Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine March 2013 Vol. 1 Issue 7

Pittsburgh

March 2013

Vol. 1, Issue 7

Free!

PetConnections Magazine In This Issue: The HumanAnimal Bond Do Animals Remember Us? Page 4 National Poison Prevention Week Page 16

Read Your Feline’s Body Language!

Page 18

Basic Equine Training Ingredients

Integrative Cancer Care Page 22

page 26 Find us on

Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area

March 2013

Vol. 1, Issue 7

Free!

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Citiwide Chem-Dry is proud to join the Pittsburgh Pet Connections community.

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I n T h i s Issu e: The Human-Animal Bond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Do Animals Remember Us?

Short Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 The Bird of Summer

Pet-Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 K9 Kingdom: Love Your Dog…Treat Yourself!

Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-12 Pet Holistic Health and Nutrition with Dr. Doug Knueven; Dr. Savko speaks at Coventry Equestrian Center; How Can your Horse Benefit from Massage?; Scaredy Dog Seminar: Working with Reactive Dogs

Press Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Tribute Sessions Honor Faithful Companions

Animal Health & Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 National Poison Prevention Week

Cat Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 TNR (Trap - Neuter - Return) in Pittsburgh

Animal Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18-19 Read Your Felines Body Language; Free Dog Aggression Classes

Holistic Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-23 Integrative Cancer Care; Show and Tell-epathy

Health & Wellness for Guardians . . . . . . . . .24 One Hour Wellness Clinics

Tanks and Terrariums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 When the Power Goes Off: Keep Your Tropical Fish Alive!

Equine Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26-28 Basic Equine Training Ingredients; Treatment of Neoplastic Disease with Radiotherapy; What is Laminitis?

Advertiser Locator Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-15

Cover Photo: © K. Jones Photography

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©Pittsburgh PetConnections

March 2013

FROM THE PUBLISHER WELCOME TO OUR MARCH ISSUE 7!

We wanted to honor the horse for our Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine cover feature this month and also Misty Pony! Misty was my horse Colt’s stall mate. We recently moved Colt to another farm where he could be kept as naturally as possible, due to his health. We’ll miss you Misty Pony, as well as Bentley, Gwen, Alex, Obie, Bailey, Indy, Baby, Nestle, Connor, Sweet Pea and also Jen for taking such good care of us and everyone else…

Horses always seem to be out of reach for people in the city. The Human-Animal Advocacy & Wellness Centers, Inc. (HAAWC) is the 501c3 non-profit organization I founded, to create people and pet care facilities and programs which honor the Human-Animal bond. HAAWC is in the process of programmatic development for animal-assisted activities and programs. We also intend to do research on the bio-energetic interaction and synergistic healing effects between people and animals. Visit www.haawc.com for more information.

Thank You to our advertising sponsors, new subscribers, readers, and our contributing writers who are experts in veterinary medicine and the horse and pet care fields. Again, PPC Magazine encourages you to reach out and pay it forward any way you can this season, through volunteering with people and pets, donations and shopping locally.

PPC Magazine supports local animal shelters and rescue organizations through donated and discounted ads. We are working with sponsors from all types of corporations and businesses who want to help support the mission and events of local organizations. Please see our center map spread for our Advertiser Locator.

Check out our PPC Magazine Rivista website at www.pghpetconnections.com, for area events and Meet Up groups, business directories, blogs and more!

Subscribe so you don’t miss an issue!

Our pet and wellness-related business directories are building and we welcome submissions for free listings for your business. Call to find out how your business, no matter how small, can become a Media Partner or see the Advertise page of our website. We offer a target audience for businesses like no other local publication. Our Media Partnership packages are an exceptional value!

My background of over 25 years as a veterinary technician, veterinary hospital administrator and non-profit founder has led me to create Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine. My goal is to lead, share and heal through the Human-Animal Bond (HAB). I would like to personally thank all of you for picking up PPC Magazine. Take care of yourself, as well as your animals and be well!

Warmly, Carla Mader Managing Editor

Please submit any correspondence to: info@pghpetconnections.com Please check us out on the web & subscribe at: www.pghpetconnections.com Also, “Like” us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/PghPetconnectionsMagazine Disclaimer: “The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine.” Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine ©

Pittsburgh PetConnections Monthly Published By: Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC. Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC. was formed in 2012.

Our mission is to publish a high quality, informative and Human-Animal Bond focused publication.

We support local businesses and also assist local non-profit businesses for pets and people, to give back to our great Pittsburgh communities.

MAGAZINE PUBLICATION STAFF Sales Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carla Mader Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Martin Mader Graphic Artist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Patricia Sutkowski Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kara Jones Photography Contributing Writers: Our contributing writers have many years of combined experience and expertise in the fields of veterinary medicine and the Human-Animal Bond.

Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carla Mader Chief Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bernadette E. Kazmarski

ADVERTISING: info@pghpetconnections.com 724-503-8695 Contact: info@pghpetconnections.com All Rights Reserved Copyright 2013

March 2013

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THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND Do Animals Remember Us? There are dogs and cats, and then there are Sam Phinneys. You animal lovers know what I mean. When you look into their eyes, something special looks back at you. Yes, all animals are special, and I believe they all have souls. But Sam Phinneys have old souls. Perhaps they have more wisdom or intelligence, or maybe they are even our pet soul mates. I don’t know which, if any, it is, but I’d like to tell you about my Sam Phinney.

Sam was a Chow Chow. Chows are often misunderstood, because some are temperamental. But I’ve always liked them – especially Sam. Sam’s guardian, Mike, did business next door to my veterinary office.

Mike would go do his errands, and Sam would stand outside our glass front door with his joyful tail-wagging until someone would notice him and let him in. Sam loved everyone, and I mean everyone. He would visit with all of us – clients, other patients, staff, docs – until Mike was finished and ready to leave. He was the hit of the office.

I sold that practice to go back to school for advanced training. A couple of years went by, and I was having a typical neurology resident

By Susan Wagner

kind of day – crazy busy. As I was walking through the treatment room at my normal fast pace, out of the corner of my eye I noticed a Chow on a gurney. I heard someone say he had been hit by a car. He had a doc and plenty of caring students all around him, so there was no need for an extra pair of hands. I kept walking until I spotted a small tail wag. I about tripped over myself when I stopped dead in my tracks.

Sam? Is that you? The tail went nuts. Sam had recognized me. And what’s more amazing is that even in his pain, Sam showed us what animals are really about. Love. They express it unconditionally, in bad and good times. Perhaps there’s a lesson there.

Dr. Susan Wagner is a board certified veterinary neurologist whose pioneering work acknowledges the bioenergetic interaction between people and animals.

She is an advocate for change in the area of interpersonal violence and animal cruelty, and works toward a greater understanding surrounding the health implications of the human-animal bond. Dr. Wagner is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University Veterinary College, a Level IV Healing Touch for Animals practitioner and co-author of Through A Dog’s Ear.

SHORT STORIES

The Bird Summer

by Wayne Vanderaar

ne summer day many years ago, while headed out to shop, my O wife and I noticed a rustling on the ground beneath a small tree.

Upon investigation, we found a tattered nest beside two nestling birds in the grass. These guys were featherless newborns. Without intervention, these little ones wouldn't have a chance with the occasional feral cat around. What to do! Well, of course we took them in. We placed a small towel in a cardboard box and began an incessant routine of raising what turned out to be baby robins. This was no small task. With no experience in raising birds, so began our “bird summer.”

We began their feeding with little bits of bread dipped in water. We worked in shifts, feeding every half hour or so. I got creative and started dipping the bread in milk. Later, visualizing parent robins feeding their young regurgitated worms, we tried ground beef and met with resounding success. The pair grew at a quick rate, sprouting pin feathers and growing quickly. In a few weeks they were fully plumed and very active. Since they were adopted at such a young age, they imprinted on us and never showed any fear. We were able to hold them in our cupped hands, later graduating to having them perch on our fingers. The birds looked to us like they were approaching fledgling stage, so we took them outside in their box and introduced them to the world. I actually taught them to fly by holding them a few inches off the ground and gently “booting” them off my finger, allowing them to flutter safely to the grass. After several outings, one managed to fly away to a tree and wouldn’t return. However, the other stuck around and we enjoyed his company all summer.

After spending more time outside with our remaining bird, he began to flutter farther away, but always to return to my shoulder. We kept feeding him (I think the bird was a male) and he hung around with us until we attempted to leave him to his own devices. He remained in

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the yard to be fed and eventually discovered that he could access meals by flying up to a window sill. If we opened the window he would hop in. It was during these visits that we heard him vocalize his first calls. These sounded rather odd – not like robin, so we named him “Squeaks.”

I suppose I had been a lousy role model in the speech department.

Throughout the rest of the summer and into the fall, Squeaks was our daily visitor. He always flew up to the bedroom upon hearing the alarm clock before I readied for work and greeted me by flying down to my shoulder when I got out of the car in the afternoon. Our neighbors initially did a double-take in seeing our interaction, but became accustomed to it. An approaching thunderstorm would prompt Squeaks to return to a windowsill and he could always count on a dry towel-nest and a handout ‘til things blew over. One day I looked out and saw him perched on a telephone wire, flanked shoulderto-shoulder by two sparrows. Weird! Had he been “readopted?”

Squeaks flew away in late fall and we thought we had completed our bird-parenting. Lo and behold, Squeaks returned one time in the spring, to light on a porch railing inches from me, reach over and swipe his beak across my shoulder. It was almost as if he was saying: “Hi dad, I’m back and everything’s O.K.” We never saw him again but to this day I feel kin to all robins.

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

March 2013

EVEN SMALL BIRDS CAN PRESENT CHALLENGES! Do you have a pet parrot?

Are you considering adding a pet parrot to your household?

Parrots – including parakeets, cockatiels, conures, macaws, and cockatoos – can be incredibly rewarding pets for the right home, but they are not a low-maintenance alternative to a dog or cat.

Positive Parroting is a lecture series specifically created for people who own parrots and want new information to enrich their pets’ lives. Topics include innovative caging, choosing perches, healthy diets, common poisons to avoid, and entertaining activities for your parrot. Learn bird training skills to help with challenging behaviors, and make your own parrot enrichment toys to take home. Programs include lectures, written materials, demonstrations, and interactive training sessions, taught by the National Aviary's Head Avian Veterinarian and Manager of Bird Training.

Participants leave with valuable and practical information that adds to their parrot’s life.

the class will cover some common behavior issues that parrot owners have. Participants will leave with information and resources that will provide insight into the basics of positive reinforcement training and will help owners deal with challenges that arise from having one of the most intelligent birds in their home.

Workshop will include live training demonstrations with the National Aviary’s parrots. Please leave your bird at home.

