to collaborate on a Horseback Yoga clinic, and Horsemanship Yoga was born! Horsemanship Yoga is more than poses on a horse. It’s a way to understand our bodies and horses better, learn how to communicate clearly and allow our horses to function. When things are not going well in our riding it is almost always our fault. We are asking our horses to do the wrong thing without realizing it and then punishing them for doing what we ask! A great example is backing up, we lean back, drive our seat forward and pull back on the reins, squeezing our butts or thighs to pull harder if needed. Our horse responds by hollowing their back, raising their head, and either refusing to go back or taking very stiff steps back. Exactly what our body asked! Continued NEXT PAGE
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When we lean back, drive our seat forward and squeeze our butts and thighs we block them from going back. We are telling the horse to go forward away from pressure. Then we pull on their face, and they lift their heads to get away from that pressure. Horsemanship Yoga gives people the tools to understand issues, why they happen and how to fix them. In backing up it is a change from leaning back to folding forward an inch or two at the hip, bringing your shoulders forward and taking the pressure off your seat. Softly pull and release straight back with the reins. Horsemanship Yoga is traditional yoga poses, mounted poses and riding. We focus on breathing, body awareness, being present, releasing tension, balance, and understanding the horse. The mounted portion is done bareback. We do a few poses to find balance (Phases of the Moon, Seated Mountain, Seated Savasana, and breathing down into our seat) and feel how we affect our horses when we move. By doing movements that put us out of balance and create tension we learn how to find center and relaxation from the way the horse’s muscles move away from pressure and become uneven under our seat. We can adjust our bodies to even out the pressure in our seat and feel their muscles return to normal. When we have a good feel for our bodies and our horse’s bodies we put it all together in a ride! We can now feel when we are bracing or out of balance, and are able to give the horse a chance to do what we ask. It has been a wonderfully satisfying with all the discoveries people make during the class! I was also searching for a way to be a better trainer to showcase my and my horses’ skills. I wanted that same level of communication and connection when I was training and showing. I love reining, but you have to be a little brutal on your horse at the professional level. I wasn’t comfortable with that, but I still wanted to ride those maneuvers. I started competing in Ranch Horse Pleasure with my Quarter Horse, Long Awaited Image, and found my discipline! Ranch Horse Pleasure is a pattern class that focuses on the versatility and willingness of the horse and communication between horse and rider. Horses are shown in natural gaits and look like they would outside of an arena! So much fun, it has lots of skills to work on, going over poles, a turn around, stop, back up, side pass over poles, extended trot and canter, etc… It ties together all of my beliefs, teaching communication and understanding to my students and training happy, willing horses. Resulting in competitive horses and students who have fun showing and winning with these skills! I am looking forward to many successful show seasons for myself, my horses and students! Fall 2015
Twist, horseback
Colleen CampbellI has been riding since she was very young, trying disciplines from Hunt seat to Saddle seat before finding western. Interning at UVM Morgan Horse farm she also received an Associates in Equine Studies from Umass Amherst. She learned the natural Horsemanship method from Joe Delano, with whom she still works. For 7 years she has been running her training and lesson business, Campbell Equine, in Leverett, MA. Her newest project is Heroes, Horses and Hounds, a nonprofit education center focusing on rescue, rehab and animal assisted therapy certifications and programs, for next Summer!
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Preventing Your Dog from Door Dashing and Jumping on Guests (Good for trick or treating and holiday guests) Bethany King-Keene, NH
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t’s fall, my favorite season. Leaves are changing, it’s cooler out and there are pumpkin spice flavored edibles everywhere! Another wonderful thing about fall? All the get-togethers with friends and family. You’ve been cooking all day, a labor of love. Food is warming in the oven when you hear the doorbell ring, heralding the arrival of the first of your guests. Opening the door to let them in, Fido slips by your legs! Darting out as fast as his furry feet will carry him across the road. What follows is a Benny Hill type chase throughout the neighborhood for two hours! You’re frustrated, he had the time of his life. Door dashing, is a dangerous behavior. How do we teach that an open doorway isn’t always an invitation to go out? There are a number of ways.
First, we must teach our dogs to “wait” when asked.
Start off inside the home, not at the front/back door. Have some rewards ready (for different dogs that may be food, a toy or perhaps a game of tug) and call your dog to you. Once your dog is in the room with you, close the door. After a few moments start to open the door. If the dog starts moving towards the door, simply shut the door. Once the dog moves back, just a couple of feet from the door, begin to open it again. If the dog remains still, reward. If they move towards the door shut it again. Rinse and repeat! As the dog is successful, start opening the door wider and wider. We can start adding the cue “wait” once the dog is performing the behavior 90 percent of the time. Practice in several different locations inside the home. Understand that “wait” always means the same thing no matter Continued NEXT PAGE
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onds and reward, start again. The goal is to be able to walk from the mat to the door without your dog leaving the mat. (At this time introduce a word to let your dog know it’s alright to get off the mat. I use “free” and toss a treat away from the mat. A specific word, so they know the exercise is over.) Then as before, start opening the door. If the dog gets up, bring them back to the mat and start again. Be consistent, take it slow. You may have to go back a few steps before progressing, that’s okay. Eventually your dog will learn to “wait” on their mat. This can help prevent them from jumping on guests at the door! It’s about teaching our dogs what we want them to do, not telling them off for what we don’t want them to do.
Pro tip: Keep your sessions upbeat, fun and short. End them before you get frustrated or your dog gets bored!
Have a wonderful Fall and happy training! Lucy & Tank
where they are. Once you are well practiced with the “wait” cue, start practicing at the front/back door. It’s important to use a leash at this point to prevent an accident. Doors leading outside will have lots more distractions, don’t be discouraged if you have to start from scratch. Just go back to opening and closing the door as before! No need to yank on the leash or yell at the dog. Take your time, be patient, and reward frequently. Dogs learn by what works and what doesn’t. Teach them that trying to go out the door makes the door close, not trying to go out results getting out the door! Eventually you won’t need to reward, because the reward is going out the door. My dog Kalvin and I use the “wait” cue all the time! At doors, sidewalks, getting out of the car, stairways and anytime I just need him to not move for a second. A second way to prevent door dashing is to give your dog a specific location to go to when people come to the door. You’ll need a mat, rug or other specific location for your dog to rest on. I like to use a small throw rug. Start by rewarding your dog for sitting on the mat. Then get them into a “down” on the mat. Feed them several individual rewards while lying down on the mat, slowly spacing out the rewards. Make the mat a highly rewarding place to be. Next start adding some distance. Take one step away, immediately return and reward your dog if they haven’t gotten off the mat. Then try two steps, then three, then... Well, you get the idea. If your dog gets off the mat encourage them back, get them into a “down,” wait a few secFall 2015
Bethany King lives in Keene NH with two parrots, a cat, two hedgehogs and Kalvin her poodle chihuahua mix, who’s earned his canine good citizen and therapy dog certification. She is the Senior Dog Trainer at the Keene Petco and a CGC evaluator for the AKC.
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The Counseling Cat Talaia Thomas, LCMHC Hardwick,VT
The envelope read: Foxy, 4 South Main St. Hardwick, VT. No return address.
F
oxy’s my cat show reject, a Somali with white toe hairs – apparently a no-no on the circuit. He’s part Tasmanian Devil, part opportunist. He’s not a therapy cat, but when my ideal “co-therapist”, a darling sealpoint Ragdoll named Atticus chose dogs over people, I begrudgingly replaced him with Foxy. Foxy’s a take-charge type cat, an unwavering optimist believing persistence is key. His “all about me” antics have proven useful during counseling sessions. I’ve learned from Foxy, been humbled by him, watched him reach people in ways that I can’t.
