Volume 3 •Issue 1
Spring 2012
inside: Does My Dog Have a Cold? Housebreaking Q & A Cushings Disease: A Dog Lovers Guide
Spring 20
Volume 3
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Issue 1
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Volume 3 •Is
sue 1
contents
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Spring 2012 inside:
Does M y Have a Dog Cold? Hou
departments 23
sebrea king Q &A Cushing s Disea se: A Dog Lovers Guide
Weekend Getaway: The Hidden Valley Bed & Breakfast
On the Cover…
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Weekend Getaway:
“Baxter” is seeking his forever home. Inquires may be made to Jasmine’s House Rescue, email is info@jasmineshouse.org and website www.jasmineshouse.org. Baxter also his own blog at www.peacelovefoster.wordpress.com.
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Health:
28
Nutrition:
32
Alternative Therapy:
34
Legal:
36
Training:
38
Training:
The Whitehaven Hotel
Photo by: Fuzzypants Photography – Carina Thornton
Does My Dog Have A Cold?
Treating Pancreatitis
Pet Acupuncture: Common Questions and Answers
Legal Consequences for Failing to Scoop Your Poop
The “Come” Command— Say It Only Once
Housebreaking: Questions and Answers
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Featured Business:
44
Calendar of Events
features 8
Cushings Disease: A Dog Lovers Guide
11
Want to Help? Consider Fostering
12
Cover Story Out of the Shadows
18
Iliopsoas Got You Down?
42
Side Effects
Crossroads Animal Referral Emergency (C.A.R.E.)
Spring 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ contributors }
contributors Brae Blackmore, Intern
Tom Lacy, Dog Obedience Instructor
Brae Blackmore is a senior at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland where she double majors in French and Communication Arts. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Brae has lived with dogs her entire life. Starting with a large 70-pound Boxer to an 11-pound miniature dachshund, dogs have always played an integral part in her life.
Tom along with his wife Pat are the owners of Dog Lovers Obedience School located in Richmond, Virginia. Tom joined efforts with his wife Pat Lacy in 1983. Under Pat’s supervision, Tom trained his first dog 25 years ago. He is an instructor, as well as a writer and counselor. Tom established the New Hope Counseling Service for premarital, marriage and family crisis counseling. As a writer, Tom has published several books, articles and assisted others in doing the same.
Hillary Collyer, Esquire Stephanie Phillips, DVM, DACVIM Hillary Collyer is a Virginia lawyer whose practice focuses on civil and commercial litigation. She received her law degree from the George Washington University Law School and is licensed to practice before the Virginia Supreme Court, the D.C. Court of Appeals, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Hillary works at a law firm in Old Town Alexandria where her fourteen year old Shih Tzu-Mix “Lady” accompanies her to work each day.
Dr. Stephanie Phillips grew up in Frederick Maryland. She attended Auburn University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Animal and Dairy Science and then a doctorate in veterinary medicine. She completed a small animal internship at the University of Minnesota and then a residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at Cornell University. She is board certified as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. She is a Charter Member of the ACVIM Foundation and active in its Memorial Donation Program.
Krisi Erwin, DVM, CVA, CCRT Dr. Erwin, a life-long Loudoun County native, owns a house call practice called Wholistic Paws Veterinary Services that focuses on offering in-home acupuncture, rehabilitation, pet hospice, and euthanasia for her clients. She also practices part-time at Leesburg Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Erwin is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist and a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist.
Darleen Rudnick, BSW, MHN, Nutritional Pet Consultant Darleen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, and a Master’s Degree in Holistic Nutrition. She counsels pet owners worldwide and supports animals with a complete holistic approach. As a nutritionist, her focus is nutrition and building programs for pets suffering from all ailments and offers natural supplements and herbal remedies.
Geof Ruppert, DVM
Aleksandra Gajdeczka Aleksandra runs the foster and adoption program for Love-A-Bull Inc, in Austin, Texas, and is studying to become a dog trainer and behavior specialist. A DC-area native, Aleksandra worked with the Montgomery County Humane Society and Jasmine’s House, Inc before moving to Texas last fall. She is currently fostering her tenth pit bull type dog and blogging about it at Love and a Six-Foot Leash.
Dr. Ruppert is a partner in Yellow Springs Veterinary Clinic, a nationally accredited small-animal practice in Frederick, Md. A graduate of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, he has been in clinical practice for nearly 20 years. Outside of work he stays busy tending a flock of Corriedale sheep with the help of his faithful friend, Nan, the Border Collie. He also enjoys playing banjo for anyone who will listen.
Anne Stoneham, DVM, DACVECC
William Given William Given has owned, exhibited, and bred purebred dogs for more than 25 years. He has competed in conformation, obedience, and rally. William is an AKC licensed judge for Junior Showmanship. He also has a background in disaster management and emergency preparedness for pet animals and livestock.
Dr. Stoneham is an emergency and critical care specialist at VCA Veterinary Referral Associates in Gaithersburg, MD where she is Director of the Emergency Department. Dr. Stoneham completed her veterinary training at three different institutions: veterinary school at Cornell University in NY, internship at the Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital in Oregon, and residency at Tufts University in Massachusetts. Dr. Stoneham’s interests include emergency surgery, acute kidney failure, sepsis and hypoadrenocorticism among others.
Pat Lacy, Dog Obedience Instructor Pat Lacy founded Dog Lovers Obedience School in 1976 in Richmond, Virginia. Pat’s many accomplishments include over 55 years of dog obedience training, teaching a two-year college course for dog obedience instructors, as well as founding Therapy Dogs and Associates in 1984. Pat’s specialty is working with families including children three and up.
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Fred Wolfson, L.Ac. Fred Wolfson, L.Ac. is a licensed and board certified acupuncturist in Maryland and is a state certified animal acupuncturist. He works cooperatively with many Maryland veterinarians to provide treatment for dogs and cats. In his people practice, Fred provides affordable and accessible healthcare for Baltimore in a low-cost sliding scale community clinic. www.AcupunctureForAll.com
The Virginia–Maryland Dog
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{ department }
Publisher/Editor in Chief Pamela Wahl
{ publishers note }
a note
from our publisher
Director of Operations Gene Wahl Art Director Kalico Design, Kim Dow Senior Editor Kimberly Holmes Photographer Fuzzypants Photography, Carina Thornton Photo Editor Fuzzypants Photography, Carina Thornton Copy Editor Matt Neufeld Advertising Director Pamela Wahl Production Coordinator Diane Weller Web Site Design/Manager Kalico Design, Kim Dow Business Manager Cathy Wahl Contributing Writers: Brae Blackmore Hillary Collyer, Esquire Krisi Erwin, DVM, CVA, CCRT Aleksandra Gajdeczka William Given Pat Lacy Tom Lacy Stephanie Phillips, DMV, DACVIM Darleen Rudnick Geof Ruppert, DVM Anne Stoneham, DVM, DACVECC Fred Wolfson, L.Ac. The Virginia-Maryland Dog Magazine 1 College Avenue Frederick, MD 21701 Tel: (301) 514-2804 Fax: (301) 576-5079 www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com bark@thevirginia-marylanddog.com
One of the advantages of living here in the mid-Atlantic region on the East Coast is that we’re fortunate enough to be able to experience, and enjoy, all four seasons! Spring is a particularly favorite time of year for those who enjoy the outdoors. It is indeed a time of the year when everything is new again—the green leaves re-appearing back on the trees, flowers emerging through the dirt in all their myriad colors, even animals in the woods emerging from their winter’s sleep. Hope, and life, springs eternal with the change of the seasons. It is a time when we can’t help but feel just a bit more motivated to get up, venture outdoors and experience a warm breeze alongside our faithful canine companions. Like many of us mere humans, they, too, love the scents and the sounds of this new season! So welcome to our Spring issue, which is chock-full of educational and informative articles—including helpful stories on such down-to-earth issues as housebreaking and the legal consequences for failing to scoop poop! This issue, our insightful and colorful cover story is a detailed look inside the walls of shelter and rescue organizations, and how the fine and dedicated groups of individuals who work at these facilities—many of whom are volunteers—go the absolute distance to find forever-homes for the many unwanted and abused animals in our society who have no voice. We truly hope that this story will enlighten and encourage you to seriously consider adopting one of these magnificent animals, who are so desperately seeking someone to simply love and care for them. On a very special note, Baxter our cover model is seeking his forever home. Countless hours have been spent by his foster mom Juliana, the team at the Montgomery County Humane Society, as well as Jasmine’s House to rehabilitate this wonderful boy into realizing that the world is not that bad a place after all. So, if you have room in your heart and home for this fine animal, please contact Jasmine’s House at info@jasmineshouse.org, website: www.jasmineshouse.org. Baxter also has his own blog. Please take a moment to visit it at www.peacelovefoster.wordpress.com. Pamela Wahl, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Copyright 2012 No part of this publication may be reproduced without expressed written permission of the publisher. No part may be transmitted in any form by any means, including electronic, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher. Publisher accepts no liability for solicited or unsolicited materials that are damaged or lost. Views expressed by editorial contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
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EXPECT THE VERY BEST
In Your Pet’s Veterinary Care:
• • • • • •
Preventive Healthcare • Pharmacy Anesthesia and Surgery • Geriatric Screenings Radiology • Feline Boarding Dentistry • Ultrasound Laboratory Services • Pet Portal website Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupucture Now offering Canine Massage
Y •S •V•C Yellow Springs Veterinary Clinic is a full-service animal hospital, providing the highest quality healthcare for your pets. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for our patients and their owners. 25 Thomas Johnson Drive
Frederick, MD 21702
As an accredited member of the American Animal Hospital Association, we are dedicated to providing excellence in small animal care. Our hospital is evaluated regularly by AAHA to ensure that we meet or exceed the association's standards of excellence. AAHA standards are recognized around the globe for quality care in veterinary medicine. Doctors’ hours are by appointment during the following times: Monday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 am to 6 pm Tuesday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 am to 8 pm Wednesday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 am to 8 pm Thursday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 am to 8 pm Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 am to 8 pm Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 am to 12 pm
Dr. Randy Barbour & Dr. Geof Ruppert own and operate the hospital as a team. Dr. Michelle Kluchurosky also joined the practice in 2007! Phone: (301) 663.8353
Web: www.yellowspringsvet.com
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Cushing’s Disease: A Dog Lover’s Guide
By Geoff If you are a small dog enthusiast or know Ruppert, DVM someone who is, you may have heard about
