The Virginia-Maryland-Washington DC Dog Summer 2016

Volume 7•Issue 2

Summer 2016

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“Midge” is seeking a forever home.

She is available for adoption through the Middleburg Humane Foundation. (details on Page 46)

The Air That We Breathe Sit, Sit, Sit! A Quick Solution to a Common Problem Dogs & Congenital Disease

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contents Volume 7

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Issue 2

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Summer 2016

departments 8

2016

Volume 7•Issue 2

Summer

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Weekend Getaway: Sailing Into Summer in Annapolis

“Midg

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e” is seekin She is ava g a fore ver hom ilable for e. the Mid adoptio dleburg n through Humane Foundation (details on .

Page 46)

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Metro Mutt:

On the Cover…

Bonds that Never Break

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Training:

“Midge” is available for adoption through the Middleburg Humane Foundation. See Page 46 for Details

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Fitness & Training:

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Rounding Up Rover:

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Giving Back:

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Ask A Neurovet:

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Health:

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Ask Dr. Katy:

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News, Tips & Trends

The Air We Bre That athe

Sit, Sit, Si t! A to a ComQuick Solutio n mon Pr oblem Dogs & Congen ital Disea se

Photo by Chris Weber Studios

Sit, Sit, Sit! A Quick Solution for a Common Problem

The Zen of Dog Training: Part 7

The Dog Trap: What To Do And What Not To Do

Lothair: The Heart of a Champion

features 11

Dogs and Congenital Disease

special feature 14

The Air That We Breathe

with Dr. Lauren Talarico

Degenerative Myelopathy

with Dr. Katy Nelson

46 Seeking A Forever Home Summer 2016 | www.vamddcdog.com

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contributors Kimberly Artley Kimberly Artley is Founder of PackFit: Body + Mind for Human + Canine. PackFit is dedicated to helping humans + their faithful canine companions achieve stellar health + wellness through various integrated modalities. Creating our best version of self + becoming the leader our dogs need us to be.

Stephanie Clarke As a writer and editor who resides in Clermont, Florida, with over twelve years of experience within the writing and editing industry, Stephanie has had the opportunity to contribute to a multitude of online blogs and publications. Originally a writer within the field of mental health stemming from her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, she has expanded to various subjects of interest over the years. Stephanie also provides ghostwriting and editing to other authors who require her services.

Krisi Erwin, DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVPP 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. Dr. Erwin is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist and a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist.

Alix John Alix John is the Communications and Digital Media Specialist for the Washington Humane Society. A longtime animal lover and adoption advocate, she now spends her days surrounded by the thing she loves most: animals and those who love them.

When she’s not tweeting, blogging, and campaigning for the animals of the District, she’s probably hiking or napping with her rescue dog, Hank.

Laurie Luck, M.A., KPA CTP, CNWI Dog lover and professional trainer, Laurie knows the joy that dogs bring to our lives. Smart Dog University specializes in dog-friendly, positive training. From pups to dogs, Laurie makes training fun for both ends of the leash!

Katy Nelson, DVM Dr. Katy Nelson is a veterinarian and the host of “The Pet Show with Dr. Katy” on Washington DC’s News Channel 8 - the show airs at 11am on Saturday mornings. An ardent advocate for pet rescue, Dr. Nelson works with numerous local and national rescue organizations to promote pet adoption. Dr. Nelson is known as “Dr. Pawz” on Washington DC’s All News Radio Station WTOP live on air every two weeks. You can also catch her on her online radio show called “Pawsitive Talk with Dr. Katy” on the all positive radio network HealthyLife.

Net. Dr. Nelson is a Certified Veterinary Journalist (CVJ), accredited by the American Society of Veterinary Journalists (ASVJ). Catch her every Friday morning on News Channel 8’s “Let’s Talk Live,” and you can even find her reporting on animal health topics every week on WJLA ABC7 News. A prolific writer, you can follow her on The Pet Show’s blog www.wjla.com/blogs/ the-pet-show and find back episodes of The Pet Show there, as well.

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Gina Pasieka, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology) Dr. Pasieka graduated veterinary school as class valedictorian in 2004 from Louisiana State University – Geaux Tigers!

She was inducted into Phi Zeta, the veterinary honor society, during her time at LSU. Upon graduation, she finished a rotating medical and surgical internship at Oradell Animal Hospital in New Jersey in 2005. Before obtaining her cardiology residency with CVCA in 2006, Dr. Pasieka spent a year providing quality, compassionate medical care within a general veterinary practice on Long Island. Upon completion of her residency and board exams, Dr. Pasieka became board certified in veterinary cardiology in 2009.

Afterwards, she happily took a staff position at CVCA, providing care for our patients mainly at the Leesburg and Vienna offices. Her special interests lay in the management of more critical cardiac patients, especially those pets with concurrent medical concerns. She has a strong belief that educating clients and veterinary support staff regarding a pet’s cardiac disease is an important part of providing the best care.

Melanie Paul Beginning 16 years ago, Melanie Skripnek-Paul has been doing Animal-Assisted Therapy/Pet Therapy involving schools, libraries and hospitals with her four Shetland Sheepdogs in Hampton, Virginia. Melanie lost her hearing at the age twelve after an incorrect medical diagnosis…and then the administration of the antibiotic streptomycin. Melanie holds B.A., M.Ed, and Ed.S degrees. The latter from the College of William and Mary. She retired from the Virginia Department of Education five years ago.

Lauren R. Talarico, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology/Neurosurgery) Dr. Talarico is a board certified neurosurgeon at VCA SouthPaws in Fairfax, VA. She graduated with honors from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, completed an internship at the University of Georgia and neurosurgical residency at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals. Dr. Talarico conducts research projects involving Chiari-like malformations through the pediatric neurosurgery team at Children’s National Hospital in DC. She has also been published in several veterinary journals and textbooks. Dr. Talarico specializes in brain and spinal surgery, reconstruction procedures and treatment of medical neurologic diseases.

Anne Wills Anne Wills is the founder of Dogs Finding Dogs, K9 Search & Rescue for Missing Pets, a 501c3 Non-profit organization. In addition, Anne is a Professional Dog Trainer and Private Investigator, as well as the owner of Dogs Finding Drugs, K9 Narcotic & Firearms Detection. She is also an HLN and Fox News Consultant.

Ginger Warder Ginger Warder, the author of Fido’s Virginia and Fido’s Florida, is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers, specializing in luxury travel and travel with pets. Her current canine research assistants are her German Shepherd, Tipsy, and her Daschund, Max.

The Virginia-Maryland-Washington DC Dog

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Publisher/Editor in Chief Pamela Wahl Director of Operations Gene Wahl

{ publishers note }

a note

from our publisher

Art Director Kim Dow, Kalico Design Graphic Designer Jen Tyler, Kalico Design Social Media Cami O’Connell Kristin Carlson Senior Editor Kimberly Holmes Photographer Chris Weber Studios Copy Editor Matt Neufeld Advertising Director Pamela Wahl Production Coordinator Diane Weller Web Site Manager Jen Tyler, Kalico Design Business Manager Cathy Wahl Contributing Writers: Kimberly Artley Stephanie Clarke Krisi Erwin, DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVPP Alix John Laurie Luck, KPA-CTP, CNWI Katy Nelson, DVM Melanie Paul Gina Pasieka, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) Lauren Talarico, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology/Neurosurgery) Ginger Warder Anne Wills The Virginia-Maryland-Washington, DC Dog Magazine 200 West Main Street Middletown, MD 21769 Tel: (301) 514-2804 Fax: (301) 694-9799 www.thevamddcdog.com bark@vamddcdog.com

“I’ve always felt that animals are the purest spirits in the world. They don’t fake or hide their feelings and they are the most loyal creatures on Earth. And somehow we humans think we’re smarter…what a joke.” — ­ Pink Welcome to our Summer edition! Summer is a very busy time of year for everyone and we are no exception. From the Middleburg Humane Foundation 21st Annual Tie Gala to the AWLFC’s K9’s in the Vines, our region is rich with canine-related events—and the list gets bigger each year. A testament of just how important that our dogs are to us.

As always, this edition of our publication is full of valuable articles written by the best of the best. From cardiology to neurology, we have it covered.

Our Special Feature article is an introduction into the world of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for pets. This highly effective therapy is offered by CARE Veterinary Center, which is located in Frederick, MD., and CARE is the only veterinary hospital in Maryland to offer such treatment.

We hope that you and your canine companion(s) have a fun-filled Summer!

