From the EDITOR Well, I made it through the first issue and received some great feedback. This venture continues to challenge me with a lot of hard work, but also rewards me in that I am having fun and meeting some great people. PetLife is growing rapidly. We’ve added more articles, a directory of services, and an events listing. Mark your calendars and come out for these fun-filled events. I’ll be there so look for the PetLife table and come by and say hi! Your feedback is essential to the success of PetLife. Email me anytime with your comments and/or suggestions. I’d love to hear from you!! Enjoy,
Jan
Make a World of Difference. Adopt a Pet. The SPCA of Wake County 200 Petfinder Lane Raleigh, NC 27603
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Contents
September/October 2012 V o l . 1 • No . 2
F e at u r e s Dogs
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Getting to kNow the Carolina Dog By Matthew McCabe
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Autumn Safety Tips Small Animals
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Five Health Problems to Look Out for in Your Guinea Pig Exotics
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Mini-Pigs as Pets By Dr. Dan Johnson, DVM, DABVP-ECM
Editor: Jan Raymondi jan@petlifenc.com Art Director: Nicole Leech Editorial Advisor:
Christine Willis
Photography: Theresa Hammond
D e pa r t m e n t s IFC — Editor’s Corner 2 — From the Vet 4 — Cats 8 — NC State Vet School 8 — Directory 9 — RESCUE & ADOPTION
Contents of PetLife Magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the written consent of PetLife Magazine, LLC.
9 — Events
The Editor and staff are not responsible for any of the views expressed by the authors of articles published in PetLife Magazine, nor shall these opinions necessarily indicate those of the Editor. Printed in Raleigh, NC.
A magazine about pets and the people who love them!
From the Vet
Ticks, Ehrlichiosis, and the $1000 Question By Dr. Betsy Sigmon, DVM
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eterinarians routinely urge clients to apply topical preventatives monthly to lower the risk of their pets acquiring infectious agents carried by ticks. Unfortunately, one factor that is often neglected is that purchasing the product does not ensure consistent or proper application of the product. Thus the window of opportunity for disease transmission to pets through feeding activity by ticks is an ongoing threat made worse if incomplete tick prevention is practiced. One vector borne (carried by blood sucking insects or arachnids such as fleas, mites or ticks) disease that can be acquired and be particularly detrimental is Ehrlichiosis. Humans can also acquire this infection due to exposure to ticks in the same environment, but not as a result of transmission from their pets. In dogs and wild canids, Ehrlichiosis is most commonly caused by Ehrlichia canis transmitted year round by the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineous) and Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii found seasonally in the spring and summer from the bite of the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum). Certain dog breeds such as German Shepherds and Doberman
PO Box 463 Garner, NC 27529 (919) 424-6391
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info@ncruff.org www.ncruff.org
Pinschers appear to have a higher risk of infection. Ticks can remain infected for up to 5 months. There are several phases of ehrlichiosis: acute (lasting up to a month post-infection), subclinical (no signs of illness despite ongoing infection for months to years), and chronic (severe, debilitating, costly disease). Although the acute phase can lead to fever, depression, enlarged lymph nodes, and lower blood cell counts, is the chronic phase that most often requires extended medical therapy to manage lameness, kidney failure, bleeding disorders, and neurological signs or can even be fatal. There are commonly two blood tests available for detection of ehrlichiosis: antibody levels or DNA/PCR. Herein lies the $1000 question, or what is the average cost of treatment? Intravenous fluids, laboratory testing, radiographs, IV medications, and oral antibiotics such as doxycycline, and hospitalization can run an average of $1200 to $1500 for a two to three day stay at a 24-hour facility. In a seriously infected patient requiring intensive care, $3500+ may be a conservative estimate if repetitive testing or blood transfusions are required. Some cases are more complicated to diagnose and treat as a pet may acquire more than one infection from single or multiple tick bites. For example, a pet could become infected concurrently or sequentially with both Rocky Mountain Spotted fever and Ehrlichiosis. To avoid expensive care and suffering for your pet, it is very important to be consistent with flea/tick preventatives in this area. Be sure to follow directions carefully. The cost of consistent, monthly preventatives administered year round in conjunction with effective environmental control is well worth it and the first step in lowering the risk of Ehrlichiosis. In addition, it is helpful to have your dog screened on a yearly basis for exposure to Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, and Anaplasma as a part of the IDEXX in house 4Dx screen rapid SNAP heartworm test. Dr. Betsy Sigmon is Founder of Creature Comforts Animal Hospital in Cary. Her area of interest is in zoonotic diseases and geriatric care. She is one of 17 Diplomates for the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in North Carolina. September/October 2012
