Newsletter

For millions of health-conscious Americans, the annual checkup has become a routine practice. Like people, dogs and cats can benefit from routine wellness exams too. But with one important difference—pets age faster than people.

On average, most dogs and cats reach adulthood by age two. By age four, many pets are entering middle age. And by age seven, most dogs, particularly larger breeds, are entering their senior years.

Because dogs and cats age on average seven times faster than people, significant health changes can occur in a short amount of time. And, the risks of cancer, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, heart disease, metabolic problems and other serious conditions all increase with age.

Many pet owners are not aware that taking a dog or cat to the veterinarian once a year is the same as a person seeing their doctor or dentist once every seven years. It is recommended that pets have a wellness exam every six months so that veterinarians have the opportunity to detect, treat or, ideally, prevent problems before they become life-threatening.

Prevention is the real goal of twice-a-year wellness exams. When veterinarians see a pet on a regular basis, they can help pets avoid some preventable illnesses and diseases. Plus, a pet will never have to suffer from pain that could be treated or prevented by the veterinarian.

Pet wellness exams include screenings for a variety of potential diseases. These screenings are usually accompanied by an individualized risk assessment of your pet's environment—where you live, emerging disease risks in your community, your pet's interaction with other pets and wildlife, travel plans, and other lifestyle considerations.

Pet wellness exams also help your veterinarian determine a proper prevention program, including a vaccination schedule tailored specifically for your pet. By using personalized pet health protocols, veterinarians can pinpoint specific preventive health care needs for your pet.

A pet owner's best source for wellness exam and preventive health care information is their personal veterinarian. Only your veterinarian knows your pet's medical history, current health status, and potential risks your pet faces.

1. You catch your dog doing something you don't want him to do and you yell at him. Your dog is not making eye contact with you. His lips are pulled back and his ears are flat against his head. He turns his head away from you and licks his lips when you approach. What is your dog expressing?

1. Submission
2. Guilt
3. Stubbornness
4. Fear

2. You meet a strange dog. He snarls at you with his hackles (the hair on his back) raised. His tail is held low and stiff and his ears are laid back. What is this dog saying?

1. I am afraid and may bite or run.
2. I am the boss and I am going to bite you.
3. I am afraid and will run away.
4. I am angry.

3. Your dog is chattering his teeth. What is he saying?

1. I smell a female dog in heat.
2. I am hungry.
3. I am cold.
4. I am feeling car sick.

4. Your male dog mounts another male. Why?

1. Because he likes other male dogs.
2. Because he wants to mate and is frustrated.
3. Because he likes the other dog.
4. To show that he is the boss.

5. A dog is approaching you slowly. He is looking directly into your eyes and seems to be walking on his tiptoes. His ears are up and his tail is also up and wagging slowly. What is he saying?

1. I am curious.
2. I am friendly.
3. I may bite you.
4. I am scared.

6. Your dog faces you and is panting. He bows down on his front legs with his tail wagging quickly. He barks in a high-pitched voice. What is he saying?

1. I am frustrated.
2. I need to go outside!
3. I want some food.
4. Play with me!

7. Your dog yawns. What is he saying?

1. I am bored.
2. I need a walk.
3. I am tired.
4. I am nervous.

8. A dog you don't know comes up to you and takes your hand in his mouth without biting it. What is he saying?

1. I want some food.
2. Hello!
3. If you move, I'll bite you.
4. I am worried.

9. You approach a puppy whom you just caught urinating on the floor. He rolls over on his back and urinates again. What is he saying?

1. I am submissive.
2. I am spiteful. I urinate on the floor on purpose.
3. I am not housebroken.
4. I will urinate where I please.

10. You are teaching your dog something new. After a bit of work, he scratches at his neck. You are sure he doesn't have any fleas. Why is he scratching?

1. He needs a break.
2. He is being stubborn.
3. He is itchy.
4. He wants to pull his collar off.

Answer Key

1. A
2. A
3. A
4. D
5. C
6. D
7. D
8. A
9. A
10. A

This is Part II in a series of articles on caring for rabbits. Look for additional featured articles in upcoming issues of our Newsletter.