Pamela Wahl Owner/Publisher The Virginia-Maryland-Washington DC Dog Magazine www.vamddcdog.com bark@vamddcdog.com

©2016 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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Sailing Into Summer in Annapolis Kick off the summer season with some R & R on the Chesapeake Bay

By Ginger Warder I grew up on the Potomac River and the beginning of summer always Photos courtesy of Annapolis Waterfront Hotel Pictured Above: View from the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel

meant it was time to put the boat in the water. We had rowboats, canoes and motorboats of all sizes, and one of my neighbors even had an amphibious car—they would drive down the boat ramp and head off downriver in their little white sedan. The lucky few who lived on the waterfront with private docks had sleek sailboats for sunset sails and long weekends on the water.

For avid sailors and seafaring Fidos, the charming colonial town of Annapolis is a perfect destination.

Surrounded by water on three sides—College Creek to the north, the Chesapeake Bay to the east and Spa Creek to the south—Annapolis has a long history as a sailing town and the home of the U.S. Naval Academy since 1845.

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Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and all types of boats or take sailing classes at the Annapolis Sailing School, the Annapolis School of Seamanship or the World Performance Sailing School.

The only hotel in downtown Annapolis that sits directly on the waterfront—and offers docking for

The Virginia-Maryland-Washington DC Dog

“sail-in” guests—is the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. In fact, the hotel sits on the small, narrow waterway that’s nicknamed “Ego Alley” from the parade of luxury yachts that cruise up and down the canal. Watch the show at pet friendly Pusser’s Caribbean Grille where the patio tables are literally just inches from the water.

The hotel is also within easy walking distance of the boutiques and restaurants that line the cobblestone streets and a short stroll to historic attractions like the Maryland State House, the Naval Academy and St. John’s College, the third oldest university in America. Most of the restaurants in the downtown district offer pet friendly outdoor seating and many merchants put out water bowls for canine visitors.

Enjoy a pet friendly Watermark cruise…dogs ride free on the scenic sightseeing adventures and also on the local water taxis. There are also designated dog-friendly beaches if you and your pooch want to take a dip.

Guest rooms at the hotel are decorated with contemporary furnishings in a palette of blues and whites inspired by the sea and many feature private balconies overlooking the waterfront. Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, small refrigerators and coffee makers.

Dogs of up to 100 pounds are welcome with an additional fee of $30 per day. The hotel provides plush dog beds and a welcome “doggy bag” for their four-legged guests with treats, toys and waste bags. Leashed pets are allowed in public areas and in Pusser’s dock bar. The staff can arrange for pet sitters if needed, but Annapolis is incredibly pet friendly so there’s no need to leave your buddy behind.

If You Go: Annapolis Waterfront Hotel 80 Compromise St. Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 268-7555 www.annapoliswaterfront.com

Visit Annapolis www.visitannapolis.org

Summer 2016 | www.vamddcdog.com

Find Us On Facebook: www.facebook.com/tlcvets And Instagram: www.instagram.com/tlcvets

Pictured Clockwise: Annapolis Waterfront Hotel - patio off of guest room; Canine Guest “Moose”; Interior Room View

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Dogs and Congenital Disease Few things are as exciting as bringing a new puppy home. That joy can quickly turn to anxiety should your veterinarian notice a heart murmur during your puppy’s routine wellness visit.

By Gina Pasieka, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology) Images courtesy of CVCA

What is a Heart Murmur?

A heart murmur is an abnormal heart sound secondary to turbulent blood flow within the heart.

The murmur is graded on a scale of 1-6, based on how loud it sounds. Fortunately, most murmurs in young puppies are termed “innocent” and should be resolved by 16 weeks of age. For puppies with murmurs above a grade three, or those that do not resolve by 16 weeks of age, a visit to a cardiologist will likely be recommended. An echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) will determine if congenital heart disease is present and the best course of treatment.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus One of the most common congenital defects in dogs is a Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). Although any breed may be affected, miniature poodles, shelties, and German shepherds are more predisposed.

The ductus arteriosus is a normal fetal vessel that allows the majority of oxygenated blood from the placenta to bypass the lungs while in utero. After birth, the ductus should close within a few days.

In the case of a PDA, the ductus does not close,

resulting in unnecessary recirculation of blood flow through the lungs and left side of the heart, causing progressive heart enlargement and often congestive heart failure if left untreated.

Signs and symptoms: • A loud, continuous (throughout the heart cycle) murmur • Exercise intolerance • Respiratory distress Treatment: • PDA is a serious defect but is one of the most correctable.

• There are two preferred methods of correction: • Surgical ligation of the vessel (often required in very small patients) • Tranvenous catheter placement of an Amplatzer ductal occluder, a device that blocks blood flow through the vessel Prognosis: • With appropriate diagnosis and correction of a PDA, most patients will live a full and healthy life.

Summer 2016 | www.vamddcdog.com

Echocardiogram images taken pre and post balloon valvuloplasty procedure. The mosaic of color in the top image shows turbulent flow over a stenotic pulmonary valve prior to balloon valvuloplasty. The bottom image shows improved blood flow after the procedure.

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• Dogs with more severe disease are best managed by balloon valvuloplasty, a minimally invasive interventional procedure in which a catheter is placed into the jugular vein. A balloon at the end of the catheter is inflated at the level of the pulmonic valve, widening the area of the obstruction

Normal Heart

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Pulmonic Stenosis

However, early, accurate diagnosis and early treatment are paramount in making sure the four-legged members of your family remain happy and healthy.

CVCA

CHESAPEAKE VETERINARY CARDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES

CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets has provided veterinary cardiology since 1987. The company’s board- certified veterinary cardiologists see more than 13,000 patients per year. For more information: www.cvcavets.com; Facebook: /CVCAVETS.

Pulmonic Stenosis

Pulmonic stenosis (PS) is a common congenital defect is which the leaflets of the pulmonic valve are thicker and fused resulting in an obstruction to blood flow from the right side of the heart to the lungs. This increases the workload on the right heart, resulting in heart muscle thickening and chamber enlargement. It can be seen in any breed, though more frequently in boxers, bulldogs, westies and chihuahuas.

Signs and symptoms: • A loud, asymptomatic murmur.

• May also have: • Exercise intolerance • Fainting • Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm) • Development of fluid in the abdomen as a manifestation of congestive heart failure.

• In rare cases, if left untreated, dogs may suffer an acute death event associated with vigorous activity.

Treatment: • Patients with mild obstructions are treated by limiting activity and sometimes the addition of a betablocker, a family of drugs used to control heart rate, decrease the risk of arrhythmias and collapse.

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Prognosis: • Balloon valvuloplasty carries an 80-90 percent success rate with dogs leading near normal lives.

Subaortic Stenosis Subaortic Stenosis (SAS) is an inherited disease from least one parent, with golden retrievers, boxers, newfoundlands, rottweilers and German shepherds being most commonly diagnosed. Affected puppies are often born with a normal heart, and within a few weeks a fibromuscular ridge begins to develop just below the aortic valve. This ridge may continue to develop over the first eighteen months of life, resulting in a progressive obstruction to oxygenated blood flow leaving the left ventricle.

This increases the workload on the left side of the heart, resulting in muscle thickening, scarring and decreased forward blood flow.

Signs and symptoms: • An asymptomatic murmur • Exercise intolerance • Weakness • Collapse • Young dogs with severe SAS may suffer from sudden death due to arrhythmias.

Treatment: • Lifestyle changes such as limiting vigorous activity, as well as the addition of a beta-blocker to help lower the heart rate and decrease arrhythmias.

• A relatively new balloon valvuloplasty procedure is available to help those dogs with particularly severe disease. A catheter is passed into the aorta with a balloon that has small blades attached. When inflated, this cutting balloon breaks down the fibrous ridge, reducing the degree of obstruction.

Prognosis: • Balloon valvuloplasty has been shown to improve clinical signs, however further studies are currently being conducted to determine long-term benefits.

Other congenital diseases occur that can affect the valves, great vessels, and walls of the heart. It is important to remember that murmurs in puppies, or even adult dogs, are not necessarily an indication of significant cardiac disease. However, early, accurate diagnosis and early treatment are paramount in making sure the four-legged members of your family remain happy and healthy.

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{ special feature }

The

That We breathe

Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment—The Future of Inflammation Healing for Pets Hyperbaric oxygen treatment, an oxygen delivery process, is the latest breakthrough in animal medicine that is helping to turn the lives of dogs and cats around without invasive surgeries and complex healing times. This treatment used to be reserved for scuba divers suffering from decom-

By Stephanie Clarke Photos courtesy of CARE

pression illness, but in recent years, the process has become more widely known for its benefits in healing wounds, and as an accompaniment to the treatment of illnesses in dogs and cats.

