http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/rss en http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/aobrien/2013/may/urinary-stones-in-goats-and-small-ruminants  

Whoever was in charge of the design of a male small ruminant’s lower urinary tract should be fired. Firstly, the shear length of the male goat’s urethra is enough to increase risk of blockage. Secondly, there is an incredible hairpin turn in the urethra after leaving the kidneys, a prime location for things to get stuck. Thirdly, a little something called the urethral process is a popular hang out for stones (more on that later). Fourthly, castration prior to the onset of puberty (which is usually the case in goats and sheep) prevents dilation of the urethra to its full mature diameter. All of these aspects of the male small ruminant anatomy set them up for collecting urinary stones.

What, then, so readily causes urinary stones in small ruminants?

Dietary imbalance is the most common cause of urinary stones in goats and sheep. Too much grain and too little roughage, such as grass and hay, throw minerals such as calcium and phosphorous way out of whack and they begin to coalesce as sludge in the urine, a sludge that then binds together to form stones, in some cases like that way an oyster builds a pearl. Unfortunately, since many sheep and goats are raised for meat in the U.S., most young stock are fed high concentrate diets to quickly fatten up.

The hallmark sign of a “blocked” goat or sheep is straining. However, this often appears to the owner as constipation. Large animal vets learn very quickly that an ER call concerning a constipated male sheep or goat is actually an animal with urinary stones.

The first step in helping these animals is examination and then amputation of the urethral process. The urethral process is an anatomical structure unique to small ruminants. It is quite literally the end of the urethra that sticks out beyond the penis — again, whoever designed these creatures at least deserves a demotion. The trouble with the urethral process is that it is narrow and therefore a very common place for obstruction. A blockage at this point in the urinary tract causes the urethral process to appear dark in color and swollen.

After sedation and local anesthesia, the urethral process should be removed. If the animal is lucky, this removes the source of the obstruction and urine flow is restored. My first case of urinary obstruction happened this way and will forever be etched in my mind because when I confirmed urine flow after amputation, I got a strong stream of goat urine right in my eye! (I’ve learned to point things AWAY from my eyes since then.)

If urine flow is not restored, then things look bleaker. This means the obstruction is higher up, such as in the hairpin turn I mentioned earlier, or even in the bladder. There are a few surgical options, but none are really permanent fixes. They each have complications and management issues. Oftentimes, if we can’t restore flow after urethral process amputation, euthanasia becomes the only real humane option.

Prevention is extremely important for urinary calculi in small ruminants. For farmers feeding livestock on high grain diets, I stress the importance of obtaining a proper balance of calcium and phosphorous and encourage adding a urine acidifier such as ammonium chloride to help prevent the formation of stones. On a visit to a new goat or sheep owner, I try to remember to show them my tube of urinary calculi to impress upon them the important of prevention.
 
 

Dr. Ann O’Brien
 
 
Image: Dudarev Mikhail / via Shutterstock
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/aobrien/2013/may/urinary-stones-in-goats-and-small-ruminants#comments TheDailyVet Fri, 24 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000 30296 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/ktudor/2013/may/consumer-pressure-changing-livestock-production
 
Cattle Production Standards
 
Dr. Temple Grandin, the pioneer in humane handling and slaughter practices, observes that “when livestock are brought to a slaughter plant today, they are less agitated, less often shocked with prods, and more likely to have a humane death than they were prior to the late 1990s.”

Much of this is owing to Dr. Grandin’s revolutionary designs in cattle handling and processing equipment. If you have not seen the movie Temple Grandin I urge all of you to do so. Through her kinship with the emotions of livestock she was able to meet the challenges of her own autism while adjusting to college life, later translating that into designs and techniques for handling cattle and other livestock. Her insights are the theory behind the popular pet clothing designed for decreasing anxious and fear behavior in pets.

As the author of the animal welfare standards for the Meat Institute Foundation, Dr. Grandin feels meatpacking plants are meeting humane standards. These plants still face challenges from livestock producers that ship old, lame or cattle unaccustomed to close human contact. Often the stress of shipping compounds the “wild fear” these animals already have. But she notes that just as large retailers, responding to their customers, have pressured positive changes in meatpacking practices, the meat packers are applying pressure to improve conditions at their suppliers’ farms.

Dr. Jennifer Walker, the director of dairy stewardship at Dean Foods, is working on the development of a welfare program for dairy cows that could be used throughout the dairy industry. The concept is to set the bar much higher for the standards of conditions so that producers who do not comply may find limited markets for their products, and will view compliance as a major brand move to protect their reputation among consumers.

The National Milk Producers Federation has recently implemented the Farmers Assuring Management Program. Its goal is to provide a data bank of dairy practices to stimulate improvements that can translate to quality assurance for product retailers. Presently 70 percent of the milk produced in the U.S. comes from dairies participating in this program.
 
Pork Production Standards
 
The National Pork Board’s director of animal welfare, Sherrie Niekamp, indicates that the major pork meatpackers are requiring swine producers to participate in the Pork Quality Assurance Plus certification program. The program requires on-site evaluations to identify needed improvements and compare quality with the program’s expectations.

As an example, this program has “shown farm employees that they can move swine through barns and onto trucks more quickly and without electrical prods by changing the lighting and bringing five or six at a time rather than 20.”
 
Poultry Production Standards
 
The United Egg Producer Certified program has “made a major difference in the housing and welfare of birds,” said Gene Gregory, former president and CEO of the United Egg Producers. With the endorsement of restaurant and grocery trade organizations, 85 percent of eggs produced in the U.S. come from participating farms. Many of these producers are proud of their accomplishments and would not revert to old practices even if program guidelines were rolled back. Many producers have installed conveyor belts to catch manure and prevent in from falling on birds below. It also improves air quality for the birds and workers.

Veterinarians have known for some time that practices that promote greater welfare for livestock will improve their health and productivity. The increased cost of production was always the balking point from producers. Now that consumers have shown they are willing to pay for these higher costs in order to ensure the humane treatment of their food, meatpackers and producers are less resistant to change and are in fact leading the way. There is still much work to be done but this carnivore is pleased with the winds of change.
 
 

Dr. Ken Tudor
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/ktudor/2013/may/consumer-pressure-changing-livestock-production#comments TheDailyVet Thu, 23 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000 30300 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/jintile/2013/may/veterinary-medical-jargon-explained
Here are some basic definitions of the more common oncology terms as a resource for owners who may be puzzled by the words we use on a daily basis.

 
Cytology
 
Typically we obtain cytology samples when we perform what are known as fine needle aspirates. Fine needle aspirates are when we introduce a small needle (generally the same size as used to administer a vaccine or draw a blood sample) into a tumor and then try and extract cells. The material is usually dispersed on to a slide, and generally always submitted for analysis by a clinical pathologist.

Fine needle aspirates are quick, relatively non-invasive tests we do routinely as a means to obtain rapid results as to the cause of a tumor or to investigate whether an organ or structure is showing evidence of tumor spread. The major con to cytology is the samples obtained are usually small, and may not represent the entire tumor, so it’s possible to have a non-diagnostic sample, or even completely miss a diagnosis of cancer.
 
Biopsy
 
Biopsy samples are obtained in two main ways: incisional biopsy or excisional biopsy.

Incisional biopsies are when small pieces of tissue are removed from a larger tumor, with the intent to try and characterize the mass prior to more definitive treatment.

Excisional biopsies involve the removal of the entire tumor, or affected organ or structure.

It is often more valuable to take an incisional biopsy first, even if this means two separate anesthesia or sedation procedures, and slightly increased cost. This is because a great deal of information can be obtained from an incisional biopsy that is used to plan the more definitive surgery.

Several studies have proven performing a pre-treatment incisional biopsy is beneficial for outcome for pets. Biopsies, therefore, are considered the “gold standard” diagnostic tool for most cancers.
 
Stage
 
Stage refers to where in the body to we find evidence of cancer. Most human tumor types have specific staging schemes, and we have applied these same outlines to our veterinary patients. In order to assign a particular stage to a tumor, the pet would have to undergo all of the required staging tests.

For example, dogs with lymphoma can be assigned to one of five possible stages, but only if all the required tests are performed, including labwork, imaging tests of the chest and abdomen, bone marrow sampling, and lymph node biopsy with immunophenotyping. The stage of cancer is important because it can dictate treatment options, prognosis, and also allows owners and veterinarians to literally know everything about the pets from nose to tail.
 
Grade
 
Grade is a specific term used to describe biopsy features related to a tumor. Grade can only be determined when a biopsy has been performed on a tumor. This means grade cannot be determined via cytology samples.

Tumors are typically designed as either high-grade or low-grade. Not all tumors have a specific grading scheme, but for those that do, it’s very important the pathologist assign a grade when they write a biopsy report. This information is one of the main features I will use to make therapeutic recommendations.
 
Aggressive
 
Aggressive is a term used by oncologists to describe tumors that are either 1) extremely difficult to remove surgically, 2) highly likely to spread throughout the body, or 3) both.

You may think this term would apply to all cancers, but we do know that some tumors, or subtypes of tumors, do not behave aggressively if diagnosed early or found at an early stage.
 
