PETS MAGAZINE

July/August 2011 | $4.95

www.petsmagazine.ca

Guide to NEED TO KNOW:

RAW DIETS

Cat Care

COPING WITH

PET STRESS PLUS: William Thomas rests his case • Coping with pets & osteoporosis

Contents J U LY /A U G U S T 2 0 1 1

•

EXPLORING THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND SINCE 1983

VOL. 28 NO.4

Features

Departments

9

4 5 23 24 26 28 30

WHAT IF YOU COULDN’T HOLD YOUR CAT? Osteoporosis can limit the human-animal bond

Guide to

Cat Care

Publisher’s Message Making Tracks Paws for Reflection PETS Marketplace Pet Projects The Healthy Bond The Last Word

Page 10

11

HOW TO KEEP YOUR CAT COOL THIS SUMMER Cats get over-heated, too — and the results can be serious or even fatal. Some handy tips so you can have it made in the shade this season.

18

COMPLEX CAUSES FOR CAT’S INAPPROPRIATE ELIMINATION While cats may stop using the litter box because something is upsetting them, it’s important for owners to understand that the cat is not doing this to be vindictive.

12

DISPELLING THE MYTHS OF RAW FOOD DIETS While there are certainly some cats that do well on raw diets and a couple of raw diet products that are excellent, there are a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding raw food and feeding.

19

TREASURES FOR BURYING Cats are creatures of habit, with high standards and exacting preferences when it comes to hygiene. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right litter for your feline friend, and one that meets your needs, as well!

That said, there are many product choices out there, each with their own unique advantage.

14

DETECTING AND MANAGING FELINE STRESS There are many different ways cats exhibit stress, and they’re not always easily recognized.

What can you do to identify and treat it?

DISEASES IN CATS: 20 RETROVIRAL PREVENTION IS BEST DEFENCE

16

EAR-ITATION IS PREVENTABLE, TREATABLE An ear infection can sometimes go unnoticed, as our pets cannot always tell us when something is wrong. Fortunately, there are a few warning signs to look for.

There are two common viral diseases that afflict cats around the world. While they share many things in common, the infections differ in terms of how they manifest themselves within an infected feline.

SUMMERTIME DIY FOR CATS 22 The summer season is a great time to think about what you can do to spruce up your cat’s environment and make things a little more interesting for them.

July/August 2011 • PETS 3

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

PETS M A G A Z I N E

Adopt-a-CatMonth Inspires Pet Lovers

WWW.PETSMAGAZINE.CA J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 1 VOL.28, NO.4

SIMMONS PUBLISHING LTD. Publisher

John Simmons john.simmons@petsmagazine.ca

Managing Editor

Brad Hussey brad.hussey@petsmagazine.ca

Designer

t press time, Adopt-a-Cat-Month is in full swing, with numerous worthy causes making efforts to focus attention on the ever-increasing number of cats who find themselves in shelters. Even our local newspapers, TV and radio stations are providing cat-specific news items to highlight the need for adoption and responsible pet ownership.

A recent story out of Toronto about a woman known as “the crazy cat lady” brings a part of adoption not normally thought of into clear focus. The lady in question had more than 50 cats in her home. She loved these cats, and only wanted to protect and care for them. In the end, she could do neither. She was charged with animal cruelty and the cats were taken away to be treated by local veterinarians for a variety of ailments related to over-crowding, lack of sanitary conditions, malnourishment and dehydration.

The health, happiness and well being of our furry and feathered family member remains the focus of PETS Magazine. Having healthy, happy, well-adjusted pets makes the entire pet experience more pleasant and enjoyable for both parties.

There is a limit to the number of pets one can safely care for in one’s home.

Most of our readers tell us they have both a dog and a cat, and often more than one of each living harmoniously and happily as part of the family — to which I say, “well done!”

Multiple pets may not be right for you, and is certainly not recommended for everyone. As responsible pet owners, we must ask of ourselves more than “do I have room in my heart — and my house — for one more?” If your answer is positive, make sure you also follow your head. Take time to make a serious assessment of your personal and family situation before you make any adoption decisions.

Gain consensus with other family members. Do you have the space, time and financial resources necessary to properly care for your adopted companions? Are you willing to commit to the care of this new family member for their entire lifetime? Will your current pets be better off with or without another fresh set of paws being introduced?

PETS Magazine urges everyone to assess their personal situation to determine if adoption is right for your family. If good logic leads you to adopt, and you find the companion that is suited to you and your family lifestyle, congratulations.

Please remember the need for cat adoption is great and exists all year long, not just in June. You can make a trip to your local shelter to investigate adoption at any time of the year. But, do your homework. And, if you do adopt, trust in your veterinary team’s advice.

A

John Simmons Publisher PETS Magazine john.simmons@petsmagazine.ca

4 PETS • July/August 2011

Billing/Administration Circulation

Mark Tzerelshtein markintoshdesign.com Linda Simmons linda.simmons@petsmagazine.ca

EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Dr. Jo-Ann McKinnon

Dr. Kerry Korber

Dr. Bruce H. Williams

Dr. Susan Little

Dr. Dieter Kohlmaier

Dr. Diane Boyle

Dr. Kevin Saldanha

Dr. Alison Seely

PETS Magazine is published six times a year by Simmons Publishing Ltd. ISSN: 0831-2621 To subscribe to PETS, contact Linda Simmons Toll Free: 877-738-7624 or visit us on the Web at:

www.petsmagazine.ca Subscription Rates: Canadian 1 year: $23.00 (plus applicable taxes) 1 year U.S.: $30.00 (U.S.); Single Copy: $4.95 GST#857545362

Publications Mail Agreement #41305514 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Simmons Publishing Ltd. 32 Foster Crescent Whitby, Ontario L1R 1W1 (905) 665-9669: Fax (905) 665-9249 E-mail: circulation@petsmagazine.ca Contents of PETS Magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the written consent of Simmons Publishing Ltd. The publisher shall not be liable for any of the views expressed by the authors of articles or letters published in PETS Magazine, nor shall these opinions necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

PETS Magazine acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

Printed in Canada.

M A K I N G

With spring just around the corner, Canadian gardeners are itching to get down and dirty in their yard, which includes, of course, their annual battle with grubs, bugs and slugs.

Increasingly, some enterprising green thumbs are making their own pesticides with the intention of saving the earth, not to mention some money. But did you know that some homemade pesticides can actually be harmful to your health and the environment?

Consider rhubarb leaves, for example. Some online recipes call for boiling down rhubarb leaves to extract a naturally occurring chemical that can be used to control spider mites or aphids. Sounds harmless enough, but while the tart stalks of the rhubarb plant are delicious in pies, their leaves contain oxalic acid, a naturally occurring toxic substance that can be deadly to humans if ingested in large doses.

Other recipes suggest boiling chrysanthemum petals down in order to extract pyrethrins, a chemical contained in many insecticides. While this toxin poses relatively little threat to humans, it can be lethal to pets, small animals and fish if improperly used or overly applied.

Experts point out that whether they are homemade or store — bought, pesticides should always be used with care.

Other hidden risks posed by homemade pesticides include: • Inhaling harmful fumes, • Irritating eyes and skin, • Ingesting contaminants or harmful substances due to improper preparation, labelling and storage, and • Contaminating cookware and utensils used to prepare or serve food.

Because homemade pesticides are not regulated or tested for safety, Health Canada advises consumers that their use may pose risks to human health and the environment. Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency suggests gardeners faced with a pest problem use a registered pesticide or focus on prevention.

If you have any questions about homemade pesticides, you can call the Health Canada’s Pest Management Information Service at 1–800–267–6315 or read the article in Health Canada’s “It’s Your Health” series on homemade pesticides at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/pmra.

Litter box maintenance is important for your cat’s health. Here are five tips: 1) Have enough litter boxes. Veterinarians suggest there should be an individual box for each cat in the household plus one extra.

This helps minimize territorial issues and ensures the cat always has a box nearby.

2) Put enough litter in the box. Your cat needs enough so it can engage in natural scratching and digging behavior, and clumping litters like MAXX SCOOP need about three inches in the box to allow the clumps to form properly.

