speakingforspot.com

A Primer on Diabetes Insipidus

March 4th, 2012

Photo Credit: Susannah Kay

Mention the word diabetes, and one thinks of insulin injections and blood sugar levels. This is because diabetes mellitus (aka, sugar diabetes) is so darned prevalent in people, dogs, and cats. But did you know that there is another version of diabetes, one that has absolutely no impact on blood sugar levels? It is called diabetes insipidus (DI). This form of diabetes is far less common, but as it happens, I diagnosed two patients (one dog and one cat) with DI within the last week. Go figure! As things tend to happen in “threes” I expect my third patient with DI will walk through the door next week!

Diabetes insipudus occurs when the kidneys are unable to conserve water. Under normal circumstances, the kidneys retain some of the water within the bloodstream for use within the body while eliminating the rest within the urine. This nifty little water conservation system is controlled by a hormone called vasopressin (aka, ADH or antidiuretic hormone). Vasopressin is produced within the brain’s hypothalamus. It is then stored and released from the pituitary gland, also within the brain. Now here’s the really cool part. There are sensors in the body that control exactly how much vasopressin is released into the blood stream after detecting exactly how much water the body needs. For example, if you are hiking in Death Valley and it is 110 degrees, your pituitary gland will release lots of vasopressin so that you produce minimal urine. Likewise, if you’ve just chugged a gallon of water, vasopressin release will be turned off thereby allowing your kidneys to “turn on the faucets.”

Diabetes insipidus occurs when vasopression is no longer released from the pituitary gland. Affected dogs and cats produce copious volumes of urine, and all that water loss results in profound thirst. Their dilute urine looks more like water than urine. In addition, affected animals are prone to urinary accidents, saturation of their litter boxes on a daily basis, and the inability to make it through the night without urinating. Under such circumstances, people are sometimes tempted to restrict their pet’s water intake. This can be disastrous- even with water withheld, massive amounts of urine will continue to be produced and the animal will quickly become dehydrated. Fortunately, most animals with DI who are deprived of water will drive their humans crazy until they relent and fill the water bowl.

The diagnosis or DI is made by first ruling out other diseases that can cause increased thirst and urine output including: kidney disease, liver disease, urinary tract infections, diabetes mellitus and other hormonal imbalances. The diagnosis is then confirmed based on a positive response to vasopressin therapy.

Trauma, infection, and cancer affecting the region of the hypothalamus/pituitary gland are all potential causes of DI. However, most cases of DI turn out to be idiopathic (an underlying cause cannot be determined). If your dog or cat has DI, your veterinarian will want to perform a thorough neurological examination. If neurological abnormalities are detected, a brain scan (MRI or CT) and collection of spinal fluid for analysis may be recommended.

The treatment for DI is vasopressin replacement therapy. This hormone is available in tablet and nasal spray formulations. The nasal spray must be fitted with an adaptive nozzle that allows application of the liquid as eye drops. Typically, marked reduction in water intake and urine output are observed within a few days to a week after beginning therapy. Other than the need to give daily, lifelong medication, the major drawback of treatment is that vasopressin is pretty darned pricey. It definitely pays to shop around at a number of pharmacies to obtain the best price. Barring no significant underlying brain disease, the prognosis for a patient with DI is excellent, and that’s definitely something that we internists don’t get to say frequently enough!

Have you any experience with diabetes insipidus? If so, please share what you know.

Best wishes,

Nancy Kay, DVM

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Author of Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life
Author of Your Dog’s Best Health: A Dozen Reasonable Things to Expect From Your Vet
Recipient, Leo K. Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award
Recipient, American Animal Hospital Association Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics Award
Recipient, Dog Writers Association of America Award for Best Blog
Recipient, Eukanuba Canine Health Award
Recipient, AKC Club Publication Excellence Award
Become a Fan of Speaking for Spot on Facebook

Please visit http://www.speakingforspot.com to read excerpts from Speaking for Spot and Your Dog’s Best Health. There you will also find “Advocacy Aids”- helpful health forms you can download and use for your own dog, and a collection of published articles on advocating for your pet’s health. Speaking for Spot and Your Dog’s Best Health are available at www.speakingforspot.com, Amazon.com, local bookstores, and your favorite online book seller.

