Pittsburgh
PetConnections Magazine Free!
October 2014 • Vol. 3, Issue 2
PITTSBURGH PET EXPO 2014 NOVEMBER 14, 15 & 16 The Largest Pet Expo on the East Coast
October 2014 October 2014 • Vol. 3, Issue 2
www.pghpetconnections.com
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PPC is Pittsburgh’s #1 Resource for Everything Pets
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Sponsored by Healthy Pet Products #1 Natural & Organic Pet Store
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Ex 20 hi 0+ bi to rs
Presented by
Grooming Competition Championship Pets on a leash are welcome!
SplashDogs, Classic K9 Show, Low-Cost Micro-Chipping Clinic, Adoption Opportunities, Free Treats and Giveaways and Much More!
PetExpoPgh.com November 14, 15 & 16 2014
David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown Friday 5 pm - 9 pm • Saturday 10 am - 8 pm • Sunday 10 am - 5 pm
$9.00 Adults • Children 10 and under FREE!
Friday Night FREE Admission
For More Info: Purchase a minimum of $10 at either Healthy Pet Products location between 10/16/14 –11/16/14 and receive (2) FREE Pittsburgh Pet Expo tickets* *Limited 2 tickets per visit
ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE Friday 11/14 Animal Arena
6:00p-6:30p..........Classic K9 Show 6:30p-7:00p..........Wildlife Defenders 7:00p-7:30p..........Operation Pit Bull Demo 7:30p-8:00p..........Classic K9 Show 8:00p-9:00p..........Groomers
Splash Dogs/Super Retriver Series Pool 5:00p......................Registration Opens 5:00p......................Open Practice Dock 6:00p......................Splash 1
Saturday 11/15 Animal Arena
10:15a-11:00a......Wildife Defenders 11:00a-11:30a......Classic K9 Show 11:30a-Noon........Operation Pit Bull 12:30p-1:00p........Dr. Dina Livolsi 1:00p-1:30p..........Classic K9 Show 1:30p-2:15p..........Operation Pit Bull 2:15p-3:00p..........Wildife Defenders 3:00p-3:30p..........Classic K9 Show 3:00p-4:00p..........Grooming 5:00p-5:30p..........Classic K9 Show 5:30p-6:00p..........Operation Pit Bull 6:00p-7:00p..........Wildife Defenders 7:00p-7:30p..........Classic K9 Show
Splash Dogs/Super Retriver Series Pool 10:00a....................Registration Opens 10:00a....................Open Practice Dock 11:00a....................Splash 2 1:00p......................Splash 3 3:00p......................Splash 4 5:00p......................Super Vertical
Sunday 11/16 Animal Arena
10:15a-11:00a......Wildife Defenders 11:00a-11:30a......Classic K9 Show 11:30-Noon..........Operation Pit Bull 1:00p-1:30p..........Classic K9 Show 1:30p-2:30p..........Wildife Defenders 2:30p-3:00p..........Pet Costume Contest 3:00p-3:30p..........Classic K9 Show 3:30p-5:00p..........Grooming Grand Parade
Splash Dogs/Super Retriver Series Pool 10:00a....................Registration Opens 10:00a....................Open Practice Dock 11:00a....................Splash 5 12:00p....................Super Retrieve 1:00p......................Splash 6 2:30p......................Finals
*Schedule subject to change*
EXPO SPONSORS as of 10/26/2014 A Different Breed Studio Aaron Alvaretts- Photo Realism About Cats & Dogs, LLC/Blue Ridge Beef Acadia Antlers Adopt-a-Sato ADT AdVet Inc. Angel Ridge Animal Rescue Animal Care & Welfare Animal Elegance Animal Friends Animal Rescue League Animal’s Instinct Pet Food Warmer Anne’s Pet Products Arabian Rescue Mission Avalon Veterinary Hospital AVETS Banfield Pet Hospital Bark n Go Barker Katz Creations Bath Planet Beyond Body Pads Blue Buffalo Boulder Designs Brewscuit Inc Bridgeville Animal Hospital Buddies by Marlies, Inc. Butch and Roo from Cleveland Camp Bow Wow Canine Caviar CARMAA Carriage Park Apartments Cat Around Town CATLITTERBUG.COM Champion Window Chic Doggie Attire Cinnamon Roasted Almonds Clinker Brick Murals Cone Agency Pet Insurance Cozy Inn Pet Resort Crane Village Apartments Creekside Distributing/ Ex-Cell Pro Pet Foods Dachshund Delights Dachshund Rescue of North America Direct Buy of Pittsburgh Direct TV – Satellite Connections Dog Body DoggerJogger DogPacer DogPoopBags.com Dogs on Deployment Dr. Chiro Vet – Holistic Care for All Animals Large and Small Dr. Dina Livolsi, Doctor of Chiropractic Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Etched in Glass EverDry Waterproofing Ezee Visit Pet Vet Mat Fabulous Homemade Cookies Farmers Insurance
Florida’s Best Frank Rowe & Son Frankie’s Friends Cat Rescue Fromm Fur Angels Cookies & Designs FurKid Rescue General Nutrition Corporation (GNC) Gnawlers Going Home Greyhounds Golden Triangle Obedience Training Club Great Pyrenees Club of Western Pennsylvania Rescue Greater Pittsburgh Joint and Muscle Gutter Helmet Gutwein K-9 Happy Feet Healthy Pet Products Hello Bully Himalayan Dog Chew Homeless Cat Management Team Home Solutions Design Center Hurry Home Hounds I Got Nipped It Works! Jefferson Memorial Park Jose Madrid Salsa K9 Kingdom Keystone Bulldog Rescue of Southwestern PA Kickbox Audio Kings Creek Plantation Klein Cutlery Konalu L.L.C Leaf Filter Legacy Remodeling Lucys Dog Duds Lynxbox Mancuso’s Country Lane Pet Hotel & Pet Supplies Manning Chiropractic & Wellness Center Mary Kay Cosmetics Merial Mid-Atlantic Basements Mid-Atlantic Waterproofing Midwest Beagle Rescue, Education and Welfare, Inc- BREW Midwest Mr.O’s Dog Training Place MT&R Waterproofing My Favorite Flip Flops Nash Academy Natural Inspirations Parrot Cages Nature’s Logic Nature’s Specialties Nature’s Variety Nittany Greyhounds Nutri-Source Oak Crest Pet Crematory One Dog at a Time Rescue Operation Pit Bull Origami Owl
Pampered Paws-N-Claws Pat’s Gifts Patterson’s Groom N Zoom Patti’s Pastries Paw Prints Photography Paws Barkery Paws Here Awhile PAWTREE, LLC. Peaceful Valley Pet Supplies Pet Duti Pet Plenish Pet Search Petzlife Perfect Fit Canines, Inc. PJNY Dogwear Pink Zebra Pittsburgh PetConnections Pittsburgh Post Gazette Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center (PVSEC) Pittsburgh Zoo Plant Patterns Poo Catcher Poopbags.com Poop N’ At Premier Kitchen & Bath Premier Laser Spa Of Pittsburgh Proper Pit Bull Puplight Puppy Paws Pure Air P.A. & Pet Products Purr-Fect Paws Kitty Adoptions Rainbow Cleaning Systems Renewal by Andersen Rollier’s Hardware Sealy Dog Bed Seven Fields Animal Hospital Silvi’s Little Artists Simply Sweet Shoppe Sit Means Sit State Farm Steel City Pet Sitters LLC Suburban Dog Sundance Vacations SV Distribution/PlaqueOff® Animal The Crate Escape Pgh The Dog Stop Trib Total Media Tuggo Dog Toys LLC Tyler Mountain Water Uncle Ulricks Vacation Village Resorts VCA Animal Hospital Vector Security Veronica’s Doggie Delights Vibrant Pets Wag-n-wear Washington Area Humane Society Western Pennsylvania Humane Society Wild Calling Xcel Canine Traing Center Xfinity Zeigler’s Distributor Inc Zuke’s
Pet Expo
The Pittsburgh Pet Expo is the region’s largest exposition for pets and is already established as an exciting Pittsburgh tradition and passionate about helping people grow their pet business and is looking forward to helping your business meet set marketing goals.
Presented by
Featured entertainment and back from last year, includes Pet Pictures with SantaPaws and also the Pet Costume Contest.
T
he 2014 Pittsburgh Pet Expo is back for November 14-16th. Sponsored by Healthy Pet Products - our local and premier healthy pet stores, this year’s show is packed full of fun! The Pittsburgh Pet Expo is the largest consumer Pet Tradeshow on the East Coast! It is an unbeatable, locally produced, one-stop venue for pet products and services! In addition to the more than 200 exhibits of pet-related products & services there will be fun entertainment and hands-on attractions for the whole family, covering almost 2 acres of indoor space. In addition to producing The Pittsburgh Pet Expo, Show Founder, Rocco Lamanna manages and promotes other highly successful Consumer Trade Shows in and around the Pittsburgh Area. With over fourteen years in the trade show management business, his knowledge and attention to detail make for a profitable experience for vendors and a fun-filled time for attendees!
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Pet Expo
The 2014 Pittsburgh
Also back are the 2014 Pet Olympics which are pet Olympic-style competitions. Spectators can watch their favorite breeds of pets participate in numerous events sure to entertain the whole family.
Marvel at the skill of Splash Dogs! Compete or be a spectator as dogs from across the area participate in the water sports of Big Air, Extreme Vertical and Speed Retrieve. The International Judges Association for Dog Grooming is back by popular demand -- only bigger and better than last year’s event. Nash Academy is proud to be back to host and sponsor the IJA sanctioned Rescue Me Dog grooming and creative competitions a part of the 8th Pittsburgh Pet Expo. For information to join in the competition visit: http://www.petexpopgh.com/grooming-competition
©Pittsburgh PetConnections
October 2014
opxE teP
Classic K-9 Dog Show ranks as the most memorable and enjoyable canine entertainment show for audiences of all ages. They have been producing the show for more than 20 events each year, entertaining well over 2 million spectators annually! They will make their return to Pittsburgh, hosting events selected from more than 17 different dog sports segments. The Classic K-9 Show derives its canine allstars from cities across the United States and Canada. All participants belong to the world’s largest international organization of dog trainers, which has more than 18,000 members.
Generously Sponsored by:
The Wildlife Defenders Program is a wildlife education outreach group run by the day program members of Bridges for Brain Injury Inc., all of whom are adult survivors of brain injuries. Sharing live native and exotic species, the Wildlife Defenders visit schools, youth groups, nursing homes, community events, and the Canandaigua Veterans Administration, and present formal and informal programs and displays. At the Pet Expo, the Wildlife Defenders will make their Pittsburgh debut sharing these live native and exotic species while performing several formal Wildlife Education presentations throughout the weekend. They will provide interesting and stimulating information about their animal ambassadors and encourage environmental and wildlife conservation awareness. Their expert staff will be available for questions following each show while conducting a “Meet and Greet” with selected wildlife. For more information visit: http://www.petexpopgh.com October 2014
www.pghpetconnections.com
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NORTH HILLS: 9805 McKnight Rd. McCandless, PA 15237
SOUTH HILLS: Crossgates Plaza 1742 Washington Rd. Upper St. Clair, PA. 15241
412.366.0700
(next to the Model Cleaners)
North Hills location now carrying
412.831.3700
SMALL ANIMAL FOOD & BEDDING
Official Sponsor of the
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Pittsburgh Pet4E xpo! November 14, 15 , 16
NORTH HILLS: Monday-Friday: 9am - 8pm | Saturday: 9am - 6pm | Sunday: 11am - 5pm SOUTH HILLS: Monday-Thursday: 9am - 8pm | Friday -Saturday: 9am - 6pm | Sunday: 10am - 4pm
www.healthypetproducts.net
Find us on
From decks, fencing to bathroom remodeling, J&D has done it all!
