Pet Medical Center
at Apple Tree Cove
Welcome to Pet Medical Center's Online Newsletter
The veterinarians and staff at Pet Medical Center are pleased to provide you with an "Online Newsletter." This fun and fact-filled Newsletter is updated on a regular basis by the veterinarians and staff at Pet Medical Center.
Included in the Newsletter are articles pertaining to pet care, information on our veterinary hospital, as well as news on the latest trends and discoveries in veterinary medicine.
Current Newsletter Topics
Should Your Dog Bite
If Your Dog Bites Someone...
As an owner, you have a responsibility to ensure that your dog doesn’t bite your neighbor, the letter carrier, or anyone else he or she encounters. Not only is a dog bite painful and possibly disfiguring to the recipient, it can cost you thousands of dollars in civil and criminal penalties. A single bite may risk cancellation of your homeowner’s insurance, and the local authorities may even require that the dog be euthanized.
Severe penalties
There are good reasons why the penalties can be severe. Dog-bite claims are costing the insurance industry about $1 billion per year. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 500,000 to 1 million dog-bite victims in the United States require medical attention each year; many other cases are not reported. As many as 20 Americans die from dog bites annually.
The legal ramifications vary widely. If you are found to have violated a specific law or ordinance, such as a leash law, you may face criminal penalties. Even if no laws were broken, the victim can sue you. In a worst-case scenario, the dog could be ordered to be euthanized by the court, and the owner could face criminal charges (in addition to any civil charges the victim might decide to bring) and be jailed or fined for harboring a vicious animal. Criminal charges can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the case and the jurisdiction. Dog owners can also lose their homeowner’s insurance or be required to pay very high rates and obtain very high amounts of coverage if they continue to own the dog. Many companies do not write homeowner’s policies if you own specific breeds of dogs.
Lesser penalties can include a warning citation, a fine, or the requirement that the dog be evaluated by a certified behaviorist, muzzled when in public, or confined in a covered pen.
How cases are determined
The laws regarding dog bites vary from city to city and depend upon many factors. The factors are normally taken into consideration by a judge or jury vary, but there are common circumstances that are considered. Among these are whether the victim provoked the bite by tormenting the dog, whether the bite occurred on or off the dog owner’s property, and whether the owner was aware that the dog could pose a danger to anyone wandering onto the property. Of course, anyone who deliberately uses a dog as a means of attack is automatically liable, except under the most dire of circumstances. The severity of the bite itself is also always taken into consideration.
Averting disaster
To prevent dog bites and their severe consequences, owners have several responsibilities:
- Before getting a dog, learn about the breed and make sure you can handle problems associated with its characteristic behaviors. Some breeds are more prone to biting than others.
- Socialize your dog when she’s a puppy, using positive techniques. A puppy that has very limited exposure to humans will probably fear them as an adult dog.
- Don’t make excuses for any warning signs that the dog gives. These warning signs must be dealt with in an appropriate way.
- Don’t violate leash laws.
- Neuter male dogs to curb aggressive tendencies.
- Make sure your dog treats all people as friends. Asking the dog to make a discrimination as to who belongs on his property and who doesn’t is not realistic.
- If your dog displays aggressive behavior, do not ignore it. The first thing to do is contact a veterinarian to rule out medical problems. After this, contact a veterinary behaviorist, a certified animal behaviorist, or a dog trainer experienced at handling aggression cases.
Antibiotics - Some Facts
When bacteria invade the body, a bacterial Infection is present. Often, the bacteria are removed by our own immune system before there are any obvious signs of disease. But if bacteria multiply faster than our immune system can destroy them, an infectious disease develops. An infectious disease is treated by drugs that harm the bacteria - either by killing them or by preventing them from multiplying - without harming the host (animals). These drugs are called antibiotics.
Many people simply use the term antibiotics to apply to the broad group of drugs that prevent the spread of or kill microorganisms. Sometimes, though, a finer distinction is made. An antimicrobial is a drug that kills (or inhibits the multiplication of) microbes or microorganisms. Bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa are all microbes. Antibiotics, however, kill only bacteria. They have no effect on viral or fungal disease.
An antibiotic such as penicillin, is bactericidal. This type of antibiotic kills bacteria. A bacteriostatic antibiotic, such as tetracycline and erythromycin, stops the bacteria from multiplying. After the invading bacteria stops multiplying, the body’s natural defenses usually kills the existing bacteria.
The discovery and development of antibiotic drugs are two of the most important therapeutic advances of the twentieth century. Penicillin was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1929, and was introduced into clinical use in 1940. Fleming was awarded the Nobel prize in 1945 for this discovery. Since then, antibiotics have dramatically changed the course of many illnesses (both in humans and in animals) from almost certain death to little more than an inconvenience.