Molly’s Story Molly was eleven when she first came to my office. I was her fourth therapist in two years. “She won’t talk about what happened,” her mother explained. “She’s afraid of the dark, she won’t sleep alone, and whenever she hears sirens she bolts. She won’t talk to counselors, but we thought… maybe with the pets?” Her voice trailed off questioningly. I watched tears quiver in her eyes as she spoke. A silent plea lingered in her gaze, "Please someone undo the single event that divides time, excise my daughter’s suffering and thus relieve some of my own." I wanted to explain therapeutic limitation… tell her normal gets recreated, a mosaic of today with the broken pieces from before. Two years earlier fire rushed through their home, their lives forever altered. Molly made it out with her parents. Baby Colin didn’t. I looked toward Molly, the pile of pink crumpled behind the couch. Doubt stifled me. Intrigued, Foxy nudged his way into Molly’s cocoon; curled around her face until she had to sit up for air. She put her head on her knees. Foxy jumped on her shoulders, settled against her neck and the wall, and began to bathe. Really? I thought. Could you at least pretend we’re professionals here? “Where is it?” I asked quickly. He jumped down frantically searching for his spongy green ball. He found it in his basket, carried it to Molly, dropped it by her feet and batted at her to play. She didn’t move. “Foxy, leave her alone,” I ordered, but then I heard her fingers drum the floor. He had her. Molly’s first appointment was mirrored repeatedly in months that followed. There were slight gains. She emerged from behind the couch, engaged with Foxy, but she rarely spoke. I questioned my work, considered referring her elsewhere, but Molly insisted on seeing Foxy. I’d accepted being Foxy’s second, but usually my clients spoke to me. Molly wouldn’t. It had been a year. Molly arrived as usual. She grabbed the spongy green ball from the basket, slumped onto the couch, showing Foxy. He was tired. He’d played all morning. Molly tossed the ball. He watched it, uninterested. She flung his purple hair tie. Nothing. She tried the ball again. He ignored it. Instead he Continued NEXT PAGE
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jumped into her lap, arranged himself belly-side up, paws kneading the air, eyes blissfully closed. The usual silence befell us. She stroked his fur and began to cry, silently at first and then through unrestrained sobs. She hadn’t cried since the fire. “Mittens died that night.” Molly didn’t look up. “I tried to reach her under the bed, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t save her.” Foxy’s coat was shiny, wet with tears. “And I know,” She snapped. “She was just a stupid cat. Big deal. I’m supposed to be sad about Colin, but Colin wasn’t the only one who died in the fire.” The door between us finally creaked open. We talked about cats, about loss, about judgments and self-forgiveness. We talked about the value of life – every life and about a memorial service for Mittens. Molly’s parents helped demystify the events of that night, helped correct erroneous beliefs. Molly cried inconsolably at times, but eventually allowed herself to shed some blame, to laugh again. Two years after our first meeting, Molly came to say good-bye. The family was moving to Wyoming, another step toward healing. Foxy dropped his spongy green ball into her lap and she threw it. He brought it back. “I think he wants you to have it,” I offered. We looked at each other through distorting tears and she pocketed the ball. She hugged Foxy, a long silent good-bye and then she was gone. It’s been years since that day. The envelope marked Foxy is in my office drawer. Inside is a picture of Molly in her cap and gown. She’s smiling, a fluffy gray cat and the spongy green ball in her lap. An attached sticky note reads: I made it. Thank you. Love, Molly. Talaia Thomas is a licensed mental health counselor operating a private practice in Hardwick, VT. Foxy continues to accompany her to the office. Talaia also works as a crisis clinician in Washington County. She can be reached at 802-279-8575. For more information Google Talaia Thomas LCMHC.
Foxy-Cats have been found to be theraputic for all ages.
Fall 2015
*Molly is a pseudonym. Some identifying information has been slightl altered to preserve anonymity.
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Blankets for Every Equine (and Animal!) Sarah Zabek
J
ust like people, each horse is different. They are built differently, they behave differently, and they have different preferences. Yet, you can still outfit your growing horses, extra wide horses, the “Houdini” types that can wiggle their way out of anything, and even your backyard barn animals. For young horses, foal blankets provide flexibility as your youngster fills in and grows up. Many foal blankets offer an adjustment system to allow the blanket to grow with your foal. In fact, this unique feature can be utilized not just for foals, but for calves, baby goats, and other young growing animals as well. If you need something for a full-grown goat, the Horseware Goat Coat is the blanket for you. Ponies and miniature horses are shaped differently from horses and foals, and they need blankets to reflect that. The most distinct difference to look for in blankets for ponies versus horses is the drop of the blanket — the length of the blanket over the horse’s barrel. If you put a horse blanket on a pony, the extra fabric around your horse’s barrel will obstruct the movement of his or her legs. Like ponies and minis, draft horses will benefit from blankets in special sizing. While a regular horse blanket will be too long for a pony, it will be too short for a draft horse — leaving their barrel exposed to the elements. To keep these gentle giants warm and protected, outfit them with a blanket with a longer drop. For horses with particularly wide chests, consider the WeatherBeeta Freestyle line. For those with particularly narrow chests, shop Curvon Baker Blankets. These are built for lighter, more thoroughbred type horses. In addition, Shires blankets offer increased adjustability at the front of the blanket in the chest area. You can also consider layering a shoulder guard under your horse’s blanket. This will protect your horse’s shoulders against blanket rub and provide additional warmth for the shoulders. “Houdini” and wrecker type horses need the ultimate in comfort and freedom of movement so that they will actually keep their blanket on and intact. A secure fit is key, as it will provide a challenge to even the smartest Houdinis to escape and the roughest wreckers to destroy. It’s all about making sure that your horse has the best and longest lasting protection. Some great options include the WeatherBeeta Freestyle line, Bucas blankets, and the Rambo line from Horseware. No matter the type of horse — or other animal — proper fit is paramount for keeping the animal warm, dry, and happy. Do your homework before you set out to make a purchase. If you have other blankets available to try on, do so, and take notes on their fit. Learn about proper blanket fit on The Cheshire Horse blog (www.blog. cheshirehorse.com). It is helpful to measure your horse or other animal to get a sense of the size they might take before setting out to make a purchase. While there is a great amount of variation in different horses’ builds, for a quicker size estimate you can use this chart based on your horse’s height: Protect your pup too! Outfit your dog for the weather, and get out and advenHorse Height (hands) Blanket Size ture with Fido, regardless of rain or snow. Correct sizing is just as important 13.2-14.0 63” for dogs as it is for horses, so be sure to 14.0-14.2 66” measure your dog before you set out to make a purchase. If you can, try some 14.2-15.2 69” blankets on your dog before buying as 15.2-16.0 72” well. Or, bring them to the store and try on a few! 16.0-16.2 75” The Cheshire Horse has everything 16.2-17.0 78” you’ll need to outfit your horses, pets, and other animal companions. Visit 17.0-17.2 81” The Cheshire Horse, on the corner of 17.2-18.0 84” Whittemore Farm Road and Route 10 South in Swanzey, and online at 18 87” www.cheshirehorse.com. 10 4 Legs & a Tail
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FOREVER Tim Hoehn
It was humorist Josh Billings who said, “A dog is the only thing on earth who loves you more than he loves himself.” The best part of a
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dog’s love is that it doesn’t come with an expiration date. How many of us have at least one password as the name of our first dog. After more than 40 years, my first dog will still visit me in my dreams. Whenever I see a beagle, it brings me back to a simpler time, and I can almost feel Snoopy’s presence. As a little girl, Kate grew up with her best friend, Blondie, a Golden Retriever. Goldie was 70 pounds of love, who loved people, especially Kate. Before the spoils of video games and social media, Kate and Blondie would spend hours playing in winters wonderland and wasting summer days the way kids do. As fall arrived, Blondie was Kate’s constant companion, walking her up the driveway to catch the school bus and greeting her there in the afternoon, with tail wagging. Every night when Kate would climb into bed and say her prayers, Blondie would wait for mom or dad to turn out the light, then she would curl up at the foot of Kate’s bed, where she would sleep the night through. But just as all of us are only here for a short time, the same goes for our best friends. The day came when it was only mom who met Kate at the bus. As the tears rolled like a summer thunderstorm, Kate’s mom hugged her with love and shared, “Your heart is large enough to always hold a place for Blondie and she will always be with us.” A lthough only days passed before they boxed up Blondie’s bowl and collar, weeks and even months later, Kate would empty the vacuum and smile as she gently removed dog hair. Mom was right, Blondie would always be with us. It was a cold night in October when Kate settled into a restless sleep. It was the kind of dream that you know is a dream but also feels very real. She heard a dog barking, so loudly in fact that it actually woke her. Maybe it was a neighbor dog? But before she could put her thoughts together, her mind raced to another issue...something’s burning! The smell was distinct and definitely not a dream. Kate ran quickly down the hall and woke her parents. Her dad knew instantly that it was the furnace and rushed the family next door and called the fire department. The first responders arrived quickly and to the good fortune of all, the furnace had just begun to smolder with only minor smoke damage, confined to the basement. After a couple of hours the coast was clear. “It will be light soon. Why don’t you try to get some sleep,” dad said to Kate. As her parents ushered her into her room, they all stopped on a dime. Maybe our dogs will always be with us, because there on the foot of the bed lay Blondie’s collar. Fall 2015
