Dr. Lamb's Pets and People

Leptospirosis: Increased Incidents In Dogs

2010-11-14T20:50:00.000-08:00

Leptospirosis is a severe zoonotic bacterial infection that is staging a comeback according to an expert at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Richard E. Goldstein has reported there is an increase in positive tests on small-breed dogs due to skipped vaccinations and the overlap of surbanan development and wildlife. A zoonotic disease is one which affects both pets and people.

The Center for Disease Control defines leptospirosis as a disease caused by a spiral shaped bacteria called leptospires. The disease can be serious for both humans and animals. In people, the symptoms are often like the flu, but sometimes leptospirosis can develop into a more severe, life-threatening illness with infections in the kidney, liver, brain, lung, and heart.

The bacteria are spread through the urine of infected animals, which can get into water or soil and can survive there for weeks to months. Humans and animals can become infected through contact with this contaminated urine (or other body fluids, except saliva), water, or soil. The bacteria can enter the body through skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth), especially if the skin is broken from a cut or scratch. Drinking contaminated water can also cause infection.

The clinical signs of leptospirosis vary and are nonspecific. Sometimes pets do not have any symptoms. Common clinical signs reported in dogs include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, refusal to eat, severe weakness and depression, stiffness, severe muscle pain, or inability to have puppies. Generally younger animals are more seriously affected than older animals.

If you suspect your pet has this disease, contact your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian can perform tests to detect the presence of leptospiral antibodies or organisms.

Leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics. If an animal is treated early, it may recover more rapidly and any organ damage may be less severe. Other treatment methods, such as dialysis and hydration therapy may be required. The time between exposure to the bacteria and development of disease is usually 5 to 14 days, but can be as short as a few days or as long as 30 days or more.

If your pet has been confirmed by your veterinarian as having leptospirosis, the appropriate action to take will depend on the nature of contact with your pet. Normal daily activities with your pet will not put you at high risk for leptospirosis infection. Types of contacts that are considered to be high risk include direct or indirect contact with urine, blood, and tissues of your pet during its infection. Assisting in the delivery of newborns from an infected animal is also considered a high-risk activity for transmission of leptospirosis. If you have had these types of high-risk contacts with your pet during the time of its infection, inform your physician. If common symptoms, such as fever, muscle aches, and headaches, occur within 3 weeks after a high-risk exposure, see your physician. Tests can be performed to see if you have this disease.

Taking preventative measures can minimize the risks of this disease. I recommend an annual leptospirosis vaccination and attention to pest control. Mice and rats can spread the disease. The vaccine has been improved over the years as there are several strains of the leptospira bacteria that are now included. If you suspect any signs or symptoms of the disease contact your veterinarian for an exam and possible testing. Include the leptospira vaccine in your pets annual exam if there is any potential for exposure.

Bloat In Dogs

2010-11-14T20:47:00.001-08:00

When a dog’s stomach fills with gas, it bloats. The expansion of the stomach puts pressure on the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen, which in turn makes it hard for the dog to breathe. The stomach will also twist or create what is called gastric torsion. This in turn can cause shock and rapid death. Therefore, bloating should always be treated as a dire emergency.

Bloating can happen to any breed of dog at any age. However, large breeds with deep chests, like Great Danes, Standard Poodles or the large Setters, are more likely to suffer from this type of emergency. In certain instances, bloating is noted when the dog exercises immediately after eating. The most obvious symptom is, of course, an enlarged abdomen. You may also observe labored breathing, excessive drooling, vomiting, a weak pulse, and paleness in the nose and mouth.

Although there are environmental and genetic factors that remain unknown, the chances of bloating are increased by overeating and excessive drinking. Allowing a dog to exercise or especially roll shortly after a meal can also cause problems.

If you should notice any of the above signs or symptoms take the dog to a veterinarian right away. There, she will be treated with drugs to counter-act shock, have the stomach dilation reduced by passing a stomach tube if possible, and have surgery performed to rotate the stomach back to a normal position and have the stomach wall attached to a side of the abdomen that should prevent re-occurrence of the twisting or torsion.

Prevention:

Provide dogs with a predisposition to gastric torsion with only normal-sized food portions and allow him time to digest after a meal and before any strenuous exercise. This can help prevent occurrences of bloating. Some veterinarians will recommend that breeds more commonly affected with bloating undergo a gastroplexy, a surgical procedure in which the stomach is attached to the body wall to prevent it from shifting or twisting. Many veterinary facilities are equipped to provide the care required to treat this emergency. If you cannot contact your veterinarian immediately, transport him to a 24 hour emergency hospital as soon as possible.

Time is of the essence. Do not delay! In our geographic area there are 24 emergency clinics in Woburn and at the Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston.

10 Most Common Household Poisons

2010-09-13T11:08:00.000-07:00

The home can be a serious source of poisons for our pets. In 2009, the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled more than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic substances, many of which included everyday household products. Below is the list of the top 10 poisons that affected pet dogs and cats.

Human Medications:

For several years, human medications have been number one on the ASPCA’s list of common hazards. Last year, the ASPCA managed 45,816 calls involving prescription and over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and dietary supplements

Insecticides:

One of the most common incidents involved the misuse of flea and tick products—such as applying the wrong topical treatment to the wrong species. Thus, it’s always important to talk to your pet’s veterinarian before beginning any flea and tick control program.

Human Food:

People food like grapes, raisins, avocado and products containing xylitol, like gum, can seriously disable animals. One of the worst offenders—chocolate—contains large amounts of methylxanthines, which, if ingested in significant amounts, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity, and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures.

Plants:

Varieties such as azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, lilies, kalanchoe and schefflera are often found in homes and can be harmful to pets. Lilies are especially toxic to cats, and can cause life-threatening kidney failure even in small amounts.

Veterinary Products:

Even though veterinary medications are intended for pets, they’re often misapplied or improperly dispensed by well-meaning pet owners. In 2009, the ASPCA managed thousands of cases involving animal-related preparations such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heartworm preventatives, de-wormers, antibiotics, vaccines and nutritional supplements.

Rat and Mouse Poisons:

Many baits used to attract rodents contain inactive ingredients that are attractive to pets as well. Depending on the type of rodenticide, ingestions can lead to potentially life-threatening problems for pets including bleeding, seizures or kidney damage.

Household Cleaners:

Household cleaning supplies can be toxic to adults and children, but few take precautions to protect their pets from common agents such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants. These products, when inhaled by our pets can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the respiratory tract.

Heavy Metals:

Heavy metals such as lead, zinc and mercury accounted for 3,304 cases of pet poisonings in 2009. Lead is especially pernicious, and pets are exposed to it through many sources, including consumer products, paint chips, linoleum, and lead dust produced when surfaces in older homes are scraped or sanded

Garden Products:

Certain types of fertilizer and garden products can cause problems for outdoor cats and dogs. Last year, the ASPCA fielded many calls related to fertilizer exposure, which can cause severe gastric upset and possibly gastrointestinal obstruction.

Chemical Hazards:

A category on the rise, chemical hazards—found in ethylene glycol antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners and pool/spa chemicals—form a substantial danger to pets. Substances in this group can cause gastrointestinal upset, depression, respiratory difficulties and chemical burns.

Prevention is the key to avoiding accidental exposure, but if you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.

10 Diseases Pets to People

2010-08-24T05:14:00.000-07:00

Zoonoses are defined as diseases that can spread from animals to people. Zoonoses can be caused by any number of different viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi.

This abbreviated list of nasty zoonoses that can be passed to people from dogs or cats range from the mildly annoying to serious life threatening diseases. Fortunately, following the recommendations at the end of this article can prevent them.

1. Lyme Disease

Technically this is not considered a zoonotic disease because it is not spread directly from animals to people; however, I am putting it on the top of my list because I believe it represents the greatest health hazard in our geographic area. It is transmitted by tick bites. Our pets are directed involved because they can carry ticks into the home environment.