WAHS ad generously sponsored by J&D Home Improvements From decks and fencing to bathroom remodeling, J&D has done it all!
Offer expires 11/30/14
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PAWS HERE AWHILE
State-of-the-art facility • Themed vacation dog & cat rooms TV • Stereo • Patios • Air/Heated We offer your dog the most comprehensive enrichment program while boarding with us. Our knowledgeable staff will provide activities and exercise that matches your dog’s drive. PROFESSIONAL PET GROOMING Day and Evening Appointments
East End, Strip District, South Hills, Sewickley, COMING SOON! Monroeville
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For locations, hours, pup cams & more visit
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In This Issue: The Human-Animal Bond...........................13 Elect Your Energy
Event Calendar.............................................14 Upcoming Pet Events
Community News........................................15 31 Armstrong County Fire Departments Receive Donation to Save Pets From Fires
Featured Organization.............................27-28 Christ United Methodist Church: A Church with a Heart for People and Pets
Featured Business.........................................29 Who Protects Your Pets When You’re Not Home?
Holistic Care...........................................31-33 Bioelectricity and Healing
Contest.........................................................21 Kitty Korner............................................34-36 Second Annual Thanks for Paws Contest Animal Health & Wellness.....................17-20
TPLO/Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease; Fostering - The Facts, the Frustration and the Fun
Animal Behavior......................................25-26 Safe Interactions Between Dogs and Children
Cat Rescue Resource Guide; For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a Monthly Check For Your Cats
Equine Affairs..........................................37-42 Pony Yoga; Colic in the Horse; Barefoot and Blue: What Does That Ribbon Mean to You?
In Remembrance..........................................36 The Summer Without Our Angel
Advertiser Locator Map................................23
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©Pittsburgh PetConnections
October 2014
F ROM THE PUBLISHER Welcome to our October 2014 - Volume 3 Issue 2 We are proudly the official print media sponsor for the 2014 Pittsburgh Pet Expo again this year! We are providing the Pet Expo Program and distributing it at the event. See our fourpage insert right inside the front cover! We are looking forward to a great crowd and many vendors and featured shows this year. Sponsored by Healthy Pet Products - our local and premier healthy pet stores, this year’s show is packed full of fun! Please mark your calendars for this premier pet event of Pittsburgh on November 14-16 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center downtown. PPC sponsored and participated in the many fun-filled events of September, including Dogtoberfest and the Family Pet Expo in Monroeville. Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine Disclaimer: ”The views expressed in PPC Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or policies of Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine. All viewpoints are welcome...”
Pittsburgh PetConnections Monthly
Published By: Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC.
This Issue: We are having our 2nd Annual Thanks for Paws contest sponsored by Paws ‘n Claws Eyewear!!! See p. 21 for details! We welcome new advertisers to PPC--Invisible Fence, Mike T’s Autos, and Vector Security. See our center Advertiser Map spread on ages 23 & 24. Please also see our print and online directories on the home page of www.pghpetconnections.com.
Thank you for picking up PPC Magazine. Take care of yourself, as well as your animals and be well!
Warmly, Carla Mader CEO & Publisher Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC. Please submit any correspondence to: info@pghpetconnections.com Please check us out on the web & subscribe at: www.pghpetconnections.com. Follow PghPetMag on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/PghPetconnectionsMagazine
www.pghpetconnections.com Subscribe, Submit, Upload! Submit your business or rescue organization’s info for a FREE listing on our directory.
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.
No website for your small home-based pet or wellness business? Add a Featured Listing on the PPC online Directory for a small yearly fee and upload photos and detailed info about your business!
Magazine Publication Staff Managing Editor.........................................................Carla Mader Content Editor.............................................................Carol Hirsch Sales....................................................................................Joe Hirsch Graphic Designer.......................................Flatboy Productions Photography.................................Nicole Begley 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. ADVERTISING: petconnectionsads@gmail.com 412-583-1295 Contact: info@pghpetconnections.com 724-503-8695 All Rights Reserved Copyright 2014
October 2014
Become a Media Partner with PPC Magazine! A Media Partnership with PPC includes: • Ad in print or online (free design) • A Free Featured directory page on our website with your business info, photos and link to your website • Your logo in our monthly newsletter • PPC promotes your business at our events
www.pghpetconnections.com
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PETCONNECTIONS RESOURCE DIRECTORIES Animal Educational Exhibits North:
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium pittsburghzoo.org The National Aviary nationalaviary.org
Animal Behavior
Greater Pittsburgh Area:
Judith Levy, M,Ed., CEHP, RMT 412-521-5133 | judithlevywellness.com
Animal Communication Greater Pittsburgh Area: Renee Takacs, M.A. intuitguide.com
Animal Reiki East:
Janet Jackson animalangellady.com
East End:
Judith Levy, M,Ed., CEHP, RMT 412-521-5133 | judithlevywellness.com
Animal-Related Art, Photography & Retail North:
Nicole Begley Photography nicolebegleyphotography.com Vibrant Images vibrant-images.com WearWoof Shop 412-956-1788 | wearwoof.org
South:
Kara Jones Photography kjones.smugmug.com Paws ‘n Claws Eyewear PawsnClawsEyewear.com
Greater Pittsburgh Area:
Portraits of Animals portraitsofanimals.net Pet and Home Portraits petandhomeportraits.blogspot.com Jenny Karlsson Photography jennykarlssonphotography.com
Animal Rescue Organizations North:
Animal Friends 412-847-7000 | thinkingoutsidethecage.org Beaver County Humane Society 724-775-5801 Pennsylvania Great Dane Rescue 724-869-9185 Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary 412-366-1187 | hopehavenfarm.org
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Western Pa Humane Society 412-321-4625 | wpahumane.org
South:
Animal Care & Welfare 412-244-1372 | animalcareandwelfare.org Washington Area Humane Society 724-222-7387 | washingtonpashelter.org
East:
Animal Rescue League 412-345-7300 | animalrescue.org ARL Wildlife Center 412-345-7300 | animalrescue.org SW PA Pugs with Special Needs 724-763-2790 | swpapug.org
West:
CARMAA 412-780-4983 | carmaa-petadoption.com
Dog Training
Greater Pittsburgh Area:
Molly’s Canine Academy 724-914-3214 | mollyscanineacademy.com Success Just Clicks successjustclicks.com
North Shore:
Western PA Humane Society 412-321-4265 | wpahumane.org
Dog Training Clubs South:
Golden Triangle Obedience Training Club 412-653-6880 | gtotc.com Keystone Canine Training 412-833-2211 | keystonecanine.com Xcel Canine Training Center 412-833-2504 | xcelcaninetraining.com
Equine Boarding, Lessons & Training Facilities North:
Rockin’ Horse Stables 724-601-4706 | rockinhorsestables.com
South:
Coventry Equestrian Center 724-206-9902
Equine Holistic Care
Greater Pittsburgh Area:
Dr. Michael Savko, DC, CCSP, CVCP 724-261-7915 | drchirovet.com
Equine Hoof Care
Greater Pittsburgh Area:
Equine Tack Stores South:
The English Horn 724-941-8088 | theenglishhorn.com Lowry’s Western Store 724-228-1225 | lowryswesternshop.com
Equine Veterinarians East:
Dr. Brian Burks, DVM Fox Run Equine Center 724-727-3481 | foxrunequine.com
Holistic Practitioners Pet Chiropractor North:
Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com
South:
Dr. Astrid Manning, DC, CVCP 412-341-2505 | drastridmanning.com
East:
Dr. Dina Livolsi, Doctor of Chiropractic 412-824-6276 | drdinalivolsi.com
Greater Pittsburgh:
Dr. Michael Savko, DC, CCSP, CVCP 724-261-7915 | drchirovet.com
Holistic Veterinarians
Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com
Pet Burial, Memorial & Cremation Services South:
Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation 412-220-7800 | ccpc.ws Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home 412-655-4500 | jeffersonmemorial.biz
Pet Fencing
Greater Pittsburgh Area:
DogWatch 724-586-6555 | DogWatchPGH.com Invisible Fence of Western PA 724-396-7231 | invisiblefence.com J & D Home Improvements, Inc. 800-837-9379 | jdwaterproofing.com Pet Stop Pet Fencing System of Western PA petstop.com
All Natural Hoof Care Nancy Frishkorn 724-255-6465 | hooflady.org
©Pittsburgh PetConnections
October 2014
PETCONNECTIONS RESOURCE DIRECTORIES
Pet Friendly Restaurants
Westminster Presbyterian Church 412-835-6630 | westminster-church.org
Security Services
Double Wide Grille - Mars 724-553-5212
Pet Resorts - Boarding, Daycare, Grooming & Training
Vector Security 800-756-9161 | vectorsecurity.com
5th Avenue Fido 724-772-5511 | 5thavenuefido.com Camp Bow Wow - Ross Township campbowwowpgh.com K-9 Kingdom 724-935-DOGS (3647) | myk9kingdom.com Paw Prints Pet Retreat 724-903-0063 | pawprintspetretreat.com
Greater Pittsburgh Area:
North: South:
Double Wide Grille - Southside 412-390-1111
Pet Grooming North:
5th Avenue Fido 724-772-5511 | 5thavenuefido.com All About Dogs 724-925-1577 | allaboutdogsgrooming.info K-9 Kingdom 724-935-3647 | k9kingdom.com Larry’s Laundromutt 412-534-4052 | larryslaundromutt.com Paw Prints Pet Retreat 724-903-0063 | pawprintspetretreat.com
South:
Brush Run Styling 724-942-6352 | brushrunpetstyling.com Canine Club 412-220-8100 | thecanineclub.com Grand Slam Grooming 412-221-5081 | grandslamgrooming.com Grooming With Care 412-977-5961 Petsburgh Dog & Cat Grooming 412-885-4027 Pets At Home 412-655-7297 The Pet Salon 412-279-5331 | petsalonusa.com Woody’s Dog Wash & Pet Boutique 412-714-4644 | woodysdogbath.com Creative Canine Cuts 724-223-9020
West:
Paws Here Awhile Pet Resort 724-573-4665 | pawshereawhile.com
Greater Pittsburgh Area:
Zoom N Groom (Sonya Patterson) 724-225-4827
Pet Grooming Schools
North:
South:
Camp Bow Wow - Castle Shannon campbowwowpgh.com Grandma’s Dog Daycare 412-586-7094 | grandmasdogdaycare.com Canine Club 412-220-8100 | thecanineclub.com
East:
Camp Bow Wow - Highland Park campbowwowpgh.com Pittsburgh Pet Concierge 412-856-8505 | petconcierge.org
West:
Camp Bow Wow - Greentree campbowwowpgh.com Paws Here Awhile Pet Resort 724-573-4665 | pawshereawhile.com
Pet Retail/Supply North:
Healthy Pet Products 412-366-0700 | healthypetproducts.net
Christ United Methodist Church 412-277-1096 | christumc.net
October 2014
North:
Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com BelaCoop Animal Hospital 724-939-7062 | belacoopanimalhospital.com Seven Fields Veterinary Clinic 724-742-4433 | sevenfieldsvet.com VCA Northview Animal Hospital 412-364-5353 | vcanorthview.com
South:
All About Pets Veterinary Hospital 724-745-5503 | aapvet.com Allegheny South Veterinary Services 412-257-0909 | alleghenysouthvetsvcs.com Hickory Veterinary Service 724-356-1000 | hickoryvetsvcs.com VCA Castle Shannon 412-885-2500
East:
Pittsburgh East Animal Hospital Monroeville - 724-325-2500 Greensburg - 724-205-6960 peah.vetsuite.com The Big Easy 412-908-9301 | tbeah.com
East:
Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Services
Avalon Veterinary Hospital 412-761-9149 | avalonvh.com VCA MetVet West Animal Hospital 412-788-6400 | vcahospitals.com/met-vet-west
Petagogy petagogy.com | 412-362-7387
Greater Pittsburgh Area:
Little Piggies Pet Sitting littlepiggiespetsitting.com
South:
Veterinary Hospitals
Healthy Pet Products 412-831-3700 | healthypetproducts.net Oddball Pets & Aquariums 412-884-2333 | oddballpets.com Woody’s Dog Wash & Pet Boutique 412-714-4644 | woodysdogbath.com
Pet Massage
Pet Ministries
Nancy A. Ruffing, DVM 412-801-1071 | gentlejourneyvet.com
West:
Pet Sitters
Your Critter Sitters – Raylene Hoover 724-448-7330 | yourcrittersitters.com
Veterinary Hospice
South:
Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy 412-297-9383 | goldenpawspittsburghpa.com
Greater Pittsburgh Area:
Greater Pittsburgh Area:
North: South:
Chris’s Canine Club 724-746-3864 | chrisscanineclub.com Your Critter Sitters– Raylene Hoover 724-448-7330 | yourcrittersitters.com
Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, Inc. 412-366-3400 | pvs-ec.com VCA Northview Animal Hospital Specialty Referral Center 412-364-5353 | vcanorthview.com
East
Allegheny Veterinary Emergency Trauma & Specialty 412-373-4200 | avets.us
West:
Seraphina Pet Sitters 412-389-9735 | seraphinasitters.vpweb.com
www.pghpetconnections.com
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Oddball Pets and Aquariums The Best Aquarium Store in Pittsburgh
˚Freshwater ˚Saltwater ˚Reefs
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, ance n e t n ai ing M D esign r e f f Now O ation and ll Insta es! c Servi
412-884-2333
262 Joseph Street Pittsburgh PA 15227
THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND Elect Your Energy by Susan Wagner DVM, MS, ACVIM
and who is “wrong.” If this intention is done from a place of non-judgment and an open heart, the ideology is irrelevant. The intention must manifest.