Should You Look Your Gift Horse in the Mouth? Kristen Clapp, DVM-Chester, VT
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e’ve all heard it. "Never look a gift horse in the mouth". Well, when it comes to our horses, I could not disagree more. Having regular dental examinations one to two times a year by a trained professional is one of the best things we can do for them. Horses have what we call hypsodont teeth. What we see above the gum line is the crown of the tooth. Below the gum line, however, is the reserve crown and apex or tooth roots. These make up a majority of the tooth. It is the reserve crown that erupts from the gum line, replacing what is worn away as they age. Because of this, a horse can be born with or develop dental abnormalities at any age. Being that the mouth is the beginning of a complex digestive system it only makes sense to keep a watchful eye out for any abnormalities or disease processes that could affect your horse’s health. Amongst many diseases and developmental abnormalities that your veterinarian watches for, a particular one of interest is Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis (EOTRH). What a mouthful! EOTRH is only recently gaining the recognition that it deserves. This disease is more common then once realized and is a painful and progressive disease process of the incisors and canines. There is still much to be learned about EOTRH however it does have similarities to disease found in both cats and humans. Unfortunately, this relatively common disease has no cure and not knowing much about it, there is little that can be advised for prevention. However, with veterinarians becoming more aware, more horses can be properly managed and treated, while leading successful careers, pain free. Horses affected by EOTRH can be any age, but it is typically recognized in horses over the age of 15. The first thing an owner may notice is that their horse has In addition to tartar build up around the gum line, fistulas leading to draining trouble grasping apples and carrots with their front tracts of infected tooth roots are depicted here. teeth, eventually losing interest in these treats entirely. Photo credit: Northeast Equine Veterinary Dental Services Horses may also, but not always, have increased head shaking, drooling, resistance to turn during work, and periods of inappetance or decreased appetite leading to weight loss. Horses will often learn to graze with their lips thereby avoiding the use of their incisors entirely. These horses are often head shy, resisting their upper lips being manipulated to look at their teeth. Often times, a horse with EOTRH will become alert under the heaviest sedation when the pressure of an oral speculum is applied to the incisors for a dental exam. It is also not uncommon for a horse to exhibit no signs, due to the chronicity and/or the variable stages of the disease. So what exactly is happening to the teeth of a horse with EOTRH? For reasons still not understood, there is an inflammatory process acting on the incisors and canine teeth. Normally, there is a balance between the cells called odontoblasts and odontoclasts. The odontoblasts build up normal dental tissues where as odontoclasts are responsible for the destruction of dental tissues. With EOTRH, an unknown trigger causes both the breaking down of tissue, referred to as odontoclastic tooth resoprtion, and in turn, the laying down of new tissue (cementum) by cementoblasts, referred to as hypercementosis. This results in loss and weakening of Thise radiograph of incisors and canines are from a case with EOTRH. important structures of the tooth leading to tooth fracHere you can see many areas of severe tooth resorption, Continued Next Page
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hypercementoisis and loss of alveolar bone. Photo credit: Northeast Equine Veterinary Dental Services
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ture, pain and infection within the root. Most of this process occurs below the gum line. Therefore, radiographs are the only definitive way to diagnose and monitor the disease. When we see signs above the gum line, often the disease process is well advanced. Signs to watch for are gingivitis, an incisor angle inconsistent with their age, inflamed or swollen gums, and pimples or nodules leading to draining tracts from infected tooth roots. Often, plaque or tartar will build up on both the canines and incisors, once removed bone loss may be apparent and the teeth may even be mobile. Currently, management consists of regular dental examinations and monitoring with radiographs. Many times there are several stages of the disease existing at once across the incisors. This allows your veterinarian to make a plan to either extract necessary teeth in stages or all at once. Oral extractions of the incisors and canines is no easy task but can be performed standing with heavy sedation and local anesthesia. Horses do very well with this procedure and have gone on to lead long healthy and pain free lives. They easily adapt to grazing with their lips and are maintained on their normal feeding regimen. They may even thank you with gummy toothless smile. As of now EOTRH is not fully understood. There are still many questions to be asked. Until then, there is no cure or prevention. The best thing we can do for them is to become more aware of the disease and ensure they get regular veterinary dental examinations taking the whole horse into account. Dr. Kristen Clapp is the sole practitioner and owner of Upper Valley Equine Services, LLC, based out of Chester, VT. Kristen has a special interest in equine veterinary dentistry and enjoys educating her clients as she work with them and their horses. www.UpperValleyEquine.comÂ
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If I Can’t Brush My Cat’s or Dog’s Teeth, What Else Can I Do to Control Periodontal Disease? I
Sandra L Waugh VMD, MS-Windsor, VT
have written about periodontal disease in prior issues of 4 Legs & A Tail. Periodontal disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats, and is present to some degree in 80% of pets over the age of 3 years. It is caused by plaque accumulation in the space between the gum and the tooth (the gingival sulcus). Periodontal disease is associated with oral pain, bad breath, ulcers in the mouth, loss of bone around the roots of the teeth, loose teeth with eventual loss of teeth and the potential for generalized disease in the heart, liver and kidneys. It is preventable with daily oral care, which means brushing the teeth every day. However, many owners are either unwilling or unable to brush their dog’s teeth every day, and many cats, unless they are trained as kittens, will not tolerate toothbrushing. Fortunately some new products for prevention of periodontal disease or slowing the progression of already present periodontal disease have been introduced. One new product is called SANOS®, which is applied by your veterinarian after the teeth have been professionally cleaned. It earned the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal in November 2011. VOHC exists to recognize products that meet pre-set standards of plaque and calculus (tartar) retardation in dogs and cats. Products are awarded the VOHC Seal of Approval following review of data from trials conducted according to VOHC protocols. The VOHC does not test products itself. There are numerous products on the market that make claims about improving the dental health of dogs and cats. Consumers should be aware that there is no federal governmental oversight of such claims, and it is very much buyer beware. The Veterinary Oral Health Council provides a Seal of Acceptance to companion animal dental products that have undergone strict testing protocols to ensure the safety and efficacy of the product. What is SANOS®? It was develop by Peter Emily, DDS, a human dentist who really wanted to be a veterinarian but whose father would not let him attend veterinary school. He has subsequently worked in veterinary dentistry as well as human dentistry. SANOS® is a liquid which is applied by means of a small brush directly into the space between the gum and the tooth (gingival sulcus). The idea is to fill this space with the SANOS®. Once applied, the liquid dries in 10 to 15 seconds. It forms a barrier to plaque while allowing water and oxygen to pass through. The owner should not brush the teeth for the first week after SANOS has been applied. It can best be described as a self-hardening liquid bandage device that helps and aids in gingival and oral health. Importantly, no take home follow-up application is required by the owner and one application lasts up to 6 months. While there will be some calculus on the teeth in 6 months, I have been Continued NEXT PAGE
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impressed by the lack of plaque or tartar in the gingival sulcus in SANOS® treated pets at the 6 month re-application. Any tartar on the teeth also seems easier to remove than in non-SANOS® treated pets. It is important to realize that the presence of tartar on the surface of the tooth is not the cause of periodontal disease and is not directly related to the presence and/or severity of periodontal disease.