an illness called Cushing’s disease. It’s one of the most common hormone imbalance issues that some older dogs must face. Specialists use the more correct term, hyperadrenocorticism, but we don’t have to be that formal here. What you need are the practical facts, so here we go. Cushing’s disease results from overproduction of the steroid called cortisol by the adrenal glands. Every dog has two of these glands located right next to each kidney. They help your dog deal with stressful events in his or her life. You probably heard about the “fight or flight” response in school. That is what the adrenal glands help with when they are working right. The adrenals take orders from the pituitary gland up in the brain, and cortisol levels fluctuate up and down, depending on your little buddy’s needs. Cushing’s disease starts with a tumor of either the pituitary gland (80 percent of the time), or the adrenal gland (20 percent of the time). It’s a good thing that
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
most are pituitary tumors because these tend to respond well to treatment, while adrenal tumors are more aggressive and difficult. In either case, the symptoms are the same. The disease occurs in middle-aged and older dogs, and usually in small ones. (It’s rare, but possible, to see it in dogs weighing more than 40 pounds). Observant owners may notice that their dog is becoming chubby around the middle. He or she may also have skin changes, including thin hair coat, and skin that is thin and less resilient. But the symptom that will bring most owners to their vet is the excessive thirst and urination that has the patient getting them up in the night and draining the water bowl. Of course, many disorders can cause increased thirst and urination (think diabetes, kidney disease, etc.), so your vet will want to do some basic lab work, starting with blood work and a urinalysis. Dogs with Cushing’s disease will have a dramatic rise in an enzyme called alkaline phosphatase, or ALKP for short. What you need to know is that lots of older dogs have elevated levels of ALKP. This enzyme is not at all specific for Cushing’s disease. Almost any kind of inflammation in the body can elevate this
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enzyme, and often, the cause can be quite trivial. So take this result with a grain of salt and keep this main point in mind: If your dog isn’t having increased thirst and urination, you don’t want to pursue a Cushing’s diagnosis very far. On the other hand, if your furry friend isn’t so furry anymore and he or she is thirsty all the time, then a rise in ALKP should lead your vet to press on with more specific testing for Cushing’s disease. A lot of specific blood tests have been devised through the years to detect Cushing’s disease because no single test is even close to 100 percent foolproof. They all can yield false positive or negative results, so it takes a keen clinician to ferret out the truth. That said, expect your vet to recommend a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test when suspicion of Cushing’s is running high for your baby. This test takes eight hours to complete, but don’t worry, it’s very safe. The test requires three small blood samples and a tiny dose of dexamethasone I.V. during an eight-hour period. Most of the time, your dog can be watching videos or chatting with the other patients at the clinic while waiting for your return at the end of the day. Results of the dexamethasone test usually tell us if your dog has Cushing’s, and often help us decide if it’s originating from the pituitary gland or from the adrenal gland. In some cases, if we aren’t feeling confident that it’s a pituitary problem, an ultrasound exam of the abdomen can be helpful. Again, we want to know if we are dealing with a pituitary tumor or an adrenal tumor, because pituitary tumors tend to progress very slowly and respond well to medicine; they don’t require surgery.
So now you know about symptoms to look for and the diagnostic approach to expect when you take your pooch to the vet and Cushing’s disease is on the rule-out list. Now here is the key point once again to keep in mind: Don’t go looking for Cushing’s disease unless your dog is really thirsty and/or urinating all the time, even if his or her ALKP enzyme is elevated, because treatment is lifelong, expensive and occasionally dangerous. Plus, in the majority of cases, Cushing’s is very slow to progress. But if your dog does, indeed, require treatment for Cushing’s disease, here are a few words about treatment options. There are two medications in common use in the U.S., Lysodren and Trilostane. Lysodren has been around for a long time, while Trilostane is the relative newcomer. Some folks perceive Trilostane to be a safer drug, but that isn’t actually the case. Adverse reactions can occur with either drug, and the result is usually a dog that has no ability to mount the “fight or flight” response. Details about adverse reactions will have to be left for another article, but it’s important to emphasize that your vet will be working very closely with you to monitor your pet’s therapy using a test called an ACTH stimulation test. This is another simple blood test that requires a couple of hours to complete in the hospital. With this test, your vet can help ensure that the patient is getting the right amount of medicine at the right times to keep excessive thirst and urination under control and help you get a good night’s rest. Your veterinarian will help you choose the right medicine for your little buddy, and with careful monitoring, your dog can live comfortably with Cushing’s disease for a long time.
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Want to Help? Consider Fostering Hundreds of beautiful purebred dogs and thousands of mixed-breed dogs are abandoned or surrendered every year in many cities all across Virginia and Maryland. A good many of these dogs are taken in by foster homes. The foster homes then house, feed, train, and socialize them. This gives the rescue groups the time needed to find them a loving home. One of the most valuable services you can provide to a rescue group is making your home a foster home. Rescue groups desperately need foster homes--in some cases, more than they need adoptive homes. The more foster homes a rescue group has available to them, the fewer dogs that have to be left in shelters to face uncertain futures. Every dog that is fostered is made more adoptable and easier to place in a forever home with a loving family, thanks to the effort given to care for, train and socialize them. In addition to saving the lives of these dogs, foster homes save the rescue groups great sums of money. The rescue groups simply do not have to pay for as much kennel space or staff.
ing factors to the length of time spent fostering a pet. Most rescues are in generally good health, and it is common for the rescue group to pay for the spaying or neutering, full vaccinations, worming, if necessary, and testing for heartworms. Most rescue groups will also reimburse foster families for any emergency veterinary care that is paid for out of pocket. The foster family is expected to provide the food, water, and shelter. Occasionally, some dogs will need a bit of socialization or training. Dogs that have been kept outside will often need some training to become reliably housetrained. The rescue groups also expect foster families to provide the dogs with generous amounts of affection.
By William Given
The tender loving care that you give your rescue pet daily could turn around a dog who previously had no hope of being adopted. You can help rebuild the dog’s loyalty, trust, and confidence. It is often quite remarkable to see how much these dogs change after just a short period of time. Plus, your input on each dog’s likes, dislikes, obedience skills, and personality traits will provide critical information as part of the process of finding him or her a forever home.
Not all rescue groups have the same requirements for becoming a foster home, for example, the group may want you to have a fenced yard or make a commitment to provide the rescue with a required amount of exercise. The main requirement of a foster home is having the heart and enough space to house a rescue dog. Most rescue groups will do everything they can to accommodate you and your family. They often provide foster homes with a truly great support team including mentors, case managers and assistance lines to answer questions. These are helpful resources while caring for your new four-legged roommate. Most foster families will have a rescue for just a couple of weeks, but you never know exactly how long it will take to find that right home. The age of the dog, the breed, and the existence of any preexisting health conditions are the biggest contribut-
Spring 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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Meet Lily Photo by Aleksandra Gajdeczka
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
Out of the
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shadows Story by Aleksandra Gajdeczka
W
hen Catalina Stirling of Jasmine’s House Rescue heard about Baxter, she knew he was coming with her. Baxter had arrived at the Montgomery County Humane Society last June with a body covered in bruises and bald patches. He was emaciated, his eyes were bloodshot, his ears were swollen and red, and there were scars all over his body. He had gingivitis, irritated skin, and a serious case of Demodex mange. He was too weak and frightened to even stand up on his own. In short, he was hardly the average person’s idea of a ready-to-go adoptable pet. But that was exactly why Jasmine’s House wanted Baxter.
When he moved to his assigned kennel, Baxter withdrew to the corner and disappeared. A few days later, Baxter met Bruce. A dedicated volunteer, Bruce was immediately moved by Baxter’s vulnerability, and decided to take him on as a special project. In the following weeks, Bruce spent hours in Baxter’s kennel gaining his trust. Since Baxter was too weak and fearful to emerge on his own, Bruce carried him outside and back in, slowly building up Baxter’s strength and confidence. After many repetitions, Baxter was able to walk on his own four feet. Shelter staff monitored and celebrated his every step, but after seven weeks at MCHS, it was clear that Baxter needed more.
Every day, rescue workers across the country comb shelters for dogs like Baxter. To the trained eye, they are easy to identify. Gentle and uncertain, they are staff favorites who are often branded with the tell-tale physical and behavioral signs of a difficult life left behind. The average adopter passes by these dogs in favor of the springy, effervescent dogs in neighboring kennels, but rescue workers are in on a little secret--the dogs hiding in the shadows at the back of the kennel, too uncertain to make eye contact, can be exceptional family pets.
It was then that Baxter moved to the Jasmine’s House “farm” in Mount Airy, Md., where he would spend three months living in a spacious kennel and receiving the customized care and attention that he needed. Stirling, a dog behaviorist, and her partner Kate Callahan, helped Baxter work on his confidence, taught him how to socialize with other animals, and took care of his physical health needs. His personality began to emerge after a few weeks, and Baxter revealed himself as a mellow guy who adores stuffed animals and desperately seeks human affection.
BAXTER
Baxter began to enjoy his life at the farm, and spent his days napping in the sunshine and playing vigorous games of chase with his dog friends. Then came a pair of scary incidents that landed Baxter in emergency surgery –twice--after swallowing leashes and toys. The incidents triggered an important realization for Stirling and Callahan: Baxter needed to move on to a foster home.
The night Baxter arrived at the shelter, MCHS Operations Coordinator Kathy Dillon sat with him in her office for hours, just holding him. He was in a state of virtual paralysis, but his body responded to her human touch. He nuzzled into her arms and rested peacefully against the safety of her body.
Spring 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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If the farm is like boot camp, foster care is like finishing school for dogs like Baxter. Under the loving care of his foster mom Juliana Willems—an active and busy recent college graduate—Baxter has conquered his anxiety and learned to be a perfect gentlemen, picking up essential skills such as potty training, basic commands, leash walking, and house manners. To address Baxter’s timidity, Willems began taking him everywhere with her. Through slow and repeated exposure to new places and people, Baxter began to understand that his world was full of positive experiences to be had. Nine months since the start of his journey, through the hard work of animal shelter volunteers, rescue workers, and his foster, Baxter has been transformed from a frightened and sick animal into a perfect house pet. All he needs now is a family of his own.