Tags: antidiuretic hormone, blood sugar levels, diabetes, diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, Dog care, dog health, dog health care, Dr. Nancy Kay, insulin, insulin injections, kidneys, Nancy Kay DVM, pituitary gland, Speaking for Spot, vasopressin, Your Dog's Best Health
Posted in Canine Symptoms, Important Questions to Ask You Vet, Speaking for Spot, Veterinary Diagnostic Procedures, Veterinary Specialists, Your Dog's Best Health | 1 Comment »

A Response From Gorham, New York

February 27th, 2012

Many of you have been following the recent approval allowing a husband and wife puppy mill team to open a new 500-dog breeding kennel within the town of Gorham, New York. Mr. Doug Negley, a councilman for the Town of Gorham read my blog post and reached out to me for some candid conversation. During our talk it became clear to me that Mr. Negley is a true dog lover and that he was surprised by the rapid action taken by his town’s planning commission. Mr. Negley told me that he remains unclear whether or not the decision to approve the puppy mill can be reversed.

Prior to this Gorham chaos (town leaders have been inundated with phone calls and emails), Mr. Negley admits that he was unfamiliar with the horrors of puppy mills. You can trust that I provided him with a solid education during the course of our telephone call. I asked Mr. Negley to provide me with his point of view in writing, something I could share with you, my readers. Here are his thoughts:

Dr. Nancy Kay,

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on your blog of February 9, 2012 “Shame on you Gorham NY.”

Your perception of “commercial kennels/puppy mills” is right on — this is a national if not international problem. In the last paragraph you mentioned learn what’s going on where you live. Educate others on “commercial kennels/puppy mills.” I would like to add instead of buying a new pup consider rescuing a dog.

On your comment “I suspect that the Gorham town board members have their eyes focused on the prize. Can you imagine the tax revenue stream from the sale of thousands and thousands of purebred puppies?” New York State law currently exempts USDA Class A “commercial kennels/puppy mills” from local dog licensing. Yes, that’s right Gorham receives nothing for this type of operation. And these breeders do not contribute to the state spay and neuter program to help low income people spay and neuter their pets, even though, each year they are contributing to the numbers of unwanted dogs.

As for this town board member’s eyes, they are focused on:

1)   The best for residents of the town of Gorham.

2)   Using education because it is the best weapon against puppy mills.

3)   Build a case supported by facts against puppy mills.

4)   Then take action at both state & federal level.

There is no reason why, over time as a society, we can’t get rid of such operations. I would like to help in their eradication. Like many topics the public is ignorant of this practice, me included.

I have thought about and continue to research the concept of “commercial kennels / puppy mills.”  I do not like the idea of having a facility in our town. However, if Gorham is going to be saddled with this business I want a golden pig with lipstick, not just another pig.

Thanks again, to be continued.

Respectively submitted,

Doug Negley, Councilman for the Town of Gorham

Mr. Negley told me that he would be happy to respond to your comments. Let’s keep it civilized!

Best wishes,

Nancy Kay, DVM

Tags: Canandaigua Messenger Post, Curtis Martin, Doug Negley, Dr. Nancy Kay, Gorham, Jolene Martin, Nancy Kay DVM, New York, puppy millers, puppy mills, Speaking for Spot, Town of Gorham Councilman, USDA, veterinary school, Your Dog's Best Health
Posted in Animal Abuse, Animal Welfare, puppy mills, Puppy Mills, Speaking for Spot, Your Dog's Best Health | 26 Comments »

Is “The Incredible Dr. Pol” Truly Incredible?

February 19th, 2012

Have you seen the National Geographic show, “The Incredible Dr. Pol?” This is a reality television series that films Dr. Jan Pol, a country veterinarian in Michigan as he works on all creatures, large and small.

Apparently, many viewers love the show. Perhaps it conjures up warm fuzzy feelings, reminiscent of the beloved James Herriot. Others, however, have voiced concerns about the way “The Incredible Dr. Pol” portrays the veterinary profession. Those doing the griping- publicly, that is- happen to be veterinarians. They feel that Dr. Pol’s style of practice falls way short of what is considered “modern medicine.” In a recent DVM Magazine article, veterinarian Dr. Angel Brothers is quoted as saying, “The show is glorifying substandard veterinary care.” She sites two examples, one in which Dr. Pol splints a calf’s leg using wood slivers from a bushel basket. In the second example, a dog’s tail has been partially cut off by a screen door, and Dr. Pol stitches it up with little anesthesia and the owner holding the dog down.

