Hi Dr. Carol,

I used PAAWS for my last dog, a German Shepherd, from the age of 7 when I saw the ad on TV. Kirby was then ‘acting’ old and could no longer jump on the bed, just not able to do things that he used to. The infomercial was so much our lives that I instantly ordered the PAAWS and started Kirby on it. It was like night and day how he changed. He took the PAAWS until I had to put him down last February at the very advanced age of 15.
Now I am starting my new puppy, a Kerry Blue Terrier, on PAAWS now that I hear you are carrying it. My vet was stunned when he read the label from Kirby’s and he said “Gee, what isn’t in that stuff?” and he approved of it greatly.

I was very glad to see that there is Puppy PAAWS and I can hardly wait to try it.
Thanks,
Patti C.

Dogs diagnosed with a very common type of cancer called Lymphoma now have new hope due to the efforts of veterinarians at North Carolina State School of Veterinary Medicine
This is the first vet clinic in the United States to offer bone-marrow transplants for dogs. They expect to perform their first operation within the next month, according to Dr. Steven Suter who is heading up the transplant efforts.
The procedure is possible due to three leukophoresis machines donated by the famed mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The machines, which cost about $80,000 each, harvest healthy stem cells from canine patients with lymphoma cancer which often originates in lymph nodes. The healthy new cells are then reintroduced to the dog after total body radiation is used to kill the cancer cells left in the body.
Although the Mayo Clinic has used the machines for people, little to no modification are needed for it to be used on dogs. Bone-marrow therapy treatments were tested on dogs for many years before being used for people.
The cost is estimated at approximately $15,000 for each dog. While this seems pricy at first glance, the truth is that it’s not that much more than many pet owners spend to provide chemotherapy for their canine companions with lymphoma. The problem with chemotherapy is that aside from cost, it offers no real cure and ultimately these dogs do not survive.
Expected survival rate for dogs that undergo a bone-marrow transplant is estimated at 30 to 50 percent. Some chemotherapy will still be used in addition to the transplant. That cost should be less than $1500.00.
While bone-marrow transplants have been performed on dogs in research settings for decades, only a few have been done by veterinarians in private practice. Dr. Ed Sullivan of Bellingham, Wash., near Seattle, has performed six of the procedures over the past few years, charging as much as $35,000 for the operation.
Washington State University School of Veterinary Medicine hopes to offer the transplants for dogs in the near future according to Dr. Jeffrey Bryan, who is the leader of the transplant effort in the WSU vet school.
Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health updates and news for your dog and cat. Holistic veterinarian and author, Dr. Carol Osborne, D.V.M. successfully works with many dogs diagnosed with lymphoma, extending their life span naturally by an average of 2 quality years, rather than the average 4-6 months past diagnosis. Dr. Osborne is available for personal pet consultations Toll Free at 1-866-372-2765.

A 10-year old lab mix, named Chai, ended up having his tongue amputated after chewing on a “pimple ball” made by Four Paws. Specifically the item is the pimple ball with bell. (Item #20227-001, UPC Code 0 4566320227 9)

Chai was chewing on the toy, which because it only had one hole (instead of 2 holes) in it, a vacuum was created that sucked his tongue into the hole of the ball. Chia’s owner because aware of the problem when he began to whimper with the ball in his mouth. They tried unsuccessfully to remove it but his tongue was so swollen, it could not be released.

They took Chai to the Animal Medical Center, a world class veterinary hospital in New York City where veterinarians tried to try to remove the ball. Because the size of the opening in the ball was so small, all circulation to Chai’s tongue was cut off. The vets had to sedate him in order to remove it. Once the ball was removed, his tongue was so swollen he could no longer put it in his mouth. Chai was sent home with to be observed overnight for any changes.

By the following morning Chia’s tongue had swollen even more. After several days, insertion of a feeding tube and tremendous pain, suffering and expense his tongue had to be amputated.

