DOG FOOD RECALL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 5, 2012 – Diamond Pet Foods today announced that it is expanding a voluntary recall to include batches of nine brands of dry pet food formulas manufactured between December 9, 2011 and April 7, 2012 due to potential Salmonella contamination.

In April 2012, Diamond Pet Foods initiated three voluntary recalls of Diamond manufactured dry dog food. Although none of the additional products being recalled have tested positive for Salmonella, the company is pulling them from store shelves as a precaution. Diamond Pet Foods is coordinating efforts with federal and state health and regulatory agencies and decided to independently expand the recall to ensure the safety and well-being of customers and their pets.

The company stated: “We have taken corrective actions at our Gaston, S.C., facility and voluntarily expanded the recall out of concern for our customers and their pets.”

Brands included in the recall include:

• Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul
• Country Value
• Diamond
• Diamond Naturals
• Premium Edge
• Professional
• 4Health
• Taste of the Wild

To determine if their pet food is recalled, consumers should check the production codes on the back of bags that have a number “2” or a “3” in the 9^th position AND an “X” in the 10^th or 11^th position. The best-before dates for the recalled brands listed above are December 9, 2012 through April 7, 2013.

The following graphic illustrates how to read the production code and best-before date:

The recall affects only products distributed in the following U.S. states and Canada. Further distribution through other pet food channels may have occurred.

• Alabama
• Florida
• Georgia
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Massachusetts
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• Canada

The Kirkland Signature products included in the recall include:

• Kirkland Signature Super Premium Adult Dog Lamb, Rice & Vegetable Formula (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)
• Kirkland Signature Super Premium Adult Dog Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)
• Kirkland Signature Super Premium Mature Dog Chicken, Rice & Egg Formula (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)
• Kirkland Signature Super Premium Healthy Weight Dog Formulated with Chicken & Vegetables (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)
• Kirkland Signature Super Premium Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)
• Kirkland Signature Super Premium Healthy Weight Cat Formula (December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)
• Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato Formula for Dogs (December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)

To determine if their pet food is recalled, consumers should check the production codes on the back of bags must have both a number “3” in the 9^th position AND an “X” in the 11^th position. The best-before dates for the recalled brands listed are December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013.

The following illustrates how to read the production code and best-before date:

The recall affects only products distributed in the following U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Canada.

• Alabama
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Canada
• Puerto Rico

Diamond Pet Foods apologizes for any issues this may cause consumers and their pets. Pet owners who are unsure if the product they purchased is included in the recall, or who would like replacement product or a refund, may contact Diamond Pet Foods via a toll free call at 1-866-918-8756, Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST. Consumers may also go to a special website, www.diamondpetrecall.com , for more information. The company is working with distributors and retailers to ensure all affected product is removed from shelves.

Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Individuals handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. People who believe they may have been exposed to Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. According to the Centers for Disease Control, people who are more likely to be affected by Salmonella include infants, children younger than 5 years old, organ transplant patients, people with HIV/AIDS and people receiving treatment for cancer. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have received a limited number of reports of salmonellosis, the illness caused by Salmonella. We are working with the CDC, but due to patient confidentiality, we cannot comment further.

[Information from www.fda.gov]

Myths vs. Facts:  The truth about ticks

Make sure parasites have no place on your pets.

Disease-carrying ticks pose health risks to dogs and people, no matter where you live.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that ticks in every U.S. state carry diseases, and the number of tick-borne diseases is increasing.  But do you know the myths and facts about ticks?  Here, DogsAndTicks.com debunks some of the most commonly believed myths about ticks so you can protect your pets.

Myth #1: The best way to remove a tick is with a lit match, fingernail polish, or petroleum jelly.

Fact: None of these methods cause the tick to “back out”, and all of them may actually result in the tick depositing more disease-carrying saliva into the wound, increasing the risk of infection.  The best way to remove a tick is to grasp it as close to the skin as possible with tweezers and pull the tick’s body out with a steady motion.  Wear rubber gloves, and clean the skin with soap and water after removal.  Dispose of the tick by placing it in alcohol.

Myth #2:  Lyme disease is the only illness that ticks can transmit to dogs and humans.

Fact:  Lyme is the most widely known and common tick disease, but there are many others that ticks carry and can transmit to dog and people.  These include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis (sometimes known as “dog fever”), ehrlilchiosis, and some emerging diseases with potentially devastating effects.