Rabbits make intelligent, friendly and quiet house pets. The average life span for a bunny is 7 to 10 years, with records of up to 15 years of age being reported. The following information is designed to help you take the best care of your pet and enjoy a happy, healthy life with him or her.

Cage: Puppy crates with solid floors work great as cages for rabbits.

Litter Box: Rabbits can be litter box trained relatively easily. Initially, you need to keep your pet in a small area, either in a cage or a blocked off section of the room and place a litter box in the corner. Try to pick the corner your pet has already used. Make sure the sides of the box are low enough so your pet can get in and out easily. It is helpful to put some of the droppings in the box.

You can reward your pet with one of the treat foods listed previously whenever he or she has used the box successfully. Do not punish your pet while in the litter box. Do not worry if your pet sits for extended periods in the litter box. Sitting in the box can be allowed as long as he is not soiling himself.

Pelleted paper or other organic products make the best bedding. These products are nontoxic and digestible if eaten, easier to clean up than shavings or clay litter, control odor better and are compostable. Some examples are Cellu-Dri and Yesterday's News (which are paper products), Mountain Cat Kitty Litter or Harvest Litter (pelleted wheat grass products), and Critter Litter (pelleted out hulls).

There are many more products on the market and we suggest consulting your pet store. Avoid cedar and pine shavings as bedding!

Temperature: Rabbits should be kept in the coolest and least humid area of the house. Studies have shown that bunnies kept in warm humid environments with poor air circulation have a dramatic increase in the incidence of respiratory disease over those animals kept in cool, dry environments with good air circulation.

Damp basements are one of the worst areas to keep your pet. If your rabbit must be kept in a basement, invest in a dehumidifier and a fan to keep out dampness and improve air circulation.

The optimum temperature range for a bunny is 60-70 degrees F. When the temperature gets into the mid 70s, one may see an increase in drooling and nasal discharge. If temperatures reach the upper 80s and beyond, and especially if the humidity is high, the potential for a fatal heat stroke is very real.

On very hot days, when air conditioning is not available, it is helpful to leave a plastic milk jug filled with frozen water in the cage to work as a portable "air conditioner."

Please keep fresh, cool water available, as this will also help to keep the body temperature down. If your pet should actually experience a heat stress reaction, try holding an ice cube on the ear or gently wetting your pet down with cool, but not cold, water. If the heat stroke is severe, veterinary attention will be necessary.

If your bunny is being kept outdoors in either warm or cold weather, make sure that part of the cage is sheltered from the wind and the sun. For the winter, it is advisable to use straw bedding in the sheltered area for insulation and make sure that the water bowl is changed daily, as your pet can dehydrate rapidly if the water is frozen for days.

Handling

There are a number of ways to pick up your pet depending on how calm he is and his size. The main thing to remember is to always support the hindquarters to prevent serious spinal injuries. Rabbits' backbones are fragile and can easily snap when the hind legs are allowed to dangle and the animal then gives one strong kick. Unfortunately, these injuries are usually permanent and frequently result in the euthanasia of the pet, so the best policy is prevention. Never pick up a bunny by its sensitive ears; it's very painful and totally unnecessary! It is better to grasp the loose skin over the shoulders and then place your other hand under the back legs to lift your bunny from the floor. Work near the floor when first learning to handle your pet so that if they jump out of your arms they don't have far to go.

It may also be useful to put your bunny on its back when trying to trim nails and examine the underside of your pet. Most rabbits will learn to relax in this position and can withstand quite a bit of handling. Work on the floor and put the rabbit on its back with its head just over the edge of your knees so that it hangs down a little. Restrain the body firmly between your thighs. Talk softly and stroke its chest and abdomen gently. It may be necessary to have a second person hold one set of legs when first learning to trim nails in this position. However, many pets become so relaxed that one person can do all the grooming by themselves.