Remission
 
Remission typically refers to a description of cancer where we know it still exists in the pet’s body, but all the cancer cells are below the level we can detect it with any available test. Remission does not equal cure, but still represents successful treatment because the disease burden in the animal’s body is reduced well below the level at which we would expect to cause illness or signs. We usually refer to remission when we describe the treatment of blood-borne cancers, such as lymphoma, leukemia, mast cell tumors, histiocytic tumors, etc.
 
Median Survival Time
 
The median survival time is usually the best measure I can give owners when they ask me how long their pet is expected to live with or without a particular treatment. Median typically refers to “the middle”, so when we talk about this statistic we usually mean 50% of pets live shorter than that number and 50% live longer. It’s not technically the same thing as an “average” survival time, as the median survival places less emphasis on the “outliers” – pets who succumb very quickly or live a very long time after diagnosis.

Of course, we always hope the outcome will be more favorable than the “average”, as generally there is nothing average about any of our patients!
 
Cure
 
As morbid as it may sound, I consider an animal cured of their cancer should they pass away from a process other than their tumor, and at the time they pass away, their tumor can no longer be detected in their body. I often use the word “control” rather than “cure” when speaking to owners as I feel it better delineates my goal in treating their pet. I wish to make their pet’s cancer something they live with more as a chronic, but non-debilitating, condition.

*

I’m aware of how confusing and scary a diagnosis of cancer can be and rest assured; we are here to make this whole process a little less intimidating. I would rather be asked the same question repeatedly than feel as though an owner left not understanding what was happening to their pet.

The words may be unfamiliar, but I guarantee you, we are all speaking the same language. Except usually one of us is just wearing a fancier white coat.
 
 

Dr. Joanne Intile
 
 
Image: deamles / via Shutterstock
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/jintile/2013/may/veterinary-medical-jargon-explained#comments TheDailyVet Wed, 22 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000 30305 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/pmahaney/2013/may/dog-bite-prevention-five-tips-for-preventing-bites  

According to the AVMA Dog Bite Prevention webpage:
 

4.7 million people the U.S. are bitten by dogs on an annual basis

800,000 Americans receive medical attention for dog bites each year

Children are most commonly bitten, as 400,000 receive medical attention every year (senior citizens are in second place)

Dog bites to children most commonly occur with familiar dogs engaging in everyday activities

 
Dog bites can have tragic consequences, including severe injury or death. They can also be costly and lead to a dog’s banishment from its city of residence, as we all learned in the tragic tale involving celebrity DJ Samantha Ronson’s dog Cadillac (see Settlement Reached in Dog Death Lawsuit Brought Against DJ Samantha Ronson on Pet360).

When it comes down to it, dog bite awareness and prevention shouldn’t be merely a week-long endeavor, but a daily practice undertaken by all pet owners. Additionally, striving to prevent dog bites is a much better wellness practice for all parties involved than managing the post-bite trauma.

Here are my top five dog bite prevention tips:
 
Proper Socialization and Training
 
Get your dog used to being around others of his kind by promoting consistent and positive socialization with other animals. If you are training a puppy or acclimating a new adult rescue pooch to your household and lifestyle, focus on training from a positive perspective as soon as you become the primary care provider.

Teaching the basic commands “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and others can help strengthen the canine-human bond and increase the likelihood that your pooch will respond favorably to interactions with other people.

If you aren’t confident with your technique or if your message is coming across as less than authoritative, then seek guidance from a trainer, veterinarian, or veterinary behavior specialist via the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists website.
 
Leash Restraint
 
Always keep your dog on a short leash in public spaces. Avoid using an extendable lead, which doesn’t allow for the same degree of control as a non-extending leash does, which keeps your dog’s movement to the limited area that you allow.
 
Know Your Friends and Be Wary of Potential Foes
 
Do not permit your dog to approach another dog with whom you are not familiar. Besides the concern for a bite, scratch, or other trauma, the owners of canine companions need to be aware that other diseases (ocular, oral, respiratory tract and other viruses, bacteria, etc.) can potentially transmit from nose to nose or mouth to anus (i.e., “fecal-oral transmission”) contact.
 
Avoid Potentially Stressful and Harmful Situations
 
If your dog is socially-challenged, consider skipping the dog park all together. Any place where dogs congregate is a location where canine stress levels are high and normal behaviors are cast aside for more primordial patterns of aggression, anxiety, and a seemingly reduced capacity to pay attention to an owner's commands.

A brief and seemingly safe interaction between two dogs can go quickly awry. What once appeared as a friendly meeting can escalate into a blood-shedding fight at a moment’s notice.
 
Consider the Costs of Bite Wound Treatment
 
You may be thinking “the first four recommendations sound great, but my dog is perfect and would never get into a fight with another animal.” On more occasions than I can recall, I’ve heard my clients say such things while sitting in the examination room and seeking treatment for a bite wound their dog received or inflicted.

The average cost associated with treating a dog bite on an emergency basis can vary from hundreds to thousands of dollars and is typically relative to the amount of damage received (or inflicted). That is, the more serious the dog bite, the more expensive the veterinary bill.

The degree of damage incurred is never fully visible to the naked eye at the surface of the skin. Therefore, it is often necessary to sedate or anesthetize an animal, open up the bite wound, assess and repair the damage underneath the skin's surface, then surgically close the site with a drain (a rubber penrose drain provides an exit for bodily fluids that collect as a result of the crushing injury associated with a bite-related trauma).

Always take preventative measures to ensure that your pooch will not be the instigator or the recipient of a dog bite. What do you do to help prevent dog bite trauma to or by your companion canine?
 
 

Dr. Patrick Mahaney
 
 
Image: dogboxstudio / via Shutterstock
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/pmahaney/2013/may/dog-bite-prevention-five-tips-for-preventing-bites#comments TheDailyVet Tue, 21 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000 30299 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/lhuston/2013/may/five-common-litter-box-mistakes
 

Not using the right litter. The litter used in the box is a critical choice and many cats are quite particular about the type of litter preferred. Ideally, a litter without a strong scent is preferred. Litters scented with perfumes and other strong fragrances are produced more for the benefit of our noses rather than that of our cats. Cats are very sensitive to odors. Strong fragrances and/or perfumes associated with the box may be enough to drive your cat away from the box. In addition, some cats have preferences as to the texture of the litter as well. You may need to experiment with different litters to find one that your cat likes.

Not keeping the litter box clean enough. Cats are fastidious creatures. Most object to using a soiled litter box and some cats will refuse all together. Scooping the box will be necessary at least once daily, sometimes more often depending on your individual cat and his habits. Emptying, cleaning the box completely, and replacing all soiled litter with fresh litter should be performed at least once weekly.

Locating the litter box in the wrong location. Your cat needs privacy when using the litter box. Locate your cat’s box in a quiet location, away from any noisy machinery (washing machines, dryers, etc.) that could frighten your cat while in the box. The box should also be in a location where your cat can use the box undisturbed. This may mean placing the litter box in an area where small children and dogs are not allowed. The box should also be easy for your cat to access. Your cat should not have to travel long distances to get to the box. For instance, if you live in a three story home, the only box your cat has access to should not be located in the attic or cellar.

Not using the right litter box. Your cat will appreciate a litter box big enough to stand and do his business in without being crowded or hanging over the edge. If given the choice, the majority of cats prefer a large box to a smaller one. The height of the litter box can be a concern for senior cats with mobility issues due to arthritis or other painful conditions too. These cats will likely appreciate a box with lower sides to make entering and exiting the box easier. Hoods covering the litter box are also problematic for many cats. Though hoods do create privacy, they also create a dark and perhaps worrisome environment with only one way in or out for your cat. In addition, hoods tend to trap odors that your cat might find objectionable. A hooded litter box may simply be an invitation for your cat to find a different and perhaps undesirable place to pee and poop.

Not having enough litter boxes. In a multicat household, you need to provide enough litter boxes to satisfy the needs of all cats. Many cats do not like to share a litter box. Some cats even prefer to pee in one box and poop in another. In a home with more than one cat, there should be at least one litter box for each cat plus one extra.

 
Though all cats need veterinary care on a regular basis, a cat that suddenly starts urinating or defecating outside of the litter box should prompt an immediate consultation with your veterinarian. A number of health issues can result in litter box issues and these conditions should be ruled out before assuming that the problem is behavioral in origin.
 