Apparently this was not the first dog to be a victim of the pimple ball. According to the company, no more pimple balls are being shipped and they are trying to correct the problem.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health updates for your dog and cat.

Veterinarian and author, Dr. Carol Osborne, D.V.M. is available for personal pet consultations toll free at 1-866-372-2765.

Four Paws is not related to or associated with PAAWS Pet Vitamins in any way.

Rabies still considered disease of epidemic proportions across most of the world!

Chagrin Falls, Ohio; September 2, 2008- It’s a disease that can frighten people by simply mentioning the name. Rabies! Hearing that word causes many people to envision Cujo, teeth bared, foaming at the mouth and ready to lunge. Modern medicine may have beaten back this killer, but rabies is still out there, waiting for its moment to strike!

Moldy food in your trash may contain fungal toxins that can make pets very ill and in some cases has a fatal outcome.

Chagrin Falls, Ohio; August 22, 2008-Beyond the dangers of chicken bones and other inedible items, there is another good reason to keep your pet away from the garbage. Some moldy foods can contain a fungal toxin referred to as a mycotoxin that can cause nerve disorders and muscle tremors in dogs and cats.

These mycotoxins can cause weakness in dogs and cats, muscle tremors or even convulsions, which may last for several days. Specifically, Neurotoxin Penitrem A and Roquefortine C have been food in moldy foods, especially grains and nuts. Walnuts, almonds, and pecans have all been associated with these mycotoxins.

Signs usually occur quickly and may include drooling, panting, restlessness and mild incoordination. The severity of the symptoms is correlated directly with the amount of moldy food your pet eats. If your dog and or cat has ingested a large amount of moldy food and muscle tremors occur, without prompt treatment the result can be fatal.

If your dog and/or cat shows any of the above mentioned signs and has a history of scavenging the trash, you should call your veterinarian immediately.

Treatment consists of inducing vomiting and giving activated charcoal through a stomach tube to help to minimize absorption of the toxin.

Medications are usually effective to control the muscle tremors and seizures and with good supportive care and early aggressive treatment, the prognosis is good.

Veterinarian, Dr. Carol Osborne, D.V.M. offers these tips as preventative measures owners can take to ensure their pets safety and avoid moldy food.

• Use up all of your dogs and cats food stored in a given container before adding new food. Pouring a new bag of food on top of left over older food opens the door for mold growth and heath related issues.

• Rotate foods so that you are always using the food in order of expiration dates.

• Clean areas around bird and squirrel feeders. Avoid letting your pet into areas where birds are fed and where pigeons roost as their feces make an ideal site for fungal growth and mold. Not only are the feces attractive for pets to ingest but the spores generated from the moldy feces aerosolize and are easily inhaled by humans. People can encounter very serious health problems as a result. The high percentage of seeds in bird food allows for mold to grow quickly, especially when it is lying on moist ground.

• Avoid throwing moldy bread and bread products to birds…dogs and cats are often inclined to enjoy it.

• Keep trash containers out of your pet’s access and be sure they are safely secured with pet proof lids.

• If you don’t feel a particular food is safe for you to eat, it isn’t safe for your pet either!

Bookmark http://www.carolonpets.com as your source for up-to-date and accurate pet health news and information. Veterinarian and author, Dr. Carol Osborne, D.V.M. is available for consultation toll free at 1-866-372-2765

Chagrin Falls; Ohio-August 20, 2008 Anthrax has been reported as the cause of death in a bull and several bison from a herd on a ranch near Ted Turner’s Flying D Ranch.

Three weeks ago, the outbreak began and since then no further cases of anthrax have been reported outside of Turner’s Flying D Ranch.

To date, 257 bison have also died due to the naturally occurring anthrax on Turner’s ranch and, the number of bison deaths per day has been steadily falling for the past nine days, according to officials at state Department of Livestock. Gallatin County Commissioners have announced that they will reopen Spanish Creek Road Friday evening. Officials warn that the area will remain under livestock quarantine.