D
id you know that the political process is a prime opportunity for spiritual advancement? If we truly understand the concept of oneness and unity, we know that those individuals from the opposite party are not our enemies but our teachers. They challenge us to find our own voice and to look into our hearts for what we believe in. It is our choice as to whether we are speaking with courage or whining a pathetic song. Do you think your dog or cat cares if you are liberal or conservative? Animals care about what’s in our hearts.
However, if we come from the perspective that the other party is made of greedy, self-absorbed, ignorant morons, etc ., etc., then the underlying energy of negativity will create our new reality. The best way to keep our causes from manifesting is to hate those who don’t agree with us. We will stay divided and will manifest more division. This philosophy does not mean that we tolerate abuse and cruelty. We must act against it and view the perpetrators with compassion in order to completely end the cycle of violence on the planet.
What most of us don’t understand is that our emotions surrounding the candidates and political process may be as important as our vote. Life is not what it seems. All that exists is made of energy, so it’s important to know what empowers us and what weakens us. Every situation we face is an opportunity to evolve as a human being. As each of us chooses to stay positive, all creatures are positively affected.
I’m not saying this is easy! It’s difficult to watch the endless negative, inflammatory television commercials. But we must transform our anger into awareness and positive action. We don’t want to hide from our emotions, but we don’t want to hold onto bitter victimhood either. The best way for a party to lose an election is for the individuals to see themselves as victims of the evil bullies. If we play in that drama, we stay in that drama. There are no bullies when there are no victims.
The political process is designed to divide us, but if this happens, nobody wins. Can we face our suffering, work toward what we believe in, speak our truth, and hold the space of non-judgment? I believe the answer is yes. We can come from completely opposite perspectives, yet we can have compassion and respect for one another. Do you see that you can work tirelessly to defeat candidates you believe will not benefit this country and hope they find joy and peace in their lives? This is where strength truly exists. You’ll note that I haven’t mentioned any party affiliation because this philosophy works both ways! The wonder of energetic living is that none of us has to budge an inch concerning what we believe. We don’t even have to meet in the middle. If each of us powerfully chooses to live in a country that stands for peace, equality, and freedom, then we are energetically “setting an intention” for those principles to emerge. It doesn’t matter what our political affiliation is or who is “right”
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Therefore, as we head down the wire into November, I ask that you value all people, no matter what they believe. It is through this space that activism is most effective and we ALL benefit.
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
©Pittsburgh PetConnections
October 2014
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Mention this ad & receive 10% off the trip fee. Call us today to find out more!
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2014 Pittsburgh Pet Event Calendar November December 6 - Snowflake Shuffle
November 14-16 Pittsburgh Pet Expo petexpopgh.com 7
www.wpahumane.org
14 - Pet Remembrance Service
www.westminster-church.org
- Tails on the Catwalk www.wpahumane.org
8 - ACAF Vegas Nite at River’s Casino www.animalcarefund.org
23 - Galleria of Mt. Lebanon’s Holiday Pet Event for Western PA Humane Society www.wpahumane.org
October 2014
Please see our online event calendar page at pghpetconnections.com for more great and local pet events!
www.pghpetconnections.com
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COMMUNITY NEWS 31 Armstrong County Fire Departments Receive Donation To Save Pets from Fires Life-saving pet oxygen masks are custom-designed to administer the proper amount of oxygen to all sizes of pets who are suffering from smoke inhalation. McGrann, PA - (September 3, 2014) First Responders of 31 local Armstrong County Fire Departments are now best-equipped to save pets’ lives during a fire, thanks to two local Invisible Fence® Brand dealers. This donation is just a small part of Invisible Fence® Brand’s Project Breathe™ program, which was established with the goal of equipping every fire station in America and Canada with petappropriate oxygen masks. The Invisible Fence Company of Pittsburgh, located in Greensburg, and the Invisible Fence Company of Western PA have both been very active in their efforts to create awareness and fulfill the program for this part of Pennsylvania. To date, through these two dealers over 200 masks have been donated and over 10,000 are now nationally on first responder vehicles ready for use. “When a family suffers the tragedy of a fire, lives are turned upside down,” said Albert Lee, Director of Invisible Fence® Brand. “Pets are valued family members, so we want families to know that their pets can be cared for if tragedy strikes.” “These masks truly are blessings for the Armstrong County area,” said Lt. Luke Linnon. “We’ve seen residents running back into burning homes to save pets. It’s understandable but extremely dangerous. These masks will give residents comfort in knowing that we can save their pets if they are suffering from smoke inhalation.” The donation event was held at the Manor Township Volunteer Fire Department and included instruction on how to recover a frightened pet, a first aid and pet CPR demonstration, and Pet Oxygen Mask training. “We are honored to be
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working with pet professionals like CART and Pet Emergency Training and learning to fully equip and train first responders,” said Carolyn Mento, co-owner of Invisible Fence of Pittsburgh. “It is not easy to find, rescue, and treat a pet during the chaos of a fire. But this training gives first responders the tools to make a difference when they are out there.” A reported 120+ pets have been saved by the nationally donated masks so far, including a number of dogs and cats in our area. Armstrong County is now joining the ranks of cities like Pittsburgh, Denver, Chicago, and Memphis, which have all received donated pet oxygen masks from the Project Breathe™ program. “We still have a long way to go,” says Mento of the efforts to succeed in the program’s mission, “but every donation takes us a step further.” Invisible Fence® Brand has set up a website, www.invisiblefence.com/O2 where people or companies can assist with contributions. About Invisible Fence® Brand Invisible Fence® Brand is the original electronic pet containment system and offers a comprehensive family of containment, avoidance, and access products to keep pets out of harm’s way and prevent unwanted behaviors throughout both the home and yard. Owned by Radio Systems Corporation in Knoxville, Tenn., Invisible Fence® Brand solutions are sold nationwide by professional, authorized dealers who provide Perfect Start™ pet training and custom installation that have safely contained over two million pets. Invisible Fence® Brand has taken pet care beyond the home and started the Project Breathe™ program, which has donated more than 10,000 pet oxygen masks to fire departments and first responders. For more information on Invisible Fence® Brand or to find a local dealer, visit www.invisiblefence.com.
©Pittsburgh PetConnections
October 2014
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ANIMAL HEALTH&WELLNESS C
ranial Cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture is the most common cause of rear limb lameness in the dog. Repair of the canine cruciate ligament deficient stifle is a 1.1 billion dollar industry in the United States and is the single most common procedure undertaken at most veterinary referral hospitals.
both projections, osteoarthritis is usually seen in more chronic cases. Ultrasound of the stifle is useful in identifying effusion in the joint and rupture of the CCL can be identified by the experienced examiner. MRI of the stifle may also identify a rupture of the CCL. Synoviocentesis with joint fluid cytological evaluation is helpful in cases where an immune mediated arthritis is suspected.
TPLO/Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease
Procedures for repair of the CCL
By John T. Payne DVM, MS, DACVS Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center (PVSEC) The most common procedure for repair of the CCL is the lateral suture technique or some variation of this technique. Generally, these techniques employ a large Signalment permanent extracapsular suture material to simulate the function of the CCL. These procedures begin with CCL tears can be seen in any size and any age dog. the patient in lateral or dorsal recumbency. A lateral There is no gender predisposition. Common breeds arthrotomy is made and the joint is opened and include Retrievers, Rottweilers, Mastiffs and Shepherds. thoroughly explored. The stumps of the ruptured CCL Dogs may be any age but it is relatively uncommon to are usually removed and the lateral and medial menisci diagnose in dogs less than one year of age. are inspected. If a meniscal tear is identified, the torn portion of that meniscus is removed. If a partial tear of the CCL is identified, most surgeons recommend Physical exam removal of the entire CCL for fear of repeat rupture if it is left behind. The joint is closed and stabilized by The most obvious abnormality seen in dogs with CCL placing a suture around the fabella and then through tears is a rear limb lameness of varying severity. On a hole drilled in the most proximal aspect of the tibial physical exam one can localize pain to the stifle and tuberosity. This suture is tied and will eliminate the there may be palpable effusion noted in the stifle. cranial drawer. There is generally anterior/posterior instability in the stifle that is palpable as either cranial drawer or cranial Advantages of this procedure are that it is less invasive tibial thrust on a tibial compression test. Firm medial and less costly than most of the other procedures. thickening over the medial collateral ligament is often Disadvantages are that the lateral suture loosens noted in more chronic cases. The absence of cranial following surgery causing laxity in the joint. This drawer does not exclude CCL tear since many dogs procedure is not ideal in large breed dogs and generally present with partial tears and a stable stifle. leads to more arthritis than the TPLO or TTA procedures. Ancillary testing A recent variation on the lateral suture technique is the tightrope repair. Tightrope repair uses a unique Radiographs of the stifle are often helpful and may help bone anchoring system that addresses many of the to confirm the diagnosis especially in cases with no shortcomings of the standard lateral suture repair. The cranial drawer. A lateral and anterior-posterior view of tightrope repair is designed to give a firm bone anchor the stifle is generally evaluated. In the lateral at both ends of the suture to decrease failure by projection, one nearly always will note effusion in the loosening. The suture material is a strong braided stifle that presents as displacement of the infrapatellar polyester material that is unlikely to break. Anchor fat pad and caudal displacement of the joint capsule. In
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©Pittsburgh PetConnections
October 2014
points of the suture are close to isometric meaning that the suture ideally remains tight throughout the entire range of motion. Advantages of the tightrope system are lower cost and ease of repair. Disadvantages of this procedure are that the braided suture material may become infected if not handled very carefully and the need to be very precise in placing the anchor holes. The Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) is the most commonly performed procedure in large breed dogs. The procedure begins with a medial arthrotomy with debridement of the stifle joint and removal of a torn meniscus as in the lateral suture repair. This procedure seeks to change the mechanics of the stifle rendering the CCL unnecessary. This is accomplished by creating a curved osteotomy of the proximal tibia that allows rotation of the articular surface of the tibia thus reducing the slope of the tibial plateau. The osteotomy is stabilized using a bone plate and screws. Advantages of the TPLO are that it is more stable in large breed dogs and generally results in less osteoarthritis and disability in the patient. Disadvantages are that the TPLO is a more expensive procedure that can have serious complications if the owners do not follow the post-operative instructions. Surgeons at Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center (PVSEC) typically prefer the TPLO procedure because we feel it gives us the most consistent results. The Tibial Tuberosity advancement (TTA) procedure is a newer procedure that mechanically accomplishes most of the same goals as the TPLO. The TTA begins with a medial arthrotomy and debridement of the stifle joint. In this procedure, the tibial crest is osteotomized and moved cranially until the patellar tendon pull is roughly 90o to the tibial plateau surface. The osteotomy is stabilized using a special plate and spacer. This procedure neutralizes cranial tibial thrust by increasing the lever arm of the quadriceps muscles. Advantages of the TTA procedure are that it also creates a more stable repair in large breed dogs and can be performed bilaterally at the same time. Disadvantages are that it does not work well in dogs with slopes exceeding 30o of tibial plateau slope and serious complications can occur with patient non-compliance.