Within the DVM Magazine article Dr. Dallas McMillan of Queensland, Australia states,

We still get owners asking if we can do surgery on dogs under local and thinking a steroid injection is the gold standard treatment for any condition. It only takes one vet in an area practicing at this standard and the others appear to be over-servicing to budget-conscious clients. There are times when you do need to take shortcuts, but there are always risks and downsides, and it sounds like this show is glorifying the “cowboy” approach to vet science without exploring the negatives.

How has National Geographic responded to the criticism? According to their spokesperson, Rajul Mistry,

It is an undisputed fact that Dr. Pol has helped thousands of animals throughout his 40-year career as a veterinarian. His very successful clinic has been in business for 30 years, where residents of Michigan count on him to help their sick pets and farm animals. Within the community, Dr. Pol is widely trusted by his clients. He plays an integral role in keeping local farmers’ livestock healthy and in turn, their businesses profitable.

I’ve never watched “The Incredible Dr. Pol” (true confession- I don’t own a television). Have you? If so, what is your take on this issue?

Best wishes,

Nancy Kay, DVM

Tags: Dr. Angel Brothers, Dr. Dallas McMillan, Dr. Nancy Kay, Dr. Pol, DVM, Nancy Kay, National Geographic, Rajul Mistry, Speaking for Spot, substandard veterinary care, the incredible Dr. Pol, Your Dog's Best Health
Posted in Speaking for Spot, Veterinary Care | 16 Comments »

Shame On You Gorham, New York!

February 9th, 2012

I read the article in the Canandaigua Messenger A with disbelief. It appears that the town of Gorham, New York is rolling out the red carpet for a large-scale puppy mill expected to house 500 breeding dogs (yes, you read this correctly, there will be 500). The proprietors, Curtis and Jolene Martin are not new to puppy milling. In fact, they have been previously cited for their work- busted by the USDA for violations such as rodent droppings in whelping boxes, sick and injured dogs on the premises, and inadequate staffing.

Mr. Martin maintains that he is not into mass breeding just for the money. He states:

We don’t just produce as many puppies as we can, that’s not our goal. Yes, we do have to do that but it’s not the main reason we’re in it. We’re in it for the animals.

Have a look at the minutes from the December 19, 2012 Town of Gorham Planning Board Meeting. Be forewarned, reading these minutes made me feel sick inside. There was plenty of discussion

Photo Credit: Diana Gerba

about numbers of dogs (not to worry, puppies don’t take up much room), noise prevention (not to worry, the dogs will be housed completely indoors with plenty of sound-proofing), and composting and burying of dead dogs (not to worry, there will be enough containment so as to prevent water contamination in the neighborhood). Never once during the lengthy discussion did a single board member question how the dogs would be exercised, how they would be fed, what size cages would be provided, or how the emotional needs of the dogs would be met. Was there not a single dog lover in that boardroom?

I’m not naïve enough to believe that what’s happening in Gorham, New York isn’t happening in many other towns throughout the United States. Perhaps this situation strikes a particularly sensitive nerve because it is happening in the state where I attended veterinary school and received an extraordinary education. On the one hand New York trains veterinarians to care adeptly and compassionately for dogs. With the other hand they welcome the abuse of dogs. I suspect that the Gorham town board members have their eyes focused on the prize. Can you imagine the tax revenue stream from the sale of thousands and thousands of purebred puppies?

What can you do to help stop such madness? If you happen to live in the vicinity of Gorham, New York please contact city and county officials there to find out what would be needed to change their minds about welcoming the Martins or any other puppy millers into your community.

If you don’t live in or near Gorham, but feel fired up about what is going on there please put that energy to good use. Puppy mills exist throughout the United States. Learn more about what is happening in your neck of the woods and begin a letter writing campaign, organize a peaceful protest, educate a classroom of children about puppy mills, counsel a friend or relative who is ready to purchase a purebred pup on how to find a reputable breeder or rescue organization. Never ever purchase a pup from a pet store or online site and sight unseen. Feel free to share this blog post. Every little bit helps. One less purchase from a puppy mill brings us one step closer to their eradication.

How do you feel after reading the minutes from Town of Gorham Planning Board Meeting?