This breakthrough allows pets to heal without invasive surgery in some cases and to heal more quickly, if surgery or complex care is necessary. CARE Veterinary Center in Frederick, Md., has been one of the first hospitals to implement this treatment, and the facility is the only animal hospital in Maryland offering this breakthrough therapy today. CARE has had success with this treatment, and the process has helped dogs and cats have a shorter hospital stay and a faster healing process, something that pets and owners are obviously thrilled about.

One story involving the use of hyperbaric oxygen treatment involves a dog-named Carson, 4, who was involved in a fight with another pet in Carson’s house. Carson had severe wounds to the neck area. And it was assumed that he would need invasive surgery and therapy to heal the wounds. Dr. Kelly Gellasch, a board certified surgeon at CARE prescribed three hyperbaric oxygen sessions helping to bring Carson back to normal without the need for surgery, which meant Carson was back to his old self in a much shorter amount of time.

Not all cases are able to heal without surgical intervention, though when done alongside hyperbaric

oxygen and other treatment modalities there is great benefit throughout the healing process.

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment?

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is the delivery of oxygen to affected tissues in the body, usually associated with an illness that causes inflammation, such as pancreatitis, Lyme disease, or spinal edema, and the process is also used in the healing of other injuries that would otherwise take a much longer time to heal. These injuries could range from fractured bones to spider or snakebites to a thermal burn.

The treatment is administered in a hyperbaric chamber, where the levels of plasma and oxygen in the tissue become more than fifteen times higher than it would in standard settings. This helps the areas that are currently depleted of blood supply due to injury or illness to heal. Normally, it would take the body a long time to replenish the red blood cells, which are necessary to carry the oxygen to the tissues which promotes healing, but with hyperbaric oxygen treatment, the need for red blood cell transportation is bypassed and the oxygen reaches the tissues, promoting quicker healing by encouraging the cells to recover faster.

Summer 2016 | www.vamddcdog.com

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{ special feature }

Pictured Left to Right: CARE Patient receiving HBOT; Dr. Stephanie Phillips and some of the CARE support staff

This is not a new treatment, nor is it experimental, which has helped hundreds of pet owners choose this therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment has been around since the seventeenth century, when it was primarily used on humans. The process was most widely known for its use on scuba divers who experienced decompression sickness, which is an illness that occurs when sudden decompression occurs and nitrogen bubbles are present in the diver’s tissues, causing extreme pain and sometimes even paralysis. The oxygen treatment helped to deliver the higher levels of needed oxygen to the affected tissues, allowing them to heal faster.

In the nineteenth century, this treatment started to become more widely known and used, with surgeons performing surgery in the chambers. Certain doctors used the procedure to treat serious illnesses, including carbon monoxide poisoning. Since the mid-nineteenth century, more doctors have started using the treatment on humans. Now, the benefits are being noticed for dogs and cats.

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The time that a pet is exposed to the hyperbaric chamber depends on the degree of its illness or injury. At CARE, for example, pets have spent between a few minutes to up to two hours in the chamber to promote healing.

The chamber is filled with 100 percent oxygen, which, when compared to the level of oxygen we breathe in our normal atmosphere, pets are breathing in 79 percent more oxygen in the chamber. Experts believe that this concentrated level of oxygen helps to bring down swelling, which in turn can help wounds heal as well as get certain illness and infections under control. Pets are not in pain while they are in the chamber—it is simply a housing unit that delivers the oxygen necessary for healing.

CARE has used the treatment hundreds of times already with much success. While the process might seem to be an expensive non-vital procedure for dogs and cats, at just under $200 per session, it can help pets heal faster and can minimize hospital stays. In some cases, the process can prevent the need for expensive and invasive surgery, as was the case for Carson.

Since pet owners need to consider budgets, it makes sense to look at the overall picture—-the hyperbaric oxygen treatment can possibly bring an animal’s healthcare bills down with faster healing.

The veterinarians at CARE have seen instances where animals with extensive wounds that would normally require a one week or longer hospital stay, be able to be discharged within just three

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Pet owners should know that hyperbaric oxygen treatment is safe and effective for their pets. It is often the safer alternative to invasive surgery, which just like with humans, carries its own risks.

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The Virginia-Maryland-Washington DC Dog

{

For more information:

If you are interested in learning more about Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment for your dog or cat, visit CARE at: www.carefrederick.com | 301.662.2273 1080 West Patrick Street, Frederick, MD care@carefrederick.com

or four days with this treatment. CARE has also seen patients with pancreatitis be released within two or three days, rather than five to seven days.

In other cases, they have been able to administer hyperbaric treatment alone for snakebites, rather than administering the $700 antivenin treatment.

The process has also helped save the lives of pets that were involved in a house fire and have carbon monoxide poisoning.

Pet owners should know that hyperbaric oxygen treatment is safe and effective for their pets. It is often the safer alternative to invasive surgery, which just like with humans, carries its own risks.

CARE offers specialty and emergency services in the tri-state region. “At CARE we have a highly trained and qualified staff of board certified specialists and veterinarians to treat your animals,” according to the facility’s website. “Our goal is to not do what a primary care veterinarian does, but to compliment what they do. If a primary care veterinarian has a complicated or complex case, they are able to refer to one of our specialists for advanced diagnostics or surgery.” The facility’s specialties include internal medicine, surgery, orthopedic issues, sports medicine and rehabilitation, pain management and intensive care. CARE is also partnered with CVCA – Cardiac Care for Pets and Eye Care for Animals who see patients regularly at CARE Veterinary Center.

The facility is open 24/7, 365 days a year and is always staffed with veterinarians and technicians to help your pets.

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{ metro mutt }

Daisy Dream

Daisy Dream

Bonds that Never Break

A successful program at Maryland’s Patuxent Institution pairs shelter dogs with inmates, and the results are life-changing

By Alix John Photos by Pam Townsend

At a recent graduation ceremony for shelter dogs that participated in a program with inmates at Maryland’s Patuxent Institution in Jessup, Md., an inmate who was in the program spoke highly about how the project not only helped the dogs—but helped him.

“This program has taught me a lot about responsibility,” the inmate said in a recent speech. “Taking care of and training this dog has taught me a lot about caring for something other than myself, and I just want to thank everyone involved.”

This person was speaking at a graduation for shelter dogs held at Patuxent Institution. Since September 2014, the Washington Animal Rescue League, now merged with the Washington Humane Society, has

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been sending adoptable dogs to prison to work on basic training through their Prison Dog Program.

The training is provided by the inmates housed in the maximum-security prison.

Linda Hudson, a behavior and training assistant who started the program, says the inmates have worked well with the dogs. “I was transformed.” Hudson says. One inmate was particularly worried that he would fail. He didn’t.

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{ metro mutt }

“It’s like our souls play bigger roles in homes with smiling faces, and there’s always those we call a friend, a bond that’s never breaking.”

Daisy Dream

Bam Bam, who was one of the first dogs to go through the program, went from being a scared puppy, afraid of strange noises and strangers, to a beloved part of the unit.

He was adopted shortly after he graduated.

Each dog in the program is placed with two inmates, who are responsible for the dog’s care and training for ten weeks. To qualify for the program, the inmate must be infraction-free for a year, apply, and then work with their on-site therapists to determine a good match.

Once the match has been made, Hudson and Alexandra Dilley, a director of behavior and training, come once a week to teach basic training classes. The handlers learn how to care for and train their assigned dogs with positive reinforcement and force-free training. The handlers of Daisy Dream, another dog from the pilot program, taught her to roll over. This made her adopters fall head-over-heels. Daisy Dream went to her forever home shortly after.

Since Bam Bam and Daisy Dream, thirteen more dogs have lived and trained at Patuxent Institution. Of those thirteen, three dogs have been adopted by prison guards, one was adopted by a retired JAG officer, and another was adopted by his inmate trainer’s mother.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the success of this cooperative venture,” Dilley said. “It’s making a difference, not just in the lives of our homeless dogs and the people who adopt them,

Bam Bam

but also in the lives of the inmate population and prison staff. It truly is something special.”

The Prison Dog Program managers see it as a win-win situation. The dogs are learning basic obedience, which helps them get adopted, while the prisoners gain social and vocational skills. In an article in the Journal of Family Social Work, researchers studied two Kansas prison programs and found that the dogs helped the inmates deal with anger, learn patience, and simply make their time in prison a little easier.