The problem of resistance to antibiotics is very serious. Very often, an animal is treated successfully with amoxicillin (the most commonly-prescribed small animal veterinary drug in the United States) on three separate occasions for three different infections. Then, amoxicillin doesn’t work for the fourth infection. Since different antibiotics have different spectra of activity (only work on certain bacteria), this particular bacteria may not be sensitive to amoxicillin.
Another problem with antibiotic resistance occurs when an animal is treated for the same infection several different times with the same antibiotic. The antibiotic works perfectly during the first 2 or 3 episodes, then on the fourth episode, it fails to work. The most likely reason for this is that the organism has become resistant to that particular antibiotic.
Bacteria become resistant to some antibiotics through genetic mutations, which are then passed on to succeeding generations of bacteria. Amoxicillin is ineffective against infections from staphylococci, for example, because those organisms have developed resistance to the entire group of penicillin-type antibiotics (called beta-lactamins), including amoxicillin. These bacteria produce an enzyme, penicillinase, which changes the structure of the drug and makes it inactive. This is an example of bacteria developing resistance to antibiotics by inactivating the drug via specific enzymes. There are other mechanisms by which bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. These include alterations in the bacterial target enzyme as well as changes in the ability of the drugs to accumulate in or on the bacteria.
Here are some important things to remember when your pet is taking antibiotics:
- Antibiotics need to be given at specific times. Even though it may be difficult to give a medication every six or eight hours, it is necessary in order for these medications to work properly.
- Antibiotics need to be given for a particular duration. During the first few days on the antibiotic, our pet usually feels much better. The antibiotic zaps most of the bacteria; however, there are usually still some bacteria left in their system. At this point, if the medicine is discontinued, the surviving bacteria quickly grow and multiply, and may overwhelm our pet once again. Continuing the medication for the full course usually prevents this from occurring.
- Antibiotics need to be stored properly so that they do not lose their effectiveness. Some call for refrigeration; especially those that are liquids. Also, be sure to shake liquid formulas before administering them.
- It is crucial that you do not begin to give antibiotics to your pet without first talking to your veterinarian.
- As a general rule, antibiotics are very safe and have few side effects. Loss of appetite, upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea are the side effects most commonly encountered.
- Occasionally, an animal will develop an allergic reaction to an antibiotic. This usually occurs within the first 30 minutes after administration. Severe allergic reactions - panting heavily, difficulty breathing, intense vomiting or diarrhea, seizures or lethargy - are emergencies and should immediately be seen by a veterinarian.
If you have any questions regarding an antibiotic or any medication, please contact a staff member at your veterinary hospital.
Beware of Counterfeit Pest Products for Dogs and Cats
Pet owners shopping for Frontline, Advantage and other flea control products for their pets should be on the lookout for counterfeit versions of those products appearing on retailers' shelves. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, these products are packaged in cartons designed to look like legitimate versions of Advantage and Frontline but are not approved by the EPA. These counterfeit products may be missing instruction leaflets required by U.S. law. The packages also may not feature required child-resistant packaging and the applicators may not be the appropriate size dosage for the animal indicated on the package. Using such products could put your pet at risk, as the counterfeit products may contain too much or too little dosage of the active ingredients of the pesticide or different ingredients all together, according to the EPA.
The products affected are:
- Frontline Top Spot for Cats
- Frontline Top Spot for Dogs
- Frontline Plus for Cats
- Frontline Plus for Dogs
- Advantage 10 for Dogs
- Advantage 20 for Dogs
- Advantage 55 for Dogs
- Advantage 100 for Dogs
- Advantage 9 for Cats
- Advantage 18 for Cats
The packages for the legitimate and counterfeit versions of each product look similar, so you must open the packages and examine the contents inside to determine legitimacy. Legitimate Frontline products will meet the following criteria:
- The lot number on the carton and the lot number on the applicator package or individual applicators will match.
- The instruction leaflet is included and provides safety information, U.S. telephone numbers and storage and disposal instructions.
- The applicator package is child resistant, and directions for opening the applicator package include an illustration that looks like the applicator package.
- The applicator package has a notch between each individual applicator package. Text on the package is in English only.
- Each individual applicator has a label that includes the name of the manufacturer (Merial); the EPA registration number; the contents measured in fluid ounces (not metric measurement); a list of active ingredients, and the statements "Caution", "Keep out of reach of children" and "See full label for additional directions" in English.
- The applicator label for dog products includes the size of the dog in pounds.
For Advantage products, the following criteria can be used to determine legitimacy:
- All applicator tubes will feature directions printed in English. Any applicator with instructions in another language is counterfeit.