ANNIE
Her one blue eye was the first clue that Annie was more than just another homeless dog found roaming the roads of Spotsylvania County, Virginia. When she arrived at the shelter, Annie was about 15 pounds underweight, had severe heartworm, and was suffering from pneumonia. She also is deaf. A dog with this profile usually faces a grim fate at a rural animal shelter. That’s where Bully Paws came in. Bully Paws is a Fredericksburg-area rescue that visits local shel-
Annie with Feline Friend
ters weekly, looking for remarkable, gentle-spirited underdogs. The rescue has a strong commitment to working with special-needs and disadvantaged dogs. Annie was a perfect fit. Her foster, Silvia Krieglstein, was new to deaf dogs, but she quickly invented the hand signals and gestures that made communicating with Annie surprisingly easy. Annie’s road was rocky at first. She had to recover fully from pneumonia before starting heartworm treatment, which is a risky procedure even for healthy dogs. For three months, Annie was confined to a crate or an indoor space and taken on short-leash walks only. She received daily medication to clear up her lungs. After a few weeks, she began heartworm treatment, which involves a series of arsenic-based injections designed to kill the parasite. This is the most effective treatment for advanced heartworm, but it also is very painful and carries a high risk of complications. Annie had a tough time with the treatment: she responded to the injections with a severe and painful allergic reaction. But the treatment worked. After 10 weeks, Annie was heartworm free. It was a photo of Annie napping with a cat that initially drew her adopter in, and it didn’t take long for Annie to win her new feline sibling, and everyone else she met, over. Annie passed the Canine Good Citizen test in 2009, and went on to become a therapy dog. She regularly visits a home for teenage boys. Her mom enjoys bringing her misunderstood dog to visit misunderstood teenagers, and believes the kids and Annie--who dote on each other--share a special bond.
LILY
Photo by Aleksandra Gajdeczka
Montgomery County Animal Services was in for a surprise when they responded to a call about raccoons making noise in a dumpster in Silver Spring one evening last September. When they opened the dumpster to scare off the intruder, they found not a raccoon, but a beautiful dog. According to reports, the dog licked their hands as they pulled her out of the garbage. She was weak, skinny, filthy, and covered in cuts and bruises. Lily’s happy-go-lucky attitude and obvious determination to leave the past behind made her a quick favorite among shelter staff, but she was regularly passed over by adopters. The stark contrast between her rough appearance and her sweet disposition made her a good candidate for foster care. She entered MCHS Rescue Without Walls--a shelter-sponsored foster program--and moved into my family’s home.
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Lilly With Family Photo by Aleksandra Gajdeczka
On the first night in our house, Lily climbed onto the dining room table and laid down for a nap. She cowered at a stuffed animal toy, and instead chose to play with a plastic container from the recycling bin. Lily did not need much specialized care to prepare her for adoption; she just needed a family to teach her what it means to be a cherished pet. We had no experience at that time with dog fostering, and we knew little about dog behavior or training. But we knew we could help Lily anyway. Many families have a hard time picturing a scrappy, muscular shelter dog with scars on her face and arms in their home, so our family tried to bridge the imagination gap through our foster dog blog, “Love and a Six-Foot Leash.” The way Lily’s adopter tells it, she found Lily’s blog and stayed up all night reading every last entry, about 65 posts at that time. The next day, she e-mailed us and set up a time to meet. A week later, Lily went home, and we cried happy tears. Lily is now a beloved member of a Silver Spring family. She enjoys going for hikes, runs, swims, and bike rides, lounging by the fire, helping her human siblings with their homework, and hunting for squirrels in the back yard. Her family jokes that she graduated from grammar school and is now working toward her PhD. Her mom dreams of training her to be a therapy dog and bringing her to work with her at the Bethesda Naval Medical Center, to visit with wounded veterans. And what more fitting task for a dog who has been through a lot, has the scars to prove it, and has still managed to come out on top.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Shelter staff and volunteers, dog rescuers, and foster families are the backbone of the system that brings dogs like Baxter, Annie, and Lily out of the shadows and into our homes. Rescue groups in particular are the bridge between overwhelmed and overcrowded shelters and the foster families that are eager to open their homes to dogs in need. These families in turn serve as a much-needed bridge between each dog’s past and future life. Rescues like Jasmine’s House and Bully Paws take in dogs with unsteady and uncertain pasts, care for the dogs’ physical and emotional needs, and place them into well-matched foster homes where they will learn basic life skills. These rescues take full physical, financial, and legal responsibility for the dogs in their care, and adopt them out to people according to their own rules and standards. The cost of caring for many of these dogs is oftentimes in the thousands, far surpassing the modest adoption fees that rescues charge--$150 at Jasmine’s House. Rescue groups conduct fundraisers and events to subsidize this costly work. Many dogs taken in by rescues, like Baxter and Annie, suffer from physical ailments like mange, malnutrition, heartworm, fleas, and broken bones. Generous vets offer their services, for little or no pay, and take care of acute medical needs. But dogs with severe illness or injury, like Annie, need a quiet place to convalesce. For these dogs, some rescues use medical fosters to temporarily care for and rehabilitate dogs whose health is too poor to succeed in a more
Spring 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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they live in homes with families while they wait for their prince to come.
active foster home. Medical fosters are tasked with administering medication, monitoring health, and keeping the ailing dog as comfortable and calm as possible during recovery. A comfortable, low-stimulation environment is often critical to a dog’s ability to recover quickly. Other dogs, like Lily, just need basic training, socialization, and emotional rehabilitation. It doesn’t take specialized skills to teach a wild dog how to be a companion dog; it just takes a steady, patient hand and a lot of love. Rescues help foster families achieve this transformation through formal and informal training classes, access to experts, and equipment such as crates, harnesses, and treats. While most dog rescue occurs through independent, private non-profit organizations like Jasmine’s House and Bully Paws, some shelters organize their own rescue-style programs like the MCHS Rescue Without Walls program. Programs such as this one allow the shelter to expand capacity beyond its own kennel walls, and benefit the types of animals that do not perform well in a shelter setting. The dogs are still advertised by, and adopted, through the shelter, but
Rescues offer the added benefit of giving dogs a voice that can speak with charm and precision to potential adopters. Rescues and in-shelter foster programs collect volumes of precious information about each dog’s preferences, habits, and temperament, such as Baxter’s love of sunshine and fear of kittens. This information in turn allows connections to be made between families looking for a very special dog, and that special dog himself. Oftentimes, these connections are like magic. Annie and Lily moved through the rescue system and swiftly found their happily-ever-afters, but Baxter is still waiting for the next chapter of his fairytale to begin. Thanks to the hard work of a few dedicated individuals, he’s ready to make a permanent addition to a great family. He’s just waiting for that family to come along.
{
{
For information about adopting Baxter, contact Jasmine’s House at www.jasmineshouse.org, or visit his foster dog blog at peacelovefoster.wordpress.com.
Baxter Sharing Kisses with Foster Mom Juliana
Photo by FuzzyPants Photograpy
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
in the
{ feature }
Iliopsoas Got You Down? Learn How to Recognize the Signs of this Common Canine Sports Injury By Krisi Erwin, Have you noticed that your dog has been DMV, CVA, CCRT knocking bars while going over jumps? Is he or she slowing down in the weave poles? Do you notice a shortened stride at a trot? Have you heard some buzz through your club regarding “the Iliopsoas”--but you aren’t quite sure what it is? The ensuing article will provide some important information about this usually overlooked sports injury.
What is the Iliopsoas? The Iliopsoas (pronounced Ill-ee-oh-so-as) is a muscle that runs from the mid-lumbar spine to the top of the femur (thigh bone). Its action is to draw the hind
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
limb forward by flexing the hip. It also contributes to your dog’s core strength and stability by supporting the spine.
How do Iliopsoas injuries occur? Iliopsoas injuries are similar to a groin pull in people. These injuries can be both acute and chronic, and they can occur as a primary injury, or they may be a symptom of underlying orthopedic issues. Injury strains the muscle and, if the injury is severe enough, it may actually tear the muscle. Acute causes of Iliopsoas injuries include: slipping into a splay-legged position (i.e. Bambi on ice), or a stretch-induced injury during activities such as jump-
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ing or aggressive agility work. Chronic problems are often due to compensation from other conditions such as cruciate ligament tear, hip dysplasia, and intervertebral disc disease.
What are the clinical signs of Iliopsoas injury? Clinical signs depend on whether the injury is acute or chronic. Acute strains can cause any of the following problems:
How is Iliopsoas muscle injury diagnosed? Iliopsoas injury can be diagnosed when pain or spasming is noted while stretching the affected muscle by putting the hip in extension with internal rotation. X-rays typically do not show the muscle injury unless the injury is chronic enough that the muscle has mineralized. However, X-rays may reveal other underlying orthopedic issues that have led to the Iliopsoas to be injured.
1. Non-weight bearing lameness on the affected hind limb. 2. Significant pain on palpation and/or stretching of the Iliopsoas muscle. 3. Spasms in the muscle. Chronic strains can present with the following: 1. Intermittent lameness that is often worse after lying down. 2. Less severe pain on palpation and/or stretching of the Iliopsoas muscle. 3. Subtle changes in a sporting dog’s performance, such as: knocking down bars, lumbar pain after activity, difficulty with turns, and reluctance to fully extend the rear when going over jumps.
Basic initial therapies for an acute injury may include: 1. Muscle relaxers to alleviate muscle spasms and pain. 2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, such as Rimadyl, may or may not be used based on the assessment by your veterinarian or rehabilitation specialist. 3. Cryotherapy, or applying a cold compress to the affected muscle, may also help to decrease inflammation and spasming. 4. Therapeutic laser may be used to help improve circulation and improve healing.
Chronic injuries can be slightly more difficult to rehabilitate and therapy may include: 1. Heat therapy to help warm the tissue and improve stretch. 2. Therapeutic Ultrasound to help warm the tissue and break down scar tissue. 3. Massage to help promote stretching and to alleviate muscle knots or trigger points (painful spasms that persist in the affected muscle).