Best wishes,

Nancy Kay, DVM

Tags: Canandaigua Messenger Post, Curtis Martin, Dr. Nancy Kay, Gorham, Jolene Martin, Nancy Kay DVM, New York, puppy millers, puppy mills, Speaking for Spot, USDA, veterinary school, Your Dog's Best Health
Posted in Animal Abuse, Animal Welfare, puppy mills, Puppy Mills, Speaking for Spot, Your Dog's Best Health | 32 Comments »

A Heads Up About Novartis Products

February 4th, 2012

Boy, oh boy, am I glad I am not the CEO of Novartis Pharmaceuticals right now. On January 9^th of this year the company issued a voluntary recall of some of their over-the-counter human products including Excedrin, NoDoz, Gas-X Prevention Products, and Bufferin. It seems that these medications contained stray tablets, capsules, or caplets from other Novartis drugs including prescription painkillers manufactured at the same facility.

Now veterinarians are involved in the ruckus with the announcement that the following drugs are/soon will be on back order:

Interceptor Flavor Tabs® (heartworm preventive)

Sentinel Flavor Tabs® (flea control product)

Program Tablets and Suspension® (flea control product)

MilbeMite® (medication to treat ear mites)

Deramaxx® (pain relief medication)

The explanation for the backorders is closure of a Novartis manufacturing facility in Lincoln, Nebraska. The details are murky as of yet, but interruption of the manufacture of such top selling drugs typically means one thing and one thing only. I suspect that Novartis has been busted for being sloppy, perhaps as related to the recent recall of some of their big-name over-the-counter human products.

Such sloppiness seems to have spilled over to the Novartis animal health division as evidenced by the following letter recently delivered to veterinarians about Clomicalm®, a medication to treat separation anxiety in dogs:

Dear Doctor:

Novartis Animal Health US, Inc. is committed to delivering safe and efficacious veterinary products, and would like to inform you about a recent development involving CLOMICALM® (clomipramine hydrochloride) tablets.

Due to potential packaging issues at our manufacturing facility, there is a rare possibility that a wrong tablet may be found in bottles of CLOMICALM. Novartis has not received any reports where a patient experienced a product mix-up, nor has Novartis received any adverse events attributable to a product mix-up. However, as a precautionary measure, we would like to extend the following recommendations.

Before dispensing CLOMICALM, open each bottle and examine the contents for tablets that are broken or incorrect in color, shape or size (visual guide included).

Post a copy of the Dear Valued Customer letter issued by Novartis Animal Health in your clinic (copy included).

Distribute copies of the Dear Valued Customer letter to affected pet owners. Novartis Animal Health will send your clinic extra copies upon request. If you publish a clinic newsletter, please consider using the provided notice.

Report any abnormal findings to Novartis Animal Health at 800-637-0281.

Return affected product to Novartis Animal Health; call the aforementioned number for full details.

Inform your clients who have already received CLOMICALM® to examine tablets and refrain from administering any that are questionable in color, shape or size; and to contact Novartis Animal Health to discuss product return of affected bottles.

Keep records of communication with pet owners in patient files.

Ensure that any re-packaged tablet bottles are labeled with the product lot number.

Novartis Animal Health requests that you complete and return the enclosed Response Card reflecting that you have read and understand these points, and have discussed them with your clients.

Canine separation anxiety is a complex disorder that has great bearing on patient quality of life and the human-companion animal bond. Uninterrupted treatment is essential for successful management of this condition. Our veterinarians are prepared to discuss best practices with you in the event patients require alternative therapies, in order to minimize the risk of adverse events and potential relapse of signs.

We thank you for your attention and cooperation regarding this important issue. If you have any further questions, please contact Technical Product Services and Pharmacovigilance at 1-800-637-0281.

My response to a letter like this is, “Oy vey!” although I admit to being excited about adding the word “pharmacovigilance” to my repertoire!

So, what does this mean for you and your pets? If you are treating your dog or cat with a product manufactured by Novartis Animal Health, I strongly encourage you to call or email your veterinarian to plan a course of action. If need be, he or she may recommend an alternative so as to avoid any interruption in your pet’s therapy.

Is your dog or cat currently taking a Novartis product? If so, which one?