- Applicator tubes will include the EPA registration number, word "WARNING" and a child-safety statement.
- Also on the tube is a reference to referring to the main label of the product for directions, as well as the name of the manufacturer (Bayer).
- Legitimate products will feature an active ingredient statement that matches the statement on the retail carton. Counterfeit products may feature different statements.
It is important to note that the EPA also considers versions of the drug sold in foreign countries but imported into the United States to be counterfeit as well. Products purchased in foreign countries may not have the same safety warnings or child-resistant packaging as products approved for sale in America, and the dosages and ingredients may be different. If you have purchased counterfeit products, the EPA recommends you dispose of the product according to local solid waste guidelines. You should also notify the staff of the retail outlet you purchased the product from as well as the EPA regional office in your state. Click here for more information about these counterfeit products.
Cat Behavior—Hunting
One aspect of cats’ behavior which some owners find difficult to accept is hunting, especially when the cat insist on bringing her prey home. Hunting is a very strong instinct in cats and the techniques can be while watching young kittens at play. As the kittens grow older, the skills are finely honed through further play and by watching the mother and mimicking her when she hunts.
Hunting is entirely natural for cats and takes place even when they are well fed at home. They evidently enjoy the hunt, stalking patiently and carefully, moving forward and freezing with single minded concentration until they are close enough to pounce. If the cat returns with her kill and presents it to her owner, the reason is possibly because you should congratulate her on her hunting prowess. There is really no point in trying to punish your cat for hunting as it is a part of her nature that is so deeply rooted that to try and eliminate it may well cause her a lot of confusion. Playing catching games with your cat using toys may help to relieve some of her urge to hunt.
One solution is to put a bell on her collar so that the birds and other likely victims can hear her coming. If you do this, make sure that the collar has an elasticated section so that she can escape if it gets caught up on some object. It is important to worm your cat regularly, particularly if she hunts. Consult your veterinary hospital for more advice on de-worming.
Heartworm Prevention for Dogs and Cats
Pets and their people love being outside in the summertime—and so do mosquitoes. Because mosquitoes are the most common carriers of heartworm disease, keeping pets up to date on preventive heartworm treatments during mosquito season is especially important.
Heartworms are exactly that—large worms that live in the hearts of cats and dogs. Known as Dirofilaria Immitis, heartworms are long, spaghetti-like worms that range in size from six to 10 inches. Heartworms are almost always transmitted by mosquitoes. A mosquito bites an infected dog or cat; that mosquito picks up microfilariae, a microscopic version of the heartworm. When that mosquito bites your dog or cat, the heartworm microfilariae are transmitted to him / her. Within 70 to 90 days, the microfilariae make it to your pet's heart and, once mature, begin reproducing. The cycle then begins again.
Signs of heartworm disease in pets vary based on the age and species of the pet and the number of worms present. Because the worms are usually located on the right side of the heart and lung, coughing and shortness of breath are common signs in both dogs and cats. Dogs that have just acquired the disease may have no signs, while dogs with a moderate occurrence of the disease may cough and show an inability to exercise. In extreme cases, dogs may experience fainting, weight loss, fever, abdominal swelling and death. In cats, the symptoms of heartworm disease are similar to those of feline asthma, including coughing and shortness of breath. Some cats may exhibit no signs of the disease, while others may suddenly die.
When it comes to preventing heartworm disease, pet owners have a number of options. Before beginning treatment, pet owners should have their pets tested for the presence of heartworms. If heartworms are present, they should be eliminated before preventive medicines can be used.
Heartgard—Developed by Merial, Heartgard provides heartworm protection for both dogs and cats. There are two varieties—Heartgard and Heartgard Plus. Both come in chewable beef-flavored tablets and are administered monthly. Heartgard Plus contains ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate. Along with preventing heartworm disease, Heartgard Plus also prevents hookworm and roundworm infections. Heartgard for cats also contains ivermectin and is administered similarly.
Sentinel and Interceptor—A product of Novartis, Sentinel and Interceptor are chewable tablets administered once a month. Both are effective in preventing heartworm disease and controlling fleas, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms. Sentinel contains the active ingredients milbemycin and lufenuron. Milbemycin kills the parasites by interfering with neurotransmission. Lufenuron is used to disrupt the flea lifecycle.
Revolution—Revolution is a topical monthly parasite treatment for both dogs and cats. Developed by Pfizer, the active ingredient in Revolution is selamectin, which is effective in killing a number of parasites, including fleas, ear mites, heartworm and sarcoptic mange in dogs and fleas, heartworm, roundworm and hookworm in cats. Revolution is applied to the skin between the shoulder blades and is absorbed into the bloodstream. Revolution is recommended for cats eight weeks of age and older and dogs six weeks of age and older.
