"People often ask the veterinarian, 'What would you do if this were your pet?' And I think that's fair - but it's tough. It just really is something that each family has to decide on their own, with their own perspective. Time, finances, family - all those come into play." Dr. Deborah Kochevar, dean of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University (as reported by the Boston Globe)
"In other words, realistically, what can or can't you do? Does your pet need substantial hands-on care, but you work long hours away from home? That the quality of life for the pet is inextricably linked to the quality of life of the owner or guardian also plays out in a way that we might not think of: It's important through a medical crisis to be a calming, comforting influence. To even leave room for joy." from Boston Globe article "How Far Should We Go to Save Our Pets?"
Please note, you may need to register for a free account with boston.com to review the complete article.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Local News ... CSULB Feral Cats & Downtown Dog Park
High-Rise Syndrome --- The Other Summer Danger
Heat stroke is usually top on the list of summer dangers to pets. Pets falling out of open windows (or balconies) are also high on that list. It happens so often that it earned the name High-Rise Syndrome.
As summer temperature rises, more people open their windows for some relief from the heat. Those living in condos or apartments are often high above the ground, and may not think twice about leaving the windows open when they are not home. There is less concern about burglary when the windows are 3 or more floors above the street.
Most of these windows do not have screens. There is nothing to keep Fido the Dog or Sylvester the Cat from falling out the windows as they try to follow a bird, butterfly, or even a drifting leaf.
Please do not think it could never happen to your pets. A secured window screen is all it takes to avoid the pain and veterinary expenses associated with high-rise syndrome.
If they are fortunate enough to survive the fall, they may still sustain injuries such as fractured legs, fracture jaw, and/or internal injuries (hernias, lung contusions, internal bleeding).
Some of the injuries are not readily apparent to the untrained eye. Pets who may have suffered high-rise syndrome should be immediately evaluated by a veterinarian.
If you leave the windows open, make sure secured window screens are in place to save you and your pets from needless trauma and expenses.
High-rise syndrome is a preventable accident.
As summer temperature rises, more people open their windows for some relief from the heat. Those living in condos or apartments are often high above the ground, and may not think twice about leaving the windows open when they are not home. There is less concern about burglary when the windows are 3 or more floors above the street.
Most of these windows do not have screens. There is nothing to keep Fido the Dog or Sylvester the Cat from falling out the windows as they try to follow a bird, butterfly, or even a drifting leaf.
Please do not think it could never happen to your pets. A secured window screen is all it takes to avoid the pain and veterinary expenses associated with high-rise syndrome.
If they are fortunate enough to survive the fall, they may still sustain injuries such as fractured legs, fracture jaw, and/or internal injuries (hernias, lung contusions, internal bleeding).
Some of the injuries are not readily apparent to the untrained eye. Pets who may have suffered high-rise syndrome should be immediately evaluated by a veterinarian.
If you leave the windows open, make sure secured window screens are in place to save you and your pets from needless trauma and expenses.
High-rise syndrome is a preventable accident.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Fireworks and Pets
The first half of 2008 passed and we are looking at July 4th in a few days. Some pets do not handle the festivities well and may need extra care this week. Hopefully, you know how your pets are with fireworks and have already taken precaution and/or started working on their fear earlier in the year. If you have not or did not realize that your pets are terrified of fireworks, here's some last minute information on fireworks phobia.
It may be too late to start desensitizing your pets for this weekend. But it's never too early to start working with them for New Year's celebration --- 2009 will be here before we know it!
Have a safe July 4th.
It may be too late to start desensitizing your pets for this weekend. But it's never too early to start working with them for New Year's celebration --- 2009 will be here before we know it!
Have a safe July 4th.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Events....SPCA Long Beach Adoption Event
The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - Los Angeles (SPCALA) & Long Beach Animal Control are having a big Adoption Event Saturday June 21st, from 10AM-4PM. The event is being co-sponsored with KLOS. Events include training demonstrations, celebrity visits & pet food vendor booths. Find out more information here. The City of Long Beach's website can direct you to The Pitchford Companion Animal Village's Location.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
In The News...Michael Vick's Pit Bull
We consider ourselves fortunate to be able to work with many pit bulls. They are wonderfully sweet, surprisingly gentle animals. See what one of Michael Vick's former pits, Leo, is up to:
In The News ... Canine Flu
Canine influenza was recently confirmed in Chicago, adding Illinois to the list of states to confirm this disease in the U.S. The first recognized outbreak of canine influenza in the world is believed to have occurred in racing greyhounds in January 2004 at a track in Florida. However, the virus may have been around as early as 1999.
Of note to our local clients, canine influenza virus (CIV) was confirmed in California during the initial studies in 2004-2006. Since canine influenza can be mistaken and treated as “kennel cough," it is difficult to determine its prevalence or whether it is currently in our local pet population. Previous cases occurred in animal shelters, humane societies, rescue groups, pet stores, boarding kennels, and veterinary clinics.
Currently, there is no canine influenza vaccine. Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment are the mainstay to canine influenza management. Please note that canine influenza is an emerging disease; bordetella or “kennel cough” vaccines do not provide cross-protection to CIV. Unless they were infected with CIV in the past 2 years (hence may have some antibodies to it), most dogs are susceptible to canine influenza if exposed to it. For more information, visit this guideline and this article. An updated guideline will likely be available soon. The basic information is unchanged; statistics and testing recommendations were modified as new information were collected.
Dogs can die from canine influenza. Fortunately, most affected dogs have the mild form and often do well with treatment. Even in the severe form (high fevers and pneumonia), dogs can recover with aggressive and timely treatment. Do not ignore a coughing dog, especially if there is history of exposure (shows, boarding, etc…). A complete physical exam and history will help determine if your pet was exposed to the canine influenza virus. Tests and treatment vary based on the onset and severity of the clinical signs. Early diagnosis and intervention will increase the chance for a successful outcome.
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