3) Keep it clean. Scoop the boxes daily, and completely change the litter and wash the

PetTravelCenter.com has integrated TripAdvisor reviews with its online booking engine for pet-friendly hotels, condos, B&Bs and other accommodations. PetTravelCenter.com is an online community that provides worldwide resources for petfriendly hotels, attractions, destinations, RV parks, dog parks, campgrounds, airline pet regulations, pet travel tips veterinarians, emergency pet hospitals, and a wide variety of pet travel products through its online pet store. TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, offers trusted advice and comments from real travellers.

TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the most popular and largest travel community in the world, with more than 40 million unique monthly visitors, 20 million members and over 40 million reviews and opinions. – www.pettravelcenter.com

«

Litter box tips from the Maxx Scoop experts

One-stop shop for pet travel adds TripAdvisor ratings

«

«

Even homemade pesticides can pose hidden health risks

T R A C K S

box weekly. This keeps germs and smells down and minimizes the likelihood that your cat will take offence and go somewhere else!

4) Choose a quiet, safe location. Put the litter boxes in quiet places where your cat will not be disturbed by noise, other pets or household traffic.

5) Switch litter types gradually. Changes to your cat’s routine should always happen slowly. When changing litter types do so gradually. Start with 2/3 old litter and 1/3 new litter and increase the proportions at each litter change until your cat adjusts to it.

Happy Scooping!

July/August 2011 • PETS

5

T R A C K S

Top Human Medications (and What Happens When Pets Eat Them) The IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics recently released a report that included the top five human prescription drugs dispensed in the United States — medications that are also widely prescribed in Canada.

“Nearly half of the calls we receive are for pets that have accidentally ingested human medications,” said Dr. Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC and the associate director of Veterinary Services at Pet Poison Helpline. “Recognizing the most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S. and how they affect pets can help pet owners be more cognizant of potential dangers associated with these drugs.”

Pet Poison Helpline is a division of SafetyCall International, the world’s largest industry poison control and adverse event management center, handling both human and animal calls. The veterinarians and pharmacists work side-by-side to provide multi-disciplinary expertise to the veterinarians and pet owners they assist.

According to the report, which was released in April 2011, the top five human drugs dispensed in the U.S. are Lipitor, Nexium, Plavix, Advair Diskus and Abilify.

Because Pet Poison Helpline’s call volume is high for dogs and cats that have ingested human medications harmful to pets, the veterinarians are sharing how these drugs typically affect pets that ingest them. As explained below, some drugs cause only minor symptoms and some can be potentially life threatening. Awareness of these drugs and how they affect pets can save lives. Likewise, in cases where a pet has ingested a non-life threatening drug, awareness can save the pet owner a great deal of heartache. #1 – Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) Generally when pets get into Lipitor, only mild side effects are seen, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Therefore, Lipitor is not considered to have high toxicity levels for pets. While some human drugs are utilized in veterinary medicine, Lipitor is not. #2 – Nexium (esomeprazole) Nexium is an anti-ulcer medication and proton-pump inhibitor that results in decreased gastric acid secretion. While it is

6 PETS • July/August 2011

«

M A K I N G

heart rate, agitation, vomiting and even acute collapse. Severe electrolyte abnormalities, such as very low potassium levels, are likely and can be life-threatening without immediate veterinary treatment. #5 – Abilify (aripiprazole) Abilify contains aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic agent that is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and clinical depression. It is important to keep this drug out of the reach of pets, as ingestion can result in profound lethargy, vomiting, hyperthermia, significant changes in heart rate and blood pressure, and seizures. If a pet ingests this drug, immediate veterinary attention is needed.

utilized in veterinary medicine for some pets, mild side effects can include vomiting and diarrhea. Pet owners of dogs or cats that get into this drug should watch their pet closely, but not be alarmed since symptoms will generally subside on their own. #3 – Plavix (clopidogrel) In third place is Plavix, which is a drug that affects platelets in humans, inhibiting clot formation and reducing the risk of stroke.

Rarely used in veterinary medicine, $6.1 billion was spent on this drug for humans last year. When pets get into Plavix, it has a wide margin of safety and generally is not considered to be acutely toxic. Only mild vomiting or diarrhea may be seen. #4 – Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol) Often used for treating asthma and administered through an inhaler, Advair Diskus contains beta-agonist drugs that expand the lungs and steroids that decrease inflammation in the lungs. Because inhalers contain many doses, dogs that chew into them are exposed to massive amounts of the drug all at once. This often results in heart arrhythmias, an elevated

In order to keep pets safe from ingesting these and other dangerous human medications, the veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline offer these recommendations.

Keep human medications stored in a different location from pet medications.

Pet Poison Helpline often takes calls from pet owners who accidentally give their human medications to pets.

Weekly pill holders are irresistible to some dogs, as they resemble chew toys and rattle. The danger is that a dog could ingest a full seven days’ worth of medications, significantly increasing the risk for poisoning.

Avoid putting medications into plastic storage baggies before traveling — these are not pet proof (or child-proof), and can easily be chewed into by dogs.

Hang your purse out of the reach of your pets. Inhalers, medications, sugarfree gum and other items that are dangerous to pets can be easily snatched out of a purse by a curious dog or cat. Pet Poison Helpline recently produced a video titled “Handbag Hazards” available here http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/Askthe-Vet-Videos.

Remember that what is safe for humans isn’t always safe for pets. If you think your pet has ingested something poisonous, it is always better (and less expensive) to get help immediately. Contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680 for life-saving help. — www.petpoisonhelpline.com.

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T R A C K S

«

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That’s why it’s important to make the right nutritional choice, keeping in mind your cat’s age, size, lifestyle, specific sensitivities and breed. Iams Premium Protection formulas have been developed with veterinarians and are specially formulated to meet the needs of kittens, adults and senior cats to help maintain the health of your pet, inside and out. – www.iams.ca

Appeal to your cat’s senses… including their sense of fun!

Cat senses are unique; they see and hear sights and sounds that are beyond our understanding, and with their sense of taste, touch and smell they experience the world in ways we can only imagine. Catit Design Senses products were designed to appeal to your cat’s sense of touch, sight, sound, smell and taste.

Create a custom sensory activity centre with a combination of the Catit Food Maze, Scratch Pad, Massage Center; Speed Circuit or Grass Garden Kit. Also available are Catit Style Ornamental Cat Scratchers, a contemporary approach to satisfying your cat’s the natural scratching instinct — available in Hourglass and Vase models. — www.hagen.com and specialty pet stores.

8 PETS • July/August 2011

Veterinary Study Shows Dramatic Increase in Deadly Parasitic Disease

«

M A K I N G

A recent study published by the Ontario Veterinary College’s Department of Pathobiology at the University of Guelph, has revealed a 60 per cent increase in the number of pets in Ontario carrying the potentially fatal heartworm parasite in 2010. The last study that reported the prevalence of heartworm in Canada was conducted in 2002.

The 2010 report showed that 564 dogs tested positive for heartworm in Canada in 2010. Of those dogs, 431 were located in Ontario, a significant increase in cases compared to the last study conducted in 2002, when there were 268 reported cases in the province. Also of concern is that 80 per cent of the dogs that were diagnosed with heartworm had not been on heartworm preventive medication.

Ontario Veterinary Medical Association President, Dr. Ted Kilpatrick, believes the results of this study support the importance of preventive veterinary treatments. “In recent years there has been some skepticism about the need for veterinary preventive treatments, ironically, this is partly because these treatments have been so successful in preventing the spread of disease,” he says. “But I think this study shows that prevention only works if we stick with it. Pet owners need to believe in the importance of periodic testing and regular preventive treatments in order to control the spread of disease in our pets.”

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition cause by parasitic worms that live in the heart and blood vessels that supply blood to the lungs of infected animals. These worms can grow to a length of 15 to 30 centimetres, and in severe cases, can cause severe damage to internal organs. In Ontario, heartworm season runs from June to mid-October of each year, when mosquitoes are most active. Now is the time of year when pet owners need to be thinking about which preventive treatments to give their pets. Pets contract heartworm disease from mosquitoes that are infected with heartworm parasites. If an uninfected pet is bitten by an infected mosquito, immature worms are injected into the tissue and then travel to the heart, where they mature into adults and begin to reproduce. Although heartworm disease in cats is less common and less severe, cats are also susceptible to heartworm if exposed.