Young children should always be supervised when handling rabbits!

Selecting a Pet Bird

Why do you want to own a bird?

There is no correct answer to this question, but it is one you should fully examine before you purchase a bird. Often a pet bird is the answer for apartment dwellers, people desiring animal companionship with minimal time or money investment, or individuals wanting an affectionate, intelligent pet. However, a bird should never be purchased on impulse. You should approach the task of purchasing a bird already aware of the characteristics of the species of bird you are interested in, the average price of that type of bird in your region and with some knowledge of how to evaluate the health and breed characteristics of the bird you are considering. This requires a bit of research and asking round before you are ready to buy, but the investment of your time saves you much grief at a later date.

Macaw

The beautiful macaws and cockatoos are not for the neophyte! Most first-time bird owners are happier with finches, canaries, budgerigars ("parakeets") or cockatiels.

Zebra Finch

Birds can be purchased from a variety of sources, such as pet shops, breeders, private dealers, or individuals. If you are buying a bird for the first time, it is almost essential that you purchase your bird from someone who is in the bird breeding and/or selling business. These individuals usually have a reputation to protect. Ask around and find out who in your area is known to deal honestly and fairly with buyers.

Many stores today, especially those specializing in birds, have been operated by bird fanciers who have turned their hobby into a business. These individuals usually know and care about their birds. They have in stock items required for basic care and maintenance of birds, such as play toys, cages, bird feed and general health supplies. Sales personnel generally offer you more information than you ever thought necessary to get you started, so leave yourself plenty of time to shop!

Health should be a primary consideration when you are choosing a bird. Pay close attention to the health of all birds you look at. A free bird, if it is sick, is not worth the long-term monetary and emotional costs. To keep it simple, a sick bird looks sick and a healthy bird looks bright, alert, active and in good feather.

The following clues are important when considering the health of a bird:

• A sick bird may sit with its feathers puffed up, its eyes may be dull or even closed.
• The nostrils of a sick bird may be clogged or somewhat occluded. An additional clue is to check the feathers above the nostrils. If they appear wet or matted, then the bird has a nasal discharge.
• A bird that appears to have breathing problems is often sick.
• If the feathers around the bird's vent or hindquarters are soiled or matted, this indicates diarrhea.
• The bird may be listless or inactive.
• The seed cup may appear not to have been touched, indicating that the bird is off-feed.
• Be on the lookout for bald spots where feathers should be.
• Pay careful attention to the following:
  -swellings or sores on the feet or toes
  -a protruding breastbone
  -white crusts on the beak

When you are selecting your bird, you must consider its temperment. An intelligent bird with a good disposition is essential for everyone's benefit. Most birds that are for sale seem to be in a temporarily stressed condition. Do not expect too much at first, but do become aware of how different birds approach you as you make your choice. Intuition and experience are the most reliable guides someone can have in selecting a bird.

When you finally choose your bird, consider the following before money changes hands.

• If there is a problem, would you be able to locate the seller next?
• Is there a health certificate that allows for returns or exchanges within a reasonable period of time?
• Can the seller verify the bird's age and birthplace? (While this may always be possible, most reputable sellers have this information available. If not, learn how to judge the age of the bird species you want to buy.)
• Will you receive a written bill-of-sale?
• The purchase of a bird should always be contingent upon the bird being examined by a veterinarian within a few days of purchase. You should be allowed to return the animal and receive a full refund if it is not in sound health.
• The bill-of-sale should include the purchase price, the guarantee, the return policy, the bird's band number (if known) and a full description of the bird (i.e. color, sex—if known, genus and species).