Look for the VOHC Seal of Acceptance on any product with a dental claim for cats or dogs. Sanos® application to the upper fourth premolar and upper canine tooth in the cat. The gingival sulcus is normally quite shallow in the cat. It should be no more than 1mm deep on any of teeth.
Sanos® application to the upper canine tooth in a 100 pound dog. The gingival sulcus depth is quite variable in the dog, with the deepest sulcus occurring on the upper canine tooth and the least deep on the fourth premolars and molars on upper and lower jaws. The supplied brush slides easily into the space. More information about SANOS® can be found at www.allaccem.com. Note for Veterinarians: You must use a non-fluoride prophy paste or pumice flour made into a paste after cleaning the teeth if SANOS® is to be applied. Either product is available from veterinary distributors. Typically prophy paste contains fluoride so you must specify fluoride free. The fluoride ion interferes with the hardening of the SANOS®. If any veterinarians or veterinary technicians have questions about SANOS®, you are welcome to call me for practical tips about using this product at 802-674-2070. Dr.Waugh is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. She also holds a Masters Degree from Washington State University of Veterinary Medicine and is owner of Windsor Veterinary & Dental Services.
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Fostering Cookie: A Medical Journey to a Second Chance of Happiness Katie Achilli-Keene, NH
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t the Monadnock Humane Society, hard work and dedication make the dogs’ time here positive and comfortable, but as short as possible. So many loving families come in to adopt our dogs, providing them with their forever homes. But, there are dogs who need extensive medical care, making their time here last months, even up to a year. These dogs’ owners seek a desperate option for their pet to receive the medical care they need. Other times, they are brought in as strays and never reclaimed, making their medical journey more difficult without their veterinary history. Cookie, a one-year-old female Pit bull mix came to us in April 2014 as an owner’s surrender, due to her medical status. She had demodectic mange, her owners couldn’t afford treatment. The day of her surrender we waited, holding our breath to see how bad her condition was. She came through our doors, her face nervous but smiling, with pink, rashy, irritated skin. Cookie spent most of that time frantically scratching herself, scanning her new surroundings. Eventually, she sat in front of me and offered a pink, blistery paw as she stared up at me with infected, crusty eyes. I fell instantly in love. I decided to foster Cookie while she underwent her lengthy skin treatment. It was during that time our veterinarian discovered Cookie also had eyelid entropion, the cause of the excessive discharge, pain, and irritation in her eyes. Along with her spay surgery, entropion correction surgery added to her timeline. To the strong displeasure of my cat, I welcomed Cookie into my home. “Like a bull in a china shop” was an accurate phrase for her. She had no behavioral structure, and her social manners were completely off the radar at times. Always sweet and loving, she came at you with excitement in full force. Exhausting at times, I was having a blast with this new, eccentric companion, while learning how to care for a dog with medical and behavioral difficulties. Cookie and I spent most of our time together. She healed from her spay and a sporadic ear infection, and her entropion surgery was a success. Her skin was improving dramatically. We all thought her medical journey was coming to a close. My heart dropped when I felt lumps under the skin of her abdomen. It was a harsh surgery, and until the biopsy came back, we dreaded it being cancer. Several
Cookie celebrating National Adopt a Shelter Pet Month this October.
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stitches and staples later, Cookie was in a lot of pain and it seemed to be making her depressed. Much to our relief, the biopsy came back normal. Six months had passed since Cookie was surrendered, and her health and healing had greatly advanced. During that time, Cookie and I formed an unbreakable bond, without a doubt, best friends. We hiked, jogged, watched Netflix, and even took “selfies” together. We also excelled in and graduated an obedience training class. Spending time helping her heal and recover, I had gained her trust and become a comfort to her. But, every successful foster parent knows, eventually you will have to let the dog go. As much as I wished, I was not the right home for her. With her medical history and adolescent hyperactivity, she was not an easy dog to adopt. To my joy, a wonderful family took her as a pre-adoptive foster at Christmas time. Sadly, they realized that she was not the right fit for them. Weeks passed, then months. Cookie smiled at every visitor. Mid-winter, another eager family took her in. They loved her, but their dog was too old to keep up with Cookie. Cookie had been returned twice. Able to stay with me at night, she was becoming overwhelmed and depressed while in the shelter. I was sick with worry, struggling to keep my hopes up. Cookie was so stressed she barked at every stranger scaring them away. Additionally, I was leaving on a business trip. Another wonderful family opened their home to Cookie while I was away. Now, I firmly believe the phrase, “third time’s a charm.” April passed into May, and they were inseparable. Undeterred by her hyper behavior, they were also not discouraged by her health. Cookie was even getting along wonderfully with their young child. Cookie’s eyes showed she loved her new owners. Even seeing me wasn’t as exciting for her, she didn’t leave their sides. She finally belonged somewhere, and she was happy Cookie taught me to be more patient and forgiving of dogs with a lack of impulse control. I have the knowledge to help others with dogs like her. Cookie’s bright smile and affectionate cuddles made every day for me. I will miss her forever. With the right place and the right people, there is a second chance of happiness for all dogs like Cookie. Katie Achilli graduated from Franklin Pierce University with a major in Creative Writing, with minors in Literature and Journalism.Working at the Monadnock Humane Society since that summer after college, she has been there as a technician ever since. She tries to foster as many dogs as she can. She enjoys reading, jogging, and watching horror movies on Netflix and resides in Keene with her cat,Trout. Fall 2015
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Acupuncture Can Reverse Paralysis in Dogs Anna Rosenberg DVM cVA