Pet owners should be preparing for heartworm season now, by speaking to their veterinarian about proper testing and protection against this serious but preventable disease.

VISIT US www.petsmagazine.ca

WHAT IF YOU

COULDN’T HOLD YOUR CAT?

OSTEOPOROSIS CAN LIMIT THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND ver the age of 50, one in four women and at least one in eight men live with osteoporosis. That’s about two million Canadians. Many are unaware that they have osteoporosis because there are no symptoms unless one fractures.

What does this mean for you and your cat? Well, osteoporosis can weaken the bones in your spine. The simple act of bending forward may result in a spinal fracture (broken bone). This means that the everyday tasks of feeding your cat, filling his/her water bowl or cleaning the cat litter may be too risky. Bending forward and lifting is even more dangerous. Picking up your darling friend may no longer be a possibility. A thigh fracture or hip fracture

O

resulting from osteoporosis can also make it impossible to care for your pet.

So what can you do? Early diagnosis and treatment are critical. If you are 50 or older, at your next doctor’s appointment, discuss your family’s bone health history.

If one of your parents suffered a hip fracture, ask for a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test. Make sure you have adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D (visit www.osteoporosis.ca for their clinical guidelines recommendations). Weight bearing exercise like walking and Tai Chi can also help build bone density.

Breaking a bone is often the first sign of osteoporosis. In fact, in those over 50, 80% of all broken bones are osteoporotic.

Unfortunately, few understand this fact and therefore there is a huge care gap in Canada. Only two in 10 patients who have sustained a fracture are assessed for osteoporosis. Most are simply treated and sent home. The likelihood of sustaining a second fracture is very high. One in three hip fracture patients and one in five of those with spinal fractures will refracture within a year. If you have broken a bone, insist on assessment. You may have attributed your break to a fall, a slip, a “pulled muscle” or something else when in fact it was due to your porous bones — osteoporosis.

Take care of your bone health. You owe it to yourself. You owe it to your cat.

July/August 2011 • PETS 9

Guide to

Cat Care

11 12

DISPELLING THE MYTHS OF RAW FOOD DIETS While there are certainly some cats that do well on raw diets and a couple of raw diet products that are excellent, there are a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding raw food and feeding.

14

DETECTING AND MANAGING FELINE STRESS There are many different ways cats exhibit stress, and they’re not always easily recognized. What can you do to identify and treat it?

16 18

The Prrrfect Guide to Health & Happiness

19

“Mittens” Photo: David Park (Toronto)

M

ark Twain once remarked, “If animals could speak the dog would be a blundering outspoken fellow, but the cat would have the rare grace of never saying a word too much.”

Though often silent and regal, cats speak volumes through their devotion and affection. Earning their respect, of course, takes a certain amount of attention to detail. Those details are not often decided upon by cat owners, but rather by our feline friends themselves.

Thankfully, our felines’ finicky needs are a bit easier to cater to this month.

Health and happiness is only a paw’s reach away with PETS Magazine’s annual Guide to Cat Care — from feeding to entertaining, ear care to coping with stress, we’ve packed this issue full of useful information designed to help you provide all the necessities and desires cats need to thrive.

While it’s true that to an outsider our feline family members can seem like smug beings with a keen sense of self-entitlement, those of us who keep cats know that the bond we form with them runs deep. That’s why keeping them as healthy, safe and happy as possible is so important — as always, remember to check with your veterinarian before you make any decisions about the health of your cat.

10 PETS • July/August 2011

HOW TO KEEP YOUR CAT COOL THIS SUMMER Cats get over-heated, too — and the results can be serious or even fatal.

Some handy tips so you can have it made in the shade this season.

20

22

EAR-ITATION IS PREVENTABLE, TREATABLE An ear infection can sometimes go unnoticed, as our pets cannot always tell us when something is wrong. Fortunately, there are a few warning signs to look for.

COMPLEX CAUSES FOR CAT’S INAPPROPRIATE ELIMINATION While cats may stop using the litter box because something is upsetting them, it’s important for owners to understand that the cat is not doing this to be vindictive.

TREASURES FOR BURYING Cats are creatures of habit, with high standards and exacting preferences when it comes to hygiene. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right litter for your feline friend, and one that meets your needs, as well! That said, there are many product choices out there, each with their own unique advantage.

RETROVIRAL DISEASES IN CATS: PREVENTION IS BEST DEFENCE There are two common viral diseases that afflict cats around the world.

While they share many things in common, the infections differ in terms of how they manifest themselves within an infected feline.

SUMMERTIME DIY FOR CATS The summer season is a great time to think about what you can do to spruce up your cat’s environment and make things a little more interesting for them.

COOL KITTIES

Guide to Cat Care

How to keep your cat cool this summer

By Kristina Cooper, RVT

C

ats can be affected by summer heat as much as anyone. Lengthy exposures to high temperatures can cause heat stroke, which in some cases can lead to death. Signs your cat may be reacting to the summer temperatures can include: panting, loss of appetite and lethargy, to name a few. The following tips will help to ensure your cat’s comfort level during the summertime months.

FRESH WATER Cats, like all mammals, need to stay hydrated by consuming water. Make sure your cat has access to fresh water at all times, whether they are inside or outside.

Staying hydrated is a key factor in preventing heat stroke and dehydration. Most cats prefer cool, running water — check out the many type of cat drinking fountains that are sold at most pet retail stores.

TIME IN THE SHADE If your cat spends time outside, it is imperative that they have somewhere to go to escape the direct sunlight. Offering a place in the shade for them to relax will decrease the effects the elements will have on them.

AIR CONDITIONING/ CIRCULATING FANS While cats are indoors during the warm summer months they can also be affected by the ambient temperatures within the home. Homes without air conditioning on hot days can be just as uncomfortable for cats as it is for their pet parents. Just think

— they have fur coats on top of it all!

If air conditioning is not an option, consider investing in some circulating fans that can help to move the stuffy air around, providing some relief.

STAY AWAY FROM HOT CARS No pet should be left in a car on summer days. Cars act like solariums and heat up in a matter of minutes to dangerously high temperatures. If you need to transport your cat in the car, make sure to start the car ahead of time, run the air-conditioning, and make the trip and time spent in the car as short as possible.

COOL SUMMER CLIPS If your cat has a long, dense coat (like the Persian or Himalayan breeds) you may want to consider sending them to the groomer for a summer clip. Long haired cats may find relief from being rid of their heavy coats during the warm months. Cats should never be shaved bald, as their coats provide protection to their skin, but shortening it for the summer will keep them cooler.

Kristina Cooper is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and a member of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT). She works in a Municipal Animal Shelter and in her family’s dog and cat boarding facility, Cooper Kennels, in Ancaster, Ont. (www.cooperkennels.ca).

She can be reached by e-mail at krizzteena@hotmail.com.

July/August 2011 • PETS

11

Guide to

Photo: Dreamstime.com

Cat Care

A RAW NERVE

Dispelling the myths of raw food diets

By Christina McRae, DVM

T

he latest fad in pet food these days seems to be raw diets.

Proponents of raw food diets claim that heat processing of foods destroys nutrients that are essential to the health and well-being of pets, and that a diet resembling what cats would eat in the wild is a healthier, more balanced way of eating. While there are certainly some cats that do well on raw diets and a couple of raw diet products that are excellent, there are a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding raw food and feeding, some of which can be dangerous. As a veterinarian, I have an obligation to point out some of the major risks and myths associated with feeding raw food to your cat.

Myth 1: My cat is healthier since I started feeding him a raw diet.

Fact: Some cats do better on raw diets than others. Many cats that improve when they are switched to raw food have been on 12 PETS • July/August 2011

lesser quality commercial diets in the first place, so any improvement in diet would result in a healthier cat. Many cats, in fact, are fed dry food only, so by switching to raw, the moisture content of the food will increase dramatically and this alone could account for a cat feeling and looking better.

Myth 2: Raw diets are better because they are more like what a cat would eat in the wild.

Fact: Cats in the wild kill their prey and eat it immediately. They do not raise it in a high-density environment, slaughter it in a large group, process it in a plant, ship it, butcher it, wrap it, display it in the store, carry it home in a bag in a warm car and then keep it in the fridge or freezer for a week before they eat it. Every step in the handling of food from the farm to the table or cat food dish is an opportunity for bacterial contamination of food ingredients. You wouldn’t eat raw meat, and neither would I, so I’m not going to feed it to my cat.