 

Dr. Lorie Huston
 
 
Image: Tom Thai / via Flickr
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/lhuston/2013/may/five-common-litter-box-mistakes#comments TheDailyVet Mon, 20 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000 30297 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/aobrien/2013/may/large-animal-oncology-cancer-in-horses
Skin cancers of various types are the most common cancers I encounter in horses. This is most likely due to the fact that I can see these types of tumors. Unlike in small animal medicine, where the patient is small enough to take X-rays or abdominal ultrasounds when a mass is palpated in the belly, it is impossible to obtain a meaningful X-ray on a horse abdomen due to their size. Also, abdominal masses in horses can only be palpated via rectal palpation and one’s arm can only reach so far.Treatment of equine skin cancer depends on the type of cancer. Sarcoids, a type of local but sometimes locally invasive skin cancer, are frequently left alone — a term called “benign neglect.” This is because any type of trauma, surgical or otherwise, often aggravates these tumors, stimulating them to grow larger. Squamous cell carcinoma, on the other hand, can be surgically removed and this is often curative.Melanoma is seen most frequently in gray horses. Depending on how extensive the mass is, melanoma may be left alone and monitored, or it may be removed. Cryotherapy is sometimes the treatment of choice for this cancer.Aside from various skin cancers, the other fairly common cancer in equines, much like in cattle, is lymphosarcoma. However, unlike cattle, where a majority of lymphosarcoma cases are caused by bovine leukemia virus, equine lymphosarcoma is a spontaneous event, meaning not caused by an infectious agent.Equine lymphosarcoma, like in bovines and any other species, is tricky. Originating in lymph tissue that can be located in any part of the body, this cancer is sometimes not obvious to find. Sure, an animal with huge lymph nodes is fairly straightforward, but more often, a horse with lymphosarcoma may only be diagnosed on the necropsy floor — obviously too late to help the animal. At necropsy, we will sometimes find an intestine totally coated with lymphosarcoma, explaining the profuse diarrhea the horse was suffering from. Or we’ll find a mass impinging on a nerve, explaining the lameness we were seeing. Lymphosarcoma can be a jack-of-all-trades, and unfortunately a master in lethality because of it.Treating internal cancer like lymphosarcoma in large animals is different than in small animals. The chemotherapeutic agents used in small animals (and in humans) are extremely expensive and dangerous to those administering them. Add in the size of a horse and the amount of chemotherapy required for treatment, plus the containment issues, and you have an expensive, logistically challenging treatment regimen. This isn’t to say that a horse diagnosed with cancer doesn’t have options. If the owner has the financial abilities, referral to an equine clinic, usually associated with a vet school, may offer hope of remission, depending on what type of cancer it is.I would wager that many equine cancers are under-represented because they are simply not diagnosed. This being said, I always have to remind myself when I encounter a mystifying case to include cancer on my list of differential diagnoses. It’s easy to forget about when we’re not looking.    Dr. Anna O’Brien    Image: Vaclav Volrab / via Shutterstock ]]> http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/aobrien/2013/may/large-animal-oncology-cancer-in-horses#comments TheDailyVet Fri, 17 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000 30284 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/ktudor/2013/may/supplementing-commercial-pet-foods-with-people-food  

For the past three weeks I have manned a booth at a major pet expo and at other minor pet events. I had an opportunity to chat with people about the feeding habits of their dogs. These conversations suggested that the research survey above may have underestimated the amount of human food being added to the average canine diet. Almost all of the over 200 people we talked with added meats, vegetables, and carbohydrates to their dogs’ kibble.
 
Why Dog Owners Supplement With Human Food
 
Many reasons for supplementing kibble were cited. Some added ingredients thought to be beneficial for specific health problems. Others supplemented based on their beliefs of nutritional or health benefits of specific ingredients or types of food. The common theme was that owners doubted the quality of commercial food and felt that any addition of wholesome, human food added quality that was missing from the regular diet. And they are correct to be wary.

The history of commercial pet food parallels the economic prosperity of America following World War II. New wealth creation and population growth meant supermarkets chains replaced country or corner markets. Processed foods became the norm, not the exception. All of these changes created massive amounts of agricultural waste from slaughterhouses, grain mills and processing plants. This waste provides inexpensive ingredients that can be used in pet food. These are not quality ingredients, but they are adequate and readily available. This is why pet food is less expensive than human food. If your dog’s lamb and rice kibble was made with the same prime USDA lamb chop that you eat, you simply couldn’t afford it. If it is good enough for a human it will be sold to a human at much higher prices per pound, not put in pet food!

Despite the quality problems and some of the inherent short comings of processing commercial pet food, these foods do contain the necessary amounts of all 42 daily nutrients needed for pets. Most of the people we talked with realize that and it is the reason they continued to feed commercial food. They know that the human food they add, although wholesome, is not nutritionally complete, and think the commercial pet food supplies the adequate quantity of necessary nutrients to their dogs. Unfortunately, supplementing commercial food with human food has two possible undesirable outcomes: malnutrition or obesity.
 
Why Human Food Upsets a Dog’s Health
 
Commercial pet food is formulated based on calorie ingestion. In order to receive the necessary amounts of the 42 essential nutrients a pet must consume the label’s directed calories (cups or cans). By supplementing with human food and decreasing the amount of commercial food, pets will meet their calorie requirements before completing their nutrient requirements. Human food alone cannot provide those nutrients. Because the feeding programs vary from owner to owner there is no one veterinary vitamin/mineral supplement that will be adequate for every pet.

Adding meat also adds excess phosphorus without calcium and upsets that delicate balance. Vegetables and carbohydrates add precious little in the way of vitamins and minerals unless provided in quantities that would add so much bulk to a diet that it would alter feeding behavior. Although well intentioned, this feeding program will result in long term nutrient deficiencies.

The alternative of feeding the prescribed amount of commercial pet food and then adding human food to the dog’s diet results in excess calories. We all know where that leads.

That was the interest of the study cited above.
 
The Alternative to Feeding Human Foods to Dogs
 
Before you feed human foods to your dog, seek advice from a veterinarian who is board certified in nutrition, or a veterinarian with both nutritional training and familiarity with USDA food databases and NRC and AAFCO standards. Work together to formulate a complete and balanced human food alternative. That way every bite your pet takes, human or commercial, is nutritionally adequate. It also makes calorie control easier so that excess weight gain can be avoided.

Or better yet, with the same help from a veterinary nutritionist, formulate an entire complete and balanced homemade diet so there is no need to add any commercial pet food. That way there is no doubt about the quality of the ingredients; you control it.
 
 

Dr. Ken Tudor
 
 
Image: Ed Schipul / via Flickr
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/ktudor/2013/may/supplementing-commercial-pet-foods-with-people-food#comments TheDailyVet Thu, 16 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000 30283 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/jintile/2013/may/conversations-with-pet-owners-in-the-vet-office  

Here are the top three I encountered last week, in no particular order:
 

“I don’t know how you do what you do for a living. It must be so depressing.”

Yes — I get it. I work with animals diagnosed with cancer. It’s true, my days are not filled with rainbows, confetti, or smiling unicorns, but I would venture to guess that neither are those of 99.9% of the working population of the world.

Those of us who dedicate our lives towards diagnosing and treating cancer in animals know how serious our jobs are. We never deny mortality but we also do not dwell on the negatives. Our goals are to help our patients live longer lives, with minimal impact on their quality of life.

I became a veterinarian because I love animals and want to help them. I became a veterinary oncologist because managing cancer cases stimulates and intrigues my mind. I’m not here to torture animals, or make them sick, and I certainly respect their well being far more than I’m given credit for.

Even if my arguments do not seem clear, I would urge you to not use words like “depressing,” “horrible,” or “sad” to describe my chosen career. My best friend works in retail, and the stories she tells me about her daily interactions with people seem alarmingly more miserable than what I encounter in even a given month of work.

What to say instead: “I’ve never heard of that profession — can you tell me a little more about what you do?”

“Thanks for all of that wonderful information about cancer. I’m going to talk things over with our breeder/rescue organization to hear their opinion.”

I know this will likely spark a great deal of controversy, but if your breeder/rescue organization/shelter manager/etc. did not graduate from veterinary school and does not possess a license to practice veterinary medicine, it is completely illegal for them to give medical advice. The goal of breeding pets is to maintain or produce specific desirable qualities and characteristics within the offspring. However, this does not mean your breeder knows more about the anatomy and physiology of your pet than a veterinarian.

It’s frustrating to hear an owner say their breeder said it isn’t a good idea to pursue surgery/radiation therapy/chemotherapy for their particular breed of dog because “they don’t tolerate it well,” or because “they know the treatment will be too hard” on that particular breed.

Perhaps the worst scenario occurs when a breeder suggests the diagnosis is incorrect because “they have never had a problem with cancer in their lines before.” Likewise, those who work in rescue organizations, though dedicated to their breed of choice, do not possess the medical knowledge or specialization to make decisions regarding the healthcare of animals.

I always encourage owners to discuss their pets’ diagnosis with their breeders or rescue organizations. I feel respectable breeders would want to know about any adverse health issues related to their puppies/kittens and would understand we never place the blame on them for the outcome of a particular animal. It’s completely inappropriate, however, for owners to discuss treatment recommendations with non-medically trained individuals who prey upon the emotional aspects of a diagnosis of cancer.

What to say instead: “Do you think my breeder would want to know about Fluffy’s diagnosis? Would you be willing to talk to him/her about what’s going on with him/her?”

At the conclusion of an hour plus long consultation: “This is all great information. Would you mind calling my husband/wife/mom/dad/etc. now to go over everything once more?”

During a consult, I discuss a tremendous amount of information. I recognize that the breadth and depth of the material presented can be overwhelming, and I know the pets I’m working with are integral parts of large families, and multiple individuals will want to have input into their care.

I also recognize it is difficult for every family member to make time in their schedule to come to a consult. However, based on how my appointments are arranged, it is impossible for me to go over every piece of information covered during an initial consult twice in the same day, back to back.

What to say instead: “Would it be OK if we put my husband/wife/mom/dad on speakerphone during this appointment so they can listen in?” or, “Would it be OK if my husband/wife/mom/dad read through the summary you’ve provided and give you a call if they have any additional questions?”