Aftercare Following surgery, all dogs should be exercise restricted for 8-12 weeks. Sutures are usually removed in 10-12 days following surgery and follow up radiographs are generally taken following TPLO and TTA at 8 weeks post operatively. Most patients benefit from having physical therapy following CCL surgery.
John T. Payne DVM, MS, DACVS Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center (PVSEC) 807 Camp Horne Rd Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (412) 366-3400
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ANIMAL HEALTH&WELLNESS S
ince I retired from teaching in 1998, I have found a whole new “career.” I knew early on that I would love to work with animals somehow and found my niche in fostering for three different animal rescue groups – Critter Care Adoptions, based in Evans City; the Animal Rescue League of Pittsburgh; and Pet Search of Washington County, respectively. Lucky for me, my husband is also a big-time animal lover and not only encouraged my involvement but also participated in saving the lives of many animals through fostering. Fostering involves taking animals from local rescue groups or shelters into one’s home for a period of time to give the animals a chance to be “outside the cage.” Fostering gives animals a chance to interact with other pets, children, and all other members of the family. It gives the foster parent a chance to observe the animal’s behavior in all sorts of situations so that it can transition into its new home with as few problems as possible. Fostering is a godsend, not only to the rescued animal but also to the rescue groups and shelters that are overburdened by so many animals needing temporary housing. The unfortunate fact is that literally thousands of healthy, beautiful animals, including puppies and kittens, are euthanized annually simply because of space limitations. Fostering relieves the burden to the rescue groups and shelters and allows them to concentrate on rehabilitating their animals and finding permanent homes for them.
water, and a clean, safe place for the animal to play and to sleep. Will you be required to have a fenced yard or some other way of containing the animal? Will you be given the “option of adoption” if you decide that the animal fits into your household and you want to keep him? Will the rescue group or shelter have the right, according to the contract, to remove the animal from your home at any time and for any reason? All of these questions are usually, and should be, a part of any fostering contract. Regardless, for your own peace of mind, be clear on each of these issues.
Fostering – The Facts, the Frustration, and the Fun
…Not to say that there are not some frustrations to the foster family. First of all, if I have opened your mind to considering opening your home to a rescued animal in the first two paragraphs, think again. These are the pitfalls my husband and I have encountered along with some suggestions to avoid them: INSIST ON A CONTRACT WITH THE RESCUE GROUP OR SHELTER. You will feel much more comfortable if you have something in writing that spells out your responsibilities as a foster parent. Most contracts include your obligation to provide adequate food,
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Now, what about you and your property? Does the contract state anything about damage to your property or injury to your family or anyone visiting your household? Most contracts will stipulate a “hold harmless” clause stating that you will be By Carol Hirsch taking the pet into your home at your own risk and that you will be responsible for any damage that the pet causes to either persons or property. Maybe not. Some groups may provide some sort of insurance to cover such problems. Ask. Also check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see what it covers – especially damage caused by fosters residing in your household. What about behavioral issues? Are you good with housebreaking a puppy? How about a dog that has been mistreated while it was in the process of housebreaking? By the way, the #1 reason that pets wind up in shelters and rescue groups is house soiling. If the animal has that problem, are you prepared to handle it? In the contract, is there any clause stating that you will receive any kind of support from the group to assist you if you are willing to stay the course? Does the contract say anything about medical issues or administering medication? Is the medicine going to be provided and will you be shown how to give it? By the same token, will the rescue group provide food for the animal, or will you be expected to buy it yourself? Will there be someone you can turn to in a reasonable time if you run into a problem with either the animal’s
©Pittsburgh PetConnections
October 2014
behavior or its health? Veterinary care costs and any subsequent supportive therapy should also be outlined in the foster agreement. Once you have clarified your responsibility to the group and what the group is willing to do to support you and you decide to welcome the animal into your home, the fun begins. By the way, make sure EVERYONE in your household is on board with your decision to foster. It’s not fair to anyone – especially the animal – if that’s not the case. If you are accepting a dog into your household, do a meet-and-greet with the other pets in the household first. It may not be love at first sight because the house guest is coming in on your dog’s territory. You, as his owner, need to respect his feelings. More important, you don’t want anybody to get hurt. If you are fostering kittens, put them in a room by themselves for a few days. Take a towel or blanket that has the new animal’s scent on it and put it where your pets can smell it and put something of your pet’s in with the visitors. Half the battle, with either dogs or cats, is getting them used to the smell of other pets in the household. Doing so before integrating them should dispel problems with fighting and/or marking territory.
Having an enormous love of animals is not enough. Some people who are well-intentioned often end up as foster failures, but that won’t be you if you use some common sense and do your homework first. If you are animal savvy and are willing to take the risk, the rewards to your sense of self can be just as enormous as your love of animals. Consider this: You would not have read to this point in the article if you didn’t love animals! When you are crying tears of happiness as the family who has just adopted the pet you have fostered pulls out of your driveway and you have just saved a precious life, you will feel a sense of worth, perhaps as nothing you have ever felt before. --------------------Carol Hirsch is the content editor for Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine and also co-founder of Hearts and Paws Pet Ministry at Christ United Methodist Church, Bethel Park (see pp. 27-28). She has been involved in some form of animal rescue all of her life.
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Contest Prizes:
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Third Place Winner: Paws Picture Window Case
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©Pittsburgh PetConnections
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ANIMAL BEHAVIOR D
ogs and children go together like peanut butter and jelly. It makes me sad to hear folks in rescues and shelters say they will not place dogs in homes with children. Some of my fondest memories as a child are of my dog and me. However, children can be
during this new mobility phase. Once the baby begins to walk, often the dog’s tolerance levels drop because they may find the way toddlers move and behave to be scary. Dogs should not be expected to tolerate rough handling, and children should be taught that this safe handling applies to all dogs. Dogs should never be left unsupervised with babies and young children and need a safe place to relax away from the children.
Safe Interactions
Between Dogs and Children
For babies and toddlers, you always want to provide active, alert adult supervision. Do not By: Lilian Akin, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA read a book or work on your computer while Akin Family Dog Training your toddler plays in the same space as your dog. Take your dog with you when leaving the room. If you might become distracted, the best plan is impulsive and may not understand when dogs feel to separate them. Have the dog behind a baby gate, uncomfortable. In addition, dogs can occasionally act exercise pen, or some other barrier. The best way to defensively when pushed to their limit. I hope this allow your toddler to interact with your dog is to have article provides suggestions for keeping dogs and an adult guide the toddler and the dog. The best children safe. interaction is the use of “guided touch,” by which the parents hold and guide If you are having a baby, their child’s hand when invest in management tools. making contact with the As the parent of a baby or dog. a toddler, I can tell you that one can never have too many Be very careful of a baby baby gates. The judicial use who is in moving baby of baby gates, crates, and items, such as a swing. exercise pens can allow your Some dogs can get very dog to be in the same room as excited by the your baby or toddler but can movement. Always fully prevent direct contact that supervise when your might cause problems. baby enjoys such baby equipment. Never leave dog and baby unattended. Babies make odd noises and they often smell interesting. In the early months, it is ideal to include As your child ages, here are some suggestions for safer family dogs by allowing them to observe daily routines dog-child interactions. During interactions between while on leash or on an indoor tie down, crate, gate, or your child and the dog, describe what you are exercise pen. By so doing, your baby can be observing in your dog’s body language: “Look, he is enjoying tummy time while the dog enjoys a yummy panting.” “Oh, he has moved away.” Make sure the child frozen food-filled toy or bone. Positive exposure is key knows the difference between what a safe-appearing especially during these early months. If you want them dog looks like, for example, sitting calmly, wagging its to have contact, hold the baby and invite your dog over. tail, appears happy to see you, or its body is generally Permit the dog to smell the baby’s feet and always keep “soft” and “round.” Make sure your child learns that a a human body between the baby and the dog. dog that is not safe-appearing is one who is growling, showing teeth, has its fur raised up on its back, has a As babies enter into the mobility stage, dogs may mouth that is closed, shows “whale eye,” meaning the become uncomfortable. Preventing your crawling baby whites are showing in its eyes, or the tail is low between from approaching your dog is the best option. You will the legs. Even a friendly dog will not enjoy need to increase the use of gates and crates inappropriate interactions. Learning to read dog’s
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©Pittsburgh PetConnections
October 2014
signals will help you to guide appropriate interactions between your dog and your child and to nourish the strongest possible bond between the two. Teach your child what to do if a dog becomes too frisky or is scary to the child: Stand still, hold arms in, and look at the ground, i.e., “BE A TREE.” There are some behaviors children do that are downright dangerous and can lead to a dog’s feeling uncomfortable and communicating with a growl, or worse case, a bite. Such behaviors include hugging a dog, lying on top of the dog, and kissing a dog in the face, riding a dog and any others whereby the child is crowding a dog’s space. Dogs much prefer to have children sit beside them petting them. Again, use the guided touch as mentioned above. Teach your child to play fun-filled, safe games with the dog that are supervised by a parent and can involve hide-and-seek, fetch, or teaching tricks versus playing games involving chasing or tug-of-war. Children should be encouraged not to run and shout when in the presence of a dog because their behavior could encourage the dog to chase them.