2. Tapeworm

This parasite can be transmitted from accidentally ingesting a flea from a dog or cat. Symptoms if infected with a flea tapeworm include stomachaches, diarrhea, and an itchy anal area.

3. Ringworm

This is often confused with other zoonoses because of the “worm” part of its name. Ringworm is a fungus that is fairly common in dogs and cats. It usually leaves people with a skin rash that's uncomfortable. Its name is derived from the fact that it leaves a circular rash in most instances.

4. Roundworm

This is a parasite found in almost every puppy and kitten. They usually get it from their mothers before they're born or from drinking mother's milk. It is spread through the bowel movements and people can accidentally ingest them if they handle dirt containing roundworm eggs and forget to wash their hands before eating. Most people don’t get symptoms, but for those that do, they include stomach problems, vision problems, and seizures.

5. Hookworm

This is another parasite that, like roundworm, can be spread through animal feces. It can also infect people through direct skin contact, like when walking in bare feet outside on contaminated dirt or on a beach where animals are permitted to defecate. Symptoms range from no symptoms to blood loss, mental retardation in children, and other maladies such as skin rash.

6. Cat scratch disease

Bacteria found in the claws of some cats cause this, or though a cat bite. Usually there’s a mild infection where the injury occurs, but can lead to swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, and a poor appetite.

7. Leptospira

This is a bacterium that can be found in the urine of dogs. People can develop many symptoms including fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some recover and then get sick again with severe kidney or liver disease, or infection of the brain. It can also lead to death.

8. Toxoplasma

This is caused by a parasite that can be found in contaminated kitty litter. It can also be found elsewhere,. Symptoms can include swollen glands and muscle aches as if like the "flu." Pregnant women should be especially careful because this disease can infect the developing baby and cause deformity or miscarriage.

9. Mange

A microscopic mite that is passed on to pets from undomesticated animals like fox causes sarcoptic mange. It can infect humans although it tends to be self limiting after several weeks. Symptoms include severe itchiness.

10. Rabies

It is caused by a bite from an infected animal, like a dog or cat. It is not common in dogs or cats because of successful rabies vaccination programs.

The good news is that you can easily prevent getting diseases from dogs and cats by following these recommendations;

1. Veterinary Care and Consultation:

Take your pet to a veterinarian at least once a year to get the vaccines, tests and medications needed to prevent disease. Have pets tested for intestinal paracites. Annual worming is recommended. Have your pet tested for tick born diseases. Use topical products that kill ticks and fleas on your pets.

2. Sanitation:

Pick up animal feces daily and dispose of it mindfully. Wear latex gloves when cleaning litter boxes (especially important for pregnant woman). Wash your hands frequently, especially before mealtime. Do not come in contact with skin disease of a pet.

3. Consult with your physician if you get a tick bite or a bite from your pet or any other animal.

The Nomad's Gift

2010-08-12T08:22:00.000-07:00

The description of “Pets and People” includes the experiences that humans share with domesticated animals. We are most familiar with our household pets that become part of our family and serve as faithful companions. In certain cultures, animals can be cherished in different ways. In the following true story, my experience with a nomadic family taught me about a culture that revered their animals for the shelter they provide, the sustenance they furnish and the status they bestow.

In several previous articles I described a journey I took from North to South Africa in a VW Campmobile with two other vehicles, transversing the Sahara desert and the jungles of Central Africa. The goal of this journey was to observe undomesticated animals in their natural environment and to learn more about the relationship that man shares with different kinds of domesticated animals.

On the southern fringes of the Sahara desert there is a geographic area called the Savanna. This is a place where the first signs of vegetation exist and is the area where nomadic peoples move to and fro with their cattle. In an area that appears to be barren, there exists the largest density of various tribes in all of Africa.

At the end of an exhausting day of driving over corrugated sand trails, the group of two other vehicles in our “caravan” set up camp in what appeared to be a barren area of sparse vegetation. Within forty-five minutes, three young girls appeared, each representing different sects of tribal people. Dressed in various attire, some wore magnificent jewelry handcrafted for them. We began to sense how little we understood about the mysterious cultures in this part of the world. These young girls stood shyly on the perimeter of our camp area and simply observed us from a distance.

One of our group had brought hospital scrub tops and gave them to the girls as gifts. Overjoyed, they departed, to be joined shortly by tribal elders who appeared from the brush surrounding us. One of these men was dressed in a loincloth covered by a woven tunic, and had a hair style that included bangs and hair to his shoulders. It was as if we were experiencing man as he may have appeared in prehistoric times. The other adult male wore blue robes and white headwear that covered his face. He was a Taureg, the fierce fighters of the Sahara known as “Blue Arabs” because of the indigo color of his dress.

In return for our gift to his daughter, the man in the tunic brought a vessel made from cattle skin filled with milk and offered us a drink. As a military public health officer in the Air Force, the idea of drinking unpasteurized milk was somewhat repulsive, however, rejecting this offer of good will was unimaginable.

The purpose of my journey was to experience life to the fullest, and I must admit that after having children of my own, I probably would not have accepted his sign language invitation to follow him into the bush. My traveling companions expressed anxiety and disapproval at my decision to follow him into the bush, however, for me this was a risk worth taking.

I trailed behind him as he swiftly blazed a trail over dunes and into brush. I lost sight of my encampment and it was as if I was in a dream, following a prehistoric ancestor rather than a complete stranger. Eventually, we reached his homestead. In a clearing stood several large tents made from the hides of his treasury of animals. He apparently had several wives and was wealthy based on the number of cattle he maintained.

He invited me, again through sign language, to eat with his family of wives and children and to spend the night. I could only imagine what a night with this nomadic family would bring. One of my greatest regrets was not accepting that invitation. As my mind returned to the companion who shared my VW Van with me, concern for the anxiety my overnight absence would create forced me to accept the fact that staying would be unfair to her and the other members of my party of adventurers.

Dusk had arrived and the stars were beginning to appear. Looking into the eyes of my nomadic friend, I pointed to the night sky and to my eyes, signaling my inability to find my way back to my camp. He understood and communicated his desire to guide me back to his wives. At this time they became agitated that he would go back into the bush at night. Perhaps there was a danger that I did not know about. However, guide me back he did. A perfect stranger was risking his well being for me.

I had come to learn about the relationship between man and animal, and to my great benefit I had learned about the potential for relationships between all men. This was the nomad’s gift.

Post Script: I was later to learn that this was the beginning of one of the worst draughts in the recorded history of the sub-Sahara. In several years time, most nomadic peoples lost their animals and perished and those who survived had to seek shelter and aid in more urban populated areas south of the Sahara.

The Nomad with a walking stick and his daughter who received a green scrub from our party. The other men represent different tribes, one of which is called a “Blue Arab” because of the color of his dress (right).

A documentary DVD has been produced using the film I took on this trek through Africa. I would be happy to share it with any interested groups. This is the final article on that journey. Previous articles can be found on my website: manchestervet.com

Hot Spots in Dogs

2010-07-12T05:50:00.000-07:00

One of the most common problems I see in the summer is a skin condition called “Hot Spots”. Also known as pyoderma, acute moist dermatitis or summer eczema, hot spots are usually a disease of dogs with long hair or those with dense undercoats. It is often caused by a local allergic reaction to a specific irritation such as insect bites, ear infections or anything that disturbs the healthy integrity of skin. This summer is unusually warm and the occurrence of this condition has become more frequent.

Hot Spots can seemingly appear spontaneously anywhere on a dog's body and the area involved can rapidly spread. This moist, raw skin disorder has a variety of causes but the most consistent factor is bacteria. There are a number of kinds of bacteria that can be cultured from a "hot spot" and fortunately most respond to oral and topical antibiotics. Anything that irritates or breaks the skin can create the environment for bacterial contamination if the skin surface has just a bit of moisture on it. That moisture can be present from a recently given bath, from swimming or being out in the rain, from rolling in wet grass or even from a slightly oozing sore that provides nutrients for bacteria. For some reason, cats rarely acquire Hot Spots; dermatological problems in our feline friends are far less common than in the dog.