Myth #3:  If I find a tick on myself or someone in my family, Lyme and other tick diseases can be ruled out immediately with a blood test.

Fact:  According to the CDC, laboratory results for tick-borne illness in people are often negative on the first sample and require a second test two or three weeks later to confirm infection.  Children are more susceptible to infection due to their immature immune systems.  Signs of Lyme are flu-like symptoms such as fever and malaise with or without a bull’s-eye rash, but many people (and dogs) with tick-borne illness don’t experience any symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease. 

Myth #4:  Ticks aren’t a problem in the winter when it’s too cold for them to live outside.

Fact:  In most areas of the country, high season for ticks runs from April to November.  Experts recomment year-round preventives, however, as infection can occur at any time of the year.  In the winter, for example, some tick species move indoors and are close in contact with pets and people, while others make a type of antifreeze to survive during the winter months.

Myth #5:  Ticks live in trees, so as long as I don’t live near or visit a wooded area, I don’t have to worry about them.

Fact:  Ticks live on the ground no matter the locale, be it an urban park or a rural area.  They typically crawl up from grass blades onto a hose and migrate upward, which is why they are often found on the scalp. 

Myth #6:  Ticks are insects.

Fact:  Ticks are actually a species of parasite called arachnids that belong to the same family as mites. 

Since signs of tick-borne disease are difficult to recognize in both pets and people, simple preventive measures and understanding as much as possible about these creepy crawlers are the best way to keep everyone safe.

(Information courtesy dogsandticks.com)

HEARTWORM DISEASE

What causes heartworm disease?

Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite called “Dirofilaria immitis”.  Heartworms are most commonly found in dogs.  However, they can infect a wide variety of mammals including cats, ferrets, sea lions, bears, foxes, wolves, coyotes, and even people.  Adult heartworms generally live in the heart and major arteries of the lungs, although they may be found in other areas of the body.

Are all dogs at risk?

Dogs are considered the preferred host of the heartworm.  While the highest prevalence of heartworm infection is in areas with heavy mosquito populations, heartworm-infected animals can be found in all environments making heartworm disease a health consideration regardless of where you live. 

How are heartworms transmitted?

Heartworms can only be transmitted from one animal to another by mosquitoes.  Adult worms produce microfilriae (small, immature heartworms) which may be found in the blood of infected dogs.  The mosquito ingests heartworm microfilariae when biting an infected host (usually a dog).  The microfilariae develop in the mosquito into “infective larvae” and are deposited with saliva on the dog’s skin as the mosquito is feeding.  The infective larvae pass through the skin and migrate through the body tissues. 

What are the signs of heartworm disease in dogs?

Many dogs infected with heartworms may not show any evidence of infection in the early stages of the disease.  Signs may appear eventually and may worsen over time.  Early detection is important in managing your pet’s health.

Initially, dogs may exhibit a decreased tolerance to exercise.  They may also develop a cough, experience difficulty breathing or have fainting spells as well as suffer severe weight loss.  Since the heart and lungs are affected, the clinical signs observed are typical of heart failure, pneumonia or other debilitating disease.

How do I know if my dog has hewartworm disease?

Routine testing for heartworm infection is performed in affected areas.  We use an in-hospital blood test to aid in diagnosis of heartworm infection in dogs.  We recommend testing for heartworm disease

• before begging heartworm preventive. 
• at 1 year of age and then every year afterwards.
• when clinical signs are present.

My dog rarely goes outside.  Can it be infected with heartworms?

Yes, heartworm infections have been reported in dogs that rarely go outside.  If a mosquito carrying heartworm infected larvae enters the house, it can bite your dog and the larvae may infect your dog.  In addition, most dogs make frequent short trips outside, during which mosquito bites my occur. 

Can heartworm disease be prevented?

Fortunately, heartworm disease can be prevented, if preventive medications are started early and are consistently given throughout the dog’s life.  However, these medications will not eliminate existing infection.  Knowing the heartworm infection status of your dog is an important part of keeping your dog healthy and fit.

What can be done if my dog has heartworms?

Medications to eliminate adult heartworms and immature heartworms are available. 

(Information from Heska)

But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes and a sealed letter from his previous owner.