 
It feels good to vent these frustrations in written form, and it’s a bit cathartic to recognize the irritating things that obstruct the flow of my day. In the end, I know my work is not depressing, I respect breeders very much, and I immensely appreciate the families surrounding my patients and all the care they provide to their pets.

I also can’t help but feel very grateful that I don’t work in retail, as I’ve heard that’s where the real “animals” are.
 
 
 
Dr. Joanne Intile
 
 
Image: Benoit Daoust / via Shutterstock
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/jintile/2013/may/conversations-with-pet-owners-in-the-vet-office#comments TheDailyVet Wed, 15 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000 30282 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/pmahaney/2013/may/California-wildfires-affect-pets-eyes-and-respiratory
Having lived in Los Angeles since 2006, I’ve witness the impact fire damage has on homes and lives on multiple occasions in the past few years. Although I’ve never been forced to leave my home, noticeable changes in the air quality (which is overall fairly good on a day to day basis, despite what everyone thinks) could seen, smelled, and felt, even in West Hollywood.
 

In locations directly downwind or adjacent to wildfires, the air takes on a charred aroma from the destruction of natural and man-made materials. Inhalation and contact with these airborne irritants can adversely affect the health of animals and people. Coarse and fine particulate matter act as inflammatory triggers in both the ocular (eye) and respiratory tracts. Additionally, chemicals derived from burning fuels, metal, plastics, and even plant material (alkaloids) can cause mild to severe toxic effects when inhaled.

The signs your pet will show post-exposure can vary from mild to severe, depending on the degree of exposure and damage incurred.
 
Ocular (eye) clinical signs include:

Bletharospasm — Squinting, which may appear like your pet is forcibly closing one or both eyes

Conjunctivitis — Inflammation of the conjunctiva (the tissue underneath the eyelid)

Ocular discharge — Discharge can appear clear, white, green, or even bloody

Pruritis — Itching in an attempt to provide relief to eye irritation causes pets to paw at the eyes or rub the face on environmental surfaces. Such trauma can exacerbate underlying eye inflammation or lead to corneal ulceration

Scleritis — Swelling of the blood vessels of the sclera (white of the eye) renders a red or bloodshot appearance

 
Respiratory clinical signs include:

Cough — Dry, or moist and productive (material being expelled), or non-productive cough can occur

Nasal Discharge — Like the eyes, nasal discharge may be clear, white, green, or even bloody

Sneezing — To remove inhaled irritants, the body will attempt to expel air to clear the nasal passages

Wheezing — Airway restriction leads to a whistle-like sound when air moves in or out of the nose or lungs

Increased respiratory rate — The chest wall can be seen moving in and out faster than normal (dog=10-30 and cat=20-30 breaths per minute, respectively)

Increased respiratory effort — Visible use of the abdominal wall muscles to aid in respiration

Orthopnea — Straightening of the neck to reduce angularity in the trachea (windpipe) and provide a more linear passage for air to reach the lungs.

 
Direct exposure to heat and smoke can have more serious health consequences. Thermal burns can affect the skin, coat, eyes, oral cavity, and respiratory tract. Traumatized pulmonary (lung) tissue loses normal functional capacity, which can lead to hypoxia (oxygen deprivation). Deficient oxygen causes clinical signs of weakness, ataxia (stumbling), subsequent syncope (fainting), and even death.

Reduce the likelihood that your pet will be exposed to allergy triggers and other health consequences from wildfires by limiting outdoor activities, keeping windows shut, using air conditioning, and referencing your local Air Quality Index (AQI) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention-Wildfires website for safety guidelines.

Should your pet have a suspected or known exposure to fire, smoke, or airborne chemicals and show any clinical signs of illness, please immediately pursue examination and treatment with your veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital.

Do you know of anyone in the Los Angeles area who was affected by the recent wildfires? Unfortunately, companion animals may be left behind, lost, or electively set free during the evacuation process. Good Samaritans encountering animals in need can seek assistance at multiple shelters, which are listed on the L.A County Online Department of Animal Care and Control’s website.
 

Wildfire haze above the legendary Chateau Marmont
 

Pyrocumulus clouds (fire clouds) above the Hollywood Hills
 
 

Dr. Patrick Mahaney
 
 
Image: Kevin Key / Via Shutterstock
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/pmahaney/2013/may/California-wildfires-affect-pets-eyes-and-respiratory#comments TheDailyVet Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000 30279 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/lhuston/2013/may/is-your-cat-in-pain-from-arthritis  

When I started practicing veterinary medicine over 20 years ago, we (the veterinary profession) believed that dogs frequently suffered from arthritis but cats rarely did. However, in the past 10-15 years, we’ve come to realize that this assumption is simply not true. We believe now that cats suffer from arthritis much more commonly than we previously realized. In fact, a 2002 study showed us that 90% of cats over 12 years of age showed evidence of arthritis on radiographs (x-rays). A more recent (2011) study revealed 61% of cats over 6 years old had arthritic changes in at least one joint while 48% had two or more affected joints.

Is arthritis under-diagnosed in cats? It’s likely that it is. Why is arthritis so difficult to spot in cats? There are probably several reasons.
 

Cats are good at hiding signs of pain and illness. Signs of arthritis in cats can be very subtle. Our cats don’t tend to limp or favor an individual leg like a dog might. It is often difficult for even the most observant cat owner to detect the pain associated with arthritis.

The only outward sign that your cat is arthritic may be a decrease in your cat’s activity level. Your cat may sleep or rest more often than previously. This is usually a gradual process. Because arthritis often involves older cats, many cat owners simply assume the change in behavior is due to age.

Arthritic cats may have difficulty jumping onto perches or other elevated areas that were favorite resting spots in the past. In an older cat, this change may also be attributed to age by many cat owners. Alternatively, a cat owner may assume that the cat is no longer jumping onto countertops and other areas because the cat has become better trained. It may never occur to the average cat owner that their cat’s behavior has changed because the cat can no longer accomplish feats of physical activity that were easily performed in the past because of the pain involved with performing them now.

We know that cats outnumber dogs as pets. Yet statistically veterinarians see fewer cats in their practices than dogs. Taking a cat to the veterinarian is often a daunting task for a cat owner. Even those pet owners that realize that their cat needs regular veterinary care (as all cats do!) may postpone or neglect the task because of the associated hassle and anxiety. Unfortunately, failure to have your cat examined by your veterinarian may mean that health issues like arthritis go undiagnosed.

 
Is there anything you can do for your cat? If your cat hasn’t been to the veterinarian recently for an examination, this is your first step. Your veterinarian can help you determine whether your cat is arthritic and can help you formulate a plan for managing pain if necessary. You can find more information about dealing with feline arthritis in this post: Living with an Arthritic Senior Cat.
 
 

Dr. Lorie Huston
 
 
Sources:

Hardie EM, Roe SC, Martin FR. Radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease in geriatric cats: 100 cases (1994-1997). J Am Vet Med Assoc2002;220:628-632.

Slingerland LI, Hazewinkel HA, Meij BP, Picavet P, Voorhout G. Cross-sectional study of the prevalence and clinical features of osteoarthritis in 100 cats. Vet J. 2011 Mar;187(3):304-9.
 
 
Image: TachePhoto / via Shutterstock
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/lhuston/2013/may/is-your-cat-in-pain-from-arthritis#comments TheDailyVet Mon, 13 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000 30277 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/aobrien/2013/may/cancer-oncology-for-large-farm-animals  

I do not encounter tumors as frequently as my small animal colleagues. The greatest reason for this is simply that many of my patients are raised for food and therefore do not live as long as companion animals. Cancer in sheep, swine, and steers raised for beef certainly would be at risk for developing cancers, but they just aren’t living long enough to find out. But what about dairy cows, some of whom stick around for years, and horses?

The most common cancers I’ve encountered in practice in dairy cows involve two types: ocular and lymphatic. Ocular cancer is usually seen in the form of squamous cell carcinoma and starts as a small growth, usually on the eyelid. However, over time, these tumors can grow large and invasive, sometimes affecting the entire eyeball itself. This condition is common enough that farmers refer to it as simply “cancer eye.” This cancer is also common in one particular beef breed: the Hereford. Cattle with white faces seem to be more prone.

Treatment for this type of cancer is removal of the tumor. If the tumor is small and does not involve the eyeball, we can easily surgically remove it. If the tumor has invaded the eye, then the eye and all affected surrounding tissue must be removed. We do enucleation procedures on the farm — a little sedation and a lot of local anesthetic is used while the cow remains standing. Cows recover extremely well after this procedure.

Lymphosarcoma is the other cancer commonly encountered in bovines. Interestingly, a cow can sporadically develop this cancer, or can contract it through infection with bovine leukemia virus, or BLV. Recent surveys of the cattle industry in the U.S. estimate about 40 percentof dairy cattle and 10percent of beef cattle are infected with this virus, which is transmitted via blood. Not all cattle with BLV will develop cancer.

Lymphosarcoma is one of the great imitators in bovine medicine. A cow with enlarged lymph nodes is a suspect, but so is the cow with chronic weight loss and high liver enzymes, or the cow with chronic diarrhea, or the cow that died suddenly. Lymph tissue is throughout the body, so lymph tumors can crop up almost anywhere, either internally or externally.

