Some veterinarians are documenting more and more cases of drug-resistant staph infections in dogs and cats, but say there is no reason for alarm among pet owners if they follow measures of simple hygiene.

Dr. Lewis Gelfand, a Long Beach, N.Y., veterinarian, said he’s treating an increasing number of animals with skin eruptions infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, called MRSA. The cases seem to have increased, he said, in recent months.

“It’s definitely a rapidly expanding problem,” Gelfand said, adding that he has had 19 cases in dogs in the past year. “I believe it is a significantly underdiagnosed problem. We have been seeing dermatological cases as well as open sores. “I haven’t had a case in a cat yet but I am sure it’s just a matter of time.”
Read the rest of this entry »

When the order to evacuate Bouquet Canyon neighborhood came down, it came fast. Thomas Davis’ wife, Lupe, managed to grab cats Nipper and Sweet Pea. Four others scattered and hid throughout their Santa Clarita, Calif., home.

A police officer arrived and told Lupe to get out right away, Davis says, forcing her to leave the other four cats and dog Buddy behind.

The Davises, like thousands of Southern California residents fleeing the devastating fires, made the agonizing decision to leave their pets in their fire-threatened homes. Now, volunteers and animal control officials are launching a massive effort to rescue those pets and provide shelter to the ones that got out.

“We had to cross the fire line,” says Bobby Dorafshar, who went into the Bouquet Canyon neighborhood Monday to rescue Buddy, a Labrador mix, and the four cats. Dorafshar is president of the animal rescue group New Leash on Life in Santa Clarita.

He and another rescuer couldn’t find three of the cats, which were hiding inside the house, but managed to coax Cookie into a carrier, Davis says. Cookie was so distraught, however, she clawed her way out of the carrier and ran away outside, he says.

Cookie, a tortoiseshell, long-haired cat, is still missing. Davis discovered the other three cats safe inside the home when he returned Wednesday.

“The whole thing has taken such an emotional toll,” says Davis, a hospice chaplain, who was out of town at the time of the evacuation. “I just wish I could get Cookie back.” Read the rest of this entry »

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health announced that a heifer from a farm in Beltrami County tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (TB). Minnesota has now detected bovine TB in eight beef herds in Roseau and Beltrami counties. The USDA is coordinating the details of indemnification and depopulation. State and federal officials have already begun tracking the movement of animal into and out of this operation.

Product Price Comparison

Vim & Vigor by Pet Centrx
Small dog or cat: 30 day supply=$39.95/ 12 month supply=$399.40
(PAAWS or VitaLife: 12 months=$199.00-YOU SAVE OVER $200.00 for a 1 YEAR SUPPLY!)

Medium dog: 30 day supply $59.95/12 months=$599.50
(PAAWS or VitaLife: 12 months=$399.00-YOU SAVE OVER $200.00 for a YEAR SUPPLY!)

Large dog: 30 day supply=$79.95/ 12 months=$799.50
(PAAWS or VitaLife: 12 month supply=$599.00-YOU SAVE OVER $200.00 for a YEAR SUPPLY!)

Pawmax $19.95-$59.95

Drs. Foster Smith: Senior Dog Vitamin $32.99-$69.99

Nuvet Plus: $19.95-$107.70

Consider the suggested dosage for this product: 1/2 Tablet for dogs under 5 pounds; 1 Tablet for dogs over 5 pounds. The effectiveness of a product whether it is natural or pharmaceutical is dependent upon proper dosage. The proper dose of a product for people or pets is determined by body weight. One has to question the efficacy of a product that recommends the same dose for a 10 pound dog that it does for a dog that weighs 100 pounds. Veterinary research validates the fact that the nutritional requirements of a 10 pound dog are much lower than those required for a dog that weighs 100 pounds.

Download a more detailed version of my Free Six-Page Pet Supplement Product Comparison Guide (PDF). The detailed version includes a three-page ingredient comparison!

This Halloween enjoy the festivities with your pets. Veterinarian Dr. Carol Osborne offers a few common sense safety tips for pets and their owners to help ensure fun for all while trick or treating this season.

1. That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can also be hazardous if swallowed. If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are not toxic but can produce stomach upsets and even intestinal blockage if large pieces are eaten.

3. Keep wires and electric cords taped securely to the floor or covered so your pet doesn’t chew them and risk burning his mouth or getting an electric shock.