Best wishes,

Nancy Kay, DVM

Tags: Bufferin, Clomicalm, Deramaxx, Dog care, dog health care, Dr. Nancy Kay, Excedrin, FDA inspection, Gas-X, Interceptor Flavor Tabs, MilbeMite, Nancy Kay DVM, NoDoz, Novartis Animal Health, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, pet medications, pharmacovigilance, Program Tablets and Suspension, Sentinel Flavor Tabs, Speaking for Spot, Your Dog's Best Health
Posted in Medications, Nancy Kay DVM, Product Recall, Speaking for Spot, Veterinary Office Visits, Your Dog's Best Health | 14 Comments »

Never a Dull Moment!

January 29th, 2012

Having graduated from veterinary school in 1982, this year marks my 30^th year practicing veterinary medicine! Wow, that’s a lot of years! What feels most remarkable is that I’ve been able to work at the same profession for so long without becoming bored or complacent. I’m certain the reason is that not a single week goes by without my seeing or experiencing something new and exciting.

Take Dottie, for example. This exuberant 5-year-old spayed female Jack Russell Terrier mix was referred to me because of persistent vomiting despite treatment with a variety of medications. Little Miss Dot continued to eat well and she remained normally active, but her daily vomiting continued. Blood and urine testing were normal as were x-rays of her belly.

Physaloptera worms. Photo Credit vet.ohio-state.edu.

When I examined Dottie, had I not known better I would have thought she was a completely healthy little girl. I performed abdominal ultrasound, the results of which were normal. The next step was endoscopy in which a long telescope device was passed down her esophagus and into her stomach and upper small intestine. Lo and behold, when I entered Dot’s stomach I was greeted by a herd of little white worms! They were crawling every which way and many dove into their burrows within the lining of Dot’s stomach in response to the bright light of the endoscope. No wonder the poor girl was vomiting!

Never before thirty years of practice have I seen stomach worms, aka Physaloptera! I’ve just moved cross-country, so I assumed that I’d just encountered my first case of a disease that must be common in the Carolinas. Not so! Other than as photos in a textbooks, none of my coworkers had ever before seen Physaloptera. There was a crowd of twenty or so people crowded into the endoscopy suite in order to have a look. (I should have charged admission!)

Intestinal worms in dogs and cats are commonplace. Worms living (and burrowing) in the stomach are a rarity and I may have encountered my first and only career case of Physaloptera. These worms are transmitted via insects such as beetles, cockroaches, and crickets. Dogs who eat such critters are subject to developing stomach worms. The eggs of the worm may show up via fecal flotation (the stool sample is examined under the microscope). Veterinarians don’t commonly think of running fecals on patients with vomiting as the only symptom. I certainly won’t be skipping this test in the future! Running a simple fecal flotation is far less expensive and a whole lot easier on the patient than an endoscopic procedure.

Dot received the appropriate deworming medication and her vomiting has completely resolved. Her doting family members are thrilled with the outcome and they are going to do their best to prevent their little girl from snacking on insects in the future.

Do you encounter new and exciting things in your chosen profession? Please do tell!

Best wishes,

Nancy Kay, DVM

Tags: Deworming, Dr. Nancy Kay, DVM, endoscopy, Fecal flotation, Nancy Kay, Physaloptera, Speaking for Spot, Stomach worms, Vomiting in dogs, Your Dog's Best Health
Posted in Dog health, dog health care, Dr. Nancy Kay, Second opinions, Speaking for Spot, Veterinary Diagnostic Procedures, Veterinary Specialists, Your Dog's Best Health | 9 Comments »

Anesthesia Guidelines from the American Animal Hospital Association

January 22nd, 2012

Photo Credit: The Pet Doctor Inc.

I have great respect for the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). One of the many wonderful things this organization does is the gathering of experts within the profession to create practice guidelines for veterinarians. In the past, for example, I’ve exposed you to AAHA guidelines for vaccination protocols. Not only are such guidelines helpful for veterinarians, they are also available to you, the consumers of veterinary medicine. With such information in hand, I’ve no doubt that you will be better able to make informed decisions for your pets. And there’s nothing I like better than helping people become better medical advocates!