People traveling on Spanish Creek Road should keep pets inside vehicles and horses should not be unloaded until travelers reach the U.S. Forest Service campgrounds. The area will remain under livestock quarantine for 42 days after the last death attributed to anthrax.

Anthrax of this type is naturally occurring and can lie dormant in the soil for decades before it becomes active under certain weather conditions like heavy rains followed by drought. Unfortunately there is no way of knowing when or where the disease will pop up in the future.

Efforts to limit the outbreak has been a cooperation of a number of agencies and the Flying D Ranch went to extraordinary measures to get the anthrax contained, according to the Department of Livestock.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest news and information to keep your dogs and cats healthy. Veterinarian and author, Dr. Carol Osborne, D.V.M. is available for consultation toll free at 1-866-372-2765.

Another Pet Food Recall? In Southern California this past week, Pedigree recalled dry dog food due to Salmonella contamination. Although this recall appears to be small and contained, owners question Pet Food Safety and Mars Pet care

August 16, 2008 Chagrin Falls, Ohio – Just when pet owners hoped to be able to trust commercial pet foods on the shelf, Pedigree pet food sent to Albertsons and Costco stores is being recalled because of contamination with Salmonella, the California Department of Public Health said Tuesday.
Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites is the specific line being recalled.

Last week, the pet food contaminated with salmonella was shipped to a Pedigree facility in Tracy, Calif., and used in the production of several bags of dry dog food.

20-pound bags of tainted pet food were shipped to Albertsons supermarkets in Southern California and 52-pound bags were sent to Costco stores statewide.

The code for the contaminated dog food sold at Albertsons is 830BFCAT02. The food sold at Costco has lot numbers of 831BFCAT02 and 830DFCAT02. Both have “best by” dates of 7/2009.
Mars said pet owners should dispose of the product in a secure container and return the empty bag to the store where it was purchased for a refund.

Salmonella is a contagious bacteria that causes serious to fatal abdominal illness, with signs including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and explosive diarrhea, in both people and pets.
People who do not adequately wash their hands after handling the contaminated pet food are also at risk of contracting the disease.

Pets that show no obvious signs of illness can still spread the disease to other animals and people. Owners whose pets have eaten any of the recalled food should contact their veterinarian.
Details of the pedigree dog food recall are available by calling (877) 568-4463 or logging onto the Mars web site www.petcare.mars.com.

Bookmark veterinarian Dr. Carol Osborne and www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news for your dog and cat. Dr. Carol is available for consultation toll free at 1-866-372-2765.

I am pleased to announce that PAAWS: Pet Anti-Aging Wellness Center, founded by veterinarian and author, Dr. Carol Osborne, D.V.M. has been selected for the 2008 Best of Chagrin Falls Award in the Veterinarians category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

In recognition of your achievement, a 2008 Best of Chagrin Falls, Ohio Award plaque has been designed for display at your place of business. The USLBA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country.

Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Sincerely,
Ashley Carter
Selection Committee Chair
U.S. Local Business Association

Training a puppy can result in a well-mannered pet. It can also mean the difference between life and death. Ten million dogs are euthanized each year because of bad behavior, it’s the number-one reason pet owners put their dogs to sleep. In addition, one million people, over half children under 12, are treated for dog bites each year. Aggressive behavior must be addressed immediately; the longer it continues, the harder it is to change.

Learn to recognize the early warning signs of aggression by reading your dog’s body language. Aggressive threats can be made offensively or defensively. Aggressive dogs making offensive threats use body language that makes them appear larger and more intimidating.

• Tail up.
• Ears up.
• Stiff straight-legged stance.
• Hairs on back stand up.
• Lips retracted – “smiling”.
• Move toward victim or lean on victim.
• Make direct eye contact.