4. Elevate candles and potpourri oils, up out of paw reach. Curious pets and kittens can easily knock them over and cause a fire or risk getting burned.

5. Dressing up is fun as long as your pet enjoys it and the costume is safe. Be sure it does not restrict his or her movement, breathing, hearing or sight. For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” wearing a costume can be very stressful.

6. All but the most social dogs and cats should be safely confined inside your home during peak trick-or-treat hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful.

7. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, be sure that your cat or dog doesn’t dart outside. A leash and collar for dogs and a harness for cats help to ensure your 4-footed friends safety.

8. Proper ID’s please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet gets lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip increase the chances that he or she will be returned safely to you.

9. Black cats can be a target for Halloween pranksters. Keep them safely confined indoors and be aware that many shelters will not allow adoptions of black cats over this holiday.

10. Holistic options for pets that may become fearful or stressed by the festivities: cotton balls in your pet’s ears help diminish loud noises and a few drops of Bach’s Rescue Remedy added to your pet’s food or water bowel help to safely calm nerves and relieve stress.

For more information this Halloween contact Dr. Carol toll free at 1-866-372-2765.

More than one half of US pet owners take their pets with them on vacation!

With their own seat belts, pet friendly hotels and campgrounds, and even their own luggage, our pets are often finding themselves along for the ride as we head out for our summertime vacation destinations.

Since our dogs and cats are not normally allowed on buses or trains, those pets who will be traveling with us will be going by air or by our cars. In either case, being prepared ahead of time will help you avoid any potential accident or injury. First and foremost, making sure that your pet has proper identification is not only important for everyday safety, but can actually be a life-saver when traveling.

When flying, make sure your pet has a health certificate signed by a veterinarian no more than 10 days before travel. In most cases, your pet will be traveling in the cargo area of the plane. For the pet’s safety, his or her crate should be large enough to allow the pet to stand, have a leak proof solid bottom, and, above all, should be easily secured to prevent the pet’s escape. Despite Internet blogs, air travel is actually very safe for you and your pet.

Traveling by car is often less complicated, but good preparation still provides many benefits. For example, a jug of clean water will be appreciated by your pet when fresh water is not available during a rest stop. Allowing for stretch breaks and rest stops every 2-3 hours can ease the stress of travel on your pet.

In the case of some pets, travel is not a good idea. There are pets, like people, who will never learn to travel well. For these homebodies, discuss options of pet sitters and boarding facilities with your veterinarian. He or she will often have a list of locations that will help care for your friend while you travel.

For more information about the things you can do to insure a safe and pleasant vacation for the furry members of your family, visit Dr. Carol online at www.drcarol.com or call her toll free at 1-866-372-2765.

Unexpected expenses with pets can be managed through various plans!

No one plans to have a medical emergency. But, when our pets are involved in a traumatic event, or are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, costs can be a big factor in determining the level of care our four-legged friends will get.

Veterinary medical care has grown by leaps and bounds just as human medical care and technology has expanded. With the availability of veterinary specialists, animal emergency centers and high-tech diagnostics, our pets can receive a level of care similar to us. But, this care does come with a price and although veterinary medicine is still considered to be a great value, repair of a fractured leg or lengthy chemotherapy could stress anyone’s wallet.

First created more than 25 years ago, pet insurance has helped many people provide a higher level of care for their pets. According to the pet insurance industry, affordable premiums, along with greater, comprehensive coverage, have allowed many pet owners to keep their best friends alive longer and in better health. Not everyone agrees with that assessment.

Consumer advocacy groups have stated that pet insurance only works in the event of something catastrophic, like traumatic injury. They cite gaps in coverage for hereditary conditions and low repayments as reasons against buying a policy for your pet. Many groups, including Consumer Reports, have said that it would be more beneficial for a consumer to put the premium payments into a standard savings account.

Pet health savings plans are fairly new, but do operate as a proactive method of saving for any potential calamity. The money, state advocates of savings, is there for any use, not just a pet related one. Another payment option that is doing well is the use of extended payment plans, such as Care Credit. Owners can choose a 90 day, 6 month, or 1 year repayment to cover high cost medical procedures.

As always, be proactive about your pet’s healthcare and ask your veterinarian about your concerns. To see more about potential options to cope with unexpected medical expenses, call Dr. Carol toll free at 1-866-372-2765.