Myth 3: Cats digestive systems are more resistant to bacteria than humans.

Fact: Cats do get food-borne illnesses just like humans do. Your cat can get extremely sick from Salmonella or Campylobacter. They can get enterotoxigenic E. coli as well. They can get mild self-limiting food poisoning too. How many times does your cat have a soft stool in the litter box or vomit without a hairball and you dismiss it as a minor problem? This, too, could be the sign of food-borne illness. Parasite diseases, such as trichinosis, toxoplasmosis and others, are also a risk of eating raw or undercooked meat. The risks to your cat’s health are obvious, but be aware that there are many studies that show pets fed raw diets have a significantly higher risk of spreading Salmonella or enterotoxigenic E. coli to the humans they are living with. This is a major concern where there are young children or adults with compromised immune systems in the home, as these bacteria can be life threatening to these individuals. Are you willing to take that risk?

Myth 4: Raw diets are more balanced.

Fact: Most raw diets are not, in fact, a complete or balanced diet at all. The pet food manufacturers rely on the fact that eating a variety of different raw diets on a daily basis will provide balanced nutrition over time. This is fine, as this is what we as humans do. But many pet owners feed only one or two flavours of food to their cats, as cats will definitely show their preference for taste or texture. Premium commercial diets are made to be complete and balanced so that every meal the cat eats is complete and balanced.

Guide to

Myth 5: Cooking food destroys the nutrients/enzymes in the food.

Fact: Premium commercial diets are tested for nutritional value after heat processing. The manufacCat Care turer adjusts any nutrients that are altered or decreased by cooking so that the final product is nutritionally complete. As for enzymes naturally present in the food, these are naturally destroyed by the acids in the stomach after ingestion, and so are only valuable to the pet as a source of protein. Many raw diets are deficient in trace elements and often contain ingredients that are not biologically available when eaten in an unprocessed form.

As you can see, nutrition is not a simple matter. There is more to it than reading a label or list of ingredients. Most cat owners want to take good care of their cat, and a healthy diet is a very important part of that.

When it comes to pet nutrition, the best advice I can give you is to ask your veterinarian. Veterinarians have spent six or more years in university studying science and medicine, including physiology, chemistry and nutrition, and see hundreds or even thousands of pets each year. Vets are probably the best resource to help you weed through all the information and misinformation available from advertising, pet food stores and the Internet. Your vet can advise you on what to look for in a pet food, and how to avoid becoming a victim of pet food marketing, gimmicks or fads.

Don’t be afraid to ask — our patients sometimes bite, but we don’t!

Dr. McRae is a 1990 graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College.

She opened King Street Cat Hospital in Whitby, Ont. in 1995. www.kingstcathospital.com, clientservices@kingstcathospital.com

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www.petsmagazine.ca July/August 2011 • PETS 13

Guide to Cat Care

Detecting and managing feline stress

C

EAT, SLEEP, PLAY… AND

WORRY?

ats, as a rule, are creatures of habit, and can be particularly susceptible to change of any kind. They love their day-to-day routine, and can easily become stressed when that routine is disrupted. It might seem that they don’t do much more than cat nap and snack most of the day, then rouse for their evening play time when you’re ready for bed, but that’s their routine and they relish it.

Stressful changes to a cat’s routine could be as simple as visitors, a new baby in the house, renovations or even excess noise (possibly caused by visitors, a new baby or renovations!). Some cats seem destined be only children and get stressed when other pets are added; but cats may also stress when there is the loss of a pet or person in the house. Some more obvious causes of stress would be moving to a new house, a stay at the kennel or cattery, a visit to the groomer or vet or being left home alone for extended periods of time.

There are many different ways cats exhibit stress, and they’re not always easily recognized.

Stress could manifest in ways as subtle as a

14 PETS • July/August 2011

decrease or increase in the level of interaction with certain family members or other pets. That interaction could be positive, in the form of affection, but could also be aggressive. You may find your cat eating less, hiding more through the day or seeking out higher spots to rest or hide. Your cat may develop altered sleep or rest routines and may start to vocalize excessively. Toileting may become an issue, with your cat relieving itself in places other than the litter box. Physical manifestations may also become evident, such as excessive licking and grooming, to the point of creating patches of fur loss and dermatitis.

Your cat will not show all of these signs, but when you recognize that your cat is stressed, it’s time to do something about it. The cause of the stress might not be obvious at first, and likely you will need to fully investigate your cat’s home life to identify any stressors.

Some things may be changeable,

like making sure there are enough feeding stations and litter boxes for a multicat household. Cats feel safer when they have a high perch to rest upon, so make sure there are safe high places for your cat to retreat to.

Having fun cat toys around as a positive distraction and outlet for play may help.

Of course, some factors cannot be avoided — like the new dog next door that barks a lot or the new baby in the house — but try to keep change to a minimum for your feline friends and, if possible, try introducing change gradually.

Also, keep in mind that your cat may need a trip to the vet if difficulty persists, as your cat’s stress may be a signal of a medical problem.

Depending on the case, there are natural remedies and other products that may be of benefit to your cat. If the symptoms are severe, pharmaceutical and neutraceutical prescriptions are available to relieve your cat’s stress and anxiety. Whether it’s helpful advice or an assurance of your cat’s health, your vet is there to help.

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Guide to Cat Care

EAR-ITATION

IS PREVENTABLE, TREATABLE

16 PETS • July/August 2011

Photo: Dreamstime.com

H

ot, humid days are rapidly approaching as summer slowly begins. The season means finally diving into the neighbourhood swimming pool, children on summer vacation running through the streets and grass lawns growing at seemingly breakneck speeds. But summer could also mean painful ear infections for your pet. Heat, moisture and even grass clippings could cause serious problems for your furry friend’s ear canals.

“Allergic skin disease affecting the ears and the ear pinnaes, ear mites, foreign bodies such as plant material like a grass awn, or ectoparasites such as a tick are all probable causes of ear infections,” explains Dr. M.A. Crist, a clinical

assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “Hair can grow deep in the ear canals causing the build-up of wax and moisture leading to bacterial growth and infection.”

The causes range from a variety of factors, but one fact seems to remain the same. Our pets often contract ear infections on a regular basis. Crist explains why our pets are so susceptible to contracting these problems.

“The basic anatomy of the cat and dog ear canal has a vertical and horizontal section that predisposes them to ear infections.

Waxy debris must work its way upward and outward instead of just straight out,” says Crist. “Irritation to the ear usually results in overproduction of waxy debris.”

An ear infection can sometimes go unnoticed, as our pets cannot always tell us when something is wrong. Fortunately, there are a few warning signs that can let pet owners know when an ear infection might be present.

“Early signs that your pet may be developing an ear infection may include them scratching at their ears, shaking their head, redness of the ears, holding one ear flap slightly dropped to one side or the animal may exhibit signs that ear or ears are painful when you pet or touch around the area,” notes Crist. “Debris or a discharge might be noted in the ear canal and an odor from the ears may become noticeable.”

If symptoms go untreated, ear infections could become very painful and cause the animal to have more severe clinical signs, sometimes requiring the pet to be sedated or put under general anesthesia to have the ears examined.

“Severe infections of the middle ear can lead to facial nerve paralysis, which gives a ‘droopy jaw’ appearance on the affected side of the face,” describes Crist. “Another complication is an aural hematoma and needs to be corrected surgically.”

If you suspect that your pet has an ear infection, it is important to visit your veterinarian to receive a full examination and diagnosis. “If a pet owner believes their animal to have an ear infection, it is recommended that they visit a veterinarian for a general dermatological history and full examination, complete with a thorough physical examination of the ear, otoscopy and cytologic examination,” says Crist. “A sample of the discharge will be obtained, examined

Guide to

and identified.

Once a diagnosis has been made, medicaCat Care tions are selected and home treatment is usually continued for several weeks. The ears need to be rechecked to make sure the infection has been resolved.”

Fortunately, there are several preventative measures that can be taken to keep your pet free from pain and your wallet from becoming empty.

