V15I4 (Aug/Sep 2013) by Redstone Media Group

ANIMAL WELLNESS

AnimalWELLNESS For a long, healthy life!

& Joint Health

Arthritis

WHAT’S NEW

• 6 steps to treating creaky joints • Top 5 herbs for easing pain

in rehab?

Canine rehabilitation offers more options than ever before

TOP FOODS

Reiki for Rover

FOR SKIN & COAT

Keep him looking his best with these POWER-PACKED WHOLE FOODS!

– a simple way to bring him calm and well-being

Introduction to

osteopathy

Get him

RIPPED! How to maintain

A hands-on therapy that helps the body heal itself

his muscle health and fitness

CAREGIVER

BURNOUT? Looking after a sick

feline WELLNESS Hip, cool and healthy!

pooch? How to take care of yourself too

CATARACTS in cats

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER Display until September 30, 2013

Learn how to PREVENT blindness.

$5.95 USA/Canada

I Limping? S SHE

Lameness can have many causes – an accurate diagnosis and integrative healthcare plan are crucial.

What are POLYDACTYL CATS?

Kitties with extra toes are relatively common and becoming moreso – find out why.

HCM…

the number one heart disease in felines

It’s currently incurable – but the right treatment can prolong his life.

VOLUME 15 ISSUE 4

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

BONUS INSIDE!

feline wellness

animal wellness

Contents August/September 2013

features 18 6 steps tO treatIng arthrItIs

It’s the leading cause of chronic pain in dogs. A multifaceted healing plan that draws on a range of therapies offers the most relief.

22 In the fast Lane

High energy dogs need lots of physical activity, but injury is a risk. This acupressure session done after exercise helps prevent problems by keeping him strong and ﬂexible.

26 tOp 10 fOODs fOr sKIn anD cOat

Keep your companion looking and feeling good with these power-packed whole foods.

30 BreathIng easy

How one firefighter’s harrowing experience prompted him to spearhead a community project to supply oxygen masks for dogs and cats.

32 get hIM rIppeD!

Muscle health and fitness in canine athletes involves a multi-pronged approach encompassing everything from nutrition and exercise to massage and chiropractic.

38 sKeLetOn In the cLOset

Osteoarthritis and osteosarcoma are two of the most common canine bone problems. Find out more about these painful conditions, and how they’re treated and prevented.

42 What’s neW In rehaB?

Once practiced by a handful of vets and therapists, canine rehabilitation is now a recognized field in veterinary medicine – and offers a growing number of options to patients.

46 IntrODuctIOn tO OsteOpathy

This manual healing therapy isn’t just about bones. It also works on muscles, organs and tissues to remove imbalances that interfere with the body’s ability to heal itself.

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54 caregIver BurnOut

You love your dog, so when he gets sick or injured, you may be driven to spend every hour of the day making sure his needs are met. Just remember to look after yourself too.

57 sKIncare frOM the Mayans

The bark from this Central American tree contains active ingredients to alleviate a range of canine skin problems.

64 put up yOur DuKes!

Polydactyl cats are relatively common and becoming moreso, thanks to a dominant yet harmless genetic mutation that many cat lovers find appealing.

66 cataracts In cats

70 faInt heart?

Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the number one heart disease in felines. Though currently incurable, a combination of conventional and alternative therapies may help treat it.

76 tOp 5 herBs fOr arthrItIs

Properly used in conjunction with an overall holistic healthcare plan, these healing plants can have a powerful effect on your canine’s creaky joints.

80 aLL WrappeD up

If your dog refuses to wear a bandage, don’t despair. The right product and materials ensure a comfortable dressing that’ll stay in place through the healing process.

83 a reaL treat

Formulated by a chef, these sweet potato dog treats feature locally grown ingredients, and are produced as sustainably as possible.

Often associated with inﬂammation as well as advancing years, this condition can eventually cause blindness if left untreated.

84 reIKI fOr rOver

68 Is KItty LIMpIng?

86 tuneD In!

Arthritis is one of the more common causes of lameness in cats. Start by getting an accurate diagnosis, then implement an integrative treatment plan.

This simple but powerful form of energy healing brings calm and well-being to your canine companion.

Learn how to use a tuning fork to give your dog vibrational and sound healing.

sOcIaL MeDIa Tips, contests and more! Like us /AnimalWellnessMagazine Updates, news, events! @ AnimalWellnessMagazine Product reviews and tutorials! AnimalWellnessTV

cOLuMns 12 yakkity yak 36 Warm & fuzzy 50 case study 58 to the rescue 72 Feline Wellness book reviews 88 passages

DepartMents 8 editorial 49 product picks

90 Book reviews

52 social media

98 tail end

61 Animal Wellness resource guide

74 the scoop 93 Marketplace

96 ClassiďŹ eds 97 events calendar animal wellness

Volume 15 Issue 4 Editorial Department Editor-in-Chief: Dana Cox Managing Editor: Ann Brightman Senior Graphic Designer: Dawn Cumby-Dallin Senior Graphic Designer: Kathleen Atkinson Social Media Manager: Natasha Roulston Cover Photography: Jon Pym Columnists & Contributing Writers Marie A. Castle Kimberly Cotter, RMP/RMT Audi Donamor Fran Halter Andrea Hernandez, DVM Jessica Hill Allen Hott Janice Huntingford, DVM Sinead Imbaro Cindy Kneebone, DVM Anabelle Lee Macri Ramona Marek Erin Mayo, DVM Shawn Messonnier, DVM Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA Kimberly Parker, DVM Lisa Provost Renee Schmid, DVM Amy Snow Greg Tilford Michelle Tilghman, DVM, CVA, CCRP Rosemary Tilghman, BS Charlotte Walker Diane Weinmann Nancy Zidonis Administration & Sales President/C.E.O.: Tim Hockley Office Manager: Sherri Soucie Operations Director: John Allan Administrative Assistant: Libby Sinden

On the cover photograph Courtesy of: Jon Pym

It’s obvious this happy guy is in top condition! A healthy, active dog is one that’s free of joint pain and stiffness. While arthritis and other bone and muscle issues are relatively common in canines, especially as they age, there are lots of ways to help keep them at bay, and that’s what this issue is all about. Your pooch may not become an agility champ, but an integrative approach to any joint problems will do a lot to restore his flexibility and zest for life!

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Submissions: Please send all editorial material, advertising material, photos and correspondence to: Animal Wellness Magazine, 160 Charlotte St., Suite 202, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9J 2T8. We welcome previously unpublished articles and color pictures either in transparency or disc form at 300 dpi. We cannot guarantee that either articles or pictures will be used or that they will be returned. We reserve the right to publish all letters received. Email your articles to: info@redstonemediagroup.com.

Advertising Sales National Sales Manager: Ann Beacom, (866) 764-1212 ext. 222 annbeacom@redstonemediagroup.com Western Regional Manager: Becky Starr, (866) 764-1212 ext. 221 becky@redstonemediagroup.com MidWest US: Pam Boyd Bombyk, (903) 714-2172 pambb@redstonemediagroup.com Classified Advertising: Sherri Soucie classifiedads@animalwellnessmagazine.com To subscribe: Subscription price at time of this issue is $19.00 in the U.S. and $26.00 in Canada, including taxes for six issues shipped via surface mail. Subscriptions can be processed by: Website: www.animalwellnessmagazine.com Phone: 1-866-764-1212 US Mail: Animal Wellness Magazine, 6834 S University Blvd PMB 155 Centennial, CO 80122 CDN Mail: Animal Wellness Magazine, 160 Charlotte St., Suite 202, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9J 2T8 Subscriptions are payable by VISA, MasterCard, American Express, check or money order. The material in this magazine is not intended to replace the care of veterinary practitioners. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor, and different views may appear in other issues. Redstone Media Group Inc., publisher of Animal Wellness, does not promote any of the products orservices advertised by a third party advertiser in this publication, nor does Redstone Media Group Inc. verify the accuracy of any claims made in connection with such advertisers. Refund policy: call or write our customer service department and we will refund unmailed issues. Dealer Inquiries Welcome: Animal Wellness Magazine is available at a discount for resale in retail shops and through various organizations. Call 1-866-764-1212 and ask for dealer magazine sales, fax us at 705-742-4596 or e-mail at sales@animalwellnessmagazine.com.

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com Animal Wellness Magazine (ISSN 1710-1190) is published six times a year by Redstone Media Group Inc. Publications Mail Agreement #40884047. Entire contents copyright© 2013. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Publication date: July 2013.

Improving the lives of animals... one reader at a time.

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Editorial

Joint effort

ne thing I’ve discovered about dogs – joint pain can come at any age. I anticipated some arthritis in Sabrina, who after all lived to the ripe old age of 15½. But thanks to a top quality diet, a joint supplement, and some acupuncture as she headed into her 16th year, she enjoyed an active, happy life until almost the very end. Shayla, the part husky, part wolf who turned up at our door at about two or three years of age, seemed to come with chronic pain. Just touching her would elicit a low growl. Again, a diet adjustment, some supplements, and a little chiropractic allowed us to manage her condition. She stopped growling, and nothing gave me greater pleasure than to see her running full tilt down the cottage road, the joy so clearly written all over her beautiful face. Our shih poo, Muffie, came to us as a rescue at six months, and had a chronic limp that would get better for a while, only to reappear after a burst of activity. With time, nutrition and some laser therapy, she has been limp-free for almost two years. If you have a dog, you’ll sooner or later have to deal with at least some degree of joint debilitation. As I’ve learned, a healthy lifestyle that includes a natural diet, supplements and minimal vaccines certainly helps alleviate and slow the progression of arthritis and other joint issues. This issue addresses arthritis and joint health and you’ll find a wealth of information to help your pooch cope if he seems stiff or is slowing down. We offer six tips to treating arthritis, founded on a multi-pronged approach that incorporates a range

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of alternative therapies as well as judicial use of mainstream pain medication (sometimes, it is necessary!). We also present an article on what’s new in the field of canine rehabilitation. Bone health, muscle fitness and the top herbs for arthritis are more topics we’re covering, and you’ll also learn how to do a simple post-exercise acupressure session on your high energy dog, to help prevent injuries. We also provide an introduction to osteopathy, a hands-on therapy to reduce pain, joint and muscle problems by correcting imbalances and helping the body heal itself. There’s even a fascinating article on vibrational healing with tuning forks, and how it can help alleviate joint discomfort and other problems. If you want your dog to look as well as feel good, check out our article on the top ten foods for optimal skin and coat health. And don’t forget our Feline Wellness section, where you’ll learn about polydactyl cats, how to address lameness in your kitty, and what the treatment options are for feline HCM, the most common heart disease in cats. Informational reading indeed, and perfect for those lazy late summer days!

Dana Cox Editor-in-Chief

animal wellness

contributors

1. Greg Tilford is co-author of All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets. He is an internationally renowned herbalist, co-developer of Animals’ Apawthecary, and a leading expert in the field of veterinary herbalism. He serves as a professional consultant and custom formulator for veterinarians and manufacturers. Greg is known for his work in the field of earthconscious herbal medicine and has written three books on the subject: The EcoHerbalists Fieldbook, Edible & Medicinal Plants of the West and From Earth to Herbalist. See page 76 for his article on herbs for arthritis. 2. Veterinarian Dr. Janice Huntingford practices integrative medicine in Essex, Ontario. She is certified in animal chiropractic, acupuncture and rehabilitation therapy. Her clinic features a state of the art underwater treadmill and fitness pool for dogs. Dr. Huntingford is married and lives on a farm/winery complete with horses, cattle, chickens, cats, dogs and three children. On page 42, Dr. Huntingford looks at what’s new in canine rehabilitation. 3. Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis are the authors of ACU-DOG: A Guide to Canine Acupressure, and ACU-CAT: A Guide to Feline Acupressure. They founded Tallgrass, offering books, manuals, DVDs, apps and meridian charts. They also provide hands-on and online training courses worldwide, including a 330-hour Practitioner Certification Program. Tallgrass (animalacupressure.com) is an approved school for the Dept. of Higher Education through the State of Colorado, an approved provider of NCBTMB CEs, and accepted by NCCAOM. Turn to page 22 for Amy and Nancy’s article on acupressure for high energy dogs.

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4. Veterinarian Dr. Shawn Messonnier authored the Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats, The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, and 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog. He’s the pet care expert for Martha Stewart Living’s “Dr. Shawn – The Natural Vet” on Sirius Satellite Radio, and creator of Dr. Shawn’s Pet Organics. His practice, Paws & Claws Animal Hospital (petcarenaturally.com), is in Plano, Texas. Turn to page 38 for his article on bone health. 5. Audi Donamor has been creating special needs diets for dogs and cats for nearly 20 years. Following the loss of her beloved golden retriever, Blues, she founded The Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund and The Smiling Blue Skies Fund for Innovative Research through the University of Guelph’s Pet Trust. She is the only two-time recipient of the Golden Retriever Club of Canada’s Silmaril Kennel Trophy for the Human/Animal Bond, an OVC Pet Trust Honouree, and a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient. In this issue (page 26), Audi focuses on top foods for skin/coat heath. 6.Veterinarian Dr. Erin Mayo graduated from the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. She received her veterinary acupuncture and Chinese herbal certification from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, and provides holistic and TCVM services for companion animals in central New Jersey. Read Dr. Mayo’s article on muscle fitness for active dogs (page 32). 7. Veterinarian Dr. Patrick Mahaney graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. He is a certified veterinary acupuncturist from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. His practice, California Pet Acupuncture and Wellness, offers

integrative medicine. Dr. Mahaney writes a veterinary blog for patrickmahaney.com and is working on his first book, The Uncomfortable Vet. He writes about feline cataracts on page 66. 8. Veterinarian Dr. Cindy Kneebone received her DVM from the Ontario Veterinary College. She received diplomas in Homeopathy from the British Institute of Homeopathy; in Chinese Herbal Medicine from Huang Di College of Traditional Chinese Medicine; and in Veterinary Acupuncture at the Michener Institute. She is certified with the IVAS. Dr. Kneebone practices at the East York Animal Clinic in Toronto. For this issue, she discusses lameness in cats (page 68). 9. Veterinarian Dr. Michelle Tilghman has been practicing since 1982 and is a graduate of the University of Georgia. She focuses on complementary modalities, is certified as an acupuncturist through IVAS, and received certification as a canine rehabilitation practitioner at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Tilghman was past president of the AHVMA and is currently an adjunct professor at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Her daughter, Rosemary Tilghman-Rumiser, grew up in the veterinary world and has over ten years of vet tech experience. She has been accepted at Ross University where she hopes to complete her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Read their article on canine osteoarthritis on page 18. 10. Veterinarian Dr. Kimberly Parker graduated from TUSVM in 1998. She has practiced holistic veterinary medicine near Atlanta, Georgia for over 15 years, focusing on osteopathy, homeopathy and nutrition. She can be contacted at osteopathy4animals.com or questionsfordrkimberly@gmail.com. Turn to page 46 for Dr. Parker’s article on osteopathy for dogs.

12. Ramona Marek is an award-winning freelance writer and former special education teacher with a master’s degree in education. Also a lifelong animal lover, she grew up with dogs and actively rescued strays. Ramona writes about various topics and finds inspiration in her two cats. Turn to page 70 for her article on the most common heart disease in cats.

13. Lisa Provost is the owner/creator of ibdkitties.net and counsels people about feline IBD and its associated disorders. She also helps educate fellow cat lovers about proper feline nutrition, obesity, caregiver stress and grief. Lisa is also a freelance writer and shares her home with two Maine coon cats. In this issue, she provides tips on how to care for yourself when caring for a sick animal, whether feline or canine (page 54). 14. Diane Weinmann is an Animal Communicator, Healing Touch for Animals practitioner and Reiki Master (theloveofanimals.com). She uses energy, sound and vibrational healing and color techniques in her healing practice. Diane also uses Bach Flower essences and

essential oils to facilitate emotional healing or evoke a change in behavior. See page 86 for Diane’s article on how tuning forks can be used for vibrational healing. 15. Kimberly Cotter lives in the Merrimack Valley area of Massachusetts with two dogs, two cats and a hognose snake. She has visited England and South Africa to obtain knowledge, gain new experiences and share her skills with others so they may strengthen their bonds with the world around them. She has been working with Animal Reiki for the last few years (feathersandfurreiki.com). On page 84, Kimberly demonstrates how Reiki can help dogs.

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11. Tamra Bolles writes under the pen name of Anabelle Lee Macri. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism, and is a freelance writer. Pictured with her here is her yellow Lab, Summer. For this edition, Anabelle profiles an initiative that provides emergency oxygen masks for dogs and cats (page 30).

Contributors

RO D U C TS

jointaid4dogs.com animal wellness

YakkitY Yak HELP FOR OKLAHOMA This spring’s deadly tornadoes wreaked havoc over a large swathe of Moore, Oklahoma, destroying thousands of homes and lives – both human and animal. American Humane Association is just one organization that leaped into action to help the multitudes of lost and injured dogs and cats separated from their families by the storm. AHA’s Red Star Rescue Team conducted search and rescue missions and provided displaced and frightened animals with food, water, shelter, medical care and comfort. As of this writing, the organization had nearly 100 animals in its care and has reunited 76 more with their families. “To see the fear and uncertainty in the faces of the animals that come in, and watch them become relaxed, comfortable and secure is testimony to the amazing efforts of everyone helping Moore,” said actress Victoria Principal, who teamed up with the rescue team in the wake of the tornadoes. americanhumane.org

What do yo u think?

Each m question onth, we pos t vote on. on our website fo a survey The mos t recent o r readers to ne was:

should the fda be able the sale to contr of natu ral supp ol glucosa lements mine fo like r anima ls?

here’s how you responded:

76% 24% Visit animalwellnessmagazine.com to make your own voice heard on more survey questions!

THEY’RE AMAZING! Dogs and cats are a lot more intelligent than most people give them credit for. Reader’s Digest has compiled a list of stories that show animals at their most amazing. Here are just a couple: • Three New Zealand dogs recently navigated a specially modified Mini Cooper around a racetrack at about 20 mph. (Engineers raised the gearshift and pedals and added handles to the steering wheel.) The stunt was an effort by the Auckland SPCA to show off canine intelligence and boost adoptions from shelters. After months of practice, Monty, a giant schnauzer, Porter, a bearded collie mix, and Ginny, a bearded collie/whippet mix, followed trainers’ commands to put the car into gear, press the accelerator, and steer with their paws. Since a video of the test drive appeared online last December, all three dogs have been adopted. • After Terfel, an eight-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever in North Wales developed cataracts last year, he began to bump into walls and furniture. The once energetic dog was spending most

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of his time in his bed, unable to find his way around. On a whim, Terfel’s peron, Judy Godfrey-Brown, let a stray cat, whom she named Pwditat (pronounced Puddy-tat), into her home. The feline made a beeline for the blind dog and began using his paws and head to herd Terfel into the garden. Now the unlikely friends sleep together, and Pwditat helps Terfel find his way everywhere. readersdigest.com

TOP 10 CANINE ILLNESSES If your dog has had an ear infection in the past year, he’s not alone. According to a recent analysis of claims filed with Veterinary Pet Insurance, ear infections were the most common canine health conditions in 2012. Here’s the complete list: 1. Ear infections 2. Skin allergies 3. Pyoderma (hot spots) 4. Stomach upsets 5. Intestinal inflammation/diarrhea 6. Bladder diseases 7. Eye infections 8. Arthritis 9. Hypothyroidism 10. Sprains

leave a radio or tv on when you’re out – the sound of music or human voices can soothe dogs with separation anxiety.