See, Reggie and I didn’t really hit it off when we got home.  We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home).  Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too.  Maybe we were too much alike.

I saw the sealed envelope.  I had completely forgotten about that.  “Okay, Reggie,” I said out loud, “let’s see if your previous owner has any advice.”

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __________

To Whomever Gets My Dog:

Well, I can’t say that I’m happy you’re reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie’s new owner.  I’m not even happy writing it.  He knew something was different.

So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you.

First, he loves tennis balls.  The more the merrier.  Sometimes I think he’s part squirrel, the way he hoards them.  He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there.  Hasn’t done it yet.  Doesn’t matter where you throw them, he’ll bound after them, so be careful.  Don’t do it by any roads.

Next, commands.  Reggie knows the obvious ones —”sit,” “stay,” “come,” “heel.”

He knows hand signals, too:  He knows “ball” and “food” and “bone” and “treat” like nobody’s business.

Feeding schedule:  twice a day, regular store-bought stuff;  the shelter has the brand.

He’s up on his shots.  Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet.  Good luck getting him in the car.  I don’t know how he knows when it’s time to go to the vet, but he knows.

Finally, give him some time.  It’s only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He’s gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can.  He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn’t bark or complain.  He just loves to be around people, and me most especially.

And that’s why I need to share one more bit of info with you…His name’s not Reggie.  He’s a smart dog, he’ll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt.  But I just couldn’t bear to give them his real name.  But if someone is reading this … well it means that his new owner should know his real name.  His real name is “Tank.”  Because, that is what I drive.

I told the shelter that they couldn’t make “Reggie” available for adoption until they received word from my company commander.  You see, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could’ve left Tank with … and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call to the shelter … in the “event” … to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption.  Luckily, my CO is a dog-guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed.  He said he’d do it personally.  And if you’re reading this, then he made good on his word.

Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family.  And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family, too, and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me.

If I have to give up Tank to keep those terrible people from coming to the US, I am glad to have done so.  He is my example of service and of love.  I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.

All right, that’s enough.  I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter.  Maybe I’ll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.

Good luck with Tank.  Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight – every night – from me.

Thank you,

Paul Mallory

___________ __________ __________ _________ __________ ________

I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope.  Sure, I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me.  Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies.  Flags have been at half-mast all summer.

I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog.

“Hey, Tank,” I said quietly.

The dog’s head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright.

“C’mere boy.”

He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor.  He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn’t heard in months. “Tank,” I whispered.

His tail swished.

I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him.  I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him.

“It’s me now, Tank, just you and me.  Your old pal gave you to me.  Tank reached up and licked my cheek.

“So whatdaya say we play some ball?”  His ears perked again.

“Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?”

Tank tore from my hands and disappeared into the next room.  And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth.

If you can read this without getting a lump in your throat or a tear in your eye, you just ain’t right.

A veteran is someone who, at one point, wrote a blank check made payable to ‘The United States of America’ for an amount of ‘up to and including their life.’

That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.

“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.”

–

Judy L. Reid

1. Keep pets safe and secure. With all the noise, open doors and potential chaos involved in a move, it’s important for clients to make sure their pet is safe, happy, and secure. Encourage clients to put their pet in a quiet and safe place. This quiet spot should be a place that the pet is familiar and comfortable with. Maybe it’s a travel crate placed in an out of the way place, or perhaps a bathroom. Be sure that the pet can’t escape during the move. If the pet is in a room, clients can place a sign on the door alerting others to not enter. Another option is to encourage clients to have their pet stay at a friend or relative’s house or a doggy day care on moving day.

2. Check on pets regularly. If clients will be keeping their pet at home on moving day, they need to check in on it regularly. It’s important to maintain the pet’s regular routine for feeding, walks, bathroom breaks, and cuddling.

3. Create familiar surroundings. One of the best ways clients can help their pet become comfortable in a new environment more quickly is to have their things in it before introducing the pet into the new place. Whether it be a favorite chair, dog bed, throw rug, toys, or all of the above, clients should surround their pet with familiar things. Clients should be prepared with all the necessary items their pet will need from day one in the new home.

4. Keep pets on leash. Pet parents need to be aware even dogs that are excellent under voice control can become distracted easily in a new neighborhood and surroundings. To prevent their pet from running off, clients should keep their dog on a leash or in a secure, fenced yard.