“Prevention is key,” urges Crist. “Heat and moisture are enemies of the ear canal and allow bacteria and yeast to flourish. Keeping the animal’s ears clean and dry is important.

It is also important to check your pet’s ears regularly as part of their regular grooming routine to avoid ear infections. Giving their ears a quick glance daily could help prevent ear problems from arising.”

While it sounds simple enough, many pet owners are uninformed of the proper methods of ear care and some ignore ear care entirely.

“Routine ear cleaning is a simple method of providing ear therapy,” notes Crist. “A variety of ear cleaners are available and your veterinarian will prescribe the most appropriate ear cleanser for your pet to use during their regular grooming routine. The frequency of cleaning will also be determined by your vet.”

Ear cleaning is easy and can prevent major problems down the road and save your pet from extensive damage to their hearing abilities.

“You want to begin an ear care regimen before your pet keeps you up at night shaking their head, scratching at their ears or before the smell of their ears reaches you before your pet does,” emphasizes Crist. “Every moment that your animal’s ears are inflamed and infected causes damage to the ear canal.

It is important to seek veterinary care right away and to follow through with the treatment regimen.”

Don’t let an ear infection put a damper on your summer fun. Following a few preventative measures and being aware of the warning signs will help ensure that your furry friends are both happy and healthy.

— College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University.

July/August 2011 • PETS

17

Guide to Cat Care

COMPLEX CAUSES

FOR CAT’S INAPPROPRIATE

ELIMINATION

By Andrea Lin

C

at owners are often flummoxed when their pets suddenly stop using the litter box. The reasons for this change in behavior can be quite complex, according to Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, a veterinarian with a special interest in behavior who practices at the University of Illinois Chicago Center for Veterinary Medicine, at 2242 West Harrison, Chicago.

While cats may stop using the litter box because something is upsetting them, it’s important for owners to understand that the cat is not doing this to be vindictive.

Your cat may not like that you spend long days away from home, but she won’t take revenge on you. Punishing cats when you find a mess they made is not helpful. The cats won’t connect this punishment with their previous actions, which may have happened long before.

However, there usually is a reason for the behaviour. Your first step should be to consult with your veterinarian to rule out a medical cause, such as an infection. Diabetes is another condition that increases the frequency of urination, making going to find the litter box every time inconvenient.

Seemingly unrelated medical conditions may be causing the problem. For example, if the cat has arthritis, she may find stepping over high walls to get into the litter box painful, making it easier just to go on a particular part of the carpet. Other medical conditions can result in not using the litter box as well.

If no medical reason for the behaviour is found, you may have to take time to sleuth out the underlying cause. Among 18 PETS • July/August 2011

the most common behavioural reasons for inappropriate urination are marking, an upset in routine, and fastidiousness. Your veterinarian can be your ally for detecting a non-medical cause as well.

Cats that urine mark or spray are sending a message to other cats. While humans find this distasteful, to say the least, marking is a normal form of communication in cats. Marking occurs with female as well as male cats.

Marking is usually greatly reduced or resolved by spaying or neutering the cat. If that doesn’t resolve the problem, the answer may be a bit more complex.

Marking may occur because another cat — or family member — is making your cat feel anxious. The source of anxiety could be cats wandering outside your house where your cat can see them, or it could even be a guest or new human in your home. Many other stressors are possible.

Feliway is a pheromone diffuser for cats that is supposed to be calming and soothing. That coupled with changes to make the environment more “safe,” such as preventing your cat from seeing the outdoor cats, can make the difference. You can also encourage other forms of marking, by providing scratching posts throughout the home.

If the inappropriate elimination isn’t due to marking, the cause could be some household change that is making your cat feel insecure. Is there a new cat in the house? Has your routine changed?

Anything around the litter box that makes cats feel unsafe could lead them to

stop using it. Does the litter box sit next to something that creates loud noises, such as the washing machine? Perhaps your dog likes to loom over your cat and sniff at him while he is in the litter box. Pinpointing the source of the cat’s unease may be difficult, but it could solve the problem.

Cats are quite fastidious by nature and won’t use a litter box that isn’t to their liking or standard. If the litter box is scooped only once a week, try scooping it once to twice daily. A change in the type of litter could also be disliked by your cat.

If you have more than one cat in your house, you will need multiple litter boxes. A good rule of thumb for the number of litter boxes is one more than the number of cats you have. Realize that litter boxes that are next to each other or in the same small room are seen as one big litter box to your cats.

Cats also don’t like to have their litter box near where they eat or drink. (Imagine if you had to eat dinner in the bathroom!) Keep their food dishes in a different location from the litter boxes.

Alternatively, you can try placing their food near the area where they are inappropriately eliminating to deter them.

It may require good observation and a bit of detective work, but with persistence, patience and the help of your veterinarian, you can usually eliminate kitty’s elimination problems.

— University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine http://vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/.

TREASURES

Guide to Cat Care

FOR BURYING

Soak up information on types of kitty litter before you choose

C

ats are creatures of habit, with high standards and exacting preferences when it comes to hygiene. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right litter for your feline friend, and one that meets your needs, as well!

That said, there are many product choices out there, each with their own unique advantage.

wheat, corn kernels, corncob flakes, cedar flakes or chips, kenaf (a fibre plant from the West Indies), hardwood sawdust or pine pellets. Some of these products can be flushable, depending on the type of septic system in your home.

Another advantage of plant-based litters is that they are usually digestible, in case a curious kitten takes a bite or two.

However, no matter which litter is being used, kittens should be monitored so they do not eat any of it. Plant-based products are less likely to cause them problems, but no litter is appropriate for ingestion.

PLAIN CLAY

CLUMPING LITTERS This type of litter — probably the most common type — collects cat urine into easily scoopable clumps, and many people find it can be more user-friendly to cats given its finer texture versus plain clay. Only the feces and clumps need to be removed at the time of cleaning, rather than replacing the box’s entire contents. The box can then topped up with more litter. Since they are also made of clay, clumping litters can be dusty – some brands more so than others. Many clumping litters are sold in covered pails, which can be lined with

PAPER-BASED PRODUCTS plastic bags and used as handy waste bins near the litter box for scooped clumps and feces.

Similar in almost every way to plantbased products, there are now also litters made from recycled paper, including newspapers. The paper is ground, shredded or pelletized into an appropriate particle size.

CRYSTAL PRODUCTS One of the more recent innovations in litter has been crystal litter, made of highly absorbent silica gel and sand.

The granules are tiny beads, which remain dry because liquid evaporates quickly off of them.

While the beads, or “pearls,” deal with moisture and absorb odour, they do not clump. However, with convenience in mind, some products are designed to contain urine for up to one month before the box is changed. Solid waste needs to be cleaned out more frequently.

PLANT-BASED PRODUCTS The selection of natural plant-based litters has been growing in recent years.

Their advantages include being generally dust-free and environmentally friendlier than non-decomposing clays.

Plant-based litters can be made from

CLEANING HOUSE Most cats are very particular about the cleanliness of their litter boxes. Some cats even prefer to urinate in one box and defecate in another, and so you may be well off to provide two boxes. In multi-cat households, some cats will not eliminate in a box used by another cat. Multicat households should have at least one box per cat, plus one extra, to meet their needs. It is paramount that your cat’s box be kept as clean as possible — remember that cats have a much stronger sense of smell then we do!

– Kristina Cooper, RVT

July/August 2011 • PETS

19

Photo: Dreamstime.com

Plain clay-based litters help contain waste by drying it. These products come in relatively large particles and are often very dusty. While they are highly absorbent, they must be fully replaced when the litter box is regularly cleaned out, rather than simply ‘topped up’. They also often use odour-control ingredients to keep the surrounding area smelling clean. Longhair breeds sometimes prefer plain clay-based litter over newer ‘clumping’ products because the coarser particles are less likely to stick to their fur.

Conversely, a cat who has recently been surgically declawed may display an aversion to hard clay, as it can be painful to scratch in.

Guide to

Photo: Dreamstime.com

Cat Care

20 PETS • July/August 2011

RETROVIRAL DISEASES IN CATS:

Guide to Cat Care

PREVENTION IS BEST DEFENCE

By Dieter Kohlmaier, DVM.