1. My cat won't use the litter box because he/she is rebellious and wants to make me mad.
A. True
B. False

2. My cat scratches the furniture to:
A. Mark territory
B. All of these
C. Stretch muscles
D. Shed nail sheaths

3. What's the purpose in why my cat "kneads"?
A. A sign of being hungry
B. A sign of aggressiveness
C. A sign of affection
D. A sign of being unhappy

4. My cat leaves objects such as his/her toys in his/her food or water bowls just to drive me crazy.
A. True
B. False

5.Why does my cat suddenly bite me in an aggressive manner when I'm petting him/her?
A. My cat is mean
B. None of these
C. My cat doesn't like affection
D. My cat doesn't want to be petted anymore

6. My cat purrs only when he/she is happy and relaxed.
A. True
B. False

7. Is it normal for my cat to exhibit body movements during sleep?
A. Yes
B. No

8.Why does my cat insist on playing and ransacking the house after I have gone to bed?
A. My cat wants me to get up
B. My cat is a nocturnal creature
C. My cat likes to annoy me
D. None of these

9. Why does my cat scratch the floor around his/her food and water bowls after eating as if to cover it up?
A. To hide it
B. Doesn't like its location
C. It smells bad
D. None of these

10. Why does my indoor cat attack me or my other indoor cat(s) when he/she sees an unknown cat outdoors?
A. My cat is most likely showing he/she is in control
B. My cat is most likely showing displaced fear
C. My cat thinks of me or my other cat(s) as prey
D. My cat is most likely showing displaced aggression

Answers

1. B 2. B 3. C 4. B 5. D
6. B 7. A 8. B 9. A 10. D

Cancer in its early stages can often be treated. If your pet shows any of the symptoms listed below, we recommend that you call the animal hospital to make an appointment. Early diagnosis and treatment is the best way to treat any disorder in pets.

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetitie
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

We are pleased to provide you with some information regarding blood testing. Do not hesitate to call the hospital if you have specific questions.

Many technologies that help humans live longer, healthier lives are available to your pet. By performing some basic blood tests, your veterinarian can gather information concerning the health and well being of your pet.

COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT

This blood test actually consists of several tests that evaluate the number and type of blood cells in the circulation. Cells that are evaluated consist of white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), and platelets.

Laboratory Technician Counting Blood Cells

White blood cells are important in helping the body fight infection. Red blood cells are fundamental for carrying oxygen to the body’s tissues. The measurement of these cells can indicate anemia, infection, leukemia, stress, and inflammation.

Close-Up View - Canine Red Blood Cells

Close-Up View - The Arrow Is pointing To A Neutrophil (Type Of White Blood Cell)

Platelets are involved in the blood clotting process and if low (in number) can indicate a bleeding disorder.

The hematocrit (HCT) provides information pertaining to the relative number of red blood cells (RBC) in circulation. This test is used to diagnose anemia and dehydration.

BLOOD CHEMISTRY

These tests survey many of the organ systems of the body in order to make sure they are working properly.

Albumin (ALB) - Low levels indicates chronic liver or kidney disease, intestinal disease, or intestinal parasites (hookworm).

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) - Elevated with liver disease or injury.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALKP) - Elevated levels can indicate liver disease or Cushing’s disease.

Amylase (AMYL) - Elevated blood levels can indicate pancreatic and / or kidney disease.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) - Reflects kidney and liver disease as well as dehydration.

Cholesterol (CHOL) - Elevated levels are seen in many disorders. Some include liver and kidney disease and hypothroidism.

Creatinine (CREA) - Elevated levels can be due to kidney disease or urinary tract obstruction.

Blood Glucose (GLU) - High levels can indicate diabetes. Low levels can indicate liver disease, infection or certain tumors.

Total Bilirubin (TBIL) - Levels of Bilirubin are useful in diagnosing anemia and bile duct problems.

Total Protein (TP) - This can detect many conditions. Some include liver, kidney, and gasrointestinal diseases as well as dehydration.

BLOOD ELECTROLYTES

Calcium (Ca) - Increased levels are seen with certain tumors and kidney and parathyroiud gland disease.

Phosphorus (PHOS) - Elevated levels can indicate kidney disease.

Sodium, Potassium, Chloride - all should be within normal levels. Vomiting, dehydration, and diarrhea can affect their levels.