5. Keep a photo handy. In the unfortunate event that a client’s pet runs off, they should keep a recent photo of the pet on hand. In addition to the pet’s ID tag and microchip, a photo of the pet will help to ensure the pet’s safe return home.

Above all,  maintain a calm energy.  Pets pick up on our emotions, so deep breaths.  Moving is an adventure, a new beginning—encourage yourself to embrace it and enjoy it with your pet.

Gentlemen of the Jury

The best friend a man has in the world may turn against him and become his enemy.  His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful.  Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name may become traitors to their faith.  The money that a man has, he may lose.  It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it most.  A man’s reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action.  The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads.

The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog.  A man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness.  He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master’s side.  He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer; he will lick the wounds and sores that conm in an encounter with the roughness of the world.  He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince.  When all other friends desert, he remains.  When riches take wings, and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.

If fortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him, to guard him against danger, to fight against his enemies.  And when the last scene of all comes, and death takes his master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by the graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad, but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even in death.

When is your cat at risk?

All it takes to spread feline leukemia is contact with the bodily fluid of an infected animal.  Any of these situations could put your cat or kitten at risk:

• Social grooming
• Common litter boxes
• Shared food and water bowls
• Bite wounds from playing or fighting
• Time outdoors
• Contact with other cats
• Newly adopted

        The virus is especially dangerous to young cats.  Kittens can contract the disease  from their mothers while nursing or still in the womb. 

Feline Leukemia:

• is found in every region of the United States.
• is highly contagious.
• is transmitted from cat to cat.
• can be fatal.
• has few outward signs, and no “sure” signs.
• is associated with illness and death of more cats than any other disease.
• can weaken a cat’s immune system. 

When should I test my cat for Feline leukemia?

Since your last visit to a veterinary clinic, has your cat:

• Had a bite wounds?
• Been outside for even a brief period of time?
• Been exposed to any other cat whose status is unknown?

        If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, your cat should be tested. 

Why should I test my cat?

Without testing, there is no way to know whether your cat is infected.  Without diagnosis, your cat cannot be treated properly.  The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends that all at-risk cats, sick cats and kittens should be tested. 

Are you unsure if your cat has been tested for Feline Leukemia?  Give us a call to confirm.  If your cat hasn’t been tested, we would be happy to arrange an appointment to have your cat tested. 

(Information from Idexx and Merial)

Fleas are probably the most common ectoparasite (external parasite) of dogs and cats worldwide.  In addition to just being a nuisance, flease are responsible for flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) in dogs and cats, which is estimated to account for over 50 percent of all the dermatological cases reported to veterinarians.

Ticks are also ectoparasites.  Ticks are important vectors of a number of diseases, including Lyme disease.  Ticks are second only to mosquitoes as vectors of human disease, both infectious and toxic.  Control and prevention of ticks is extremely important in reducing the risk of disease associated with ticks.

Year-Round Prevention

Parasites can infect your pet any time of year.  While external parasites, such as fleas and ticks, may be less of a problem during certain times of the year, depending on where you live, internal parasites can be present year round.  This is why it is important to keep your pet on prevention year-round.

Common questions about fleas/ticks

Why should I control parasites for my pet year-round?

Due to the large number of internal and external parasites and the hig risk of pet infection, controlling parasites year-round is the most reliable way to ensure the highest level of health for your pet and well-being of your family.  Year-round prevention is the most effective way to control can and dog parasites and the diseases they can carry.  People think their pets are safe during colder months, but pets are susceptible to flea and tick infections at all times of the year.  And regardless of the weather, many of these pests can even survive in your home – in carpeting, on furniture and in the cracks of hardwood floors.

Do fleas on my pet present a health risk to my family?

Yes.  Fleas can carry and transmit several potential illnesses of importance to humans, including typhus and plagues, and can transmit “cat scratch disease” (infection with Bartonella) among cats who can then spread the disease to humans.  Additionally, fleas serve as an intermediate host for tapeworms, which can infect your pet and occasionally humans.

What human-health problems are associated with ticks?