Lilian Akin, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA is a local dog trainer and behavior consultant. She is a licensed presenter for Family Paws which provides support and guidance for families with infants and toddlers. For more information see: www.familypaws.com Photos By: Jennifer Shryock B.A. CDBC Founder & Director of FPPE Family Paws Parent Education Dog & Baby Safety Expert 919.961.1608
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Teach children to respect a dog’s resting place, toys, food, and bones. As a general rule, children should be taught never to approach any dog whether or not it is sleeping, standing, or sitting. However, if the dog is sleeping, eating, has a toy or bone in its mouth, or has puppies, children should be taught to stay away from it. If children want to interact with dogs, they should be taught to wait for dogs to come to them and to interact with the dogs only if the dogs appear to be welcoming of attention: Soft eyes, wagging tails, open mouths and appearing to be happy about the interaction. A child and a dog can be great together. Ensure that the needs of both are met and they can co-exist peacefully. October 2014
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FEATURED ORGANIZATION Christ United Methodist Church
– A Church with a Heart for People and Pets
By: Joe Hirsch, Chairman of Hearts and Paws Pet Ministry
H
earts and Paws Pet Ministry all started with Sue Irwin, children’s director at Christ United Methodist Church in Bethel Park, who attended a conference only to discover that other churches were beginning to include pets as a part of their children’s ministry. These churches found that interactions with dogs and cats not only pleased the children but also taught them respect for life. When Sue returned to our church, she presented the idea of offering a pet ministry to our congregation. When she had the senior pastor’s approval, she contacted me to ask if my wife Carol and I would like to become involved. We had a brief meeting, and suddenly I was chairing the pet ministry! We started gathering interested people, chose the name Hearts and Paws, and decided that our goal would be to provide assistance for church members who were entering the hospital and needed temporary care for their animals, offer grief support to those who had lost pets, and to be an educational resource for all things animal. Today, 11 years later, we have far exceeded those goals and assisted churches across the country and the world from Canada to Australia in starting pet ministries of their own. In the process, we are consistently reminded that pets are more than just animals. To most of the people with whom we deal, pets are part of their families. In many cases the human-animal bond proves to be as strong as the human-human bond. The ministry has stretched far beyond the walls of the church to provide services to the entire community, regardless of faith expression.
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We are often asked why a church would be involved with pets. After all, aren’t there enough animal rights and rescue groups already in existence? Our answer is both simple and complex. Simply, for most of us, animals truly are a part of our family. They make a difference in our lives. They are there for us and comfort us when we are experiencing difficulties and they love us unconditionally. They are happy to be with us when we’re having a great day and accept us when we have not yet showered, our hair is a mess, when we’re grumpy, and when we’re downright unlikable. A pet’s love is the most God-like love we can experience. The more complex answer for us is that care for all animals is a biblical mandate. When God created the world, He gave man dominion over the other animals. We believe that God did not mean that we are commanded to dominate them, but rather that we are responsible for their care. “Dominion” and “domain” share the same root word, and when man “domesticated” animals, he created an obligation to provide a “dome” over their heads – in other words, to give them a home. Religious leaders throughout the ages have affirmed our responsibility for caring for the animals with whom we share the earth. While our ministry started with the concept of providing care for our members and their pets, we have grown beyond what we ever envisioned initially. Our keystone event has become the annual Hearts and Paws Pet Care and Adoption Fair, held on the church grounds the third Saturday in June. The Fair evolved because we recognized that many rescue organizations needed a venue to be able to expose adoptable animals to the public. In keeping with our biblical mandate to care for all animals, we believed that the Fair helped to meet the need of the least of the animals, those who were homeless. We decided that we would not charge rescue organizations to participate, but in an effort to underwrite the cost, we would ask a small fee from the product and service vendors who attended. It started as an experiment and proved to be very successful. Today, the Pet Care and Adoption Fair is the largest adoption event in Western PA. There are approximately 40 rescue groups and 20
©Pittsburgh PetConnections
October 2014
vendors showcased at the event each year, and it is attended by over 1,000 visitors. While state law prohibits the adoption of dogs directly from the church grounds, nearly 50 or more animals find fur-ever homes as a result of the Pet Fair. A secondary unseen benefit comes from the Fair: We can cite many stories of individuals who have decided to begin or return to a house of worship as a result of their experience with us. Hearts and Paws has also developed a program to help individuals who cannot afford to feed their pets and, as a result, are in danger of needing to give them up. Food is donated by local pet food stores, groomers, veterinarians, and individuals and stored in a climate-controlled storage locker off-site. We have helped the unemployed, cancer patients, victims of flooding, and people in a variety of other difficult circumstances. We believe that part of our mandate is to ensure that people don’t have to give up their pets at the same time they are experiencing other tragedies.
October 2014
We also developed a veterinary grant program (currently limited to church members only) so that those who were struggling financially and faced with a sudden veterinary emergency could have assistance in bearing the cost. The ministry has also become a resource for those with questions about finding a pet, managing a pet’s care or behavior, or other pet-related issues. Hearts and Paws provides grief support on an individual and on-going basis and assists those who are making end-of-life decisions for their pets. Our goal is to help people through their pets in any way we can. Hearts and Paws Pet Ministry is open to all volunteers, regardless of faith affiliation. To volunteer or donate, call 412-277-1096 or contact Pastor Chris Morgan, Christ United Methodist Church, 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102.
www.pghpetconnections.com
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FEATURED BUSINESS I
’ve seen it many times: People are at work and, for a variety of reasons, their home catches fire. The only ones in the house are the four-legged residents, and it’s impossible for them to call the fire department. As devastating as it may be, many times cats, dogs, and other animals fall victim to the fire because no one is home to make sure they get out. By the time a fire is discovered, it is often too late to prevent the deaths of the animals inside the house. Because they are frightened, both dogs and cats often hide where they cannot be found and the most frequent cause of death becomes smoke inhalation. Even though I had seen tragedies resulting from fires, I never really thought about protecting my own pets until recently when several days in a row I listened to newscasts about house fires in which many pets had been lost. My wife Carol and I have been fostering pets for over 15 years and have several of our own companion animals. We realized through the sad stories of others that it was our responsibility to protect our pets and those in our care in any way we could. That’s when we decided to take action.
different solution. Pet-appropriate oxygen masks are a standard on most fire and rescue trucks. The Mt. Lebanon Fire Department was among the first fire services in Pittsburgh to have pet-appropriate masks. Within days of putting the masks in service, they received a fire call for house that was burning. According to Lt. Ed Davies, the
Who Protects Your Pets When You’re Not Home?
The first thing we did was to begin researching fire alarms and sprinkler systems. Surprisingly, we discovered, a fire alarm system does not cost as much as we believed that it would. After a little bit of investigating, we found that Vector Security offered a system that would automatically notify us as well as the fire department if a fire were detected in our house. We now have four strategically placed, wireless smoke detectors that are monitored 24/7. If the monitoring center calls us and we don’t answer, the operator automatically notifies the fire department. The result is that, even in our absence, we will get a quick response from the police and fire services at a cost that is less than the cost of a daily cup of coffee! The peace of mind that we now get from knowing that we have given our animals every chance to survive a fire is worth every penny we pay. Notifying the fire department is just one part of a plan to save the life of the pets we love so dearly, should a fire occur. For several years I worked as a paramedic and responded to many fire calls. We would frequently arrive to find that the fire fighters had pulled a dog or a cat out of the fire, only to discover that the animal was having a hard time breathing and needed oxygen. The difficulty was that the oxygen masks that we had on our ambulance, as well as the ones the fire fighters used, did not fit the animals’ muzzles and could not properly oxygenate dogs and cats. Today, rescuers have a
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By: Joe Hirsch masks worked wonderfully and they were able to save the home owner’s cat. Today, Invisible Fence® Brand underwrites a program called “Project Breathe™.” The purpose of the program is to provide pet oxygen masks and donate them to local fire departments. Recently, several fire companies in Armstrong County were presented with a three-mask kit (containing small, medium, and large masks) by Carolyn Mento, of Invisible Fence of Pittsburgh , who explained, “We are in the business of protecting pets and we take that responsibility very seriously. We want to ensure that every animal has the best protection possible. We should never lose an animal because we are not able to give it the oxygen that it needs. The investment we make in order to supply pet- appropriate masks to the fire departments is a small price to pay for saving the life of a family’s precious pet.” It is important that you take steps to protect your pets before there is a fire. Check with your local fire department to ensure that it has pet-appropriate masks on its fire trucks. If you have animals in the house and you have installed a security system, be sure that the system monitors know how many animals are in the house and the names of each. This information will make it easier for emergency personnel to manage your animals, should you not be at home when tragedy strikes. Taking a few steps will not only keep your animals safe at home but will also give you a tremendous sense of relief. Invisible Fence of Pittsburgh can be reached by calling 724-832-3134 or online at www.invisiblefence.com. To investigate how a fire security alarm might work in your home, call Vector Security at 1-800-756-9161.
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October 2014
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HOLISTIC CARE E
Bioelectricity and Healing
verything in our world seems to be run by electricity. In our homes and businesses, electricity is an invisible force that we can plug into for light, heat, food preparation, information, and of course, entertainment. It is hard to imagine living without electricity. When the power lines go down, it’s “lights out” and nothing much is done. As I will prove, electricity is also an important factor in living organisms.
Cellular Life The cell is the unit of life. Death of the body results when its cells cease to function. Health is a reflection of the proper functioning of every cell of the body. It has recently been estimated that the human body is made up of 37.2 trillion cells. Even the smallest dog is made up of over a trillion cells. Each cell contains ten thousand biomolecular machines (enzymes and organelles). The various equipment within a given cell allows it to complete 6,000 chemical reactions per second. It is hard to imagine the complexity of communications needed to coordinate all of the activities within cells, between cells, and between body systems.
Bioelectricity Electricity is a force that results from the interaction between positive and negative charges. Like charges repel while opposites attract. In the body there are different atoms and molecules that have positive or negative charges associated with them. We call these charged particles ions. Bioelectricity (the kind of electricity used in the body) is generated by the movement of these ions. It is the controlled flow of ions that allows signals to be carried by the nerves of our brains and nervous systems. That means that every thought we have is a result of bioelectricity. This same basic process is responsible for the contraction of our muscles. Therefore, every movement we make and every beat of our hearts is powered by electricity, but there are still deeper implications of bioelectricity.
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By: Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH
Life Force Energy The power source within every cell is an organelle called the mitochondrion. The average cell contains 1,000 mitochondria and they take up 1/10 of the cell’s total volume. The mitochondria convert glucose, fat, and protein from food and the oxygen from respiration into energy by creating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is the energy supply for many of the cellular, biomolecular machines. Mitochondria fulfill their task by pumping protons (positively charged ions) from the inside to the outside of their organelle membranes. This creates a gradient of electrical charge where the inside of the mitochondrion is negative compared to the outside. Because positive and negative charges attract, an electrical field is created. In this way, the mitochondrion becomes a miniature bio-battery. It is the electrical energy of these cellular batteries that powers the process of creating ATP. If the mitochondrial electricity were to fail, no ATP could be produced and the cellular machinery would stop. When this happens in the cells of the brain or the heart, bodily death results. So electricity is the ultimate energy of the life force. Furthermore, the cells of the body actively transport positive, sodium ions out of themselves using pumps fueled by ATP. This creates another gradient of charge where the outside of the cell is positive compared to the inside. Similar to the mitochondria, the cells themselves function as batteries. When the cellular membrane allows certain ions in or out of the cell, a tiny current of electricity results. This current further powers the cellular machinery of life. Recently a University of Michigan biophysical chemist used a tiny voltmeter to measure rat brain cells’ electrical potential and detected fields as strong as 15 million volts per meter throughout. This is actually a
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October 2014
tiny amount of electricity per cell, but when multiplied by trillions of cells, it becomes a huge force. In fact, assuming the rat measurements also apply to humans and pets, we all have the electrical power of a lightning bolt within us!
The Current of Injury Another aspect of the difference in charge from the inside to the outside of the cell is something called the current of injury. When a cell membrane is ruptured, there is a very fast and unregulated flow of ions as they are attracted to ions of opposite charge. This current of injury alerts the body that damage has occurred and it is this signal that brings in the body’s healing response.
Let me explain what this means. Scientists think they know everything because they’ve figured out the genetic code. We often think of the DNA as being the blueprint for the body, but this is not exactly right. Actually, the DNA codes for the protein building blocks for every cell in the body. Certain genes in the genetic code can be “turned on” and create a liver; other genes can be “turned on” and make a brain. The genetic code within every cell of the body is identical. It is the activation of specific genes that determine a cell’s organ system and function. DNA does not turn off and on its own genes; therefore, DNA is not a blueprint for the body, so how is it that in the embryo, the brain always forms inside the skull while the liver develops inside the abdomen? How does the body know where to turn off and on the needed genes? According to the research mentioned above, it is the body’s electrical field that dictates the regulation of genes related to the appropriate development of the body. The embryo’s electrical field acts as a template for the forming body.