Your rehabilitation specialist may also recommend the following therapeutic exercises based on your dog’s progress during recovery: 1. Stretching and passive range of motion to help maintain flexibility of the muscle. 2. Exercises to help lengthen the muscle (i.e. play bows). 3. Exercises that encourage muscle contraction both with and without resistance (i.e. beg-standing by placing the paws on an elevated surface, cavaletti poles, parastanding, walking up hills at an angle, and performing jumps in a wide circle pattern).
Spring 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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How is Iliopsoas injury treated? Rehabilitation therapy can greatly expedite your dog’s recovery and help to prevent future re-injury. It is important to remember that your dog will look better early on in the treatment plan. However, be patient! Returning to work too quickly can cause your dog to have perpetual problems with his Iliopsoas. Some dogs require up to two months of rest and conditioning prior to returning to work. During recovery, activity must be controlled and introduction of weave poles, tight turns, and high jumps should only be reintroduced as directed by your rehabilitation specialist. In general, the rehabilitation plan will depend on whether or not the muscle is simply strained or actually torn. A torn muscle may require surgery, although this is usually reserved for patients that do not respond to medical management. If surgery is indicated, recovery is usually very good except that working dogs may not be able to return to the same level and intensity of activity.
How do I prevent an Iliopsoas injury? In order to prevent injury, or re-injury, of the Iliopsoas, it is imperative to properly warm your dog up prior to exercise and cool him down after. Develop a routine prior to any run that includes some low
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
jumps, wide turns, and stretching. In stretching your pet pre-performance, it is important to only put the body through the full range of motion that will occur during the event. Overstretching muscles prior to exercise can actually lead to injury. To avoid this, you can teach your dog to stretch himself by doing play bows and cookie stretches (reaching for a cookie straight up, straight down, at each shoulder and hip, and each paw) instead of stretching your dog by manipulating his legs. After exercise, a cool-down will help your dog’s cardiovascular system and muscles to gradually wind down after being “in the zone.” A basic cool-down should include: five minutes of walking, five minutes of stretching, and five minutes or rubbing your dog down. If your dog has had Iliopsoas injury in the past, an ice pack can be applied over the muscle for five minutes on, five minutes off, and then five minutes on to further help protect him from re-injury. Over the last few years, veterinarians and rehabilitation specialists have become better at recognizing Iliopsoas injuries. Early recognition and treatment can help your dog to recover more quickly, and with fewer long-term complications. But, remember, prevention is key! Make sure to work with your rehabilitation specialist to develop a consistent conditioning program, complete warm up, and good quality cool-down to help keep your pup, and his Iliopsoas, feeling good!
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Resources used in the research for this article include: “Rehabilitation of the Canine Athlete Course Notes,” by M. Christine Zink, DVM, PhD “The Saga of the Iliopsoas in the Wizard of Paws Journal,” Volume 9, Issue 3 “Iliopsoas Tears by the Michigan Veterinary Services,” http://www.michvet.com/Client%20Education%20 handouts/Surgery%20handouts/iliopsoas_tear.pdf.
{ {
Dog Walking & Running Pet Sitting Pet Taxi Pet Waste Removal Pet Meds Pet Errand Service Overnight Pet Care
For More Info Contact:
Krisi Erwin, DVM, CVA, CCRT Wholistic Paws Veterinary Services wecare@wholisticpawsvet.com www.wholisticpawsvet.com
3 Locations to serve You DC BRANCH 202.669.7230 TailsoftheCityDC@aol.com
VA BRANCH 202.302.9021 TailsoftheCityVA@gmail.com
MD BRANCH 202.213.1165 TailsoftheCityMD@mac.com
Help Prevent it from Raining Cats and Dogs– Spay or Neuter Your Pet! For Information On: • Pets Currently Available for Adoption • Volunteer Opportunities • How to Make a Donation Visit Henrico Humane Society At:
www.henricohumane.org “Rock” Neutured Male Labrador/Shepherd 9 years
Henrico Humane Society (HHS) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization incorporated in 1991 to address the enormous number of homeless animals in the greater Richmond area. HHS is run entirely by volunteers and has no paid staff. The organization relies upon donations, adoption fees, and fund-raising efforts to support its programs
{ weekend getaway }
The Hidden Valley Bed & Breakfast By Brae Blackmore Housed in the Warwickton Manor, the Hidden Valley Bed and Breakfast in Warm Springs, Photography courtesy of Pam Jowdy, Richmond, VA
Va., boasts enviable scenery, peaceful mountains, and even an old movie set. Warwickton Manor was built in 1851 by James W. Warwick,
Hidden Valley Bed & Breakfast 2241 Hidden Valley Road Warm Springs, VA (540) 839-3178
and the house is on the National Register of Historic Places and it is a Virginia historic landmark. Today the mansion is used as a bedand-breakfast run by Pam and Ron Stidham. The manor, Warm Springs and its neighbor, Hot Springs, have been historic travel destinations for centuries, enticing weary vacationers with their natural hot springs. The mineral springs are at a constant 98 degrees Fahrenheit, so they are a popular destination year-round. Surrounded by the George Washington National Forest, Hidden Valley Bed and Breakfast is a perfect location for nature lovers or city dwellers looking for a quiet respite. “It puts so much outdoor space accessible to guests, beyond the 70 acres we have available here,” says Pam. “It’s a perfect spot, and everybody comes out with their dogs. The local people come out here everyday to walk dogs because the trails are so nice.” The Jackson River is also located nearby, with fly-fishing being a popular activity for locals and guests—and, of course, their dogs. The Hidden Valley Bed and Breakfast has two buildings, the manor and the separate Summer Kitchen. The Summer Kitchen was built in 1993 for use in the movie “Sommersby,” and is now a part of the
bed-and-breakfast. Pets are welcome in this building, and they can stay for a $5 a night fee, with a $20 maximum fee. The bed-and-breakfast is in the process of expanding, to include more pet-friendly space. “The upstairs of [the Summer Kitchen] will become an extra petfriendly space,” Pam says. “We’ve seen a demand for the pet-friendly, and most people like that separate little building to be able to come away and do what they want to do, and the pet-friendly aspect has been a definite draw for us.” Inside the main building, there are three bedrooms, and each includes a virtual fireplace and wireless Internet. The Library Room includes a king bed that can be separated if needed, and a beautiful view of the Allegheny Highlands. There is also the School Room, which was once used as a school for local children, and the Garden Room, with a view of the courtyard garden. Most guests bring one or two dogs, and during hunting season, the bed-and-breakfast is a popular place to stay for hunters. “I had a couple of grouse hunters that have come in with four,” says Pam. “I’ve had guests who have said that their dogs have a better vacation than they do!” The untouched picturesque beauty of Virginia’s mountains offers a backdrop to a pristine plantationstyle manor with modern amenities. Dogs will feel right at home—with endless spaces to roam on protected national forests. www.hiddenvalleybedandbreakfast.com
Spring 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ weekend getaway }
The Whitehaven Hotel
A 19th Century Building on the Banks of the Wicomico River Offers Guests a Relaxing B&B Stay in Untouched Natural Surroundings By Brae Blackmore
Dating back to 1810, the building that houses the Whitehaven Hotel has been operating as
Photography courtesy of Eric T. Rider, Salisbury, MD
a hotel since 1877, when the economy of the Eastern Shore was growing. The hotel served the burgeoning community with available rooms for traveling salesmen and steamship passengers who boarded the Whitehaven
The town’s economic fortune began dwindling in the 1940s, and the hotel was left vacant for 50 years and was destined for eventual demolition. At the last moment, the non-profit Wicomico Historical Properties organization stepped in to prevent its destruction. Restoration began on the century-old building, unveiling some long-kept secrets. A hidden door was discovered in the shop portion of the hotel--possibly left over from Prohibition-era bootleggers.
Ferry, which is the oldest publicly operated ferry in the country, dating back to 1685.
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
Once the restoration was finished, the Whitehaven Hotel was once again opened as a grand hotel lo-
{ weekend getaway }
cated on the banks of the Wicomico River, just inland of the Chesapeake Bay. Whitehaven Hotel offers magnificent views of the natural beauty of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and the hotel is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. “We sit right on the river. We have a 30-by-50-foot dock, and we have kayaks here that our guests can take out,” says Cindy Curran, Whitehaven’s manager. “We have very quiet, long roads where there’s not much traffic at all where they can walk their dogs, and a park nearby that has a lot of trails on it.” There are also nearby beaches on the river where guests can bring their dogs and swim. The hotel has eight guest rooms, with one designated as a pet-friendly room for a $10 extra fee, and a third-floor apartment-style room. Breakfast is served at 9 a.m. in the large dining room. “A lot of conversation goes on, because we don’t separate people, we put everybody at two really large dining room tables and one small one, so you’re kind of forced to talk to people, but it works out great,” Cindy says. “That’s one of the reasons why people come to bed-andbreakfasts.” After sitting and enjoying the delicious homemade breakfasts, guests decide if they want to take a day-trip to one of the many nearby towns such as Chincoteague, Tangier Island, or Salisbury, or to stay locally in the quaint town of Whitehaven. “It’s a very small, little town,” Cindy says. “It’s a village on the river, it has probably 20 houses and there are probably about 15 dogs in the town, so it’s a dogloving little village.” There is one shop in the entire town, called Room With a View, and it is attached to the hotel, offering art from local artists. The Whitehaven Ferry stops right beside the hotel and guests can ride this free ferry across the Wicomico River to Somerset County. The hotel also sponsors its own ferry trips. “We also have several wineries close by; we do boat cruises from Whitehaven to the winery, and you can get off and enjoy a tasting and tour. Dogs are welcome on the boat,” says Cindy. Rich with history and natural beauty, the Whitehaven Hotel has been an important fixture in the economic development of the Eastern Shore, and now welcomes guests looking to relax in a quiet area. Whitehaven Hotel 2685 Whitehaven Road Whitehaven, MD (410) 873-3099 http://whitehaven.tripod.com
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There are also nearby beaches on the river where guests can bring their dogs and swim.