There is no cure for BLV. Likewise, a cow with lymphosarcoma doesn’t really have any treatment options. There are no chemotherapeutic treatments approved for use in cattle and even if there were, they would most likely be cost-prohibitive on many farms. Most cattle suspected to have lymphosarcoma are either shipped to slaughter before they get too sick, or are euthanized on the farm.

Next week, we’ll take a look at equine cancers.
 
 

Dr. Anna O’Brien
 
 
Image: smereka / via Shutterstock
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/aobrien/2013/may/cancer-oncology-for-large-farm-animals#comments TheDailyVet Fri, 10 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000 30273 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/ktudor/2013/may/feeding-the-large-and-giant-breed-puppy
Although genetic factors are the largest, unavoidable contributor to these problems, nutritional interventions during puppyhood can influence and help decrease the incidences of these conditions in predisposed breeds.
 

 
Conditions That Affect Large Breed Dogs
 
Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia occur due to growth speed and structure between the bones of the joint.

In hip dysplasia the head of the femur (long bone of the leg) forms incorrectly. The acetabulum, or cup of the pelvis, also forms abnormally or forms abnormally due to the poor fit of the head of the femur.
 

 
The same dynamics cause elbow dysplasia. The cup shaped end of the ulna (one of the bones of the forearm) and the spool shape at the end of the humerus (large bone of the upper arm) that fits in the ulnar cup may be malformed or grow differently so the joint does not work smoothly. Often the anconeal process and the coronoid process, which are the points of the cup, will fracture, creating floating pieces that irritate the already malformed joint.
 

2 – Aconeal Process 3 – Coronoid Process
 
The end result of both dysplasias is osteoarthritis that worsens with age.

Osteochondrosis dissecans, or OCD, is a growth defect of the bone end-plates under the slippery, articular surface cartilage of a joint. Improper growth and blood supply under this tissue results in dysfunctional articular bone development. The tissue dies and breaks off causing rough divots in the joint that cause pain and lameness. Without surgical intervention osteoarthritis can develop.
 

OCD of shoulder joint
 
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy, or HOD, affects the long bones of rapidly growing large and giant breed puppies. Inflammation and swelling of the bone beneath the growth plates in these puppies causes severe joint swelling, pain, lameness, reluctance to move, anorexia, and fever.
 

 
Panosteitis is also an inflammatory condition that affects the interior of long bones of the same group of puppies. Improper bone remodeling during the growth period affects bone blood vessels and the resulting inflammation. Joint swelling is uncommon but the symptoms include those similar to puppies affected with HOD.
 

HOD Radiographic image of panosteitis
 
The Role of Nutrition
 
Genetics aside, scientific studies have led to the present conclusion that rapid growth of the long bones in puppies is a risk factor for developing these joint and bone conditions. Rapid bone growth can be caused by two methods; overfeeding and calcium supplementation. Puppies allowed to free-feed or those fed liberal meal portions that exceed their daily caloric needs risk rapid bone growth.

Puppies of these breeds should constantly have their caloric intake adjusted during the growth period, which can be a long as 8-12 months in the large breeds and 15-18 months in the giant breeds. Because calorie information is not required for pet food labeling, veterinarians and owners will need to consult company websites for this information in order to calculate proper ration amount. The key is to keep these puppies growing at a slow, steady rate. Maintaining a body condition score of 4-5 during the growth period will also aid proper growth.

Unlike older dogs, puppies under 6 months of age cannot regulate the amount of calcium that is absorbed from the intestines. Passive absorption of calcium is directly proportional to the amount of calcium in the food or supplements. Studies have demonstrated that excessive calcium promotes rapid bone growth and increases the risk of joint disease and HOD. Elevated blood calcium levels also triggers hormonal changes that decrease re-modeling activity of growing bones and compromises blood supply in bone that promotes panosteitis.

Feeding puppies adult-maintenance food too early is the same as calcium supplementation. Commercial food formulation for calcium is based on the caloric density of food. Adult food is less caloric dense so more of the food is required to meet the caloric needs of puppies. This can result in the consumption of two times the amount of calcium than would be ingested with puppy formulations.

Despite common belief, experiments have failed to support any positive impact supplementation with vitamin C has on these joint conditions.

The bottom line is that large and giant breed puppies should be carefully fed a quality puppy formula until the end of their growth period before being switched to adult formulas. Calcium supplementation should be avoided during this same time period.
 
 

Dr. Ken Tudor
 
 
Image: Eric Gavaert / via Shutterstock
 
 
Additional Images:
Canine Osteochondrosis — Veterinary Medical Clinic
Canine Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy — Carrboro Plaza Veterinary Clinic
Canine Panosteitis — Animal Central
Elbow Dysplasia Manifestations — Wikimedia Commons
Hip Dysplasia — Minnesota Malamute Club
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/ktudor/2013/may/feeding-the-large-and-giant-breed-puppy#comments TheDailyVet Thu, 09 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000 30265 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/jintile/2013/may/how-animal-research-contributes-to-cancer-treatment  

 
Research examining the parallels between animals and humans leads to:
 

The discovery of new treatment options to improve patient outcomes

Enhanced disease detection, so cancers can be treated at earlier stages when they are more likely to be cured, or at minimum provide a better prognosis

Discovering the causes/causes of various tumor types, which can help us develop new approaches to cancer prevention

Determining genetic and environmental risk factors to explain why some individuals have an increased risk for developing cancer, are less responsive to therapy, and/or show increased susceptibility to side effects from treatment

 
Why Use Animals as Models of Cancer?
 
Cancer is a very complex disease and research geared towards learning more about its origin, progression, and treatment is intense and ever evolving. Medical researchers use animals to study cancer for a variety of reasons. Animals have shorter lifespans and more rapid generation times compared to humans, and disease progression moves forward at a more rapid pace, so results of studies using animals as models are obtained quicker.

In laboratory settings, we can control more variables for animals than would be considered ethical for humans (e.g., environment, diet, exposure to infectious agents, etc.). However, the primary reason animals are used as models is because they represent actual living systems, rather than cells growing in petri dishes or computerized models, and this hopefully will better predict what will actually occur in people.
 
What Are the Different Categories of Animal Models?
 
Broadly, when considering animal models for cancers in people, we typically think of research occurring either in the laboratory setting or clinical trials instituted at veterinary schools or large referral hospitals.

The different categories for animal models include:
 

Animals who develop cancer spontaneously, without any alteration of their genes or initiation of cancer by chemical treatments (e.g., exposure to carcinogens)

Animals who are genetically altered so that they will develop spontaneous tumors of the same types and with similar properties as the tumors that develop in humans who have those altered genes (i.e., purpose-bred laboratory animals with specific genetic mutations)

Animals that develop spontaneous tumors if they are exposed to environmental factors, such as chemicals or radiation

Animals whose natural, unaltered genetic makeup permits researchers to identify the genes that generate susceptibility to cancer development

 
The most commonly used animal cancer models in the laboratory setting are rodents (e.g., mice and rats). These animals probably encompass more than 90 percent of the animals used in medical research. Other cancer models include rabbits, dogs, cats, livestock, and fish. For these species, tumors are induced to form via direct exposure to known cancer-causing agents or direct inoculation with tumor cells, or they are purposefully bred to harbor specific genetic mutations leading to susceptibility for tumor formation.

The dogs and cats I treat in my practice on a daily basis are examples of the first category listed above. They develop their tumors spontaneously rather than as a result of exposure to cancer causing agents. In many ways, this makes our companion animals much better models than the laboratory species. But performing cancer research on pets in the clinical setting is challenging, and the least controllable in terms of outlying variables.

It’s a struggle to know that the most meaningful results could be obtained from the pets I’m seeing on a daily basis, but I’m also acutely aware of the limitations of trying to study specific aspects of their diseases.
 
What are Some Examples of Animal Models of Human Cancers?
 
The actual number of animal models of human cancers is likely unknown, however we do know animals serve as models for a variety of human tumor types including:
 

Mammary cancer

Lung cancer

Colon cancer

Prostate cancer

Bladder cancer

Ovarian cancer

Skin cancer

Esophageal cancer

Head and neck cancers

Pancreatic cancers

 
Revisiting the Concept of the Human-Animal Bond
 
Everything I’ve discussed thus far leans towards the benefits of what we can learn from animals, but sometimes we learn how to treat animals based on what happens in people as well. The best example of this I can think of is the newly developed immunotherapy vaccine treatment called Oncept ™, which is used to treat melanoma in dogs.

Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer in people that is highly metastatic and also highly resistant to conventional treatment with chemotherapy. Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, a large human oncology hospital in New York City, were working on testing a vaccine treatment for people with melanoma.The vaccine was designed to simulate the patient’s immune system to attack the cancer cells.

Melanoma can occur in dogs, but when dogs develop melanoma in the skin, unlike humans, it is typically benign. However, when this form of cancer grows in the oral cavity, it can be deadly. The similarities and differences between humans and dogs with regard to this form of cancer led to the hypothesis that the human vaccine could play a role in treating dogs.

Veterinary oncologists and human oncologists worked together to develop subsequent parallel clinical trials for a vaccine formulated for dogs. The researchers were able to refine the dosage and protocol to the current therapeutic regimen we utilize very frequently, and more excitingly, recent studies and clinical experience show the vaccine to be a very promising treatment option for what was previously considered a relatively untreatable form of cancer in both people and dogs.