The current of injury also works on a larger scale. It turns out that skin cells have more sodium pumps on the side of the cell facing outside the body. As all of the cells of the skin pump together, the outer surface of the skin becomes relatively positive with respect to the inner surface. When the skin barrier is interrupted, as when there is a cut, a current of injury is created in the skin which signals the body’s repair system.
Bioelectrical Fields and Bodily Regeneration
Thus, bioelectricity is responsible for bodily healing. Acupuncture in particular utilizes this powerful healing force. It has been documented that a distinguishing characteristic of acupuncture points is that they occur at areas of the skin where electricity flows more freely. Piercing those points with a needle causes a current of injury that is magnified by the decrease in electrical resistance.
Research done by Dr. Robert Becker in the 1960’s and 1970’s found some even more amazing effects of bioelectricity. Becker discovered that the electrical field at the stump of limb amputation was different in frogs as opposed to salamanders. He postulated that it was this difference in the electrical field that allowed the salamander to naturally re-grow a leg when it was severed while the frog could not.
The Bioelectric Body
In fact, Becker found that if a salamander’s leg is amputated and the frog’s electrical field is mimicked at the stump, the leg does not grow back. Incredibly, if a frog’s leg is amputated and the salamander’s electrical field is mimicked, the frog’s leg will grow back. In fact, this has also been proven to be the case in young laboratory rats as well.
The electrical forces generated by of the cells of the body set up a complex pattern of electrical fields. It is the summation and interaction of all the electrical activity of the body and mind that results in the overall bioelectric field which interpenetrates and is emitted by the body. This electrical field, which reflects the body/ mind, is part of what some people are able to sense as the body’s aura. The bioelectric fields of both amphibian and chick embryos have been analyzed and found to be quite similar. According to several studies, changing the electrical fields of chick and amphibian embryos causes changes in their development. Further research has revealed that the bioelectric field guides the body’s formation. October 2014
Apparently, the body’s electrical field is not only a template for the formation of the body but is also responsible for the maintenance of bodily form. This fact highlights the potential for all healing modalities that manipulate the body’s bioelectric field. As we can see, the electrical forces in the body are quite profound. Biologically speaking, it’s the electrical energy within the mitochondria that is the fundamental life force. The flow of electricity in our nervous and muscular systems makes possible our thoughts and
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actions. Bioelectrical fields are a template for the formation, regeneration, and healing responses of the body. The interplay of positive and negative charges in biological systems is truly an expression of Divine power.
Grand Slam Grooming Grooming Service & Dog Training available at:
168 Vanadium Rd. #A Bridgeville, PA 15017 (412) 221-5081 www.grandslamgrooming.com
Please call for an appointment
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DeAnne D. Orive
I.P.G. International Certified Master Groomer Certified Obedience Trainer
ŠPittsburgh PetConnections
October 2014
KITTY KORNER
Cat Rescue Resource Guide Low-cost Spay and Neuter Organizations and Programs
This is an ever-changing list of resources for cat owners in Pittsburgh and beyond though many of the listings, like the shelters, apply to dogs and other pets as well. It includes low-cost spay and neuter programs as well as TNR for community cats, pet-friendly rentals in Pittsburgh and across the US and links to shelters for adoption and other services. In the future we will also list clinic dates with the organizations below when they are available. TNR And Low-Cost Spay/Neuter For The Pittsburgh Area Homeless Cat Management Team: www.homelesscat.org City of Pittsburgh Free Spay and Neuter for City Residents City of Pittsburgh free spay/neuter: www.pittsburghpa.gov/animalcontrol/spay_neuter.htm City of Pittsburgh residents can apply for free spay or neuter vouchers for up to five pets, including stray/feral cats. Low-cost Spay/Neuter and TNR Programs at Allegheny and Surrounding County Shelters Animal Friends: www.thingkingoutsidethecage.org Animal Rescue League: www.animalrescue.org Beaver County Humane Society: www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org Washington Area Humane Society: www.washingtonpashelter.org - Colony Cat Project: faith.b2@verizon.net Western Pennsylvania Humane Society: www.wpahumane.org Low-cost Spay/Neuter Organizations in Allegheny and surrounding counties Frankie’s Friends Cat Rescue, Allegheny & Westmoreland Counties: www.sites.google.com/site/frankiesfriendsnatronaheights Fluffyjean Fund for Felines, Allegheny and Washington Counties: www.fluffyjeanfund.weebly.com Fix Ur Cat, Washington County: www.fixurcat.org Catnip Acres, Greene County: www.catnip-acres.org Snip-it.org, Westmoreland/Indiana Counties, Alle-Kiski Valley (Leechburg): www.snip-it.org Low-cost Spay/Neuter and Veterinary Clinic Spay Neuter Clinic, Penn Hills, 412-244-1202: www.spayaz.com/pittsburgh-pa Find Local Low-cost Spay, Neuter and Veterinary Care on the Internet Low-cost Neuter and Spay (search by zip): http://neuterspay.org Love That Cat (online search): http://neuterspay.org Spay USA: http://neuterspay.org Pet-friendly Rentals In the Pittsburgh area, visit this list on the FosterCat website: www.fostercat.org/friendly.html Nationwide (United States only): www.rent.com/pet-friendly-apartments Shelters and Shelter Services ALLEGHENY COUNTY Animal Friends (AFI): www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org Animal Rescue League (ARL): www.animalrescue.org Western Pennsylvania Humane Society (WPHS): www.wpahumane.org SURROUNDING COUNTIES Beaver County Humane Society: www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org Butler County Humane Society: www.butlercountyhs.org Humane Society of Westmoreland County: http://members.petfinder.com/~PA83/about.html Washington Area Humane Society: www.washingtonpashelter.org Non-shelter Feline Adoption FosterCat: www.fostercat.org Kopy Kat Sanctuary, Westmoreland County (Delmont): www.kopykatsanctuary.org October 2014
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KITTY KORNER F
eline breast cancer is the third most common cancer among cats after lymphoma and skin cancer. In a 2005 study done at the University of Pennsylvania, “cats spayed prior to 6 months had a 91% reduction…those spayed prior to one year had an 86% reduction in the risk of mammary carcinoma development compared with intact cats.” Spaying between one and two years of age only reduces the risk by 11%, and after two years it
into heat the first time is the best way to avoid breast cancer, not to mention reducing the risks of injury and disease a cat faces while out carousing as well as other reproductive cancers and deadly uterine infections. So, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we also need to become attuned to breast cancer in our cats.
Check those rescued mom cats
For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a Monthly Check for your Cats
I frequently give my Mimi’s belly a little extra rub top to bottom, not because she likes it, but because I like her. Mimi arrived in my home in 2007 with four black fuzzballs who were three days old. To my knowledge, she was about four years old at the time and had had six litters of kittens, and this litter would be her last.
Most of the cats I’ve lived with came to me as adults, most of the females intact, By Bernadette E. Kazmarski, artist and writer and back in the day, if we didn’t know whether or not a cat or kitten had been spayed, we just waited until she went into heat to figure it out. Those of us doesn’t reduce the risk at all. Actually giving birth to who have rescued cats or adopted cats who have borne kittens doesn’t change the risk factors either. The even one litter would be wise to keep an eye open for average age of diagnosis is 12 years, and certain breeds symptoms and perform regular breast exams on our such as Siamese and Persians are more frequently female cats, just as we women should be doing on diagnosed--and at an earlier age--than other cats. ourselves; in fact, we should plan it at the same time. Four of my females before Mimi—Kelly, who I knew While breast cancer in cats is more common than in had had kittens, and Cookie, Moses and Sophie—were humans, it is far less common than it is in dogs, but cats all rescued as older kittens or adults. Kelly had been have the highest malignancy rate and the lowest spayed by the time she reached me, but with the other survival rate of all three because about 90% of all three I waited until they went into heat to have them tumors are malignant, vs. about 50% for dogs. Early spayed, as was recommended at the time. That’s been a detection and treatment are keys to recovery and lot of mammary glands to check, and not always survival. popular, but I’ve done it.
That myth that “it’s good to let a cat have a litter of kittens” has no basis in fact and can be a death sentence, since spaying your cat before she even goes
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When I started this exam routine years ago, I found a small lump on my Sally’s belly and made a special appointment with my veterinarian to get what I was sure was a horrifying diagnosis. I wrung my cold and trembling hands as my veterinarian felt the area of Sally’s belly I had indicated, only to learn that it was scar tissue on her spay scar. I was too happy to be mortified at what a fool I seemed to be. The lesson is this: Get to know your kitty’s spay scar, which is usually tiny and often invisible but may contain a little hardened scar tissue. It may also be a site of cancerous growth, so check for changes.
©Pittsburgh PetConnections
October 2014
Several years ago friends rescued a “tortie” kitty from a warehouse who was intact and had apparently had several litters of kittens and spent her life dodging forklifts and begging for food. A year or so after Callie joined their household, one of them felt lumps on her torso/belly when they picked her up and thought the lumps felt “different/odd/new/wrong.” A visit to the vet diagnosed her with feline mammary cancer. She received surgery and a course of chemotherapy, but she relapsed two years later and succumbed to the disease within a year of relapse, but they were glad to have found it in time to give her two more good years after her rescue. During her yearly exam, our veterinarian felt near the bottom of her belly a little bit of a lump on one of Mimi’s mammary glands. I had noticed the lump as well. Mimi was a little lumpy to start with after so many litters and went into heat again just a few weeks after the four were born. Even after they were weaned and I had separated them for several weeks, she continued producing milk, some of which hardened in her mammary glands, so I soon learned that monthly exams can be puzzling and frightening. The solution is to keep examining and getting to know your cat’s mammary glands better so that you notice changes.
The monthly breast exam for your kitty An overall monthly mini-exam is a good practice for any animal guardian to undertake. Just run your hands over your cat’s body while feeling for lumps or bumps or cuts or any abnormalities that have simply shown up so that you begin to know what is “normal.” And then for the girls, and many say even for the boys, as a few male cats have also been diagnosed with breast cancer, check for any changes in those eight mammary glands, which are usually completely symmetrical and slightly reduced in size from chest to hips. Look for changes in the nipples or any discharge or discoloration, uneven lumps, or swelling and tender spots. At least we humans only have two mammary glands to worry about! For more information on the disease and treatment, reference these two articles: Association between ovarihysterectomy and feline mammary carcinoma (http://www.biomedexperts.com/Abstract. bme/16095174/Association_between_ovarihysterecOctober 2014
tomy_and_feline_mammary_carcinoma), and Mammary Cancer in Cats (http://www.veterinarypartner. com/Content.plx?P=A&A=2445&S=2), as well as Mammary Tumors in Cats (http://manhattancats.com/ Articles/mammary_tumors_in_cats.htm) on the Manhattan Cat Specialists website. And Breast Cancer in Pets (http://www.halopets.com/pet-education/petarticles/breast-cancer-in-pets.html) on the Halo website explains the monthly exam pretty thoroughly. For other information and to join with a community of feline mammary cancer survivors, visit Sugar’s website, Sugar Rub, and read her story of her human’s home exam, finding a lump, diagnosis, surgery and the whole process. Her human set up the website and a Sugar Rub Facebook page to spread awareness of feline mammary cancer and information about breast cancer exams, treatments and support.