KEEP ON TRUCKIN’ – SAFELY Many dogs have been severely injured from falls or jumps out of rapidly moving vehicles. In fact, the American Humane Society estimates that around 100,000 dogs die every year from falling, jumping or being thrown out of truck beds. A much needed bill has recently passed the Louisiana House – dogs in the back of pickup trucks must be in crates or ventilated cages, and not loose or simply tied to the truck. As of this writing, the bill is heading to the Senate for further debate. nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/04/ dogs_trucks_animal_welfare_bil.html

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YakkitY Yak Border collies usually excel at agility, but so do other breeds. Eleven AKC National Agility Champions were crowned from an entry of more than 1,600 dogs at the inaugural Companion Events Extravaganza, hosted by the American Kennel Club (akc. org) in Tulsa, Oklahoma this past March: • Masher, a Papillon handled by Daneen Fox of Acton, CA • Skecher, a Shetland sheepdog handled by Barb Davis of Newman Lake, WA • Karma, a border collie handled by Cheryl Morris of Ames, IA • Sweet, a border collie handled by Dudley Fontaine of Clemmons, NC • Roo, an “all-American dog” handled by Stacey Campbell of San Francisco, CA • Pace, a border collie handled by Desiree Snelleman of Bonney Lake, WA

Photo courtesy of GreatDanePhotos

MEET THE CHAMPS

top row left to right (in light blue shirts) – daneen and masher, barb and skecher, cheryl and karma; bottom row left to right – desiree and pace, stacey and roo, dudley and sweet.

NEW TRAUMA CARE CENTERS Accidents happen, and animals in trauma need immediate care. The American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care has designated nine hospitals (to date) to be Veterinary Trauma Centers: 1. BluePearl Veterinary Partners Specialty and Emergency Hospital (Tampa, Florida – pictured below) 2. Southern California Veterinary Specialty Hospital (Irvine, CA) 3. VCA West Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) 4. University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital (Urbana, IL) 5. Tufts Foster Hospital for Small Animals at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine (North Grafton, MA) 6. University of Minnesota – Veterinary Medical Center (St. Paul, MN) 7. North Carolina State University – College of Veterinary Medicine (Raleigh, NC) 8. Oradell Animal Hospital (Paramus, NJ) 9. University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Philadelphia, PA) These trauma centers will provide total 24/7 care for small animal trauma patients, with boardcertified specialists in emergency and critical care, surgery and radiology, available seven days a week. acvecc.org

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when boating with your dog, make sure he has access to shade.

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YakkitY Yak SHALL WE DANCE? Canine freestyle celebrates the choreographic skills of human/canine dance teams – and shows what the bond of love and cooperation between dogs and people can accomplish. Based on basic obedience training, freestyle adds music, timing, costuming, routine development and showmanship. On June 8, teams from the World Canine Freestyle Organization – a non-profit that globally promotes the joys of responsible dog guardianship through musical canine freestyle – strutted their stuff at the third annual BooZoo’s Canine Carnival in Norwalk, Connecticut. They also taught carnival attendees and their pooches how to spin, weave and perform other dance moves. To learn more about canine freestyle, and how you and your own dog might get involved, visit worldcaninefreestyle.org.

clockwise from top left: carrie neri and her australian shepherd lyric wow the crowd with their moves; rocky “jumps the hoop” with help from his handler; some of this year’s freestyle stars pose for the camera.

keep your dog away from lawns that have been sprayed with pesticides.

INDIA SETS AN EXAMPLE

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on de Trey White/WS Photo courtesy of Sim

Co-hosted by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), the event brought together key officials from India and around the world, in recognition that when disasters strike, the survival of people and the recovery of communities are inextricably linked to healthy animals. The strategy will help prepare communities so they can take action to protect their animals during crises such as droughts and floods. wspa.org

India is taking pioneering action to help safeguard the hundreds of thousands of animals and millions of people affected each year by disasters. The strategy, which will help ensure animals are included in existing disaster management plans and programs, was confirmed in April at Asia’s first national animal disaster management conference in Delhi.

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6 arthritis

it’s the leading cause of chronic pain in dogs. a multifaceted healing plan that draws on a range of therapies offers the most relief.

steps

to treating

By Michelle tilghman, DVM, cVa, ccrP, and rosemary tilghman, Bs

Loyal, intelligent, loving…these are the words that come to mind when we think about dogs. They give so much to us, but how can we give back? One of the best ways is to become familiar with the leading cause of chronic pain in dogs.

therapies. It is important to incorporate each modality because it covers different aspects of joint health.

Arthritis is defined as inflammation in the joint. The joint can actually be thought of as an “organ”, with separate parts that come together as one (see sidebar opposite). Each part of the joint is affected, causing overall inflammation.

In conventional medicine, drugs for chronic pain (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories or NSAIDS) are most commonly prescribed. Newer synthetic analgesics can be used with NSAIDS to increase pain control in instances of severe discomfort. Neuropathic (nerve) pain is very hard to control; Gabapentin is used for this. The use of different pain medications together is important because the pain cycle has to be interrupted in different areas of the joint. When given pain medication, the animal is more likely to respond to other modalities. For example, using short-term NSAIDS can increase joint mobility and therefore encourage the dog to use the joint properly. He has to be out of pain before he will be motivated to use the affected joint and regain strength.

Step up to effective relief Osteoarthritis needs to be treated with a multimodal approach, an integration of all medicines. This approach, from first to last, decreases pain by using both conventional and alternative

Nutraceuticals encompass any substance from food that can provide medical benefits. The main nutraceuticals that can help with osteoarthritis are chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, hyaluronan and the Omega-3 fatty acids.

Osteoarthritis is responsible for many veterinarian visits. Approximately ten to 12 million dogs have signs of osteoarthritis, and on average, veterinarians see about 45 cases a month. It’s a serious problem, and if not treated can decrease both the quality and length of a dog’s life.

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• Chondroitin sulfate is an important structural component of cartilage and provides resistance to compression. • Glucosamine is an amino sugar and precursor in the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, a major component of joint cartilage. • Hyaluronan (also called hyaluronic acid, HA) is an anionic, nonsulfated glycosaminoglycan usually found attached to proteins. HA and glucosamine are useful in supporting the joint, especially the articular cartilage.

S TO R A G E T H AT ’ S O U T O F S I G H T !

Using these to supplement the diet can help joints by providing precursors for the synovial fluid and cartilage. The Omega-3 essential fatty acids are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Mammals must ingest these from a food source and do not produce them internally. The best sources of Omega-3s are fish such as sardines and anchovies. Omega-3s help interrupt the inflammation cycle in an arthritic joint. Diet and nutrition are an essential component in treating osteoarthritis. In one study, it was found that overweight dogs with hind leg lameness and osteoarthritis experienced significant improvement with weight reduction. With osteoarthritis, the more weight the joint bears, the weaker it will become. In obesity, fat cells contribute to a level of chronic low-grade inflammation that can trigger a number of other problems. It is important for dogs to be within their normal weight range to decrease the severity of osteoarthritis. Continued on page 20.

Four-part

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harmony

the joint can be broken down into four parts:

 articular cartilage: this is what covers the ends of

the bones. in osteoarthritis, the cartilage becomes worn down and the joint does not glide over the surface of the cartilage.

 Joint capsule: the ligamentous sac that surrounds

the joint. it has an inner and outer layer and provides stability to the joint.

 Synovial

ﬂuid: The viscous ﬂuid inside the joint that decreases friction between each articular cartilage.

 subcohondral

bone: cartilage covers.

the

bone

the

articular

since all parts of the joint are related, if one is injured it creates a snowball effect. in the early stages of osteoarthritis, the changes may be reversible, but in the later stages, chronic inﬂammation destroys the joint. in chronic arthritis, the articular cartilage is destroyed and the joint is down to the subcohondral bone. this is where the phrase “bone on bone” comes from. When this happens, the entire joint becomes inﬂamed and the body produces calcium around the joint and joint capsule. animal wellness

Pain shows in many ways the main symptoms of arthritis are pain and lameness. However, many dogs are stoical, so even with palpation they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t show signs of pain. and dogs are masters at compensating with the other three legs to minimize the pain. But pain can be seen in other ways, such as lameness, lethargy, aggression and obesity. not wanting to walk as far, lying down on a walk, snapping at other dogs in the family, and isolating behavior can all be signs of pain. Vocalization is not an accurate indicator of pain in dogs. to diagnose arthritis, a thorough exam is needed by a veterinarian. this exam should include gait analysis, muscle and joint palpation, and radiographs (x-rays).

Continued from page 19. Physical therapy is also important for the treatment of osteoarthritis. The benefit is that it gets a dog up and moving. Geriatric animals with osteoarthritis usually have muscle atrophy or wasting of the limb where the lameness is present. For example, hind end weakness is usually caused by atrophy of the pelvic stabilizer muscles (the gluteal, adductors and hamstrings). These muscles stabilize the pelvis and make it easier to stand and walk with the rear legs. In physical therapy, an underwater treadmill and exercises can be used to help build muscle mass, which makes everyday tasks such as walking, sitting and standing easier. A regimen of home exercises can also be used when the dog is not in physical therapy. Over time, physical therapy and home exercises will increase strength. Physical therapy can also be helpful for obese animals by decreasing weight while building muscle. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the same theory as using cardio and strength training. Overall, physical therapy and home exercises are among the most important modalities. In other words, if the dog doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use it, he will lose it. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) encompasses acupuncture, massage, herbs and energy work (Qi Gong). Acupuncture and herbs are most commonly used to treat osteoarthritis. In fact, the

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Balancing act – Omegas 3 and 6

largest category of TCM herbs is used for osteoarthritis. Electro acupuncture is very effective at reducing the pain of osteoarthritis by increasing blood flow to the joint, using both spinal and central nervous system pathways and neurotransmitters for pain control. TCM looks at how the whole body is affected by osteoarthritis. For example, in hind end weakness the dog is likely to overcompensate in the front end. Other changes also happen internally and affect the entire body, including the dog’s attitude.

in one study, it was found that overweight dogs with hind leg lameness and osteoarthritis experienced significant improvement with weight reduction.

Dog lovers have long turned to fatty acids to rejuvenate lackluster coats. More recent studies have shown that the beneﬁts of Omega fatty acids extend beyond simple aesthetics, and play a role in controlling allergies, inflammation and overall general health. • The inability of animals to synthesize Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids via Δ12 and Δ15 desaturases is the cornerstone of fatty acid essentiality. Both Omegas 3 and 6 are the biologic foundation in a range of metabolic processes – including immune function, histamine reaction and inflammatory response. If the diet contains too much Omega-3 and not enough Omega-6 (or vice versa) these metabolic processes cannot properly take place. •Processed dog foods also contribute to the imbalanced ratio of EFAs. Biochemically delicate EFAs face exposure to heat and oxygen during the manufacturing process. This renders them rancid and much less beneﬁcial. Ingredients are listed on the food’s packaging, but their presence in full active form is questionable. Inappropriate storage in the distribution process and on store shelves also contributes to this rancidity.

Regenerative medicine or stem cell therapy also plays a role in treating arthritis. Veterinarians are using the animal’s own fat tissue for stem cell therapy, with great success. Therapeutic lasers, meanwhile, use a combination of light wavelengths combined into a single beam to reduce inflammation in the joint.

• Chronic conditions and age affect a dog’s biologic ability to make the best use of dietary EFAs. Both these factors contribute to a decrease in metabolic activity. The immune system’s ability to regulate healthy histamine activity declines. Endogenous enzymes are depleted. As a result, EFAs and dietary nutrients are misused.

Osteoarthritis affects many dogs, so it’s important to have your own companion checked for early signs of the disease. If properly diagnosed, there are many ways to effectively treat it. If your dog might be in pain, don’t you owe it to him to help him feel better?

A quality supplement will contain a blend of flaxseed oil and virgin olive oil in addition to ﬁsh oil (such as salmon). Additional EPA and DHA in an antioxidant-protected EFA formula provide maximum beneﬁts. By replenishing the diet with a robust fatty acid supplement, we can help optimize the diet while maintaining healthy inflammatory reaction and supporting overall health. Article provided by BiologicVET (biologicvet.net) IVC animal Summer wellness 2013

IN THE

FAST LANE By amy snow and nancy Zidonis

High energy dogs need lots of physical activity, but injury is always a risk. This acupressure session done after exercise will help prevent problems by keeping him strong and flexible. 22

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The average dog is a high energy animal that welcomes every opportunity he can get to go outside and run, play and roughhouse. It makes sense. The dog’s wild cousin, the wolf, expends a huge amount of energy hunting prey for survival. Now think of the domestic dog as a wolf in pointer or husky “clothing” – he has all the energy of the wolf, but often no way to burn if off.

Hardwired to go Domesticated dogs are “hardwired” to do something, whether it’s pointing, retrieving, routing out vermin, herding or tracking. They live to perform their jobs with lots of zestful energy. Given any opportunity to live out their reason for being, they are on the ready – eyes bright, emanating vitality and brimming with excitement. For example, a border collie living with a human family will happily herd everyone and everything he can, for lack of any sheep. He knows his job. But herding children and cats may not be enough. These dogs have tons of energy, especially when young. People often have trouble managing active dogs. These canines can turn into home wreckers, anxiety biters, and even become self-destructive. Many wonderful, spirited dogs find themselves without a family or home, and end up in shelters. If they’re fortunate, someone who understands their need for lots of exercise will come along, but this doesn’t happen as much as it needs to. Canine behaviorists are right when they tell you the adorable, out-of-control boxer you brought home nine months ago needs an outlet for all her energy, as well as obedience training, socializing, and mental challenge. Every dog needs a dose of this prescription and it’s good to know these things about a breed or breed-blend before taking any cute puppy home. However, once you’re home, it’s up to you and your energetic, four-legged companion to figure out how to make life work for both of you.

Running on automatic Finding an activity that fits your dog’s need for exercise, and your lifestyle, can be as easy as going to a dog park and throwing a ball. And there are many canine sports to choose from beyond the traditional hunting and herding. In fact, there’s a sport and competitive activity for every kind of dog. animal wellness

Agility, flyball, coursing and earth-dog competitions are all great for high energy, high intensity dogs. These sports are not just about running, jumping and climbing; they also require focused physical skill and a level of control. Both these elements are important for energetic dogs. Most canine sports are predicated on a dog’s natural predatory instinct. Remember, our canine companions are not many steps away from their wolf ancestors. They may not need their predation drive for survival, but it’s still there and becomes heightened by these sports. This means every fiber of their being is running on automatic during competition. Like any athlete going full out, the dog’s endorphins (an opiate-like natural hormone – endogenous morphine) can override just about everything (see sidebar below).

Training and acupressure are key Once a repetitive injury is apparent, it usually means a long, confined recovery period. The prospect of confinement is definitely not fun for you and your usually energetic dog. In fact, it can be a miserable predicament.

No pain, no gain?

hat he was born to do, w g in do is g do e iv tit pe m When your co ly. He’s literally feeling al rn te in b jo r ei th g in do e endorphins ar hot he is until his trial is or d te us ha ex w ho ow kn ’t no pain and won n or heat st ro ke , su ch as tio er ex er ov of s gn si r fo ov er . W at ch ion, elevated temperature at nt rie so di g, in nt pa d pi excessive ra vomiting, collapse and , te ra t ar he ed at ev el ), (above 103°F ts any of these indicators, bi hi ex g do r ou y If . ng pi muscle cram ian immediately. see an emergency veterinar

a dog is involved in n he w rs cu oc at th or ct fa Another risk s to joints, tendons and rie ju in e iv tit pe re is t or sp competitive umatic injuries, repetitive tra us vio ob to d se po op As ligaments. problem with this type of e Th e. tim er ov r cu oc s rie impact inju ty to resolve it in its early ni rtu po op e th e los ou y at injury is th address. stages, when it’s easier to

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PALPATING acupressure points known to help remove TOXINS that form in the muscles after exertion, and REPLENISH healthy nutrients to the muscles, will greatly BENEFIT your dog. The best way to avoid repetitive or traumatic injuries is to combine conscientious, progressive physical training with acupressure sessions. Acupressure sessions following exercise can help enhance muscle strength, and increase and maintain the flexibility of tendons and ligaments. Palpating acupressure points known to help remove toxins that form in the muscles after exertion, and replenish healthy nutrients to the muscles, will greatly benefit your dog. Specific acupoints are known to send blood and nourishment to tendons and ligaments to support their suppleness. Once your dog has cooled down, follow the acupoint chart accompanying this article. Place the soft tip of your thumb or your pointer finger on an acupoint, at a 45° to 90° angle to the dog’s body. Stay on the point for a very slow count of one to 30, then move on to the next acupoint. When you’ve stimulated the acupoints on one side of your dog, repeat the procedure on the other side. This simple session only takes minutes, and along with the proper training can help keep your high energy canine in good condition, no matter how active he is.

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Top 10

foods for skin and coat By audi Donamor

D ON S

Keep your companion looking and feeling good with these power-packed whole foods.

Back in the early 1980s, I was introduced to a little terracotta pot and a bag of seeds. The idea was to soak the pot in water, sprinkle it with seeds, and in what seemed like no time at all, it was covered with sprouts. Who knew that “Chia Pets” would introduce us to one of the world’s healthiest foods? Among many other things, chia is good for your dog’s hair and skin. And so are many other whole foods. If you want your canine to have a rich shiny coat, and healthy skin, start introducing some of these nutritious ingredients into his diet. CHIA seeds are a rich source of B vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, protein and zinc, and they’re packed with antioxidants too. They contain lots of alphalinolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based form of Omega3s. They are gluten free. Chia nourishes skin from the inside out, because its high levels of Omega-3 help combat chronic skin inflammation. Including chia in your dog’s diet is as simple as “a sprinkle a day”. Or make a simple chia “pudding” with 1/3 cup chia seeds and 2 cups filtered water. Mix, leave for ten minutes, and serve. This pudding can be stored in the refrigerator and added to your dog’s food. A little goes a long way. For a taste twist, combine 3 tablespoons of chia seeds with 1 cup almond milk,

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stir, store in the refrigerator, sprinkle with cinnamon and serve. EGGS are nutritional powerhouses, containing the most bioavailable protein. They’re like a oneingredient recipe for great skin and coats. Many consider eggs the number one food for hair, giving it strength and luster. Eggs contain lutein, which helps keep skin well hydrated and plays an important role in tissue repair. The zinc in eggs also supports skin health and shiny hair. Egg yolks are a valuable source of biotin, a B vitamin sometimes referred to as vitamin H or vitamin B7 which helps promote healthy skin and coats; hair loss, skin irritation, lesions and fungus can be the result of a biotin deficiency. Biotin/vitamin H can be effective in treating allergic reactions and skin conditions. Eggs contain vitamin A, which helps repair cell damage and keeps skin healthy and coats glowing. Organic eggs from free-range chickens provide a great ratio of Omega-3s to Omega-6s. ALMONDS contain the entire vitamin E family, tocopherols and tocotrienols – alpha-tocopherol is one of the keys to healthy skin and hair. Almonds are also an excellent source of B vitamins, copper, manganese, magnesium, zinc and bioflavonoids, and offer a trace amount of Omega-3 fatty acids. Since

almonds have a high fat content, it is important to store them in a cool place, away from sunlight; better yet, you can store them in the refrigerator for several months, or in the freezer for up to a year. COCONUT, organic and unsweetened, is the perfect sprinkle for your dog’s food and great for making treats. Give coconut chips a try too. Coconut contains medium-chain saturated fats, which are transformed into energy and contain special properties that act as anti-inflammatory agents to decrease bacterial growth, irritation S IE CRANBERR and inflammation in the body. According to Washington State’s Bastyr University of Natural Sciences, eating raw coconut can reduce the severity of bacterial and inflammatory skin conditions. CAROB is rich in natural sugars and contains all the principal vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium, silica, vitamins A, B1, B2, niacin, and protein. Carob is considered an ideal “survival food” because it requires no preparation, lasts a long time, and has no special storage requirements. It does not contain the caffeine and theobromine found in chocolate, so is perfectly safe for dogs. Its vitamin E supports skin health, and it has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Carob contains no oxalic acid, so it does not interfere with calcium absorption. OATS are a strength-giving cereal. They are low in starch and high in mineral content, especially potassium and phosphorus. Oats also contain calcium, magnesium, the B vitamins and iron. They support healthy skin and hair; one of the key ways they do this is by supporting your dog’s gastrointestinal system and helping remove toxins from the body.