The causes of hot spots include: Allergies, ear infections, poor grooming (Thick matted haircoats),burs or plant awns, osteoarthritic conditions that cause immobilization, any condition that causes excessive licking or self utilization, and anal gland infections.

The mainstay of treatment is antibiotics to control the infection. These are usually given systemically but topical antibiotics can be used in localized infections. Topical antibacterial shampoos, washes, lotions and creams can be used to augment antibiotics and reduce bacterial populations once the infection is controlled. Pus and other debris should be flushed and cleaned out of ears, wounds, abscesses etc. Foreign bodies or implants should be removed. Most infections, however, will recur unless the underlying cause is diagnosed and treated.

On many occasions, the infection has advanced to the point that treatment requires light sedation or anesthesia.. If treated early enough this can be avoided. The problem with this infection is that as it progresses, the desire to lick and scratch make it worse and progressively more severe.

More than 95% of superficial pyodermas are associated with Staphylococcus intermedius, which have a fairly predictable antibiotic sensitivity pattern. It is therefore not necessary to perform routine culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing on most cases as they will respond to a sensible choice of antibiotic.

I routinely treat these patients by clipping and cleaning the affected areas and determining the cause of the infection. If infected ears are causing the lesion under the ear, it must be treated also or the infection will reappear.

Antibiotics and steroids are often given at the same time. The steroid is used to stop the desire to lick or scratch the affected skin. On many occasions an “Elizabethan” collar is attached to the collar. Your veterinarian will also prescribe a topical antibiotic/steroid crème which will be applied on the sore areas.

If caught in the very early stages, sometimes over the counter medicines can provide relief. A steroid called Cortaid Cream and an antibiotic ointment called Neosporin may effectively treat this condition. One must exercise extreme caution that this skin disease does not progress. If left untreated the dog may continue to mutilate the affected area and cause a condition called acral pruritic granuloma (Lick Granuloma). When this occurs, the skin becomes pathologically thickened and can be very resistant to treatment.

Some pets are helped by clipping hair and good grooming during these times. Always monitor for ear infections and seek the help of your veterinarian when your pet experiences a condition that causes extreme itchiness and a sore that appears moist or shows evidence of pus.

Heatstroke In Dogs

2010-06-30T02:28:00.000-07:00

Heatstroke In Dogs

This has been an unusually warm spring and early summer in Manchester. As I write this, the forecast is calling for a 90 degree day. As we approach the July 4^th holiday weekend many people will be taking pets on trips in cars or be going to the beach. There are several important details that must be observed in order to protect our pets from a dangerous medical condition called hyperthermia or heatstroke.

Heatstroke can occur when normal body mechanisms cannot keep the body's temperature in a safe range. Animals do not have efficient cooling systems like humans who can cool their bodies by sweating and get overheated easily. A dog with moderate heatstroke (body temperature from 104º to 106ºF) can recover within an hour if given prompt first aid and veterinary care. The normal body temperature of a dog is 100-102.5°F. Severe heatstroke with a body temperature over 106ºF can be deadly and immediate veterinary assistance is needed.

A dog suffering from heatstroke will display some typical signs. They may include: rapid panting, bright red tongue, red or pale gums, thick sticky saliva, depression, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, shock and coma.

Emergency Care:

Remove the dog from the hot area immediately. Prior to taking him to your veterinarian, lower his temperature by wetting him thoroughly with cool water (for very small dogs, use lukewarm water), then increase air movement around him with a fan. Be carefull: Using very cold water can actually be counterproductive. Cooling too quickly and especially allowing his body temperature to become too low can cause other life-threatening medical conditions. The rectal temperature should be checked every 5 minutes. Once the body temperature is 103ºF, the cooling measures should be stopped and the dog should be dried thoroughly and covered so he does not continue to lose heat. Even if the dog appears to be recovering, take him to your veterinarian as soon as possible. He should still be examined since he may be dehydrated or have other complications.

Allow free access to water or a children's rehydrating solution if the dog can drink on his own. Do not try to force-feed cold water; the dog may inhale it or choke.

Treatment:

Your veterinarian will lower your dog's body temperature to a safe range and continually monitor his temperature. Your dog will be given fluids, and possibly oxygen. He will be monitored for shock, respiratory distress, kidney failure, heart abnormalities, and other complications, and treated accordingly. Blood samples may be taken before and during the treatment. The clotting time of the blood will be monitored, since clotting problems are a common complication.

Dogs with moderate heatstroke often recover without complicating health problems. However, severe heatstroke can cause organ damage that might need ongoing care such as a special diet prescribed by your veterinarian. Dogs who suffer from heatstroke once have an increased risk for getting it again and steps must be taken to prevent it on hot, humid days.

Prevention:

Any pet that cannot cool himself off is at risk for heatstroke. Following these guidelines can help prevent serious problems.

1. Keep pets with predisposing conditions like heart disease, obesity, older age, or breathing problems cool and in the shade. Even normal activity for these pets can be harmful.

2. Provide access to water at all times.

3. Do not leave your pet in a hot parked car even if you're in the shade or will only be gone a short time. The temperature inside a parked car can quickly reach up to140 degrees.

4. Make sure outside dogs have access to shade.

5. On a hot day, restrict exercise and don't take your dog jogging with you. Too much exercise when the weather is very hot can be dangerous.

6. Do not muzzle your dog.

7. Avoid places like the beach and especially concrete or asphalt areas where heat is reflected and there is no access to shade.

8. Wetting down your dog with cool water or allowing him to swim can help maintain a normal body temperature.

9. Move your dog to a cool area of the house. Air conditioning is one of the best ways to keep a dog cool, however, it is not always available and there are several alternatives. To provide a cooler environment a pet owner can freeze water in plastic bottles, or place ice and a small amount of water in several resealable food storage bags, wrap them in a towel and put them on the floor for the dog to lay on.

If you suspect your dog may be suffering from heat stroke, contact your local veterinarian immediately. Some veterinarians provide urgent care daily, all veterinarians provide a referral telephone number to an emergency facility.

Feline Urinary Tract Disease

2010-03-06T08:14:00.000-08:00

One of the most common conditions I see in cats is called lower urinary tract disease. The following is information from the Cornell University Feline Health Center and the American Veterinary Medical Association that describes the signs, causes and recommendations for preventing this condition.

Lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) describes a variety of conditions that affect the bladder and urethra of cats. Cats with FLUTD most often show signs of difficulty and pain when urinating, increased frequency of urination, and blood in the urine. Cats with FLUTD also tend to lick themselves excessively and may urinate outside the litter box, often on cool, smooth surfaces like a tile floor or a bathtub.

While FLUTD can occur at any age, it is usually seen in middle-aged, overweight cats that get little exercise, use an indoor litter box, have little or no outdoor access, or eat a dry diet. Factors such as emotional or environment stress, multi-cat households, and abrupt changes in daily routine may also increase the risk that a cat will develop FLUTD.

Major Signs of Lower Urinary Tract Disease include:

Straining to urinate
Frequent and/or prolonged attempts to urinate
Crying out while urinating
Excessive licking of the genital area
Urinating outside the litter box
Blood in the urine

Note that cats with a urethral obstruction will also show these signs but will pass little or no urine and become increasingly distressed. A urethral obstruction is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary treatment. (See section on Urethral Obstruction.)

Becasuse FLUTD has many causes, it can be difficult to diagnose. Based on your cat's symptoms, your veterinarian will do a physical examination and most likely will run a urinalysis. If the cause is still not identified, tests such as bloodwork, x-rays, and additional urine tests may be recommended.