Another prison dog program for depressed inmates in Oklahoma found that “not only did the program decrease depression among those inmates, but the rates of aggression deceased among the inmates as well.”

While quantitative research has yet to be done nationwide on the impact these programs make, the inmates at the Patuxent Institution have shown nothing but appreciation.

Alfonso “So” Jones, an inmate in the Prison Dog Program, wrote about his involvement in the project in a poem that he shared with WHS/WARL staff. He wrote: “It’s like our souls play bigger roles in homes with smiling faces/And there’s always those we call a friend, a bond that’s never breaking.”

Summer 2016 | www.vamddcdog.com

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Why can’t

pets vacation

too?

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Sit, Sit, Sit!

A Quick Solution for a Common Problem

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The Virginia-Maryland-Washington DC Dog

By Laurie Luck, KPA-CTP, CNWI Photo courtesy of Laurie Luck

{ training }

Jumping is a problem for most people with dogs. Thankfully, the solution is simple and quick­—with consistency and practice.

Jumping Works Dogs jump because it works—for them, that is.

Jumping gets attention. If the owner looks at, touches, or talks to the dog because he’s jumping, the owner is actually making that behavior stronger, or reinforcing it. Some owners say, “But I tell him ‘NO!’” when he jumps, or they may even step on his back paws, or knee him in the chest—which are not recommended for anyone. And yet, the dog still jumps. That’s because all those solutions are actually rewarding the dog for jumping. He’s getting what he wants—attention. So the solution is simple: stop reinforcing the jumping.

The Jumping Solution There’s a way to supercharge the situation to get results even faster, and so it’s more clear to the dog what he needs to do. Ignoring the dog when he jumps is half of the solution. The other half­—the most crucial half—involves teaching the dog what to do instead of jumping.

Teaching Sit

Most dogs know how to sit. The key to this solution, though, is to get the dog to sit the first time he’s asked. Here’s the key: ask the dog to sit once.

Don’t repeat “sit, sit, sit.” Say it once. Wait for the dog to sit. If he does, give him a click and a treat.

If he doesn’t, simply wait some more or walk away for about five seconds. Why is it so important to say it just once? If he’s asked just once, the dog will quickly learn to pay attention to the owner.

Sit for Everything

If the dog is sitting on the first request, begin asking the dog to sit before doing things for him. To cure jumping, it’s helpful if sit is the dog’s default behavior—the behavior he does when he’s not sure what to do or when he wants something. A sitting dog rarely gets in trouble, so this is a great default behavior for a dog. What does this look like? Ask the dog (once) to sit before: clipping the leash on to take him for a walk, opening the door, feeding him his breakfast, tossing the ball, playing tug, inviting him on the couch, reaching out to scratch him behind his ears, or letting him out of his crate. It’s

simple: ask the dog to sit before doing something for him or allowing him access to the stuff he likes.

No Practicing Bad Behavior In the meantime, prevent the dog from practicing the behavior of jumping on guests. To manage this, simply have the dog on a short leash when people enter the house. Alternatively, leash the dog to a sturdy piece of furniture far enough away from the door that the dog can’t reach the guests. Informing the guests of the plan, so they don’t unwittingly lean in to greet the dog. Instruct the visitors to wait for the dog to sit before they can look at, talk to, or touch the dog. This is the hardest part—getting visitors to cooperate!

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Why is it so important to say it just once?

If he’s asked just once, the dog will quickly learn to pay attention to the owner.

Putting It All Together The key to success is using both strategies: First, asking the dog to sit before he gets attention; and second, ignoring the dog if he manages to jump. It’s best to ask him to sit before he’s jumped, but if the opportunity has been missed, simply turn away from the dog without looking at, talking to, or petting him.

This plan works quickly if there’s consistency—within the household and with guests.

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For more information: Laurie Luck, KPA-CTP, CNWI Smart Dog University 240.394.1112 www.SmartDogUniversity.com

Summer 2016 | www.vamddcdog.com

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Frederick, Howard, Carroll & Montgomery Counties

Teach. Play. Love.

A little training goes a long way.

Small group training

Customized in-home training when you’re at work Personalized in-home training with you and your dog

Laurie Luck | Professional Dog Trainer laurie@smartdoguniversity.com

240.394.1112 | www.SmartDogUniversity.com

{ fitness & training }

The Zen of Dog Training: Part 7 (Real) Food is Medicine Note from the Author: Discussing “nutrition” is much like talking politics or religion and could be considered quite “controversial” in nature. Although there are varying perspectives, this is my personal stance on nutrition, born of what I’ve learned through years of education, research and personal experience. I’ve seen offer remarkable improvements in the states of health in myself, my personal dogs, as well as clients’ dogs following a physiologically, biologically and species-appropriate diet; and am sharing this information only to offer food for thought. In a world where we’re expected to leave our health (and the health of our companion animals) in the hands of others who profit, we must question. We must advocate, and we must trust our own intelligence and gut instincts. If you have any questions about the content I’m sharing, you’re most welcome to contact me at: kimberly@packfit.net. Healthy ways lead to healthy days!

Yours in health and balance, Kimberly A.

By Kimberly Artley

Nutrition. One of the most convoluted and complicated topics out there, and one countless individuals struggle with. The goal of this article is to help demystify nutrition in an easy-to-digest way, and offer tips on what to eat, what to feed, and why. Food for thought…

for both ends of the leash.

We are what we eat. Literally. What’s consumed by a body becomes a part of it; becoming the hair, coat, skin, nails, blood, organs, bones, tissues; and, yes, impacts and influences thoughts, mood and behavior. Knowing this, shouldn’t we be paying closer attention to where our food is coming from, how it was raised, what it was injected or sprayed with, what it was fed, whether or not it’s “real”, and how many other questionable ingredients are in it?

Summer 2016 | www.vamddcdog.com

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{ fitness & training }

Our dogs’ quality of life and states of health are entirely dependent upon the choices and decisions we make. What we choose to provide and feed. And, sadly, we’re setting ourselves, and our beloved companion animals, up for health SOS. The fundamentals of nutrition are the same for both dogs and humans. Our choice of consumption is either nourishing… or not. Supporting health or toxicity. Balance or inflammation. Most ailments and disease are lifestyle related, one of the most common denominators being malnourishment and inflammation. “Malnourishment” because we’re not taking in the types of foods our bodies were physi-

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ologically designed to take in, utilize and absorb, and “inflammation” as our bodies’ direct response to this.

Nature has already readily provided each species of animal everything it needs to live a healthy, robust life. The types of food and nourishment that feed the body and strengthen the immune system, allowing it to stand strong against whatever may attempt to throw down and combat it. When we eat naturemade not man-made, eat more of things that are their own single, solitary ingredient, and eat real not

The Virginia-Maryland-Washington DC Dog

{

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{ fitness & training }

Let’s put it this way. If you set two bowls in front of a dog: one full of what most consider “dog food” and one with a raw steak, which do you think he’ll go for?

fake, we’re supporting the body in all its efforts to both survive and truly thrive.

with hormones, steroids and antibiotics, and highly stressed 24/7.

An animal’s physiology will always dictate what that animal needs and should be taking in for sound health and a strong, healthy immune system. Eating the kinds of foods our bodies were biologically designed to take in will provide this, and speaks a language that needs no translating.

While dogs are thousands of years descendent from wolves and their exterior has changed quite a bit, what their bodies are designed to take in and subsist on has not. It’s not coincidence we’re both ailing from the same types of diseases and illnesses (cancer, obesity, diabetes, IBS, allergies, and more). We’re both living the same types of lifestyles and eating the same types of chemically altered, tainted, enzymedeficient, highly processed food-like products.

When we consider canine physiology, everything from the shape of the teeth, acidic pH balance in the system, short length of the intestinal tract, chomping motion of the jaws, all the way to the shape of the nails and digestion starting in the stomach; is directly pointing towards the type of food their bodies are meant to digest: raw meat, organs and bone.

If we consider human physiology, the shape of our teeth, more alkaline pH, longer length of the intestinal tract, grinding motion of our jaws, rounded shape of our nails and digestion starting in our mouths with the secretion of the carbohydrate enzyme “amylase”, we’re built and designed to take in more vegetation and plant matter.

Cows should be eating grass, not grains; and most definitely not GMO and chemically doused ones.

What dogs should be eating is what their biology suggests, and it’s not highly processed, enzymedeficient, starchy food-like products, that contain numerous other questionable ingredients.

Let’s put it this way. If you set two bowls in front of a dog: one full of what most consider “dog food” and one with a raw steak, which do you think he’ll go for? Exactly. There’s a lot of information right there and no reason to question this.