TS OA

LIVER from grass-fed animals provides a perfect punch for enhanced skin health. Nutrients include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D and E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid and biotin. Try chicken livers for a flavorful boost of Omega-3 and 6 essential fatty acids. WILD SALMON, canned or cooked (not raw), is one of the very best sources of Omega-3s, which support the skin and coat. It provides selenium too. Recent studies have focused on the protein and amino acid content of wild salmon; researchers have discovered that small bioactive protein molecules called bioactive peptides, and one in particular, calcitonin, have significant potential health benefits. The human form of calcitonin, made by the thyroid gland, is a key hormone that helps regulate and stabilize the balance of collagen and minerals in bone and surrounding tissue. C AR O B

CRANBERRIES have been used historically to treat a variety of ailments, from rheumatoid disorders, scurvy and fever, to skin wounds and eczema. Cranberries contain a variety of animal wellness

bioactive components, including antioxidant proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins and ellagic acid. Anthocyanins are the pigments that give cranberries their rich red color and have been found to have the strongest antioxidant power of 150 flavonoids tested, even moreso than vitamin E. Anthocyanins have an anti-inflammatory action, and can even help lessen allergic reactions in dogs.

TP OTATO

SWEET POTATOES are considered a super food for skin. They contain a high level of vitamin A and beta-carotene, and are a great source of vitamin E. Sweet potatoes also contain calcium, iron, folate, potassium, copper and thiamine. The vitamin C in sweet potatoes helps accelerate healing and support collagen production.

Chia coconut crunch truffles

N MO AL

r 1 cup almond butte 2 whole eggs nilla 1 teaspoon pure va ips ¼ cup carob ch

Ingredients

1½ cups rolled oats powder 1 teaspoon baking r ou fl t nu co co p ½ cu ia seeds 1½ tablespoons ch ¼ cup coconut oil

et with n to 350°F. Cover a cookie sheare well ove at he pre . ble ssi po r eve ts ien when Choose organic ingredients all ingredients, except the carob chips. ensure ingreds and place on e nd ha bin th Com wi r. h pe ug pa do nt balls of parchme ving. store in a the carob chips. Form small incorporated, then fold in nutes in preheated oven. Cool completely before ser cookie sheet. Bake for 10 miner, in the refrigerator or freezer. Ziploc bag or airtight contai ply skip the baking a “raw” whole food treat. simzazz. store in a Ziploc as ved ser d an red pa pre or carob for extra piz this recipe can also be es can be rolled in coconut process. if you like, raw truﬄthe fridge or freezer. bag or airtight container in

Instructions

LIVER

Chicken liver fritters ED

Ingredients

½ pound chicken livers 1 egg potato flour for dredging

Instructions

1 teaspoon sea salt 1 tablespoon first presse d olive oil oregano

whisk egg in a small bowl. set asid to heat olive oil in pan, on mediume. put about ½ cup of potato flour in another small bowl. Begin place in the pan with olive oil. sprinklhigh. dunk chicken livers in egg, then in the potato flour, and is no pink left. the chicken livers wille with sea salt and other herbs of your choice. Cook until there completely before serving, as a ver be golden brown in color from the egg and flour mix. Cool y special treat, and store in the refr igerator or freezer. after cooking and cooling, chicken low heat oven, for a great training liver fritters can be thinly sliced and dehydrated or dried in a treat.

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Oat ’n egg scramble Ingredients

¼ cup goat milk

2 eggs, whisked ½ cup rolled oats

1 to 2 teaspoons first pressed olive oil

Instructions

Combine ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Leave to sit for 10 minutes. Lightly coat pan with olive oil, add contents of bowl, then scramble like regular eggs. Cool before serving as a topping for your dog’s regular meal. you can experiment with this recipe by adding herbs like fresh oregano and a dash of sea salt. Organic brown rice flakes can be used in place of the rolled oats.

Liver paté Ingredients

½ pound liver, e.g ., chicken, bison 2 eggs

1 teaspoon sea salt or kelp 1 tablespoon first pressed olive oi l

Instructions

For raw paté: whirl in smooth. store in an airgredients together in a food processor or bl tight container in the for regular meals. refrigerator, and use ender, until as a topper For cooked paté: hard with the olive oil, sea boil the eggs and set aside. Lightly saut and then combine all salt and kelp. Cook until there is no pink lefé liver in a pan and serve and store as ingredients in a food processor or blende t. allow to cool r until smooth, above.

COC

Want more tips and recipes? Check out the nutrition section of our website!

animalWellnessMagazine.com /nutrition/dog

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Breathing By anabelle lee Macri FIREFIGHTERS RACED to the scene of a house fire in rural Georgia. When they arrived, the owner was desperately trying to reach his two dogs. “I know exactly where they are,” he hollered frantically to the first responders. Firefighter Erik Mork (pictured below) and his partner entered the burning building to search for the dogs, and both were exactly where the man said they would be. But it was too late. The firefighters weren’t able to save the animals. “Is she gone?” the man asked when Erik carried one of the dogs out. Pulling off his mask, trying to figure out what to say and not knowing what to do, Erik said, “Yes, I’m sorry, sir.” The man took the dog into his arms, went into the woods and cried so hard it bothered Erik to the point that he couldn’t stop thinking about it. Both dogs died that night in a fire that destroyed what mattered most to this man – his only two friends in the world. Firefighters save lives. That, along with battling blazes, is the main focus of their job. But after this experience, Erik re-evaluated what this means to him. “As a public servant, I am supposed to help, but that night on the back roads of Georgia, there wasn’t anything I could do,” he says. “What I realized is that we’re not just rescuing people. We are trying to protect their reason for living.” Erik doesn’t know if having the right equipment would have saved that man’s dogs, but one thing was certain: he never again wanted to be in the position where no such options were available. In order for emergency oxygen equipment to do the most good, the masks must securely fit their patients, and those used for humans are not anatomically correct for animals So Erik started motivating his community of Cherokee County, Georgia to invest in emergency kits with oxygen masks

How one firefighter’s harrowing experience prompted him to spearhead a community project to supply oxygen masks for dogs and cats.

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specifically designed for animals. Thanks to his efforts, local veterinary clinics, businesses and individuals came together to raise funds for this important cause.

“It makes a huge difference in the odds an animal will survive a trauma if lifesaving oxygen can be administered at the scene prior to veterinary assistance,” says Laura Johnson, senior vet tech at the Riverstone Veterinary Clinic. Laura adds that this affordable equipment is easy to use, and has already saved the lives of animals the clinic has treated, such as service dogs and those working for the local police department that were injured in the line of duty. Dogs suffering from heatstroke also need oxygen, Laura points out. During my visit to the clinic, Laura showed me the different equipment sizes and demonstrated how the masks work by placing one on her employers’ Dalmatian, Sarah, and another on a kitten named Jasper.

date, over $900 has been raised, and 30 oxygen emergency kits have either been purchased or donated to help save the lives of animals in traumatic situations. Each kit contains a small, medium and large mask. Half of the kits came from Invisible Fencing by Peachtree, which operates a pet oxygen mask donation program called Project Breathe – those who wish to donate to the Cherokee County initiative can do so through peachtree.invisiblefence.com. “If a firefighter is going to try to save the life of someone’s animal, there should be a way to provide the animal with the oxygen he will need,” Erik says. “Ultimately, you have to put yourself in the place of the person who has suffered a devastating loss. To be able to hand someone their living, breathing animal, which for some people means the world vet tech to them – laura Johnson that’s where demonstrates an oxygen mask the healing with the help of begins.” her employers’

Photo courtesy of Kimberly Murphy

phy Photo courtesy of Kimberly Mur

Fireﬁghter Brian thompson of ball ground, georgia, is just one of many who support the need for specialized oxygen emergency kits for animals.

dalmatian, sarah.

The ultimate goal of this initiative is to have at least one animal oxygen kit available per fire truck in Cherokee County. To

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Maintaining muscle health and fitness in canine athletes involves a multi-pronged approach encompassing everything from nutrition and exercise to massage and chiropractic.

Gethim ripped! )(

By Erin Mayo, DVM

animal wellness

ny athlete can tell you the importance of muscle health when it comes to optimizing performance. The same applies to dogs. Whether your companion is a hardcore flyball athlete, an agility champ or a long distance hiker, maintaining healthy lean muscle will ensure years of injury-free performance. Your dog won’t be heading to the nearest gym to do bench presses, but there are many other ways you can keep his muscles strong and healthy.

Nutrition – he is what he eats •P rotein is the most important nutrient for maintaining healthy lean muscle. Quantity is not as important as quality. Vegetables are made of protein, but often lack one or several amino acids. Animal-based proteins, however, are complete. When specifically talking about muscle health, diets with a high lysine to calorie ratio are best. This information is not readily available on labels, but the manufacturer should be able to provide a breakdown of the amino acid content; this information can then be compared to the caloric density of the diet. • Another important nutrient for muscle health is L-carnitine, also found in meat. It is a derivative of the amino acids lysine and methionine. There is some evidence that it increases energy metabolism and helps burn fat while preserving lean muscle mass in overweight dogs. This supplement is very safe, but there is no evidence that it benefits dogs of healthy weight. • Vitamin E and selenium are both proven antioxidants. When given in combination, they appear to work synergistically to help scavenge oxidative damage from the breakdown of muscle tissue in active dogs. The most important consideration is not to overfeed or over-supplement. Certain vitamins are not easily excreted from the body if given in high doses, and can be toxic. Also, high protein diets may lead to weight gain if the caloric intake is too high. No dog benefits from being overweight!

Massage those muscles There are many varieties of massage techniques – shiatsu, Swedish, Tui Na, the list goes on. The aim of massage is to maximize circulation of both the blood and lymphatic systems. Manual manipulation of muscle tissue feeds the cells with blood and vital fluids and drains away waste products from normal muscle work. The massage therapist can identify areas of congestion, trigger points and “tight bands” and use specific movements to facilitate breakdown of damaged tissue and enhance repair. Improved circulation maintains the flexibility and pliability of tissue, especially the connective tissue. Because connective tissue has poor circulation, it heals very slowly; maximizing circulation and drainage speeds healing or can help avoid injury altogether.

Chiropractic and acupuncture Both these modalities can be used to treat injuries, but can also be beneficial for the maintenance of muscle health. • Chiropractic adjustment aims to optimize the alignment of the spine. This maximizes circulation and nerve conduction from the central nervous system to the periphery of the body and limbs. • Acupuncture can be used in a similar fashion to encourage circulation and stimulate the nervous system. Acupoints can be stimulated in an injured area to break down stagnation of blood and fluids. Acupoints further away from the injury are then stimulated to encourage drainage. Continued on page 34. animal wellness

Continued from page 33.

eXerCise – cross training Dogs naturally exercise themselves, but those that do specific activities need additional consideration. Doing the same activity over and over can lead to stress and repetitive use injury. Dogs in sports that require lots of stopping, starting, changing direction and jumping should spend time doing a variety of other activities to encourage balance and flexibility. Cross training will improve performance and protect against injury. For example, dogs that do lots of running or jumping need to mix up their training regimen. Slow things down. Put the dog on a leash and walk slowly up and down a steep hill to encourage weight shifting and balance. Use weighted backpacks during a walk to increase strength and stamina. Try swimming to reduce ligament-straining concussion on the joints. Or do something completely different, like nose work, to challenge the muscles between the dog’s ears for variety and mental stimulation. Keep it fun! Chronic soft tissue injury and pain can become a vicious circle because the dog compensates for them, creating other issues and causing further injury and pain. But these simple steps will help keep your canine athlete’s muscles strong, healthy, pain-free and in peak condition.

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WHAt MAKeS A MUSCLe?

Skeletal muscle moves the external body and limbs and is composed of cells that contain myofilaments. These myofibrillar proteins can contract and relax like a rubber band, thus making the entire cell shorten and lengthen. The cells are arranged in organized sheets so they shorten and lengthen in the same direction. The sheets of cells are surrounded by tough fascia, or connective tissue, that provides connections between muscles and bones as well as providing a scaffold for muscle tissue. Strenuous activity can cause oxidative injury to these cells. If the muscle is in contraction and circulation to the cells is decreased, this can injure the muscle cells. Normal activity should not cause injury, but vigorous activity, such as running and jumping for a Frisbee, can cause oxidative injury. Repetitive motion, such as always running in a circle, can also cause overuse injury of the muscle and connective tissue. Fortunately, these cells are designed to handle injury and regenerate quickly. This is how people are able to build up muscle tissue; for example, the strain of lifting heavy weights causes small injuries, but once healed, the tissue is bigger and stronger. Injuries to muscles and connective tissue are often termed “soft tissue” injuries because they do not involve the bones. Arthritis is not included in this class. For example, a dog that sustains a cranial cruciate ligament injury (in the stifle or knee joint) has a soft tissue injury but will often develop arthritis in the joint over time because of the alteration in gait from the injury. Keeping the muscles and fascia healthy is important for any dog, but especially those who are active. The goals for treating an injury or maintaining muscle health are the same. Preservation of lean muscle mass and strength is vital, but it is equally important to focus on flexibility and pliability.

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Warm & fuZZY elvis’s companionship helps make harvest time less monotonous for the author.

companion My combine

By Jessica Hill

I’m back in my worn brown seat, shoving a 20-ton green machine through the golden wheat field with a gentle push of the hydraulic joystick in my right hand. Elvis sits on the passenger seat beside me. His round eyes bulge as he stares out the glass-enclosed cab, waiting for jack rabbits, coyotes and deer to scurry from the 30-foot header in front of us.

My pug/beagle mix is happy every minute of the two weeks we’re home for harvest each year. When he’s content, he lifts his upper lip, exposing a toothy grin – a trait that gave him his name – and wags his curled tail. Here, he’s free of a leash and the confinement of a fenced yard. He has hundreds of acres to roam, and 3,000 more to view from the inside of my combine. The ranch I call home is in north-central Oregon, where five miles of wheat fields separate us from our closest neighbors. My father helped my grandfather farm the land before it was his, and even after several decades of reaping the rewards of good soil and hard work, he still gets as excited about harvest as my energetic puppy. An hour into our first day in late July, he is already calculating numbers: “Anybody wanna bet what this field will cut?”

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The field dwindles piece by piece as we cut at five miles per hour, for 12 hours each day. Before Elvis joined me, the monotony faded to boredom long before it was time to eat lunch. I’d watch the reel spin as it shuffled wheat into the shifting blades, and it threatened to put me to sleep faster than Tylenol PM. I’d already listened to each of my CDs twice, and cell phone reception is rare. I’m lucky to have a buddy seat, but finding a friend willing to fill it was no easy task – until Elvis came along. Our four-legged family members were always large breeds – Rottweiler, Akita, great Dane. But after college, I moved to the city where the limited space in my shared two-bedroom duplex would have been an issue for any big dog. So I got Elvis. And that summer, when the heat turned the fields from green to gold and it was time to head home for harvest, I knew I had found my combine companion. Elvis might not be your typical ranch dog – he surely wouldn’t know what to do with a cow – but his small stature is what makes it possible for me to carry him up the steep combine ladder. When I haul him down so we can stretch our legs, Elvis wanders between the furrows and rolls around in the dirt and straw, his feather-soft coat camouflaged by his surroundings.

He, unlike my family’s dogs before him, knows the leash well – and how good it feels to be liberated. “You ready to go?” I ask as I walk back to the ladder. He weaves his way toward me, careful not to scratch his plump belly on the stiff straw, and jumps on the bottom step, only to bounce back off, with all the stubbornness of a pug and curiosity of a beagle.

my John Deere doesn’t break down, and if we don’t see any real deer to get excited about (“Look, buddy!” I’ll cry, waking him up and pointing), his nap might just roll into the afternoon. My only complaint? We can’t trade jobs!

“Oh, you want up there, do you?” I tease. He replies with a short yelp, waiting to be lifted to our motorized office with a view. I used to complain about returning for harvest, telling my father I hoped each year would be my last. These days, with Elvis in the passenger seat, I have someone to talk to. He’ll never tell me my ideas are crazy (a result of too many days in the field), and he’ll never plug his ears when I sing out loud. This year marks Elvis’s second consecutive harvest, and my sixteenth, and I know we both yearn for the next. Every morning, he begs with his eyes to be invited and runs for the door, eager to go again. Now, he’s curled up and snoring on the armrest near my lap, taking a mid-morning snooze with the air conditioner pointed at his scrunched nose and one floppy ear hanging over his left eye. If

above: Jessica and elvis take a break to enjoy the view.

left: elvis loves rolling in the sun-warmed straw.

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Osteoarthritis and osteosarcoma are two of the most common bone problems seen in dogs. Find out more about these painful conditions, and how they can be treated and prevented.

in the closet By shawn Messonnier, DVM

Most of us take our bones for granted – until we break one or develop a painful condition like arthritis or osteoporosis. We also tend to take our dogs’ bone health for granted, but the fact is, musculoskeletal problems, especially arthritis and bone cancer, are among the most common problems seen in canines.

osteoarthritis (ARTHRITIS) This is the most common bone problem in dogs. As a dog ages, inflammation develops due to constant wear and tear on the shock-absorbing protective cartilage covering the ends of the bones. The worn cartilage allows the underlying bones to come into contact with one another, causing pain and stiffness. While this is usually thought of as a big breed problem, it occurs in all breeds as they age. Clinical signs include stiffness when moving around and getting up and down, as well as lameness following exercise. Radiographs (x-rays, best done under sedation) reveal the inflammatory changes in the joints. Conventional medicines such as NSAIDS can be helpful but have side effects when used long term. Natural remedies should be the main therapy for dogs with arthritis, and can include acupuncture, cold laser therapy, herbs, homeopathy, fatty acids, antioxidants, joint supplements and stem cell therapy. Weight loss is critical for overweight dogs.

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osteosarCoMa (BONE CANCER) This disease is also often seen in dogs, usually middle-aged to older large breeds such as retrievers and especially Rottweilers, which have a genetic predisposition. Clinical signs are similar to dogs with arthritis, and radiographs typically help differentiate the two conditions. Conventional therapies include surgery (usually amputation of the affected limb), followed by chemotherapy. Radiation may also be helpful in dogs who do not receive limb amputation to control pain. Natural therapies to support the immune system include herbs such as astragalus and green tea, homeopathics, autosanguis therapy, stem cell therapy, vitamin D and fish oil, and can often extend the lives of dogs with osteosarcoma.

risK FaCtors • While all dog breeds can develop bone problems, the larger ones are particularly prone to these conditions. The exact cause is unknown, but both genetics and environment can play a role. • Dogs with bone problems such as hip dysplasia can pass on the genes causing this common problem to their puppies. • Dogs that are over-exercised, or puppies pushed to grow too quickly, can also develop problems with their bones and joints.

• Chronic inflammation, which can arise from feeding low quality diets or repeatedly vaccinating, can cause arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. • Regardless of the size or weight of the dog, most will develop arthritis as they age.

Dogs with bone problems such as hip dysplasia can pass on the genes causing this common problem to their puppies. Medications and alternative therapies Conventional medications for bone disease usually consist of NSAIDS and other pain-relieving medications. While these can be effective when used for a short period, they can cause side effects including GI ulcers, kidney disease, liver disease and further worsening of the damaged cartilage. Natural therapies are preferred for mild acute issues and long term control of pain and inflammation in dogs with arthritis and bone cancer. They can not only serve as a treatment for bone problems, but also often slow down the progression of bone and joint diseases. • Joint supplements that contain glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel and hyaluronic acid are effective at relieving pain and inflammation and healing damaged cartilage. • Homeopathics such as arnica and hypericum can support the bones, assist in healing from injury and reduce pain. Herbs such as white willow bark, from which aspirin was originally made, can also be effective as natural pain killers. Continued on page 40.