T

here are two common viral diseases that afflict cats around the world — namely, Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). While they share many things in common, the infections differ in terms of how they manifest themselves within an infected feline.

WHAT THEY HAVE IN COMMON Both FeLV and FIV belong to a group of viruses called retroviruses. Viruses within this family have the ability to insert a single strand of genetic material (RNA) into a host cell, where it is then incorporated into the host’s DNA. From there, the virus can replicate within the body and can be easily transmitted to another host via bodily fluids. As retroviruses, both can impair the immune system of cats they infect.

Both FeLV and FIV are cat-specific, and therefore cannot be passed on to other types of pets or humans in the household. They can only be transmitted by direct contact; male cats are more likely to become infected given their higher tendency to be involved in fights. There is no genetic predisposition for these infections, and no breed is any more susceptible than any other. Both are distributed widely around the world in the cat population, and are primarily found in domesticated felines. Between 3% and 5% of the healthy domestic cat population in North America will test positive for one of these diseases. The number jumps up significantly (10% to 12%) for unhealthy cats.

FeLV and FIV are easily detected in a blood sample.

WHAT SETS THEM APART Feline Leukemia Virus While it can suppress the immune system of infected cats, this virus a major cause of cancer in domestic cats, as well. FeLV differs from FIV in that it can be readily transferred from the queen (mother) to her kittens during pregnancy and lactation. Many of the affected fetuses or kittens will die, but some will survive and carry the infection with them. This occurs very rarely with FIV. Once a cat has contracted FeLV, it replicates in the tonsils, and subsequently infects the B-lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell in the immune system). Eventually, it invades the bone marrow and circulatory system, then it makes its way into the saliva, urine and feces, where it is shed. At this point, the virus is weak, but will survive for several hours outside the host, and it can be picked up by cats sharing food and water dishes. If a cat mounts an adequate immune response, it will force the virus to become latent. If this doesn’t occur, then the virus will spread throughout the body and incorporate itself into the cat’s own DNA. This process can take weeks, months or even years, and can lead lymphoma, a common tumour of the lymphatic system.

Outward signs associated with FeLV infection are: persistent fever, diarrhea, oral infections, respiratory infections, poor coat and weight loss, to name a few.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus FIV is closely related to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus responsible for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in humans. As

with humans, cats that contract the FIV virus will often go on to develop feline AIDS. It is important to note that while FIV and HIV are closely related, a cat cannot pass on FIV to a human, nor can a human pass on HIV to a cat.

This virus usually enters a cat’s body via bites from an infected cat, and spreads to the lymph nodes and thymus gland. It will often infect the T-lymphocytes first, and will eventually spread to the kidney, brain and liver. Infected cats can exhibit many outward signs due to the suppressing of their immune system — enlargement of the lymph nodes, oral and sinus infections, fever, diarrhea and neurological diseases are common.

A simple blood test will detect if your cat has FIV or FeLV. If they test positive, additional tests may be performed to confirm the infection. There are no cures, and the average life expectancy is five years from the time of diagnosis. Treatment often involves managing secondary infections that infected cats contract. Antiviral medications and immune system modulating drugs may also be used.

When it comes to FIV and FeLV, prevention is key. Keeping your cat indoors is the most effective means to avoid infection.

Spaying or neutering your cat will minimize contact with other felines and thereby reduce exposure. Immunizations are also available, and should be discussed with your veterinarian if your pet goes outdoors.

Dr. Dieter Kohlmaier runs the Westoak Animal Hospital in Oakville, ON. He contributes his regular column, The Healthy Bond, on page 28.

July/August 2011 • PETS 21

Guide to Cat Care

SUMMERTIME DIY FOR CATS

By Kristina Cooper, RVT

CONSIDER AN OUTDOOR ENCLOSURE The warmer months bring out a cat’s inquisitive nature, and often that includes them showing great interest in getting out into the great outdoors. Unfortunately, the outdoors can be an unsafe place for cats when they are left unsupervised. If your cat is itching to get out, you may want to consider building an outdoor cat enclosure.

Outdoor enclosures allow your cat some outside time in a confined area preventing them from straying away where they could encounter other animals and hazards.

INSTALL A CAT WINDOW PERCH When summer arrives there are also many birds that visit our environment too. Birds are like nature’s television for cats. Most cats could spend endless hours watching birds flying in and out of your yard this time of year. To provide a safe way for both cats and birds to enjoy this activity, you may find that an indoor window perch adds a new element to your cat’s environment that allows for mental stimulation while keeping the birds out of harm’s way.

T

he summer season is a great time to think about what you can do to spruce up your cat’s environment and make things a little more interesting for them.

Just like us, cats can become bored over time with the same routine in the same environment, and will appreciate a makeover.

The following are some DIY ideas you can do at home...

REPLACE FOOD DISHES Food dishes (especially plastic dishes) can begin to harbour bacteria over time, which could pose a risk to your cat. As part of a cat-friendly makeover consider replacing their dishes with new ones.

Stainless steel is a safe bet as they won’t break down and can be easily cleaned.

Keep in mind that you want dishes that are wide enough and shallow enough that they can eat/drink without their whiskers rubbing up against the side, as most cats won’t like this.

22 PETS • July/August 2011

TOSS OUT THE OLD LITTER BOXES If you want to make your cat super happy invest in some new litter boxes, and toss out the old ones. Because litter boxes are made of plastic and subject to cats scratching in them, they will often break down over time and absorb bacteria and odours from their frequent use.

Cats are very sensitive when it comes to using a clean box — the more odour-free, the better.

A small investment in new boxes will make them happy and help to minimize the chance of inappropriate elimination elsewhere, should they find the old boxes offensive.

ADD SOME NEW TOYS

ADD SOME PET-FRIENDLY EDIBLE PLANTS

Kristina Cooper is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and a member of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT). She works in a Municipal Animal Shelter and in her family’s dog and cat boarding facility, Cooper Kennels, in Ancaster, Ont. (www.cooperkennels.ca). She can be reached by e-mail at krizzteena@hotmail.com.

With the summer season in full swing, blooms are everywhere. When choosing to adorn your home’s interior with plants to celebrate the season consider incorporating plants that are safe for cats. You can even consider adding some edible plants for cats like cat grass and catnip plants.

Most cats love to play. Whether it is a toy mouse, a feather teaser or a ball, cats can spend hours entertaining themselves with these items. Although, over time they may get bored with the same toys, adding some new toys to the mix can invigorate your cat’s sense of play.

But don’t worry — those original toys are not garbage. Put them in a safe place out of the mix for a while. When your cat gets bored of the new toys bring out the old ones and they will be excited to see them all over again.

PAW S F O R R E F L ECT I O N

With Darren Low, DVM

STORIES THAT REMIND US OF HOW MUCH WE LOVE THE FOUR-FOOTED MEMBERS OF OUR FAMILIES

Joanie Loves Chachi, and so do George and Celia HEAT EXHAUSTION COMMON, AND POTENTIALLY DEADLY, IN DOGS Darren Low, DVM practices companion animal medicine and surgery in Sydney, Nova Scotia, where he lives with his wife, son and 10 four-footed family members. He writes a weekly column for the Cape Breton Post.

he call came in around two in the afternoon.

George and Celia were on their way home to Cape Breton Island after a weekend in Halifax. The sun shone extra bright and hot that Sunday after days of rain, but the air still seemed cool.

They stopped in St. Peter’s to let Joanie and Chachi, their Japanese Chins, out for a stretch, and then ran into a local coffee shop for a pit stop of their own. With the windows down enough to allow for a cross breeze, they felt sure Joanie and Chachi would be fine in the car for a few minutes.

As they returned to the car, they found Chachi arguing through the car window with what must have been a neighbourhood dog in the coffee shop parking lot, and thought little of his agitation and elevated breathing. Not until they were a few minutes into the last leg of their trip, and Chachi continued to have difficulty breathing, did they begin to grow concerned. Their first reaction was to turn up the air conditioning, thinking Chachi was just overheated, but too quickly his difficulty turned to distress.

Celia called me on her cell phone as George turned the 60-minute trip back to Sydney into 45.

As I waited at the hospital for their big Lincoln to turn into the parking lot, I went over Chachi’s medical file to refresh my memory. Other than a couple bouts of tracheitis and an ear infection, Chachi had been in very good health throughout his five years, but he didn’t look too good by the time I saw him.