When to spay, and early spay and neuter It used to be that six months, the approximate age a cat reached sexual maturity, was the recommended time to spay a cat. There were two problems with this. First, cats often went into heat before this age to the surprise of their owners, who thought Fluffy’s biological alarm clock wasn’t set for four months. Second, people wanted to adopt young kittens and were sent home with an assurance that a free or low-cost spay for Fluffy included in the cost of adoption. Somehow, Fluffy wouldn’t get back in time, sometimes never. In cat rescue, we see the results of this every single day. Many shelters now spay and neuter cats when they reach “two pounds and two months,” and they are not available for adoption until then. They recover quickly and are still cute kittens, frisky and full of fun, and no one needs to worry about their biological clocks.
Low cost spay programs at shelters in Pittsburgh and beyond If you’ve taken in a stray or adopted a kitten who is not spayed or neutered, there’s no question that spaying or neutering is expensive. Here are a few options to help keep it affordable. A few programs have an application process with an income level that determines the final price of your cat’s surgery; others are simply a low flat rate. In many cases the surgery alone can be done for under $50.00.
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EQUINE AFFAIRS
Pony Yoga
By: Kristin Hermann onies are notorious for having minds of their own. However, if we ride them on the aids and give them something to think about while under saddle, they will focus on the rider instead of thinking about the next devilish thing to do. Pony Yoga is here to keep your pony focused and you, the rider, actively engaging the pony’s mind and body Asking the pony to stay engaged mentally and physically will obviously keep it focused: The first requirement for pony yoga is to be able to have the pony relaxed, rhythmic and round on a circle. A pony could never be trained without being relaxed. Rhythm on circle is a prerequisite for most training, and then an elastic contact would be the icing on the cake. An elastic contact, however, is rather elusive and requires a tactful rider. Pony yoga can be done without the pony’s being “on the bit,” and, as a matter of fact, doing these suppling exercises will assist the pony in becoming connected with a softer contact and maybe result in the pony’s accepting the bit. Pony yoga is just a simple way to supple the pony and keep its attention. Lateral bending or bending the pony on both sides of its body, both left and right, is one way. The other is longitudinal suppling or Pittsburgh trainer Blaine Orris stretching from front to trains Annie with Pony Yoga. In this photo she is attentive and listens to back. Suppling a pony or a horse requires it to be able Blaine’s requests to move forward. She has no time to think about any to bend in both directions pony antics. Blaine is bending Annie from side to side and from onto the arc of a circle right, keeping back to front. Engaging the her attention on the task at hand. pony to do such exercises
P
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will capture the pony’s mind and keep it focused on the task at hand. Asking the pony to bend on circle is the first basic exercise. Its whole body bends onto the arc of the circle by following the arc of it.. For example, if the pony is tracking left, its entire spine from tail to poll should be positioned left. The shoulders, including the head and neck plus the hind end, are in alignment on the arc of Blaine is allowing Annie to stretch her whole top line by letting her the circle. Horses and ponies stretch down. This is training. do not just bend on circles Annie is never allowed to pull the on their own, this is part of reins out of his hands. the training the rider provides. When the rider can perform a decent circle in both directions, then more bending and suppling can be accomplished, thus making the pony even more attentive. When the horse or pony tracks up, or moves from behind taking a full stride, this motion stretches the top line. These top line muscles carry the rider. Stretching the top line can be done in two basic ways. Asking the pony to go more forward lengthens the stride and allows the back to stretch or allows the pony to “chew the reins” out of the hands at a walk or trot. Stretching “down and out,” of course, is only allowed if the rider asks and gives permission to the pony to stretch. A pony or horse that just rips the reins away from the rider is naughty, and this is not acceptable behavior. Of course, smart ponies, even though they are small, know deep inside they are mighty and strong and can out muscle most riders on any given day! Once again, training a pony keeps it respectful of its riding partner. Purposefully riding straight lines is another way to supple a pony and get its attention. Typically straight lines are trained on the quarter line in the arena. Just try walking your pony down a straight line to see if you can keep the pony straight. Usually the pony will drift to the right or left, and in each direction the pony will drift to a different direction. Typically, going right the pony will fall in and tracking left it will fall out. By purposefully riding straight lines, the rider can develop equal loading on both hind legs to make the pony more balanced in both directions. Pony yoga
©Pittsburgh PetConnections
October 2014
in action! With Pony yoga, we are not doing standing poses but poses in action at the walk, trot and canter. Yoga for ponies or riders is a wonderful way to keep the muscles loose and pliable. Pony yoga is just another way to think about making your pony more flexible and responsive to the rider’s aids. Developing flexibility is a key toward maintaining a healthy, sound pony, plus a good riding relationship and a deeper understanding of training.
Thank you www.blaineorriseventing.com for demonstrating some Pony yoga!!
This Chincoteague pony in training at Coventry is very straight. The rider is about ready to let him “chew the reins” out of her hands. She just needs to open her fingers. and capture its mind. Practicing yoga does not mean you have to sit for hours like a pretzel and put more tension into the body, not that a pony could do that anyway!
Portraits of animals pets and wildlife
2014 CaLendars A yEAr Of CATs in fOur diffErEnT ThEmEs: 12 Sketches of Cats fine Art Wall Calendar Compositions in Black and Green features black cats In the Kitchen With Cookie photos and recipes Great Rescues Day Book features portraits and stories
We financially help low-income families with low-cost spays, neuters and medical emergencies. Help us help others by sending donations to:
AC&W, Inc., P.O. Box 8257, Pittsburgh, PA 15218. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit and have been in existence since 1970. Look for our adoption animals at: www.animalcareandwelfare.org Spay and Neuter Clinics: See Website for dates Also feline-inspired artwork, photography, apparel, table linens, greeting cards and gift items.
Please call for an appointment: 412-344-2294
Bernadette e. KazmarsKi, artist
2806 Banksville Ave. Pittsburgh PA 15216
Etsy/PortraitsOfAnimals • www.TheCreativeCat.net www.bernadette-k.com
October 2014
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EQUINE AFFAIRS V
eterinarians are often asked about treating colic. second lumbar vertebrae at the site known as the “root This is a little like asking how to treat a limp. There of the mesentery. are many causes of colic, enough to fill volumes. Most simply, colic means abdominal pain, from whatever the cause in the immediate case. There are many By Brian S. Burks, D.V.M., Dipl. ABVP, Board-Certified Equine Expert misconceptions about colic. • Rolling causes the colon to twist Within the root of the mesentery exists the large cranial • Passing manure means that the horse is getting mesenteric artery. The mesentery is wide and fanbetter shaped and carries numerous vessels and nerves to the • Trailer rides will fix the colic intestines. It is attached to the small intestine along its • Horses colic with changes in weather entire length, but because of its fan shape and singular attachment, it is highly mobile and permits the These misconceptions can lead to delays in treatment small intestine to move freely in the abdomen. and possibly even death. The question, then, should be as follows: What is the diagnosis that is causing the The small intestine exits into the cecum, a 3.5 foot colic? To answer this question, one must understand appendix which holds around 5-7 gallons of ingesta. the anatomy and physiology of the equine digestive This is essentially a blind pouch, with an entrance and tract. an exit lying in close proximity. The cecum mixes the ingesta, ferments feed material via microbial digestion, and absorbs water. Next comes the large colon which has several turns, including an upward hairpin curve. It The equine digestive tract is unique in its ability to is designed as a double stacked horseshoe. The large digest cellulose and other structural carbohydrates. This process is known as fermentation, which requires a colon is about 15 feet long and varies greatly in diameter, from 8cm to as large as 50cm in the right special and complicated digestive tract. Fermentation dorsal colon. yields copious amounts of gas due to the microfauna (bacteria and yeasts) required for digestion and works The sequence of the limbs and flexures of the well for what horses were meant to do-- range over ascending colon is as follows: Right Ventral many acres, but it does not translate well into being Colon passes out of the cecocolic orifice on the right kept in stalls and fed meals twice daily. side of the abdomen and continues cranially to the xiphoid The digestive tract begins in the region; Sternal Flexure, passes mouth. Prehension and across the midline from right to mastication are important aspects left, Left Ventral Colon, which here. Very sharp teeth may affect has a diameter of about 20cm, mastication and cause injury to the runs caudally on the left ventral inside of the mouth. Food must abdominal floor; Pelvic Flexure, be taken in using small bites and which has a diameter of about chewed well to stimulate saliva 8cm, turns dorsally just cranial to production, beginning digestion. the pelvic inlet and then runs cranially to the Saliva contains many digestive enzymes and buffers to diaphragm, Left Dorsal Colon, runs cranially, break down food and buffer acids in the stomach. From the nose to the stomach is about one and a half meters; parallel and dorsal to the left ventral colon; Diaphragmatic Flexure, turns caudally at the a three- meter endoscope is required to examine the stomach in its entirety. The stomach normally holds diaphragm; Right Dorsal Colon, with a diameter of 50cm, continues caudally on the right. It is the shortest around three gallons and it exits, via the pylorus, into limb of the ascending colon. the small intestine which is around 80 feet. The small intestinal mesentery (ligamentous attachment of the The transverse colon continues on from the right intestine to the body wall) is connected to the top of dorsal colon as the right dorsal colon turns medially. the abdomen (toward the spine) near the first and
Colic in the Horse (Part 1 of 3)
THE EQUINE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT
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©Pittsburgh PetConnections
October 2014
The right dorsal colon is attached by a mesentery to the dorsal abdominal wall, the base of the cecum, the root of the mesentery, and the pancreas. This anatomical arrangement of mesentery allows the left ascending colon to twist and is a common cause of colic (colonic torsion). The large colon in turn empties into the 10 foot long small colon, where fecal balls form before exiting the rectum and anus. All told, the equine digestive tract secretes and absorbs about 100 liters of fluid every day. All of the twists and turns of the equine GIT are to slow movement, cause mixing of the contents, and allow microbial digestion, making Volatile Fatty Acids the major source of energy in the horse.
SIGNS OF COLIC
Horses are very sensitive to abdominal pain and may present differently from those of other species. Signs in horses range from mild to severe and include anorexia, lethargy, ‘ain’t doin’ right’, lip curling, teeth grinding (bruxism), flank watching, stretching as if to urinate, pawing, kicking at the abdomen, rolling, thrashing, and others.
CONDITIONS CAUSING COLIC
Colic signs may emanate from any point of disturbance in the gastrointestinal tract. It may be confused with pain from other areas of the body, for example chest pain. There are many causes of colic, depending upon the site affected. Examples include the stomach with gastric ulceration or feed impaction; the small intestine can twist at the root of the mesentery (volvulus); the large colon may have gas, impaction of feed material, or may have a torsion. Any part of the intestinal tract may be affected by inflammatory diseases or bacterial infections. There are many other potential causes. What is causing the pain experienced during colic episodes? • • • •
Tension on attachments to the body wall (mesentery) Distention or muscular spasm of colic Irritation to the intestinal lining- gastric/colonic ulcers Loss of blood supply (ischemia) from mesenteric volvulus or colon torsion
October 2014
BREAKING THE PAIN CYCLE
Many times, horses may recover quickly and on their own. They may colic in the night or when you are gone and you may never know that your horse had a mild belly ache. Where colic is identified, many resolve with time and an injection of flunixin meglumine, a potent anti-inflammatory and pain reliever; however, it is critical to understand what this medication may accomplish. For minor causes of colic it may be fine. For more severe forms of colic, it may take away the pain while the internal process continues, delaying diagnosis and treatment. It could even cost the horse its life. Never give any medication without consulting a veterinarian first. Some drugs may do irreversible harm if given in the wrong situation. Anything that blocks normal movement of ingesta from the stomach to the rectum may result in gas and/or fluid build-up, stretching the intestine, causing increasing amounts of pain as the condition worsens. Pain relief may stop this cycle in milder forms of colic. More severe forms of colic such as a twist, displacement, or impaction will require more aggressive forms of treatment, including surgery, especially in the former two causes listed here. Simple observation is not enough to distinguish mild and severe cases, although more severe signs of pain that continues is more likely to be critical, but this is not always the case. An experienced veterinarian can identify the cause of colic based on signalment, history, physical examination findings, rectal palpation, and other diagnostic modalities such as abdominal ultrasound.