I’m often asked about supplementing the diet of growing dogs (as well as those with bone disease) with extra calcium or phosphorus. I’m not a big fan of simply giving dogs calcium, as it’s too easy to create an imbalance. In general, dogs eating a good natural diet and receiving a daily health maintenance supplement (which may include a balanced vitamin-mineral blend) do not need additional calcium. I do believe, though, that regular exposure to sunlight, which provides vitamin D, is a great natural way to ensure proper bone health. Sunlight exposure, unlike random supplementation, will not upset the delicate balance of vitamins and minerals your dog requires. animal wellness

Continued from page 39. • Physical therapies including chiropractic, acupuncture, massage and cold laser therapy help cartilage and bone healing while reducing pain and inflammation. • Newer therapies such as stem cell treatment (derived from the dog’s own body fat or blood cells) are also helpful in reducing pain and inflammation and encouraging healing.

preveNtiNg proBleMs To help maintain healthy bones throughout your dog’s life:

It’s important to make sure the exercise does not worsen the problem. Mild exercise is preferred. One way to tell if the activity is excessive is to see how your dog feels and acts the following day. If he is sore or needs additional medication to relieve pain, then it was too much for him. Controlled exercise, especially swimming that minimizes weight and stress on the joints, is ideal. Your veterinarian can prescribe the best exercise program for your dog.

Feed him a natural balanced diet.

People often ask if dogs with bone problems such as arthritis can or should exercise. The answer is a definite “yes”. Exercise is beneficial for a dog’s emotional and behavioral health. Additionally, it can strengthen the tissues that support the bones and joints, such as the muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Avoid long term use of drugs like antacids, which may leach calcium from the bones.

Keep his teeth cleaned (this usually means regular professional cleanings from your veterinarian) to reduce inflammation that may cause bone or joint problems.

Give him regular exercise – it keeps bones strong, as well as the tissues that surround the bones.

Avoid excessive vaccination – it may cause inflammation and even directly affect cartilage. This practice should be avoided in dogs with chronic bone diseases.

Bone problems of any kind can be very painful and have a profound impact on a dog’s quality of life. By giving your companion a healthy lifestyle, and educating yourself about his risk factors, you’ll significantly reduce his chances of being disabled by these conditions.

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whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new in Water treadmills and exercise balls have become standard equipment for canine rehabilitation.

Once practiced by only a handful of vets and therapists, canine rehabilitation is now a recognized field in veterinary medicine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and one that offers a growing number of options to patients. By Janice Huntingford, DVM Prince is a six-year-old husky mix who came to our rehabilitation facility after having surgery for a cervical disc. He was paralyzed in all four limbs and extremely weak. His family had to carry him everywhere and were wondering about placing him in a quad cart. A rehab regime incorporating hydrotherapy, acupuncture, exercises, laser and ultrasound were all used to help Prince. After many weeks, he made a full recovery.

rehabilitation facilities, and veterinary students receive some training in rehab as part of their curriculum. The American Veterinary Medical Association has recognized rehabilitation as a boarded specialty, and the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation is the newest college added to the specialty boards. Professionals can even get certification in Canine Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine.

Canine rehabilitation is a relatively new field in veterinary medicine. During its humble beginnings in the early 1990s, only a handful of veterinarians and physical therapists offered it. Now, more than 600 practices in the US alone do rehabilitation therapy of some form. Many veterinary schools have canine

what conditions can rehab help with?

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Many patients benefit from rehabilitation therapy, but here are the ones we commonly see: â&#x20AC;˘ Post-surgical or post-trauma patients, either orthopedic or neurological

• Dogs with non-surgical intervertebral disc with pain or paresis, fibrocartilagenous embolism (FCE), or spinal cord disease • Dogs with osteoarthritis • Geriatric dogs with neurological deficits or degenerative joint disease • Patients with vestibular disease • obese dogs that need to lose weight • Patients in need of wound or pain management • Dogs with gait abnormalities caused by traumatic or congenital musculoskeletal problems • Canine athletes in need of conditioning, injury prevention or treatment

focus on soft tissue Despite what you might think, the focus of canine rehabilitation is on soft tissue rather than bones and joints. Treatment goals are functional, designed to optimize movement and quality of life for the patient. Certified rehabilitation professionals complete many hours of coursework and hands-on training. They perform in-depth evaluations of each patient, manage treatment, and objectively measure progress. They use specialized tests to look for soft tissue abnormalities, and precise instruments to measure joint rotation and range of motion.

Conditioning for sporting dogs, and weight loss programs for obese animals, have also become more popular in the last few years. Rehabilitation professionals are highly skilled in manual therapies including joint mobilization, therapeutic stretches and exercise. Physioballs, therapy bands, rocker/wobble boards and treadmills are used routinely to increase strength, coordination and flexibility. Rehab professionals are also trained to use physical modalities such as ultrasound, laser and electrical stimulation. As more practices invest in therapeutic pools and underwater treadmills, hydrotherapy is also an option for many patients.

recent advances There have been many advances in rehabilitation over the last five years.

Regenerative medicine or stem cell therapy has been added to a number of rehabilitation practices. It is used mainly to treat arthritis in aging animals, but there is some investigation being done into other uses. The procedure involves harvesting fat or bone marrow cells, processing them in the clinic or through an outside lab to activate the stem cells found in these tissues, then injecting them into affected joints. The stem cells are frequently mixed with platelet rich plasma or PRP. ongoing research with PRP is looking into whether animal wellness

COOPER BEATS FCE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; THANKS TO REHAB Cooper is a five-yearold golden doodle. He was diagnosed with a fibrocartilagenous embolism (FCE) after he became acutely paralyzed. The neurologist recommended rehabilitation therapy and acupuncture. When Cooper came to us, he was unable to stand and had little use of his back legs and one front leg. After intensive rehabilitation therapy involving the hydro treadmill, acupuncture and therapeutic exercises, Cooper regained function in all of his legs. He now walks with only a slight limp on one hind leg.

injections of this substance alone will give similar results to stem cell injections, while offering the advantages of a less invasive and less expensive procedure. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ECSWT) is a new modality used in canine rehabilitation. The shock waves are high-energy focused sound waves generated outside the body that can be focused at a specific site within the body. In human medicine, this therapy has been used for over 25 years to break up kidney stones and gallstones (lithotripsy) without invasive surgery. In dogs, it can be used to treat arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders. The shock waves appear to relieve pain and stimulate healing within the injured tissue, although the mechanism behind these effects is unclear. Researchers believe ECSWT stimulates the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own mechanisms to speed healing by, in part, increasing vascularization (blood supply) to the area being treated, resulting in increased bone growth, cartilage synthesis and absorption of unwanted bone spurs and calcium deposits. The treatment is painful and needs to be done under general anesthesia or heavy sedation. The dog is usually sore for 12 to 24 hours afterwards and three treatments are usually needed. ECSWT has been extremely useful for conditions like elbow or shoulder arthritis in dogs.

Laser therapy has also increased in popularity over the last five years. At one time, the choices for therapy lasers were limited, but now there are multiple companies with multiple lasers to select from. Lasers are used to treat pain, superficial wounds, ligament

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Advertorial and tendon injuries, contractures and scars, bursitis, arthritis and hematomas, and can be used on acupuncture points. Research shows that pain relief is due to anti-inflammatory mechanisms similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like aspirin). Laser therapy has the ability to reduce oxidative stress and improve angiogenesis (tissue healing); augment collagen synthesis and skeletal repair (bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons); and reduce nerve firing (for pain control). Research comparing laser and ultrasound shows very similar results for increasing fibroblastic activity, collagen synthesis and tendon healing. The big advantage of laser over ultrasound is that no shaving or messy gel are needed, and less time is required for treatment.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ECSWT) is a new modality used in canine rehabilitation. There has also been an increase in the number of clients requesting alternative treatments such as acupuncture and chiropractic for animals that need rehabilitation. Many of these patients have neurological disease, and conventional medicine offers little hope beyond cortisone. Rehabilitation therapy that includes acupuncture works well to stimulate the nervous system, increase the immune response, activate stem cells and bring healing factors and the body’s own pain killers to the injured area. Dogs with FCE and paralysis are now frequently referred to rehabilitation centers for therapy and acupuncture.

Conditioning for sporting dogs, and weight loss programs for obese animals, have also become more popular. Many canine athletes participate in exercise programs supervised by canine rehabilitation professionals, in an attempt to prevent injuries. Working on core strength and endurance conditioning through exercise ball work and swimming has become popular with these athletes. The same kind of conditioning is being used to rehabilitate obese dogs and further their weight loss. In fact, weight loss programs have become commonplace in rehabilitation centers. For example, Boomer (left) is a threeyear-old Lab who is full of energy but tends to be a bit overweight. He loves to swim and comes to our rehab facility for conditioning and exercise. It works in perfectly with his weight loss program!

CETYL MYRISTOLEATE

another weapon against arthritis By sinead imbaro Arthrtis can make life tough for an animal that may otherwise be in perfect health. Osteoarthritis often goes undiagnosed because people accept limping or stiffness as just symptoms of old age. Even with many cases going undiagnosed, arthritis affects as many as one out of every five adult dogs in the US. If you have ever had an animal with joint pain or arthritis, you are most likely familiar with glucosamine as a treatment. An additional powerful natural compound that has been shown to soothe joint pain and prevent inflammation is cetyl myristoleate. This is a powerful fatty acid that is not produced by most animals, including dogs and cats. An all-natural nutritional supplement that includes both glucosamine and cetyl myristoleate will help support healthy joints and cartilage in your companion. A product that also adds in chondroitin sulfate, MSM, omega-3s and HA will be the most beneficial for a dog or cat suffering from arthritis. Improvements in health supplements for animals have given many people extra years with their furry best friends – and have given millions of dogs and cats extra years of healthy painfree living. You owe it to your companion to give him the best care available. Glucosamine is helpful, but when paired with other effective jointhealing compounds, it can be a life saver for your animal.

Sinead Imbaro has been involved in dog training and the pet world since she was a kid. She started Olympus Brands after working in the equine industry for ﬁve years and in the ﬁtness industry as a Personal Fitness Trainer for 12 years. She develops quality joint products for animals. animal wellness

This manual healing therapy doesn’t just involve the bones. It also works on muscles, organs and tissues to remove obstructions and imbalances that interfere with the body’s ability to heal itself.

INTRODUCTION TO

By Kimberly Parker, DVM

osteopathy involves gentle hands-on manipulation to treat restrictions in the body.

allomar is a 13-year-old Scottish terrier mix who came to my clinic three years ago for recurring pain in her mid back. She had been treated several times the previous year by her regular veterinarian for possible intervertebral disc disease, using muscle relaxers and pain management. But every few months, Mallomar would have another episode of pain during which she could not jump up or down from the sofa and would wince if she was picked up. When I examined Mallomar, she not only had pain in the mid back area of her spine, but also her lower neck and abdomen. She had muscle spasms in her neck and was inflamed and hot as well as painful when I touched her spine just below the ribcage. Mallomar had been seen earlier that day by her regular vet, who at this point only gave the option of surgery. But I explained to her “mom”, Jennifer, that a modality called osteopathy could help.

what is canine osteopathy? Osteopathy is a subtle manual healing therapy. Despite its name, it doesn’t just focus on bones. Based on the premise that the body has the ability to heal itself, it takes a holistic approach and involves freeing restrictions from the joints, organs and fluid systems (blood, lymph, synovial fluids, cerebrospinal fluids, digestive juices, etc.). This allows the body to function at a higher level to heal itself through the immune and other systems.

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mallomar (top left) is now free of pain; osteopathy takes a whole body approach to treat discomfort and misalignments.

A veterinary osteopath uses gentle hands-on palpation and manipulation to assess, treat and release pain and restrictions in the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tissues and organs, so that the bodily fluids vital for health can flow unimpeded. It can treat a range of conditions (see sidebar on next page); its goal is to correct any misalignments and imbalances that interfere with the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self-healing capabilities. Osteopathy has a different approach to healing than basic chiropractic or acupuncture, although all three are similar in many ways. Osteopathy addresses three systems: the muscles and joints, the cranial sacral system, and the organs. With osteopathy, the congestion, inflammation or scar tissue in the body is addressed mechanically and directly, allowing for longer-lasting results.

going to the root In osteopathy, we look for the primary cause of the problem, and not just the problem itself. For example, I wanted Mallomar out of pain and free of muscle spasms, but I needed to look a little deeper to find the root issue so she could heal for good. As I felt her abdomen, I found that she had congestion in her liver and bile ducts; they palpated very hard and stiff. Her gallbladder was enlarged and did not easily drain when I compressed it. She was most painful in the area of her transverse colon and pancreas. In veterinary medicine, we call the pathway between the organs and the spinal cord the somato-visceral connection. This pathway is the primary cause of up to 80% of back issues in animals and people. So simply getting the spine to move by adjusting the vertebral segments is not enough. The organs themselves have to be treated â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both manually to decrease congestion, and nutritionally to address the cellular level. I asked Jennifer what she fed Mallomar and what supplements she was giving her. Jennifer said her dog was on a commercial kibble and occasionally given fish oil. I explained to her that Mallomar was a carnivore, and although she could survive on an omnivorous diet (meat, vegetables and grains), in my experience, she would not thrive and be healthy on it. Continued on page 48.

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Continued from page 47. Jennifer admitted that Mallomar was always trying to steal food from her plate and sometimes experienced vomiting or loose stools. As I worked osteopathically to release the tension in Mallomarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body, she began to relax and her breathing changed. I was able to release the spasms in her neck and back by working on her organs. I explained to Jennifer that we would have to fast her for the next 48 hours in order to rest her GI tract so her body could have a chance to start healing. I sent them home with a homeopathic remedy for pain and an instruction sheet on how to properly fast Mallomar and restrict her exercise for a few days. Within three days, Mallomar was back to her normal happy self, with no pain. I have continued to treat her twice yearly and she has she had no recurrence of her previous issues. In fact, she looks and acts younger than when I first saw her three years ago!

Osteopathy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; more questions answered Q. When might my dog need osteopathy? A. Pain, limited mobility and postural imbalances can all arise from misalignments and restrictions within the bones, muscles and organs that may be relieved by osteopathy. Injury from accidents or other forms of trauma, repetitive activity, aging, surgical scars and even stress can cause or contribute to these problems. All dogs, from puppies to seniors, need osteopathy to some extent, although the expectations differ from animal to animal. After an osteopathic treatment, the dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entire musculoskeletal and connective tissue pathways should be able to perform at a higher rate. How high depends on where he starts from and his current nutrition and ongoing triggers to inflammation. These triggers can include certain vaccines, pharmaceutical drugs and even some herbs.

Q. How often are osteopathic treatments recommended? A. Initially, two to three treatments over a span of four to six weeks may be needed, depending on the specific needs of the animal. Then, maintenance for a young animal is usually twice yearly, and an aged animal once every three to four months.

Q. What is the difference between a regular veterinarian and a veterinary osteopath? A. A veterinary osteopath is a licensed and trained veterinarian who has gone on to study in more depth the neurology of the body. S/he learns to use his or her knowledge of neuroanatomy in a functional instead of a surgical way in order to heal the body.

Q. What can I expect at an office visit? A. If you are a newcomer to holistic veterinary medicine in general, your first visit will most likely be an hour long in order to go over items such as species-specific nutrition and supplements, as well as the first osteopathic evaluation and treatment. It is very important to aid osteopathy with the support of proper nutrition in the body.

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CasE studY

Holly’s hips By Marie a. castle

couldn’t wait for the day we moved out of our rented accommodation and bought our own house – it meant we could have a dog at last! We adopted the most beautiful silver fawn border collie, and named her Holly. We trained her in all lines of obedience and agility, and she excelled. Then Holly started to limp. There was no real pattern to it. She would get up in the morning stiff and limping, but after awhile would be okay. Upon closer examination of her paw and leg, we could see nothing obvious. Thinking it might have been a pulled muscle, we gave her some rest. But it didn’t help. Later, while out on walks, she would fall behind and start limping again. It was time to visit the veterinarian.

Devastating diagnosis

ere lly had a sev o H e, re th f o At the age oth hips, and b in ia s la p s y case of hip d the right. in s ti ri h rt a o te s o

The vet diagnosed many things, from thin pads to an infection due to a thorn. We were given different painkillers that made no difference. After the fourth visit, we begged him to x-ray Holly, but he thought it unnecessary. After three months of getting nowhere, we sought a second opinion. The second veterinarian diagnosed Holly immediately by simple examination and watching her gait. An x-ray confirmed that, at the age of three, Holly had a severe case of hip dysplasia in both hips, and osteoarthritis in the right. We were devastated. This is a terrible disease in any dog, but for a border collie who is designed to run miles a day and is one of the most intelligent breeds, it’s heartbreaking.

Integrative healing program Obviously, Holly’s agility career was over. She now needed five short walks a day, a course of hydrotherapy, a controlled diet, a program of painkillers, and mental stimulation to take the place of physical activities.

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We spent day after day researching hip dysplasia. The experts said that because she was coping, it was best not to operate because of the risk of infection. So we researched both proven medications and natural alternatives. It took a year or so to really get a program of medicine, diet and exercise running smoothly. We continued on with this program for eight years, continually tweaking it and eventually doubling her painkillers. At the end of 2010, however, Holly took a turn for the worse and we were afraid it was the end. But Holly was only ten and we weren’t prepared to accept it, so even more research was needed.

Never give up! We learned that Holly’s body was now struggling to reproduce the synovial fluid and joint tissue needed to protect her joints. The leading veterinary product didn’t seem to be helping anymore, partly because the powder capsules were dissipating and leaving her body too quickly. We finally discovered a natural aloe vera gel that contains glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin. She was already taking joint supplements but we were advised that the consistency of the aloe vera would hold the medicines in her body longer. Aloe vera also has anti-inflammatory and painkilling properties. We were told it might take up to three months before we would see any effects, but within five days, Holly was moving her hips just a little bit easier. It’s a year later, and Holly is doing great. She will never be cured, and her condition will gradually get worse, but her regular program of exercise, hydrotherapy, painkillers, herbal medicines and supplements is giving her a much better quality of life. She once again has lots of energy and a sparkle of happiness in her eyes!

Coping with hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis Diet: Keep the dog’s weight down. Find the right diet that best suits your dog – a good quality, low fat food. Use pieces of raw carrot, apple, etc., for treats. Exercise: Give your dog five short ten to 15 minute walks a day if possible, on a soft surface like grass. Medications: Painkillers are often unavoidable, especially in severe cases. They make your dog comfortable enough to exercise regularly and maintain muscle mass. Find an integrative veterinarian you have total confidence in; if in doubt, get a second opinion. Supplements: A lot of effective natural supplements will help replace essential joint tissue and fluid – HA, cod liver oil, Omega-3, glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, etc. The aloe vera product that helped Holly so much comes from PurelyNature.co.uk. Do your research and look at factual results. Hydrotherapy: This is a valuable non-weight bearing form of exercise that sustains healthy muscle growth and fitness, and general well being. Alternative therapies: Gentle soothing massage or acupressure can encourage the body’s natural restorative properties to create and maintain optimal health and well being. Mental stimulation: This is something people often overlook. Like humans, when dogs are unwell they feel down and depressed. We work constantly to keep Holly’s mind active, due to her high level of intelligence and physical capabilities. Games that employ intellect will help keep your dog happy and positive – they include hide and seek, gentle agility activities like low tunnels, fetching named toys, heel work, etc. Understand your dog: Dogs cannot verbally communicate with us. You need to be sensitive to your dog’s body language to detect if he may be in pain, is unhappy or frightened, or has had enough of a particular activity. Weather: Don’t let your dog get too wet or too hot. Osteoarthritis will become worse during damp, cold weather and the joint will swell and become painful in hot weather.

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You love your dog, so when he gets sick or injured, you may be driven to spend every hour of the day (and sometimes the night) making sure all his needs are met. Just remember to look after yourself too.

caregiverburnout By lisa Provost

STRESS IS A PART OF LIFE. Work, finances, family

and health…it seems there’s always something to worry about. One of the most stressful situations of all is being caregiver for an ailing loved one. It can be even more difficult when that loved one is a dog because he

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can’t tell you how he feels or where it hurts, the way a human can. Because of this, you may not really know what’s going on with him on any given day, or what to do to help him feel better – and that can make you hyper-vigilant and even more anxious.