Chachi displayed classic heat exhaustion symptoms: rapid breathing, heavy panting and salivation. He was also fatigued, had a hint of muscle tremors and staggered slightly during an attempt to walk. His core body temperature was nearly three degrees above normal. His heat exhaustion was likely minutes from becoming the more deadly heat stroke, but thankfully George and Celia got him to me in time.

T

Heat exhaustion is quite common in dogs.

Dogs do not tolerate high temperatures as well as humans, as they rely on panting and, to a lesser degree, sweating from their feet to cool themselves. Dogs with airway disease, obese dogs or those like Joanie and Chachi with short-nosed faces have even more trouble keeping cool.

As a result of Chachi’s excitement over the other dog, the high, hot sun and his brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed characteristics, it’s not surprising he overheated. Japanese Chins are certainly not bred for sport or efficient breathing, and are instead strictly companion dogs.

I gave Chachi a steroid anti-inflammatory injection for his airway inflammation, and carefully cooled him with wet towels and IV fluids. George, Celia and Joanie waited eagerly in the waiting room — I made sure the air conditioning was on high for them. In a little more than two hours, I was happy to reunite the family, Joanie happily licking a cooled and rejuvenated Chachi’s face, George and Celia promising never to leave him in a warm car again.

July/August 2011 • PETS

23

M A R K E T

P L A C E

POST- SURGERY OR INJURY? Custom-made braces & wheel chairs address the need for short and long term treatment of joint and spinal injuries and to improve the quality of life for companion animals.

Contact: Molly Barber 1-800-678-9291 WWW.ANIMALREHAB.ON.CA 24 PETS • July/August 2011

visit us at www.petsmagazine.ca

visit us at www.petsmagazine.ca

M A R K E T

P L A C E

DON’T THEY DESERVE A LESS PAINFUL SPAY?

LAPAROSCOPIC SPAY • • •

Is less intrusive and causes less trauma to the patient.

Results in quicker healing and recovery.

Is 65% less painful than traditional surgery.

•

Usually performed as an out patient procedure.

Jim Foot DVM performs Laparoscopic and Endoscopic surgery and is accepting veterinary referrals.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Glencoe Animal Hospital, Glencoe ON 519-287-2519 www.glencoeanimalhospital.ca Details of the procedure refer to: www.lapspay.com • www.vetlapsurg.com

July/August 2011 • PETS 25

PET PROJECTS

Beyond the Call of Duty PURINA ANIMAL HALL OF FAME CELEBRATES COURAGEOUS PETS

oyalty, bravery, unconditional love, devotion and intuition — these are just a few of the ways to describe the 2011 Purina Animal Hall of Fame inductees — K’os, Moose, Missy and Scooter, and Stinky. Honoured this morning at PawsWay in Toronto, the permanent home of the Purina Animal Hall of Fame, each of these four-legged heroes exemplifies the powerful bond that exists between animals and humans.

“Each year, we pay tribute to the heroic acts of pets and service animals across the country, and continue to be inspired and awe-struck with each sub-

L

mission we receive,” said Mary Siemiesz, executive director of the Purina PetCare Legacy. “The Purina Animal Hall of Fame is at the heart of who we are as a company and we are incredibly honoured to celebrate these extraordinary heroes that go above and beyond what is expected of them to help save lives.”

As one of the longest running pet recognition programs in Canada, the Purina Animal Hall of Fame has recognized the life-saving feats of pets and service animals for more than four decades.

Since its inception in 1968, over 150 animals have been inducted — 125 dogs, 25

cats and one horse. Canadians across the country can visit www.purinahalloffame.ca to read past honoured stories, and learn how to nominate a heroic pet or service dog. The 2011 honourees were carefully selected from hundreds of nominations based on their intelligence, loyalty and compassion. These pets have saved the lives of their owners, family members, and have provided unconditional support during difficult times. “This year’s inductees prove that there are many different qualities that make up a hero,” said Siemiesz. “They remind us of the important roles that pets.”

2011 PURINA ANIMAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES SCOOTER & MISSY (CHERHILL, AB)

Photos courtesy Purina

Scooter, a 12-year-old Australian Cattle Dog and Missy, a six-year-old Border Collie, saved Glenda Mosher from a potentially fatal cow attack. When Glenda, her husband Gary and grandson Travis were trying to herd a cow and two calves back through a gate, the cow suddenly turned and charged at Glenda. The cow was relentless in her attack, but before it turned fatal, Scooter and Missy courageously intervened. In an effort to rescue Glenda, Scooter jumped at the cow and nipped her on the nose, and Missy, the more docile of the two dogs, bit the cow’s hind leg. The dogs continued to run and bark until they chased the cow away. Glenda was bloody, broken and bruised — but miraculously, still alive. Glenda spent a month recovering from her injuries, which included broken ribs, a broken jaw and teeth, a fractured skull, and a dislocated hip. There is no doubt in any of the Mosher’s minds that, had it not been for Scooter and Missy, Glenda would have never survived the attack. Sadly, Scooter passed away on April 15th, 2011, in the arms of Glenda and Gary at home.

26 PETS • July/August 2011

MOOSE (TRENTON, ON) Moose, a lovable two-year-old Whippet, whose quick-thinking alerted Jolene Sararas one afternoon in the nick of time. Jolene was doing some chores in the kitchen with the back door open to watch her three-year-old daughter Alexis, who was playing in the backyard with Moose. Suddenly, Moose ran into the house, looked at Jolene, and then ran back outside again. Jolene thought this behaviour was odd, but brushed it off, thinking Moose didn’t mean anything by it. Seconds later, Moose ran into the house again and gave Jolene a strange look before running back outside. Moose then started barking and jumping furiously in the backyard, and this uncharacteristic behaviour definitely got Jolene’s attention. She walked out into the backyard to see what had upset Moose, and to her horror, found Alexis with her neck caught in their backyard wire gate. Jolene frantically ran to her daughter and immediately freed her from the gate, and tried to revive Alexis, who wouldn’t open her eyes and was barely conscious. In a panic, Jolene called her husband Terry at work, followed by 911. When Terry and the fire department arrived, Alexis had regained consciousness, but was still having trouble breathing. Alexis was taken to the nearest hospital, and luckily she suffered no permanent injuries.

Moose is no longer considered an “ordinarily smart” Whippet in the Sararas household. They now call him “Moose the Wonder Dog.”

K’OS (PETERBOROUGH, ON) K’os, an obedient French Neapolitan Mastiff with a sweet temperament, went from family pet to family hero when his protective instincts helped save Hunter Guindon’s life. In August 2009, Linda and Jason Guindon’s 14- year-old son was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a critical condition that affects the lungs and can cause difficulty breathing. One night, Linda and Jason were awoken by K’os, who ran into their bedroom barking furiously and jumping on their bed. K’os kept running from Linda and Jason’s bedroom to Hunter’s room. They were immediately concerned by his behavior, as K’os seldom barks and is usually very calm. Jason went downstairs to check the front door while Linda followed K’os into Hunter’s room. When she turned on the lights, she discovered K’os on the bed standing over Hunter, who was violently convulsing. Hunter was having a severe seizure. His face appeared grey in colour and he wasn’t breathing. His mouth had also filled with fluid which was causing him to choke. Terrified, Linda immediately rushed to Hunter’s side and turned him over to help clear his airway, and yelled for Jason to call an ambulance. Hunter was rushed to the hospital, where it was determined he had experienced a grand mal seizure, and was later diagnosed with epilepsy. Although the Guindons know that Hunter’s epileptic episodes will continue, they take comfort in knowing that K’os is always by Hunter’s side, not only as a beloved family pet, but also as Hunter’s true hero and protector.

SERVICE DOG OF THE YEAR: STINKY (WINNIPEG, MB) Stinky, a ten-year-old Rottweiler with extraordinary compassion and an unusual name, offers unconditional support and kindness to Canadian soldiers who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Stinky is part of the Manitoba Search and Rescue’s (MSAR) Elite Psychiatric Therapy Dog Program, founded by her owner, George Leonard. One of the major components of this program is providing constant emotional therapy via psychiatric dogs to Canadian soldiers suffering from PTSD. Soldiers suffering from this debilitating anxiety disorder feel isolated, angry and have difficulty coping with the trauma they endured during combat.