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atching Simon, a 3 year old dachshund, chase after a ball in the backyard, most people would not believe that he had been unable to walk, empty his bladder, or even feel his back legs only 3 months earlier. There were still some signs of a previous problem – he wobbled a little when he ran, and he sometimes looked uncoordinated – but here he was, enjoying a sunny Vermont afternoon in the grass with his favorite ball, something that seemed all but impossible to his owners when he first injured his back and lost the use of his legs. Simon suffers from intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), which affects dachshunds more often than other breeds due to their long backs and unusual cartilage. Bulging or ruptured disks cause pressure on the spinal cord, bleeding, and nerve damage. This often looks like sudden severe back pain, and it can also cause paralysis, usually of the back legs. I gave Simon regular acupuncture treatments at VCA Windham Animal Hospital, and he started responding right away. I remember the day he was able to wag his tail for the first time since the disk ruptured – he seemed surprised and pleased! With a lot of rest, regular acupuncture sessions, and some physical therapy, he regained more and more function in his legs and was able to return to a normal life without any pain. Most veterinarians who have not received any special training in acupuncture are not aware that acupuncture can be just as effective as back surgery in helping dogs with IVDD. In fact, sevTim Hoehn eral studies published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical few days prior to Paws for a Caws Association over the last 10 years support Adopt-a-Thon in Barre, we found out that the use of acupuncture (especially elecmy elderly mother-in-law had stage 4 cancer. After her husband of 50+ passed away troacupuncture) for this condition (and a couple of years ago, she was very lonely in some cases, when the dogs have been and decided to get a dog (which we encourparalyzed for more than 48 hours, acuaged.) However, we were surprised when puncture is actually more effective than Pauline with her mini "Gretchen" she told us that she got a Miniature Longsurgery). However, many people with haired Dachshund puppy and asked us to take care of it if anything ever happaralyzed dogs due to disk disease are still pened to her. No, we didn’t want another dog, but what could we say. told that they should euthanize their dogs As I was working the 4 Legs & a Tail booth that Saturday, I had many fans of if they cannot afford the surgery, due to the magazine stop by with greetings of praise. I asked one couple how they were a lack of awareness of other options or a enjoying the show. They said they came looking for a dog to adopt but didn’t find reluctance to recommend “alternative the right breed. It seems that they had Miniature long-hair Dachshunds and had medicine.” to put their last one down last year. Acupuncture can decrease pain, restore I quickly explained the situation with my mother-in-law and asked if they neurologic function, speed healing, and might be interested in adopting hers when the time was right. They expressed promote well being in many animals some interest, but would need to know more about the dog and its background as they were longtime, responsible owners of the minis. with a variety of different disorders and I said I would be in touch and asked her her name. “Samantha Smedy”, she conditions. But as Simon can attest, re-plied. As you know, Barre is a small town. When I asked if she was related to when it comes to disk disease, acupuncmy mother-in-law, Pauline Smedy, she said she was an aunt and in fact, she had ture can save lives. a puppy from her last dogs litter. Needless to say, they are on the top of the list to adopt my mother-in-law's dog to the delight of everyone. Talk about a small world! Anna Rosenberg DVM cVA is a certified veterinary acupuncturist in Brattleboro, VT. Fall 2015 20 4 Legs & a Tail
Small Dog, Small World A
Salvation
Adrienne Finney's Four-legged friends.
Arlo Mudgett-Grafton, NH
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e have 2 cats, and that is about all we can handle comfortably for pets thanks to our busy lives. From that perspective I find it remarkable that Adrienne Finney in Guilford, Vermont has taken on so much more with incredible results. From being a pet adoption advocate to leading by example, Adrienne has become a resource and a mentor to many who follow her amazing pack of Labrador Retrievers in social media. With a naturally gifted eye for animal photography, Adrienne has posted incontrovertible proof that love and understanding changes lives for the better. On the surface you’re seeing beautiful healthy dogs with shiny coats and the glow of pure happiness, a vision that belies the origins of every one of her dogs. Right now I’d say Adrienne has eight Labs on her forty five acre farm, along with three horses and five rescued cats. Every one of her dogs has a story and background that contains abuse, neglect, or outright abandonment. For a Labrador Retriever to get adopted by Adrienne is tantamount to winning the love lottery. There are plenty of people who would envy life on her 1700’s era Vermont farm, but for Adrienne the creatures come first. Half of those forty five acres are open land where a dog or a horse can run and a cat can hunt or simply soak up the sun. Add in the pond and it is Lab nirvana. Where do these beautiful dogs come from? High Kill Shelters in New York and New Jersey. There are thousands of strays in Manhattan alone, and the sheer volume is an incredible burden on the city, hence the High Kill Shelters. Adrienne knows these places well, and she is tied into a flow of constant information from the shelters. Her contacts and knowledge has made her a virtual dog and cat adoption matchmaker for many in New England and especially in her Vermont environs. Reading about Adrienne’s work with her labs on social media can be heart wrenching, because she easily identifies each dogs challenges and the conditions that created the deficiencies. She posts photographs and keeps up a conversation about how she and the Labs develop relationships with the each new dog that finds itself at her farm. She describes each dogs progress, chronicling the moments when other dogs reach out to the damaged canine souls trying to fit into the pack. Somehow it all works, but not without considerable effort and an intuitive sense of just how to heal a damaged dog. It Fall 2015
is done with this synergistic, collaborative journey that repeats itself with every dog rescued. Adrienne will be the first to point out that she is fortunate to have the time and the resources necessary to create positive outcomes, but the best part is her willingness to share her experiences with so many others. Her Facebook friends follow the exploits of Oscar or Henry, or Lilly the cat who thinks she is a dog, or the special bonds that develop between some of the dogs. We look forward to her posts like people addicted to a soap opera. It would be entertaining by the text alone, but the photography adds a colorful dimension that makes the stories come alive. If you didn’t know better you’d think that Adrienne has a staff of trainers and pho-
tographers following her dogs around the clock. Not so. It is a singular woman who was given the gift of deep love and understanding of all kinds of creatures, and the motivation to share her experiences. Check into Adrienne Finney, Guilford, Vermont on Facebook and follow along. The salvation of her animals is a constantly unfolding story that you won’t want to miss.
Arlo Mudgett is a Vermont radio personality, with over thirty years as host of a program called “The Morning Almanac” on stations in southeastern,VT. He is also a columnist for two southeastern Vermont newspapers.Arlo is a native Vermonter who grew up in Chester and South Royalton, currently residing near Grafton.
Before rising to supreme popularity in the United States, the Labrador retriever nearly went extinct. The Labrador has been the most popular breed of dog in the United States for 24 years running. Its affable nature, loyal and helpful disposition, ideal size and strength for assisting people in everything from search-and-rescue to hunting to service animal has kept the Labrador as the top dog. But before the Labrador gained fame as a perfect all-around dog, the breed nearly disappeared. In Newfoundland, the government limited families to only one dog per household and a tax had to be paid for owning a dog. Females were taxed more heavily, so female puppies were often culled from litters. By the 1880s, the breed was nearly gone. Thankfully, though, it persisted in England where it was still favored as a hunting and family dog. England recognized the breed through the Kennel Club in 1903, and the American Kennel Club recognized it in 1917. So Labrador retriever fans have England and the Malmesbury family to thank for keeping this much-loved dog around.