Dogs
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nimal lovers around the world are familiar with the phrase “a dog is a man’s best friend.” Dogs do in fact hold a special place in mankind’s heart. They were one of our earliest nonhuman companions, serving as protectors and hunting partners throughout human history. Over the centuries many breeds have been domesticated and interbred to develop even more breeds. As a result it is hard for many to contemplate that wild dogs could still exist in many corners of the world. We are all familiar with the Australian dingo, but what would you say if someone told you there was an American dingo living completely in the wild until the 1970s? This is the curious story behind the Carolina Dog. The Carolina Dog was discovered, identified, and named by Dr. I Lehr Brisbin Jr. Dr. Brisbin was an ecologist from the University of Georgia studying a site along the Savannah River Basin in South Carolina during the 1970s when he noticed a dog lingering around the encampment. After initially believing the dog to be a stray, Dr. Brisbin came to learn the breed was in fact a wild breed whose remote location had prevented interbreeding with domesticated breeds. Dr. Brisbin named the dog the Carolina Dog due to its discovery in South Carolina. The Carolina Dog’s stunning resemblance to the dingoes of Australia has led some to call the dog by another name, the American Dingo. This connection was made all the more intriguing when the Carolina Dog was compared to wild dogs believed to have existed in North America for centuries. The Carolina Dog was found to have a similar bone structure to that of breeds found in Neolithic Native American burial sites. There was also a resemblance in general appearance to images found in the paintings and rock art of native tribes. In fact, the Carolina Dog’s strong resemblance to the dingo has led many to
September/October 2012
believe the breed may have come to North America with Asian migrants travelling across the Bering Sea land bridge some 8,000 years ago. Today, the Carolina Dog is popular breed in the American South. The breed is noteworthy for its strong loyalty and high energy level. It is believed that there are still some pure wild Carolina Dogs roaming the backwoods and swamps in the Savannah River Basin, but definitive proof is lacking. Matthew is a first time contributor who has been working as a freelance writer for 4 years. He is also a stay-at-home dad and a dog owner, raising a 4 year old daughter and a 4 year old Siberian Husky.
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Cats
Introduction Cats are quirky creatures. Their strange behaviors make them fun to watch, but what’s behind the things they do? From purring to bringing live mice to their owners, experts have advanced many theories for these mysterious cat behaviors. Purring Cats purr when they’re happy, right? Not necessarily. Cats start purring as kittens, and veterinarians speculate that they use the sound to communicate with their mothers. As anyone with a friendly lap cat knows, cats do purr when they’re content. However, cats have also been known to purr when nervous, sick, or in pain. Sometimes, cats even purr while giving birth. The fact is, no one knows for sure why cats purr. Communication, with their mothers, their owners, or other cats, is one theory, but others suggest purring produces low-frequency vibrations that promote healing, or releases hormones to dull pain. Kneading If a cat jumps into someone’s lap and starts to act as if it is making bread dough, it’s kneading. Kneading, like purring, is a cat behavior without a clear explanation. Kneading begins in kittenhood, when kittens knead their mothers’ teats to stimulate milk production. In adulthood, the behavior is transferred to laps and other comfy spots. Many suggest that this is a remnant instinct that triggers whenever the cat is settling down in a comforting, relaxing place. It may also be that cats are trying to make the area more comfortable. Finally, cats do have scent glands in their paw pads, so they may be trying to make their resting spot smell like them. Sleeping (a lot) With the exception of bats, cats spend more time asleep than other animals, averaging an impressive 13 to 16 hours of slumber a day. Like many predators, cats are most active during crepuscular periods (dawn and dusk). Perhaps they are saving their energy for these brief periods of activity, during which, in the wild, they would be hunting. Domestic cats may sleep more than their wild counterparts because they don’t have to struggle to survive, or out of boredom.