The type of food we’re eating nowadays is nowhere near the type of food humans and dogs have been eating for thousands of years, and it’s wreaking havoc on our bodies, our systems... and the planet.

Real food nourishes. Food-like product deprives.

Real food repairs and heals. Food-like product damages and destroys.

Chickens should be eating bugs, worms and insects.

Not grains.

Real food supports. Food-like product erodes and compromises.

Neither should be living in cramped barns and cages. Drinking dirty water. Injected

Real food fosters balance and strength. Food-like products foster malnourishment, inflammation, illness and disease.

Nutrition absolutely impacts and influences not only overall health, but also state of mind and behavior.

Everything is connected.

Summer 2016 | www.vamddcdog.com

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{ rounding up rover }

The Dog Trap: What To Do, And What Not To Do

By Anne Wills Photos courtesy of Anne Wills

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The Virginia-Maryland-Washington DC Dog

A loose dog will not respond to its owner as it would if still at home safe and sound. Dogs will immediately go into flight mode, a state of mind of self-preservation, identical to a wild fox. Fifty percent of lost dogs have to be lured to eat at a specific location, repeatedly, and then trapped.

It is suggested that you first set up feeding stations where your dog is being seen. This should be done on a flat surface. Put cardboard down, on flat dirt if possible. Next, spread a thick, half-inch layer of flour to form a solid filled in circle. This circle of flour should be large enough so when wet food with a strong smell is placed in the middle of the circle, the dog cannot reach it without stepping in the flour and leaving footprints.

If the feeding stations are in the same general area, connect them by leaving a trail of scent strips of the owner. Sheets that have been ripped into small pieces works well. A water and cat food solution can lead dogs to the area where they can be caught.

Once it is observed that the dog is repeatedly going to the feeding station, a trap can be set up, in place of the feeding station. Traps can often be obtained from local animal control offices.

The trap should be large, and the bigger, the better.

A dog needs a large space to walk into. The trap should not be confining. A mistake that some officials make is to use a smaller raccoon and cat trap for a little dog. That method does not work.

A trap should have a flyer attached to it, and the trap should be chained to a tree to guard against theft.

The trap should be close to the feeding station.

Learn to become a dog trainer/animal trainer and behavior counselor. We are accepting applications for the fall 2016 class. Work with dogs, cats, horses, alpaca, parrots and more for a very well rounded experience.

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The trap should be large, and the bigger, the better. A dog needs a large space to walk into. The trap should not be confining. A mistake that some officials make is to use a smaller raccoon and cat trap for a little dog. That method does not work.

Summer 2016 | www.vamddcdog.com

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{ rounding up rover }

{

Wet food with a strong smell is suggested as the bait in a trap. Rotisserie-style chicken can be popular with dogs. Put the food directly on the bottom of the trap, as far back as possible, behind the trip plate.

Use natural camouflage—use bush, tree branches, leaves and shrubs. Place the trap against a shed.

A goal is to make the trap blend with its surroundings. Using tree branches and leaves on the top and sides of the trap, and inside the bottom of the trap, makes the device friendly to dogs. Do not cover the trap with a tarp, plastic or blankets—if these items are blown about by the wind, that can scare dogs.

Wet food with a strong smell is suggested as the bait in a trap. Rotisserie-style chicken can be popular with dogs. Put the food directly on the bottom of the trap, as far back as possible, behind the trip plate. Do not use a bowl or plate. The dog needs to work for the food, to trigger the trap. When a bowl or plate is used, that hampers the process.

Some dogs are smart enough to pick up the bowl and back out of the trap. Use marshmallows on the ground, outside of the trap, to re-direct raccoons from entering the trap.

The process to lure a dog into a trap can be tricky.

Sprinkle some food along the bottom of the trap, leading to the grass at the opening of the trap.

In front of the trap, sprinkle a few pieces on the ground. This allows a dog to eat in front of the trap, and then take baby steps inside the trap.

Pet owners can put small items that smell like the owner in the trap, such as a sock, shirt or one of the

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dog’s toys. Familiar smells provide comfort for the dog. Also, lay scent trails from the trap, to show the dog where the trap is located.

Pet owners need to be patient and diligent.

Food must be replaced daily. The trap should be checked several times each day to see if it is closed or open. Check the trap from a distance.

Do not set the trap in direct sunlight. The best time to catch a dog is at night. They lay low during the day and come out at dusk.

Pet owners should not rely completely on deer cameras—these cameras do not always trigger when they should.

In some cases, traps have been out for weeks in missing dog cases. Other cases take only a few days. Pet owners should be consistent, and they should not give up.

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The Virginia-Maryland-Washington DC Dog

For more information:

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DogsFindingDogs@gmail.com, and search for Dogs Finding Dogs on Facebook. All donations are tax deductible.

{ giving back }

Lothair

The Heart of a Champion

By Melanie Paul

What criteria determines a champion? Webster’s Dictionary describes a champion as winning first place or first place in a competition. Another definition is, “possessing or showing the

Photos courtesy of Melanie Paul

attributes of a winner despite having a disability.”

Deafness has been called the invisible disability.

Those who are deaf, humans and animals, can feel cut off from others, and people who can hear often shy away from communicating or even interacting with a deaf person or animal because they feel they will not get a positive response.

When I was 12 years old I lost my hearing when a doctor mistakenly prescribed streptomycin after an incorrect diagnosis. Within three months, I was profoundly deaf. However, because I had already acquired speech and knew how words were formed, and I speak very well, I quickly learned how to lip-read. But I’m completely deaf; a hearing aid cannot help.

Lothair, my 7-year-old white Sheltie, was born deaf due to purposeful breeding of his parents, who are Blue Merle champion Shetland Sheepdog show dogs. It’s well known that breeding two

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Blue Merle Shelties will result in one or more of the litter puppies being born deaf, or deaf and visually impaired. The practice of breeding Blue Merle to Blue Merle Shelties is unfortunately evident among certain breeders of show dog Shelties, not just backyard breeders.

Some dog owners feel that this type of breeding is ethically wrong. With other winning show dog Sheltiesm there is no supporting reason to breed, on purpose, two Blue Merle Shelties when these show dog breeders know this type of breeding can result in a Double Merle deaf or deaf and blind Sheltie. Often, these puppies are put to death right after they are born or homes are found for them. Others are placed in shelters or turned over to rescue groups.

As he was born deaf, Lothair doesn’t really know what it is like to hear. Additionally, one of Lothair’s littermates was born white, deaf and blind in one eye.

The Virginia-Maryland-Washington DC Dog

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{ giving back }

Deafness has never been a detriment for Lothair, who was taught obedience and communication using American Sign Language (ASL).

Deafness has never been a detriment for Lothair, who was taught obedience and communication using American Sign Language (ASL). Training a puppy in obedience can be a daunting task, but that can be even more difficult if the puppy is deaf.

This seems to be a big reason many people shy away from adopting a deaf dog. Another reason one avoids adopting a deaf dog is because most individuals want a dog that will respond to their voice, which to them is a type positive reinforcement, such as when a baby responds to a mother’s voice. The mother then receives a positive stimuli from the baby. However, some dog owners advocate adopting deaf dogs—any creature having a disability still has the capacity to bring joy and comfort and to love others.

In 2009 I adopted a deaf Sheltie to work in public schools with deaf children. A breeder of Shetland Sheepdogs in North Carolina had two 3-month-old deaf Shelties from a recent litter. The puppy was named Lothair, after a French king, because he had a somewhat royal demeanor. In his new home, Lothair joined housemates Molly, a 2-year-old Sheltie, and Locksley, a 3-month-old Sheltie puppy.

Because of my background in deaf education, there was a determination that Lothair would be educated in the same manner deaf children acquire knowledge and language. Through sign language and a great deal of patience in teaching the dog, similar to teaching a child, a plan to educate Lothair was devised.

Deaf children acquire language when they are given a sign language sign, shown the object or action, and then shown the word in writing. To train Lothair, he was first shown an object, such as a kibble, and he was then given the sign for food. Then, once the dog understood the concept of food, he’d be given a small treat or a hug, which gave positive reinforcement. With teaching language, Lothair was shown an object or action, given the ASL sign, and then he

was given positive reinforcement. This resulted in positive and quick results.

All of the dogs in the house with Lothair attended obedience school to teach them how to get along well with people and other dogs, a requirement for something known as Therapy Dog International Evaluation. There were misgivings about putting Lothair into obedience school, but he was enrolled to learn socialization skills.