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Red Maple Toxicosis Eleanor Warner, DVM
H ere in New England, we take our beautiful maple trees for granted. They provide us with our famous maple syrup
in the spring, and they turn a fiery red in the fall which pleases the eye and draws tourists by the droves to boost our economy. Because of their beauty, many people use them in landscaping around their houses, or preserve existing trees when building a new structure like a barn. What many people don’t realize is that these beauties can be deadly for equines. The Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is the tree most commonly associated with Red Maple Toxicosis in horses. It is native to the north east, and is a deciduous tree (it loses its leaves in the winter). The primary danger comes in the fall, when the leaves are wilted, but the leaves are dangerous any time they have been knocked off the tree. Storms will frequently cause a spike in Red Maple Toxicosis as they knock branches into pastures and curious horses eat the wilted leaves. Research suggests that leaves build up a higher level of the toxic compounds as the summer progresses, so fall leaves are more toxic than spring leaves. Red Maple Toxicosis causes damage to a horse’s red blood cells (RBC), which can lead to death. Scientists aren’t exactly sure what causes the damage, but there are 3 compounds that they suspect are the culprits. These compounds change the RBC so they can’t carry oxygen anymore. For a 1000lb horse, ingestion of as little as 2 pounds of leaves can cause toxicosis. Clinical signs typically occur within a few hours, and death can occur in as little as 18-24 hours. Initial signs noted are typically colic or fever. Depression, blue or purple gums, and dark red-brown urine are common signs noted if a horse survives the
On the left is a Red Maple Leaf, side by side with a Sugar Maple leaf (more common) on the right. Note the serrated edges on the leaf on the left
first 24 hours. Horses become anemic, which is relatively easy for your vet to discover with simple blood tests. More than half of horses affected will die. Now, you might be concerned about how to identify which maples are toxic. Researchers aren’t certain that only the Red Maple causes problems, as the toxic compounds have been found in the Silver and Sugar Maples as well, although there haven’t been any confirmed cases of poisoning related to these species. If concerned, an owner can simply prevent access to any sort of maple tree. To identify a Red Maple, look at the leaves. The leaf margins are serrated and the margins of the center lobe are close to parallel with the central vein. The Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), which is extremely common in New England, has smooth leaf margins. The Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) has heavily indented leaf lobes and the margins are serrated. If you suspect that your horse has consumed Red Maple leaves, call your vet immediately. Due to the serious nature of the poisoning, intense supportive care is usually necessary. Blood transfusions, IV fluids, and constant pain medications are all the golden standard of treating these cases, which typically require hospitalization in a referral facility. Don’t delay calling your primary veterinarian out, as this could save your horse’s life! Dr Lea Warner - UGA CVM graduate currently working at VT-NH Veterinary Clinic. Owner of 3 Quarter Horses, AQHA,AAEP member.
Webster and Rose H
Helen - Brattleboro,VT
ere is a tale of sister and brother cats. I had adopted them four years ago from the Human Society, which is where I adopted previous pets. I knew when I walked in they were the ones, but I couldn’t take the whole family. There were two boys and four girls, in which one was the mother to the family. The workers there said, “older cats won’t be adopted” and they sat in a huge display case for around three months. So I decided to enter to adopt. The first was a shy, male cat looking endlessly out the window at the car I came in with. I went over to pet him and he meowed back at me, like saying thanks for the attention. The sign with his name Webber, and information also stated that he loved to be with his sister, Rose. I brought him home that day. Over the next few days he was extremely lonely and wasn’t 22 4 Legs & a Tail
adjusting well. I gave it some time, but three weeks later I went back and adopted his sister, Rose. Once I brought her home, he perked up and became very happy. Soon she will be 15 yrs old and he will be 13 years old. Both of them are very lovable all the time, hugging and kissing each other and whoever pets them. They understand anything I say to them, as well as watch TV with me. Webber would lay on my lap in the morning when I watch the morning news, and Rose love watching the older 1960’s rerun TV shows. If you are looking for friends this fall, consider adopting an older cat. Fall 2015
The Truth About Goldfish Bowls Elise Minkler
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ust about everyone has at some point owned a goldfish in the one gallon bowl. A classic image, the bowled goldfish, is seen on TV, given away as prizes at fairs or weddings, or purchased from your local fish store. Usually the fish last a couple of months before going belly up leaving someone is heartbroken. The ever-popular common goldfish, like the ones that are won at the fair, is supposed to live upwards of 15 years; adults should easily reach 12 inches long. Bowls, however, are simply not designed to allow these fish to live out their full lives, most dying long before reaching one year of age. Setting up a goldfish in a bowl is setting it up for failure. But why exactly are the bowls so bad? For starters, picture a goldfish as an underwater cow, constantly pooping, constantly eating, and needing ample roaming space. In a one gallon bowl, all that poop builds up quickly, and decaying poop creates toxic ammonia, the number one killer of fish. Filters are vital to combating excessive waste, but on that bowl there simply is not enough space for a filter. Goldfish actually produce so much more waste than most other types of fish that proper care calls for double filtration - meaning a 20 gallon tank would have a filter designed for a 40 gallon tank. In a bowl with no filter, the fish is forced to breathe in his own rotting waste all day, while also being burned by the ammonia produced by that rotting waste. Luckily bacteria called nitrites grow, and these good bacteria eat ammonia. But then that bacteria itself poops, and that too is toxic to fish. So other bacteria called nitrates grow and eat the waste of the nitrites. This is called the nitrogen cycle, it takes about three weeks to properly establish and it is essential to any sort of healthy fish tank, be it goldfish, salt water fish, or even bettas. Bowls simply are too small to allow for enough good bacteria to grow to combat all that ammonia goldfish produce. When doing a water change, you are not only removing dangerous ammonia and fish feces, but also the good bacteria. It is important to never change more than 50% of the water in 24 hours, otherwise the nitrogen cycle is disrupted and has to begin its three week process again. Goldfish need a tremendous amount of oxygen to power their bodies, they quickly deplete their bowl water of its oxygen, then end up sulking at the bottom motionless or gasping for air at the surface. Of all shapes a tank could be, a bowl is
the worst of them all. This is because they have the least amount of surface area at the opening, allowing very little oxygen exchange between the ambient air and tank water, again proving why bowls are unsuitable. Having a filter on a tank not only keeps the fish’s water clean, but also puts oxygen back into the water as it moves. T h e wo rs t p a r t about goldfish bowls is the effect they have internally on goldfish. While there is some truth to the idea that goldfish only grow to the size of their tank, the reality is they become too stressed and die before reaching maturity. When they realize that they are unable to grow because their environment is so small, the skin and bones of the fish stop growing. Their organs do not stop growing. So inside that tiny little body, his organs are beginning to squish together. Eventually becoming so strained that slow organ failure is his cause of death, a really horrible way to go. One juvenile goldfish (less than 5”) should be housed in a 10 gallon tank, and one adult (above 6”) needs a tall 20 gallon tank. A good rule of thumb is that for every one inch of the goldfish’s body length, he needs 2 gallons of water. There are always exceptions, many people report having their bowled goldfish for upwards of 8 years, but understand that surviving and thriving are two completely different things. Humans are perfectly capable of surviving out of a car in air pollution infested Los Angeles for decades, but should it be the standard of living for humans? Absolutely not! So please do not subject your aquatic friends to 10 years of suffering in a tiny glass prison. Avoid the (usually very sick) prize fish at the fair and instead, use the bowl to house something more appropriate, like a betta fish. Please help bring justice to the goldfish world and stop housing them in little bowls!