Elite psychiatric service dogs, like Stinky, help soldiers with this dangerous condition through companionship and unwavering affection. Stinky, the lead dog in this unique program, has provided unconditional love and encouragement to many soldiers diagnosed with severe cases of PTSD and depression. A number of these soldiers have come forward, sharing the life-changing experiences they had with Stinky and her ability to give them hope, even through their darkest hours. According to these soldiers, Stinky helped save their lives in the most important way — by helping them realize life is worth living once again.

July/August 2011 • PETS 27

T H E H E A LT H Y B O N D

With Dieter Kohlmaier, DVM

To Pee or Not to Pee: Understanding feline urinary tract disorders Dieter Kohlmaier, DVM, owns and operates Westoak Animal Hospital in Oakville, ON. He can be reached at westoakanimalhospital @gmail.com

28 PETS • July/August 2011

Part II: Common kidney diseases in cats n the last issue, I discussed problems with the lower urinary tract of cats. In this issue, I will focus on common kidney diseases. The kidneys are the most integral part of the urinary tract, responsible for maintaining the body’s internal equilibrium of water and minerals (sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and sulfate), excretion of waste products and the production of several hormones. Cats, like all mammals, are born with two kidneys (although some are born with only one); they are situated in the abdomen close to the last ribs, one on the left and one on the right.

The most common genetic disorder of cat’s kidneys is polycystic kidney disease. This disease, found mainly in Persian and Himalayan cats, is characterized by progressive development of fluid-filled cysts within the kidneys, which distort the normal architecture and lead to enlarged and irregular kidneys. Most of these cats will develop chronic kidney disease by the age of six.

Kidneys can develop stones (nephroliths), but they are less common than the ones that develop in the bladder. Like any other organ, the kidney is susceptible to cancer, the most common being lymphosarcoma in the cat.

The kidneys receive a large volume of blood to aid in their role as filters and, as such, they are more susceptible to the effects of toxins. The most common toxins to watch out for are ethylene glycol (antifreeze), grapes (or raisins) and lilies. Only small amounts antifreeze or as little as two lily leaves or part of a single flower can result in death.

It should be pointed out that the whole plant — petals, stamen, leaves and pollen are toxic. If your cat ever ingests one of these substances, seek immediate veterinary care. Early treatment is essential to spare your cat the toxic effects, starting with inducing vomiting and administering oral agents to bind the toxins. In addition, they will be given intravenous fluids to flush the toxins from the system as quickly as possible, thereby limiting the damage. If the damage is serious, your cat may have chronic kidney disease or worse, they may

I

perish. For this reason, I don’t ever recommending having lilies in the house or garden if you own a cat. An overdose or an adverse drug reaction can have the same effect as a serious kidney infection.

Earlier, I mentioned that cats have two kidneys; nature, in its brilliance, always has a contingency plan. If something affected one of the kidneys, then the other would still be able to function.

Nephrons, the basic structural and functional units of the kidneys, undergo degeneration with age and once 66% of the nephrons have been damaged or destroyed, your cat may begin to demonstrate signs of chronic kidney disease. At this early stage, the only clinical signs may be an increase in water consumption and urination that can be so subtle that they often go unnoticed.

With time, your cat may lose weight, because the kidneys become porous, leaking essential proteins.

When the kidneys lose 75% of their nephrons, they will effectively be in kidney failure. At this point, they cannot maintain their fluid balance and flush the waste products out of their system without help. Humans suffering from kidney failure can rely on hemodialysis, which effectively does what the kidneys cannot. Blood is taken out of the patient and a machine filters out the waste products. Unfortunately, there are very few centres capable of this procedure in pets.

The most common treatments for chronic kidney disease in cats is supplemental fluid replacement, whether it be intravenous or subcutaneous.

In addition, the diet is changed to one with low protein and phosphorus. Medications can be given to improve blood flow to the kidneys and bind phosphorus.

One of the best preventative measures for delaying the onset of chronic kidney disease in cats is to ensure that canned food is part of their daily diet. Another excellent measure is to provide fresh, clean water on each level of level of the house and make sure the water dish is wider than your cat’s whiskers. By encouraging water consumption, you may add years to your cat’s life!

THE LAST WORD

with William J. Thomas

The U.S. v.

Ryan “Ruff” Stevens William J. Thomas is the author of seven books of humour, incuding The Dog Rules (Damn Near Everything! and The Cat Rules (Everything, Including The Dog!).

Visit William at www.williamthomas.ca.

30 PETS • July/August 2011

his case may not become the trial of the century, but it is vitally important. It may not be as well known as Roe v. Wade, Kramer vs.

Kramer or even Brian Mulroney vs. The Truth, but this upcoming trial in Mason, Ohio, will have implications for every American who hopes to preserve and protect the rights of the Constitution of the United States.

Remember the very famous Scopes Monkey Trial in Tennessee? Well, this trial involves a dog instead of a monkey and it’s set in the Midwest not the Deep South, but both involve evolution.

Teacher John Scopes fought for the right to teach evolution in state schools and Ryan James Stephens of Mason, Ohio, is accused of setting evolution back several hundred years.

When Officer Bradley Walker of the Mason Police Department was called to investigate a disturbance at a local pub, he believed it was just business as usual. After leaving his cruiser and walking toward the pub’s entrance, he stopped abruptly after hearing his police dog Timber barking in the back seat of the cruiser in a highly agitated manner.

I too have heard that desperate pleading sound any time I left Jake in my car and he knew I was headed into a place that served cold beer. Eventually I had to park at the library and sneak out the back door to Winchesters.

However, Timber is a canine police officer and therefore not allowed to drink on duty. It wasn’t until Officer Walker went to the far side of the cruiser that he discovered the problem — Ryan James Stephens.

The noise was near-deafening — high-pitched barking, fierce growling, gnashing of teeth. And that was all coming from Ryan. The dog was merely responding in kind.

I know you’ll be shocked to learn that 25year-old Ryan Stephens may have been intoxicated at the time, which might explain his ignorance of a state law that forbids a person from publicly taunting or harassing a police officer. And yes, members of the K9 Patrol are considered police officers.

Officer Bradley Walker charged Ryan “Ruff ” Stephens with the misdemeanor infraction of barking at a police dog. This is not nearly as serious as the other law on the books in Mason, Ohio, which forbids a person from biting a police dog.

T

Neither conviction would involve the electric chair, but one might result in three months under doghouse arrest. Or wearing an electronic spiked collar. Or never being allowed to stick your head out the passenger window of a car, even if you’re the one driving it.

Ryan plans to fight the charge of barking at a police dog based on his rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. That’s right, freedom of speech.

A spokesman for the accused, who looked slippery enough to be his lawyer, said, “Barking may not be seen as intelligent speech, but it’s still speech.”

Which brings us to the central issue of the case — evolution. Simply put, is a man who gets into a public barking match with a dog actually higher on the scale of intelligent species than the dog?

Officer Walker will no doubt argue that the dog exhibited a more superior intellect than the accused. Charles Darwin would corroborate this conclusion. And Ryan Stephens would probably say, “Arrrruff! Ruff! Ruff!”

I for one will be watching this case very carefully, as there are several questions I’d like answers to. Is Ryan Stephens smarter than a Black Lab entering his fifth grade of canine training?

Would a jury of his peers be composed of 12 slightly drunk strays? Was the accused read his Miranda rights in both English and Dogspeak?

Will Timber be called to testify against the accused and, if so, will Ryan Stephens be the only person in the courtroom who understands what the dog is barking about? Will the entire case be thrown out because nobody, including the judge, can keep a straight face?

And the clincher? Accused dog barker Ryan Stephens made a statement to Officer Walker immediately after his arrest that could settle both this case and the grander issue of evolution. In his defense, Ryan turned to the officer and without malice aforethought said, and I’m quoting here, “The dog started it.”

Well, that’s good enough for me. Free Ryan James Stephens immediately! He’s obviously been duped by a bored but devious German Shepherd impersonating a police officer.

All together now: “Let Ryan Stephens off leash!

Let Ryan Stephens off leash!”

For comments, ideas or a signed copy of The Dog Rules, go to www.williamthomas.ca

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