It was observed after some initial classes that the instructors had little skill in training a deaf dog. The instructors had scattered suggestions about how to train Lothair, but they never finalized positive and practical ideas. They didn’t have the needed knowledge to train a deaf dog. Lothair was then enrolled in supervised puppy social visits with other breeds of dogs at another obedience school. Lothair enjoyed these social visits, where time was spent socializing and playing—no real obedience! This helped Lothair develop a positive attitude toward other puppies and breeds. Lothair withdrew from two other obedience classes, but continued with the social visits. Lothair was also home schooled in a twelve-step process that would help him pass his therapy dog evaluation program. Lothair’s two housemate dogs also proved to be examples for him as the home schooling progressed. Molly, Locksley and Lothair all worked together!

First, Molly and Locksley, the hearing dogs, were given verbal instructions such as come—while Lothair was also given the sign for come. Within one week, Lothair learned the ASL signs for come, sit, food, biscuit and toilet, or go for potty. Within three months, Lothair learned the signs for watch me, wait, stop and go for a walk. And within six months, Lothair learned water, apple, good boy, chick-chick (meaning, a piece of broiled chicken), ice cream (Purina Frosty Paws dog ice cream only given in the summer), tickle-tickle (play time), and the very important sign for wait. The verbal command is

Summer 2016 | www.vamddcdog.com

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{ giving back }

different from the command for stay. The previously learned signs were continued daily.

When he is shown the sign for therapy work, Lothair moves to the front door and waits for his owner to put on a working vest and leash. Lothair has always shown an interest in going out and participating in pet therapy work. He works well as a team with Molly and Locksley.

In addition to responding to his own name sign, Lothair responds to the signs mentioned previously, with a 100 percent accuracy rate. The signs are used on an almost daily schedule. Lothair’s name sign is the letter L circled in front of the face. The sign for handsome is an H circled on the front of a human face.

Housemate Molly was already a registered therapy dog, and she understood more than seventy words. In 2011, Molly received an Animal Hero Award from the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association for her work in pet therapy. Molly is a hearing ear dog in the house, and is a friend to Lothair.

With a friend in the house, Lothair, the deaf dog,

can learn positive traits and skills by interacting with the non-deaf dog daily.

When the hearing dogs hear the mailman coming, they start to bark. Lothair, who can hear the highpitched barks of other dogs, learned to bark at the mailman when he is alerted by the other dogs. He then sees the mailman through a full-length window in the door. Molly was taught to do this to alert the author to the mailman. Locksley followed Molly’s example, and Lothair learned from both of them. Interestingly, Molly and Locksley picked up the signs that Lothair was taught.

Lothair is never left out of the conversations with Molly and Locksley. Communication is always signed to Lothair when Molly and Locksley are being addressed.

Among the most important signs communicated with Lothair were potty or toilet, or go potty. Lothair was housebroken using these signs. Other important signs were come, eat food, sit and watch me.

Watch me is particularly important because deaf dogs learn through their eyes. Deaf humans and

Lothair is never left out of the conversations with Molly and Locksley. Communication is always signed to Lothair when Molly and Locksley are being addressed.

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The Virginia-Maryland-Washington DC Dog

{

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{ giving back }

In August 2015, Lothair received a gold pin from Therapy Dogs International, the organization’s highest award, for five hundred documented visits.

dogs are highly visual. The only two signs for Lothair that he responds to that are not authentic ASL signs are come and sit. These needed to be modified to get Lothair to understand them. As with deaf children, if one method does not work, then another must be tried.

Touch is also important for a deaf dog, to get their attention. One suggestion is to not stomp on the floor or quickly touch the deaf dog, as this can startle the dog in a negative manner, just as it startles deaf people. Deaf dogs should only be given a light touch or stroke with a finger to get their attention.

Lothair progressed to the point where worked with deaf students in a reading program at a school in Hampton, Virginia. Lothair loved watching the signs that the deaf students use. Lothair worked at the school for two years, until the students were mainstreamed to other schools. For the last six years, Lothair has participated in hospital visits, including visiting Langley Air Force Base Hospital, a program that was started six years ago. He also visits retirement facilities, schools and libraries. In August 2015, Lothair received a gold pin from Therapy Dogs International, the organization’s highest award, for five hundred documented visits. Lothair currently has five hundred and forty-five documented visits.

Several months ago, Lothair’s left eye was changing from a beautiful blue to a brown hue, and he was immediately taken to an eye specialist. After Lothair’s vision was tested, and after he was given various eye medications, the specialist determined that Lothair’s vision loss was genetic, and caused by the breeding of his Blue Merle parents. Lothair’s parents are Champion Shelties, winning blue ribbons and other awards in contests.

Lothair has won the hearts of hundreds of children and adults with his gentle, friendly, and very loving nature during his encounters at hospitals, schools, libraries and rehabilitation facilities. He is a white sheltie with china-blue eyes, tinged with a sapphire iris. He has a continual look of interest and wonder in his eyes, looking intently at

his surroundings. And he has a smile on his face when he meets people. People who are familiar with Shelties and Collies know that look—when they are smiling and happy. Lothair’s ears go back and forth in a wiggling manner when he’s smiling, as he meets people with gusto. His body moves in eager anticipation of meeting the people in front of him, whether on neighborhood walks or during social visits at facilities.

Lothair has overcome the challenges of deafness, and he can communicate with his owner. Lothair demonstrates every day his quiet courage to understand his environment through his eyes, his reasoning and his sense of smell. He has dignity, intelligence and he has a willingness to please.

Lothair today is a bright, confident and happy Sheltie. Not all champions are born from illustrious parentage, champion stud lines or breeding. Some are made or become a champion through determination and courage, love, and the fact that they were given a chance to show what they can do, no matter what barriers or disabilities they may face.

Lothair is both—he was born to champion parents and he became a true champion.

Summer 2016 | www.vamddcdog.com

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{ ask a neurovet }

Ask A Neurovet Dr. Lauren Talarico

By Lauren R. Talarico, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology/Neurosurgery) Photo Courtesy Dr. Lauren Talarico

Dr. T, My two-year-old Mastiff just developed fine tremors in her back legs. They only happen when she is standing and pain medications do not seem to help. Is this a sign of a neurologic problem? — Ashley, Washington DC

Dear Ashley,

Tremors are the most common category of movement disorders in people and animals. There are several tremor disorder subtypes in dogs and a thorough neurologic exam is essential in diagnosing the type of tremor disorder. Based on what you described, it sounds like your dog is experiencing benign postural tremor syndrome, specifically orthostatic tremors (OT).

Many people equate benign tremor syndrome to a parkinsonian tremor in people, but the underlying disease in dogs isn’t quite the same. Unlike Parkinson Disease where a specific region of the brain is affected, postural tremors syndrome in dogs affects muscles that control body posture against the force of gravity.

These muscles are simply called postural muscles. Orthostatic tremors (OT) tend to occur mostly in giant breed dogs such as the Great Dane, Mastiff, Newfoundland etc. OT tends to occur only when dogs are standing and is restricted to the legs only.

It is not a painful condition and usually resolves when your dog lies down and takes pressure off of their hind limb paws. OTs also cease when dogs walk, run, lean against objects. If you hold your dogs paw off the ground while standing, her tremors should also stop.

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Dogs affected by OT have normal physical examinations, blood work, x-rays, MRI and spinal tap results. The best way to diagnose OT is by electromyographic (EMG) studies. To date, we do not have any treatments to abolish OT in dogs. Please remember that OT is a benign condition and it does not cause your dog pain.

Do you have questions for the Neurovet?

You can follow Dr. Lauren Talarico on Twitter @neurovet3 or contact her through her blog at www.theneurovet.com.

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The Virginia-Maryland-Washington DC Dog

{ ask a neurovet }

Dear Dr. T, Delilah is our 3-year-old English Bulldog. She recently developed fine tremors of her head. It appears as though she is shaking her head and saying “no.” Delilah responds well when her name is called and the tremors stop when we give her a treat. Initially Delilah’s head tremors occurred once every few weeks, but now they are occurring 2-3 times a day! Are these seizures?

— Josh, Alexandria VA

Dear Josh and Delilah, It sounds like your little Delilah is experiencing benign bulldog head tremors or “bulldog head bobbing syndrome.” This is another subcategory of postural tremors involving the muscles of a dog’s neck. When these neck muscles contract uncontrollably, they cause Delilah’s head to shake as though she is saying “no.” This disorder is often seen in Bulldog breeds, Boxers and Dobermans. The head tremors or head bobs can occur in either the vertical plane (“yes” movement of the head) and the horizontal pain (your “no” movement of the head).