One possible cause of FLUTD is the formation of urinary stones, also called uroliths. These are collections of minerals that form in the urinary tract of cats. X-rays or ultrasound are usually needed to diagnose urinary stones

The most serious problem associated with urinary function is when a cat's urethra becomes partly or totally blocked. Urethral obstruction is a potentially life-threatening condition caused either by urethral stones or by urethral plugs (the latter are made of a soft material containing minerals, cells, and mucus-like protein).

Male cats (neutered or intact) are at greater risk for urethral obstruction than females because their urethra is longer and narrower. This is a true medical emergency, and any cat suspected of suffering from this condition must receive immediate veterinary attention

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC)—also called interstitial cystitis—is the most common diagnosis in cats with lower urinary tract disease. The disease is not fully understood and may involve several body systems in addition to the urinary system.

Fortunately, most cats recover from FLUTD and never, or only occasionally, develop it again. In some cats, however, the condition often reoccurs. To help reduce the chances of recurrence:

Feed small meals on a frequent basis.
Consult with your veterinarian about the best diet for your cat. Many commercial diets are acceptable, but some urinary conditions respond better to specialized diets.
Provide clean, fresh water at all times.
Provide an adequate number of litter boxes (usually one more than the number of cats in the household).
Keep litter boxes in quiet, safe areas of the house.
Keep litter boxes clean.
Minimize major changes in routine.

Pain and Pet Care

2010-02-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

One of the most important questions I am asked in my practice has to do with quality of life issues. The most important aspect of that quality is living a pain free life. It is important to understand where pain originates and how to evaluate the symptoms that are exhibited by a pet in pain.

Historically it was thought that animals did not perceive pain the same way as humans. Additionally, it was suggested that pain following surgery or injury was beneficial to animals because it limited movement and thus prevented further injury.

Today there is a better understanding of how pain develops. It is now well established that animals and humans have similar neurological pathways for the development, conduction, and modulation of pain.

Preventing risk factors early in life reduces the development of pain later in life. For example, providing lifelong dental care reduces the development of oral pain caused by periodontal disease. Preventing obesity reduces the incidence and severity of osteoarthritis in breeds prone to hip dysplasia and the risk of intervertebral disc disease in breeds such as the dachshund.

When I examine a pet, I always check the following organ systems and locations that can become sources for pain:

The heart can have congestive heart failure and create risk for blood clots. The skin is involved with ear infections, burns, wounds, abscess, urine scalding and severe itchiness.

Dental pain comes from abscess, ulcers, oral tumors and periodontal disease. The abdomin can reveal constipation, anal sac disease, pancreatitis, obstruction and foreign bodies. Pain involving muscle and bones include arthritis, disc disease, trauma, tendon and ligament injuries.

We see pain originating from eyes with corneal lesions, ulcers, glaucoma and conjunctivitis. In the urinary tract, bladder and kidney stones, bladder infections and urethral obstruction in cats can all result in pain.

In addition to the above, neurological causes for pain include spinal pain from disc diseases and neurological consequences of diabetes. Cancer in any form is a source of pain.

One general sign of pain is a change in normal behavior. This includes lameness, lethargy, decreased appetite, decrease in grooming, and a decrease in movement or activity.

The expression of abnormal behaviors can be a sign of pain. Vocalization, inappropriate elimination, decreased interaction with family members and other family pets, altered facial expression, restlessness, pacing, hiding and changes in posture all fit in the definition of abnormal behaviors that can result from painful conditions.

The reaction to touch or palpation is another potential sign to look for when trying to determine levels of pain. This can be seen as a tightening or increased body tension when gently touching certain body parts like the abdomen or limbs.

Other symptoms of pain are reflected by physiological parameters. These include a more rapid heart and respiratory rate, increase or decrease in body temperature and dilation of the pupils.

We have the ability to mitigate the consequences of pain and improve the quality of life of our pets by having an awareness of ways to prevent the diseases that cause pain and determining the cause of pain when it appears. Your veterinarian has the ability to diagnose the source of the pain and select a treatment regimen, which can include a choice of several drugs or surgery that can alleviate the discomfort and hopefully cure the disease which is causing it.

Dog Flu Vaccination

2010-01-19T06:04:00.000-08:00

Recently, there has been considerable discussion about influenza, particularly H1N1 (swine flu) and whether it can be transmitted to pets, and H3N8, the canine-specific version of influenza, commonly called “dog flu”.

There is a possibility that the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus can be transmitted from people to pets. At this time, there are only several confirmed cases. However, if H1N1 is diagnosed in a household, the pet should be isolated from the affected family members.

Canine influenza is different than H1N1 and is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs caused by a novel influenza (H3N8) virus that was first discovered in 2004. In May, 2008 a vaccine was introduced to protect dogs against this respiratory virus.

Vaccines are tested for their effectiveness by the USDA. In this case, the license is conditional. This means that based on data submitted to the USDA, a reasonable expectation of efficacy is supported. However, regular licensing will not be awarded until some time later this year. During this time, the vaccine’s effectiveness and side effects will be evaluated. The data provided to the USDA was provided by tests funded by the manufacturer.

It is difficult to diagnose this infection because the most common tests are not accurate after the dog stops shedding the virus. This usually occurs before there are symptoms of the disease and before a veterinarian sees the animal as a patient. Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) cannot be easily distinguished from other causes of respiratory disease in dogs. Other infectious agents cause similar signs. Some of the common symptoms are coughing, sneezing, fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, nasal and ocular discharge.

Based on the difficulty in differentiating this disease entity from other bacterial and viral causes of respiratory disease and in consideration of the fact that it is usually a mild disease, I recommend the following:

If a dog is in a communal housing environment with other dogs such as shelters, boarding kennels, pet shops and breeding kennels, vaccination could be beneficial.

When adopting a pet, isolate it from other pets for 10 days to reduce the risk of spreading any of the pathogens that cause respiratory disease.

Canine influenza has been documented in 30 states and the District of Columbia. The canine influenza virus (CIV) is prevalent in many communities in Colorado, Florida and New York. At this time, we should be guarded but not overly reactive to the threat of Canine Influenza Virus.

This vaccine is not required for household pets with little risk of exposure. The infection is usually mild and self limiting. The most common signs are dry or moist cough which are not helped by antibiotics or cough suppressants.

Most dogs recover within 2 weeks without any further health complications. However, some dogs progress to pneumonia, which is usually due to secondary bacterial infections. While the overall mortality rate for canine influenza is low, the secondary pneumonia can be life‐threatening. There is no evidence for age or breed susceptibility for developing pneumonia.

There are certain vaccinations that are given to dogs that are considered “core” vaccines. These are given to pets when their value has been proven and the benefits far outweigh any risk. Other vaccines are considered “lifestyle” vaccinations based on the possibility of exposure to a disease. An example of a core vaccination is the rabies vaccine.

At this time, the Canine Influenza Vaccination should be considered a “lifestyle” vaccination. Check with your health care provider to keep abreast of any changes in the prevalence of this disease in our geographic area.

Caring For Pets in Cold Weather

2009-12-27T08:21:00.000-08:00

As we go about our wintry business, shoveling snow, going

for a brisk walk on the beach or just racing from car to

home, we have prepared ourselves for the adversity and

stresses of cold weather. However, it is important to

remember that certain categories of pets have special needs

during this time of year, and all animals can suffer from

hypothermia and frostbite in the worst of conditions.
Breeds like the Newfoundland, Husky and Saint Bernardlove the snow. When in good health, only extremes in climate change will affect them. Make sure your companion pet does not have a special need in relationship to the cold. The geriatricpatient has far less tolerance and it is always a good idea to have a recent medical examination to evaluate what stresses should be avoided. Conditions like heart disease,kidney failure,diabetes and hormonal imbalances can compromise your pets ability to withstand the stress of cold weather.

When you walk your animal companion, when it gets too

cold for you, consider the conditions the same for her.