The roles pets play in benefitting human life are endless, and as an oncologist, I appreciate what we can learn from their clinical presentations and response to treatments. It’s also interesting to see what we learn from people to help out our veterinary patients. It’s just another example of the wonderful nature of how the human-animal bond extends beyond pet ownership, and how much more we have to learn from each other in the future.
 
 

Dr. Joanne Intile
 
 
Image: Vasiliy Koval / via Shutterstock
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/jintile/2013/may/how-animal-research-contributes-to-cancer-treatment#comments TheDailyVet Wed, 08 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000 30259 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/pmahaney/2013/may/top-five-holistic-pet-cancer-prevention-tips
As there is no guarantee for a cure, we should strive to prevent our pets from developing cancer in the first place. Yet, as cancer is a complicated disease of the immune system involving excessive growth of cells that have altered DNA, the origins of the disease never have a singular or finite cause. Therefore, there is no absolute guarantee that our best efforts to prevent cancer from happening will guarantee a desired outcome (i.e., having a pet never develop cancer).

May is Pet Cancer Awareness Month, so I want to emphasize the concept that making healthy lifestyle choices can provide a better state of overall wellness and potentially reduce the likelihood that cancer may occur. Although there is no fail proof cancer preventive tactic, here are my top five tips to help keep your pet cancer free.
 
1. Physical Examination — Take a DIY approach paired with your veterinarian’s evaluation

Owners can take a proactive, holistic approach to their pets’ health by placing their hands on their canine or feline companions on a daily basis to perform a DIY (Do It Yourself) version of a physical exam. Frequent, tactile examination of a pet’s body permits pet owners to detect areas of discomfort, heat or swelling, skin lesions or masses, or other abnormalities that can then be brought to a veterinarian’s attention.

All pets should have a physical examination by a veterinarian at least every 12 months (more frequently for juvenile, geriatric, and sick pets). During the exam, all organ systems can be evaluated through the veterinarian’s scrutinizing perspective. The eyes, ears, nose, mouth, heart, lungs, digestive tract, lymph nodes, skin, neurologic function, and urogenital (urinary and reproductive parts) and musculoskeletal systems must operate normally to achieve whole body health. Body weight and temperature should also be assessed during teach visit.
 
2. Vaccinations — To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? That is the question

Have you considered the necessity of updating a vaccination just because the recommended time to booster has arrived? Will getting all of your pet’s vaccinations “up to date” really make your pet healthier? Is your pet even healthy enough to be vaccinated? You should be asking yourself and your veterinarian all these questions before your pet is “given its shot.”

As an individual and public health preventive tactic, humans vaccinate pets against certain organisms that could cause severe illness or death. Companion canines and felines should be vaccinated under state-mandated guidelines and the discretion of the attending veterinarian.

Vaccinations should only be given to a pet that is in the utmost state of health. Animals showing any signs of illness (lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) or having known diseases (cancer, immune mediated disease, etc.) that could be worsened by a vaccine-induced immune system response should not be vaccinated; at least at that time.

Blood testing for antibodies (immune system proteins involved in managing infectious organisms that attempt to enter the body) can determine if the patient already has mounted an adequate immune response from a previous vaccination.
 
3. Focus on whole food instead of processed food

The foods our pets eat and the liquids they drink are the building blocks of body tissues and the foundation of overall health. Without consuming appropriate quantities of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water, organs ultimately suffer and ailments emerge.

Before feeding your pet a particular commercially available food or treat, look closely at the ingredients and ask yourself if you would consume it. Many people who feed their pets conventional dry or canned foods may resist the idea of eating the types of diets made for our canine or feline companions. I completely understand this perspective, as most pet foods are made with feed-grade ingredients. (See Are You Poisoning Your Companion Animal by Feeding 'Feed-Grade' Foods?)

Why should we feed our pets nutrients that we would not eat ourselves? Do they deserve to eat less than the highest quality meats, vegetables, and grains? When we feed our pets food that has been significantly modified from the way nature intended and that potentially contains ingredients that are poorer quality and have higher allowable levels of toxins (some of which are carcinogenic, like mycotoxin) than the foods we eat, we are doing a disservice to our pets’ health.

Instead of processed pet foods, consider a commercially available or home prepared diet formulated from whole-food based ingredients.Home prepared recipes that are balanced and complete can be scientifically formulated via the UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Nutrition Support Service or companies like BalanceIT.
 
4. Reduce Calories and Keep Body Condition Slim

In ever growing numbers, pets show the significant health consequences of being overfed by their caretakers. Diseases of the heart, kidney, liver, pancreas (diabetes), musculoskeletal (arthritis, disk disease) system, urinary tract, skin, and cancer are all associated with being overweight or obese.

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) estimates that 54 percent of pets in the United States are overweight or obese (an astounding 89 million cats and dogs). Excess weight increases the body’s overall level of inflammation, which promotes cancer cell growth. Being overweight or obese has a well documented correlation with canine bladder and mammary cancer.

Always feed your pet a quantity at the lower end (or less) of the recommended guidelines according to the food’s manufacturer (or home prepared recipe). Minimize extra calories from pet treats and only give human foods that are high in fiber and low in caloric density (vegetables, etc.).

Make time every day to engage in calorie-burning activities with your canine or feline companion. Dogs can be taken for longer or more intense walks or hikes. Cats can chase a feather toy or laser pointer, eat from elevated surfaces, or be required to retrieve portions of their food from puzzle-style toys.
 
5.  Reduce Day to Day Exposure to Toxins

Toxic exposure can initiate a variety of negative internal organ system changes in your pet. Air, water, soil, food, plants, and other substances all hold the potential to create short or long term toxicity in companion animals. Some chemicals commonly used as herbicides are associated with bladder cancer (Transitional Cell Carcinoma = TCC) in Scottish Terriers.

Strive to reduce your pet’s exposure to toxins in your home or yard by:
 

Not allowing your pet outside unless under control of a responsible adult

Walking your pet on a short lead

Pet proofing your home and yard to remove appealing substances that may be inappropriately ingested (trash, feces, plants, still water, etc.)

Using only pet-safe cleaning products and cleaning all chemical residues from the surfaces your pet’s body comes into contact with (as self-grooming can lead to ingestion of chemicals)

Reading all food and treat labels and only feeding your pets products that are free from meat and grain meals and by-products, rendered fat, animal digest, carrageenans, food dyes, meat and bone meal, and chemical preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, etc.)

 
The five tips I’ve presented here merely scratch the surface of the means by which pet owners can help maintain or improve an overall state of health and wellness in pets of all ages.

What steps do you take to reduce your pet’s chances of developing cancer?
 
 

Dr. Patrick Mahaney
 
 
Image: Joyce Marrero / via Shutterstock
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/pmahaney/2013/may/top-five-holistic-pet-cancer-prevention-tips#comments TheDailyVet Tue, 07 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000 30258 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/lhuston/2013/may/five-common-mistakes-made-by-cat-owners  

1. Not seeking regular veterinary care

All cats need regular medical care. Yet, on average, cats see their veterinarians less often than their canine counterparts — despite the fact that the number of cats kept as pets outnumbers the number of dogs.

Why do cat owners not seek regular veterinary care for their cats? In many cases, it may be because they simply don’t understand the importance of these visits for their feline friend. Cats are masters of disguise when it comes to hiding the signs of illness. The early symptoms of disease are often subtle and difficult to notice. Especially for older cats, these signs may even be mistaken for “old age”. Your veterinarian is trained to look for signs of disease that may not be readily identifiable by the average pet owner. Early intervention of any disease or health condition that your cat may develop can lead to a more successful treatment outcome. In some cases, this may even prolong your cat’s life.

Other times, the hassle of getting the cat to the veterinarian may be the reason for not visiting. Conditioning your cat to his carrier before the trip to the veterinarian can help. Take a look at this video featuring five simple tips for making a carrier cat-friendly.
 
2. Assuming indoor cats can’t get fleas and other parasites

This is a common misconception. Cat owners frequently (and mistakenly) believe that because their cat lives indoors fleas and other parasites cannot become a problem. Too often, cat owners believe that parasite prevention is unnecessary for their indoor cat. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. Fleas can find their way indoors very easily, hitch-hiking on your clothing or on a dog that does go outdoors, or finding their way through tiny openings in screens and doors. In addition, intestinal parasites like tapeworms and roundworms can be a problem as well. Mosquitoes can find their way indoors also, potentially exposing your cat to heartworms. Make sure your cat is on an appropriate parasite prevention program.
 
3. Overfeeding your cat

Obesity is one of the most common problems veterinarians diagnose in cats. It is estimated that over 50% of pet cats are either overweight or obese. These cats are at risk for numerous health issues. Weight issues can effectively shorten your cat’s lifespan, sometimes by as much as 2 years or more. Feed your cat to keep him lean and in good body condition.
 
4. Assuming hairballs are normal

An occasional hairball is not unusual. However, frequent vomiting (with or without hairballs in the vomit), coughing, or gagging is not normal and may indicate that there are health problems other than hairballs. Cats with these symptoms may be suffering from gastrointestinal disease, skin disease or a variety of other health issues. If your cat is displaying these types of symptoms, your cat should be examined by a veterinarian.
 