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Prey Delivery Many cat owners have experienced the unwanted gift of a mouse or other small prey item, left on the doorstep or delivered to them by their faithful cat. Most experts agree that cats aren’t just showing off when they do this – they are trying to teach their owners how to hunt. Feral kittens are introduced to prey by their mothers in the same way; dead prey is displayed first, followed by live prey as the mother teaches her kittens how to catch and kill their food. Domestic cats are hoping their owners will learn from these lessons and become better hunters. Licking and Suckling When a cat is getting comfortable in a nice, soft lap, it may lick or suckle on skin or clothes. This behavior is not common to all cats, but is, of course, found in kittens when they are nursing. Experts suggest that suckling in an adult cat is a sign that the animal was weaned too early, before six or seven weeks. If the constant cat drool becomes annoying, owners may be able to break their cats of the habit by getting up every time the felines start suckling. Scratching Cat owners hope that their cats limit their scratching to trees and leave the couch alone. Scratching stretches tendons and sharpens claws, but the primary reason cats scratch is communication. Even big cats such as tigers mark trees this way. The visible scratch marks and odors released from scent glands in their paws ensure other cats know whose territory it is – whether the territory is in a jungle or in a living room. Chattering Sometimes, when a cat sees a bird or other prey item (in the flesh, or on television), its lips pull back and it starts to chatter, a sound like chattering teeth. Some experts think this is just an involuntary, excited noise, while others think it is an instinct related to the killing neck bite cats use to finish their prey, almost as if the cat is warming up for the real thing. Conclusion Cats have been domesticated for thousands of years, but they still retain some behaviors from their wild past, while others are leftovers from kittenhood. Still, the reasons for some of the most common cat behaviors are still not fully understood. September/October 2012
Feature
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h, fall—there’s nothing like crisp, cool air, the first months of school and luscious foliage to get you excited for the changing seasons. Your pet, too, is probably welcoming the break from hot, sticky weather. But pet parents, beware—fall is also a time of lurking dangers for our furry friends. From household poisons to cold weather hazards, the season is a minefield! Here are some tips to keep your pet snug and healthy during the autumn months. • The use of rodenticides increases in the fall as rodents seek shelter from the cooler temperatures by attempting to move indoors. Rodenticides are highly toxic to pets—if ingested, the results could be fatal. If you must use these products, do so with extreme caution and put them in places inaccessible to your pets. • It’s back-to-school time, and those of you with young children know that means stocking up on fun items like glue sticks, pencils and magic markers. These items are considered “low toxicity” to pets, which means they’re unlikely to cause serious problems unless large amounts are ingested. However, since gastrointestinal upset and blockages certainly are possible, be sure your children keep their school supplies out of paw’s reach. • Training tip: If you and your pooch haven’t been active outdoors in a while because of the summer heat, do some remedial recall training. Dogs, like people, get rusty on their skills if they aren’t using them.