The Healthy Happy Parrot: April 21, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm Parrots are amazing pets but can be challenging.This class offers innovative ideas in parrot care. Taught by the National Aviary's head veterinarian, new information is Training Your Pet Bird: March 23, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm given on cage designs, choosing perches, making play areas, safe toys, healthy diets, common poisons to avoid, and Do you want a better relationship with your pet parrot? Learn enriching activities for your parrot.Actual demonstrations are given of each topic with interactive discussions. Join how to interact with and train your this unique class and take home new ideas for your parrot in a positive way. Taught by the healthy happy parrot.

National Aviary's head bird trainer,

March 23 and April 21 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

Cost of each workshop is $25, $20 for Aviary members.

Please leave your parrots at home! To register for the workshop or for more information, please visit www.Aviary.org or call 412-258-9439.

Positive Parroting is supported by grants from

About the National Aviary: The National Aviary is America’s only independent indoor nonprofit zoo dedicated exclusively to birds. Located in West Park on Pittsburgh’s historic North Side, the National Aviary’s diverse collection comprises 550 birds representing more than 150 species from around the world, many of them threatened or endangered in the wild. The National Aviary’s large walk-through exhibits create an intimate, up-close interaction between visitors and free-flying birds, including opportunities to hand-feed and to meet many species rarely found in zoos anywhere else in the world.

PET-EDITORIAL K9 Kingdom is a suburban dog’s dream destination, right in your backyard. K9 Kingdom is a first-class pet care business dedicated to providing the comfort and compassion your family dog deserves, resulting in a stress-free drop-off each time you visit. You'll enjoy having a tired and well-behaved dog when you return home at the end of a long work day, and you will feel a distinct level of reassurance when you travel knowing your dog is staying with his best friends!

K9 Kingdom is a small woman-owned business with a big mission of providing the very best in K9 care. K9 Kingdom is owned and operated by Christin Bummer who has a degree in Animal Science from Cornell University, and 20 years of experience in the pet care industry. After learning the ropes from one of the nation’s top pet resort companies, Bummer introduced the all-indoor dog Celebrating concept to the Pittsburgh Our market. th “I wanted a dog-centric environment, where we always do what is best for the dogs, prioritizing their safety and care over anything else,” says Bummer, and “We treat dogs as our own!” Her strong background in management and leadership in the industry also helped her establish an excellent training program for her staff and also to develop her boarding and grooming services.

The professional groomers have over 15 years of experience and offer full service bathing and grooming for all breeds. They can recommend a maintenance schedule specific to your dog’s individual needs. The self-service dog wash is open to the public and comes equipped with easy step-up tubs, shampoos, brushes and dryers. Frequent visitors rave about the ease of leaving the hairy clean-up to the professionals!

K9 Kingdom’s retail shelves are stocked with several lines of training and grooming aids, treats and durable enrichment toys. The whole setup makes for an easy one-stop-shop for all of your pet’s needs. “It becomes so easy and stress-free for dogs to board with us when they have come to play with us for daycare,” explains Bummer. “It just feels like home since they already know the people, and they have their dog friends waiting to play!”

K9 Kingdom is also involved with the local community with fundraising and educational events. A Reactive Dog seminar will be offered on April 7, helping dog owners learn how to identify reactive dog behavior and to respond appropriately. To register, contact the front desk at 724-935-3647.

K9 Kingdom celebrates their fifth birthday this month! You are invited to drop in at any time to take a look around and to watch the dogs in the indoor dog park. As part of the birthday celebration, proceeds from the dog park and self-service dog wash will be donated to Beverly’s Birthdays, a Pittsburgh non-profit that spreads birthday cheer to homeless youth. (www.BeverlysBirthdays.info) Support two great organizations with one fun visit!

Call K9 Kingdom at 724-935-DOGS (3647) or visit www.K9Kingdom.com for additional information.

155 Lake Drive, Wexford

5 Year

Birthday!

AVCF provides veterinarians with a unique opportunity to join together under one charitable entity designed to assist them raise funds to support their generous giving.

Appreciative clients and caring individuals can now help veterinarians in their charitable endeavors by supporting an individual veterinary practice or the AVCF General Fund.

Donors can rest assured that 100% of their charitable giving to the AVCF goes directly to improving the quality of life of pets and their people.

email: info@avcfund.org For more information: www.avcfund.org

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©Pittsburgh PetConnections

March 2013

UPCOMING EVENTS Join us on April 14 from 10-4 At the Western PA Humane Society, 1101 Western Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 for

PET HOLISTIC HEALTH AND NUTRITION with Dr. Doug Knueven of Beaver Animal Clinic

Learn how you can apply holistic techniques to improve your pet’s health including: • • • • • • •

Prudent vaccination guidelines Natural nutrition – what food is best?

Acupressure for your pet How to use herbs and which ones to avoid Maintaining spinal health Pet massage Homeopathic remedies to help your pet

And much more! Get all your holistic health questions answered.

This day-long workshop will include lunch, Answers brand pet food sample, and a 25-page workshop guide covering all the pertinent points of the lectures.

All this for only $55.00 For more details and to register call Dara at the Western PA Humane Society at 412-321-4625 ext 234.

ON LOCATION PHOTOGRAPHY ANYWHERE IN THE

SOUTH HILLS AREA.

SENIOR PICTURES, ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS, FAMILY PORTRAITS, PET PHOTOGRAPHY AND MORE.

kjonesphotography88@gmail.com www.kjones.smugmug.com

724-825-9025

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©Pittsburgh PetConnections

March 2013

The Finicky Cat...

If only I had a dollar for every time I've heard this come out of a customers mouth!

First of all, it’s a good idea to ask your vet whenever you have questions regarding problems that can be health related. Loss of appetite, especially when it happens suddenly, can be related to so many physical conditions that a visit to the vet is a must. If your vet gives you a clean bill of health, we can offer you a few suggestions.

Cats can get addicted to foods, especially grocery and lower quality brands. The reasons why they get addicted are no different than in humans.

These foods have added chemicals, sugar and are packed with carbohydrates. Dry food is sprayed with fats and animal digest to make it more palatable. The fats they use are typically used restaurant grease.

As you’ve heard me say before, “DON'T FREE FEED!” Free feeding means always having food in the bowl available for them to eat whenever they want. Food will be much more appealing to them if not always available. Remember, they are hunters and would never have food whenever they wanted. Therefore, they should be put on a feeding schedule of two times per day. A measured amount of food should be put out for twenty minutes and what they don’t eat is part of the next meal. The location should be quiet and comfortable, for instance, the laundry room. If you have more than one cat consider feeding them in separate rooms. They are solitary eaters and this would also prevent a dominant cat from eating the other’s food.

What is animal digest?

Toni and Meg

Making the switch can take time and patience.

Cats can get imprinted on a food’s taste and texture so adding a small amount of new food with the old is what I recommend. A small amount is 1/8 of a teaspoon. Gradually, increase from there, there is no need to rush. Believe it or not your cat could have you trained to put something better in the bowl so put the food down and walk away!

“A cooked-down broth” Don’t which can be made from Free Feed – unspecified parts of unspecified Cats are animals. The animals used Hunters! can be obtained from almost any source and no control is in place over quality or contamination.

Any kind of animal can be included: “4-D animals” (dead, diseased, disabled, or dying prior to slaughter), goats, pigs, horses, rats, euthanized at animal shelters, restaurant and supermarket refuse and so on.

Consider making the switch to canned or raw food. Many cats prefer it — and it has health benefits, too. We recommend reversing your thinking of dry food being the primary and wet the secondary. It should be the opposite and if you can eliminate dry food completely, even better.

Canned and raw diets because of their high water content are especially good for cats with kidney problems, diabetes or a tendency to form crystals in their urine. Cats get most of their water requirements from what they eat.

Another thing to try are food toppers. We sell Bonito Flakes, chicken & turkey sprinkles and even cat nip. All these can be sprinkled on food to entice the finicky eater. If you have a finicky cat except when it comes to the treats, you may want to consider foregoing the treats so he/she is hungrier at meal time. I know this will cause a lot of meowing but will be well worth the tough love. We have many samples of dry food that you can use as treats to help transition your cat to a higher quality food.

January 2013

www.healthypetproducts.net www.pghpetconnections.com

SOUTH HILLS: Crossgates Plaza 1742 Washington Rd. Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 (Next to Model Cleaners)

412.831.3700 NORTH HILLS: 9600 Perry Highway McCandless, PA 15237

412.366.0700 Monday-Thurs: 9am - 8pm Friday-Saturday: 9am - 6pm Sunday: 10am - 4pm

Find us on

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UPCOMING EVENTS COME SEE DR. SAVKO SPEAK at Coventry Equestrian Center

Dr. Savko is a Board Certified Chiropractor, a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician, and is internationally certified in the Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation (VOM) technique with over 14 years experience working on both people and companion animals. A Pittsburgh native, Dr. Savko attended the VOM coursework taught by technique originator Dr. William Inman BS, BS, DVM, CVCP, passed the examination and took the extra step of working with a local veterinarian to become certified in the technique. VOM is a noninvasive and effective healing technology that can locate areas of the animal’s nervous system that may be stuck or clogged which can inhibit

DR. SAVKO

Coventry Equestrian Center April 13, 1-3 pm Preregistration Recommended: All participants will be contacted prior to event. Mail to CEC 452 Old Hickory Ridge Rd. Washington, PA. 15301. Make check payable to Animal Friends to benefit the spaying and neutering of local feral cat colonies that are captured by the Fluffy Jean group.

Name:________________________________________ Email:________________________________________ Donation: _____________________________________

the body’s normal healing response. VOM then works to naturally stimulate and remove interference in these areas which can aid in healing. That is vitally important because the nervous system is essentially responsible for pain and function; so we want it working well at all times for optimum health! It has also been shown to help reduce muscle spasm and trigger points. Dr. Savko is able to work with all animals from kittens to Clydesdales. VOM supports performance and recovery; most conditions are treatable, and preventative or wellness care is not only available, but also highly recommended.

Dr. Savko is noted for his above-and-beyond efforts to help and so far the majority of results have been nothing short of amazing! The doctor will also do a demonstration and answer your questions during and after the presentation. Note: Dr. Savko is not a veterinarian, nor does he practice veterinary medicine. He is a Doctor of Chiropractic that is certified in the VOM therapy. VOM is not animal chiropractic care. He works closely with several veterinary offices and hospitals to help promote the best possible health for the animal.

For more information please visit www.drchirovet.com, and the Facebook page is also full of many testimonials, search DrChiroVet.