AAHA’s latest endeavor has been the creation of guidelines for anesthesia for dogs and cats. They cover multiple aspects of anesthesia including preanesthesia patient evaluation (detailed medical history, thorough physical examination, assessment of risk based on breed, age, and overall health), diagnostic evaluation, preanesthetic medications, recommendations for induction and maintenance of anesthesia, monitoring parameters and equipment, pain management, staffing recommendations, and monitoring of the patient following anesthesia. Did you know that 47 percent of canine deaths and 60 percent of feline deaths associated with anesthesia occur during the anesthetic recovery period rather than during the actual anesthesia? I had a hunch about this, but was unaware of these statistics until I read the Anesthesia Guidelines.

As a small animal internist, it’s a given that I only see patients who are sick. (I truly miss all of those well puppy and kitten exams!) So, I truly appreciate the section written about managing anesthesia for patients with preexisting medical issues including kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, and liver disease.

Although the AAHA guidelines are written for veterinarians, I encourage you to take a look. Let me know if you need any help interpreting what you read. Keep in mind that these guidelines are simply that- guidelines. Veterinarians are not required to follow them. This is why it is up to you to ask the right questions to learn how your veterinary staff members anesthetize and monitor their patients. In addition to reading these guidelines when formulating your list of questions, I encourage you to also read the chapter called “Important Questions to Ask Your Vet…And How to Ask Them” in Speaking for Spot. There, you will find a thorough list of questions to ask your vet when anesthesia is recommended. Perhaps the very first question should be, “Have you read the new AAHA Anesthesia Guidelines?”

What have your experiences been with pets undergoing anesthesia?

Best wishes for a happy new year,

Nancy Kay, DVM

Tags: AAHA, AAHA Guidelines, American Animal Hospital Association, American Animal Hospital Association Guidelines, anesthesia, Anesthesia for cats, Anesthesia for dogs, Diabetes and anesthesia, Heart disease and anesthesia, Kidney disease and anesthesia, Liver disease and anesthesia, Medical Advocacy, medical advocate, Monitoring anesthesia, Pain management for pets, Speaking for Spot
Posted in Dog health, Medical Advocacy, Medicine Decision Making, Speaking for Spot, Your Dog's Best Health | 8 Comments »

Way to Go AVMA!

January 15th, 2012

The Executive Board of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recently approved the content of the following brand new, hot-off-the-press pet ownership guidelines. Have a look and see what you think.

Photo Credit: Elisabeth Sherman

Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership

Owning a pet is a privilege and should result in a mutually beneficial relationship. However, the benefits of pet ownership come with obligations.

Responsible pet ownership includes:

• Committing to the relationship for the life of the pet(s).

• Avoiding impulsive decisions about obtaining pet(s), and carefully selecting pet(s) suited to your home and lifestyle.

• Recognizing that ownership of pet(s) requires an investment of time and money.

• Keeping only the type and number of pets for which an appropriate and safe environment can be provided, including adequate and appropriate food, water, shelter, health care and companionship.

• Ensuring pets are properly identified (i.e., tags, microchips, or tattoos) and that registration information in associated databases is kept up-to-date.

•Adherence to local ordinances, including licensing and leash requirements.

• Controlling pet(s) reproduction through managed breeding, containment, or spay/neuter, thereby helping to address animal control and overpopulation problems.

• Establishing and maintaining a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

• Providing preventive (e.g., vaccinations, parasite control) and therapeutic health care for the life of the pet(s) in consultation with, and as recommended by, its veterinarian.

• Socialization and appropriate training for pet(s), which facilitates their well-being and the well-being of other animals and people.

• Preventing pet(s) from negatively impacting other people, animals and the environment, including proper waste disposal, noise control, and not allowing pet(s) to stray or become feral.

• Providing exercise and mental stimulation appropriate to the pet(s)’ age, breed, and health status.

• Advance preparation to ensure the pet(s)’ well-being in the case of an emergency or disaster, including assembling an evacuation kit.

• Making alternative arrangements if caring for the pet is no longer possible.

• Recognizing declines in the pet(s) quality of life and making decisions in consultation with a veterinarian regarding appropriate end-of-life care (e.g., palliative care, hospice, euthanasia).

“AMEN!” is my response to these guidelines and kudos to the AVMA for issuing them forth to the public. Now, if only they were rules rather than mere guidelines! With all due respect to the AVMA, I would add one more item to their guidelines as a means of working towards the extinction of puppy mills. That item would be, “Never, ever purchase a puppy from a pet store or online site and sight unseen.”