Small pets will find themselves immersed in snow and will

require special attention. Those pets with short coats will

require coats in very cold weather. Locally, many pet stores

like Pet Smart and Petco carry coats, as well as the pet

departments in discount stores like Walmart and Target.

The Dog Spa has some pretty snazzy choices too. However,clothing alone is not always a safe alternative in extreme

cold. Dogs loose most of their body heat through their paws,

ears and respiratory tract.

Beware of certain dangers that exist because of special

circumstances created by the cold. The cat that snuggles up

against a warm car engine is at risk as it will not be seen by

the driver starting a car, and a frozen pond or lake creates a

hazard to the dog running off-leash during a thaw. Once an

animal falls thru the ice, it is very difficult to get out, so pay

special attention when near frozen bodies of water and keep

pets on a leash.

There are unusual threats that exist inside the home during

cold spells. The space heater and the fire place can create a

hazard to the dog or cat that snuggles up to them, failing to

realize that a paw or tail could get burned. The potential of

knocking over a space heater is something that pet owners

should be aware of.

When outdoors, there are certain symptoms which may

indicate that frigid conditions are causing a problem. If he

or she whines, shivers or stops moving, your dog may be

feeling the effects of hypothermia (below normal body

temperature). Never leave a dog unattended outside when

the mercury drops. It is obvious that sources of water could

be unavailable and worse, serious conditions such as

hypothermia and frostbite can occur.

Hypothermia occurs when a pet’s body can not regulate it’s

temperature due to extreme cold and drops below normal.

Depression, shivering and an unwillingness to walk will be

seen. As her temperature falls below normal she will

breathe more slowly, her heart rate will slow and she will

respond to stimuli slowly. Pets that show these symptoms

should immediately be taken into a warm environment and

wrapped in a blanket with a hot water bottle or with an

electric blanket.

A less common condition is called frostbite. It occurs in

pets and people when the body is exposed to extreme cold.

In an attempt to protect itself, the circulatory system shunts

blood from the extremities into the core of the body for

warmth. Deprived of the movement of blood, ice crystals

form in the paws, ears and tail. These crystals damage the

tissue. If you suspect frostbite, immediately bring your pet

into the warmth and soak the affected parts in warm water

for 20 minutes. Do not rub the suspected areas as this will

cause tissue damage.

Once you have done the above, take your pet to your

veterinarian. She or he will administer pain medications

and possibly antibiotics.

The winter is a great time to share outdoor activities with

your pets. For many of us, it serves as an incentive to leave

the warmth and comfort of our homes and discover the joy

of walking a solitary beach or feeling the pleasure of a brisk

walk in the woods. With a little care and forethought, the

risks of the cold can be prevented.

Holiday Safety Concerns

2009-12-06T14:13:00.000-08:00

This a favorite time of year for all of us and our pets. There are abundant treats available and lots of food left over after big meals. Additionally, unusual plants and tree decorations abound. Unfortunately, some of these represent unusual hazards that could interfere with the joy we share during the holidays. I have described a few of these in previous articles, however, this time of year I would like to share a more comprehensive list of potential health hazards with you.

1. Christmas Trees: The christmas tree water may contain preservatives and fertilizer. If consumed by

pets, it will cause an upset stomach. Stagnant water at the base of the tree can also be a breeding ground for bacteria. Consumption could lead to vomiting,diarrhea and nausea. Christmas tree ornaments,ribbons and tinsel can be dangerous because they can cause an obstruction in the intestinal tract if consumed.

2. Holiday Plants: Pets who ingest holly can experience gastric upset. Mistletoe has it’s romantic side for us humans and could even cause a harmless heart palpitation under the right circumstances, however,for dogs and cats the cardiovascular problems are nota joke and gastric upset is also a side affect. For cats,all parts of lilies are toxic. Even in small amounts, theycan cause life threatening kidney problems. Poinsettia is less toxic than commonly believed, however,ingestion can cause mild stomach upset.

3. Beverages: Holiday beverages containing alcohol cancause vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, central nervous depression, tremors and even potential comaand death. Carefully monitor the availability of sweetholiday drinks and beverages like egg nog. Coffee can cause agitation, rapid heart rates and vomiting.

4. Chocolate, Macadamia Nuts, Grapes and Raisins:Chocolate can cause cardiac and neurological symptoms,macadamia nuts cause weakness in the limbs,vomiting , and temors. Grapes and raisins have been documented as causing acute kidney failure in dogs. These are all foods that appear harmless and therefore could be left out or unattended in the presence of our pets.

5. Yeast Dough: Cookie and cake dough can be attractive edibles to our pets. Uncooked dough can swell in the stomach and cause extreme discomfort, bloat and depression. Sometimes it is necessary to remove the swollen contents surgically.

6. Bones: Poultry bones can splinter and cause damage

or blockage in the intestinal tract. This happens less

frequently than one might imagine, however, when it

does occur it is life threatening. Personally, I do not

like to see our pets consume any kind of bones. I have

seen large bones slowly chipped away and accumulate

to cause large obstructions in the stomach of a patient.

7. Fatty Food: Excessive fat in the diet can cause

inflammation of the pancreas. When this occurs,

digestive enzymes leak out of the pancreas and into the

abdominal cavity. It is an extremely painful and

potentially fatal condition. For this reason, I

recommend that you very carefully separate any fat

from food leftovers that you might be inclined to feed.

The holidays are a period for sharing joy with our

families and pets. The above list represents some

hazards that could interrupt this happy season. If your

pet ingests the above harmful substances, call your

veterinarian at once for advice. If not available, Angell

Animal Medical Center has an Animal Poison Control

Hotline: 877-2-ANGELL. Jacqie and I wish you and your

pets a happy and healthy holiday

The Influence of Pets in My Life

2009-12-05T19:32:00.000-08:00

Some animals come into our lives as blessings. These pets change us and teach us, and sometimes we understand the profound nature of the relationship only after they leave us. For me, one such creature was a horse named Snowbird. Snowbird was just one in a menagerie of animals that have left me with a wealth of shared experiences and insights.

To understand the influence animals like Snowbird have had on me, many of you can reflect on your own experiences with special pets. Over the years she was one of a myriad of pets that shared different passages and evolutions. In a previous article I described her influence on me. Below are the other creatures that blessed my life as a child growing up in the suburbs, one who was my roommate during my college years and the several pets Jacqueline and I have shared.

My experience with pets started as a child living in suburbia with parents who both worked. An English springer spaniel named Bootsie was my companion in a frequently empty household and my bond to her served as an inspiration for what was to become my profession, veterinary medicine.

During my university years, an Irish setter named Nina was my constant companion. After graduating from veterinary college, I joined the U.S. Air Force and was sent to Southern Italy as a military public health officer. At the time, I had to leave Nina and my girl friend behind. When I returned two years later, my girl friend had moved on but Nina was waiting. A lesson in unconditional love; at least I was batting 500.

Nina stayed in my life for many years. We drove across the country and had a scrapbook of experiences to share ala John Steinbeck in his wonderful book “Travels with Charlie”.

Nina remained with me while I ran a small animal practice in New York City. At the time, NYC was becoming less inhabitable and I ventured on a quest which turned out to be the journey of a lifetime. I left all my material possessions behind, and researched and implemented a driving expedition accross Africa, living alongside desert nomads, camping alongside ancient species of animals and living with native tribal people who embraced me as part of the universal community of man. Having to cross many borders, some with potentially life threatening pitfalls for a pet, I had to leave Nina behind.

When I met my wife, Jacqueline, I inherited a new round of what we might call “step pets”. There was Buzz Bomb, a Doberman Pincher puppy with every inherited disease known to veterinary medicine. Also included in Jacqueline’s menagerie was Otis, a finger biting skunk and Katie, a delightfully neurotic parrot.