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The good news is these tremors are completely benign and they are not a form of a seizure. Typically dogs with benign head tremors will respond when their name is called and otherwise appear healthy on their physical and neurologic examinations. Blood work, MRI and spinal tap results are normal. In some dogs, these head tremors will resolve and in others they will progress over several months. There is no specific treatment for this disease.

Dear Dr. T, I have a 5-year-old Labrador that recently developed head tremors. He is a hunting Labrador and spends a fair amount of time in the woods. He also appears somewhat lethargic and is less willing to go on walks. Last week he had his first seizure. Do you have any idea what may be causing these neurologic signs?

— Bill, Middleburg VA

Dear Bill, Based on the symptoms you described and the fact your Labrador likes to hunt, I would have a parasitic disorder known as Neospora caninum first on the list, however other diseases such as fungal infections, inflammation of the brain (meningoencephalitis), and toxins (lead, certain molds, pesticides) must also be ruled out.

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Neospora caninum is a parasite that can affect the hind limb muscles of young dogs (less than 6 months of old) and the central nervous system (CNS), specifically the brain in adult dogs. Common CNS symptoms in dogs include seizures, tremors of the head, behavior changes and rarely blindness.

Dogs that come in contact with coyotes are at risk for contracting Neospora.

Ingestion of the parasitic eggs in coyote feces is the primary means of infection. Dogs that have access to cows can also contract this disease by eating contaminated meat. Young puppies are infected through the placenta of infected mothers.

I would strongly recommend that your dog be tested for Neospora, as well as the other causes of progressive neurologic disease listed above. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for a positive outcome.

Summer 2016 | www.vamddcdog.com

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madison's stretcher pack madisonspack@gmail.com

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{ health }

Degenerative Myelopathy Not just for Shepherds anymore...

Degenerative myelopathy is a disease that many people believe exists only in German shepherds, however, with an improved ability to genetically test dogs (www.offa.org/dnatesting/dm.html), degenerative myelopathy, which is also referred to as DM, has been recognized

By Krisi Erwin, DVM CVA, CCRT, CVPP

in more than seventy dog breeds. These breeds include corgis, Labrador retrievers, boxers, and some mixed breed dogs.

DM is a progressive disease of the spinal cord that interferes with how the brain can communicate with the rest of the body. Clinical signs usually start after the age of seven, and onset is insidious. Clinical signs can progress during the course of six months to several years. Â In terms of how the disease progresses, initial signs are subtle and may only affect one rear leg initially.

Affected dogs may scuff, knuckle, or drag one or both back feet. Through a period of time, the dog becomes progressively more ataxic, or wobbly and uncoordinated in the rear legs when walking.

While DM is not an inherently painful disease, the body can become sore because of abnormal strain on movement with the front legs or the back.

38

The Virginia-Maryland-Washington DC Dog

{ health }

Eventually, mobility will decline to the point that the dog will need the use of assistive products, such as a sling, or a cart, to walk. Or, the affected dogs may have to resort to dragging their hind legs to move around the house. Breathing difficulties or front limb weakness can become an issue near the end-stage period of this disease.

there is not one, foolproof recommendation for dogs suffering from DM. Each treatment plan should be tailored for that patient and that family.

Having a good rehabilitation practitioner can help guide pet owners through the treatment process for this disease.

Research has shown that targeted rehabilitation therapy at home, coupled with swimming or underwater treadmill, massage, and acupuncture, may help to support the dog and preserve mobility.

DM patients often battle problems other than difficulties with walking. While DM is not an inherently painful disease, the body can become sore because of abnormal strain on movement with the front legs or the back.

Occasionally, urinary or fecal incontinence may set in. Skin infections, bedsores, and urinary tract infections can be common complicating factors in dogs coping with DM. Mental boredom and anxiety can also be a problem for dogs, as they lose their ability to move about freely or become more and more reliant upon their human for help.

Research has shown that targeted rehabilitation therapy at home, coupled with swimming or underwater treadmill, massage, and acupuncture, may help to support the dog and preserve mobility. Additional modalities such as traditional Chinese herbs, diet therapy, and antioxidant formulas may help to preserve spinal cord health.

The goals of therapy are: preserve muscle mass; address compensatory discomfort; stimulate nerve function for as long as possible; provide mental stimulation and engagement for the patient; educate pets’ parents about creating a safe home environment; and teaching pet parents techniques for assisting their pet safely and to prevent injury to pets and pet parents.

DM is a serious disease and a diagnosis can be devastating. But, take heart—many patients with DM can cope well with their situation for varying amounts of time, ranging from six months to a year or more. During that time, pet owners will have an opportunity to bond with their pets in new ways; each could learn to rely on each other. This is a time when pet owners can start to give back to their pups part of what they have given to their owners.

Each pet and each family are unique, and that

{

For more information: Wholistic Paws Veterinary Services P.O. Box 713 Hamilton, VA 20159 571.438.0339 wecare@wholisticpaws.com www.wholisticpawsvet.com

Summer 2016 | www.vamddcdog.com

39

{ ask dr. katy }

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With Katy Nelson, DVM

Dr. Katy

Dear Dr. Katy: My rescue dog has a great deal of anxiety. I crate him when I leave my home for short periods of time, however, I obviously don’t want to crate him while I am at work all day. I have allowed him full run of the house, but he always ends up destroying a rug, or furniture. I have also confined him to a smaller room with toys and such only to find that he started to chew on the wood trim within the room. Do you have any recommendations as to what I can do to ease the anxiety? I truly don’t want to medicate him if I don’t have to.

– Glenn T., Fairfax, VA

Dear Glenn,

all day isn’t ideal, if it protects your home (and your pet), it is likely the safest option, and will decrease both of your stress levels in the end. I would also recommend having a professional trainer come into your home and evaluate his behavior. There may be some suggestions a trainer can provide to modify your behavior, as well as that of your dog, as often times we inadvertently engage in behavior that worsens our pets’ stress. Finally, talk with your veterinarian about herbal stress relievers, and maybe even consider a Thundershirt. If all of this doesn’t work, it is possible to achieve “better living through chemistry.” My own rescue dog has been on a medication for the past year to relieve his stress and it has greatly improved both his quality of life, and that of my family’s.

Dear Dr. Katy:

Yes, it does sound like you have some true separation anxiety occurring here. I always say, “a tired dog is a good dog,” so the first thing I would recommend is increasing his exercise. Consider a dog walker during the day, or doggie daycare. While I agree that crating

My twelve-year-old mixed breed dog has started to excessively lick and scratch himself all over. I took him to a dermatologist and they conducted several tests and found nothing wrong. They stated to me that this is likely behavior-related. Do you have any recommendations as to what I can do to stop this activity?

– Tami S., Ashburn, VA

Do you have questions for Dr. Katy?

{

You can follow her on Twitter @drkatynelson, on Facebook or send her an e-mail at bark@vamddcdog.com.

40

The Virginia-Maryland-Washington DC Dog

Dear Tami,

This is a difficult question to answer without a physical exam and full history.

My only recommendation here would be to follow up with your own veterinarian. If this is truly behavioral, perhaps an anti-anxiety medication or herbal therapy may be warranted, but I wouldn’t give up totally on some sort of allergic component just yet. Definitely have the discussion with your pup’s doc about further testing, and perhaps even an elimination diet. And as always, keep up with your pet’s flea and tick preventives to rule out those buggers as sources of the itching.

Dear Dr. Katy: I recently adopted a small mixed breed eight-year-old dog. The rescue did not mention any issues about the dog to me. However, when I got the dog home she would only eat a small amount of food and never touch it again. I have tried every type of food you can think of and the same thing happens.

I consulted the rescue and they have informed me that she was eating just fine prior to my adopting her. I took her to my vet and he found nothing wrong with her. I have even cooked for her experimenting with items such as turkey burger, rice, vegetables, etc. with no avail. Any ideas that you may have would be greatly appreciated.