WHY DOGS ARE AGGRESSIVE

· Aggression is the most common behavioral problem in the country. The most common types of aggression involve dominance, fear and possession. Territory, pain, food, play and protection are other types of aggression. Most dogs have two or more forms of aggression. The average number is four. The record is nine. Learning to recognize early warning signs along with prompt behavioral intervention won’t eliminate aggressive problems completely but usually diminishes them significantly. Most cases of aggression can’t be cured but can be controlled. Therapy is geared to gradually desensitize the dog to the specific situations that cause him to react aggressively. Specific treatment protocols depend on the individual case.

• Dominance aggression is the most common type of aggression in dogs. It usually develops when dogs are socially mature between 18 and 24 months of age. These dogs challenge and threaten people to gain control by staring, barking or growling when they are given a command. They might grow or bite if disturbed while sleeping and like to get the last word in when corrected verbally. Intervention involves teaching the dog to yield to the owner for everything he or she wants. For example, learning to sit

and stay for all affection, food, play and grooming. The dog must learn to take all his “cues” from the owner.

• Food related aggression is relatively common and is often a precursor of dominance aggression. All pups seven weeks of age and older should be taught to sit and stay. Use physical affection, verbal praise or food as the reward. Practice making your puppy sit and wait to be fed. When he’s done eating, take his bowl away. At the first sign of any aggression use a firm “No”. Remove your puppy from the area and remove the food. Your puppy must then earn his or her food back by sitting and staying. Sitting and staying are natural behaviors that correspond to lower positions in a dog’s social hierarchy. In this situation they act as a “time out” and train the dog that the owner is the leader and deserves the deferential behavior. The pup must take all his cues as to the appropriateness of his behavior from the owner.

WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO

• Aggressive behavior can result from medical or psychological disorders. First, see your veterinarian. An abscess tooth, infected ear, or arthritic hip cause pain which makes dogs irritable. Hormonal and neurological problems also influence behavior. A thorough work-up including a physical exam and lab tests will rule out most medical causes responsible for

aggression. You will then be referred to a veterinary behaviorist. They are best suited to deal with psychological disorders since mishandled aggression is potentially dangerous.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Before you buy a dog, there are a few things to keep in mind. Be responsible and don’t buy on impulse. Be honest with yourself about the amount of time and work you’re willing and able to put into a dog.
• A dog is a 15- to 20-year emotional commitment. A little extra time and planning will help make this a positive, rewarding experience for both of you.
• If you have children, choose the breed of dog carefully, temperament is the most important consideration when it comes to kids. Try to match the personality of the dog with the personality and lifestyle of yourself and your family. Don’t choose the most aggressive puppy or the most timid one in the litter. Look at the whole litter, see how they act, and take to your heart the puppy that takes you to his. Once you pick out your puppy, then it’s time to begin socialization and training.
• Obedience training and puppy kindergarten help people get to know their pets and teach both how to interact appropriately with each other. Dogs

also learn how to interact properly with other dogs, which can be very important for dogs those isolated from other dogs. These classes also help owners recognize early signs of possible behavioral problems by teaching them about normal variations and responses in their dog’s behavior during training. Most dogs with behavioral problems are not just misbehaving. They are not normal. Expecting “normal” responses by intensifying corrections in these cases is potentially dangerous for the pet and the owner. Behavioral Specialists are best qualified to work with these cases. Eighty-five percent of aggressive animals improve with appropriate treatment. An accurate diagnosis and client understanding of canine behavior are both critical factors necessary for treatment success.

© DR. CAROL’S TIP

Aggressive dogs making defensive threats assume fearful postures to protect themselves:

• Tail down.
• Ears down or back.
• Eyes dilated.
• Hairs on back may or may not stand up.
• Crouched position – lean away from threat.

• Stand still or move away from threat.
• Avoid eye contact.

Many dogs assume offensive and defensive body postures in a given situation.

© 2008, DR. CAROL, D.V.M.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

New Birth Control Options for Dog & Cat Owners

Technology now offers dog owners a viable new option to neutering their male canine companions in case they may want to breed their dog later in life. A removable implant that stops testosterone and sperm production for months at a time in male dogs.

This new alternative doesn’t require the removal of your dog’s testicles.

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