Buzz Bomb taught me to respect each animal as an individual and not to accept stereotypes given to certain breeds. He became our first “child”, and frankly we were silly in love with him. Some see Dobermans as threatening, while in fact, Buzz Bomb was the gentlest creature imaginable. We would be entertained by what we called the “Buzz Bomb-Otis show”. Can you visualize the hysteria that ensues when a skunk named Otis chases a Doberman Pincher around the house?.

Treating the Pain of Arthritis in Dogs

2009-12-04T19:44:00.000-08:00

The number one cause of chronic pain in older pets is osteoarthritis. In our practice, it is very common and it is important to treat it as a disease. Consideration must be given to the mode of the treatment because there are important factors that must be determined in designing a treatment that is effective and causes the least amount of side affects.

The best way to treat arthritis in the older pet is through a multi-modal approach. This simply means considering a way to treat the pet that requires the minimum amount of pharmaceutical drugs.

The first part of this approach is weight control. Excess weight contributes to a shorter life span and causes additional stress on the joints. Weight loss and management is accomplished through a reduction in calories and exercise. Obese dogs have more osteoarthritis and require more medication to control the pain that is associated with arthritis.

The second part of my approach to treating chronic pain due to arthritis is eliminating other causes of weight gain and making certain that the drugs used for pain relief will not be harmful. The first test that is employed is for hypothyroidism. We know that dogs that have thyroid disease gain weight. Once that is established, we test for liver and kidney function and rule out diseases like diabetes.

The next part of the module is nutritional support. The dog is unique in the way that certain essential fatty acids are stored in the cells that make up the tissues in the joints. This is a variation from the process in cats and even humans. Studies have proven that the supplementation of omega 3 fatty acids actually slows down the degradation process in the joints of dogs. When we add essential fatty acids to the diet we not only slow down the degradation process, but we also know that these essential fatty acids actually act as anti-inflammatory agents and may let us use a lower dose of the drugs that reduce the pain of arthritis.

There are several ways to provide this nutritional support. Essential fatty acids can be given in liquid or capsule form. There is a prescription diet available that combines this supplement with Glucosamine and other nutraceuticals that has proven to be very effective. The level of essential fatty acids is excellent and makes this an economical and convenient choice.

Exercise is another important consideration. The correct ratio of exercise to rest is important in arthritic patients. Exercise must not be excessive as this places additional stress on the joints. At the same time, we must make certain that the muscles that support the joints do not degenerate.

The next part of the multi-module approach is through the use of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals. (NSAIDS). You are familiar with ibuprofen (Advil) and a host of other drugs used in human medicine. Unfortunately, many of these are responsible for unacceptable side affects in dogs. The good news is that there are several drugs which have been developed for use in pets that are very effective. It is important to remember two facts when administering these drugs. First, different drugs work differently on individual patients, so a trial can be helpful. Second, the amount used can usually be reduced by nutritional supplementation.

The older patient with arthritis can have an enhanced quality of life through the use of a multi-module approach of weight control, exercise, nutritional supplementation and the appropriate use of NSAIDS. Consult with your veterinarian to learn how your older pet can live a longer and happier life.

Loving and Losing A Best Friend: "Colin"

2009-12-03T10:22:00.000-08:00

One of my responsibilities as a veterinarian is assisting my clients in the process of saying goodbye to a beloved friend. Grief counseling has become an established aspect of my profession and my own personal experiences have guided me in my attempts to make this time as peaceful and kind as possible. A broken heart takes a long time to heal, and I hope my own personal experience will in some way enlighten those who suffer a loss.

My story began while I was doing a housecall for a local breeder of poodles.At the time we had two dogs and a cat and I was very satisfied with our family of pets. I really didn’t NEED another dog. In a litter of black eight week old puppies, there was one white male. While the others huddled together and slept, he was busy “at work”,running in and out of the house carrying a majority of the house hold puppy toys. He was sassy…he had attitude, and against my better judgment I looked into his eyes and I lost my perspective. He came home with me.

That was over thirteen years ago. In the interim, we established that special bond that many of you share with your pets. His name was Colin. We were best buddies, and even though I am blessed with the best son anyone could dream of, he was jokingly referred to as my “number one son”. He became the clinic mascot and his image graced our website.

He had the conformation of a champion and a grace in motion that could make your heart soar when you watched him canter on a beach. One of my fondest memories was the visualization of the pattern of his paw prints on a deserted beach at low tide. He was athletic; one of his characteristic moves was jumping shoulder high when excited about your entrance or mutual exit. However, his real virtue had nothing to do with his breeding, the way he was clipped, or his athletics...it had everything to do with his heart and soul.

We were buddies. When he was mischievous, I was his coconspirator. When he carefully plotted the theft of food from a counter, my wife Jacqueline’s annoyance was countered by my mirth. I marveled at his intelligence and can only apologize to Jacqueline for my insensitivity. He had a vocabulary. I could swear he understood our language. If anyone in the family was at odds with one another, he simply got bummed out. He was a reflection of our emotions and more often than not communicated that. His tail would sink between his legs and you knew all was not right in his world because all was not right in ours. He told you it was time to shape up and get happy.

And then there was his intuitive side. He had distinct likes and dislikes. He never learned how to swim and detested the water.However, he really enjoyed sailing with me in our little fourteen foot sailboat. The way I got to the mooring was paddling on an eight foot yak board. So we worked it out…if I positioned him on the yak board on the beach, and pulled it into the water, then mounted it with him between my legs, he would balance himself perfectly while I paddled and until I pulled alongside the sailboat where he could jump off. We never took a tumble.

We teach our pets many things, however, one of their gifts to us, if we are willing to examine it, is what we can learn from them. “Colin” was no exception to this rule. Unconditionally loving, forever forgiving and totally loyal…what a string of virtues. However, I have always believed the greatest characteristic he exhibited is the thing we all work so hard to achieve, living in the “present”. For Colin there was no past and no future. (Other than plotting to steal food). In many ways he lived in a state of meditation.

As a human, there is a payback for all that we are given. It is the responsibility to care for them, sometimes at the expense of our own emotions. Last Saturday night, at 4 am in the morning, I did one of the most difficult things in my life. I lovingly ended his time on earth. Jacqueline and I had prepared ourselves for this eventuality. We had always had multiple pets; however, he was the end of the line. We even joked about how we would be pet “empty nesters” for the first time in our many years together.

That was before we actually had to experience the reality of his loss.

Returning home, I could not believe how empty the house felt, how empty my heart was and what profound grief I felt. His toy “babies” sat in the alignment he would carefully plan and they where another reminder of his special nature. It all felt so surreal….Colin was gone.

My next lesson came a day later. While Christmas shopping, Jacqueline suggested we stop by a pet shop “just to look at the puppies”… Now here comes my mea culpa, my “do as I say and not as I do!”… In our practice, we recommend adoption from animal shelters and animal rescue leagues for pure bred dogs.

As we entered the pet shop our attention was immediately draw to a puppy with Colin’s moves. Tossing around a toy and looking at us through the cage bars she had been inhabiting for 6 weeks. In the visiting room, it was over in minutes. We had to rescue her. I have always considered getting another pet soon after the loss of one a very personal decision; however, our own experience may cause me to modify that.

We still cry when we think about Colin. However, our pain is tempered by this new beginning. She greets us with unbridled enthusiasm, runs around the house with his toys and brings laughter and joy back into our household. Perhaps it is apt that we share the beginning of a life after the loss of one. Our puppy has been named “Little-Foot”, because she is smaller than Colin, and partially to recognize she has such large shoes to fill.

The Polo Years: Snowbird,The Horse Who Taught Me to Ride

2009-12-03T04:47:00.000-08:00

Africa had a profound influence on me, and one dilemma I returned with was cultural. I lost my desire for an urban environment and moved to the rural environs of Vermont, living on a 30 acre farm and running a small animal clinic attached to our home. After an extended period time, I became discontent with the land locked environment, social attitudes and inhospitable climate. Cabin fever became my disease.