5. Not caring for your cat’s teeth

Your cat’s oral health should not be overlooked. The majority of cats over 3 years of age already have evidence of some degree of dental disease. Brushing your cat’s teeth is the gold standard for in home oral health care and most cats will tolerate brushing with a little patience and conditioning. However, if brushing is impossible, your veterinarian can offer other options to help your cat’s mouth healthy and pain free.
 
 

Dr. Lorie Huston
 
 
Image: Inga Ivanova / via Shutterstock
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/lhuston/2013/may/five-common-mistakes-made-by-cat-owners#comments TheDailyVet Mon, 06 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000 30253 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/aobrien/2013/may/shearing-day-on-the-farm-for-alpacas  

This day occurs at different times at different farms, some in March, some as late as June, depending on the availability of shearers and the schedule of the farm, but when this epic day happens, it is a flurry of fiber as winter coats are shorn and a new, far smaller-appearing animal appears from under all that fluff.

The primary economic value of alpacas in the U.S. is their fiber, which is what you call their coat (trust me, if you make the mistake of calling it “fur,” you’ll have to work very hard to gain an alpaca owner’s trust back again).  If the fiber is high quality, it can be sold and spun, like sheep’s wool, into yarn that is some of the softest, silkiest stuff on earth. High quality fiber is often made into hats, scarves, sweaters, socks — you name it. It can also be mixed with sheep’s wool for a composite.

Alpaca fiber is evaluated by many things, including size (the diameter of the individual fiber in units of microns), crimp, strength, and sheen. As far as size, the smaller the diameter of the fiber, the finer and more luxurious it is. Eighteen to twenty-five microns is considered ideal.

Although the overall health of the animal makes up a portion of how good a fleece he can produce, genetics also plays a large role and alpaca breeders take fiber statistics of potential parents very seriously to produce cria (baby alpacas) with top quality fiber. So the question now comes up: How does one actually shear an alpaca?

A good alpaca shearer is quick and efficient. Shearing is stressful for the animal and often a farm will request all animals be done in one day or over a weekend, so a thorough but fast job is essential. Many alpaca shearers also shear sheep. In Maryland, I’ve met a few shearers who are Australian — they shear sheep down under and then come up to North America during our spring (their fall) to shear alpacas.

Most shearers will lay the alpaca down to shear them. Most alpacas are not very accommodating to a shearer’s requests, so many shearers have home-made devices that tie ropes around the animal’s legs. The animal is then carefully laid down on its side and immediately the clippers are going. The fiber comes off in long strips and someone gathers the fiber into a clean plastic bag. An alpaca can grow anywhere from six to ten pounds worth of fiber in a year. When one side is finished, the animal is flipped and the other side is shorn. An experienced shearer can completely shear an alpaca in five to ten minutes.

Once sheared, the animals look completely different, let me tell you. Usually, the shearer will leave a mop of fiber on top of the head — the “top knot.” Depending on how the fiber lays, this can give the animal quite a characteristic look. From a purely practical point of view, I love freshly sheared alpacas because I can actually SEE things like the jugular vein for blood draws. But can you imagine how different it must feel to have potentially ten pounds of fiber literally taken off your back?

A veterinarian’s services are usually not required during Shearing Day, but this day does sometimes turn into a bit of a social event and I am invited to a few every year. There’s usually lunch provided and good company and I can usually be counted on to supply hot coffee and donuts in the morning to get things started on the right foot — or hoof. Some large farms even advertise the day and invite the public to come see what it’s all about.

If you come across a shearing day in your county, I encourage you to attend. A bunch of near-naked alpacas is a sight you won’t soon forget!
 
 
Placing the leg ropes on an alpaca in preparation for shearing
 

The alpaca is restrained and shearing has begun
 
 

Dr. Ann O’Brien
 
 
Image: Candace Hartley / via Shutterstock
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/aobrien/2013/may/shearing-day-on-the-farm-for-alpacas#comments TheDailyVet Fri, 03 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000 30249 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/ktudor/2013/may/anger-over-pet-foods-and-why-it-is-baseless  

Every pet owner has a deep desire to feel they are doing the right thing for their beloved pet and will defend fiercely, rightly or wrongly, their choices of pet food. In fact they wish to impose that fervor on all other pet owners, much as a missionary wishes to spread the advantages of their faith to those who do not share that belief. It doesn’t need to be this contentious.

Veterinarians have been wrong in not devoting more energy toward nutritional understanding of the species they serve. Veterinary training provides the necessary skills for self-education about nutrition if it was lacking during the veterinary education. Leaving nutritional guidelines to commercial food companies is unforgivable. Owners are also in error for leaving their food choices to the pet nutritional “genius” in the pet store vest. You wouldn’t view that individual as a dietician if he/she served you at a fast-food restaurant!

Dr. Google is well meaning but most often ill-informed. Nutrition itself is far from an exact science. Most research links associations of feeding and outcomes without proving cause and effect. The adaptability of biological systems is uncanny so exact rules are presently futile with our current understanding of biological metabolism.
 
Why is Every Way Right?
 
The beauty of the biological systems is its incredible ability to adapt. Think about it. Few Americans eat a balanced diet as defined by the National Research Council (NRC), yet the life span of Americans has steadily increased. Nutritionally speaking, this should not happen. The life span should shorten and the quality of life should suck.

Because quality of life studies are so subjective, there is no reliable data that following the NRC guidelines leads to a greater life quality. In fact, objectively, what does quality mean?

The discussion is no different with pets. There is little evidence to suggest that all wild cats and dogs eat a balanced diet. They evolved in a state of inadequate calories and nutrition. Have you ever seen a coyote or bobcat with a beautiful coat that was overweight in a natural setting as opposed to an urban or suburban setting? Yet the canine and feline species evolved so that reproductive capabilities were achieved before nutritional deficiencies resulted in death. Until the 1950s dogs and cats lived primarily off table scraps and whatever else they could scavenge or kill. Yet everyone remembers their grandparents’ pets living to ripe old ages. In fact they didn’t, but they certainly lived longer than would be predicted by NRC nutritional guidelines.

With the advent of quantitative standards for pet food and environmental control the life span of pets has increased. Yet much of the pet food controversy (raw vs. cooked, grain-free, carb limited, etc.) focuses on beliefs of the quality of ingredients and the quality of these extended life spans without regard to these advances. Pets continue to thrive despite attempts to attribute every ailment that they experience to poor quality food with no evidence to substantiate it. We all wish it to be true but experimentally we can’t prove it.
 
An Evolving Process
 
There is no Rosetta Stone† for nutrition. It is a process of discovery through research, discussion and re-analysis. All approaches need respectful analysis and consideration to arrive at a better understanding of the impact of nutrition on pet health without unbridled fervor to a particular solution.
 
 

Dr. Ken Tudor
 
 
† The stone tablet that revealed the meaning of Egyptian hieroglyphics.
 
 
Image: Anna Baburkina / via Shutterstock
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/ktudor/2013/may/anger-over-pet-foods-and-why-it-is-baseless#comments TheDailyVet Thu, 02 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000 30236 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/jintil/2013/may/drawing-the-line-in-cancer-treatment
I struggle the most with this concept when I have patient whose tumor grows and/or spreads despite multiple different treatment options I provide for them, yet they still feel well. If cancer progression occurs, and pets become sick, there really isn't going to be very much I can offer an owner to help. It's far more difficult to draw the line when their illness causes no effects.
 

Just this morning, I received a wonderful e-mail from an owner letting me know they decided not to pursue alternative treatment for their dog with a progressive form of oral cancer. The patient is a gorgeous and stoic Golden retriever who underwent an aggressive course of radiation therapy and chemotherapy between last summer and fall completely without incident or side effect.

His tumor was well controlled for about seven months, but we incidentally detected regrowth of the mass about two weeks ago. Knowing the dog was feeling great at home, I felt compelled to at least have his owners consider further treatment. We discussed a few different options, none of which were likely to be the proverbial "magic bullet." But I did have some things I could offer that could theoretically help slow things down for a few months. His owners carefully considered everything I talked about and ultimately decided that although their dog might enjoy coming in to see us from time to time, and acknowledged he was feeling absolutely fine right now, his final days should be spent chasing rabbits and squirrels around their backyard. Reading their e-mail brought me such a sense of happiness, and a tiny bit of relief. It was the relief that prompted me to consider this topic.

Just as in people, if the standard of care no longer controls disease, the patient should be given additional options to consider. My goals are different from a human oncologist though. It's not life at all costs for my patients; it's quality of life for as long as I reasonably think I can help them. For the vast majority of owners, I think we are all on the same page.

ost owners of pets with terminal cancers are accepting of the fact that their pets are likely to pass away from their disease. I rarely come across owners who wish to be extremely combative about their pets’ treatment plans, or who seem to deny the statistics I present. Sometimes I think I let those owners down — I'm not as comfortable being aggressive about treatments as they are hoping. More often, I find that owners fear they will not be able to detect pain or suffering in their pets and they will be unable to know when they should consider euthanasia. I try to assure them the anxiety surrounding their thoughts is far greater than what the actual experience is like.