September/October 2012
• Fall and spring are mushroom seasons. While 99% of mushrooms have little or no toxicity, the 1% that are highly toxic (PDF) can cause life-threatening problems in pets. Unfortunately, most of the highly toxic mushrooms are difficult to distinguish from the nontoxic ones, so the best way to keep pets from ingesting poisonous mushrooms is to keep them away from areas where any mushrooms are growing. Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately if you witness your pet eating a wild mushroom. • In order to generate body heat, pets who exercise heavily outdoors, or who live outdoors, should be given more food during colder seasons. Make sure horses and other outdoor animals have access to clean, fresh water that is not frozen. • Autumn is the season when snakes who are preparing for hibernation may be particularly “grumpy,” increasing the possibility of severe bites to those unlucky pups who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Pet owners should know what kinds of venomous snakes may be in their environment—and where these snakes are most likely to be found—so they can keep pets out of those areas. • Many people choose fall as the time to change their car’s engine coolant. Ethylene glycolbased coolants are highly toxic, so spills should be cleaned up immediately. Consider switching to propylene glycolbased coolants—though they aren’t completely nontoxic, they are much less toxic than other engine coolants. Copyright 2012. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). All rights reserved. PetLife
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Small Animals
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ost of these illnesses can be fairly easily treated, but if they go unnoticed then they put your pet’s life at risk. Regularly check your guinea pig for the following:
1) Dental problems Guinea pigs wear their teeth down by gnawing, but some develop malocclusion (in which the teeth are misaligned and
grow out of control, eventually requiring trimming). Speak to your vet if your pet’s teeth look too long, if it loses interest in food, or if you can see ulcers on its lips. 2) Ear infections If your pet is staggering or tilting its head, this could indicate an inner ear infection. Your vet will be able to supply medication, but quick treatment is essential if your guinea pig is to make a full recovery. 3) Fungal infections and mites Look out for bald patches and sores all across the guinea pig’s body (especially on the face), and pay attention to excessive scratching. It is difficult to tell when these symptoms indicate fungal infections and when they indicate mite infestation, so see a vet promptly in order to get a diagnosis. 4) Foot sores Guinea pigs that live in cages with wire bottoms can end up with red, swollen feet that discourage them from moving around very much. If you notice these symptoms, your vet will be able to provide you with an antibiotic cream and advice about more suitable cage flooring. 5) Heatstroke Make sure your pet’s cage is out of direct sunlight, as guinea pigs develop heatstroke quickly and easily. The main signs are panting and drooling while lying down. If you suspect heatstroke, wrap your guinea pig in a cold, wet towel and see a vet immediately (as heatstroke is an emergency and can be fatal). If you keep an eye out for all of the above health problems and make sure you provide your guinea pig with clean bedding, a hygienic cage, fresh water and appropriate food, you should have a healthy and happy pet for up to eight years.
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September/October 2012
Exotics
Mini-Pigs as Pets By Dr. Dan Johnson, DVM, DABVP-ECM
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ur veterinary hospital is seeing more miniature pigs than ever before! Not surprising, since pigs are intelligent, affectionate, clean, and generally easy to take care of. Pigs can be trained to walk on a harness or leash, sit, stay, retrieve, and even do tricks as readily as a dog. Pet pigs enjoy attention and are generally good with children. They like to play, snuggle, and they usually get along well with other pets. Contrary to popular belief, pigs are also exceptionally clean. They can be house trained and/or trained to use a litter box. Pigs do not shed and are non-allergenic for most allergy sufferers. When compared to other exotic pets, pigs have relatively few health problems. Much is known about their disease prevention and nutrition, and commercial mini-pig diets are readily obtainable. The term “miniature” can be deceiving. Although these pigs range in size from 30 to 300 lbs., the majority of the pigs we see in our practice are 100-200 lbs. when fully grown. Most prospective pig owners probably envision a much smaller animal than this when they first think about getting a miniature pig. However, since commercial swine (i.e. normally-sized pigs) routinely grow to 600-800 lbs., and may exceed 1000 lbs., even a 150-300 lb. pig is technically a “miniature”. Several true breeds of miniature pig exist, including the Vietnamese potbellied pig, the Kunekune pig of New Zealand, and the Juliana pig from Europe. As adults, all of these pigs can be expected to be the size of a medium- to large-breed dog. Recently, however, mini-pig breeders have begun marketing pigs under various names such as “micro-mini”, “super-micro”, “teacup”, “Royal Dandy”, “pixie” etc., which are advertised to be only 25-35 lbs. as adults. These ultra-mini-pigs have sparked controversy due to concerns about underfeeding, malnourishment, and extreme stunting. Most pig advocates and veterinarians will agree that it is rare for a healthy adult mini-pig to weigh less than 60 lbs. when fully grown. It is important to know the size of the parents when selecting a piglet, as this will have a great effect on the size of the offspring. Regardless of breed, pigs do not reach physical maturity until 3-4 years of age; therefore, the full size of the parents cannot be accurately judged before this time. Additionally, individual piglets in a litter can vary in size as adults and may end up smaller or larger than its parents. Uncertainty regarding the actual size of a mini-pig can be avoided by adopting from a pig rescue such as Pig Pals of NC (www.pigpals.com).