Caring for a sick, injured or convalescent dog may involve administering medications or remedies, monitoring his diet and coaxing him to eat, cleaning up accidents and getting up in the night to take him out, fitting multiple vet visits into your schedule, and arranging for people to look after him when you’re out. Your love for your dog may lead you to put his needs before yours, and while you wouldn’t have it any other way, it can take a toll on your own well being. You might lose sleep, miss work, or forget to eat regularly – and that won’t do either of you any good. Regardless of how you feel, it’s vital to look after yourself when you’re caring for a sick dog. If you think it’s unnecessary or unimportant, remember that caregiver burnout is a very real issue. You can’t take care of your dog if you don’t also take care of yourself. Here are some tips and suggestions for helping you through the stress of being a canine caregiver, whether it’s for a couple of days, a few weeks, or the rest of your dog’s lifespan. • First and foremost, make sure you’re getting adequate sleep and exercise, and are eating regular healthy meals, every day. If you’re not, you’re putting your own health at risk, and need some help caring for your dog.

• Ask family members for assistance. If you have kids, teach them that they can and should help with certain things. If you have a partner, tell him or her to step up to the plate. Remind them that this is their dog too, and that you can’t do it alone, nor should you have to. If you live on your own, ask your friends or a trusted neighbor if they can help out. It takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes one to care for a sick dog! Continued on page 56.

IT WON’T BE HARD TO FIND SOMEONE WHO IS GOING THROUGH THE SAME THING YOU ARE.

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Continued from page 55. • Find a peer group to talk to, online or in person. It won’t be hard to find someone who is going through the same thing you are. Get on the phone with a friend who’s been there, or someone you’ve met through your group, and talk about it instead of typing it out. Hearing an empathic voice can be much more personal than an email. Or maybe start your own dog caregiver support group. Giving others a place to talk could very well be great medicine for you as well. You’ll meet new people and make friends with fellow dog lovers. And when dealing with another person who feels like she’s crashing, be aware that she needs the same love and support she’s offering you. Tell her you understand and that you’re going through the same thing right now. She needs to know she isn’t alone; just having someone to listen is all most people want and appreciate. This mutually supportive relationship can be very rewarding.

• Make time to do something fun or relaxing every day. Meditate – this can be good for you and your dog. Listening to soft music can be soothing for your soul and calming for your dog. Watch a favorite movie or TV show, go shopping or for lunch with a friend, or take a walk in the fresh air. Yoga, Tai chi and deep breathing can lower stress. Engage in a favorite hobby for a short period every day, whether it’s sewing, painting or gardening. If you can, get away for a weekend and ask a friend, family member or dog-sitter to care for your dog while you’re gone – just make sure they know how to look after him, give medications, etc. • Try and see the situation for what it is. Depending on your dog’s condition, especially if he has a serious illness or injury, or is recovering from surgery, it could be awhile before he’s back to normal. Accepting that it’s going to be a big commitment will prepare you mentally for some of the harder days you may experience. Also accept that your dog may not be as happy as he usually is, and that it might be depressing for you to see him like this – but that it’s completely normal for a sick animal to be subdued, off his food or out of sorts.

LISTENING TO SOFT MUSIC CAN BE SOOTHING FOR YOUR SOUL AND CALMING FOR YOUR DOG. • Allow yourself to express your emotions. Cry if you have to. Holding your feelings in will not help anyone, including your dog. If you feel excessively anxious or depressed, see your doctor. • Don’t beat yourself up if you sometimes feel resentful, frustrated or impatient with the situation, or even with your dog. These feelings often arise in caregivers, and in no way make you a bad dog parent. You’re only human! No matter how you choose to approach your own self care during this difficult time, just make sure to do it and not push it under the rug. Look after yourself along with your dog and don’t become what you think is a pillar of strength by trying to be superhuman!

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Skincare

michael gore was impressed when tepezcohuite cured his eczema, and now offers a similar product just for dogs.

FroM

tHE MaYans

the bark from this central american tree contains active ingredients to alleviate a wide range of canine skin problems. By ann Brightman The Mayans are best known for their superior knowledge of astronomy and mathematics, and their so-called “doomsday calendar”. But they also offer something that can enhance our skin health, and that of our dogs. It’s a traditional remedy that comes from the tepezcohuite tree (pronounced “tep-ezco-heety” and also known as the “skin tree”), which grows in Central America. The Mayans used tepezcohuite for centuries to help heal skin lesions and even slow the aging process. The bark of this tree has been found to contain unique healing and regenerative properties. Recent research has shown that the natural chemicals in the bark actually repair and protect skin cells and can therefore help heal many skin problems in both humans and animals. The studies also revealed that tepezcohuite has analgesic and anti-bacterial properties, and that it can regenerate hair follicles and stimulate collagen production. Dog lover and businessman Michael Gore learned about this effective skin treatment several years ago, when a product containing tepezcohuite cured his eczema. He was so impressed, he bought a company called K9 KlearUp, which focuses on a tepezcohuite skin product for dogs, and founded Mayan Pet Products in 2011. “K9 KlearUp was created to

help dogs with rashes, hot spots and other skin issues,” says Michael. “It was copied from a very effective human product but has twice the tepezcohuite.” The all-natural ointment also contains shea butter and aloe vera and can help with a variety of additional skin problems such as flea and insect bites, dry skin and coat, split pads and burns. Tepezcohuite is also a source of flavonoids, which help protect skin from the aging process, as well as tannins and minerals including zinc, copper, manganese, iron and magnesium. “The product targets dogs specifically, but a product for cats is in the development stage,” says Michael. Knowing how effective tepezcohuite is, Michael’s mission is to spread the word to as many dog guardians as possible, and not just for personal profit. “My long term goals are to increase awareness and sales so we can provide financial support and product, gratis, to non-profit agencies such as animal shelters and rescue organizations.” The company has already begun doing this with several animal rescue projects, but Michael wants to help even more dogs. “We’re also educating people about the harmful ingredients in many pet foods that cause the majority of skin issues our product is being used to treat. I enjoy being able to provide something that assists animals in distress, and hearing the wonderful success stories.” animal wellness

To the Rescue Central Oklahoma Humane Society – rising to meet the challenge

When the worst tornado in history pummeled Oklahoma in late May, the devastation was heart-rending. Not only were people killed and injured, but thousands lost their homes – and their animals. Many other dogs and cats were displaced or injured, and the Central Oklahoma Humane Society in Oklahoma City – close to ground zero of the storm – found itself working flat out to help them. Established in 2007, the Central Oklahoma Humane Society has 29 staff members, over 400 volunteers and 275 foster homes, so the facility was better placed than many others to help the tornado victims. “We have taken in 145 tornado animals [as of this writing] and have so far re-united approximately 87 with their families,” says president Christy Counts. “Those not claimed by their owners will go into our adoption program, and be adopted out during a special event in July.”

To help care for animals in crises like this, as well as cover day-to-day expenses, Christy and her staff spend a lot of time raising funds. “Right now we are focused on fundraising for our adoption program and our Homeward Bound re-location program. “I love every part of my job,” adds Christy. “My favorite moments recently have been bringing tornado victims and their animals together again. Each time, the families cry and we cry. When our staff can provide comfort to the human victims by re-uniting them with their furry family members – that’s special.”

okhumane.org

Christy recalls one dog in particular, a German shepherd named Greta. “She was found in the tornado rubble carrying a thunderstorm wrap and weather cape in her mouth. Her owner, Rachel, claimed her two days later. She said Greta was wearing the wrap and cape when the tornado hit their home. The house was completely destroyed, but somehow Greta survived, although the shirt and cape came off during the tornado. She found them in the rubble and kept them with her.”

tornado victims are reunited with their animals, thanks to this humane society.

Parma Animal Shelter Location: Parma, OH Year Established: 1995 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: No paid staff; 210 volunteers Types of animal they work with: “We find forever homes for stray dogs and cats brought to us by our animal control officer, Julie Kocik or the police department. The shelter has had some special needs animals that were HIV positive, blind, or with liver disease, but the majority are healthy.” Fundraising initiatives: “We fundraise on a monthly basis to obtain monies to run the shelter, lease the building, pay veterinary costs and provide food for our dogs and cats. We are a no-kill shelter. We have several annual fundraising events including our June Adoptathon, Dog Swim, Spaghetti Dinner and Nite at the Races.” Favorite rescue story: “One of our adopted dogs was hit by a car. He had to have his leg amputated but his family couldn’t afford the medical bills so they returned him to the shelter. One of our volunteers nursed him through his recovery and another adopted him. This dog still remembers and recognizes the volunteers who cared for him – they don’t forget those who love them!”

parmashelter.org animal wellness

Animal Wellness has supported rescue efforts for almost 15 years and is a proud partner of Best Friends Animal Society. This column honors the work of shelters and rescues across North America. For their full stories, visit www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

Fiona Animal Refuge

Toronto Humane Society

Location: Hidalgo, Mexico; business address Livingston, Texas Year established: 2011 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: One staff member, several volunteers Types of animal they work with: “We work mainly with discarded street dogs in Mexico, of which there are thousands,” says Dottie Cross. “Our focus is spaying as many females as possible. We also vaccinate as we have had problems with parvo and distemper.” Fundraising initiatives: “When in the states, I spend 40 hours or more a week fundraising for operating expenses,” says Dottie. “We need medications and an x-ray machine – this would be used by the town, which does not have one at this time – and funds for spay and neuter ops. We also want to fund future vets at the University of Monterrey.” Favorite rescue story: “One of our happiest moments was when a lady and her two daughters ran in with a female dog giving birth. She had delivered two pups but was exhausted. Our vet put her under and delivered five more. All seven people there took a puppy, and by giving mouth-to-mouth, rubbing their tummies and praying, two hours later all seven were breathing on their own.”

Location: Toronto, ON Year established: 1887 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: 75 staff, 700+ volunteers, 250+ foster parents Types of animal they work with: “We care for all sorts of animals, from cats and dogs to guinea pigs and birds,” says Rachelle Gordon, Special Events (pictured below). “We have many ‘seniors’ and special needs animals. THS does not euthanize for age, length of stay or medical condition.” Fundraising initiatives: “We receive no government funding, so rely on the support of donors,” says Rachelle. “Our largest annual fundraising event is PAWS in the Park (September 22). Funds raised help us provide medical care and support for the thousands of animals that enter our shelter every year.” Favorite rescue story: “We recently rescued ten dogs from a sled dog operation in Quebec. Many are seniors, and needed significant dental work and treatment for parasites. They were also spayed and neutered. Just one month after arriving at THS, eight of these lovely dogs have already been adopted.”

torontohumanesociety.com

potreropups.org

Rescue Me Inc. Location: Woodland Hills, CA Year established: 1990; incorporated 2001 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: No paid staff; around ten volunteers; three foster homes Types of animal they work with: “We rescue all types of dog, but focus on special needs, abused, neglected, injured and senior dogs,” says Doreen Kaarto. Fundraising initiatives: “We fundraise for finances to home, feed and obtain medical care for the little ones in our care. Our ultimate dream is to provide a no-kill animal rescue sanctuary and rehabilitation facility.” Favorite rescue story: “Gus (right) is a rescued golden who had been abused at just six weeks old and had a broken jaw, three broken ribs, and an eye that needed to be removed,” says Doreen. “We immediately took him to the vet for treatment, and once he was healed, he was adopted by a woman named Lisa, who has become one of my best friends. Gus is now ten years old and still lives with Lisa and her family; I talk to Lisa all the time and get photos of Gus as well. We are so blessed to still have him in our lives.”

rescuemeinc.cfsites.org animal wellness

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By renee schmid, DVM cytokine release and overproduction of lymphocytes and T-cells, inflammation levels are lessened. This in turn minimizes the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s response to allergies, myasthenia gravis and rheumatoid arthritis, without suppressing the immune systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to fight infections or wounds. Many powdered formulations of bovine colostrum are commercially available. But few add higher levels of PRPs. The colostrum in AvidLife AI specifically contains additional PRPs; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up to 40 times higher in PRPs than most other bovine colostrum products. The colostrum used is pasteurized, antibiotic-free and non-toxic. only first milking colostrum is utilized, which helps ensure the highest levels of beneficial components are present. The colostrum in this product also uses liposomal encapsulation technology to protect its proteins from digestive acids, and enzymes to ensure safe delivery to the small intestine where absorption of PRPs occurs. AvidLife AI has been reformulated to include colostrum rich in PRPs. Colostrum was chosen due to its overall exceptional quality and safety. By adding colostrum to this supplement, the same anti-inflammatory properties found in the original formulation are still present, along with the added benefits of PRPs.

Dr. Renee Schmid is a small animal veterinarian whose primary interests include critical care and preventative medicine. She is an associate veterinarian in the Midwest US, where she focuses on dogs and cats, but also keeps up with large animal medicine.

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Ballantrae Animal Hospital Margaret Hacking, DVM Stouffville, ON Canada Phone: (905) 640-6809 Website: www.AnimalWellnessCentre.com Beechmount Animal Hospital Waterloo, ON Canada Phone: (519) 888-6590 Website: www.beechmountanhosp.ca

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ESSEX ANIMAL HOSPITAL • Chiropractic • Aqua-Therapy • Acupuncture • Chinese Herbalist • Alternative Medicine • Holistic consults • Physical Rehab Dr. Janice Huntingford, DVM, CCRT, CVA, CAVCA 355 Talbot St. N. Essex, ON N8M 2W3 (519) 776-7325 | www.essexanimalhospital.ca

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iNtegratiVe Vets Affordable Holistic Animal Therapies West Hollywood, CA USA Phone: 323-304-2984 Animal Holistic Care Mark Haimann, DVM Floral Park, NY USA Phone: 718-631-1396 Dr. Autumn Drouin, DVM, ND and Dr. Sasan Haghighat (Hyatt), DVM, CVA North-East Newmarket Veterinary Service Newmarket, ON Canada Phone: (905) 830-1030 Email: holisticveterinarian@gmail.com Website: www.holistic-vet.ca

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Horizon Veterinary Services Susan Maier, DVM Simpsonville, KY USA Phone: (502) 722-8231 Email: horizonvetserv@yahoo.com Website: www.horizonvetserv.com Integrated Veterinary Clinic Sacramento, CA USA Phone: 916-454-1825

Janice DeFonda Can We Talk Fayetteville, NY USA Phone: (315) 329-0116 Email: angelwhispurr@gmail.com Website: www.angelwhispurr.com

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Jody Kincaid, DVM, ND Anthony Animal Clinic Anthony, TX USA Phone: 915-886-4558 Website: www.anthonyanimalclinic.com Mark Newkirk, VMD Margate Animal Hospital & Alternative Care Center Egg Harbor Township, NJ USA Toll Free: (609) 645-2120 Phone: (609) 645-2120 Website: www.alternativevet.com

Family Veterinary Center Haydenville, MA USA Phone: (413) 268-8387 Website: www.famvets.com

Secord Animal Hospital Toronto, ON Canada Phone: (416) 486-1700 Email: secordanimalhospital@yahoo.ca

Gail Jewell, DVM Kelowna, BC Canada Phone: (888) 622-8300 Website: www.holisticvet.ca

Paws to Heal Vet Clinic Vienna, VA USA Phone: (703) 938-2563 Email: info@paws2heal.com Website: www.vetrehab.org

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(519)836-2782 www.GuelphVet.com info@GuelphVet.com Harwood Oaks Animal Clinic Bedford, TX USA Phone: 817-354-7676 Website: www.harwoodoaksanimalclinic.com Hawks Prairie Veterinary Hospital Lacey, WA USA Phone: (360) 459-6556 Email: hawksprairievet@yahoo.com Website: www.hawksprairieveterinaryhospital.com Holistic Animal Care Stephanie Chalmers, DVM, CVH Santa Rosa, CA USA Phone: (707) 538-4643

Sharon R. Doolittle DVM Smithsﬁeld, RI USA Phone: (401) 349-2668 Website: www.holisticanimalvet.com Dr. Shawn Messonnier Paws and Claws Vet Clinic Plano, TX USA Phone: (972) 712-0893 Email: shawnvet@sbcglobal.net Website: www.pettogethers.net/healthypet SmithRidge Veterinary Services Dr. Marty Goldstein South Salem, NY USA Phone: (914) 533-6066 Website: www.smithridge.com

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chiropractic - communicators - holistic healthcare - integrative vets - massage therapy natural products - Reiki therapy - resource directory - schools & wellness education - shelters & rescues

Steven Marsden, DVM Edmonton Holistic Veterinary Clinic Edmonton, AB Canada Phone: 780-436-4944

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Alaskan Malamute Mt. Gilead, OH USA Phone: (419) 512-2423 Email: shaman@brightnet.net American Brittany Rescue CA USA Toll Free: (866) BRIT-911 Phone: (510) 582-2714 Email: rhonda@americanbrittanyrescue.org Website: www.americanbrittanyrescue.org Animal Avengers Los Angeles, CA USA Phone: (323) 655-4220 Email: admin@animalavengers.com Website: www.animalavengers.com

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feline WELLNESS Hip, cool and healthy!

CATARACTS in cats

Learn how to PREVENT blindness.

Limping? SHE

Lameness can have many causes – an accurate diagnosis and integrative healthcare plan are crucial.

What are POLYDACTYL CATS?

Kitties with extra toes are relatively common and becoming moreso – find out why.

HCM…

the number one heart disease in felines

It’s currently incurable – but the right treatment can prolong his life.

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put up your

dukes!

By ann Brightman

polydactyl cats are relatively common and becoming moreso, thanks to a dominant yet harmless genetic mutation that many cat lovers ﬁnd appealing.

No one knows for sure where or how this genetic mutation arose, although it isn’t anything new. Polydactyl cats were reputedly popular with ship’s captains for their superior hunting abilities, enabling them to better control onboard rat populations. This may help explain their proliferation along the east coast, and why Maine coons (a breed also thought to have been brought to the US on ships) often carry the trait.

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Dozens of extra-toed kitties live at the Hemingway home, which is now a museum. Polydactylism on its own isn’t dangerous and doesn’t harm the cats. If anything, it just makes them cuter! However, if you have a cat with extra toes, it’s a good idea to clip his claws regularly, and check to make sure none of them are becoming ingrown. If you have problems clipping the claws on the extra toes, ask your veterinarian to do it. You might also want to make sure the treat cupboard is locked – these kitties can be especially dexterous!

Flurrie was what is called a polydactyl cat, from the Greek words poly (“many”) and daktylos (“digits”). At the time, we thought such kitties were rare, but it turns out cats with more than the normal number of toes are relatively common. Polydactylism is a congenital anomaly, a genetic mutation that causes a cat to be born with six to eight toes on two or (more rarely) all four paws. It most often arises on the front paws. Because it’s a dominant gene and an inherited trait, the number of polydactyl cats seems to be growing, with the largest populations found along the east coast of North America and in the southwest UK.

Writer and cat lover Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Key West, Florida, may also have contributed to the increase of these felines in North America when he acquired a polydactyl cat, also possibly a Maine coon, from a captain. Hemingway subsequently collected more polydactyls, some of which had descendants, and today dozens of extra-toed kitties live at the Hemingway home, which is now a museum. Because of this, polydactyl cats are often called Hemingway cats, although they have many other affectionate monikers, including mitten cats, thumb cats and boxing cats.

Photo courtesy of robone al.c

We used to have a cat named Flurrie who had six toes on each front foot. It almost looked as though he had thumbs, and when he was a kitten, they made his feet seem comically big for the rest of his body, as if he was wearing boxing gloves or over-sized mitts. The extra toes never hindered him in any way, and in our eyes, they made him unique.

feline wellness

Cataracts in cats Often associated with inflammation as well as advancing years, this condition can eventually cause blindness if left untreated.

Despite

what some people may believe, the term “cataract” doesn’t derive from the word “cat”. In fact, dogs develop cataracts more often than cats do. Nevertheless, this eye condition does occur in felines, so it’s important to know something about them.

I once wanted to be an “animal eye doctor” but my career took a different path and I evolved into the holistic practitioner I am today. Although I often see cats with cataracts in my practice, I also consulted veterinary ophthalmologist, Dr. Kristen Fahrer, for more information on this ocular condition and its treatment.