FUN AT THE CHESHIRE FAIR
I met Mike Piazza, at the Cheshire Fair this year where he was entertaining with his show “Flying
High Frisbee Dogs.” Mike has 4 dogs- Biscuit being the oldest at 11 years (not shown), Bullet - 6, Maui - 4 and Chaos-1yr. old. What a great show! He is a multiple world finalist and former long distance record holder. Mike is the #1 K-9 Frisbee performer in the world and the only local professional one. Mike and his dogs have been on TV’s Animal Planet, as well. All the dogs are Border Collies. He has done 175 shows at fairs and camps, in the last 6 years! He personally trains all his dogs, and recommends using the soft Frisbee to protect dogs’ teeth. www.flyinghighfrisbeedogs.com Photo: From left to right Dogs: Bullet, Maui, Chaos, Mike Piazza Senior and Mike Piazza Jr. (photos and story by Gloria Towne )
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Right In Your Backyard!?! Do You Know What Progeny Are?
Tim Goodwin id you know the world’s largest Dairy Breed Association is located in Brattleboro Vermont? Holstein Association USA was established in 1885 and has been located in Brattleboro since 1903. Since its formation, the Holstein Association has been dedicated to the development of the Holstein breed. Today, Holstein cattle dominate the U.S. dairy industry due to unexcelled production, greater income over feed costs, unequaled genetic merit and their adaptability to a wide range of environmental conditions. Holstein Association USA maintains the records for all ancestry, identity, ownership and performance information on more than 28 million Registered Holstein cattle that is contained in Association files. The Association is in the business of providing information to dairy producers, members and nonmembers. This data is translated into information used by producers in making profitable business decisions. Progeny are the offspring of an animal. Holstein cows Producers who use Association programs and services find typically calve for the first time when they are 23 to 26 they can make accurate breeding and management decisions, months of age, with healthy calves weighing an average set goals for their herd, evaluate management practices, deterof 80 to 100 pounds at birth. Holsteins have a gestation mine market value of breeding stock, and predict performance period of nine months. and profitability of animals not yet born. The Association processes over 370,000 registrations and 70,000 transfers each year. On an average day, 1,400 registra- try, provide on-farm assistance and services to dairy producers. Holstein cattle are the most prominent of the seven major tions are received and processed. The day-to-day business of the Association is handled by dairy breeds in the United States, easily recognizable by their the Chief Executive Officer (CCO) and a staff of 140 employees. distinctive black and white markings. Cows of Holstein descent Nearly 100 employees are based in the home office, managing make up over 90% of the cows on U.S. dairy farms. Who knew the operational details of providing Association programs and such a major player in the industry was right here in Vermont services. 40 field staff employees, located throughout the coun- and employing so many hard working Agricultural folks.
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Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Catherine MacLean, DVM yperthyroidism is the most common hormonal abnormality diagnosed in cats. It typically affects cats 7 years of age and older. The most classic clinical sign of hyperthyroidism is a cat that is losing weight despite an excellent appetite. Other clinical signs include restlessness, vomiting, increased water consumption, increased urination, a hair coat that looks unkempt, agitation, and increased vocalization. The thyroid hormone is comparable to an engine in a car. It tells the body systems how fast or slow to go. When a cat is hyperthyroid it speeds everything up. Their appetite is increased and so is their metabolism. That is why despite eating well, the affected cat will continue to lose weight. If hyperthyroidism goes untreated it can lead to serious side effects such as kidney and heart issues. To confirm hyperthyroidism in cats, blood work needs to be done. Most likely your veterinarian will do a full blood panel that will not only look at your cat’s thyroid level, but will also look at your pet’s red and white blood cells, major organ function, and a urine sample. Occasionally after blood work is run, the most common thyroid level that is checked may be in what is called the grey zone. This is where the thyroid level that was checked is within the normal range, but on the higher end of normal. If your veterinarian is suspicious that your cat has hyperthyroidism, she may suggest testing additional thyroid levels. The good news is that if your cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, it is a treatable condition. There are several treatment options involved. These include: • Daily oral or topical medication. This will help reduce your cat’s thyroid hormone levels. Your cat will need to be on the medication for life and will need blood work monitoring to access if your pet is getting the right dose and if his body is handling it ok. • Therapeutic diet. There is a prescription diet available. This diet restricts the amount of iodine in your cat’s diet. It must be fed exclusively and often means cutting out most treats. • Surgery. This would involve removing the thyroid. There are side effects and complications that can occur. • Radioactive iodine treatment. This is considered the gold standard of treatment. This is not inexpensive. It involves your pet going to a clinic that is allowed by state law to administer the radioactive iodine (there is one located in Concord, NH). Your cat will be given an injection under the skin of the radioactive iodine and then stay at the hospital for up to five days. After this treatment, your cat will no longer need medication. My own personal cat Jack was very recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism completely by accident. I adopted Jack from a shelter over eight years ago when I was in veterinary school. Jack picked me, and he was really lucky that he did because he is an expensive cat. He gets urinary stones, so he needs to be on a special prescription diet and he also has dental issues which needs frequent dentals. In early June I brought Jack to work with me to extract a bad tooth. Whenever Jack needs dental work he gets blood work done. While at the clinic it was noted he had lost about 1.25 lbs in the course of a year. This was strange to me because we measure out our cats’ food and he is the dominant cat in our house (i.e. he’s always shoving Misty away from her bowl so he can eat her food after he finishes his). When his blood work came back the next day, I saw that the thyroid level we commonly look for was in the grey zone. I ordered additional thyroid testing and it came back that Jack was hyperthyroid. I had no idea! If we had
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never weighed him and done blood work, I would have never known since he wasn’t having any of the typical clinical signs. We started Jack out on pills because he’ll eat anything in a pill pocket. The problem for my family is that we travel a lot and we’re not always around to give a pill twice a day. So after Jack has fully recovered Jack was on pills for about six from Hyperthyrodism. weeks, we made the decision that due to his relatively young age of nine, and our lifestyle, that radioactive iodine was the best treatment for him. In late July Jack went to Concord to get treated. My husband and I got to be crazy pet parents and checked in on him with the pet camera that they had set up in his room while he had to stay there. After several days, his radiation levels were low enough that it was safe for him to come home. Jack was happy to return to being king of the house and keeping everyone in line. Most cats with hyperthyroidism when treated, get to have a happy ending. If you suspect your cat may have hyperthyroidism or is diagnosed with it, you and your veterinarian can discuss which treatment option is best for you and your cat. 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, and their three pets: Jack and Misty, two cats, and Arrow, a dog.