When: April 13, 2013 Time: 1- 3 pm Where: Coventry Equestrian Center 452 Old HickoryRidge Rd., Washington, PA 15301 www.CoventryEquestrianCenter.com 724~206~9902 This event is sponsored by www.pghpetconnections.com Donation: $15.00 per person or $20.00 for two.

All proceeds are donated to a local feline Spaying and Neutering Clinic /http://fluffyjeanfund.weebly.com Refreshments served or offer to donate some…

Constant limp, holding right leg up 24/7, could not play or jump Coco was diagnosed with bilateral luxating patellas. This is a disorder where the kneecap actually intermittently dislocates.

Standard treatment is medication and surgery. When Coco presented to me in mid May of 2012 she had a constant limp, she was holding her right leg up 24/7, she could not play or jump.

At 9 years old and in significant discomfort some would have even put this little lady down. Coco is now running, jumping, and is much more playful. She is even chasing her toys and ball around the house and yard, which she hadn’t done for a long, long time. She is so much improved even friends and neighbors are asking what miracle has occurred with their dog! Coco is now seen every 8 weeks for maintenance. Another job well done…naturally!

DC, CCSP, CVCP Dr. Savko works with the following veterinary clinics: Meadowlands Veterinary Hospital Suburban Animal Clinic Delmont Veterinary Hospital Fox Run Equine Center

Kip~4 years of horrendous ear infections, many options tried with NO results…

UNTIL NOW! Kip’s ears were so bad, mom Gloria had to “scoop them out” 2 times a day for 4 years. She had tried everything medical and any supplement she could find to help...No Results. We did 1 treatment and she had to clean his ears out 1 time over the course of a week. “I cannot believe this,” she exclaimed!

Think about that folks. All the time and money spent, all the suffering of this poor sweet boy. 4 years vs. 1 visit...hmmm. VOM can work well with eye infections too! We also made some dietary modifications in conjunction with Kip’s veterinarian and our results are holding steadily. Kip is currently seen one time per month to maintain his current state of wellness.

10

Over 13 years experience

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

March 2013

Is your horse having problems with: Tying up • Tracking evenly • Balance and Coordination Forward impulsion • Lateral bending • Lead Changes Girth discomfort • Cold backed

UPCOMING EVENTS PERFECT STRIDE SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY Presents

HOW CAN YOUR HORSE BENEFIT FROM MASSAGE? When: March 30, 2013 Time: 3:30 -5:30pm

This two-hour clinic is designed to teach you the benefits of massage, how to recognize soreness behaviors, and what you can do as an owner to help the horse. A brief overview of the horse’s anatomy, physiology, and saddle fitting are included. The approach of Sports Massage Therapy is to treat the cause, not the symptoms. The therapy can be used as a preventive tool as well as a corrective one. Treat your horse to a deep muscle massage which aids in increasing their range of motion and flexibility, reducing resistance, improving circulation, enhancing muscle tone, and reducing pain and inflammation.

Speaker: Jackie Moog is Certified in Equine Sports Massage Therapy (ESMT) and Canine Sports Massage Therapy (CSMT) To schedule a private session contact Jackie (412) 855-6388 www.perfectstridemassage.com

TRIBUTE SESSIONS HONOR FAITHFUL COMPANIONS

A special opportunity for pets facing terminal illness (Pittsburgh – March 7, 2013) We are all far too familiar with the stories of loved ones battling cancer, debilitating osteoarthritis pain, or simply very advanced age. These are conditions that also affect many of the pets that we consider family.

A pet portrait program created by Pittsburgh lifestyle photographer Nicole Begley, benefiting the Animal Care and Assistance Fund, gives owners and their critically ill or aging pets the opportunity to capture images that will be treasured for a lifetime.

Begley felt that the work of the Animal Care & Assistance Fund, a 501(c)(3) devoted to promoting the health interests and welfare of animals in an extension of the Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, is incredibly important to those owners faced with the decision of treating difficult medical conditions or euthanizing their animal. She is honored to donate $50 from every Tribute Session to the fund.

Begley designs each Tribute Session to uniquely capture the personality of the pet and the relationship with their owner. Depending on the mobility of the animal, sessions can take place in the comfort of their own home or at numerous locations throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania.

March 2013

Where: Coventry Equestrian Center 452 Old HickoryRidge Rd., Washington, PA 15301 www.CoventryEquestrianCenter.com 724~206~9902 These events are sponsored by www.pghpetconnections.com Admission: $15.00 per person or $20.00 for two.

All proceeds are donated to www.FixurCat.org a local feline Spaying and Neutering Clinic. Refreshments served or offer to donate some...

PERFECT STRIDE SPORT’S MASSAGE THERAPY Coventry Equestrian Center March 30, 3:30-5:30 pm Preregistration Recommended: All participants will be contacted prior to event. Mail to CEC 452 Old Hickory Ridge Rd. Washington, PA. 15301 Payable to FixUrCat Name:________________________________________ Email:________________________________________ Donation: _____________________________________

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Pets bring us so much unconditional love and enrich our lives immeasurably. Tribute Sessions were created as a way to honor an animal that may have limited time left with us,” says Begley, who launched her pet photography business in 2010. Begley’s background working in the zoological field as an animal trainer, including 6 years at the National Aviary, has given her first hand experience of the relationship that is possible between the human and animal world.

“Tribute Sessions are a unique opportunity to create images that you can cherish for a lifetime of a special animal that touched your heart,” says Begley.

Nicole Begley is a lifestyle photographer based in Wexford, PA. Nicole Begley Photography specializes in pet and equine photography serving the Greater Pittsburgh area on-location.

For more information on Tribute Sessions, please contact: Nicole Begley, Owner Nicole Begley Photography Nicole@nicolebegleyphotography.com 724-766-6103 http://www.nicolebegleyphotography.com

www.pghpetconnections.com

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UPCOMING EVENTS Presents

SCAREDY DOG SEMINAR: WORKING WITH REACTIVE DOGS with Ali Brown, M.Ed., CPDT-KA, CDBC April 7, 2013, 9am - 5:30pm at Pine Township Community Center, Wexford, PA (Lunch will be provided) Do you know a dog who is likely to: • Pull on the leash, bark or lunge when other dogs approach?

• Forget all of his manners when there are distractions present?

• Act ‘tough’ even though he’s really a marshmallow?

Up to 5 dogs will be selected for the working demonstration, and must apply separately.

This seminar is for you!

Proceeds benefit Hello Bully.

It is appropriate for both the general public as well as professional trainers. Spend the morning indoors in a classroom setting learning how to identify this behavior, understand it, and respond appropriately.

Spend the afternoon outdoors watching the techniques in person.

Learn how to attend and /or teach a reactive dog class effectively.

For more questions, to register, or to apply for your dog to be a demo dog, contact Christin Bummer at chris@K9Kingdom.com or 724-935-3647.

Cats • Dogs • Small Mammals & Exotics Wellness Exams • Vaccinations • Dentistry • Digital X-Ray In-House Lab • Routine Surgeries

Cost: $100 per person

CHARTIERS CUSTOM PET CREMATION Caring for families who love their pets.”

“ 6360 Library Road / Peters Creek Building

South Park • 412-831-9500 Find us on

• Cremations Performed on Premises • Urns • Memorials • Transport

www.companionsfirst.com *across the street from Library Tasty Creme

NOW OPEN Hours MON: 8am-8pm • TUES: 8am-4pm • WED: 8am-8pm

Come In & Meet Dr. Goodell & Her Friendly Staff

THURS: 8am-4pm • FRI: 8am-12pm • SAT: 8am-12pm

Free Toenail Trim with new patient exam. standard nail trims only.

Companions First Veterinary Clinic South Park 412-831-9500

Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area

With this coupon.

442 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017

Not valid with other offers or prior services.

Offer expires 4/15/13.

Phone answers 24/7 for your convenience.

Hours are by appointment.

www.ccpc.ws (412) 220-7800 12

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

March 2013

THE PET SALON and GOLDEN PAWS PET STYLING ACADEMY The Pet Salon is conveniently located at 2101 Greentree Rd. in Scott Towne Center.

They are a full service dog and cat grooming salon, as well as the home of

Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy.

The Pet Salon offers grooming to the customer’s specifications, as well as breed standards. The owner, Mike Lisk, started the Pet Salon in 2000, and has been at the same location in Scott Township. The mission of the salon is to offer quality pet care services in an environment focused on safety, cleanliness and the humane treatment of pets. All salon personnel receive training in pet safety and ne onderful, everyo ice follow the salon’s humane treatment of pets guidelines.

“The Salon is w g Edwin tw

ght my do is so nice. I brou looked very nice when ’s he es bring and both tim will continue to I . ck ba m hi t I go L. e nn ia Br Edwin there.” –

Instructors are trained in the “Golden Paws” method of pet styling instruction – a four-decade proven program which applies to all AKC breed designs, in a comprehensive 9-week program. Instructor, Peggy Bayne is an accomplished pet stylist proficient in all breed designs and the Golden Paws Program. She is a graduate of Nanhall Grooming School in Greensboro, N.C. with over 10 years of experience.

The Golden Paws Styling Academy offers a 320 clock-hour (just over 9 weeks) program. The course is 78% hands on. This unique comprehensive program is designed for the student to master all of the basic grooming skills with an emphasis on the fine finishing skills. The student will begin the program by learning about the various tools, their usage, operation, and maintenance. The course incorporates pet control methods, safety procedures, proper handling, pet bathing and drying, pet oral hygiene, breed designs, finishing techniques and much more.

If you love animals and you have a flair for creativity, a career in pet grooming is for you! At Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy, Pittsburgh PA, you can train to begin an exciting and rewarding career in grooming. Days are flying by faster than you think, why not do something you love!!!

Call 412-279-9383 today to schedule a tour!

The Pet Salon services include Bath & Brush Services, Pet Grooming for Dogs and Cats, Plaqclnz Dental Treatments, Coat Coloring, Nail Painting and Nail Art, Furminator Shed-Less Treatments, Soft Claws as well as the Splash & Dash for Dogs Unlimited Bath & Brush Program.

De-shedding treatments reduce shedding 60-80% for a period of 4-6 weeks. The PlaqClnz Dental Treatment is available to maintain your pet’s oral hygiene as well as overall health. The Pet Salon is an authorized Splash and Dash for Dogs licensee offering monthly unlimited dog wash and brush service, for one low monthly membership fee. Call 412-279-5331 today for more information or an appointment at The Pet Salon.

2101 Greentree Road, Scott Towne Center

412.279.5331

www.petsalonusa.com

9 -week Program instructed by a Professional Pet Groomer • Individualized instruction and a “hands on” approach to grooming

We Love Your Pet & It Shows!