Miniature pigs should be fed a small amount of mini-pig chow once or twice a day supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, unlimited grass hay and/or opportunities for outdoor grazing. They should be examined by a veterinarian once or twice each year. All pigs are susceptible to certain infections and should receive yearly vaccinations to prevent disease. Pigs should also be tested for internal parasites (e.g. roundworms) on a regular basis and dewormed if necessary. Whether they are pint-sized or standard, miniature pigs make remarkable pets when given the proper love and attention. Chances are pretty good that someone you know will have one soon!
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Dan Johnson is founder of North Carolina’s first all-exotics practice. His caseload is made up entirely of exotic pets, fish, wildlife, and zoo species. In 2010, he was certified as a Diplomate by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) specializing 8/4/12 8:10 PM in1Exotic Companion Mammal Practice.
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The Vets for Unusual Pets Since 1996
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8711 Fidelity Boulevard Raleigh, NC 27617
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www.AvianandExotic.com PetLife
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NCSU Vet School
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ou may not have heard of Cytauxzoonosis (pronounced Sight-Oh-zO-un-Osis) before, but if you’re a cat owner, you should definitely pay attention now. Cytauxzoonosis is a tick-borne, malaria-like illness that, if left untreated, has an almost 100 percent mortality rate in cats. It is caused by the parasite Cytauxzoon felis, found in ticks carried by host bobcats. The most common symptoms of infection are lack of energy and appetite, usually accompanied by a profound fever. Some cats develop a yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes. The disease was once considered rare – it was first discovered in the late 1970s – but it has been increasing in frequency as the distribution area of the ticks that carry it has increased. This infection is believed to have “jumped species” from bobcats to domestic cats, so cats who survive the infection may also act as reservoirs of the disease, exposing other cats to the infection. So far this year, Dr. Adam Birkenheuer, associate professor of internal medicine at NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, has already consulted on 15 cases of Cytauxzoonosis in cats in North Carolina. (The peak season for Cytauxzoonosis usually starts in May and lasts through September.) And with the mild
winter likely to result in a longer tick season, he expects that the number of cases will only increase. Fortunately, there is some good news to counteract the bad. A new treatment developed by collaborators Birkenheuer and Dr. Leah Cohn, from the University of Missouri, has raised the Cytauxzoonosis survival rate from less than 25 percent to 60 percent. With the help of NC State plant pathologist Dr. David Bird, they have sequenced the parasite’s genome and are working with some of the world’s top malaria research groups to identify antigens that can be used to develop a vaccine against this deadly feline infection. Still, disease prevention currently remains a cat owner’s best bet when dealing with Cytauxzoonosis. The best protection combines keeping cats indoors and using anti-tick treatments (make sure that any anti-tick product is approved to kill ticks on cats, because some canine products can be toxic to cats). The use of anti-tick products alone may not guarantee the prevention of infection. A veterinarian should be consulted immediately if an owner detects any signs of the disease in the pet. Article reprinted with permission from the NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Directory ADOPTION & RESCUE All Breed Animal Rescue allbreedanimalrescue.com Best Friend Pet Adoption 919- 661-1722 www.bfpa.org SAFE Haven Cat Shelter & Clinic 919-872-SAFE (7233) www.safehavenforcats.org
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APPAREL & MERCHANDISE Furever Dogs Made in NC: Custom harnesses and unique handcrafted items for your dog.