Spring 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ health }
Does My Dog Have a Cold? By Stephanie Phillips, Cold symptoms such as sneezing coughing, DVM, DACVIM nasal discharge, fever and lethargy are fairly common in dogs. Conditions arising from different organs systems can cause similar symptoms. Veterinarians use historical findings, symptoms and the results of diagnostic testing to determine the location and cause
narian to know if your dog was recently boarded, or travels, if there is sneeze or cough, if there is nasal discharge or trouble breathing, as well as the duration of the symptoms. Findings on examination such as temperature, heart and lung sounds and nasal discharge will be helpful. Diagnostic testing by the primary care veterinarian often includes routine blood work and X-rays. A swab, culture or tracheal wash is sometimes needed.
of the condition. An important part of reaching the proper diagnosis and treatment plan is to determine the source of the problem. Dogs with cold-like symptoms could have nasal disease, upper respiratory conditions, lower respiratory conditions, heart disease or a systemic condition. It will be helpful for your veteri-
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
Dogs do suffer from upper respiratory infections. Many of these dogs will have symptoms similar to humans with upper respiratory infections; however, a transmission from dogs to humans, or vice versa, is not expected. The more common infections are viral and bacterial. Kennel cough is a broad definition of infections of the nose and throat, but
{ health }
is most commonly associated with Bordetella bronchiseptica. This infection is very contagious and often seen after boarding, or in dogs adopted from kennels. Canine influenza, or “dog flu,” has received a lot of media attention in recent years, and often occurs in clusters. Vaccination is available for both of these conditions. Some infections such as distemper have been largely prevented by routine vaccination. Most infections are well treated by medications.
graphs, CT scan) and/or scoping with an Internal Medicine specialist may be recommended. If heart disease is a concern (murmur, pulmonary edema), then consultation with a cardiologist may be recommended.
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Infection can cause problems in the lower respiratory tract as well. Dogs can develop pneumonia as either a primary or a secondary condition. Pneumonia can be caused by viral, bacterial, parasitic or fungal infections. Pneumonia may be resolved with medications alone, or it may need treatment in the hospital, with oxygen and IV medications. Infection is not the only type of lower respiratory condition to cause cold-like symptoms. Canines experience other respiratory conditions, including inflammatory conditions similar to asthma or neoplasia that can be presented with a cough. Other conditions such as pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), pleural effusion or structural conditions (diaphragmatic hernia, tracheal collapse) can also cause a cough or respiratory symptoms. These “other” conditions are often discovered on an X-ray, and this is one of reasons why an X-ray is often recommended.
Cold symptoms can occur due to many different conditions, but your veterinary team will determine the problem and treatment plan through a careful review of history, thorough examination and systematic evaluation.
An important part of reaching the proper
diagnosis and treatment plan is to determine the source of the problem…It will be helpful for your veterinarian to know if your dog
was recently boarded, or travels, if there is
sneeze or cough, if there is nasal discharge
or trouble breathing, as well as the duration of the symptoms.
Some conditions may need the help of specialists. Specialists are trained in a single discipline, and they help the primary care veterinarian with the diagnosis and treatment of particular conditions. If nasal disease, pneumonia or a mass is present, then advanced imaging (ultrasound, skull radio-
Spring 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ nutrition }
Treating Pancreatitis
And Other Digestive Disorders Naturally By Darleen Rudnick, B.S.W., M.H.N. Nutritional Pet Consultant
The pancreas is an elongated, tapered gland that is located behind the stomach. The exocrine area of the pancreas produces digestive juices and the endocrine area makes hormones, such as insulin, that regulates how the body stores and uses food.
Specific Types of Pancreatitis Are: Chronic Pancreatitis Chronic pancreatitis can be caused by hemochromatosis (a condition of excess iron in the blood), a poor diet and many other factors. Inflammation and fibrosis
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
cause the destruction of functioning glandular tissue in the pancreas. This results in an inability to properly digest fat, caused by a lack of pancreatic enzymes. The production of insulin is also affected. Attacks may become more frequent as the condition progresses. As the pancreas becomes progressively more scarred, some pets may develop diabetes and/or an inability to digest foods, especially fats. Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis can include: Nausea Fever Reduced mental acuteness Abdominal swelling Weight loss Fatty stools
{ nutrition }
Acute Pancreatitis The chief causes of acute pancreatitis may be caused from an on-going or long-term viral infection, poor diet, stress and certain medications. Symptoms of acute pancreatitis are similar to chronic pancreatitis.
Some pets suffering from pancreatitis do very well on a BARF (raw) diet, others do well on a homecooked diet, and others only do well on dry or canned food. Every case is different, so it is a matter of experimenting and sticking to what works best. There is not one diet that works for every pet. If you are interested in recipes and dry food recommendations, please e-mail me at darleen@purelypets.com.
Abdominal pain Nausea Vomiting
Structure Meal Times
Weakness
It is important to feed small amounts of food, and frequent meals. When you feed one meal a day, your pet’s body produces insulin. High levels of insulin cause low levels of fat burning and high levels of fat storing, the reverse of what you may think. When insulin is not stable in the body, it throws the hormones and brain chemicals off, and in turn, the body starts storing fat to save itself. When you feed several small meals a day, the body burns fat more effectively.
Anxiety Fever Abdominal fullness, gaseous Abdominal indigestion Chills Fatty stools Anxiety Weight loss
{
Supplements I do not recommend discontinuing traditional medications cold turkey, or discontinuing them at all. We highly recommend that you work closely with your
Prevention Plan For Treating Pancreatitis Naturally A prevention plan is a simple method of enhancing the level of nutrition and making lifestyle changes. It is an attempt to address any special needs your pet may have. Keep in mind that this program does not apply to every pet, and therefore, it is important to have your pet thoroughly examined by a veterinarian.
Feed What is Right for Your Pet The most important thing to remember when choosing a food for your pet is to choose a food that is right for your pet, not what other people think is right. Raw diets are great, and home cooking is wonderful, but if your pet doesn’t do well on it, then you shouldn’t continue feeding it.
{
It is important to feed small amounts of
food, and frequent meals. When you feed
one meal a day, your pet’s body produces
insulin… When you feed several small meals a day, the body burns fat more effectively.
Spring 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ nutrition }
Tips for Treating Pancreatitis Feed what is right for your pet During bouts of diarrhea, Pedialyte and baby food may help. Plain yogurt replenishes the intestinal tract with friendly bacteria and does help in some cases. Rice can be helpful for bouts of diarrhea, but this is not true in all cases. Large breeds that eat off the floor from a bowl are forced to gulp down their food and this may cause bloating and may slow down digestion. Raising the food bowl for them eases the digestive process and causes less discomfort
Test for Giardia and other parasites at least three to four times. Eliminate any food or supplement which seems to upset the digestive tract or aggravate the symptoms Exercise your pet regularly, as this helps with digestion. Give supplements to strengthen the immune system. And, most importantly, give digest enzymes before or during each meal. Avoid using toxins on or around your pet. Offer bottled water.
veterinarian. However, many pet owners are now looking into other methods of treating pancreatitis. A more natural approach is outlined below.
Supplements Recommended: Digestive enzymes reduce the stress on the pancreas. They are catalysts for every process in the body, whether it is weight loss, eliminating high cholesterol, breaking down excess protein in tumors, or treating digestive problems. Without digestive enzymes, even the most nutritious foods will not be of any use to the body.
Symptoms of giardia are very similar to pancreatitis symptoms, so it is essential that your pet be tested for this parasite. This test is normally not done by your veterinarian, so you need to request it. This simple and inexpensive test can save you hundreds of dollars and invasive testing. Several stool samples need to be examined to detect the parasite.
Rule out a Parasite Infestation
Eliminate Toxins in the House, Yard and on your Pet
Giardia is a gastrointestinal infection caused by a microscopic parasite called Giardia lamblia. This is a common parasite that causes gastrointestinal illness. It is found in the stools of many animals, including rodents, dogs, cats, cattle, and wild ani-
30
mals. A giardia infection can be acquired when your pet ingests food or water that has been contaminated with the parasite, and it then multiplies in the small intestine.
The Virginia–Maryland Dog
It is important to put as little stress on the body as possible by avoiding toxins that may deplete the immune system.
better, and that increases the ability to carry blood and oxygen to muscles. Exercising burns fat and increases your pet’s metabolism.
Avoid the following: Carpet powders Air fresheners Toxic flea products. If the product states “Hazardous To Humans And Domestic Animals”, it is hazardous to your pet Toxic shampoos Toxic flea collars Red food dye Ethoxyquin
Use Bottled Water Toxic metals such as lead, copper, mercury, and aluminum are often found in drinking water, and some pets are very sensitive to these metals.
Exercise Your Pet Daily Exercise increases the efficiency of the immune system and helps with muscle development, digestion and overall health. A wellconditioned body will work and perform
{
{
Be sure your pet gets at least an hour of exercise every day. However, age, health and weather should be taken into consideration when exercising.
For More Information Contact: Darleen Rudnick B.S.W., M.H.N. Purely Pets Tel: (804) 748-7626 darleen@purelypets.com www.purelypets.com
Spring 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ alternative therapy }
Pet Acupuncture:
Common Questions and Answers By Fred Wolfson, L.Ac Many of the holistic therapies that people use have also been adapted to treat our pets. Animal acupuncture has been around for at least 2,000 years in Asia, and it is now becoming more available in the West. Since general information on acupuncture theory is easily found, this article focuses more on the specific questions that dog and cat owners want to know.
What issues can acupuncture help for your pet? Chronic pain from muscle, joint, and spine conditions Arthritis, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease Recovery from injury and surgery Digestive and urinary conditions Allergy, breathing and skin issues Adjustment to drug therapies such as pain and cancer meds and anti-inflammatories. Behavioral issues, anxiety, shyness, and stressrelated disorders (used often in combination with behavioral training and other therapies).
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
How does acupuncture help these conditions? Acupuncture provides an effective complement to regular veterinary care by reducing inflammation, stimulating pain relieving chemicals in the brain, improving circulation, strengthening organ function, and relieving muscle spasms and stiffness.
What are treatments like for your pet and you? At the initial session, you will provide details about your pet’s main issues, health history, injuries, medications, energy level, appetite, thirst, behaviors etc. The acupuncturist may palpate your pet’s muscles and joints and observe how they move.
Snippets of a Corgi’s everyday life
You and the acupuncturist first help your pet relax before the needles are inserted. This process varies depending on the pet’s condition, pain level, and their comfort with new people and environments. Sometimes the pet needs some time to explore the treatment room, get used to the acupuncturist, stretch after a long car ride, use the “bathroom,” or have some water. Your pet is then prompted to lie in a comfortable position, with the owner next to them providing reassurance and helping with positioning. The acupuncture needles are extremely thin (a little thicker than a hair), and are different from an injection needle. They are sterile, used only once, and then discarded. Pets experience little sensation with the needles inserted superficially. They may receive from five to 20 needles during a treatment, and they may be left in place between two and 20 minutes, depending on the condition and the comfort of the pet.