2101 Greentree Road Scott Towne Center

Pet Styling Academy (onsite at The Pet Salon)

• Experience in grooming a diverse range of dog breeds that differentiates us from other grooming schools.

Call Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy today at 412.279.9383 or email goldenpawspittsburghpa@comcast.net www.goldenpawspittsburghpa.com

Call us at 412.279.5331 info@petsalonusa.com www.petsalonusa.com PROFESSIONAL DOG & CAT GROOMING • Full Service Grooming by a Professional Groomer • Spa Services • Puppy Baths

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The Splash and Dash for Dogs™ system gives you an unlimited dog wash & brush service. Visit includes: • Hydro Massage Bath • Conditioning Shampoo • Hand Blow Dry • Gentle Brush Out

Full-Service Dog Groomer & Canine Massage Therapist 226 Mars-Valencia Rd, Mars, PA 16046 724-991-9212 • www.furevergreen.com

Bring in this ad for $3 Off!

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Grooming Services

now available by appointment!

Near South Bark! 5843 Brownsville Road

412-714-4644 www.woodysdogbath.com

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ADVERTISER LOCATOR 1 Healthy Pet Products (see ad pg 9) 2 Woody’s Do-It-Yourself Dogwash (see ad this page) 3 Urban Dog Daycare & Day Spa (see ad pg 20) 4 Animal Rescue League (see ad pg 7) 5 Oddball Pets & Aquariums (see ad pg 25) 6 Companions First Veterinary Clinic (see ad pg 12) 7 Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation (see ad pg 12) 8 Beaver Animal Clinic (see ad inside back cover) 9 5th Avenue Fido (see ad pg 20) 10 The English Horn Ltd (see ad pg 26) 11 Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Schedule an underground dog fence installation with us before December 31, 2013 and we will give you $100 off!

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Emergency Center (see ad back cover) 12 Fur Ever Green Dog Spa (see ad this page) 13 Citiwide Chem-Dry (see ad pg 1) 14 Precious Paws Pet Salon (see ad pg 15) 15 The Pet Salon (see ad pg 13) 16 National Aviary (see ad pg 5) 17 Pets At Home Dog Grooming (see ad this page) 18 K-9 Kingdom (see ad pg 21) 19 Golden Triangle Obedience Training Club (see ad pg 21)

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

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March 2013

HAAWC is a 501(c)(3) organization that honors the Human Animal Bond as a source of wellness for individuals, families and communities.

Guided by the belief that animals are a gateway to human healing, HAAWC intends to develop both urban programs and rural sanctuaries designed to impact community health, safety and wellness.

HAAWC is raising funds for upcoming animal-related programming. www.haawc.com

Please support our Advertisers who make this publication possible.

Daycare & Boarding Business For Sale

ADVERTISERS

19 17

March 2013

All Natural Hoof Care (see ad pg 28) American Veterinary Charitable Fund (see ad pg 6) Angel Ridge Animal Rescue (see ad on inside front cover) Answers Pet Food (see ad pg 2) Chris’s Canine Club (see ad pg 21) Coventry Equestrian Center (see ad pg 26) DogWatch (see ad pg 14) HAAWC (see ad this page) Holistic Care for Animals (see ad pg 10) Janet M Jackson, CRMT (see ad pg 23) Judith Levy (see ad pg 24) J & D Home Improvements (see ad on inside front cover) KS Jones Photography (see ad pg 8) National Kennel Sales (see ad this page) The Paper Horse (see ad pg 26) Pet Stop Pet Fence Systems (see ad this page) Pittsburgh East Animal Hospital – Monroeville (see ad page 18) Renée Takacs, M.A., Intuitive Healer (see ad pg 23) The Rogan Rexford Blood Bank (see ad pg 19) Success just Clicks (see ad pg 21)

• Located in the Greater Pittsburgh Area • State-of-the-Art, Modern & Luxurious • Over 7000 SF Indoor Facility • Excellent staff in place • Great money maker!

Asking Price $225,000 Ready to be your own boss in 2013? Call NOW! Licensed Broker Telja Helkkila at 877-690-3647 www.nationalkennelsales.com

www.pghpetconnections.com

Did you know that your business (including non-pet related) can sponsor an ad for a non-profit Rescue group?

Call us at 724-503-8695 to find out how you can support your favorite local ANIMAL charity!

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&

ANIMAL HEALTH WELLNESS National Poison Prevention Week is March 17-23, 2013. For

over 50 years, poison control centers and pediatricians have used this week to educate families regarding safety for their children. Veterinarians also participate to promote awareness, prevention and treatment of poisonings in pets.

You may be surprised to learn that poisoning is a very common problem in pets. Dogs can climb up on counters, chew into childresistant containers and are frequently left alone in their homes so they may be even more at risk than many kids. Cats also like to play with things and can swallow pills or eat poisonous plants. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center answers an average of 725 calls each day (that’s over 25,000 per year).

National Poison Prevention Week

Kenton D. Rexford, VMD

PREVENTION Ideally, we would prevent our pets from being exposed to toxins in the first place. Here are a few tips to help keep your pets safe.

• Always store medications and cleaning products in a cabinet that pets cannot access.

• Always follow label instructions for any product.

• Never leave medications, candy or gum in your purse or backpack or on a counter or table.

• Never give human medication to an animal unless specifically directed by a veterinarian.

• Never leave “people food” – especially chocolate, candy, grapes or raisins – anywhere that a pet can access.

• When taking medication, go behind a closed door. That way if you drop your pill, you will have a chance to recover it before your pet gets it.

INTERVENTION If your pet is known to have ingested or been exposed to a toxin, I always recommend calling the ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435. Another option is to call or go to a veterinarian.

You are always welcome to call PVSEC Emergency Service at 412-366-3400. There is no one treatment for every toxin, so it is important to consult an expert.

Human Medications. The most common poisoning in pets is animals who have ingested medications intended for a human. Pets have different metabolic pathways than people. For that reason, some human medications can be a big problem for pets. Here are some examples: • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – One 500 mg tablet could kill your cat. It causes damage to feline red blood cells which are important in carrying oxygen to all the cells in the body. The condition can be treated, but not all cats respond to treatment.

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) – Dangerous for cats or dogs. Dogs and cats can experience digestive tract ulcers at lower doses and kidney or liver failure at higher doses.

• Antidepressants - If these medications are prescribed for your pet by your veterinarian, then your veterinarian has determined an appropriate dosage for your pet. If, however, your pet ingests a dose intended for a human, they could experience agitation, seizures and changes in the heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmias).

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• Blood pressure medication and heart medications – Can cause dangerously low blood pressure or cardiac arrhythmias. Again, if these medications are prescribed for your pet by your veterinarian, then your veterinarian has determined an appropriate dosage for your pet.

Plants. Ingestion of plants is another common poisoning. Some plants can cause minor problems like digestive upset, but other plants could cause serious illness or death.

• Lilies cause renal failure in cats. This can be treated successfully if treated early and aggressively. Easter lilies are a common problem in addition to star-gazer lilies which are commonly found in floral arrangements. Even licking the pollen from one plant or drinking the vase water from the cut flowers can cause life-threatening illness.

• Sago palm causes liver failure in dogs.

• American Mistletoe, Holly and Poinsettia cause GI irritation (it is an urban myth that these holiday plants are deadly).

For a searchable list or poisonous and non-toxic plants, visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/.

Insecticides. Many insecticides and flea control products can be used safely on and around pets. Your veterinarian can recommend safe and effective products. Problems arise when people do not follow label instructions. It is critical that you follow label instructions. For example, only use a product labeled for cats on your cat…never use a product labeled for dogs on your cat. Most insecticide poisonings can be treated successfully.

Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. Dogs tend to eat a greater quantity of chocolate, so there are more reported cases in dogs. There are chemicals in chocolate called methylxanthines that cause excitement, tremors/seizures and cardiac arrhythmias. The amount of methylxanthines in chocolate varies; the darker the chocolate the more methylxanthines.

Most pets will recover if treated early and appropriately.

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener commonly used in sugar-free gum, candies and baked goods. Xylitol causes a lowering of the blood sugar which may lead to seizures and liver failure in dogs. This can be treated successfully if caught early.

Grapes and Raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. The specific toxin involved has not been identified, but thousands of cases have been reported. If a dog ingests grapes or raisins, do not wait for symptoms to show up. The dog should be treated early and aggressively.

Rodenticides. Products intended to kill mice, rats, and groundhogs also will harm pets. Depending on the type of product used, your pet could develop internal bleeding, kidney failure or seizures and death.

The signs don’t always develop immediately so get help as soon as you realize your pet has been exposed.

Ethylene Glycol (Antifreeze). Also can cause kidney failure. Again, do not wait for symptoms. The pet should be treated early and aggressively.

There are many more things that can be poisonous to your pets. For more information, visit the ASPCA Poison Control Center’s website at http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/. If your pet has been exposed to something potentially toxic, don’t wait, get help right away. Contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or call your veterinarian or a veterinary emergency hospital – PVSEC’s number is 412-366-3400.

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

March 2013

About Trap-Neuter-Return, or TNR

by Bernadette E. Kazmarski

TNR, or “trap-neuter-return”, isn’t an assembly-line where cats are

spayed and neutered and tossed back outside, but an integrated system of assisting both cats and people with managing population, health and welfare for stray, feral and rescued cats who live outdoors. The program not only provides a low-cost or even free spay/neuter service but also provides ongoing support in trapping and transporting cats to and from the clinic, a basic exam, scan for microchip and rabies vaccination for each cat, adoptability assessment of its temperament and assurance that it has a caretaker if it is to be returned outdoors.

Cats end up living outdoors for many reasons. It’s long been a practice to “dump” unwanted cats and kittens outdoors to “fend for themselves”.

Cats can reproduce at an alarming rate so one litter of four kittens in the spring can become a dozen or more cats by autumn, and by the following autumn can be two or three dozen cats and kittens, with other strays or even owned cats joining the colony. Not only are the cats overpopulating, but successive generations may no longer be nice pets but technically “feral”, born outside of human contact and reverted to a wild state, difficult, sometimes impossible, to tame.

Simply removing cats from an area overburdens shelters with cats who may not be adoptable; often they are euthanized immediately. Alternately, killing them in place with poisons or trapping and killing them, which is practiced in many areas where stray/feral cats are considered vermin, is now frequently seen as an act of cruelty and protested. Studies have shown neither practice permanently reduces the populations of outdoor cats.