What do you think of these AVMA guidelines for responsible pet ownership? Do you have any suggested additions for the AVMA to consider?

Best wishes for a happy new year,

Nancy Kay, DVM

Tags: AVMA, Dog care, dog health, dog health care, Dr. Nancy Kay, emergency preparedness, Euthanasia, hospice, microchip, Nancy Kay DVM, palliative care, Preventive care, Responsible pet ownership guideelines, senior dogs, socialization, spay and neuter, Speaking for Spot, Vaccinations, veteriarian-client relationship, Your Dog's Best Health
Posted in dog care, dog health care, Important Questions to Ask You Vet, Nancy Kay DVM, Senior Dogs, Speaking for Spot, Veterinary Care | 31 Comments »

A Recap of 2011

January 8th, 2012

Photo Credit: Susannah Kay

It’s hard to imagine that five years or so ago, I had no idea what a blog was. In fact, my current spell check doesn’t recognize “blog” as a word. Does yours? When I first learned about blogging, it took me awhile to buy into the notion that people would actually take the time to read another person’s musings. Well, I’m sure as heck glad and grateful that you are interested in mine! Many thanks for taking the time to post your thoughtful and insightful comments.

Out of the fifty or so blogs I posted last year, I’ve selected the ten best that I thought might be worthy of showcasing, particularly if you did not get a chance to read them the first time around. Now, here’s a look back at 2011!

The Elephant in the Middle of the Exam Room

The so-called “elephant” in the exam room that I discussed was money. I addressed the following questions: Are veterinarians only in it for the bucks? Are clients being charged too much? How are vets to make a living with soaring overhead costs and monumental school loans? Are “fixable” animals being euthanized because the price of making them well is too high?

Dog Auctions

I shared some of the gruesome details about dog auctions, a venue where puppy millers buy and sell their “livestock”. I also told you about a woman named Mary O’Connor-Shaver, a leader of the peaceful protests at Ohio dog auctions. Mary just informed me that she and a crew of other hard-working volunteers are just inches away from having enough signatures to create a 2012 ballot initiative which would ban dog auctions in Ohio. Way to go Mary! I hope the ballot initiative passes and the work she and her volunteers have done will set an example for other states.

The Time of Year to Think About Colorblind Adoptions

As it turns out, dark coated dogs and cats are often the hardest animals to rehome. This blog addressed the reasons why and was timed to coincide with Halloween, a time when many adoption agencies restrict adoption of black-coated animals.

Criticism Welcome Here

This blog was generated from some negative feedback I received from a reader about my support of the American Kennel Club Health Foundation.

A Primer on Leptospirosis

Your comments in response to this blog let me know that the information I provided about Leptospirosis helped you make better-informed choices about whether or not to vaccinate your own dogs against this disease.

Pedicures: Definitely Not for Everyone

Some dogs turn pedicures into wrestling matches! Many trainers provided comments containing excellent advice about how to desensitize dogs to having their feet and nails handled.

Who Was Dr. Leo Bustad?

I was the incredibly fortunate recipient of the 2011 Leo Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award (presented by the American Veterinary Medical Association). I did some research to learn more about the man behind the award and then shared that information with you.

Anesthesia Free Dental Cleaning

Cleaning teeth on awake animals has been steadily becoming more popular. I present the positive and not-so-positive results of doing so.

Can You Take Your Dog By Surprise When It’s Time For a Walk?

This is a blog post about how adept our animals are at reading our minds!

Age is Just a Number

When making medical decisions for their pets, many people factor in the animal’s age. I discuss the importance of considering the animal’s functional age rather than their chronological age.

As I begin a new year of blogging, I invite your ideas. What would you like to read about in 2012?

Best wishes for a happy new year,

Nancy Kay, DVM

Tags: +, anesthesia-free dental cleaning, Best of 2011, Colorblind Adoptions, Dog age is just a number, Dog auctions, Dog care, dog health, dog health care, Dog Pedicures, Dr. Leo Bustad, Dr. Nancy Kay, Elephant in the Exam Room, Leptospirosis, Nancy Kay DVM, Spot Speaks Blog
Posted in Medical Advocacy, Speaking for Spot, Your Dog's Best Health | Comments Off

Resolutions for the New Year That Will Benefit You and Your Pet

January 1st, 2012

The transition to a new calendar year may inspire you to muster the resolve to make good changes in your life. How about the lives of your pets? No time like the present to make some new year’s resolutions that will benefit both of you. Here are three suggestions:

More Face Time With Your Pets

Our furry family members are more than happy to be our exercise partners, confidantes, psychotherapists, and nonelectric heating blankets. Take advantage of such pet-facilitated services as much as possible this year!