What are cataracts? A cataract is an opacity in the otherwise translucent lens of the eye. It prevents light from moving properly from the outside world to the retina (the light sensitive layer lining the back of the eye). Cataracts can mildly reduce or completely obstruct the movement of light through the lens. As a result, vision will be minimally or severely impaired.

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By Patrick Mahaney, VMD, cVa

Not all clarity-altering changes to the lens are consistent with cataracts. Nuclear (lenticular) sclerosis, a non-pathogenic process, is an age-related phenomenon in which older fibers are clustered in the center (the nucleus) of the lens. Some light still passes through these densely packed lens fibers. Reportedly, the sensation is akin to looking through fog or haze. Although cataracts One can cause cats to way to help go blind, nuclear prevent cataracts sclerosis will not. is to minimize Cataracts are not directly dangerous, but the diseases with which they may be associated,

inflammatory conditions. a healthy lifestyle that includes a quality diet, minimal vaccines and reduced exposure to toxins is a good place to start.

or the potential for the opacified lens to luxate (come loose from attachment), can be. Once lens luxation occurs, glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure) and blindness often occur.

Why do cats develop them?

When it comes to treating feline cataracts, Dr. Fahrer’s primary recommendation is to get any inflammation in the eye and elsewhere under control. Depending on the cause, this process may involve oral or topical medications.

There is no single reason why cats develop cataracts. Once the inflammation is reduced, a more definitive According to Dr. Fahrer, inflammation plays treatment involving surgery to remove the cataract a key role in their development, so any may be pursued. Some cats even have an some inflammatory process that affects the artificial lens implanted, although removing cats have eye can contribute to their formation. the cataract without implanting an an artiﬁcial lens artificial lens still permits better vision She says that correlating factors can implanted, although contribute to the development of and improved overall ocular health, as removing the cataract cataracts, including genetics and opposed to leaving the abnormal lens in without doing so still the presence of inflammation in place. permits better vision and the globe (eyeball) and extraocular improved overall ocular To promote both short and long-term structures (outside of the eye). health, as opposed to ocular health in your cat, it’s best that The potential for cataracts to be leaving the abnormal he have a veterinary examination at least passed on from one generation to lens in place. another, regardless of the cat’s status once a year. By checking your cat’s eyes on as pure or mixed breed, certainly exists. a regular basis, your veterinarian can find the Additionally, cats progressing from the adult signs of cataract development before they cause significant symptoms! to geriatric life stage are more prone to cataracts. Inflammation is the body’s enemy on multiple levels, so the eyes or other systems can be negatively affected. Infection with viral or bacterial organisms can cause inflammation and other abnormalities inside the feline eye, therefore increasing the potential for cataracts. Even certain treatments used to manage other aspects of feline health, such as radiation treatment for tumors, or administration of and exposure to certain drugs, can play a role in cataract development.

How do I know if my cat has cataracts? You may notice that your cat has increasing difficulties navigating his environment. Being less able to gracefully land on previously easily-surmountable heights is one sign. Your cat could also bump into furniture, the litter box wall, or other objects (or even other animals). You may also see the change in your cat’s eyes when light shines through the pupil and illuminates the cataract-filled lens. The best means to diagnose cataracts is through an examination with your veterinarian or a veterinary ophthalmologist. An ophthalmoscope (a light-affixed magnifying glass) and other diagnostic tools will be needed to provide a thorough ocular workup.

How are they treated?

feline wellness

Arthritis is one of the more common causes of lameness in cats. Start by getting an accurate diagnosis, and then implement an integrative treatment plan. By cindy Kneebone, DVM

hen Penny’s cat miscalculated a jump and started limping right afterwards, she knew he’d injured his leg, and a vet check confirmed it. But feline lameness isn’t always so straightforward. It can have a variety of causes, from joint disease to cancer (see sidebar), and getting to the root of the problem as soon as possible is key to ensuring correct treatment and recovery. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of feline lameness, but recognizing it may be difficult. Cats hide their lameness by shifting their weight to non-painful limbs. Clues include an inability to jump on the bed or window ledge, a change in behavior or temperament, loss of appetite and dull coat from poor grooming. The most common sites for arthritis in cats are the shoulders, elbows and hips, but any joint can become arthritic, including those in the spine. Long term goals to manage pain are multimodal in approach. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce pain and inflammation but can quickly become toxic to cats. A healthy diet free of grains and additives, along with adequate exercise and weight control, are important places to start, but consider the following therapies as well, with help from a holistic or integrative veterinarian.

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supplements to soothe Joints

• Glucosamine sulfate or hydrochloride comes in a variety of forms and flavors. Dosing depends on the cat’s size, but can be anywhere from 250 mg to 500 mg daily. Aside from supporting joint cartilage replacement, glucosamine can provide pain relief. It can take up to two months for blood levels to provide relief.

• Chondroiten sulfate molecules are too large to be absorbed unless the bottle indicates the product is a low molecular weight chondroitin. Your veterinarian may offer you the injectable form, which works very quickly and is given as a subcutaneous injection once a week for four weeks.

• A number of effective Chinese herbal formulas can be made

into an oral tea, but their bitterness may cause cats to drool profusely or refuse to take it.

• Bioavailable

curcumin, boswellia and yucca are some common herbs found in formulations for joint pain relief, but it can be almost impossible to get a cat to willingly take these preparations.

• One newer therapy builds oral tolerance with gut-associated

lymphoid tissue to stop the ongoing destruction of joints in autoimmune disease. Type 2 collagen products taken on an empty stomach can stop joint destruction and pain by giving information back to the immune system that the joints are not an invader; once the attack on the joints stops, pain is relieved. This products are made from chicken and are palatable for most cats.

• Homeopathics are easy to use as many do not have a taste. All acute remedies can be used in combination formulas, including arnica, hypericum and ruta graveolens. It can take six weeks to see any benefits, so persist and be patient. Consider trying the newer homeopathic cytokine therapies as an additional form of treatment; consult a veterinarian who is familiar with the use of cytokines.

•

E nzyme therapy using proteolytic enzymes on an empty stomach can reduce pain, improve flexibility and blood flow into joints, and stop joint fibrosis to maintain range of motion.

•

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, dosed at 500 mg to 1,000 mg per day, can also reduce pain and inflammation by down-regulating the inflammatory prostaglandins. Omega3s must come from fish because cats lack the enzymes to produce it from vegetable and seed sources.

Physiotherapy and other modalities TENS units are tricky, but with veterinary guidance can be safely used at home. LED lights in the red frequency – some come with infrared heat – are great to use on joints. Lasers increase mitochondria growth and collagen production to help to reduce pain and increase flexibility. ulsed electromagnetic therapy is available for home use and P comes as a mat that the cat can lie on. The Shumann frequencies between 5 and 10 hertz are the magnetic resonance of the earth and are especially enjoyed by cats that never get outdoors to lie on the ground in the sun. Allow the cat to choose the length of time he needs for pain relief. Chiropractic adjustments balance the nerves in the spine and reduce subluxations. Biofeedback tools are helpful but fur becomes a barrier to connecting the device to the cat’s body. You need to use water or conducting gels to make the contact. Various Scenar devices are available for home use but are pricy.

Acupuncture is only useful for cats that will allow a veterinarian to place needles into their acupuncture points. Six or more weekly treatments are necessary. You can alternatively perform acupressure on your cat, or use a dollar store laser directly on the acupuncture points – be sure not to shine the light in his eyes. There are many therapies to choose from when dealing with arthritis-related lameness and pain in your cat. It may take time to find the right combination for your cat, but it won’t be in vain.

Other causes of lameness Aside from osteoarthritis, a form of non-inflammatory joint disease, lameness can have other causes. • Inflammatory joint disease may result from an infection from mycoplasma, calicivirus or coronavirus. • Immune-mediated diseases include rheumatoid arthritis or progressive polyarthritis; they may also be drug or vaccine-induced. • Cancer such as osteosarcoma can cause feline lameness. Diagnosis is made through physical exams including blood, urine and viral testing, neurological exams, radiographs, computed tomography, MRI and/or ultrasound. Swollen joints are tapped for culture and sensitivity to determine if bacteria are involved, and fluid is sent for cytology to rule out cancer, or as an aid to diagnose autoimmune joint disease. feline wellness

FELINE HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY IS THE NUMBER ONE HEART DISEASE IN CATS. THOUGH CURRENTLY INCURABLE, A COMBINATION OF CONVENTIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES MAY HELP TREAT IT. By ramona Marek

steve dale lost ricky to hcm but now shares his life with a new feline friend.

FAINT HEART

RiCKY WAS ThAT RARE KiNDRED SPiRiT that graces us

symptoms are VARIABLE

once in a lifetime, if we’re lucky. He was a Devon Rex, and best friend to newspaper columnist and radio show host Steve Dale. Ricky was a “virtuoso piano player” and appeared on Animal Planet, National Geographic Explorer and other TV shows.

Symptoms vary from cat to cat depending on which stage of the disease they are in. In the early stages, some cats show no sign of illness while others may appear lethargic, lose their appetite or vomit. “If the disease has gone undetected for some time, affected cats may experience episodes of collapse or difficulty breathing,” says veterinarian Dr. Meghan Tibbs. “Sudden lameness in the rear limbs due to aortic thromboembolism (ATE) may occur.” ATE is caused when blood clots form in the heart, break apart and enter the circulatory system, clogging arteries and most commonly blocking the aorta, obstructing blood flow to the rear limbs. Sometimes sudden death is the only symptom.

During a routine veterinary examination, Ricky’s vet heard a heart murmur, and at the age of just one year, the little cat was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). He died of a heart attack in 2002, when he was only four years old. Ranked as the number one heart disease in cats, HCM may go undetected for several years, causing irreparable damage and ultimately death. This stealthy condition with no known cause or cure most commonly strikes middle-aged male cats, but has been reported in cats ranging from kitten-hood to old age, regardless of sex or breed. In HCM, the walls of the heart muscle grow abnormally and progressively thicker. It primarily affects the left ventricle, the chamber responsible for pumping blood through the aorta and to the body. Some breeds appear genetically predisposed to the disease, including the Maine coon, American shorthairs, Persians and ragdolls. “Ragdolls and Maine coons present with the most severe forms of HCM,” says veterinarian Dr. Cindy Kneebone.

feline wellness

As with Ricky, a heart murmur is often detected during a routine veterinary examination. “Murmurs are heard in about 50% of cats with HCM,” says Dr. Kneebone. “They could be in all cats with HCM, but may be beyond our range of hearing.” Chest x-rays, an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) and echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) – considered the “gold standard” – may support the diagnosis and determine the severity of HCM in individual cats. “If you have a breed at risk, or a heart murmur is heard on physical examination, there is a blood test your veterinarian can use as a screening tool, a sort of early warning system,” says Dr. Kneebone. “This test measures

a protein secreted by the heart muscle cells in response to stretching or injury. The test is used to identify subclinical disease or to differentiate the cause of breathing difficulties between the lungs or heart.”

treatment is PALLIATIVE Since there is no cure for HCM, treatment is palliative and tailored to the individual cat. For asymptomatic cats, routine exams and tests like chest x-ray, heart ultrasound or electrocardiogram are recommended every six months to a year to check the progression of the disease. Treatment includes conventional Western medicine and alternative methods although none prevent, cure or reverse the disease. Recommended treatment depends on the symptoms and severity of the disease. Dr. Kneebone says diuretics to remove excess fluid from the lungs are the primary therapy for acute and chronic cases of congestive heart failure. Dr. Tibbs adds that she sees good results using Western therapies like beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers.

Thanks to Ricky and Steve, research is being done into finding a cure for HCM (see below). In the meantime, regular veterinary checkups help catch the disease in its early stages, while individualized treatment regimes can ease symptoms, improve quality of life and increase longevity.

THE RICKY FUND After Ricky died, Steve collaborated with the Winn Feline Foundation (winnfelinehealth.org), a non-profit organization devoted to funding research in cat health, to establish The Ricky Fund for HCM research. “We’ve raised over $100,000, which in feline health is significant,” says Steve. “As a result, a genetic test using a simple cheek swab can now be done for Maine coons and ragdolls to determine if the gene defect for HCM exists. Still, there is much to do to find a treatment for HCM. Cats are the most popular pet in America and too many are dying of heart disease.”

A preventative daily aspirin regimen is used in cats prone to blood clots to prevent thromboembolism (stroke). “Herbs like hawthorn, glandular remedies and amino acids such as carnitine may be helpful,” says veterinarian Dr. Mark Newkirk. “For stroke prevention, adding preformed Omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce inflammation in the body, increasing the incorporation of flexible fatty acids into the cell membranes of the body tissues,” says Dr. Kneebone. “Omega-3 fatty acids decrease platelet stickiness and can lower blood pressure. Although a dose hasn’t been given for cats, aim for more than 500 mg of a mix of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexacroic acid (DHA) once a day.” The prognosis for HCM varies and depends on which symptoms are present. “Average survival time for cats without congestive heart failure is about two years, while for cats that have experienced congestive heart failure it’s about three months,” says Dr. Tibbs. “The worst prognosis is in cats that have had a thromboembolic event; their average survival time is approximately two months.”

“HERBS LIKE HAWTHORN, GLANDULAR REMEDIES AND AMINO ACIDS SUCH AS CARNITINE MAY BE HELPFUL.”

feline wellness

book rEviEWs TITLE: the cat Whisperer AUTHOR: Mieshelle nagelschneider Cats can be enigmatic to say the least. It’s often hard to know what goes through their minds or why they act the way they do. In her new book The Cat Whisperer, renowned cat behaviorist Mieshelle Nagelschneider answers the most important questions about feline behavior and gives you solutions to problem habits. The author has a keen understanding of how cats see the world – their need for safety and security, territoriality and their desire to stalk and kill prey. Her C.A.T. cat behavior modification program can be tailored to your own kitty to help solve a variety of issues. Learn how to harness the power of “friendly pheromones” to improve poor appetites, enhance play and exploration, and normalize grooming habits. You’ll also discover how to create an ideal litter box environment, end aggression in multi-cat households, and much more. Whatever problems you might be facing with your cat, this book will have an answer – and it’ll also help prevent future issues by enhancing your understanding of the feline psyche.

Publisher: Bantam Books

TITLE: acu-cat: a guide to feline acupressure AUTHOR: amy snow & nancy Zidonis “Cats love acupressure and are drawn to the points like a magnet when they are ready to receive,” writes Michael Reed Gach, PhD, in his foreword to Acu-Cat: A Guide to Feline Acupressure. This easy-to-follow book by Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis, the founders of Tallgrass Animal Acupressure, provides you with a comprehensive guide on how to use this ancient healing art on your feline companion. The book opens with some essential information on cats and the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine and also discusses in detail the meridians and acupressure points you need to be familiar with before working on your cat. Find out how to assess your cat and do an acupressure session on her. The final chapter covers a range of cat-specific conditions and the acupoints you can stimulate to help alleviate them. Clear diagrams and photos, along with step-by-step instructions, will help you become adept at practicing acupressure on your kitty – and boosting her health and well being, both physical and emotional.

Publisher: Tallgrass Publishers, LLC

feline wellness

tHE sCoop IMMUNE SUPPORT Your dog’s gastrointestinal system constitutes almost 70% of the entire immune system, which is the foundation of overall health. VivamuneTM supports a healthy immune system, creating positive effects on other body systems including your dog’s or cat’s joints, digestion, the skin, and the coat. Vivamune is a natural health chew your pet will love…for life. VivamuneHealth.com

VOLUNTEER VACATIONS GoVoluntouring.com is a website for travellers looking for volunteer vacations. It works with charities and non-profits around the world. A lot of their projects focus on animal welfare – from TNR in Nepal to humane animal population management in Mexico, and many others. GoVoluntouring.com

A LITTLE LAMB DogStars organic gourmet dog treats are now available in a new flavor dogs love – lamb! The treats are made with chia flour and are 100% gluten free. Handmade in the Catskill Mountains of New york, other DogStars treats include organic chicken, turkey and beef. SavvyBeastTreats.com

TITERS MADE EASY Canine Vaccicheck, an in-house titer test kit for parvo, distemper and hepatitis, has been successfully registered in Canada. Designed to be expedient, cost effective and user-friendly, it’s carried out in the veterinary clinic, lab or shelter, with results in just 21 minutes. Vaccicheck.com

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FOR YOUR KITTY New from NutriSource™ is a Grain Free Cat Food (Chicken, Seafood or Wild Game) with wholesome ingredients to deliver a healthy digestible meal. Includes Carniking™, a muscle and heart health supplement, and the company’s “Good 4 Life” formula. NutriSourceDogFood.com/nutrisource

FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY The Pet Industry Sustainability Coalition is a new non-profit that strives for environmental sustainability within the pet industry. It promotes creative collaboration among manufacturers and retailers by encouraging implementation of best practices, and providing tools and resources for authentic environmental improvement. SustainablePet.org

UP TO SCRATCH Cats need a scratching post that will allow them to stretch fully. The Ultimate Scratching Post’s 32” post height lets cats stretch vertically while sharpening their claws. The fibrous and durable woven sisal naturally inspires scratching. PioneerPet.com

SOUND IDEA Sound Dog Viscosity from Herbsmith is a veterinarian-developed, glucosamine-based formula that aids in joint support by maintaining the normal viscosity of joint fluid. Use with Herbsmith Soothe Joints or Herbsmith Comfort Aches for optimal joint care. HerbsmithInc.com animal wellness

top for

arthritis

By greg tilford

erbs have a firmly established place in alternative medicine. Used properly, they can help treat a wide range of conditions in dogs. The key term here is â&#x20AC;&#x153;properly usedâ&#x20AC;?. For example, those who reach for herbal remedies as direct intervention against the symptoms of arthritis, or as standalone replacements for pharmaceutical drugs, are likely to be disappointed. Although many herbs can be used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, most are much weaker than conventional arthritis drugs when used for suppressing symptoms. But as part of a holistic regimen that looks beneath symptoms to identify the causes of arthritis, herbs can be quite effective and will bring relief by preventing or managing a dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s underlying condition.

animal wellness

how herbs can help Unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which address only the painful symptoms of arthritis, herbs can strengthen and support the body systems responsible for eliminating toxins that might contribute to the disease. To achieve this goal, the herbalist’s first job is to eliminate the possible causes of arthritis in a dog, then turn to improving and supporting the body’s natural corrective functions, from the inside out.

Allow me to introduce you to five of my favorite anti-arthritic, tonic herbs.

boswellia serrata (Indian frankincense)

A resinous gum extracted from a bush native to India, boswellia has a long history of effective use against the painful symptoms of osteoarthritis and other forms of degenerative joint disease. The herb contains boswellic acid and alpha- and betaboswellic acids; these are well documented as reliable anti-inflammatory agents. Because of its demonstrated safety and efficacy in dogs and other mammals, boswellia has become a very popular ingredient of the natural pet supplements industry. Boswellia can help alleviate pain and improve joint mobility within a matter of days. It is thought to inhibit mediators of autoimmune disorders while decreasing glycosaminoglycan degradation. This in turn may help slow the progression of cartilage damage. In other words, boswellia helps the body do for itself what most conventional anti-inflammatory drugs cannot do – heal from within. The biggest and perhaps only pitfall of boswellia is its awfully bitter flavor, which makes the extract difficult to feed in therapeutically viable doses. Nevertheless, boswellia stands as one of the most effective herbal anti-inflammatories available.

turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Numerous scientific reports support turmeric as a safe and effective anti-inflammatory remedy for arthritic dogs and other mammals. Feeding this bright yellow kitchen spice can be as simple as sprinkling a few pinches on Fido’s food, but the best results come from turmeric preparations that have been scientifically manipulated to contain unnaturally high concentrations of the herb’s active curcuminoid constituents. Human studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving capabilities of turmeric extract containing at least 20% curcuminoids are comparable to those of the NSAID drug ibuprofen. And when bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple, is fed concurrently with turmeric, the results can be even more impressive. Bromelain is itself a powerful anti-inflammatory, and when combined with turmeric it also helps with digestion and transports turmeric’s curcuminoids into the bloodstream. Continued on page 78. animal wellness

Continued from page 77. Turmeric is also a peripheral vasodilator that helps warm the body and increase circulation to joints where added blood and lymph is needed for the regeneration of healthy tissue. But that’s not all. Turmeric stimulates and protects the liver, so while it’s reducing painful inflammation, it’s also helping with the process of eliminating waste that’s contributing to the problem Step aside, NSAIDs!

licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

I regard licorice root as perhaps the most broadly applicable antiinflammatory in my herbal medicine chest. It contains several phytosterol compounds that are thought to affect the body’s production and utilization of cortisol, a steroid hormone that helps regulate the body’s inflammatory responses to damaged joints. I find licorice especially useful when combined into a liquid compound with alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and yucca root (Y. schidigera), two other phytosterol-rich herbs that lend digestive and liver support to help with the elimination of toxins that might contribute to the progression of arthritis.

a whole body approach All cases of arthritis involve joint inflammation secondary to injury and/or some form of immune mediated degenerative disease – and all share a few important additional similarities in how they progress. First, regardless of onset or cause, all cases of arthritis will progressively worsen if the body is not receiving the right foods or is doing a poor job at eliminating systemic waste. For instance, when uric acid, a normal by-product of protein metabolism, remains in the bloodstream for too long, it can bind with various minerals and biochemicals and may lead to arthritis.

animal wellness

ginger

(Zingiber officinale) Active constituents of ginger include gingerol, gingerdione and shogaol as well as sesquiterpene and monoterpene volatile oils, all of which offer medicinal attributes. In the case of arthritic joints, dried or fresh ginger root when taken internally helps relieve stiffness and pain, while acting as a peripheral vasodilator to improve circulation in and around swollen joints.