Veterinary specialists provide services previously unavailable to pets!

For most people in the US and Canada, high tech medicine is routine. Now, thanks to an increase in veterinary specialists, more pets will have access to the same level of care as their owners. Organ transplants, pacemakers, and even CAT scans have become more and more common for our pets.

Veterinary specialists have grown in numbers in the last decade according to statistics from the AVMA. Pet owners and their veterinarians now have the option to seek the help of oncologists, cardiologists, and even orthopedic surgeons. These are just a few of the more than 25 types of specialists now available.

These specialists bring unique and rare treatment and diagnostic capabilities to owners. And with specialty centers now being found in most major metropolitan areas, pet owners will not have to travel as far to have a hip replacement surgery for their pets or potentially find the right doctor for cancer treatment. Even CAT scans for dogs are now happening on a daily basis!

But it is not just any veterinarian who finds themselves called to a specialty type of practice. These specialists spend many years honing their knowledge and skills in their areas of expertise. From undergraduate work, through veterinary school, internships and residencies, most of these experts will spend more than 12 years learning before they can be called a specialist.

All of this is fantastic news to pet owners who desire a higher level of care for their pets. With more than 70% of pet owners considering their pets to be part of the family, the role of a veterinary specialist will continue to grow. Along with the family veterinarian, the specialist will be there to keep your pet safe and add years to their life.

To learn more about the many different specialties available in veterinary medicine, visit Dr. Carol online at http://www.drcarol.com or call her toll free at 1-866-372-2765.

I would like to make you aware that all 27 veterinary schools in North America are in the process of changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats. Some of this information will present an ethical & economic challenge to vets, and there will be skeptics.

Some organizations have come up with a political compromise suggesting vaccinations every 3 years to appease those who fear loss of income vs. those concerned about potential side effects. Politics, traditions, or the doctor’s economic well being should not be a factor in medical decision.

NEW PRINCIPLES OF IMMUNOLOGY

“Dogs and cats immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces an immunity which is good for the life of the pet (ie: canine distemper, parvo, feline distemper). If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and there is little or no effect. The titer is not “boosted” nor are more memory cells induced.”

Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. “There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines.”

Puppies receive antibodies through their mother’s milk. This natural protection can last 8-14 weeks. Puppies & kittens should NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8 weeks. Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection (0-38%) will be produced.

Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, delay the timing of the first highly effective vaccine. Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart suppress rather than stimulate the immune system. A series of vaccinations is given starting at 8 weeks and given 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age (usually at 1 year 4 mo) will provide lifetime immunity.

CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DOGS

Distemper & Parvo

“According to Dr. Schultz, AVMA, 8-15-95, when a vaccinations series given at 2, 3 & 4 months and again at 1 year with a MLV, puppies and kitten program memory cells that survive for life, providing lifelong immunity.” Dr. Carmichael at Cornell and Dr. Schultz have studies showing immunity against challenge at 2-10 years for canine distemper & 4 years for parvovirus. Studies for longer duration are pending. “There are no new strains of parvovirus as one mfg. would like to suggest. Parvovirus vaccination provides cross immunity for all types.” Hepatitis (Adenovirus) is one of the agents known to be a cause of kennel cough. Only vaccines with CAV-2 should be used as CAV-1 vaccines carry the risk of “hepatitis blue-eye” reactions & kidney damage.

Bordetella Parainfluenza: Commonly called “Kennel cough” Recommended only for those dogs boarded, groomed, taken to dog shows, or for any reason housed where exposed to a lot of dogs. The intranasal vaccine provides more complete and more rapid onset of immunity with less chance of reaction. Immunity requires 72 hours and does not protect from every cause of kennel cough. Immunity is of short duration (4 to 6 months).

RABIES

There have been no reported cases of rabid dogs or cats in Harris, Montogomery or Ft. Bend Counties [Texas], there have been rabid skunks and bats so the potential exists. It is a killed vaccine and must be given every year. Lyme disease is a tick born disease which can cause lameness, kidney failure and heart disease in dogs. Ticks can also transmit the disease to humans. The original Ft. Dodge killed bacteria has proven to be the most effective vaccine. Lyme disease prevention should emphasize early removal of ticks. Amitraz collars are more effective than Top Spot, as amitraz paralyzes the tick’s mouth parts preventing transmission of disease .