A TNR program, however, involves people who volunteer to identify each cat living in groups or colonies outdoors, trap it for spay or neuter and veterinary care, and then feed and care for it in the neighborhood. In a colony of cats without reproductive hormones and fed regularly most of the irritating issues of cats living outdoors are eliminated. There’s little left to caterwaul about, spraying is vastly reduced, they hunt and kill far less because they are fed, and they can’t reproduce so new cats are only lost or abandoned cats and the colony no longer grows with each season of new kittens. In fact, lost cats can be returned to their owners, friendly cats are often pulled for adoption, and any kittens are generally brought indoors to be socialized and put up for adoption after spaying and neutering. If a cat becomes ill or injured, the colony caretaker will get that cat the veterinary care it needs. These volunteers also reach out to others who may not know about the low-cost spay/neuter services and support that are offered.

And the established TNR program is what gives these volunteer caretakers the assistance they need to be able to care for these cats. Pittsburgh’s three shelters offer feral and low-cost spay and neuter services, and City of Pittsburgh residents qualify for up to five free spays and neuters at participating veterinarians and clinics. The Homeless Cat Management Team, or HCMT, is devoted exclusively to homeless cats and the people who care for them.

The Homeless Cat Management Team Spay/Neuter Clinic Clinics usually serve a variety of owned, rescued, friendly outdoor and feral cats. All cats arrive in a carrier or humane trap that will be used to hold them before the surgery and in recovery. Some people have only their own pet cat to be spayed or neutered, but others bring multiple cats, especially if they are managing a large colony or transporting cats for others. A resident from a northern community had been trying to manage a colony of cats that had developed on his land—he trapped and transported ten cats to one clinic. A volunteer helped an elderly widower trap the cats his wife had been feeding before the colony grew larger and managed to trap all thirteen over the course of two clinics and one other spay/neuter opportunity. I transported cats for a woman in my community who had been rescuing cats from the streets, five to one clinic and six to another. All of this is organized when people call the hotline for information or to schedule their appointments, or people are referred to the organization in some way.

March 2013

CAT CORNER

Cats are kept in their carriers and handled as little as possible to avoid escapes or injuries to cats and people, and all hands and surfaces are constantly washed with antiseptic to prevent infection or spread of disease if any is present.

At check-in each cat is given a number and paperwork attached to its cage. Each cat stays in its cage in a holding area until surgery when it’s given a sedative injection through the bars of its cage or carrier and left to fall asleep. It’s then shaved in the appropriate area and prepped for surgery, mask attached for anesthetic. All this is done by veterinary technicians.

“It’s basic health care,” said a cheerful Dr. Becky Morrow of Frankie’s Friends Cat Rescue, president of the HCMT board and constant veterinary volunteer for HCMT clinics. She spread and clamped a surgical drape over a female tabby and made an incision less than one inch long in the cat’s abdomen and then demonstrated the use of a specialized spay hook to complete the surgery. Three layers of stitches are completed with absorbable sutures, and the exterior stitches are covered with a bit of surgical glue and tucked up inside so that the incision is not exposed. All this was done in a little over seven minutes. Next cat!

Male cat neutering is much less complicated with two quick incisions in the scrotum, clamping the cord and blood vessels, snipping out the testicles and tying the cords, no stitches required. The occasional cryptorchid or undescended testicle or the occasional complication with a spay are accommodated as they would be in any veterinary office. All cats are also given a rabies vaccine, antibiotics and pain medication.

After the surgery volunteers finish treatment beginning with the characteristic ear-tip that denotes a “community cat”, that it’s spayed or neutered and cared for by someone. For owned or indoor cats ear-tipping is optional.

“Tipping is always done to the left ear,” said Melissa Trax, a vet tech who is currently an adoption counselor at the Animal Rescue League and has regularly volunteered at clinics. “We snip it with scissors, coat the incision with styptic gel and apply a clamp while we finish the rest of the treatment.

“We check their ears for mites and check their teeth, extend all their claws, run our hands over them looking for ticks and injuries, anything we can do because this may be the only veterinary treatment they get,” she explained, and ended her procedure with an application of topical flea treatment.

Cats are also scanned for microchips, and if any other issues are found, such as parasites or other wounds or infections, the veterinarians can administer treatment and even necessary surgery, or prescribe medications.

During surgery and aftercare, another group of volunteers is cleaning its carrier with antiseptic cleaner and placing a “pee pad” in the carrier for the cat to rest on as it recovers, and the blanket the cat arrived with is used as a cover. All are placed in the recovery area, the girls’ containers on a heating pad so they can recover their body temperature. The use of isoflurane gas as an anesthetic allows for a quicker and easier awakening than other anesthetics.

One part of the paperwork that follows each cat is a post-operative chart where volunteers note the cat’s condition as they check on each cat every 15 minutes. Any cats who seem ill or sluggish are brought to the attention of a technician or a veterinarian. When the cat is awake and alert its owner is called and is given post-operative instructions when they arrive to retrieve the cat. The clinic hotline is always available for questions or problems afterward, but these have been very few, even for cats who are back outdoors two or three days after surgery.

All these actions together help to humanely reduce the populations of cats on the streets and keep them healthy. Most of it is done by volunteers, at least 20 per clinic and many more in between, from the veterinarians and veterinary technicians to those who help trap and transport cats to all the others who make each clinic safe and successful. In 13 years HCMT has served 14,601 cats, and so far in 2013 has served 275.

HCMT’s clinic is in Tarentum. Visit www.homelesscat.org for information, instructions and the hotline number.

www.pghpetconnections.com

17

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR GET TO KNOW YOUR CAT

—READ YOUR FELINE’S BODY LANGUAGE!!!

By Judith Levy M.Ed.,CEHP

C

ats, unlike dogs but like humans, are individuals and not pack animals. Their strongest form of communication is using body language, although they do communicate by using vocal language as well. In some ways the cat’s physical communication is like that of humans. For example, wide eyes indicate some sort of excitement and an upright confident body posture indicates both a feeling of security and emotional balance.

The first three interesting cat behaviors are a combination of body language and possible inherent behaviors that may be present from early kitten development. These first three are often asked about by pet guardians and so I thought I would share them with you…

KNEADING: Haven’t you wondered why your cat stands on you or on the couch and pushes her paws in with a kneading motion? The cat has a body memory of doing this activity as a kitten to get the mother’s milk. It was such a pleasant experience for them that it “comes out” when they are feeling really content or affectionate in adulthood!

A cat may also use kneading when it is in pain or dying as a way to comfort self.

MOUTH HELD OPEN: When cats stand or sit and their mouth is oddly hanging open it almost looks like they are laughing!

They are actually taking in scents from the environment. Cats have an organ in the roof of their mouth behind their front teeth that they use to discriminate along with their sensitive sense of smell. This will sometimes happen during play when they are trying to take in what is happening around them.

DROOLING: Does your cat drool when being petted or when she is sitting with an open mouth? It is believed by some that drooling when being petted involves, again, a body memory from early developmental days. Often a mother cat will give affection or attention to her kittens while they are eating. So the belief is that it is a stimulus response learned behavior from this early period: When you pet your cat, the cat is reminded (body memory) of food and will begin to salivate. Cats may also salivate when they are nervous.

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Here are four major feline body parts and how your cat uses them to “talk” to you!

EARS: When your cat’s ears are high and relaxed, your feline is happy.

If the ears are turning at angles, she is listening to something in the environment. When the ears are half way back, your cat is becoming concerned and may become aggressive. When the ears are plastered against the head, this indicates extreme fear or irritation.

EYES: A relaxed cat will blink at you to show friendship or contentment – the eyes are soft and perhaps halfway closed. When the eyes are large, dark with dilated pupils, your cat may be fearful or excited. Check the rest of the body parts to see which state your cat is in. When on the other hand your cat’s eyes are like slits and the pupils are pinpoints, your cat is likely upset and stressed.

WHISKERS: As you probably know, the cat uses its whiskers to determine if she can fit her body into a space or opening. The whiskers on a relaxed cat will be out to the side and hanging a bit in a soft position. The stressed cat will pull her whiskers back against the face.

TAIL: Cat tails are very telling with regard to the cat’s mood. When the tail is held high and has a little hook on the end, your cat is happy!

If your cat is worried she may hold her tail tucked under or close to her body when lying down. When your cat’s tail is swishing slowly and in a repetitive way, she is likely stimulated in a positive way and feeling good! But when her tail is flickering aggressively, be careful as she may be getting ready to attack!

Please join us in the next issue of Pittsburgh PetConnection Magazine and find out how to help your cat if her body language indicates some discomfort or disturbance. Please note: If you have a severe anxiety or aggression issue with your feline, it is advisable to schedule a behavioral consultation.

Judith Levy M.Ed.,CEHP – Feline Behavior Consultant www.judithlevywellness.com info@judithlevywellness.com

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

March 2013

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR D

og aggression can be responsible for the injury of other pets, family members or strangers. Letting your dog behave aggressively can lead to veterinary or physician expenses, lawsuits or even death.

Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation (see our ad page 12) is partnering with Penny Layne to offer a FREE two hour course to help you not only understand aggressive behavior in dogs but to help you handle it either in your own pet or if you encounter it from a strange dog.

Class will cover the types and signs of aggression and predicting aggression through body language, as well as how to prepare for a walk with your dog and what to do if you or your dog is attacked.

Class will be held: Wednesday, March 27, 7-9 pm Bethel Park Public Library Thursday, April 4, 7-9 pm Bethel Park Public Library Saturday, April 6, 2-4 pm Penn Area Library Saturday, April 13, 2-4 pm Moon Township Library Saturday, April 20, 1-3 pm Hampton Public Library Although the class is free, preregistration is required to assure sufficient materials are available on the day of the class.

Please call Deb Chebatoris of Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation at 412-220-7800 to register.

Is your dog loving towards you, but aggressive towards others?

Have you ever encountered an aggressive dog during your dog’s walk?

Sponsor: Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation — www.ccpc.ws Instructor: Penny Layne — www.myauntpenny.com

The Rogan Rexford Animal Blood Bank

“Pets Giving Pets the Gift of Life” Please volunteer your dog to be a “Blood Donor Hero” DOG DONOR ELIGIBILITY • Between 1 and 7 years of age • Weight: 50 lbs. or more • Healthy with a gentle temperament • Current with vaccinations • Never had a blood transfusion

• Tested negative for blood-borne diseases (free testing by blood bank) • Must be on heartworm, flea and tick preventative • Not pregnant or currently nursing

Read more about The Rogan Rexford Blood Bank at:

www.animalcarefund.org For questions, or to make an appointment call: 412-348-2588 or e-mail: AnimalBloodBank@pvs-ec.com

“Where Every Dog Feels at Home”

CRANBERRY’S MOST LUXURIOUS UPSCALE PET RESORT! Why Stay Here?

Dog Boarding – Day Care – Training – Grooming

Find us on

• $10 Off first visit • Large warm bedroom-like cottages • Play all day in the indoor playground • Look your best with a bath or groom

Make your summer vacation reservations early!!