During one of these dreary winter seasons of self imposed isolation, a friend convinced me to try an indoor polo clinic at a local stable. Even though I had scant experience riding horses, I returned home after the experience and reviewed every swing of the polo mallet, remembering in detail every time I hit the indoor polo ball which resembles a small soccer ball. I was smitten and became obsessed with the sport.

Over that winter, on a rented horse, I learned how to play indoor polo. I also learned how to balance myself while literally standing in a saddle while swinging a mallet and leaning far to one side or another while following the path of the ball, anticipating the “line”, which is the direction of the ball created by a teammate or opposing player. When one is totally absorbed by this process, fear of injury dissipates and learning to ride becomes a natural endeavor. During this exercise, time stood still for me.

When the spring came, the sport moved outdoors. One of the advantages of living in Vermont was that the activity was not prohibitively expensive, although there was the small detail of finding a polo pony. Another acquaintance was a very experienced polo player. He had a large white horse that was trained as a hunter and adequate at the game of polo. Sadly, she was diagnosed as having a malignant melanoma on her tail by his veterinarian, and when I examined her, I felt a reasonable doubt about the diagnosis. She became mine for a very fair fee and fortunately lived a long and healthy life as my teammate and teacher.

Snowbird was a large statuesque white mare who had a soul that seemed bonded to mine immediately. I learned that a relationship to a horse was different than other animals as my safety and security depended on her. She taught me how to ride off opposing players and her size gave us the advantage of mass, opposing players trying to push us in one direction or another ran into her strength and willpower.

A disadvantage was her independence.. After a long hard charge down the field, the direction of play might change, but in Snowbird’s mind, we were advancing forward. My commands were just simply ignored. On occasion I was in the adjacent cornfield while my teammates were at the other end of the field. I forgave her for embarrassing me and celebrated her individuality, because on many other occasions we were mutually effective, and besides, polo was really just a game.

Our communication had the magic many pet owners experience. I would bring her treats in the barn and she would snuggle her head up against me and prod me for more carrots or more caresses. It was a private time of peaceful meditation, so different than the competition we enjoyed together on the playing field.

On the playing field, she intuitively knew how to follow the polo ball and respond to the signals I gave her. If I applied pressure to her side with my right knee, she steered to the right, and if I gently moved her reign while holding them in one hand to one side or the other, she responded to that touch…unless she decided to go for the cornfield.

My next lesson from her was how to jump over fences. This was really her forte. She was as graceful as she was physically beautiful, and we went on to win ribbons together. Trust me, it was all her. I was just along for the ride.

On one occasion, after a wine tasting, we entered a pairs over fences competition. This challenge required two horses and riders to jump fences at the same time, simultaneously clearing the hurdle in unison. She was so steady; we were able to jump the fences while I held the hand of my female co-jumping equestrian. That stunt won a ribbon and a front page photo in the local newspaper.

Love from animals comes in all shapes and sizes, and I have been fortunate in having creatures in my life that have changed me and taught me many lessons. Each experience is different, each taught me new things and all shared the common denominator of mutual respect and love. All the experiences included a special shared companionship, and in Snowbird’s case, a trust and confidence in the physical ability of another being. It was an experience I will never forget, and I will always remember Snowbird for helping me endure the long and tiresome winters and for giving me the opportunity to do something that I considered way beyond my reach .

Africa: Wisdom and the Warrior

2009-12-02T11:41:00.001-08:00

Pets and People covers a diversity of topics and this week I will share with you things I learned about a very special people and the animals in their lives. The story began when I graduated from Cornell University at the age of 23 with a doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine. Up to that point, I had led a cloistered life that involved studies and work and felt a great desire to continue my education in other ways.

At 24 I was a Captain in the United States Air Force during the Vietnamese Conflict, assigned to a security services base in southern Italy providing military public health services to the Navy and Air Force in southern Europe. I was still just a young veterinarian wet behind the ears and a recent graduate with few worldly experiences.

The Air Force provided me with the opportunity to travel around the world and created in me a desire to learn about other cultures and the people who lived there. As a result, after practicing small animal veterinary medicine for several years in a major metropolitan area, I determined that the best course for me would be to take a break from veterinary practice and expand my experience with people in other parts of the world and observe how those people interacted with the animals in their lives.

I previously described the adventure of driving a volkswagen campmobile from northern Africa, through the sahara desert to west Africa, then across the jungles of central Africa to the destination of this story: the Seringetti plains of Kenya in East Africa. It was here that I had an experience that could have ended the journey and my life.

I do not believe in embellishing stories and over the years I have struggled with this one. At one point I felt a sense of superiority in the way I handled the situation. This morphed into an awareness of my limitations as a witness of my own experiences and eventually became a source of inspiration, knowledge and humility.

I will first describe the experience and my original impressions and then explain how I have re-evaluated my experience based on my personal evolution and the knowledge gained from studies of an ancient people who were best described as “women and men of knowledge”.

After driving all day over very difficult dirt roads on the Seringetti Plain of East Africa I was eagerly anticipating the campground which was my final destination of the day. I had been exhilarated by the smells, sounds and sights of the the cradle of human evolution. I had experienced many sightings of the animals for which this journey was partially about.

In the distance I could see a large herd of cattle and as I approached, I observed they were being shepherded by several warriors dressed in the most beautiful adornments. They are a regal people with many unusual customs and unfortunately, at this time I knew very little about them. As I approached them I took out my 8mm motion picture camera to record my passage through the animals. At this time I was approached by one of the tall warriors who had a large spear in hand.

He approached me and put out his hand, apparently requesting money for taking the film. At this time I did not feel any fear, but rather a certain indignation. I said to myself “I didn’t travel all this way to have to tip someone, after all, I am not a tourist on safari, I have driven across this continent...having to pay for a photo is an insult...this is a matter of pride and principle!”

He then put his hand inside my open window . Reflexly, I closed the window and accidently caught his hand briefly in it and then continued making my way slowly through the herd on the road. I decided to continue to film this. The Masai watched me as I moved forward. I had absolutely no sense of the relationship between the Masai and the animals who are so much a part of their culture, livelihood and tradition.

The Masai must have seen me filming from the reflection in my side view mirror, and came charging to the front of the van. I had to stop. He then raised his spear and pointed it directly at my head behind the front windshield. I had only several options: One might have been falling to the floor of the vehicle to protect myself, however, that would have left my traveling companion vulnerable in the seat beside me.

At this moment I was left with only my instincts and my intuition. In my practice of veterinary medicine I had always prided myself with my ability to resist fear because I understood that animals can smell slight changes in human emotions, and once fear is telegraphed to an animal, it may respond aggressively.

I had no avenue of retreat and I decided to mask my fear by being offensive. I threw open my door and approached the Masai as I waved my hands in an effort to communicate the message...”How dare you do this to me”. He retreated.

We continued on to the campground and I must admit I was quite full of myself for having had the kind of courage Hemingway defined as “grace under pressure”. Then I learned that several weeks earlier, two British tourists had been killed in similar circumstances.

I came away from the experience feeling good about myself. In the years that have passed I have had the opportunity to study the ways of the Masai and other ancient people and see the events that transpired in a different light: perhaps the Masai was actually demonstrating something I did not understand and my sense of superiority was not in justified. I have wondered how often, we who are raised in a western civilization misinterpret the intelligence and knowledge of peoples we are unfamiliar with.

There was an ancient society in South America called the Toltecs. It is only recently that their wisdom and knowledge has been interpreted and shared with us in the west. When applied to this experience, I now understand how ignorant I was. These teachings can be applied to our everyday life; They are called the four agreements and when applied to our daily lives can provide us with a sense of peace, happiness and love. These are the agreements to be made with yourself.

Be impeccable with your word. Words are a force, they are the power you have to communicate and create the events in your life.
Don’t take anything personally.
Don’t make assumptions.
Always do your best.