It's difficult sometimes to consider what it's like to be on the "other side." When the standard of care treatments are no longer effective, and I give owners alternatives, what is it they actually hear?

o they pursue additional treatments because they will feel guilty if they don't do everything? Do they hope their dog or cat will be "the one that beats the odds?" Do they try just because they can? And I often stress over my inability to remain seemingly impartial. In other words, how much do I unknowingly influence owners?

Sometimes I wonder if I "give up" too soon. I wonder if I should suggest more options, or not be judgmental of colleagues who push boundaries I am uncomfortable with. During my residency I was instructed I would "have to decide what kind of oncologist I wanted to be." Though it was confusing at the time, having practiced this art for a few years now, I think I've come to appreciate what this means.

I know I need to be the kinds of oncologist who feels I’ve worked hard to help my patients live longer and healthier lives, but not without causing undo harm or risk for illness. I need to be the kind of oncologist who has the time to listen to owners and guide them through decisions without making choices for them, or making them feel guilty for not choosing other options.

It's no easy task to fulfill these goals on a daily basis, and I think I've learned to accept that as long as I feel I am accomplishing those goals frequently enough to sleep well at night, I'm probably doing okay. It's particularly difficult when your patients can't make decisions for themselves, and owners question, "Isn't there something else you can offer?"

The kind of oncologist I would like to be would be the one who remembers I'm a veterinarian first, an oncologist second, and one who adheres to our oath to "first do no harm." If I accomplish those simple goals, I think I'm doing a pretty good job. And truthfully, who could ask for anything more?
 
 

Dr. Joanne Intile
 
 
Image: Tyler Olsen / via Shutterstock
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/jintil/2013/may/drawing-the-line-in-cancer-treatment#comments TheDailyVet Wed, 01 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000 30213 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/pmahaney/2013/april/role-pets-play-in-helping-autistic-children  

Not having any children myself (but for Cardiff, my four-legged fur child), I cannot speak from direct personal experience of managing the challenges and triumphs associated with raising a special needs youngster. Therefore, I sought to gain the perspective of a long-term client and good friend, Lynn Pollock, who spoke about her parental views on autism and the relationship between autistic children and animals.

*

What do you feel are the strongest reasons for parents with autistic children to incorporate the presence of a pet or animal-based therapy into a child's life?

Many children on the Autistic Spectrum have sensory issues. Those autistic children that are sensory seeking seem to get great comfort from the tactile experience of interacting with an animal, be it a dog, cat, or horse. Those that are tactile adverse (resistant to touch) often are able to overcome their sensitivity by repeated exposure to a pet

In the instance of horse therapy, the child has both the sensory experience of getting tactile input from the horse and the experience of collaborating with the horse while riding to accomplish a goal — either a fine motor exercise, a gross motor exercise, or a communication/social skills exercise. Thus, the horse becomes a conduit for the child to learn new skills in addition to learning to ride a horse.

Involvement in animal caretaking, such as grooming, feeding, and walking is part of the therapeutic experience and teaches both empathy and responsibility.

What observations do you have as a parent of an autistic child about the relationship your child has with animals (in comparison to people)?

My observations are that animals are especially attuned to children having special needs in comparison to non-special needs people. My Labrador retriever, Olivia (see photo), has always given and continues to give a lot of latitude to my son with autism. She tolerates his erratic movements, lack of voice and sound modulation, and lends a calming balance to his exuberance.

Since autistic children can have issues modulating their voice or body movements in a quiet and calm manner that does not scare an animal, what are your suggestions for parents of autistic children who are interested in incorporating a pet or animal into the therapeutic process?

The choice of your pet is extremely important if you want the therapeutic process to be successful. There are definitely breeds that are extremely well known for their therapeutic/service dog potential because they are very trainable and have a calm demeanor; Labrador and Golden retrievers and German Shepherd Dogs are the most common examples.

That being said, any dog that is properly trained and has the right temperament could have therapeutic value to an autistic child. One exception — it is my opinion that an autistic child who exhibits aggressive or violent behavior should not have a pet until these behaviors are corrected and extinguished by a behaviorist. No pet should be subjected to threatening behavior and be expected to stay calm or feel safe.

Are you aware of any support groups that can help parents of autistic children assimilate the companionship of a pet or service animal into the family fold?

Organizations exist that train and place dogs, including A Dog Wish Foundation and Autism Service Dogs of America. I have seen many kids with service dogs that accompany them everywhere. These dogs are their conduit to connecting with the world. It's amazing.

Any final points on animals and autism?

The unconditional positive regard that animals are able to give is an invaluable experience for any person to have, but especially a child with a disability. These kids are so often unfairly judged and less-accepted than non-autistic children. Pets can be their much needed source of loving kindness

In addition, through this kindness, pets are much-needed role models for compassion and empathy. Pets also serve as models for appropriate social behaviors: following rules, consistency, calmness, loyalty, and even eye contact! Dogs can help children having reading problems, as kids read out loud to the dogs who sit and listen without judgment.

Parents of children with autism also experience isolation and judgment, so pets can be incredibly healing and comforting for human caregivers.

*

Thank you, Lynn for sharing your valuable perspective for those who may be in similar situations.

Do you have any experience with special needs children or adults and the relationship they have with animals? Please feel free to share your perspective.
 
 

The special relationship between Lynn and her previous canine companion, Hershey
 

Lynn's dog, Olivia
 
 

Dr. Patrick Mahaney
 
 
Image: jamiehooper / via Shutterstock
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/pmahaney/2013/april/role-pets-play-in-helping-autistic-children#comments TheDailyVet Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:00:00 +0000 30191 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/lhuston/2013/april/pet-food-recalls-and-your-pets-safety
It is important to realize that recalls occur as a means of keeping our pets safe. In almost all cases, when a problem is found, reputable pet food manufacturers do everything they can to minimize the danger to our pets. This may include issuing a voluntary recall to remove the product from the retail market.
 

Still, many pet lovers wonder if there is anything that manufacturers can do to make pet foods safer, and that’s a legitimate question. Let’s take a look at some of the things that reputable pet food companies do to keep your pet’s food safe.

Sourcing of ingredients is an important consideration. Obtaining high quality ingredients from trusted sources is essential to maintaining food safety. Choosing to obtain ingredients from questionable sources, particularly those that have a history of quality control problems, introduces an unacceptable level of risk when other more trusted sources are available.

When commercial pet food is being manufactured, it becomes very important to physically separate the areas where raw foods are received and prepared from the areas where processing and packaging occurs on the “cooked” product. Known as the “kill step”, the cooking phase destroys Salmonella and other microbes in the food product. These two areas of the plant must be physically separated and employees must undergo sanitary measures such as hand washing, stepping through a foot bath, and donning covers for shoes before entering the processing and packaging areas. But even that is not enough. Airflow between these areas must also be separate to avoid the risk of recontamination with airborne microbes.

Reputable pet food manufacturers also conduct their own quality control testing throughout the manufacturing process and on finished products before these products leave the facility. These tests should examine accuracy, checking to be sure that nutrients and ingredients listed on the label are indeed present in the pet food at adequate levels. Testing for contamination should also be part of the quality control process. In addition, many companies store a sample of each lot for further testing in the event that unforeseen complications arise with the product.

What can the average pet owner do to ensure that their pet’s food is safe? Purchasing pet food manufactured by a company that you can trust is essential. Here are some tips on choosing a reputable pet food company.
 

Recognize marketing claims for what they are, a means of selling pet food. Claims of “natural,” “organic,” “holistic,” or other terms do not ensure the safety of the product.

Ask where the company sources their ingredients. The information may not be present on the product label, but any reputable pet food company should be able to tell you where they obtain their ingredients. This may require a phone call to the company, but it is well worth the time and effort. A toll-free number is usually printed somewhere on the food's packaging.

Where is the food manufactured? Pet food companies that outsource this process to another company have less control over the procedure than those that manufacture their own food products. If the pet food label says “Manufactured for,” the food is manufactured by a third party and not directly by the company marketing the food. Look for a pet food company that manufactures its own products rather than outsourcing to a third party.

Ask the company what type of quality control testing is performed. Does the company hold the food until the test results are obtained or do they start selling the food before test results are known? Ideally, the food is not offered for sale until results are obtained. A reputable company will perform numerous quality checks (often 200 or more individual tests) on their products before the food leaves their facility.

Another important consideration is that of customer care. Call the customer care or customer service department and ask a question. This may be a good time to ask about sourcing and/or quality control procedures. If interactions with the company are negative under the best of circumstances when no problems exist, customer support may be lacking in the event of an unfortunate incident such as a recall.

 
Regardless of the reputation of the pet food manufacturer you choose to purchase from, recalls can still happen despite the best efforts of all involved. As a result, it is a good idea to stay current on recall news. You can find the latest news on recalls on petMD’s Alerts and Recalls page.

If you suspect your pet has become ill as a result of eating a particular pet food diet, consult your veterinarian. And if a particular pet food has made your pet sick, a report should be filed with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
 
 

Dr. Lorie Huston
 
 
Image: Composite image, Africa Studio and Sergio Stakhnyk / via Shutterstock
 ]]> http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/lhuston/2013/april/pet-food-recalls-and-your-pets-safety#comments TheDailyVet Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:00:00 +0000 30140 at http://www.petmd.com