724-772-5511

www.5thavenuefido.com | fido@5thavenuefido.com |20634 Rte 19 in Cranberry Township

It’s A Great Day to be a Dog! • We offer 8,000 sq ft of play • 15 years experience • Now offering Spa Services Hours: Mon - Fri 6:30am -7:30pm Sat & Sun 10am - 4pm

$5.00 Off First Grooming Offering Fromm, Primal, Nutri Source, Orijen Natural Balance, Taste of the Wild, & much more

$2.00 off any size bag food 1 Free Day Daycare

412-782-2200 • www.urbandogusa.com 5601 Butler Street, Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh, PA 15201

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©Pittsburgh PetConnections

March 2013

• Puppy, Basic, Advanced, Open & Utility Classes • Rally Classes • Agility Classes • CGC & TDI Tests • Demonstrations • AKC Licensed • Founded in 1965

“Taking steps to improve your pet’s well-being” gs “Walking the do on gt hin as of W County” Dog walking, with extended services of pet transport to vet and groomer, and occasional pet-sitting for established clients. Insured and bonded, and trained in pet CPR and first aid. Call to reserve your spot!

UPCOMING EVENTS: AGILITY TRIALS Saturday, Sunday & Monday, May 25, 26 & 27, 2013

OBEDIENCE/RALLY TRIALS Saturday and Sunday, October 12 and 13, 2013

TRACKING TEST Sunday, November 3, 2013 For information regarding GTOTC's classes, schedules and class fees, please contact our Training Secretary at

gtotctrainingsecretary@yahoo.com or visit our website: www.gtotc.com

412-653-6880 91 Terence Drive, Pleasant Hills, PA 15236

Celebrating Our

5th Year

Birthday!

K9 Kingdom is the suburban dog’s destination for fun and friendship.

From playdates to slumber parties, dogs dream of a K9 Kingdom, Where Dogs Rule!

Doggie Daycare • Indoor Dog Park • Dog Training Grooming • Self Service Dog Wash • Overnight Boarding Find us on

Facebook

March 2013

www.K9Kingdom.com Mon-Fri 7am - 7pm Sat & Sun 10am - 3pm

155 Lake Drive • Wexford • 724-935-DOGS (3647)

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21

HOLISTIC CARE C

Integrative Cancer Care

ancer is the most terrible plague of our time. Just the mention of the “C” word sends chills of dread through a person’s body. Half of all pets over the age of ten will die as a result of this deadly disease. It seems to creep up on even the most robust pet and cut them down without warning.

The Western medical approach to treating cancer seems equally menacing with its radical surgery, toxic chemotherapy, and searing radiation. When faced with the diagnosis of cancer, pet owners struggle with the decision of how to proceed. In my view, the best treatment is one that integrates the best of what East and West have to offer.

Western medicine has many powerful tools to fight cancer. It makes sense to surgically remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy have their place in killing cancer cells and/or mitigating pain. Unfortunately, the stronger the medication is, the worse the side effects may be. Although conventional care can be hard on the patient, most animals handle chemo and radiation better than humans.

For me the decision of whether or not to use these strong therapies depends on the age and overall vigor of the patient as well as the likelihood for, and anticipated duration of, cancer palliation.

Often success with conventional care is measured in months. The pet caregiver must take into account the proportion of the animal’s remaining time that will be spent recovering from the treatments. Some people prefer a gentler approach.

While Western medicine is focused on fighting the disease, holistic therapies are mostly geared toward strengthening the body. A strong body is better able to muster its own resources to combat the problem.

These two approaches are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Why not build up the body while attacking the cancer?

There are many holistic treatments that can work well in conjunction with conventional care. For example, the foundation of health is nutrition. Pets undergoing cancer treatment have to eat something. Why not feed them healthy pet food? I prefer unprocessed foods that are low in carbohydrates. Some studies indicate that cancer cells preferentially feed on starch and most commercial pet foods are loaded with it. Even grain-free dry pet food has some form of starch in it as a binder.

Some supplements are safe to give along with chemotherapy. Fish oil contains DHA, an essential fatty acid that has anti-cancer effects. Most pets can tolerate 1,000 mg per 20 pounds daily to fight cancer. Probiotic supplements help to keep the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract healthy. Since 70% of the immune system is in the intestinal lining, giving probiotics is a great way to fortify the pet’s immune system. They can also help to alleviate the GI side effects that are common with chemo. Curcumin is an herb that has anti-cancer effects and can be given along with chemotherapy.

Most supplements other than those mentioned above should not be given with chemo. Many herbs that have anti-cancer properties also affect the activity of the animal’s liver detoxification enzymes. Some speed up the enzymes which can rush the removal of the drugs, rendering them

22

Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH

less effective. Other herbs slow down the detoxification enzymes which can make the chemo more toxic.

Any supplement with antioxidant properties, such as Vitamins A, E, C and many herbs, should not be given while an animal is on chemo because many chemotherapy drugs use the oxidation process to kill the cancer cells. Giving antioxidants can decrease the effectiveness of these drugs.

More aggressive holistic supplements can be given when a pet is in remission to prolong the cancer-free interval, or when conventional care is not the chosen therapy. In these cases there are many herbs that can be very helpful. In fact, many powerful chemotherapy agents are derived from herbs.

When your pet is facing cancer, every beneficial treatment makes a difference. It is important to know how to mix and match holistic therapies with conventional treatments. Supplements can have powerful effects, for the good or for the bad. Integrative cancer care can be tricky but may be just what the doctor ordered.

Calli is a six-year-old Rottweiler who was diagnosed with bone cancer of her left rear leg in April of 2012. The following month her owner made the gut-wrenching decision to have her leg amputated. In spite of this aggressive treatment, in November of 2012 X-rays of Calli’s chest showed that the cancer had spread to her lungs.

With all the reasonable conventional options exhausted, Calli’s caregiver brought her to me for a holistic approach on December 5, 2012. We started Calli on a balanced, raw diet and several herbs and supplements.

When I checked her progress on February 5, 2013 she looked great and her owner reported that her energy level had greatly improved.

Calli returned to her oncologist on February 12 and according to the specialist, Calli’s chest X-rays showed that the cancer had “relatively little progression given the disease and the time frame since the last X-rays.”

It may be too much to ask to reverse the cancer at this point but at least we appear to be slowing it down.

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

March 2013

On a Wing and a Paw…

HOLISTIC CARE

Show and Tell-epathy

In grade school I participated in Show-and-Tell. I would take something to school to show and tell the class about. When I meet with an animal friend, it reminds me of those days. My intention is to hear and clearly understand what the animal wants to show and tell his or her people. Although this communication process may encompass a broad spectrum of the intuitive senses, it may include “clairaudience.”

Clairaudience is a lovely French word meaning “clear hearing.”

If you are clairaudient, you “hear” your intuitive messages. Messages tend to be “heard” in the middle of your head. The clairaudient reception area of the brain, the cerebrum, lies over the temporal lobes.

As you place attention directly in this temporal lobe area, and above the level of the ears, your soul hearing flows easily. Think of this area like two megaphones projecting from the level just above your ears in your subtle anatomy, or your non-physical awareness that extends into other planes of consciousness. If you place attention at the ear level, however, this inhibits soul hearing.

There are a number of ways you may hear an animal communicating or a soul message for yourself. You can listen for: keywords, sounds (like breaking glass, water splashing, wind blowing, giggling, motors running, etc.,); some form of language; or simply a mental understanding.

You may hear entire sentences and be able to dialogue with an animal who is either on the Earth or in spirit.

The challenge of being clairaudient is that you may be the quickest to talk yourself out of it because it can seem like it is your own thought. To remedy your doubt, consider that the message you are hearing is your mind bouncing a thought off of the Universe, and you are receiving a soul echo response. To avoid dismissing the message, invite yourself to shift into your spiritually attuned, trusting mode and voilá, you’ll get it!

You may be clairaudient if you are able to: hear behind what is being said; hear a song in your mind that provides insight through the lyrics; or hear your name being called without it being verbally spoken.

Clairaudients tend to be analytical and want to hear and understand information. This method of multi-sensory hearing supports clarity and precision. Clairaudients tend to take words literally.

How can you tell the difference between talking to yourself and clairaudience? Both use the same internal circuitry of the brain’s temporal lobes. However, the main difference is that clairaudience seems to occur more in the center of your head. If you are talking to yourself, it will tend to be heard in the left side of your head where the language center is in the brain. Some left-handers notice the impression more on the right side. Another indicator of clairaudience is that the impression may be more generic, and it won’t be heard in your own voice. (Information sourced from You Are Psychic by Pete A. Sanders, Jr.) Listening lightly, Reneé

Offering illumination, comfort and clarity for both you and your animal friends.

Renée Takacs, M.A.

Did you know that your business (including non-pet related) can sponsor an ad for a non-profit Rescue group?

Intuitive Healing for People and Pets

724-625-6693

Call us at 724-503-8695 to find out how you can support your favorite local ANIMAL charity!

www.intuitguide.com renee@intuitguide.com March 2013

www.pghpetconnections.com

23

&

HEALTH WELLNESS for GUARDIANS New Series of One Hour Wellness Clinics™

3 Instructional & Experiential One Hour Classes for Cat & Dog Guardians

Clinic 1 MARCH 21, 6:45- 8:15 Head Start Program for Dogs Did you know that puppies have sensitive developmental periods similar to those of children? During these periods, a puppy will either adapt to its environment in a healthy balanced way or may be set up for fear and aggression later as an adult dog.

In this clinic you will learn what to look for when adopting or purchasing a puppy: What to avoid and what to put in place in these important developmental stages to help facilitate your puppy growing into a stable, respectful and balanced dog.

Fee: $20

Clinic 2 MARCH 28, 6:45- 8:15 Be the Leader: Control with Positive Methods Instead of Force & Frustration Do you experience your dog as running the show? Is your canine listening only when it is convenient for him to listen or only when you have a treat in your hand? Do you find yourself giving in because you get frustrated when your dog does not listen?

This One Hour Clinic will change your relationship with your dog, leaving you feeling more in control and closer to your pet. AND, your dog will be happier and calmer as well!

Fee: $20

Judith Levy WELLNESS FOR PEOPLE AND PETS

Holistic approach to behavior Specializing in treating fear and trauma in cats and dogs

Judith Levy M,Ed., CEHP, RMT Educator Feline and Canine Behavioral Consultant Certified Energy Health Practitioner www.judithlevywellness.com info@judithlevywellness.com

412.521.5133

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Clinic 3 APRIL 4, 6:45- 8:15 Moving On…Helpful direction to ease the loss of a pet.