What dog doesn’t crave attention from their favorite human? Teach your best friend some new tricks. Begin working on that long overdue grooming. Get your pup out for more exercise (lose the sedentary human behavior at the dog park). Don’t let the winter weather be a deterrent. Go shopping for some canine winter apparel and gift yourself with Dr. Phil Zeltzman’s book, Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound to glean some inspiration!

What about our kitties? Well you know how it is- cats tend to like things on their terms. However, even the most curmudgeonly of cats will benefit from a feather toy tempting them to expend some energy and some affectionate scratches under the chin. The challenge is to spend more quality time with your kitties while convincing them that the activity is of their choosing.

Fewer Vaccinations

Your adult pet’s good health requires inoculation with core vaccinations no more than once every three years. The term “core” is reserved for those vaccines, such as distemper, that are recommended for every adult animal. Overvaccinating (vaccinating more than once every three years) exposes your best little buddy to needless risk (yes, there is some risk associated with every vaccination). Besides, why spend your hard earned money on something that is completely unnecessary?

If your veterinarian has remained on the “once a year bandwagon” and the thought of convincing him or her otherwise gives you a case of the willies, I encourage you to read the chapter called, “Discussion About Your Dog’s Vaccinations” in Your Dog’s Best Health: A Dozen Reasonable Things to Expect From Your Vet. Kathie please make this a live link to the Amazon page The information found there will provide you with all the inspiration you need to broach the vaccination conversation with your vet. (For those of you who are cat fanciers, please know that my hope is to create the feline version of this book within the year. In the meantime, know that the basic principles provided in Your Dog’s Best Health apply to kitty care as well.)

Recruit a Professional to Help With Your Pet’s Behavioral Issues

Would you love to be able to leave your dog home alone for more than ten minutes without the house being destroyed? Would you be ecstatic if your precious puss quit spraying your walls with his version of graffiti? Would you relish the idea of taking your dog for a walk without having to ice your shoulder afterwards? There is no time like the present to tackle such behavioral issues. I encourage you to get the professional help you need so that you and your pet can fully enjoy cohabitating. Chronic behavior issues tend to gradually result in more and more isolation for the pet until most of their waking hours are spent within a crate, a single room of the house, or the backyard. Such isolation begets even more negative adaptive behaviors, and the end result may be relinquishment to a shelter or rescue organization; worse yet, euthanasia.

Please know that if your dog or cat has a significant behavioral issue, you are certainly not alone. Also know that the sooner the issue is dealt with, the happier the outcome will be for both you and your pet. Hiring a pro to help you work out a behavior bugaboo will be one of the best investments you make this year!

When choosing a trainer or behaviorist, check in with your veterinarian for a recommendation. Additionally, check out the websites below. You’ll find lots of information about how to choose the right person to help you with the issue at hand. These sites also have “locators” to help you find a professional in your area.

Association of Pet Dog Trainers

Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers

International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants

Animal Behavior Society

American College of Veterinary Behaviorists

Have you made any “pet resolutions” this year? Does your pet have a behavioral issue that is affecting the quality of your life? Have you successfully dealt with a significant behavioral issue in the past? Please share what you know so that others may offer advice and/or benefit from what you have learned.

Best wishes for a happy new year,

Nancy Kay, DVM

Please visit http://www.speakingforspot.com to read excerpts from Speaking for Spot. There you will also find “Advocacy Aids”- helpful health forms you can download and use for your own dog, and a collection of published articles on advocating for your pet’s health. Speaking for Spot is available at Amazon.com, local bookstores, and your favorite online book seller.

Tags: behavior and training, behavioral issues, Dog care, dog health, Dr. Nancy Kay, exercise, Nancy Kay DVM, new year's resolutions, Speaking for Spot, Vaccinations, walking your dog, Your Dog's Best Health
Posted in dog care, Dog care tips, Dog health, Dog Training, Medical Advocacy, Speaking for Spot, The Vaccination Conundrum, Your Dog's Best Health | 4 Comments »

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