Advertorial

arthritis needs more than NSAIDs

By Andrea Hernandez, DVM

devil’s claw

Multiple studies suggest that devil’s claw tuber may help alleviate the pain of osteoarthritis, primarily through the iridoid glycoside constituents it contains. Devil’s claw has become very popular in recent years, and appears in numerous arthritis relief formulas for dogs and other animals. However, despite its popularity, I have heard many mixed reviews from veterinary practitioners and dog owners telling me that sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. The reasons behind this controversy may be related to how the herb is harvested. The tubers of this bizarre-looking little African plant must be selectively harvested from mature plants that are at least four years old, and the harvest must be done during a very specific stage of the plant’s growth cycle. The most sustainable practice is to harvest only one to a few of the tubers that extend from the plant’s base, leaving enough to assure the plant’s survival and the re-growth of new tubers. Unfortunately, increased demand for this herb has led to the premature harvest of too many tubers, and in many areas we are seeing declining populations of the plant. Because tubers from immature plants lack sufficient concentrations of active iridoid glycoside constituents, much of the devil’s claw sold on the North American market is functionally useless. With that said, there are sustainable sources for those who seek it out; aside from its bitter flavor, properly-harvested devil’s claw is an excellent joint pain remedy. You should always work with an experienced animal herbalist or a veterinarian trained in herbal therapies before trying these remedies on your dog. Properly sourced and administered, and used in conjunction with an overall holistic healthcare approach, these herbs can have a powerfully healing effect on your canine’s creaky joints.

Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are the main allopathic treatment for osteoarthritis, but a multimodal approach that also includes physical therapy, weight management and nutraceuticals is the best way to go. Nutraceuticals for arthritis include glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and MSM. But they are not a short-term fix, nor do they provide overnight relief. As with any other supplement, they must be administered on a constant schedule and for a period of time for the desired result. The great thing about nutraceuticals is that they are less likely to cause side effects (renal, hepatic or gastrointestinal) for your dog or cat. They are available in oral and injectable forms, although the latter are only available from veterinarians. When there is osteoarthritis, there is always inflammation. This is why anti-inflammatories are so effective. They decrease the inflammation within the joints – but that is all they do. Unlike glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, NSAIDs do not help any of the anatomical structures or attempt to repair the damage. Decreasing your animal’s weight is also critical, as it reduces the load on the joints. As you can see, a combination of treatments is necessary to successfully treat arthritis.

Dr. Andrea Hernandez received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Her career interests include internal medicine, theriogenology and clinical pathology. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and Florida Veterinary Medical Association.

animal wellness

If your dog refuses to wear a bandage, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t despair. Using the right product and materials can help ensure a comfortable dressing thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll stay in place throughout the healing process.

ALL

wraPPED By charlotte walker

animal wellness

Photos courtesy of PawFlex

hances are, your dog will need to wear a bandage at some point in his life, whether it’s for a laceration, bite, or surgical incision. Depending on the type of injury, and its location, a bandage may be necessary to protect it from dirt and bacteria, stop bleeding, and/or keep the dog from licking off medication or biting at the wound and making it worse. Problem is, many dogs don’t like wearing bandages and may try to chew or tear them off, creating a lot of frustration and anxiety for everyone. It doesn’t have to be so difficult. The important thing is to choose a soft, properly-designed bandage product that’s comfortable for the dog, doesn’t cause itching or irritation, and fits and fastens properly. “Give your dog a comfortable bandage and distract him for three to five minutes after applying it,” says Jennifer DiGrazia of PawFlex. “In most cases you will have a dog that forgets the bandage is even on, and he will leave it alone.”

what to look for • Companies that offer quality bandages for dogs will have different designs and sizes for different types of wound and sizes of animal. According to WebMD, canine bandages are most frequently used for the lower legs and feet. • you might think an adhesive bandage is best, since it’ll be harder for your dog to get off. But a non-adhesive design is actually the better option. “This is so the dog’s hair won’t get pulled and cause more irritation, injury and pain to already sensitive skin,” says Jennifer. In addition, an adhesive bandage will be more likely to stick to the dog’s hair rather than his skin, and consequently won’t sit over the wound properly. • opt for a product that has some give and stretch, so it won’t restrict the dog when he moves. If it interferes with his ability to move, he’ll be more likely to try and get it off. • Another key characteristic of a good bandage is breathability. Proper airflow through the material helps with healing by preventing infection and inflammation as well as the itching and irritation that may arise from prolonged bandage use. • A bandage material that doesn’t contain any chemicals can also help prevent skin reactions and won’t be toxic for the dog if he tries to chew at the dressing. • Consider water resistance. Like a small child, your dog won’t understand that he needs to keep his bandage dry and clean; if it gets dirty and wet, bacteria and other pathogens could migrate through the material and into the wound. Continued on page 82. animal wellness

Continued from page 81. • Look at how the bandage fastens. “There are several ways to secure a bandage but the best way for animals would be Velcro or a Velcro-type closure,” says Jennifer. “It’s quick and easy, it can be adjusted and checked as often as necessary without compromising the integrity of the bandage, and it won’t cause your dog any additional discomfort.”

care and maintenance Check the dressing regularly and change it as soon as it becomes dirty, or if the bandage starts to slip or gets too loose or tight. You can protect a foot bandage with a plastic bag or bootie when you take the dog outside in wet weather, but be sure to remove the bag as soon as you come back in. Don’t let your dog outside unsupervised while he is wearing a bandage – it could get snagged on something and he could re-injure himself trying to get free. If the bandage starts to smell bad, or there is unusual redness or discharge coming from the wound, contact your vet right away. If your dog still insists on trying to remove his bandage, you might have to resort to an Elizabethan collar. But you can greatly reduce the chances of this by opting for a comfortable, well-made product especially designed for his anatomy and needs.

hoMeMade BaNdages Makeshift bandages are sometimes necessary, especially if your dog is seriously injured and bleeding and you need a way to stabilize the wound till you get to the vet. For example, vetinfo recommends dressing a bleeding ear by placing a pad on it and wrapping long strips of gauze or other soft material around the head and ears, then covering with adhesive tape or bandage to keep it in place. Be careful that the bandage is snug, but not too tight – you should be able to ﬁt two ﬁngers under it. A dog’s torso, meanwhile, can be wrapped with a towel or pillowcase and the makeshift bandage fastened with safety pins – just be sure to situate the pins on the side opposite the wound, in case your dog starts picking at it.

resources pawflex, pawﬂex.com vca animal hospitals, vcahospitals.com vetinfo, vetinfo.com webmd, webmd.com

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For more images visit: animalWellnessMagazine.com

treat

a real

chef david baldus’s passion for healthy eating inspired him to create nutritious treats for canines.

Formulated by a chef, these sweet potato dog treats feature locally grown ingredients, and are produced as sustainably as possible. By charlotte walker

Chef David Baldus

As a child, was introduced to organic vegetable gardening by his mother. Since then, he’s been devoted to the study of nutrition and the creation of healthy, balanced meals. In 2003, his interest in quality food expanded to include dogs when he founded Front Porch Pets and started making dental treats from dehydrated sweet potatoes. “We wanted to provide a healthy dental chew that was an alternative to rawhide, plastic and gluten-based chews,” says marketing director Beth Hinshaw. Today, the company’s ‘Sam’s Yams’ product line includes a variety of healthy flavorful dental chews and treats, from dehydrated sweet potato “fries” for small pooches to “Big Boyz” sweet potato slabs for larger canines. “They have a patented grooved surface that provides friction on the teeth and gums, yet maintains the chewability dogs love,” explains Beth. Their line of cookies incorporates nutritious ingredients like berries, cranberries, pumpkin and herbs. “The primary ingredients, sweet potato and applesauce, are two flavors dogs love,” says Beth. “This combination not only helps ‘carry’ the flavor of healthful but somewhat bitter herbs, but provides a good foundation for other complementary foods such as seeds or fruit, and culinary greens like parsley, mint and thyme.” There’s even a bone-shaped treat infused in chamomile tea to help calm jittery canines. “We find many veterinarians and groomers use this product.”

Front Porch Pets focuses on domestically grown produce and sustainability. “We recently moved our kitchens to Wild Rose, a small town in the central growing area of Wisconsin,” says Beth. “One source of our strawberries is literally across the street, and our cranberries come from a farm 30 minutes away. This year we are adding greenhouses which will be powered by re-used ‘waste’ heat from drying our chews. We will grow our own parsley, mints, watercress and other greens. Even the cardboard in our boxes comes from within 45 miles. We are also teaching local farmers about the use of sweet potato as feed for small scale pig production and chickens. This way, we can use our leftovers for feeding heritage breed animals.” The new kitchen location is on 17 acres, where the company plans to hold various activities for dog guardians, as well as grow food. “We are developing plans to have all sorts of activities ranging from lure coursing to water sports,” says Beth. “We want to create events that draw dog lovers together to have some fun and learn a few new tricks.” David’s mission, one that’s shared by Beth and the other employees of Front Porch Pets, is to help people keep their dogs in good health. “There’s always something new to apply to the way we do things,” says Beth. “We are always learning more about nutrition for companion animals.” animal wellness

Rover

the author uses a variety of reiki hand positions on hans, a great pyrenees with a torn acl.

Learn how this simple but powerful form of energy healing can bring calm and well-being to your canine companion.

Reiki for

By Kimberly cotter, rMP/rMt

Valerie took a course in Reiki and decided to try it on her recently-adopted dog, Kylie, a skittish collie mix who seemed restless and anxious most of the time. Once Kylie got used to the sensation of Valerie’s hands resting on her side, she drew a deep sigh and began to relax. Within minutes, she was peacefully dozing. “I now do Reiki on Kylie regularly and she’s definitely calmer and more laid back than she used to be,” says Valerie. For generations, people around the world have benefited from the peace, relaxation and healing shifts that come with a Reiki session. Reiki is a non-invasive, respect-based and meditative energy healing practice that originated in Japan. It has been taught around the world since 1922, and personalized teaching methods have created different lineages. But this form of energy healing is not just for people. Over the past 25 years, Animal Reiki has developed, allowing us to share the modality’s healing benefits with our four-footed friends, and create a closer bond with them. Originally designed for use in shelters and sanctuaries to calm stressed residents, Animal Reiki has evolved into a useful tool you can use to calm an upset dog as well as assist an ill or injured one. Regular sessions of Animal Reiki may keep long-term diseases or disorders in check and even lessen their symptoms.

Hands on or off? The “ideal” way to work with Reiki energy and intent is by using the “hands on” or “direct contact” method. This is the

animal wellness

fastest way to “kick start” the process so the Reiki energy can do what it needs to. Not all dogs appreciate being touched, however, while other can’t be touched for reasons ranging from medical to psychological. In these cases, “distance” or “hands off” Reiki can be employed. I use the “distance” method with my own dogs for general wellbeing. My “rescue” dog (German shepherd/Labrador retriever mix) came to me three years ago. He was thin, ill and solitary, running loose on the streets of Ohio with a bout of parvo. I brought him home without any “first meeting”, and with a female pup already at home. This might have been problematic, but thanks in part to Reiki, I was fortunate to have the situation turn out well. He soon became happy and healthy, and now seeks companionship instead of solitude.

Hans and Ginger As I became more confident in channeling Reiki energy, I started helping other people’s dogs. Hans is a great Pyrenees mix who tore his ACL, resulting in a very noticeable limp, and pain when he tried to walk on the affected leg. My first visit was 45 minutes long. Hans enjoyed the Reiki so much he wouldn’t let me take my hands off him. If he hadn’t weighed over 120 pounds, he would have been in my lap. His sister, Dania, also came and went, taking small amounts of Reiki energy during the session. Hans lay next to me the entire time. I returned for another session a couple of weeks later and spent about

50 minutes with both Hans and Dania. They enjoyed the Reiki so much that at one point they were almost fighting over who could get closest to me. Han’s ACL healed much faster than the vet expected. He said the tear must not have been as bad as he thought, but Hans’ person and I believe it was the Reiki that helped him heal so quickly. Ginger was attacked by another dog at a doggie daycare facility. Because of the distance involved in this particular case, I used the “hands off” method with her. Reiki has no boundaries, and as long as the intent is positive and meant for a specific recipient, it will go where it is needed. In this case, a photo of Ginger took the place of her physical body. In situations where you can’t put your hands on the animal, a picture is the next best thing. I started by doing a 20-minute session with Ginger at around four o’clock one afternoon. Ginger’s person later reported that her dog took an hour-long nap at that time and seemed “pretty relaxed”. These results told me that Ginger was getting some much needed deep rest to help heal her physical wounds and ease the trauma she suffered during the attack. Reiki is a form of energy healing that’s both powerful and profound. With the correct training (see below), you too can share its benefits with your dog.

Want to be a Reiki practitioner? Reiki may look like a simple modality to use – and it is – yet it involves more than just placing your hands on your dog and expecting healing energy to ﬂow into him. Before you can effectively practice this form of healing, you need training from a Reiki Master. Good places to start are with the International Association of Reiki Practitioners (iarp.org) and Animal Reiki Source (animalreikisource.com).

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animal wellness

Tuned in!

By Diane weinmann

We often take our HEARING for granted, and may not realize the effects different sounds have on us and our dogs. Various sounds illicit various reactions. Gentle rain, a gurgling brook or soothing music are calming, while a drum solo is invigorating. Each sound has its own vibration, which can be loud, soft, energizing or relaxing. But did you know sound vibrations can also be used for healing?

Learn how to use a tuning fork to give your dog vibrational and sound healing.

Tuning forks 101 Tuning forks or tuners are often used for vibrational and sound therapy. Vibrational therapy is done by placing a tuning fork on the body (muscles, bones, spine or joints) to create balance in the energy system, while sound therapy involves keeping the tuning fork several inches away from the body or near the dog’s ears. A tuning fork is an acoustic two-tined fork usually made of steel. It will resonate at a constant note when struck against an activator or surface. The musical tone and pitch depends on the length of the fork’s tines. The frequency is measured in hertz. A pure fifth interval (from C to G, for example) is most often used for vibrational or sound healing (an interval is the space between two notes). With a tuning fork, the distance between tones is a pure fifth interval. The oM frequency (136.10 hertz), known as the earth’s vibration, helps create deep relaxation in your dog, and has many healing qualities. you can purchase OM tuning forks that are weighted to create this healing frequency. The three oM tuners I recommend are 90.73 hertz (1½ times lower than oM), the actual oM frequency of 136.10 hertz, and 204.15 hertz (1½ times higher than oM). Tuning forks are not expensive and can be purchased from many holistic wellness centers and over the internet.

A simple three-step treatment

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To activate a tuning fork, hold the bottom shaft (skinny end) of the fork in your fingers and gently strike the flat weighted side of the fork against an activator (rubber disk) or your arm/leg. you will see slight movement in the fork and will feel and hear the vibration this action creates. Put the fork up to your ear to experience what your dog will hear and feel. Practice this activation several times to ensure you are comfortable with the motion. You need to get your dog accustomed to the vibration and sound the tuning fork creates before you use it on his body. To let him experience the sound and vibration, simply activate the fork and hold it about 6” from his nose. He will be able to hear the soft vibration, which will help ease any fears he might have when you start to work with the fork around his head and body.

Vibrational therapy can help with numerous physical issues like arthritis, broken bones, torn tendons or sore muscles. Choose an area of concern on your dog’s body (maybe a knee has arthritis). Activate the tuning fork by striking it against an activator or your leg/arm, then touch and hold the shaft of the fork to the chosen area to elicit healing. Continue to hold the tuning fork on the treatment area until the vibration stops (you will be able to feel when it stops because you are still holding the fork by the shaft). Perform a set of three activations at the same treatment area. The first activation opens the body’s energy system, the second clears it, and the third creates balance within it.

If you prefer to try sound healing, strike the fork to activate it and hold it close to your dog’s ear (about 3” to 6” away) or close to (but not on) a portion of his body that requires healing. Hold the fork by the area of concern until it stops vibrating completely, then perform the activation another two times. To help keep your dog in balance, perform the sound therapy three times on each side of his head or body. As a general rule, vibrational therapy will help integrate at a deeper level other healing modalities such as Reiki, TTouch, acupuncture and massage. Sound therapy, meanwhile, will help to settle and ground your dog. When you actually participate in giving your dog healing, you promote a closer relationship with him as well as help him to better health, happiness and quality of life. Using a tuning fork to give him vibrational or sound healing is a simple and inexpensive way to do both!

GOOD VIBES Using tuning forks for sound and vibrational healing offers many beneﬁts. • Creates relaxation, relieves stress • Grounds and focuses, improving mental clarity and brain function • Stimulates the physiology of the body • Speeds wound healing and fractures • Can help with major illnesses • Stabilizes for behavior modiﬁcation • Good for animal hospice situations animal wellness

passagEs

Gretchen By allen Hott

best friend

Trying to say goodbye to my as tears flowed from my eyes and the vet’s, I realized I was finishing one of the best episodes of my life. Gretchen Sue had come into my home ten years prior on Father’s Day, when my two daughters decided I needed a dog. Now it was time to let her go. Gretchen Sue was just plain dog, mostly German shepherd mixed with some other breeds. Her paws were much too large for her small form, but enthusiasm poured from her wiggling and jumping body. We took her home from the animal shelter and began all the welcoming that is due a newly arrived friend. Having only recently moved to the Georgia area, we had already acquired the notion that everything alive carried two names. Billy Bob, Savannah Leeann and Dwight Dean were just a few of the names that helped convince us this bundle of energy was definitely Gretchen Sue!

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One of the minor problems that accompanied our new pup was a pretty good case of kennel cough. That problem brought about Gretchen’s first visit to the vet. He and she immediately bonded, as did Gretchen and every human she ever met. The good doctor gave me medications, and instructions on how we would work to resolve the problem. Kennel cough must give a dog an extremely sore throat because Gretchen wanted no part of food. So for the better part of a week, she would climb into my lap on the kitchen floor and I would stick my finger into applesauce, grits, mashed potatoes, and any other soft food we could think of. Putting it into her mouth and massaging her neck gently helped get the nourishment into her system. By the end of the week, she began to enjoy the entire procedure and her attitude toward eating changed. Together, we had made it through her first medical encounter.