–Kimberly B., Baltimore, MD

Dear Kimberly,

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This sounds quite stressful for you, Kimberly, and I’m sorry you’re going through this. I’m sure you’ve already asked the rescue what type of food she was “eating fine” there, but if not, that’s step one. If she’s brand new to your home, I’d advise just giving her a little time to adjust since it usually takes a couple of months for a pet to completely settle into a new routine. Also, if she’s maintaining her weight (and is a good body condition score according to your veterinarian), then again, I probably wouldn’t worry too much about this as perhaps she just has a slow metabolism and doesn’t require as much food as you think she might. However, if she’s losing weight, then obviously we need to intervene. I would have her rechecked by your veterinarian and ask for a thorough (perhaps sedated) dental exam. Just a cursory glance at the teeth is often not enough to determine if there is underlying dental disease, perhaps causing her pain with eating. If her oral cavity is indeed normal, then blood work and radiographs would be my next step to rule out any sort of metabolic or anatomic disorder that is leading to inappetence. Finally, if ALL checks out and she’s “just picky,” then consider having different types of foods ready for her at all times. Cooking is a healthy way of going about this, and I would suggest The UC Davis Veterinary Nutrition Service as a great starting point for research and recipes (just Google them). You can also buy fresh cooked food like FreshPet, and use some of their unique toppers (found at pet specialty stores) to entice her.

?

Art Landerman brings his unique blend of creativity and talent to each artistic portrait giving it a one-ofa-kind completion. Be sure to take the time to view the gallery pages on his website.

41

{ news, tips & trends }

NEWS,TIPS & TRENDS

42

The Virginia-Maryland-Washington DC Dog

{ news, tips & trends }

H3N2 Canine Influenza Vaccine is Now Available!

There’s an App for That Health & Emergencies:

Merck Animal Health, an innovator in animal

PetMD’s Dog First Aid App: While it’s not recommended to treat a true emergency at home versus professional care, not every little cough is an emergency. PetMD’s Dog First Aid can lead you through just about all of the possible emergencies. With concise descriptions so that you know what to expect, and so you may begin emergency treatment before you can get to the clinic.

health products has issued a conditional product license for a vaccine to protect against the newly identified H2N2 strain.

It has been determined that the H3N2 canine influenza was responsible for the U.S. outbreak that started in Chicago a year ago.

The canine H3N2 strain originally emerged in Asia in 2006-2007 among dogs suffering from respiratory disease. It is thought that the strain in Asia was the result of a direct transfer of the avian influenza virus to dogs.

Clinical signs of H3N2 in dogs include coughing, fever, lethargy, and interstitial pneumonia.

The Canine Influenza Vaccine is recommended for healthy dogs six weeks of age or older.

Pet & Farm Animal Food Safety: New Federal Program in the Works The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) together with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recently announced the launch of the Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards designed to apply to inspections by state and other programs that

Spending: Spending on My Dog App: Here’s a great app to help you keep track of your budget so that you are sure to cover all the bases.

From a toy allowance to veterinarian care this App has it covered.

Features include: • Money management in more than 14 core categories in canine spending • Full product acquisition and returns management • Visualization with charts on budget and spending categories • Export all captured transactions to standard spreadsheet format (CSV-Comma Separated Values) or to your money management software • Localized to 18 different languages

Pet Services: PetMD Pet Services Finder: With categories in Dog Walking, Dog Grooming, Veterinarians, and even Dog Parks, this App has it covered.

monitor the production of pet food and farm animal feed.

Although they are voluntary, the FDA and AAFCO are encouraging states to adopt the feed standards to establish a “uniform foundation regulation of animal feed.” They are in hopes that adoption of the program leads to the sharing of information and coordination of resources among jurisdictions.

Summer 2016 | www.vamddcdog.com

43

Volume 7•Issue

1

Spring 2016

A serious publication for the serious dog owner A popular canine magazine not just designated for the Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC folks...but for canine owners everywhere.

Full of educational and enjoyable articles written by a team of highly regarded veterinarians, nutritionists, trainers and more.

The Crate is Gre at!

Heart Failure in Dogs

•Issue 4

iday 2015

“Wesley”

is seeking a forev er home. He is avail able for adoption through Ruff Ranc h Sanctuary.

A Dog’s Nose

(details on Page

A mazing, is

But a Dog

Facebook.com:

’s Heart is a

Miracle

www.vamddcdog.com | 301.514.2804

Lessons Dog s Teach Us Spotlighting Long-Term Adoption

Holiday Gift Guide

The Virginia-Maryland-Washington DC Dog — te, Nelson Advoca Dr. Katy , Animal rian Veterina & Mom TV Host

, Too d Pressure High Bloo nt the Cou Pets Get Out for – But Not Retired

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y” and “More seeking a y” are forever home. available through Operati They are on Homes, Inc. (OPH). (details Paws for pg. 46)

“Sheba,” “Hannah,”” are available er & “Pepp Virginia

n through for adoptio rd Rescue (VGSR) Shephe German on Page 46) (details

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Winter/Hol

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Volume 6

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Fall 2015 e3

Subscriptions are only a click away through our website.

A Journey of Love Leads to a Destination of Love!

Volume 6•Issu

Each of our covers are dedicated to dogs in need of adoption.

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{ seeking a forever home }

Seeking A

Forever Home

“Midge”

This darling little gal known as “Midge” was transferred to the Middleburg Humane Foundation from the Prince William County Animal Shelter.

Breed/Mix: Terrier Male/Female: Female Approximate Weight:

18 lbs.

Approximate Age:

7 years 10 months

Activeness: Not very active – not high energy – would love a retired couple Good w/Other Dogs: She lives with other dogs, but is picky about her friends—will only play with ones her size. She doesn’t have to be separated from other dogs but “managed.”

Good w/Children: Not good with children.

She doesn’t like fast movement.

Housebroken: Yes Medical Issues: Allergies, some hot spots. Needs to be on a grain free diet.

Feeding Issues:

Requires a Grain-Free Diet

Special Needs:

None

Vaccinations: Yes Microchipped: Yes Fun Facts: Photo by Chris Weber Studios

idge loves shredded chicken. She will find moles and bring M them to you. She loves to snuggle on people’s laps. Scared to death of loud noises. Trembles from head to toe. Walks well on a lead. Not interested in toys.

Middleburg Humane Foundation The Middleburg Humane Foundation (MHF) operates a private, non-profit, four acre farm shelter located in Marshall, Virginia. It is their goal to provide a safe haven for abused, neglected, and “at risk” animals, both large and small.

Middleburg Humane Foundation 540-364-3272 admin@middleburghumane.org

www.middleburghumane.org

46

MHF specializes in the rescue and rehabilitation of animals that come to the shelter from a vast variety of abusive situations. After much needed nurturing and medical care, animals are placed available for adoption. MHF depends solely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations, as well as funds raised at various events throughout the year. MHF also operates a Grooming Salon at their shelter in Marshall in addition to a Thrift Shop in the town of Middleburg.

The Middleburg Humane Foundation (MHF) has embarked on a campaign to raise funds to build an entire new farm shelter facility on 20 + acres that was generously donated to them.

The new farm shelter will provide a state of the art Spay/Neuter Clinic, Small Animal Adoption Center, Grooming Salon, Humane Education Center and an Equine and Livestock Rescue Facility all capable of accommodating their growing needs.

The Virginia-Maryland-Washington DC Dog

Adopt & Save One Life Spay/Neuter & Save Thousands Three to Four MILLION animals are euthanized in shelters across the US every year simply because there are not enough homes.

Spay/neuter (S/N) directly addresses the problem of an overabundance of unwanted animals. Most shelters offer low-cost S/N assistance. Contact your local shelter to ask what options are available to you.

Pick One Puppy & Kiss the Others Goodbye...

Current research shows that fewer than 30 % of dogs & cats in homes come from shelters or rescue groups.

We would be able to solve the euthanasia problem if we hiked that number to 40 or 45 %. Consider adopting from a breed rescue group or a shelter. 25% of animals in shelters are purebred!

Visit your local shelter or go to www.petfinder.com * Statistics provided by HSUS

Please don’t shop...Adopt!

Middleburg Humane Foundation

PO Box 1238 Middleburg, VA 20118

540-364-3272

www.middleburghumane.com

your pet

is our priority At Veterinary Surgical Centers, we are committed to providing world-class surgery and physical rehabilitation for pets and families facing injury, illness, and more.

We work to ease the stress and fears of surgery and treatment by putting you and your furry family member at the center of all we do.

Our board-certified surgeons and certified rehabilitation practitioners specialize in: • Orthopedic surgery

• Plastic & reconstructive surgery

• Soft tissue procedures

• Physical rehabilitation & pain management

• Minimally invasive surgery

• Conditioning & weight loss

Let’s work together to restore your pet’s health and quality of life.

Contact us today for more information or to request an appointment.

Vienna (703) 242-6000 / Vienna@VSCVets.com Leesburg (703) 771-2100 / Leesburg@VSCVets.com Winchester (540) 450-0177 / Winchester@VSCVets.com

www.VSCVets.com