Ticks transmit a large number of diseases in North America.  These diseases include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, relapsing fever, ehrlichiosis, tularemia and tick paralysis.  It is important for the health of your pet, as well as the safety of your family, to include ticks in your pet’s year-round parasite control program.  Parasites are also known to cause blindness in children.

What if my cat never goes outside?

Indoor cats have less chance of acquiring fleas and ticks, but they should be regularly checked.  Other pets and family members can be hosts for fleas and ticks (on pant cuffs or socks) and bring them home to your indoor cat.  To prevent any chance of infestation, it is best to keep your cat on monthly preventive year-round.

Tips to Protect Your Family and Your Pet

• Wash your hands well after contact with an animal.
• Do not allow children to put dirt in their mouths.
• Pick up dog and cat was from your yard daily, especially in areas where both children and animals play.
• Cover home sandboxes to protect them from fecal contamination.
• Have your pet tested regularly (at least once a year) for parasites and administer year-round preventive medications to control internal parasites that present a rick to your pet and your family.

Leptospirosis, or lepto, is a deadly bacterial disease spread by wildlife and domestic animals.

• Lepto is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be passed from animals to people.
• Lepto has been diagnosed in all types of dogs.  All breed and sizes of dogs are at risk.
• Common lepto carriers include raccoons, skunks, opossums, squirrels, rats and other dogs.  Livestock can also carry the disease.
• Lepto bacteria can survive for long periods in water.
• The number of canine leptospirosis cases has risen dramatically in recent years.  Today, lepto is the #1 cause of acute kidney failure in dogs.
• Early recognition of leptospirosis is important for a full recovery.

How is my dog exposed?

Lepto bacteria are shed in urine.  Dogs become infected when they come into contact with urine from infected animals.

• Infection occurs when dogs wade through or drink from contaminated water sources.
• The bacteria can enter through a cut in the skin or mucous membranes, such as the eye, nose or mouth.

Is your dog at risk?

Because lepto carriers reside in many locations, dogs living in urban, suburban and rural areas can be at risk.

• Does your dog go outdoors?
• Does your dog drink from or wade in standing water?
• Is your dog exposed to areas where wildlife has been?
• Do you take your dog to dog parks or daycare?
• Do you live in a newly developed area or near farmland or woods?
• Has lepto been diagnosed in your area in dogs or people?

Take Steps to Protect

 Every dog that ventures outdoors is at risk for lepto.  Take steps now to protect your pet.

• Remove food, garbage and nesting material from your yard  to minimize wildlife activity.
• Discourage your dog from drinking standing water.
• Most importantly, ask us about protection with the Lepto vaccine.

(Courtesy Fort Dodge LeptoVax Pamphlet)

Fortunately, there’s something you can do.  A simple vaccination is the best way to help protect your pet against rabies.  Even if you keep your pet indoors, it should still be vaccinated — and it’s require by law!

What is rabies?

Rabies is an acute viral infection that can affect all warm-blooded animals – including dogs and cats.  The disease is almost always caused by the bite of an infected animal that has rabies virus in its saliva.  Younger animals are usually more susceptible to rabies infection.  And it’s always fatal once clinic signs appears.

What if my pet has possible been exposed?

If your pet has been bitten by or exposed to a wild or potentially rabid animal, speak with us immediately and report it to local animal control authorities.  Even if your pet has a current vaccine, you should still contact us.

Signs and Prevention

Once the rabies virus enters the body, it travels along the nerves to the brain.  It can take a matter of days, weeks or months for your pet to show signs of the rabies virus.

Infected animals often show anxiety, aggression, restlessness and erratic behavior.  They also may develop weakness, poor coordination or tremors.  Wild rabid animals commonly lose their fear of humans. Species that are normally nocturnal may be seen wandering about during the day.

Dogs, cats or ferrets that have never been vaccinated and are exposed to a rabid animal may need to be euthanized or placed in strict isolation for six months. 

Vaccinate to Protect Your Pet

We are committed to helping you make the best choices for your pet’s health.  To give your pet the protection it needs, we recommend vaccination with the IMRAB rabies vaccine. 

What Else Can You Do?

• Don’t leave garbage or pet food outdoors.
• Observe all wild or stray animals.
• If you see a wild animal acting strangely, report it to your local animal control authorities. 

(Information courtesy of Merial)

Jessica Kiffner: bringer of the baked goods!