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Owning the Exotic Pet
An Inaugural Column About Exotic Pets. Mike Dutton, DVM, MS, DABVP (Canine & Feline), DABVP (Avian), DABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal), CVPP
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have been involved with exotic pets for 30 years. Early in my veterinary career I did work at Benson’s Animal Park in Hudson NH. The hospital where I worked had a large exotic pet clientele. When I started my own practice in 1992, I was fortunate that many of my clients followed me up to Weare, NH with their pets. Currently about half my patients are exotic pets, the other half are dogs and cats. The BIGGEST issue I see with exotic pets is improper nutrition, management, and/or environment. It is thought that 85% of exotic pet’s medical problems can be traced back to one or more of these three items. The first thing an exotic pet owner needs to do is RESEARCH. There are numerous websites and books that detail the correct way to handle these three items for your particular pet. Go to appropriate websites hosted by regional or national groups and organizations, such as http://www.reptilesweb.com/ , http://asgv.org/. Look for a strong exotic pet veterinarian presence, one indicator of quality. I treat three main categories of exotic pets: Mammals like ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice and so forth. Reptiles, with the occasional amphibian. Birds, including the backyard chicken. Occasionally, I will see an aquatic animal such as a fish or seahorse. Mammals are probably the easiest for most owners accustomed to dogs and cats to care for. You have minimal concerns about environment temperature and humidity and there are a number of formulated diets available. Mammals fall into two subgroups – the herbivores - like rabbits and the carnivore/omnivores like ferrets. Research on what diet is best for your pet is necessary. The bird group is the next easiest to care for. Temperature and humidity are more of a concern, but not as much as for the reptile group. Nutrition and environmental enrichment are the two big concerns. A rule of thumb, 85% or more of the bird’s food should be a pelleted or crumble type food (nectar eaters like Lories are the exception). Birds LOVE seeds and will preferentially eat them, unfortunately Continued NEXT PAGE
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seeds are too high in fat, too low in protein and most mineral and vitamin levels are incorrect. In the wild, birds would have very little access to seeds except certain times of the year. Environmental enrichment is a big concern for birds since many are flock type animals, used to being in flocks of tens if not hundreds of the same species. They are not domesticated down to being a solitary pet like dogs or cats. That lack of flock interaction leads to many undesirable traits like feather plucking. There are some enrichment strategies, I am a big fan of “captive foraging.” Internet research, especially YouTube videos, will show the concept of making your bird work for their food at least 4 to 6 hours per day. In my opinion, the reptile group is the hardest to care for. Since reptiles are cold blooded, you need to control their environmental temperature and, for many, you need to control the humidity. Many reptiles in the wild roam a great distance, but pets are confined to an appropriate sized terrarium. With a terrarium comes hygiene issues, and mold overgrowth if too humid. Calcium, vitamin D, and UVB lighting are also critical. Many reptile issues (especially in lizards) are due to calcium - phosphorus imbalances. The SECOND big issue is competent veterinary care for your exotic pet. Exotics are less than 2% of the patients that veterinarians see nationwide. Living in New Hampshire, birds and reptiles are an even lower percentage than in southern states.
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Locate your veterinarian before your exotic pet gets ill. Do some internet research, visit the facility or give them a call to make sure they can meet your needs. Some practices that advertise treatment of exotics may only treat healthy rabbits or ferrets. Find an exotic-knowledgeable veterinarian before it’s too late and your pet gets ill, which will make successful treatment harder. Along with that, have your exotic pet examined annually. Most problems are diet, management, or environment related. Starting off on the right foot is beneficial to your pet and they will live a longer, healthier life. Example: you have fed your bird a seed and people food diet for 3 years, they are now in liver failure, chances of successful treatment are low. Working together, it is much easier to prevent the problem in the first place. I hope this short article gets you started on the best path for owning an exotic pet. Mike Dutton, DVM, MS, DABVP (Canine & Feline), DABVP (Avian), DABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal), CVPP. You can check out his services at www. WeareAnimalHospital.com and follow them on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/weareanimalhospital . Mike is one of the few veterinarians in the world that is Board Certified in three specialties.Additionally he is also a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner with the International Veterinary Association of Pain Management.
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Trail Riding Etiquette Dorothy Crosby - Stoddard, NH
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H is beautiful in the fall; many riders enjoy the cooler weather and pretty views by taking trail rides in areas also open to the non-horsey public. To ensure the safety and well-being of both groups there are some basic guidelines that should be followed. For riders, consider that people you meet may or may not have any knowledge of horses, and the trails are their domain, too. Be polite and pleasant and give some verbal assistance if needed; for example, asking someone to speak so your horse recognizes them as a human with all that hiking gear on their back! When passing others, keep to the right, riding single file at a walk. Avoid muddy areas and ride at the edge of fields to minimize impact to the land. Inform other riders you plan to change gait so they are prepared. Remember, your ride should be geared to the level of the least experienced horse and/or rider. Be courteous and ask permission to ride on private land; let landowners know you appreciate their generosity. Riding is always at your own risk; take responsibility by avoiding unsafe situations.
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Two women in Deerfield, NH were recently hospitalized when their horse was spooked.
Non-horsey trail and park visitors sharing these trails can be helpful in avoiding accidents and unsafe situations. Often hikers and bikers are not heard by equestrians; the horses may hear you first. Please approach slowly talking quietly; this will also reassure the horse that there’s no threat. Ask permission to pet or approach a horse. Even when heard, motorized vehicles may startle the horses. Do note if a horse appears nervous you should stop, even turning off your engine; allow a good distance before starting again, proceeding slowly while horses are in view. Horses are prey animals. Their instincts sensitize them to moving and unfamiliar objects. Riders and trail users can avoid problems by recognizing the signs: a horse on alert raises its head and refuses to move forward, perhaps backing up or trying to turn away from something scary to him. He sees different things with each eye, enabling him to see all around him; he may shift his head to see the object with both eyes in order to assess the threat level. A spooked horse’s first reaction is to run; even an experienced rider may have difficulty controlling a frightened horse. To help reassure horse, rider, and hiker, keep calm and talk with each other about what is needed. Now we are all ready to enjoy these glorious fall days! Certified as both a Centered RidingŽ Clinician/Instructor and CHA Instructor, Dorothy Crosby manages a farm and lesson program for adults and children based in Stoddard NH. She teaches a number of disciplines, emphasizing safety and fun while learning. Dorothy loves teaching workshops and programs both on and off the farm for riders and horses of all ages. Fall 2015
4 LEGS & A TAIL FUN! What 7 Things Are Different?
Kids shoes are yellow, girl’s foot is missing, man’s thumb is missing, man’s foot is missing, tortoise claw is missing, shirt is missing the “N”, car and park bench are missing, silver box is missing, logo on shirt missing
On The Farm S D A O I C Z N H W Y F T D N N K T S I R W A R X P O A I D L Z H E X R Y F B T P Z E Y Y T N Q C U F J P A H Y T X I M L C Q C G Y S L I J S U N G A S Q E C I I P E M L L R J F H O U S B Q A C S O R Q K L V J S J R D C N N H J T V E A T J V V O A G T D L G Q Q Y C F K W Z H B A R P O X K K Z R N Y Q Y I O D X A E G C C M G C C S R G P I G S B E L A O I H O C H I C K E N S B H T N T F L B T S S K C U D R I S Q R K P B W S G O M R X A Q T S Q S L ALPACA CAT CHICKENS DOG DUCKS GOAT HOLSTEIN HORSE PIGS RABBIT SHEEP TURKEY
We met Wyatt Bonalumi of Canaan at the farmers market with his Sulcata Tortoise, Selma Hayek. She is six years old and weighs more than 33 lbs!
Tortoise Stats & Facts • Leopard tortoises are one of the largest tortoises in the world. • The tortoise are herbivores eating mainly tree leaves, grass and ferns. • Female tortoises dig nesting burrows in which they lay from 1 - 30 eggs. • In most tortoise species, the female tends to be larger than the male. • The tortoise is susceptible to parasites and pneumonia. • A Tortoise is diurnal, meaning active during the day. • Pet tortoises kept outdoors need some sort of structure in which to hide or spend the night. • Most male tortoises have tails that are longer than those of the female.
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Autumn Southern NH & VT
Vermont DJ And His Dog Challenge School Bullies Why You Should Ask Your Horse To, “Say Cheese!” Is Your Cat Losing Weight? Lucky Labradors