Snippets a Corgi’s everyday life inof her own words… in her own words… A dog book for all ages, 48 pp., $8.95 A dog book for all ages, 48 pp., $8.95
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The priority is always on creating a non-stressful experience for the pet and respecting their individual tolerance for the new situation.
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How many treatments are needed? Your pet’s response to treatment depends on many factors, including the severity of the primary condition, age, general health, environment, diet, exercise, stress, and other therapies and medication they receive. Acupuncture therapy often requires consistent and closely spaced treatments. Many common pain and mobility issues require one or two treatments per week for a month or more before significant lasting results are seen.
How do you know if the treatment is working? Some pets, like people, show visible improvement in mobility, flexibility, agility, and diminished sensitivity to touch. The pet may then be able to participate more on walks, or climb up the steps or jump up on a bed that they have avoided. Some pets may show limited mobility changes, but they may become more friendly and playful, show more energy and be less restlessness, sleep more soundly, and have less labored breathing. Although difficult to measure, these may be signs that they are feeling better.
How much does treatment cost? Cost varies among practitioners, ranging $40 to $120 per treatment. Owners and practitioners need clear communication about the cost and frequency of visits so owners can decide if they can afford a full course of treatment.
{
When may acupuncture not be recommended?
{
Acupuncture may not be a good therapy for some aggressive or very fearful pets. These issues should be discussed before the first treatment.
For More Info Contact: Fred Wolfson, L.Ac Tel: (443) 986-0006 www.acupunctureforall.com
Spring 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ legal }
Legal Consequences for Failing to Scoop Poop??!
By Hillary Admit it. We’ve all been there before. You’re out on your nightly walk with your dog, he’s finished Collyer, Esquire “taking care of business” (or so you think) and you’re headed home via the most direct route possible because when you bent down to scoop, you realized that was your last bag. En route home, your dog inopportunely squats a second time and this time you’re sans plastic bag. Ergh. Even the most responsible of dog owners may find themselves in this situation on occasion. And while the best course of action may be to run home, grab another bag, return to the scene of the “crime” and scoop that poop, the reality is that you might not be able to find it after you get back, or despite good intentions, you get sidetracked and forget to go back or it’s begun to rain or it’s too cold to go back outside or you might simply be too lazy to go back. Although most jurisdictions have “pooper scooper laws”--ordinances that require owners or caretakers to pick-up after their dogs and establish fines for the failure to do so--many of us are only vaguely aware of such laws and don’t lose a lot of sleep fretting about the consequences of failing to pick up a pile or two of poop. However, in one of the more absurd cases of recent times, one local dog-walker learned just how
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
much trouble allegations of failing to clean up after a dog can lead to. Fairfax resident Virginia Cornell filed a complaint against her neighbor, Kimberly Zakrzewski, a stayat-home mom who sometimes cares for Baxter, a friend’s 19-pound Westie-Bichon Frise mix. In her lawsuit, Cornell claimed that Zakrzewski left behind a pile of Baxter’s poop on the grounds of their condominium complex. The Fairfax County City Code provides that, “The owner or custodian of any dog shall be responsible for the removal of excreta deposited by such dog on the property of another, including public places.” Violation of Fairfax’s pooper scooper law constitutes a Class 4 misdemeanor. Cornell originally brought the misdemeanor case in Fairfax County General District Court. However, Zakrzewski missed her court date, was found guilty, and she was
{ legal }
fined $250. She had the right to appeal her case to the Fairfax Circuit Court, a right that she exercised, and the case culminated in a one-day jury trial. At the trial, Cornell and her sister testified that Zakrzewski failed to pick up Baxter’s waste on three separate occasions. Also, the Cornells took photographs of Baxter’s alleged excrement and introduced these into evidence at trial. In defense of the allegations, Zakrzewski testified that she carried plastic bags on walks and always cleaned up after Baxter. Zakrzewski called Baxter’s owner to the stand and Zakrzewski’s attorney asked whether one of the pictures of an offending pile was consistent with the stool Baxter generally generates. Baxter’s owner testified that she had never seen anything that big come out of her little dog (she also stood ready to produce a bag of Baxter’s excrement if it was needed as evidence). After deliberating for less than twenty minutes, the jury returned a verdict exonerating Zakrzewski. Although there were apparently underlying tensions between these neighbors that went far beyond issues of dog feces (in the past, these parties had called the police to respond to various allegations), and this case certainly is the exception not the norm, pet owners should nevertheless be mindful of potential ramifications of failing to clean up after their dogs. This is a hot topic in some communities in and around Washington, D.C., and the rest of the country. Indeed, the controversy over unsightly, unscooped poop has led Tennessee-based BioPetVet Lab to develop PooPrints, a service which collects DNA samples from pets in an apartment complex or neighborhood and then when a pile of unclaimed poop is discovered, the property manager can send a sample of the waste to PooPrints to match its DNA against that of registered dogs in the community. While your neighborhood might not be utilizing the PooPrint technology, it’s probably a good idea to be aware of your local pooper scooper law. Here’s a rundown on the basic provisions of some local pooper scooper laws: Alexandria City Code In Alexandria, it is unlawful for a dog owner to knowingly allow his dog to urinate or defecate on the private property of another without their consent. Likewise, it is unlawful to allow your dog to urinate or defecate on public property. However, it is permissible for a dog to urinate on a street curb or in an alley, street or area designated as a dog exercise area. Also, defecation by a dog on public property outdoors does not constitute a violation of this section if the dog owner immediately removes and disposes of the material defecated. A violation of one of these
code provisions subjects the offender to a $50 fine. Furthermore, it is unlawful for a dog owner to allow his dog to defecate in any public park or playground in Alexandria. Again, there is no violation of this section if the dog owner immediately picks up and disposes of the material defecated. A violation of this provision carries with it a $100 fine. Arlington County Code The Arlington County Code provides that a dog owner is responsible for the removal of the dog’s excretion from any property other than the dog owner’s property and between the edges or curbs of public streets A violation of this provision is a misdemeanor and carries a fine of up to $100. Montgomery County Code In Montgomery County, a dog owner must not allow an animal to damage or defecate on property outside of the owner’s property. A dog is permitted to defecate on public property or the common area of property in which the owner shares an interest (i.e., the grounds of a condominium) if the owner immediately removes and disposes of the feces. Montgomery County specifies that “[f]eces may be picked up in a plastic bag” and that “[i]f this bag is placed inside another plastic bag, it may be put out for disposal in your normal household trash.” There is a $100 penalty for violating Montgomery County’s pooper scooper law. Washington, D.C. D.C.’s pooper scooper law carves out a special exception for seeing eye dogs: “No person owning, keeping, or having custody of a dog, except a seeing eye dog, shall allow or permit the dog to defecate or urinate on public parking or any sidewalk or in any and each such person shall immediately remove dog excrement from any curb, gutter, alley or street . . . or . . . permit the dog’s excrement to remain on private property without the consent of the owner or occupant of the property.” The bottom line is, cleaning up after your dog isn’t just the neighborly thing to do---it’s also the law.
Spring 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ training }
The “Come” Command– Say It Only Once By Tom Lacy, Some people often say, “I don’t need that sit Dog Obedience and stay stuff. I want my dog to come when Instructor I call.” Don’t we all? Well, it can happen. Two factors influence the training of pet dogs, regardless of the desired command: Consistency and repetition. Give a one-word command once. Don’t add, “Puppy, puppy, puppy, come, come, come.” There are three things to know about the word “come” before teaching the command: Don’t ruin
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the word. If you have two chances of getting the dog to come--slim or none—then don’t say it if you can’t make them come. Swallow your pride, and bribe your dog. Teach them to come on a leash before letting them off a leash, even in a fenced-in area. This can mean the difference between the dog’s life and death. Don’t add anything to the command. Use simple, common-sense words that everyone will understand. Any word or animation added to the command becomes a part of the command and must be used by all the people who handle the dog.
{ training }
Always make the word “come” be the happiest occasion in a dog’s life. There is no incentive to come and be scolded or punished. People say elephants never forget--neither do dogs. The initial training is done with the dog wearing a proper-fitting training collar and leash, with which a handler can maintain safe control of the equipment and the dog at all times. Place the dog in a sit-stay position on your left, if possible. Say “stay,” then walk to the end of a six-foot leash. Turn and face the dog. Count to 25 silently. Vary the count (30, 15, 50, or other counts) so the dog cannot anticipate when the command will be given. Say “come,” and then reel the dog in to sit directly in front, facing you. If you have the room, back up as you wrap the leash in your hand. This will add the effect of the dog running to you rather than taking several steps and being there. For safety, do not wrap the leash around your hand. If the dog bolts, and even a small or medium dog can bolt, they may pull you down or even break bones in your fingers.
For forty years, white miniature poodles were my wife’s breed of choice. For more than half that period of time, we were able to secure pets from the same bloodline. They were not all equally reliable after being trained. Misty, one of those dogs, could have been taken off the leash at an annual event known as Arts in the Park, if it were safe to do so. You couldn’t lose her in the obedience trial ring. Since it was not safe to do so, though, we did not do so. Lil’ Fella, a relative of Misty, was not. Inside a fenced-in yard, Fella randomly chased a jogger, a motorcycle, or a pick-up truck. What convinced us that he was not reliable off the leash, outside a fenced-in yard, was that he did not always chase the same jogger. Grade your dog’s reliability. They depend on human intelligence and human instinct to keep them safe.
Practice this exercise on a six-foot leash until the dog comes the first time, and every time. Add another six-foot leash or a 15- to 30-foot lunge line to the leash. Practice until the dog is coming the first time, every time, from greater distances. Then, and only then, test the dog to come off the leash in a fenced-in area or an enclosed area only. Walking off the leash is a privilege for a dog, not a right. Some dogs are totally reliable. Some train to a great degree of reliability. but sometimes, they may not be reliable. Some never are reliable. Each owner must know, and admit to, the degree of reliability of the pet.
{
{
Practice this exercise on a six-foot leash until the dog comes the first time, and every time.