919-656-1395 www.fureverdogs.com PETSITTING & DOG WALKING Crate Escape 919-819-0950 www.crateescapeNC.com
VETERINARIANS Creature Comforts Animal Hospital 919-387-3435 www.creaturecomfortsvet.com SAFE Care Feline Spay/Neuter Clinic 919-872-SAFE (7233) www.safehavenforcats.org
September/October 2012
Rescue & Adoption
(919) 424-6391 info@ncruff.org www.ncruff.org
www.spcawake.org SPCA photos courtesy of InBetween the Blinks Photography by Tara Lynn
Roly Beagle • 5 years old I’m Roly! I’m a 5 year old Beagle (30 lbs). I’m a friendly, handsome Beagle. I hope my new family will take me for lots of walks so I can explore. I came in with my friend Poly, and it would be so great if we could go home together! I am fixed, vaccinated and microchipped. Poly Beagle • 3 years old I’m Poly! I am a 3 year old Beagle. I’m a sweet girl & would love walks just like Roly. Roly is my friend & it would be so great if we could get adopted together. I am fixed, vaccinated and microchipped. Snickerdoodle Am. Staffordshire Terrier mix • 4 years old My name is Snickerdoodle. I’m a 4 year old American Staffordshire Terrier mix (57lbs). I’ve been in and out of the shelter a few times, so I must find a very experienced dog owner who will give me love, attention & a permanent home. Lace up your sneakers and get ready to go, I love to run. I am fixed, vaccinated and microchipped.
Dora Am. Staffordshire Terrier mix • 5 years old Dora is a 5 year old American Staffordshire Terrier mix (55lbs) who would wants to find a loving home that is feline free. She loves playtime with her canine friends, rides in the car, and cuddle time with her foster family. She is house trained, crate trained and leash trained. Dora is fixed, vaccinated. and microchipped. Roxie Dachshund/Shepherd mix • 5 years old Roxie is a 6 year old Dachshund/Shepherd mix (35lbs) who loves to run and play fetch. She is looking for a home where she can get lots of love, cuddling and playtime. She is house trained, crate trained and leash trained. Roxie is fixed, vaccinated. and microchipped. Barney Schnauzer/Aus. Shepherd mix • 1 year old Barney is a 1 year old highly intelligent Schnauzer/ Australian Shepherd mix (40lbs). He is an active fellow who loves to run and play with other dogs. He knows how to ‘come’, ‘sit’, ‘down’ and is learning to walk politely on leash. Barney is housebroken and crate-trained. He is fixed, vaccinated. and microchipped.
Events The Carolina Reptile & Exotic Animal Show September 1 & 2, 2012, from 10am–5pm General admission $9 NC State Fairgrounds, Exposition Bldg www.gilaproductions.com Dog Olympics September 8, 2012, from 10am-4pm North Carolina State Veterinary School, Hillsborough St., Raleigh www.cvm.ncsu.edu/news/olympics The Raleigh Aquarium Society Auction September 9, 2012 at 11:00am NC State Fairgrounds, James Martin Bldg www.raleighaquariumsociety.org/ workshop September/October 2012
DogGoneFast Flyball Tournament September 15-16, 2012 Saturday from 9am-5pm Sunday from 9am-3pm Free admission NC State Fairgrounds, Holshouser Bldg. www.flyballdogs.com/dgf AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day September 22, 2012, from 10am-3pm Free admission NC State Fairgrounds, Holshouser Bldg www.akc.org/clubs/rdod/events
SPCA’s 17th Annual Fur Ball 2012 The most important night of the year for homeless pets in Wake County. The evening promises fabulous live and silent auctions, heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer & wine, live music and the most “unstuffy” black-tie event of the season. Tickets available online.
October 7, 2012, 6pm-10:30pm $125 per person. For more details log on to www.spcawake.org/site/Calendar
If you would like us to include your upcoming event, please email jan@petlifenc.com Check out petlifenc.com for updates on events. PetLife
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