VACCINATIONS NOT RECOMMENDED

Multiple components in vaccines compete with each other for the immune system and result in lesser immunity for each individual disease as well as increasing the risk of a reaction.

Canine Corona Virus is only a disease of puppies. It is rare, self limiting (dogs get well in 3 days without treatment). Cornell &Texas A&M have only diagnosed one case each in the last 7 years. Corona virus does not cause disease in adult dogs. Leptospirosis vaccine is a common cause of adverse reactions in dogs . Most of the clinical cases of lepto reported in dogs in the US are caused by serovaars (or types) grippotyphosa and bratsilvia. The vaccines contain different serovaars eanicola and ictohemorrhagica. Cross protection is not provided and protection is short lived. Lepto vaccine is immuno-supressive to puppies less than 16 weeks.

NEW RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CATS

Feline vaccine related Fibrosarcoma is a type of terminal cancer related in inflammation caused by rabies & leukemia vaccines . This cancer is thought to affect 1 in 10,000 cats vaccinated. Vaccines with aluminum adjuvant, an ingredient included to stimulate the immune system, have been implicated as a higher risk. We now recommend a non-adjuvanted rabies vaccine for cats . Testing by Dr. Macy, Colorado State, has shown this vaccine to have the lowest tissue reaction and although there is no guarantee that a vaccine induced sarcoma will not develop, the risk will be much lower than with other vaccines.

Program injectable 6 mo flea prevention for cats has been shown to be very tissue reactive & therefore has the potential of inducing an injection site fiborsarcoma. If your cats develops a lump at the site of a vaccination, we recommend that it be removed ASAP, within 3-12 weeks.

Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccine

This virus is the leading viral killer of cats. The individuals most at risk of infection are young outdoor cats, indoor/outdoor cats and cats exposed to such individuals. Indoor only cats with no exposure to potentially infected cats are unlikely to become infected. All cats should be tested prior to vaccination. Cats over one year of age are naturally immune to Fel.V whether they are vaccinated or not, so annual vaccination of adult cats is NOT necessary.

The incubation period of Feline leukemia can be over 3 years, so if your cat is in the incubation state of the disease prior to vaccination, the vaccine will not prevent the disease. Feline Panleukopenia Virus Vaccine. Also called feline distemper is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease of kittens. It’s extremely hardy and is resistant to extremes in temperature and to most available disinfectants.

Although an effective treatment protocol is available, it is expensive to treat because of the serious nature of the disease and the continued presence of virus in the environment, vaccination is highly recommended for all kittens. Cats vaccinated at 6 month or older with either killed or MLV vaccine will produce an immunity good for life. Adult cats do NOT need this vaccine.

Feline Calicivirus/ Herpesvirus Vaccine. Responsible for 80-90% of infectious feline upper respiratory tract diseases. The currently available injectable vaccines will minimize the severity of upper respiratory infections, although none will prevent disease in all situations .. Intranasal vaccines are more effective at preventing the disease entirely. Don’t worry about normal sneezing for a couple of days. Because intranasal vaccines produce an immunity of shorter durations, annual vaccination is recommended.

VACCINES NOT RECOMMENDED

Chlamydia or pneumonitis. The vaccine produces on a short (2 month) duration of immunity and accounts for less than 5% of upper respiratory infections in cats. The risks outweigh the benefits.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis. A controversial vaccine. Most kittens that contract FIP become infected during the first 3 months of life. The vaccine is labeled for use at 16 weeks. All 27 vet schools do not recommend the vaccine.

Bordetella. A new vaccine for feline bordetella has been introduced. Dr. Wolfe of Texas A&M says that bordetella is a normal flora and does not cause disease in adult cats. Dr. Lappin of Colorado State says that a review of the Colorado State medical records reveals not one case diagnosed in 10 years.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Giardia is the most common intestinal parasite of humans in North America, 30% or more of all dogs & cats are infected with giardia. It has now been demonstrated that humans can transmit giardia to dogs & cats & vice versa. Heartworm preventative must be given year round in Houston .

VACCINES BADLY NEEDED

New vaccines in development include: Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and cat scratch fever vaccine for cats and Ehrlichia [one of the other tick diseases, much worse than Lymes] for dogs.