If I had applied these agreements to this part of my adventure, a life threatening experience could have been averted and I would have had the opportunity to know the Masai on a meaningful level. I would have known they are a warrior people who use their animals as a source of nourishment and social prestige. My thoughts (words) were far from impeccable; I took a reasonable request under the circumstances as a personal affront; I made incorrect assumptions about a people I knew nothing about. In this case, I simply did not do my best by not learning about a people whose land I would be traversing. To the Masai, their cattle represent their very livelihood and prestige. And worse of all, as a caregiver who understands the importance that animals have to the people in my way of life, I made the mistake of not honoring something they held sacred, the animals in their lives.

The Four Agreements is a book by Miguel Ruiz. You can click on the book to find out more about the wisdom of an ancient people.

Africa: The Lion in the Sub-Sahara

2009-12-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

As a veterinarian, working with animals has been my life’s work. Most of what I do is based on education, another aspect is the intuition gained through experience.. What follows is the story about 5 animals who elected not to take my life and a human despot who would have. Not exactly “Pets and People”, however, threads of both weave their way through the experiences I will share with you.

This chapter began while I was serving in the US Air Force in Europe as a Base Veterinarian and Military Public Health Officer. During this time I had the opportunity
to drive throughout Europe and fly to the Middle and Far East. It created in me a certain lust for travel, and after managing a small animal practice in New York City for several years, I decided to seek meaningful experiences and put my career temporarily on hold as a matter of choice.

After putting all my material possessions in storage and acquiring a suitable vehicle for transport, I found myself in a campground in Morocco sharing a fantasy: Driving the entire length Africa, experiencing wildlife in their own environment and visiting existing veterinary colleges on that continent.. There were many obstacles to overcome, some of which included putting up a bond on the vehicle in order to cross borders, visas for each country to be visited and getting past the pessimistic and fear laden tales of other travelers who claimed it could not be done.

I had taken care of the administrative details in the European capitals I had visited, but the discouraging stories passed on by travelers who had never really experienced an atte
mpt at this journey was the most difficult to overcome. As I was to learn later, the information they passed on was wrong. According to some self proclaimed experts, we would encounter no lions in West Africa.

As luck would have it, I met an individual who had been planning this sojourn for years in a campground in the North African country of Morocco. He had refurbished a land rover and had replacement parts for most contingencies and every Michelin Map of Africa available. We enlisted a third party to join our caravan and we set out to prove the naysayers wrong, that driving the length of Africa in a Volkswagen camper was possible and could be the journey of a lifetime.

The journey through the Sahara desert was indescribable. To be surrounded by the boundless beauty of an untamed wilderness removes one from the consciousness of the potential threat it provides and for the sake of brevity I will leave many of those details behind. However, I can share that the travel is grueling because there are no roads as we know them. There are paths defined by piles of rocks placed for guidance and grooves in this path placed by the supply trucks that travel between oasis to oasis.

The Sahara desert terminates in what is defined as sa
vanna. It is here that vegetation begins to grow and we encountered human life for the first time. Nomadic desert people would greet our small party and sit and observe us on the periphery of the locations we selected to spend a night. They were not threatening, but rather seemed to be welcoming and protecting. It was a memory of the universal potential of sharing space in harmony that I will forever cherish.

As we continued on our trek into the interiors of West Africa and towards the West Coast of the continent we found ourselves in a country called Haute Volta. Still sub-saharan, the roads were like old fashioned wash boards. Driving over them required keen observation because they could lead a driver off the edge of a dangerous precipice and they required you to drive at a speed that prevented the vehicle from dipping into every rut encountered. At the end of the day, exhaustion was routine.

It was at the end of one of those days that I experienced an event that will be forever etched into my memory. A memory that was comparable to seeing a child born, for it represented not a beginning, but rather the avoidance of a sudden and brutal end.

It was dusk when we found a clearing to park our vehicles in a fort like configuration of three. . It was an arduous task at the end of each day to first clean the air filter, refill the gas tank from the gerry cans we carried on the roof and finally, unpack the cooking gear.

If you will remember, we were advised by traveling “experts” that we need not fear lions in West Africa. The silence of the early evening was interrupted by the “put-put-put” of a scooter coming from a distance. When it finally arrived in our clearing, a short dark man in crisp khaki shorts and a pistol on his waist advised us that we were in a dangerous area of a game reserve and would have to move to a campsite some 5 miles down the road. Admittedly, exhausted and totally surprised, I didn’t really believe this “park ranger”, humored him, waited for him to leave and ignored his advice.

He returned about a half hour later, and with a hand on his pistol,
convinced us to move on and left again. By this time, it was dark and it took all the energy we could muster to reassemble our equipment. It was an absolutely gorgeous night, and without the benefit of moonlight, I drove to a location on the very edge of the clearing next to the wild brush surrounding us. As I waited for the other 2 vehicles to complete their preparations to move, I left the security of the VW Campmobile to stand under a starlight sky that was radiating the glow of a myriad of stars. I was within feet of the brush on the edge of the clearing and could not see into as a result of the darkness that engulfed me.

When I returned to the car, I got in and turned on the headlights. They quickly illuminated the place where I was just standing on the edge of the clearing and….the glow of 10 golden eyes reflected back the light of the headlights. I had been standing right next to a pride of 5 lions!

At that moment I viscerally screamed, “Lions,lions,lions” and felt an exhilaration that probably only comes with sharing a birth or narrowly escaping death. Since that moment, I have reviewed the circumstances of the experience repeatedly and have formed some opinions based on my experience with animals that are admittedly, totally subjective.

First, they had probably only recently eaten and were not hungry or under any obligation to service the male they served. The second part is a supposition I made based on my experience and intuition based on my experience working with animals.

I have learned that I must disguise the experience of feeling fear when working with dogs and cats. If I do not, they have the ability to smell it and will often react fearfully themselves. This sense of insecurity can result in aggression that might be avoided. I assume that is an instinctive response on their part and I have learned that an animal will be easier to work with if handled gently and without fear on my part. This is a form of communication which animals share with each other.

When I stood next to the lions, they smelled no fear or submission. Probably confused and unable to interpret either stupidity or courage, they elected not to attack. It was a matter of choice, and a very lucky one for me!

Having survived this close encounter, nothing quite that threatening occurred during the rest of the trip through the jungles of the Congo and Central Africa, although there were many meaningful encounters. Finally, we reached the East African country of Uganda. It was here that I was offered a position teaching Small Animal Veterinary Medicine at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. At the time, it was East Africa’s top academic institution and I was honored by the offer. I must admit I was confused by the decision I had to make. The offer represented an unusual opportunity; however, I was not totally prepared to stop the journey and was torn between this offer and driving on to Johannesburg, South Africa or putting the vehicle on a car ferry from Mombassa, Kenya to Bombay, India and all the adventure and learning opportunities awaiting me there. It was a matter of choice.

I elected to continue my travel through Africa and left Uganda after a short rest. At the time, a dictator was in power in Uganda and I cannot say for sure if that influenced my decision to move on. It was in Tanzania several weeks later that I heard the terrible news; many of the faculty at Makerere University had been executed by Idi Amin. The lions in West Africa had elected to spare my life; a human being could have terminated it.

The philosopher, Niezsche once said, “That which does not kill you makes you stronger”. At the time, I would have concurred with this sentiment completely. After the birth of my children, I probably would take some exception to that, however, I did gain many things from this journey.

The most enduring lesson was that of achieving a goal. The satisfaction gained and the self confidence garnered is priceless. I also learned that fear can be a positive emotion when employed appropriately; however, it can also extinguish great potential if allowed to rule decisions without research and determination.

With the exception of a despotic dictator, I felt sheltered and protected by the people I encountered on this journey, and visualizing wildlife from ground level made me keenly aware of this precious resource and our responsibility to protect it.