COLIC OCCURRENCE
Roughly 5-10% of horses will experience colic in a given year. This happens in all groups, herds, breeds, and geographic locations. There are specific conditions that are more common in certain age groups, i.e. Ascarid impactions and intussusceptions are more common in younger horses. Colon torsion is common in broodmares post foaling. Horses that are kept in stalls experience more colic than those with regular exercise and also those that are fed more concentrates than forage (hay or grass).
Dr. Brian Burks, Dipl. ABVP 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. He enjoys the diagnostic and treatment challenges of internal medicine and intestinal disorders. Find out more and contact us at: www.foxrunrequine.com
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EQUINE AFFAIRS F
ads come and fads go, but some fads are not a fashion style; they’re a lifestyle!
For over a decade I’ve spent my days studying and trimming horses’ hooves; the most important reality I have learned is that all horses cannot go barefoot. That being said, one has to consider WHY this is the rule, not the exception.
have natural hooves. The fact is that trimming in and of itself is not “natural” and neither is riding. Of course diet is important; after all I don’t see many marathon runners having cupcakes for breakfast, so why on earth would I think that giving treats and sugary feeds to my horse would result in anything but unhealthy management? The effects of sugars and stress (as well
Barefoot and Blue
So many factors go into sound hooves, including genetics, environment, diet, husbandry--the list goes on. Even if we were able to control every variable (which we are not) there is still the basic fact that horses’ hooves were designed to carry the horse, not horse and rider. The biggest mistake I see with some of the barefoot trimmers is that they follow a model that is not adapted to the environment in which the horse lives. Sure, the feral horses of the Great Basin have beautiful hooves, but they are also mustangs who live in the desert. Here in Pennsylvania we see more rain and damp climate, which in turn results in a slightly longer heel and softer frog on average. I do have several clients who ride endurance barefoot, and their hooves do, in fact, look like those of the wild mustangs, but they are also Arabians or Appaloosas with genetically strong hooves and carefully monitored diets. The fact is that most trail riders simply cannot expect that their horses will be able to have the “perfect hooves” you often see posted on the Internet. BUT…. some can!
What does that ribbon mean to you?
One of the factors that I did not mention is, of course, size and weight of the horse (as well as the rider!). Tack that fits well, a balanced seat, and a conditioned horse go a long way for maintaining healthy barefoot hooves. The most important rule of thumb, from my experience, is that natural wear proves more beneficial than any trim. In fact, if we indeed could provide an environment in which no trimming were necessary, we then may
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by Nancy Frishkorn BA,CHCP
as concussional forces) can oftentimes be seen as rings in the hoof wall; and if your practitioner or farrier has ever said to you he can tell you’ve changed something (diet, stress, etc.), chances are that you have. On the other hand, if you are in a suitable environment, and your horse does not have pathologies or irreparable damages from injury or past husbandry, AND it has a rather stress-free life, well, you could be winning at Kentucky Horse Park! This is Jazz, and he’s been showing for many years. He is not a young horse, by far, and he is not very big, but he certainly held his own competing against the “giant” warmbloods over fences. I’ve been his hoof care practitioner for about seven years, and since we pulled his shoes, he has had one bout of white line disease as well as cancer. He is not perfect in every way, but he has the heart and spirit of a champion! When I trim, especially during his show season, I make sure never to lower the wall level to the sole plane; a notch of an eighth of an inch is typically adequate. Jazz does best when he has symmetrical hooves and keeps his angles an equal 55 degrees up, leaving him just a bit more heel. We don’t trim much on his frogs. They wear on their own as long as the wall never becomes too tall. His toes often need to be rounded because they don’t get quite enough wear to maintain a smooth breakover, and his soles are almost never in
©Pittsburgh PetConnections
October 2014
need of paring. As long as his growth does not exceed his wear by more than an inch, he seems to do just fine-anything more and his frogs will no longer provide support to the back of the hoof and will slough off.
hard work. Should the day ever come that he becomes a candidate for shoeing again, I’m sure she will do what is best to keep him comfortable for the rest of his days. In the end, it’s about QUALITY of life, and it’s our belief that a healthy lifestyle that provides the benefits of preventative maintenance outweighs the costs of another ribbon on the wall.
Over time, Jazz’s hooves have become more even, wider, and support his weight with more comfort. As you can see from his photos, his landings are not strained and he can tuck with the best of them! Jazz’s owner has always done the best for him and their bond is strong. She made the conscious choice of allowing him to live a barefoot lifestyle and made necessary changes when she had to. Jazz is sound and happy, a credit he owes to his owner’s dedication and
Free Standard Nail Trim (no exam necessary, must have proof of current rabies vaccine) Expires 12/31/2014
724-939-7062 www.belacoopanimalhospital.com 2232 West Hardies Road Gibsonia, PA 15044 October 2014
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2015
Penguins & Paws Calendar! Calendar will feature members of the Pittsburgh Penguins速 organization with some adoptable animals from the Animal Rescue League Shelter and Wildlife Center. Calendars will be available and ship mid-November. Just visit our website at www.animalrescue.org/penscalendar or contact Ann Yeager at 412-345-0346 or ayeager@animalrescue.org.
$2
Only
0 each*
Proceeds from the calendar benefit the Animal Rescue League Shelter and Wildlife Center.
* Plus shipping and handling. $5.95 per order in the United States, $19.95 in Canada and $24.95 in other countries.
The
Rockin’ Horse Stables
English Horn Ltd. For People
Rockin’ Horse Stables is a full care Hunter & Jumper boarding and training facility offering beginner to advanced English riding lessons, summer camps and quality horse sales.
English Riding Apparel, Helmets & Boots, Country Clothing, Jewelry & Gifts
Located just minutes from the heart of Cranberry Twp.
Unique Leather Collars & Leashes, Coats, Gifts & Accessories
For Horses
Tack, Blankets, Health Care, Leather & Grooming Products
For Dogs
www.theenglishhorn.com englishhorn@verizon.net
724-601-4706
www.rockinhorsestables.com October 2014
724-941-8088
211 East McMurray Rd, McMurray, PA 15317 Sun, Mon: Closed • Tues, Thurs: 10-8 • Wed, Fri, Sat: 10-5
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IN REMEMBRANCE
The Summer Without Our Angel
It all began when my son, Tristan, who was 14 years old at the time, went to Animal Friends with his father and grandmother to see the sheltered animals. My son called me from the shelter saying that he found a dog named “Angel” and that we HAD to have her! She was the last caged animal that he viewed and it was LOVE at first sight. I told him that I would go to the shelter to see her to decide whether we would adopt her. Angel was a scared, skinny, shaking, and beautiful little two-and-a-half-year-old beagle. As soon as I saw her, I knew that she would be ours. Angel was so afraid of everything that we had trouble getting her to go outside to do her business. After trial and error, we bought a dog crate in order to “house train” her. I was tired of cleaning up the basement floor and smacking my head on the low staircase after which I would literally scream bloody murder! After we had Angel for six plus years, we adopted a wild, high-spirited, three-legged beagle we named Ginger. Angel “tolerated” her, but I think she eventually liked having her around. Angel truly loved my son Tristan. She would not leave his side and he would “baby” her by covering her up with her blanket. Angel’s favorite things to do in life were to sleep, eat, play, go for walks, and to “lick the dish.” Angel was very happy with her life and very protective of us. She is and was our best friend. Angel turned 14 this past June. We had been giving her really good walks (weather permitting) even though she had slowed
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l
Ange
down considerably. We discovered lumps on her body that had us worried, so we took her to the vet to have her examined. The lumps were thought to be cancer. We really hoped we would have her with us at least for the summer, but the cancer grew rapidly and we were faced with putting her down instead of letting her suffer. It was one of the hardest decisions we ever had to make, but if we truly love our animals we have to let them go. We miss her and will never forget what a sweet, loving, and courageous dog she was. By: Ruth Maloy-Carter Do you have a special pet that you would like to honor? Send submissions to info@pghpetconnections.com.
©Pittsburgh PetConnections
October 2014
Dr. Doug
The Holistic Vet 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.
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.
Holistic and Conventional Care:
• Full Service Animal Clinic • Preventive Health Care • General Surgery • Radiology • Dentistry • Holistic Care • Acupuncture • Vaccine & Vaccine Counseling • Nutrition Counseling & Natural Raw Diets • Chinese Herbal Medicine • Therapeutic Laser • Healing Touch & Massage Therapy
Sign up for Dr. Doug’s blog and get free weekly holistic pet health insights Check it out today at http://drdougknueven.com and see what you’ve been missing!
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9-8; Fri. 9-5; Sat. 9-3; Sun. Closed 357 State Avenue | Beaver, PA 15009
724-774-8047
beaveranimalclinic.com
Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center
The Most Comprehensive Multispecialty Referral & Emergency Veterinary Hospital in Western Pennsylvania
EMERGENCY PET CARE
Open 24 Hours a Day, 365 Days a Year. Veterinarians On-Site At All Times. Dogs, Cats, Birds, Reptiles, Small Mammals
ANESTHESIOLOGY
Dianna Ovbey, DVM, MS, Practice Ltd. to Anesthesiology
CARDIOLOGY
Eva Sikorska, DVM, DACVIM Erin Anderson, VMD, MSc, DACVIM
DENTISTRY
Krista Mendoza, DVM, DAVDC
DERMATOLOGY
Sandra Sargent, DVM, DACVD Bill Oldenhoff, DVM, Practice Limited to Dermatology
EMERGENCY & CRITICAL CARE
Kenton D, Rexford, VMD Christine Guenther, DVM, DACVECC Christine Rutter, DVM, DACVECC Sarah J. Deitschel, DVM, DACVECC Amy Dickinson, DVM, DACVECC Kara Osterbur, DVM, DACVECC Rebecca A Miller, DVM Joey Kallem, DVM Elissa Allen, VMD Robin M. Dutra, DVM Lindsey Rademacher, DVM Kristen Krisulevicz, DVM Richard Skalos, DVM Carol Park, BVSc Tricia Tovar, DVM, Resident in EM & Critical Care Jennifer Daly, DVM, Resident in EM & Critical Care
MRI & CT IMAGING
PetsDx Veterinary Imaging - www.petsdx.com Gerald Frye, VMD
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Sherwood Johnson, DVM, DACVIM Tracey Peterson, DVM, DACVIM Emily Klosterman, DVM, MS, DACVIM
NEUROLOGY
Edward MacKillop, DVM, DACVIM Kendra Mikoloski, DVM, DACVIM
ONCOLOGY
Rebecca Newman, DVM, MS, DACVIM Todd M. Erfourth, DVM, DACVIM Bridget Urie, DVM, MS, DACVIM
OPHTHALMOLOGY
Lawrence Bagley, DVM, DACVO Rachel Keller, DVM, DACVO Michael Finn, DVM, MS, DACVO
RADIATION ONCOLOGY
Christine Anderson, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVR
RADIOLOGY
Christopher Warrington, DVM, DACVR
SURGERY
Anthony D. Pardo, MS, DVM, DACVS John T. Payne, DVM, MS, DACVS Julie L. Compton, DVM, MS, DACVS Jonathon Anderson, DVM, DACVS Michael Doornink, DVM, DACVS Hope Chisnell, DVM, Practice Limited to Surgery Kathryn Campbell, DVM, Resident in Surgery Jeffrey Christ, DVM, Resident in Surgery
807 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412.366.3400 www.pvs-ec.com