THE VIEW FROM THE TRENCHES; BUSINESS ASPECTS

Most vets recommend annual boosters and most kennel operators require them. For years the pricing structure of vets has misled clients into thinking that the inherent value of an annual office visit was in the “shots” they failed to emphasize the importance of a physical exam for early detection of treatable diseases. It is my hope that you will continue to require rabies & Kennel cough and emphasize the importance of a recent vet exam. I also hope you will accept the new protocols and honor these pets as currently vaccinated. Those in the boarding business who will honor the newvaccine protocols can gain new customers who were turned away from vet owned boarding facilities reluctant to change.

CONCLUSION

Dogs & cats no longer need to be vaccinated against distemper, parvo, & feline leukemia every year . Once the initial series of puppy or kitten vaccinations and first annual vaccinations are completed, immunity from MLV vaccines persists for life. It has been shown that cats over 1 year of age are immune to Feline Leukemia whether they have been vaccinated or not. Imagine the money you will save, not to mention fewer risks from side effects. PCR rabies vaccine, because it is not adjuvanted, will mean less risk of mediated hemolytic anemia and allergic reactions are reduced by less frequent use of vaccines as well as by avoiding unnecessary vaccines such as K-9 Corona virus and chlamydia for cats, as well as ineffective vaccines such as Leptospirosis and FIP. Intranasal vaccine for Rhiotracheitis and Calici virus, two upper respiratory viruses of cats provide more complete protection than injectable vaccines with less risk of serious reactions.

The AAHA and all 27 veterinary schools of North America are our biggest endorsement for these new protocols.

Dr. Bob Rogers

Please consider as current on all vaccinations for boarding purposes .

DOGS Initial series of puppy vaccines

1. distemper, hepatitis, parvo, parinfluenze - 3 sets one month apart concluding at 16 weeks of age.

2. Rabies at 16 weeks of age (later is better)

3. Bordetella within last 4-6 months

First annual (usually at 1 year and 4 months of age)

1. DHP, Parvo, Rabies

2. Bordetella within last 4-6 months

2 years or older

1. Rabies with in last year

2. Bordetella within last 4-6 months

3. DHP & Parvo given anytime over 6 months of age , but not necessarily within the last year.

Recommended: Physical exam for transmissible diseases and health risks.

CATS Initial kitten series

1. Distemper [PLP], Rhino Calicivirus, Feline Leukemia Vaccine - 3 sets given one month apart concluding at 16 weeks.

2. Rabies at 16 weeks

First Annual [usually at 1 year and 4 months of age]

1. Distemper (PLP), Rhino Calicivirus, Rabies

2 years or older

1. Rabies within the last year

2. Rhino Calicivirus within last year

3. Distemper and FelV given anytime after 6 months of age, but not necessarily with the last year.

Recommended: Physical exam, FeLV/FIV testing, fecal exam for giardia.

New Vaccine Protocol

Summary –

8 weeks – DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvo, parinfluenze)

12 weeks – DHPP

16 weeks – DHPP

6 months – Rabies

14 months – DHPP Booster –last one ever

Dr Carol,

Thank you for responding. I have a 13 year old cat, extremely good health, bright eyes, good coat. For 6-8 months now, he has a severely runny nose, (clear fluid) and a nasal discharge more whitish than yellow in color that he tries to cough up. The vet here has sent off a culture which has come back as non-bacterial. They tried prednisone which did not help. They say his lungs and chest are clear and that it seems to be all in the respiratory. The other 2 cats, (all indoor cats) are not affected. I sent for your allergy tablets which may have helped very slightly. He has been on them for about 10 days. The problem is still here though. Could this be anything else? It has been since spring and he must be miserable.

Thought you might have another idea.

Thank you for your time.

Jon
Florida

Hi Jon,

Since this has been going on a while here are my suggestions: your vet needs to do a complete blood count and a chemistry profile-once you get this please email or fax it to me Please get a copy of the culture and email it or fax (my fax # is 1 440 287 6815) it to me I assume he is up to date on his annual vaccines-if not he should be have xrays of his chest been taken? Has he been blood tested negative for FELV (feline leukemia), FIP (feline infectious peritonotis), and FIV (feline immuno-virus), -if not ask your vet to add these 3 viral blood tests to the other blood tests he will take and ask the vet to have all tests run at a lab not in house

We can then evaluate the test results and go from there

You may need to see an internal medicine specialist and have a trans-tracheal wash done, but first we need to get the above baseline information and results

If I can be of further help please let me know

Thank you,

Dr Carol Osborne, DVM