Judith Levy M.Ed., CEHP will be joined by Jodi Peppel MA, LPC for this One Hour Wellness Clinic.

Grief can be painful and positive at the same time. This One Hour Wellness Clinic will help you have your experience of loss without judgment or shame.

We will help you create positive activities to ease your grief and to have peace around the loss of your beloved pet. In this clinic, we will offer suggestions for making the loss of a pet more comfortable for other resident pets and children as well!

Fee: $20 Please note: One Hour Wellness clinics are great for information gathering and educational purposes. If you have a full blown behavioral issue with your cat or dog, please contact Judith Levy as you will benefit more from a private consultation. OHWC participants must be 18 years old.

Location: Cooper Siegel Library 403 Fox Chapel Road Pittsburgh, PA 15238 What to Bring with You to the Clinics While one-hour clinics are designed to help solve problems and make living with your canine best friend or cat more enjoyable, please don’t bring your dog or cat to the clinic. These seminars are delivered in a lecture/experiential style. Do bring a tablet and pen for note taking and pictures of your pets.

There will be a 15-minute meet and greet with snacks prior to the clinic. Stay and take advantage of a 20-minute Q & A section after the One Hour Clinic.

Come, have a snack and enjoy these One Hour Wellness Clinics!

For more information about One Hour Wellness Clinics™ or to register contact Judith Levy at: info@judithlevywellness.com To visit our website: http://judithlevywellness.com Why Choose a Clinic by Judith Levy?

Judith has studied extensively the works of behavioral veterinarians and has regularly attended trainings given by prominent behavioral specialists. Judith has been helping pet guardians with canine and feline behavioral issues since 1999. She is a Master level teacher and has a BS in Behavioral Psychology and has worked behaviorally with children as a special education teacher. Her intuitive and practical understanding of ethology (the scientific study of animal behavior) and behavioral methodology is well-developed. Judith holds several certifications in the healing arts — she helps adults in her private practice at her Squirrel Hill office. She brings a great wealth of experience to each clinic. Visit her website at www.judithlevywellness.com.

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

March 2013

TANKS AND TERRARIUMS t’s every tropical fish hobbyist’s worst nightmare: The power is off, the heat is off, and the water is off too!! Learning to prepare and react in a utility emergency is crucial to keeping your tropical fish alive.

If you’re in an area that is prone to utility outages, your best bet is a back-up generator, though generators are generally not cost-effective. For some aquarium setups, especially saltwater systems, the cost is warranted, but if your tank inhabitants are freshwater, there are steps you can take to keep your fish alive until the power is restored.

There are a few items every aquarist can get ahead of time in the event or a power outage. The first are battery operated air pumps. I used 3 air pumps for my 125 gallon tank. They can be purchased at pet stores or online, and will cost $10 to $15 for basic models. The pumps I have use 2-D batteries, and in addition to the pump you will get air tubing and an air stone. It’s a good idea to keep some extra air tubing on hand for deeper tanks, as the tubing provided with the air pump only gives you about a foot of tubing. Keep some small aquarium rocks on hand too. The airstones will want to float, so rubberband the rock near the airstone, so it will sink. It is crucial to try to aerate the water to provide much needed oxygen.

The second are some heavy blankets. Your tank will start cooling off depending on house temperature. Cover the top, then wrap all sides of the tank with blankets. Use duct tape to keep the blankets on. Make sure to keep the blankets away from hang-on power filters, (which I use), in case the power comes back on when you’re not home, sending water on to the floor and draining a portion of your tank.

The third item is a backup heater. You want to regain temperature loss

I

When the power goes off:

Keep your tropical fish alive!

by Tim McCarthy

as soon as possible. I have the same wattage heater, as a backup, that I use in my tank. It is very important to let your backup heater acclimate to the tank temperature, about 1/2 hour, before you plug it in, otherwise it may shatter due to cooler water temperature.

The fourth are test kits. Ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Liquid kits are best, but dip strips will do. Find these test kits at your local pet store as well.

If readings are high for ammonia or nitrites, you can do a partial water change of 20-30 percent, keeping in mind water temperature of your tank.

Don’t change the tank temperature more than one to two degrees. Your fish are stressed as it is!

Another note. Do not feed your fish. The cooler temperatures will slow the fishes’ metabolism. There is no sense having the fish creating ammonia with their waste, when the filtration system is not working, therefore burdening your fish.

I invested in battery operated air pumps in 2009, and I didn’t have to use them until January 2013 when a fire at our next-door neighbor’s home prompted the fire company to shut off all of our utilities.

Our electric was off for 20 hours and my tank temperature was stable at 45 degrees. Needless to say my fish were not happy. I survived the outage with the loss of one fish, but without preparation it could have been much worse!

Mon-Sat: noon to 8 • Thursday: appt. only • Sun: noon to 6 March 2013

www.pghpetconnections.com

25

EQUINE AFFAIRS T

he rider must be able to control the horse both physically and mentally to train the horse gymnastically. A rider, however, cannot control a horse physically if he or she does not have it mentally focused, both are obviously integrated. Controlling a horse’s mind may sound odd but it is a key toward training.

What does it mean, “Having a horse’s mind”?

It simply means having the horse’s attention. Keeping a horse’s attention is not much different than training any other animal. Horses are easily distracted and most have a lot of energy because for generations horses continually roamed, covering distances of up to 50 miles a day. Now, the domestic horse spends hours standing in a stall instead of roaming and that excess energy needs to be positively released.

The best way to harness a horse’s mind and body is to make sure the horse is relaxed before training or riding. Training or riding a horse that is nervous or jittery will not result in a successful session. Make sure the horse has plenty of turnout and is fed the correct rations of feed to keep it calm. Training an excitable horse can be done if the rider knows what they are doing. For instance, lunging is a good way to get some extra energy out of the horse. If your horse is stabled be sure it gets ample turn out for its body and plenty of hay to keep its mind relaxed.

Horses do not need much, but those two items are essential for their wellbeing.

With a relaxed horse, the next phase of training is rhythm. No, that does not mean putting on hip hop music and bouncing around the arena or trail. Rhythm means getting the horse moving forward so it

maintains a steady pace. The trot is the foundation gait of training and this is the first gait most riders need to focus their attention. Riding on a circle too helps a horse that does not have rhythm, the circle helps to keep the attention and focus of both horse and rider. Persons who train horses spend a lot of time on the circle, in both directions, of course.

Developing the horse’s gymnastic training on the circle requires training in both directions. Horses

by Kristin Hermann must perform equally in both directions, which is typical of all athletes. This simple concept, however, is quite challenging for riders who are often one sided themselves! Rarely is a rider ambidextrous but the horse is expected to be. Therefore, most horse training problems that arise are usually rider related.

Dressage, or the gymnastic training of all horses, is beneficial for every equine in any discipline. The gymnastic training of the horse results in a relaxed, rhythmic, balanced and supple horse. Utilizing simple dressage concepts to train all horses educates not only the horse but the rider as well. Any horse can benefit, even just a trail horse or one that runs barrels. Obtaining relaxation of both the horse’s mind and body are essentials of training, then rhythm is developed. After the two basics of training, relaxation and rhythm, are established on the circle, the next step is to develop horizontal and lateral balance on straight lines. As a result, the horse is gymnastically trained to be ambidextrous and work evenly in both directions. (Next months topic)

Basic Equine Training Ingredients

– Relaxation, physical and mental, then rhythm

The

• Freelance Riding Instructor ~ will travel for lessons & clinics • Dressage (Gymnastic) training of the horse applies simplified training techniques plus is helpful for all disciplines • Improve the interaction and communication with your horse Call 724-206-9902, or visit www.CoventryEquestrianCenter.com

English Horn Ltd. For Horses Tack, Blankets, Health Care, Leather & Grooming Products

For People English Riding Apparel, Helmets & Boots, Country Clothing, Jewelry & Gifts

For Dogs Unique Leather Collars & Leashes, Coats, Gifts & Accessories

www.theenglishhorn.com englishhorn@verizon.net

Hours (as of April 1) Sun, Mon........Closed Tues, Thurs .....10am-8pm Wed, Fri, Sat...10am-5pm

724-941-8088

211 East McMurray Rd, McMurray, PA 15317

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©Pittsburgh PetConnections

March 2013

EQUINE AFFAIRS I

Treatment of Neoplastic Disease with Radiotherapy

f your horse is diagnosed with cancer, the veterinarian’s role is now to make the owner aware of the further diagnostic steps and treatment, and then to execute that treatment. That treatment may be surgical, medical, or both.

Diagnostic modalities include radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, CT, MRI, and nuclear scintigraphy. The goal is to define the extent or the spread of the tumor, if any. Histopathology is used to determine the type of tumor, and to determine whether the neoplastic cells have been completely removed. Knowing the type of tumor helps to determine therapy and the likelihood of it becoming malignant.

Many tumors can be removed in horses, particularly external tumors, which are the most common. Removal is often curative, if complete excision can be achieved.

Sometimes a tumor must be debulked, and then treated with some adjunctive treatment.

Medical treatments include anti-neoplastic chemotherapeutic drugs, biologic agents, or ionizing radiation. The former include cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, bleomycin, doxirubin, cyclophosphamide, etc. Biologic drugs include BCG and other ‘vaccines’.

Radiotherapy is another medical treatment that may be curative or palliative. It may be used in areas not amenable to surgery or when surgery has failed. It may also be used adjunctively with other medical or surgical treatments. Definitive therapy is aggressive and intense, requiring daily treatments to Brachytherapy Catheters achieve complete and lasting tumor control.

Palliative therapy is less aggressive and is used to control pain of bone tumors, shrink tumors that limit function, and to relieve obstructions.

There are several methods to administer radiation. It may be injected, as in Iodine-131 for thyroid cancer in cats; applied to the surface, as in Strontium-90 probes used on superficial and small tumors such as squamous cell carcinoma; left in situ (brachytherapy) such as sarcoid tumors or hemangiosarcoma for a pre-defined period of time (radiation dose); or, lastly, by external beam application of gamma or x-rays, or electrons. (Note x-radiation is used to make a radiograph; you cannot see x-rays). LASER therapy is another form of radiation used to ablate tumors.