Spring 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ training }
Housebreaking: Questions and Answers
By Pat Lacy, Oh, the joys of getting that new bundle of Dog Obedience fuzzy puppy kisses! It’s so exciting, the anticiInstructor pation and the final reality of arriving home to begin your new life together. Now the training begins. Housebreaking--How do I teach this very essential skill? What do I do to get my puppy to understand that “going potty” on the floor is not acceptable?! There are many methods taught by trainers and explained in books. Which is the best one to use? Do I paper train, or train my puppy to go outside? Do I use a crate or an exercise pen, the bathroom or the utility room? If (or when) the puppy has an “accident,” do I correct that behavior, and how? What do I clean with?
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
What if my dog is older, or I adopt a rescue dog that was not properly housetrained? Is there a different method for these dogs? I recommend that you train an older dog the same way that you would train a puppy. Start by teaching a routine and keeping the dog confined until the house manners progress. To start with, every dog should be introduced to a crate and learn to be content in their den or special place, even with the door locked. If your dog has to have “bed rest” for some surgical recovery, or if a stay in the hospital is required, the crate will be needed. Your dog should be comfortable to be confined for a period of time, whether someone is in the room or not. Crating is not just for the chewing and teething stage or the potty training time. Crate training is a basic life skill every dog needs to know.
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It is recommended that the puppy be crated when you cannot watch him 100 percent of the time. This means, if your attention is not on the puppy, he should be in the crate. Remember that a puppy under four months of age should not be left more than four hours. They do not gain control until they are around six months of age. As they get older, they can increase the time, until an adult dog should know how to stay for a full workday of nine hours.
Set up a routine to take the puppy outside on a leash when he first wakes up in the morning. (Yes, your puppy should sleep in his crate and not your bed. He can earn that privilege after his basic training skills have been learned.) Tell him to “hurry up quick and go potty” so he will learn to relieve himself on command. When he goes, praise him and bring him inside and give a treat and some playtime. The treat is given inside, so he will learn to go quickly and come back inside right away. Outside playtime is separate from potty time. Go back outside if you want him to play. The time outside for potty time is five minutes only. So he will learn to go quickly. If he does not go outside, bring him back at the end of the five minutes and put him in his crate. After 30 minutes, take him outside and try again, and repeat until he is successful. Make your trips outside frequent, but work it around your daily routine. As the puppy gets older, he will be able to function on your time schedule. In the beginning, you may have to get up during the night. However, your puppy should be able to sleep thought the night in just a few weeks. It is important to also teach your puppy the difference between the mornings you get up for work and the weekend schedules, when you want to sleep in a little later.
There are many methods taught by trainers
and explained in books. Which is the best one to use? Do I paper train, or train my puppy
to go outside? Do I use a crate or an exercise pen, the bathroom or the utility room? If
(or when) the puppy has an “accident,” do
I correct that behavior, and how? What do I clean with?
Be sure that you immediately clean up the accident with an enzyme cleaner from the pet store, or with vinegar from home, to neutralize the odor. Puppies will be attracted to go back to places that they can still smell.
You should be taking your puppy outside into your backyard to go potty. You still need the leash even if your yard is fenced, to control the situation so that the puppy is not out for playing. He can return to the yard for some playtime after he has completed his potty routine. Be careful not to take them off-leash if they are toy breeds since owls, hawks and coyotes will be watching to prey on them. These predators are not afraid of people and will attack quickly. Some people like to use the doggy doors. This is not really good for teaching your puppy to hold it and go on a schedule, since he can go anytime he wants and as many times without learning to wait.
Consistency is essential in training a puppy. Therefore, it is necessary that your puppy have no unsupervised time in the early training months. If you can’t watch him, then put him in his crate. Prevention is better than correction. However, if your puppy has an accident, show it to him and tell him “bad” and take him outside. When outside, tell him “go potty” and praise. He probably won’t go-he just did inside, but he needs to know where it is right and where it is wrong. Do not rub his nose in it--you can cause damage to the mucus membranes. And you don’t need to yell or hit the puppy. Just simply “explain” it to him and show him what you want him to do.
Spring 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ { { training }
retrained and some cannot. Those that persist in marking can be taught to wear doggie britches!
It is important not to just think of training a puppy, but teaching the life skills your dog will need for all of his life. Think 15-plus
years ahead. What is your lifestyle going to be? What will be necessary for your dog to know to function well in his later years?
Also remember that other visitors--like raccoons, snakes, squirrels, and even vandals--can also enter your house.
If you live in an apartment, you need to walk your dog to go potty. However, find a place close and follow a routine of going there daily. It is not good to teach your puppy he “has to take a walk” to go potty. You may be sick, the weather may be bad. Storms and snow and your time schedule may not always be convenient to take him walking for potty time. Taking a pleasure walk after he goes potty is good for exercise and fun. If you are gone a long time, then find an appropriate place to let him go potty. Don’t forget to take your baggies, and to pick up and dispose of any waste properly. It is also important that you pick up even in your own yard, to keep his area clean. Walking him on a leash lets you know if your puppy has a hard time going or has a loose stool. This is a clue to the start of getting sick, and this gives you a chance to check with your veterinarian early, before your puppy becomes really ill. Some breeds are easier to housebreak than others. How the breeders started your puppy out on potty training (or not) makes a difference in how quickly your puppy will catch on. Most pet shop puppies come from puppy mills, and they are given very poor beginnings in the potty training area. Many are forced to go in their cages, and since this is also where they eat and sleep, it breaks down the natural cleanliness instincts. Some are very difficult to house train and others will never be fully trustworthy. Older dogs and rescues also are influenced by their early experiences--some good and some bad. If older dogs were not neutered early, they may begin to mark territory by going on doorways, furniture and carpets. Some can be
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
I like to encourage owners with toy and small breeds to paper train with the Wee Wee pads, and also train to go outside. This is the best of both worlds. If the weather is a problem or you have to be gone for a longer time, the paper is available for the convenience of dog and owner. If the weather is good and you are home, then going outside is great. They can learn to do both. When I start puppies on paper training, I use an exercise pen (36 inches high with a gate). Place a lot of pads in the pen, covering most of the inside area. In the other end of the pen, place a mat or cuddle bed toys, and food and water bowls. When they go on the paper, praise and open the gate and let them out to play. After a short period, return them to the pen. After they catch on, you can take out some of the paper, and later, when they are more mature, you can put papers outside of the pen. The exercise pen gives you a lot more freedom and allows the puppy to learn how to entertain himself and not to become a “Velcro dog,” with separation anxiety. He learns to be safe, and content to be contained for periods of time. This is a good “life skill” for traveling to visit family, or for staying in motels. Using the bathroom or utility room for paper training is not a good idea, since it is not portable to use away from home. After they are trained and know how to be contained, then the bathroom or utility room can be used at home. Everyone you visit in the dog’s lifetime may not want to share his or her bathroom! It is important not to just think of training a puppy, but teaching the life skills your dog will need for all of his life. Think 15-plus years ahead. What is your lifestyle going to be? What will be necessary for your dog to know to function well in his later years? Paper-training the puppy proves to be very helpful when the dog becomes a senior dog and can no longer hold it as long when you are away, or if the dog needs to go in the middle of the night. It gives you more freedom and saves him from the embarrassment of having accidents. A well-trained puppy becomes a dog with beautiful manners that everyone can truly admire and enjoy.
{ featured business }
Crossroads Animal Referral & Emergency Our pets are part of our family, and while we know how to recognize the symptoms of a medical emergency for our non-furry family members, the same is not always true when a furry family member falls ill! The Crossroads Animal Referral & Emergency (CARE) facility in Frederick, Md., is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for your pet’s emergency needs. We have a state-of-the-art operation, with staffing 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with veterinarians and skilled technicians. The emergency room at CARE has many additional benefits, including radiographs read by board-certified radiologists and specialists always on call for emergency procedures and surgeries. When your regular vet is closed, CARE is here to help! We also accept walk-in referrals and emergencies. CARE opened in November, 2010, and is locally owned by surgeon Kelly L. Gellasch, DVM, DACVS, DAAPM, and internist Stephanie L. Phillips, DVM DACVIM. Dr. Gellasch and Dr. Phillips are the only small-animal, board-certified specialists practicing in Frederick County. CARE is operated as a single hospital, with a team approach, which allows it to obtain comprehensive answers quickly--to get pets better, sooner. A pet
may be seen first in the ER, but may need advanced diagnostic procedures to get to the root of the problem and Dr. Phillips will be called in. She may determine that surgery is needed, and Dr. Gellasch will be called. Many pets have been saved through this approach. You, and your regular vet, will always be kept informed about what is happening, and you will be given all the support that is needed to make decisions about your pet’s care. CARE specialists perform complex orthopedic, soft tissue, minimally invasive and neurologic surgery and diagnostics, such as endoscopy and ultrasound. They also manage intensive care patients and intricate cases, and they provide advanced pain management.
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Dr. Stephanie Phillips, DVM, DACVIM Dr. Kelly Gellasch, DVM, DACVS, DAAPM
The doctors and staff at CARE are involved in the community and they sponsor many events--11 in 2011. They are looking forward to another active year in 2012! You can get the latest news on the facility’s website, www.carefrederick.com, and you can follow CARE on Facebook. The doctor’s and staff look forward to seeing you at an event!
Here are some common symptoms and conditions which may indicate that your pet needs medical attention. • Cat with open mouth breathing • Blue, purple, or pale gums or tongue • Trouble breathing/severe coughing • Severe bleeding (or bleeding that doesn’t stop) • Ingestion of a foreign object • Lacerations • Signs of extreme discomfort • Acute lameness • Eye trauma, vision problems • Inability to move legs or weakness in limbs • Distended abdomen • Difficulty urinating/urinating blood
• Severe vomiting, diarrhea or unproductive retching • Seizure or tremors • Unresponsive • Unusual and erratic behavior • Sudden collapse • Diabetic emergencies • Uncontrollable itching/hives/ allergic reactions • Neonatal emergencies • Porcupine quills • Suspect poisoning (i.e., rat bait, antifreeze, medications, others) • Labor that isn’t progressing
Remember, you know your pet best, and if you are worried about a change in the way they are looking or acting, the best response is to seek veterinary advice.