As she grew, Gretchen Sue did all the things a good family dog does quite naturally. But she also had her own traits that made her special. When sent out into the backyard to tend to her business in the rain, the shoulders always hunched up, the head went down, and the eyelids drooped as if doing their best to keep out the wet stuff. Never did her attitude toward precipitation change. Rain was never her friend. Gretchen Sue never met a human she didn’t like. Nor another dog that she did! Although she didn’t attack or harm other canines, her hair stood up in the middle of her back and the low growl that rumbled through her chest convinced all concerned that she was not happy with the situation. Her unhappiness with other canines became more evident with the arrival of a second dog in our household. Christie Lee was a small cockapoo who couldn’t have cared less about Gretchen Sue or anybody else as long as she was fed and had a place to nap. After several skirmishes, we sought help from our vet, who suggested a visit to a dog psychiatrist at the state university! We had always cared for our animals physically, but mentally? That seemed a step in another direction. Then again, Gretchen Sue was a fulltime member of our family and we would do everything possible to help her and Christie coexist. So off we went on our 90-mile journey to the University of Georgia campus, with one dog in the front and one in the back to ward off any further battles. Little was accomplished by that trek except to discover that Gretchen Sue had epilepsy and needed medicinal assistance. From that day forward, we did our best to care for Gretchen as directed, and kept the pair apart for Christie Lee’s sake. Sometime thereafter, Gretchen Sue again required medical assistance, this time during a vacation to Florida. While running around the trees in the backyard at breakneck speed (her normal gait when outside), she blew out a knee much like a football player would. An $800 operation was deemed necessary to rebuild the knee. It worked, and the rehabilitation process again brought Gretchen and me very close together. I carried her in and out of the house for the first few days until the time came when she was able to move around on her own. That was the end of Gretchen’s medical problems until late in her life, when age accompanied by an enlarged heart took its toll. Her last trip to the vet was the toughest one of all for me. On the morning when the vet and I decided to put her to sleep, he cried with me because over the years he had grown to know and love Gretchen Sue as much as I had. He had cared for her physical condition while we had cared for her as a cherished family member. And we loved every minute of it!

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book rEviEWs TITLE: health and nutrition for Dogs

and cats

AUTHOR: David g. Wellock We’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating – diet is the foundation of good health. Author David G. Wellcock found this out for himself when he took on the ownership of a Global Pet Foods store in Ontario, Canada. He details what he’s learned about pet food in his book Health and Nutrition for Dogs and Cats. From reading pet food labels and to understanding proper caloric intake, Wellcock explains why a high quality diet is so important to your companion’s well being. He provides shopping tips on choosing the right food, which ingredients to look for and avoid, and the importance of variety, and also busts some common pet food myths, such as “dry kibble is good for teeth” and “table scraps are bad for animals”. The book includes chapters on weight management, choosing healthy treats, and how nutrition can affect conditions like allergies, arthritis and dental issues.

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.

TITLE: chasing Doctor Dolittle AUTHOR: con slobodchikoff, phD Animals may not use words like we do, but they have a language all the same. And this includes lizards and birds as well as dogs and cats! In his groundbreaking book Chasing Doctor Dolittle, biology professor Dr. Con Slobodchikoff explores the ways animals communicate with each other and with humans. He provides numerous examples of animals using language. For example, prairie dogs have different “words” for different predators – one for a human, one for a coyote and another for a domestic dog. And though we already know that humpback whales sing long and complicated songs to one another, new evidence indicates that these songs have their own grammar. Read this book and you’ll realize that humans and animals have more in common than most people think. By exploring the language of animals and even learning to “speak” them ourselves, we can bring ourselves closer to the other creatures we share the planet with.

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

animal wellness

book rEviEWs TITLE: pukka’s promise

TITLE: Murder unleashed

AUTHOR: ted Kerasote

AUTHOR: rita Mae Brown

When author Ted Kerasote was ready to adopt another dog after losing his previous companion, Merle, he knew he wanted to give his new friend the longest life possible. In Pukka’s Promise: The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs, he combines cutting-edge research with an adventurous narrative to answer questions about canine longevity, and how to maximize it.

Looking for an entertaining whodunit with a doggy theme? Murder Unleashed is the second book in Rita Mae Brown’s series featuring sleuthing partners Mags Rogers, her wire-haired dachshund, Baxter, and her great-aunt’s German shepherd, King. In this book, Mags is enlisted to start a community outreach program for a group of squatters living in homes abandoned during the foreclosure crisis. It means going up against unscrupulous bankers, ruthless politicians -- and a cold-blooded killer.

Kerasote covers the gamut when it comes to extending a dog’s life, and travels with world to interview veterinarians, breeders and leaders in the animal welfare movement. He consults with experts like Dr. Ron Schultz and Dr. Jean Dodds about the dangers of over-vaccination, provides advice on how to choose the healthiest pet foods, examines the no-kill shelter movement and discusses the pros and cons of spaying and neutering. Interweaving science with charming stories about Pukka, this book is entertaining as well as informative.

Publisher: Houghton Mifﬂin Harcourt

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As they get deeper into the intrigue, Baxter, King and Mags must untangle a string of murders, uncovering a long-buried stash of riches in the process. On the way they encounter a variety of characters both good and bad, human and canine. Perfect summer reading for any dog lover who also enjoys suspense!

Publisher: Ballantine Books

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My Crystal Companion Cremains of the life you love, captured in crystal

A beautiful way to remember

www.mycrystalcompanion.com 732-458-8700

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E-Training for Dogs

100% ONLINE COURSES! Certification Provided in Some Programs Many More Courses Available! Learn from the comfort of your own home

Online courses for the dog owner, trainer, breeder and enthusiast. •Dog training • Holistic methods & remedies •Canine massage •Service dog • Performance dog •Pet loss counsellor conditioning & rehabilitation •Fitness & nutrition

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970-231-9965

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Classifieds Animal Communicators CAMILLE PUKAY – Animal Medical Intuitive, Animal Communicator, Psychic Healing, Body Scans, Medium, Animal Reiki Teacher. “Let me help you re-balance you animal physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.” www.AnimalReikiDevine.com (816) 453-9542 CAROL LYNN ANDERSON (SCHULTZ) – Animal Communicator/Intuitive Healing Support. Interactive, compassionate and insightful Consultations and Guidance for all animal species (including humans). Assistance with emotional, behaviorial, physical, end of life, in spirit, plus lost animals. (815) 531-2850 and SKYPE www.carolschultz.com or www.carol-lynn-anderson.com SHIRLEY SCOTT – Internationally known Animal Communicator & Clairvoyant connects with your pets here or in spirit. She reads emotional/behavior/health problems, provides classes & workshops in animal communication & training. www.animaltalkhealing.com (509) 526-5020

Associations CANADIAN ANIMAL MASSAGE & BODYWORKERS ASSOCAITION – A growing group of qualified, complementary practitioners working to maintain the highest standard of Ethical Practice for the benefit of and respect for lives we impact. www.c-amba.org INTERNATIONAL ASS’N OF ANIMAL MASSAGE & BODYWORK/ASS’N OF CANINE WATER THERAPY – Welcome trained practitioners of Animal Massage and Bodywork. The IAAMB/ACWT supports and promotes the practitioners of complementary care for animals through networking, continuing education, website, online referrals, newsletters, insurance, annual educational conferences, lobbying and credentialing of schools. www.IAAMB.org

Books & Publications 1000’s OF DOG BOOKS, DVD’S AND TRAINING TOOLS IN STOCK – Ready to ship. Dogwise has what you want! (800) 776-2665; www.dogwise.com

Chiropractic ANIMAL CHIROPRACTIC – Contact Dr. Pip Penrose for your large and small animal’s chiropractic care at pip@ drpip.ca, (519) 276-8800, www.drpip.ca. Caring chiropractic for animals and humans in Stratford and surrounding area.

Distributors/Retailers Wanted AVIDLIFE PET – is now offering a differentiated product line (once available only to veterinarians), directly to pet retailers and distributors. These products have been developed by veterinarians and are backed by clinical science. Contact AvidLifePet.com or call (888) 984-AVID BUDDY BEDS – Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Beds. Voted “Best Pet Bed” by Pet Age Magazine. Eliminates all painful pressure points. Waterproof liner protects the memory foam. Vet recommended. www.BuddyBeds.com (303) 744-0424 CANINE LIGHT THERAPY – Many veterinarians and therapists offer their clients the healing benefits of photonic energy with our Equine Light Therapy Pads! Contact us to learn more about the advantages of offering them through your practice! According to “Gospel”… Equine Light Therapy/Canine Light Therapy. www.equinelighttherapy.com, questions@ equinelighttherapy.com, (615) 293-3025

SOJOURNER FARMS PET PRODUCTS – Our foods offer the superior nutrition of naturally-occurring vitamins, minerals and enzymes that you can’t get from a cooked, processed pellet. No preservatives. Nothing artificial. Just all-natural, human-quality ingredients. Natural food and treats since 1985. Inquires @ www.sojos.com or (612) 343-7262

www.petportraitsbyannieo.com Rescues & Shelters

STOWBEE – Dogs or cats making your bathroom a mess? Toilet paper storage that’s out of sight? Don’t show it, stow it! Installs in the wall within minutes. Check out www.Stowbee.com

Schools & Training

THE BARKERY – Interested in selling The Barkery’s handmade, healthy dog treats in your store? Our products are available on line at www.barkery.com, however, please contact us at thebarkery@cyg.net for wholesale information.

Holistic Veterinarians BEECHMOUNT ANIMAL HOSPITAL - Dr. Kirsten Anderson, DVM. Offering Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Medical Massage, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Cold Laser Therapy. 355 Erb Street W., Waterloo, ON. (519) 888-6590, www.beechmountanhosp.ca EAST YORK ANIMAL CLINIC HOLISTIC CENTRE – Dr. Paul McCutcheon, Dr. Cindy Kneebone & Dr. Anya Yushchenko. We provide a wide variety of integrative diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Please visit our website to explore our services. www.holisticpetvet.com eyac@holisticpetvet.com (416) 757-3569, 805 O’Connor Drive, Toronto, ON, M4B 2S7 ESSEX ANIMAL HOSPITAL, REHAB & K9 FITNESS CENTRE – Dr. Janice Huntingford practices integrative medicine for optimal pet health. Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Physical Rehab, Therapy pool and underwater treadmill, Alternative Medicine, Chinese Herbs, Holistic Consults. Please visit our website and facebook page. (519) 776-7325 Essex, ON. essexanimalhospital@cogeco.net www.essexanimalhospital.ca

GREY2K USA Education Fund – National greyhound protection group working to end dog racing nationwide. Join our team, support us and buy fun dog-themed gifts at GREY2KUSA.org

ANIMAL SPIRIT NETWORK (ASN) – Is the premier school for Animal Communication training, offering a Professional Mastery Program as well as a Personal Enrichment Program. Our courses are taught by experts in this growing field and provide rich hands-on, comprehensive skills training for professional animal communicators and anyone passionate about deepening their bond with animals and nature. Learn more at www.animalspiritnetwork.com or info@animalspiritnetwork.com INTEGRATED TOUCH THERAPY, INC. – Has taught animal massage to thousands of students from all over the world for over 17 years. Offering intensive, hands-on workshops. Free Brochure: (800) 251-0007 wshaw1@bright.net www.integratedtouchtherapy.com PETMASSAGE TRAINING AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE – On-site workshops for canine massage and PetMassage WaterWork. Vocational training to work in vet offices, dog day cares, agility events, and with private clients. Curricula for children’s canine massage programs. Workshops approved for CEs for MT’s and RVT’s. www.petmassage.com, info@petmassage.com, (800) 779-1001 WALKS ‘N’ WAGS PET FIRST AID – National Leaders in Pet First Aid Certification Courses for dogs and cats. Learn preventative skills and practice emergency bandaging with live wiggly pets. Distance Learning also available. www.walksnwags.com or (800) 298-1152

GUELPH ANIMAL HOSPITAL – Offers a full range of conventional veterinary services as well as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, herbal and nutritional. Dr. Rob Butler is certified in Veterinary Acupuncture and is also trained in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. Dr. Smolkin is certified in Animal Chiropractic. By integrating conventional and complementary therapies, treatments can be tailored to the individual’s needs and preferences. Contact Guelph Animal Hospital at (519) 836-2781 or www.quelphvet.com

Investment ANGEL INVESTOR – Animal loving investor(s) sought to purchase 10 acre renowned animal sanctuary, BrightHaven. org. Lifetime, holistic, senior, special needs, hospice care. San Francisco, Bay Area, CA. Property leaseback sought. BKR. (925) 451-7288 DRE 000697635

Natural Product Retailers PETS GO NATURAL – Safe toys, eco-friendly beds and collars, natural vitamins and supplements, natural, organic and grain-free food. Feel good about what you buy your pet. Go natural! www.petsgonatural.com

Pet Portraits ANNIEO’S PET PORTRAITS – Specializing in oil painting for 31 years. Nationwide clientele. Portraits of any pet of your choice. Credit card, personal check or money order. 44 Church St., Tilton, NH 03276. (603) 524-3778 Website:

Animal Wellness Regional Advertising Sales Reps Wanted! • NY • MA

• PA • FL

• VA • NC

Please send resume to: Jobs@redstonemediagroup.com Attention: Tim Hockley - Publisher

ORDER YOUR CLASSIFIED AD

1-866-764-1212 or classified@animalwellnessmagazine.com

96Animal animal wellness Wellness Magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertising submitted, make stylistic changes or cancel any advertising accepted upon refund of payment made.

EVENTS superZoo 2013 July 23-25, 2013 – Las Vegas, nV

C.a.r.e. 4paws’ 5th annual wags n’ whiskers Festival august 18, 2013 – Goleta, Ca

discover fresh ideas, hot new trends and new connections and opportunities when you attend this popular pet industry trade show. it’s the ideal place to get down to business while still having a bit of fun along the way.

this event—the largest animal festival in santa Barbara County—features adoptable dogs, cats and bunnies from close to 25 animal shelters and rescue groups and showcases a wide range of local pet service providers and animal welfare groups.

For more information: (800) 999-7295 www.superzoo.org

Festival-goers enjoy a great mix of activities, such as performances by disc dogs in southern California, agility by Goleta Valley dog Club, Flyball with the santa Barbara supersonic and a police-dog show.

austin pet expo august 3, 2013 – austin, tX Fabulous prize Giveaways & Fun for both the two-Legged and Four-Legged! dozens of rescue Groups and a mega-adoption event, discounted Vaccinations, micro-chipping and heartworm & Flea preventatives, Free nail trims, agility demonstrations, Live entertainment, Obedience demonstrations, author readings/Book signings . the Latest & Greatest pet products! Learn about pet Care, Volunteerism, Grooming, pet Behavior & training, traveling with your pet, how you Can make a diﬀerence, diﬀerent types of pets/Breeds, Veterinarian Faq, Fun activities for you & your pet and muCh mOre!

don’t forget about the fun pawsitive thinking Kids Corner inviting children to discover how to care for all living beings. For more information: info@care4paws.org www.care4paws.org Canadian Cancer society Bark for Life september 7, 2013 – toronto, On Bark for Life is a fun walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the Canadian Cancer society and will be held in trinity Bellwoods park in toronto. Bark for Life is a fundraising event that will be supported through individual donations collected by registered event participants and their dog friends. Check the website for other Bark for Life events!

For more information: (800) 977-3609 5th annual delta Community animal expo august 11, 2013 – delta, BC

For more information: brussell@ontario.cancer.ca www.cancer.ca/barkforlife

Last year this event welcomed over 3, 500 visitors with their pets and had a waiting list for the exhibitor/vendor spaces! it was a fun day with games, educational seminars and presentations, food and so much more. save the date and come out again this year!

Cleveland pet expo september 7, 2013 – Cleveland, Oh

Be sure to register early to make sure everyone can be included. if you know of an animal related business or advocate/adoption group that may be interested in joining in this year, please feel free to share this information!

dozens of rescue Groups and a mega-adoption event, discounted Vaccinations, micro-chipping and heartworm & Flea preventatives, Free nail trims, agility demonstrations, Live entertainment, Obedience demonstrations, author readings/Book signings . the Latest & Greatest pet products!

For more information: dcas@delta.ca www.deltacommunityanimalshelter.ca denver pet expo august 17, 2013 – denver, CO you will find tons of exhibitors and demonstrations as well as free nail trims. there will be prize giveaways and live entertainment. you can adopt from one of the many rescue groups and also learn about pet care, volunteerism, grooming, training and much more!

Fabulous prize Giveaways & Fun for both the two-Legged and Four-Legged!

For more information: (800) 977-3609 www.amazingpetexpocleveland.com paws in the park september 22, 2013 – toronto, On please help the toronto humane society® celebrate 126 years of second chances by walking with your furry fourlegged friend. raise important funds and help support the thousands of sick, injured and abandoned animals cared for by the toronto humane society®. we’re proud to have the toronto humane society® as one of our aw ambassadors. if you’re attending the event, don’t forget to purchase a subscription to aw magazine! 40% from each subscription will be donated directly to the toronto humane society®. For more information: rgordon@torontohumanesociety.com www.pawsinthepark.com new Orleans pet expo september 28, 2013 – new Orleans, La you will find tons of exhibitors and demonstrations as well as free nail trims. there will be prize giveaways and live entertainment. you can adopt from one of the many rescue groups and also learn about pet care, volunteerism, grooming, training and much more! Be sure to check out other amazing pet expo events all year around at www.amazingpetexpos.com For more information: (800) 977-3609 www.neworleanspetexpo.com

Learn about pet Care, Volunteerism, Grooming, pet Behavior & training, traveling with your pet, how you Can make a diﬀerence, diﬀerent types of pets/Breeds, Veterinarian Faq, Fun activities for you & your pet and muCh mOre!

Be sure to check out other amazing pet expo events all year around at www.amazingpetexpos.com For more information: (800) 977-3609 www.denverpetexpo.com

post your event online at: animalwellnessmagazine.com/events

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Tail end

Poop -a -licious! By Fran Halter

Those with Labrador retrievers readily acknowledge the breed’s bottomless pit of a stomach and willingness to help out by cleaning any wayward bits of food found on floors. While our own Lab, Agatha, does the breed proud with her endless surfing and obsessive cleanup patrol, her eating fixation unfortunately extends to some less-than-pleasant debris deposited curbside and in public areas by other dogs. Some readers may have already clued in to my subtle message, but let me be explicit: Agatha loves to eat poop. And not her own. Only the poop of other animals will do. We discovered Agatha’s culinary penchant shortly after her adoption at age two. She emerged from the cat’s litter box area looking guilty but contented, with litter stuck to the end of her nose and on her whiskers. After a few days, we noticed the cat’s litter box was remarkably empty when it previously needed cleaning on a daily basis. Catching Agatha “in the act” was a challenge as she carried out her housekeeping chores quickly, with stealth-like precision. We attached bells to the litter box that rang whenever she sought out her refreshments, and that tactic effectively closed the door on her snack bar. Being cut off only seemed to intensify her taste for the prohibited. We became super sleuths as we walked along the street, scanning for the forbidden fruit before Agatha sniffed it. The “leave it” command was exercised liberally and loudly at every corner, tree, fire hydrant and lamppost. We became proficient at anticipating potential “problem” sites. Quite an accomplishment on our part, given Agatha’s finely honed sense of smell, which was more of a liability for her than an asset. Ingesting her favorite delicacy inevitably led to digestive distress and a bland doggie diet. Everyone from pet shop professionals to our vet weighed in. Most of what we learned fell into the urban legend category

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(“maybe something is missing in her diet”) and all of it proved useless as we tried to short circuit Agatha on her endless quest. The best suggestion: a short leash and hawk-like attention during daily walks. At her favorite kennel, Agatha is the designated scout on yard duty, diligently carrying out twicedaily “seek-and-destroy” missions. The seasons pose additional challenges. Winter’s frozen “poopsicles” are highly identifiable targets for both Agatha and us. However, the spring and fall turn us into poop-seeking aficionados. We are experts in deciphering the difference between the detritus of spring and a fresh deposit. And our radar dials up exponentially during the autumn when falling leaves provide “camo” cover for poop, which some dog owners fail to pick up in the belief that it will magically disappear over the winter. Over time, Agatha has gradually learned the value of leaving the poop alone (tons of praise, endless treats, relaxed and happy people). However, while we continue to win most of the battles, we will never win the war.

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