Teletherapy (external beam radiotherapy) requires specialized equipment, and is performed in only a few specialized animalian facilities. Teletherapy is delivered usually with a linear accelerator, which produces X-rays of high energy in a beam form. The dose is fractionated, requiring multiple general anesthetics as movement is not acceptable during treatment, and the entire dose cannot be given at one time without destroying a large volume of normal tissue. This modality allows the dose to be placed exactly, including in depth, minimizing damage to surrounding normal tissue. Teletherapy has few case reports for solid tumors in the horse, largely due to expense and paucity of availability; however, it has been successfully used in the treatment of lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Brachytherapy, or localized, implanted, high dose radiation therapy has also been used in human sarcomas. The use of 192iridium for

March 2013

By Brian S. Burks, DVM, Dipl. ABVP (Equine)

squamous cell carcinoma, equine sarcoid, and other soft tissue sarcomas is well established and interstitial brachytherapy is preferred to teletherapy in large animals. The radioisotope is sealed in a metallic container known as a ‘seed’ or ‘wire’. For ocular and periocular squamous cell carcinoma, emitting 90strontium implants have also been used successfully.

192Iridium is the most commonly used radioisotope in veterinary brachytherapy, emitting gamma radiation. It also emits minimal beta energy, which is largely absorbed by the nylon ribbon encasing the seeds. Specialized catheters are surgically placed using guide needles which allow the introduction of plastic catheters which hold the seeds. Ribbons containing the radioactive sources are placed into the catheters after the implant has been constructed (afterloading) thereby reducing the exposure time of surgical personnel to radiation.

Tumor debulking may be necessary prior to implantation. This reduces the gross tumor volume, allowing decreased doses of radiation, providing additional safety for the patient and the surgical team. Tumors with high recurrence rates, and those that are difficult to surgically excise, are excellent choices for brachytherapy because regional function can be maintained, the cure rate for localized neoplastic disease is high, and the surrounding tissue receives little irradiation.

Ionizing radiation kills cells primarily by interaction with DNA, resulting in cleavage of the DNA or by free radical formation. Rapidly dividing cells will die faster than more slowly dividing cells.

Ionizing radiation may have several side effects, including alopecia, skin depigmentation, dry skin, and ulceration. Localized edema and infection can occur, necessitating anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial therapy. These complications usually resolve following implant removal. In horses, self-mutilation, and subsequent implant removal may occur often resulting in loss of the iridium seeds or ribbons, therefore care should be taken to protect the implant by covering it with gauze rolls or utilizing methods of restraint.

Radiotherapy can be used following diagnosis and tumor staging to treat nearly any solid tumor. It can be tailored to affect the tumor, whilst sparing surrounding normal tissue.

Dr. Brian Burks is the owner/veterinarian at Fox Run Equine Center, a 24-hour medical-surgical center near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is board certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Equine Practice).

This certifies him as an expert in all categories of equine practice. www.foxrun.net, brianburksdvm@comcast.net.

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/foxrunequinecenter.

www.pghpetconnections.com

27

EQUINE AFFAIRS WHAT IS LAMINITIS?

By Nancy Frishkorn CHCP

L

aminitis is defined as a highly debilitating disease of the hoof that has complex and multifactorial origins that induce pathological changes within the lamellar structure of the suspensory apparatus resulting in unrelenting pain and lameness that can be observed in stance and/or gait abnormalities (Hood 1999).

Many, or shall I say most, studies available on the internet and in journal publication fail to give a definition of laminitis. This has led to a rise in some (so-called) barefoot groups publishing their own observations that define laminitis in not only non-scientific ways, but also have no credible research whatsoever behind the theories. These articles include “made-up” definitions and terminologies, often by persons who either have no medical or scientific background, or believe that their reputation alone, because they have many followers, excludes them from justification of any such criteria; this is what’s known as an argumentum ad numerum fallacy. When you read articles in popular magazines, you should keep in mind that the publication is a neutral party; it is simply printing someone’s “point of view” and is not necessarily condoning the content within. Journal articles, although much harder to understand, are peer reviewed, meaning they have been read, and possibly contributed to and or supported by, other medical and scientific persons; they are published with much difficulty and scrutiny. Theorists, or those who simply put out their own thoughts in such a manner that they appear to be scientific, mostly propose ideas that are not able to be tested or disproven; a hypothesis is a testable theory, but keep in mind that it is all still a bit of a mystery to even the most highly educated persons. This conflict of ideas can overwhelm any individual seeking knowledge about this debilitating disease; making the right choice for your suffering equine can be the most difficult decision in your lifetime. For this reason, I’m taking the time to make a few things simple for you…

What can you do about Laminitis?

First, prevention of laminitis/founder is the best course of action! According to the some thousand articles I’ve read in the past year, up to 32% of equines are diagnosed at this point in time. That translates to: your horse has up to a one in three chance of becoming laminitic as well. This is ridiculous! The most common cause of laminitis is grass, second only to grain overload; it’s OK to love your horse but it’s not OK to feed them a diet of sugar and

All Natural Hoof Care Nancy Frishkorn, CHCP-Field Instructor Liberated Horsemanship Barefoot Trimming Services for the Tri-State Area: PA, WV, OH

724-255-6465 nancy@hooflady.org 28

carbohydrates to the point that they become ill. Obesity is not only a problem for American citizens, it’s a problem in the barns as well. It is not OK to turn a horse out on grass all summer to save money by denying them hay – they need at least 60% of their diet to be fiber in the form of dry bunch grasses (hay) at all times. Making this simple change does not guarantee that your horse will not founder, but it does increase the odds in your favor. So what should you do if the vet has already diagnosed your beloved equine with laminitis or founder?

“It doesn’t matter who you have caring for the hooves, the issues begin in the hindgut – address the cause first.” I have repeated this phrase many times in my decade of practitioner/shoeing experience, and it remains true today. Recently, I was called to a local farm where I met a wonderful woman and two suffering equines – the one gelding had a pulse of 78 and was in acute laminitic attack. I did very little to the hooves, but recommended a low carb feed instead of senior, removed the sugar based supplements, and returned six weeks later to find a more comfortable horse with a pulse of 40 – we are on the right track. The feed companies do not have any more knowledge about the requirements of the equine diet than do the top vets; this is the one area where research is still lacking – that of the wild horse diet.

Sadly, with the slow but inevitable removal of our feral basin population, this may never occur.

The best I can offer you is this: keep it simple, provide no more than 10% NSC (non-soluble carbohydrates), ESC (Ethanol soluble sugars or simple carbohydrates like glucose, fructose and sucrose) and WSC (ESC + fructan) and do your best to get your horse moving around in (preferably) a dry-lot area or “Paddock Paradise” set up. No second cutting, no apples or carrots, no molasses, and no stall rest! These will all hinder the healing process, and in my opinion so will any types of shoeing or casting for an extended period of time…

There are many booting systems available today that offer removable, interchangeable padding systems to support the frog, sole or area of the hoof (i.e. heels) that may be needed for comfort during the horse’s laminitic/founder phase. It is a good idea to have either your vet, farrier or practitioner who is knowledgeable in the different booting systems properly measure and fit the horse for support and comfort. Many of these boots can be used later on for riding purposes, and typically they cost about the same as one shoeing service; the benefit here is that they will last years instead of only six weeks.

Do everything possible to get your horse off of pain medications as soon as possible; long term use of NSAIDs such as Phenylbutazone (Bute) can cause other problems, such as liver damage, ulcers and can mask other problems that may be caught early and treated if necessary; Equioxx may be a safer alternative, but it is important to remember that no prescribed medication should ever be given unless under the direct prescription of the presiding veterinarian, and only as directed (Thal 2013).

Hosing the legs with cold water several times a day or providing a cold stream for them to stand in often aids in the horse’s comfort during the initial laminitic attack. If your horse has been this way for some time, there is still a chance that any rotation that may have occurred can be reduced, but often times horses become “chronic” and will experience bouts of pain throughout the year, especially in the early spring and fall if they are permitted on grass. With spring just around the corner, consider the size of your pasture and the number of horses you have in a single area, typically half an acre per horse is more than enough forage to keep them content without permitting over-grazing on lush forages. There are also some noxious weeds that may cause problems, both with laminitis as well as neurological issues, for this I would recommend an internet search so that you can identify any potential dangers in your personal fields and/or hay sources. Having your hay source tested is also a very good idea, and there are many sites that describe exactly how to obtain and sample and where to send it for analysis. Lastly, make sure your water source is within safe limits – with all this “fracking” and contaminates being introduced into our water sources, it may be necessary to have your ponds, stream, etc. tested before you permit your livestock access.

I wish you and your horse the best of luck and wonderful times together, but please remember that owning a horse is a big responsibility, and never take for granted the gift with which you’ve been blessed – that of owning a horse.

Hood, D.M., 1999. Laminitis in the horse. Veterinary Clinics of North America Equine Practice.

V. 15, 287–294.

Thal D.O., 2013. Bute & Banamine: What Horse Owners Should Know. Thal Equine Regional Equine Hospital– Santa Fe, NM. Retrieved from http://thalequine.com/bute-and-banamine-what-horse-owners-should-know/

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

March 2013

Dr. Doug The Holistic Vet

Holistic and Conventional Care: • Full Service Animal Clinic • Preventive Health Care • General Surgery • Radiology • Dentistry • Vaccine & Vaccine Counseling

• Nutrition Counseling & Natural Raw Diets • Holistic Care • Acupuncture • Chiropractic • Chinese Herbal Medicine • Therapeutic Laser

Dr. Doug Knueven practices an integrative approach to pet care. He is well versed in conventional veterinary medicine and has been licensed since 1987. He is also certified in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and chiropractic. He is a member of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and has advanced training in natural nutrition, massage therapy, homeopathy and a host of other alternative therapies.

At Beaver Animal Clinic, Dr. Doug offers a full range of options for the treatment of disease and the maintenance of health.

Western medicine tends to focus on fighting disease while holistic medicine strives to strengthen the body. These two goals are not necessarily mutually exclusive. An integrative practitioner works with the best of what these two philosophies have to offer picking and choosing from the full menu of options to put together a treatment plan that is ideal for the individual pet and her caregiver.

BEAVER ANIMAL CLINIC We at Beaver Animal Clinic believe in the power of caring.

Caring for our patients as our own pets.

Caring for our clients as our friends.

Caring for each other as our family.

Hours: Mon.–Thurs. 9-8; Fri. 9-5 Sat. 9-3; Sun. Closed

357 State Avenue | Beaver, PA 15009

724-774-8047 www.facebook.com/BeaverAnimalClinic

Dr. Ingrid Rhinehart earned her veterinary degree in 2011 from Cornell University. During her time in veterinary school, she focused on such things as bringing veterinary medicine to low-income families, helping people cope with the loss of a pet by volunteering on the Pet Loss Hotline, organizing community education events and helping to bring holistic and complementary medicine to the college and the veterinary students. She is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and looks forward to expanding her training in integrative modalities.

She shares her life with her husband and their three fabulous Great Danes (Aurora, Lucky and Harry), one smart and sassy Doberman (Ace), and a very entertaining Hermann’s tortoise (Scooter).