Spring 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ feature }
Side Effects By Anne Stoneham, DVM, ACVECC
There are numerous toxins that affect dog: grapes, raisins, xylitol (a sugar substitute found in sugarfree gum and other sugar-free products), chocolate, medications prescribed for their owners, mold growing on old food that’s been sitting in the garbage or in the compost pile, and antifreeze. That is not a complete list, but it does present one truth: dogs truly have a bizarre idea about what could possibly taste good! We all know that’s because dogs are dogs, and we do love them for what they are! The examples cited are mistaken toxicities--that bag of Hershey’s Kisses isn’t actually meant to end up in your pup’s stomach, but that doesn’t matter all that much because it just tastes so good! But what about the medications prescribed for your dog? Those are meant for your dog and all medications have side effects. Some side effects only occur if the animal gets an overdose, but some side effects can happen at doses that are prescribed. In general, they don’t occur with many patients--doctors would not prescribe them if they did. Side effects often occur with a class of drugs called the non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and includes aspirin, Previcox, Deramaxx, Meloxicam, Rimadyl or Carprofen, Banamine, Etogesic, Ketofen, Naproxen, Zubrin, Phenylbutazone, and others. NSAIDs can
cause kidney failure, gastrointestinal problems (from bleeding or perforating ulcers to vomiting and diarrhea), and in rare cases, they can cause liver disease. Rimadyl has been unfairly, and wrongly, demonized as the only NSAID that can cause liver disease. The fact is that any NSAID can affect the liver, and it is impossible to predict which patients will be affected. Not too long ago, a dog named Shadow was presented to the Emergency Department at the VCA Veterinary Referral Associates facility. She was a beloved part of her family, 10 years old, cute, black and fluffy. She appeared to be a mix of a husky, a black lab and a shepherd, and she was a sweetheart. Her family was already heartbroken because they had lost their golden retriever to cancer several weeks earlier. Shadow was arthritic and had been taking Deramaxx and glucosamine on an irregular schedule for years. A couple of weeks before doctors saw her, she was acting more stiff and lame, so her veterinarian had recommended that she take Deramaxx every day. She came to the hospital where I work because she had lost all of her pep and had started vomiting. Her owners assured me that the Shadow they knew and loved would never sit so still at the vet’s office. Her blood work showed me that her kidney values (BUN & creatinine) were quite elevated, and her urine was not normally concentrated. Taken together, this means that she was in kidney failure. I reviewed all of the possible causes of sudden failure of the kidneys that doctors usually see. Urinary tract infection? Sepsis? Leptospirosis? Cancer of the kidneys? Lack of blood flow to the kidneys? Toxins--grapes. raisins, antifreeze? Drugs (NSAIDS, certain antibiotics known as aminoglycosides, vitamin D)? Or did she have chronic kidney disease? The hospital had lab results from her veterinarian that had been performed one month earlier, and all
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
{
{
{ feature }
Side effects often occur with a class of drugs called the non-steroi-
dal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and includes aspirin, Previcox, Deramaxx, Meloxicam, Rimadyl or Carprofen, Banamine, Etogesic, Ketofen, Naproxen, Zubrin, Phenylbutazone, and others. NSAIDs can cause kidney failure, gastrointestinal problems (from bleeding or perforating ulcers to vomiting and diarrhea), and in rare cases, they can cause liver disease.
of her kidney values at that time had been normal. So it wasn’t a chronic problem. After discussing Shadow’s history with her owners, I discovered that she had been on Deramaxx and I was able to determine that she had no access to any of the other drugs or toxins that could cause kidney failure. One by one, I ruled out all of the other remaining possibilities by running tests: urine culture, leptospirosis titers, and abdominal ultrasound. Shadow was in the hospital for about one week. From the start, I was unable to tell her owners if she would survive, if she would have chronic kidney problems once she left the hospital, or if she’d be completely healthy. I recommended treatment because I have seen several similar cases and, most of the time, they do well. There is no magical cure for kidney failure. The goal of treatment is to support the body while the kidneys heal to whatever degree they can; hopefully completely. Hemodialysis is available for cats and dogs, as it is for people. Unfortunately, it is very expensive and there are not many centers for treatment. Fortunately, we do have alternative therapies available to attain the same goal. That’s the way we treated Shadow. Using aggressive intravenous fluids, along with a few ancillary medications, we diuresed her kidneys and, day by day, we watched her creatinine and BUN improve. Once those values were normal, we gradually reduced the volume of intravenous fluids she was given. If we just stopped the intravenous fluids without weaning them, her kidney values would shoot up again and we’d be right back
where we started. After three days of weaning the fluid rate, we were able to send Shadow home as a healthy dog.
Of course, this article is not being written to scare pet owners away from using NSAIDs for dogs, so please don’t stop giving it if your dog is already taking one. They are great drugs and are very useful as one part of a pain management protocol. They are not completely benign. There are ways to minimize the likelihood of side effects. Prior to starting NSAIDs, blood work (complete blood count and chemistry analysis) and urinalysis should be performed to ensure that the kidneys and liver are healthy. Blood work should be repeated after your dog has been taking the medication for two weeks, to make sure your dog is tolerating the medications. The blood work should be repeated every six months after that. NSAIDS should never be given when your dog is dehydrated, vomiting, having diarrhea, has stool that is black in color, or when the dog’s appetite is poor, unless your veterinarian tells you that you should. And do not ignore signs of illness, because dogs can’t lie! There is now a great picture taken of Shadow, with her yellow, stuffed toy dog. The picture was taken after she had been home for several weeks---and it’s proudly displayed on my “brag board.”
Spring 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ events }
calendar
In Virginia: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, March 16, 17, 18, 2012
Friday 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 12th Annual Super Pet Expo Dulles Expo & Conference Center 4320 Chantilly Center Chantilly, VA For more information: www.superpetexpo.com
In Maryland: Saturday, March 24, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Tenth Annual Dog Jog & 5K Run Benefit: Richmond SPCA Robins –Starr Humane Center 2519 Hermitage Road Richmond, VA For more information: ww.richmondspca.org
OBG Cocker Spaniel Rescue Adoption Show (Annapolis) Benefit: Cocker Spaniel Rescue Annapolis Petsmart 2601 Housley Road Annapolis, MD For more information: http://cockerspanielrescue.com
8:15 a.m.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
7:00 p.m.
22nd Annual Art & Silent Auction Benefit: HART The Westfields Marriott 14750 Conference Center Drive Chantilly, VA For more information: www.hart90.org
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
11 a.m. to 1p.m.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
OBG Cocker Spaniel Rescue Adoption Show (Rockville) Benefit: Cocker Spaniel Rescue Rockville Petsmart 5154 Nicholson Lane Rockville, MD For more information: http://cockerspanielrescue.com
{ events }
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
OBG Cocker Spaniel Rescue Adoption Show (Silver Spring) Benefit: Cocker Spaniel Rescue Living Ruff 8517 Georgia Avenue Silver Spring, MD For more information: http://cockerspanielrescue.com
17th Annual March for the Animals Benefit: Maryland SPCA Druid Hill Park 3001 East Drive Baltimore, MD For more information: ww.mdspca.org
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Spring Doxiefest 2012 Benefit: Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue Divine K-9 4 Newport Drive Forest Hill, MD For more information: www.c2cdr.org
Swim & Fitness Center
9 a.m.
Warm Water Swimming • Treadmills Canine Running/Walking/Hiking Core Strengthening • Wooded Trails Canine Massage • Canine Stretching
Saturday, May 12, 2012
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pet-Acular Pet Event Benefit: Animal Welfare League of Frederick County Frederick Fairgrounds 797 East Patrick Street Frederick, MD For more information: www.awlfc.org
301.653.5493
caninekinetics.com info@caninekinetics.com
Sunday, April 29, 2012
12 noon to 4 p.m.
Paws in the Park Benefit: Montgomery County Humane Society Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm 506 South Frederick Avenue Gaithersburg, MD For more information: (240) 401-8144 www.mchumane.org jwillems@mchumane.org;
Spring 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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Research about Solid Gold Sundancer Dry Dog Food with Curcumin, it continues to Help in a Variety of Health Problems. Additional research reprinted in the Dallas Morning News, August 16, 2011. The title of the newspaper article: “Could This Powder be ‘Solid Gold’?” PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, lists more than 4,000 studies using curcumin as an herbal medicine by practicing physicians. Dr. Bharat B. Aggarwal, professor of experimental therapeutics at the University of Texas at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, has helped produce more than 100 of these curcumin studies. He says curcumin has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal qualities. He also recommends it for pain management and Alzheimer’s. Further research in the book, Real Cause, Real Cure, Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum at the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers shows how curcumin blocks the inflammatory cytokines, helps white blood cells move faster, decreases allergic inflammation and strengthens cells against bacteria. Solid Gold SunDancer dry dog food with curcumin comes in 4-, 15- and 33-pound hermetically sealed bags. Some dog food companies have reduced the size of their bags to 25- or 28-pound sizes. Not Solid Gold. Our bags remain at 33 pounds. The Solid Gold Sea Meal is always fed with our dog food. See our catalogue especially for Oriental dogs, Arctic dogs, and dogs from England, Scotland, Ireland and all water dogs (labs, poodles as well as terriers, spaniels and retrievers). In 1958, the U.S. Congress wanted to fund a study using curcumin and cancer. But the pharmaceutical companies lobbied against it. They said it might interfere with their revenue from their cancer drugs so the lobbyist stopped the study. In 1971, President Nixon tried to have the study begin, but Watergate ended that. Ask your local animal supply store to get in the Solid Gold SunDancer dry dog food with curcumin. It is the chicken/white fish base with tapioca and quinoa to control gas. It is also helpful for tear staining, ear infections, bladder stones and chewing at the feet. You have tasted curcumin when you eat mustard. Curcumin gives mustard its bright yellow color and its spicy flavor. It’s also called curry. The Indians (in India) refer it to curcumin as Solid Gold for a variety of healing problems.
Solid Gold Holistic Animal Nutrition Center 1331 N. Cuyamaca, El Cajon, CA 92020
Ask your local pet store for a free catalogue. If they don’t have a SunDancer catalogue, call us at (619)258-7356, M-F, 10am to 5pm Pacific time. Or e-mail us at sarah@solidgoldholisitc.com. You can also visit our website at www.solidgoldholistic.com.