ProHeart 6—ProHeart 6 is an injectible treatment for dogs designed to ensure protection from heartworms for six months at a time. ProHeart contains moxidectin, which is effective in paralyzing and killing parasites. The drug was recalled voluntarily in 2004 after the federal Food and Drug Administration received more than 5,000 reports of adverse reactions in dogs that had been given ProHeart 6. Symptoms of the reaction included muscle pain and fever. Fort Dodge has said that it will implement a "post-marketing surveillance initiative" similar to that used for human drugs in order to monitor for any potential side-effects from the use of ProHeart 6.
Canine Reinforcement Training
Reinforcement—the key to successful dog training
Understanding reinforcement is critical to understanding the behavior of your dog. Most of your dog’s behavior is a direct result of reinforcement. In essence, when your dog presents a certain behavior, it is your acceptance or acknowledgement of that behavior that supports its continuation and repetition. Many people feel guilty upon learning of their miscues. Although it may be natural to feel this way about establishing a certain behavior in your dog, behavior is not stamped in stone! Keep in mind that, if your dog is adopted, it may have been a previous owner who imprinted the behavior; or, it could be a friend, relative, or neighbor who supported unwanted behavior in your dog. Anyone who interacts with your dog has the potential of reinforcing behaviors. Using the proper methods, you can always change a behavior you may have accidentally reinforced in the past that is causing problems in the present.
A simple way to begin reinforcement training is to think about what your dog likes. Food often works best, but praise, petting, tone of voice, certain words, facial expressions, or a particular toy might work best. Any one or combination of these "reinforcers" can help determine your dog’s behavior. Simply stated, when your dog does something you like, immediately do something your dog likes. It is as easy as that!
To illustrate reinforcement, let’s start with a puppy. When a puppy is born, he or she immediately starts showing certain behaviors. Some behaviors are reinforced and some are not. The vast majority of the behaviors your dog has when he or she is older than a year are the result of intentional corroboration, whether accidental or intentional. Research does indicate that genes, for the most part, give a dog a predisposition to have certain behaviors, but the vast majority of behaviors you might be concerned with (i.e., chewing, barking, sleeping in your bed) is learned. That is how powerful reinforcement training can be.
It has been estimated that one reinforcement can increase the probability of a recurring behavior from near zero to as much as 80 percent. A single reinforcement can almost guarantee that a behavior will happen again in the future. Another important consideration is the timing of the particular reinforcement. Four-tenths of a second after a dog does a behavior is the optimal time to fortify that particular behavior. Basically, the faster you react to your dog’s behavior, the more the dog will understand that particular behavior is acceptable. For example, think of training your dog to sit. You tell your dog to sit, and he does. If you wait until he is standing again to praise him, he will think you are praising him for standing.
Often, the behavior that is least pleasing to you is one that you reinforce without realizing. For example, if your dog jumps on you, how do you react? If you touch your dog or pet him while he’s on two legs, you are reinforcing the problem. If your dog growls at someone when they enter your home and you say, "It’s okay" in a calming voice that your dog hears under normal circumstances, you are reinforcing the bad behavior. As you can see, it’s very easy to either create or aggravate any behavior pattern without the proper knowledge.
So, once you have identified the problem, what next? At first it may appear to be impossible. To change a behavior takes time, patience, and a little extra skill. The solution lies in reinforcing the incompatible behavior. The easiest way to understand incompatible behavior is to acknowledge that a dog is unable to do two opposing behaviors at the same time. For example, a dog is unable to sit and jump up at the same time. A dog can’t be friendly and aggressive at the same time. To achieve this would be against the laws of the physical universe!
Since each dog is unique, there are a number of different ways to tweak incompatible reinforcement. However, an illustration of a specific situation can help. If your dog jumps on you every time he approaches you, command him to sit and reinforce the sitting behavior. Because sitting is incompatible with jumping, it is necessary for your dog to one or the other. By reinforcing the preferred behavior, you are letting your dog know that sitting is good and jumping is not.
It may take a lot of trial and error for you to determine which incompatible behaviors works best and how to reinforce them to your dog. In the long run, both you and your dog will be happier. However, remember that how you react to a behavior your dog presents is lasting. Never punish your dog with abuse, physical or verbal, or you will be reinforcing certain behaviors that are generally found in aggressive, defensive or extremely submissive dogs. None of these overarching behaviors are acceptable at any time. It is important for you to establish an open line of communication with your dog. Find what makes him happy, and you will be able to make yourself happy at the same time.