Please help us in welcoming our newest technician, Jessica Kiffner!

Jessica hails from Fort Wayne, Indiana and with her, she brings a husband, a dog, Juneau, and two cats to the great state of Ohio.  Jessica attended Purdue University where she received her degree in Veterinary Technology.

In her spare time, Jessica enjoys kayaking, walking, photography, gardening, wildlife, and traveling.   She has a talent for the violin, but she considers herself a non-practicing musician.

Like whooping cough in humans, kennel cough is an inflammation of the upper airways.  It is typically a mild disease, but still has the ability to advance into life-threatening pneumonia in puppies.

The signs of Infectious Tracheobronchitis

• The main clinical sign = a hoarse cough
• Cough can begin three to ten days after exposure
• Bouts of severe coughing
• Loud, high-pitched “honking”
• Dogs may cough up phlegm, which looks like vomiting
• Depression, lethargy, and loss of appetite
• Discharge from the nose or eyes

In order to diagnose kennel cough, we will ask you about recent exposure to infected or susceptible dogs and consider the clinical signs that we are seeing.   The doctor will also palpate the trachea to initiate coughing.  Once diagnosed, most dogs will be prescribed medication to lessen the cough.  It is recommended that infectious dogs be isolated until ALL signs have disappeared to prevent the spreading of the disease.  To avoid most cases of kennel cough, we recommend an annual vaccination that works quickly to immunize dogs, and is proven safe and effective.   Prevention is key!

Scott Brown

Scott Brown comes to us from Dover, Ohio.  A recent graduate of The Ohio State University, Scott majored in Biology with a minor in Animal Science.  A stellar asset to our team, Scott has aspirations of returning to veterinary school in the near future. 

Ibuprofen

Raisins

Calla Lily

Antifreeze/Coolant

Take a few preventative steps to prevent your pet from coming into contact with toxic items: remove toxic plants from arrangements/yard area, keep all chemicals out of reach and locked away, empty the trashcan frequently and keep the trash can behind a cupboard.  Small steps such as these can keep your pet safe and healthy. 

If you are concerned that your pet may have ingested something toxic, please call Animal Poison Control at 1-800-548-2423.

The grass is growing.  The dogs are playing.

AND THE TICKS ARE BITING!

Adult Tick.

Teresa Rill

Teresa has worked at Upper Arlington Veterinary Hospital since the days of Dr. Rebecca Miller and continues to be a great asset to our team.  She is the mother of 4 grown kids and works full-time for Grandview Public Schools.  With a big heart and a soft spot for animals in need, Teresa has rescued two of her animals, Steve and Kizzie, from our clinics.

In her spare time, Teresa enjoys taking in shows with friends, going to the movies, reading and spending time with her family. 

Teresa with Kizzie

Removing the stem cells.

Today, Dr. Adam Parson harvested adipose tissue from two dogs, which was then spun down, cut, mixed and separated.  Upon completion, the extracted stem cells were injected into the affected joints of each dog.

Stem cells can be used to help ease the discomfort from Osteoarthritis, Tendon/Ligament Damage or a Broken Bone.  Stay tuned for updates on each dog, but for now, enjoy some photos from the procedures today!

Harvesting the adipose tissue.

Seeing the Signs

Unfortunately, kittens are most susceptible to FHV-1, especially when maternal antibodies start waning at eight to twelve weeks.  Because so many kittens end up in shelters, many of them are exposed before they can be adopted.

Once infected with FHV-1, kittens and cats develop conjunctivitis.  Reddened, swollen, itchy eyes with increased discharge are the hallmark symptoms, and in viral cases, painful corneal ulcers may develop.  Most cats recover within two weeks, but severe cases may take longer.

After the first infection, more than 80% of infected cats become latently infected, meaning the virus does not completely vanish.  About have of them will have recurring infections, as the virus reactivates spontaneously or in response to stress.  Infections typically show up about a week after a stressful event, such as travel, boarding or the use of steroids, which can suppress the immune system.  The affected cat will be contagious to fellow felines for one to two weeks, but healthy adult cats probably have immune systems strong enough to withstand the threat – but that is not always the case!

The diagnosis of FHV-1 is often a presumptive diagnosis, meaning it is treated based on specific symptoms rather than test results.  Anti-viral medications may be needed in severe cases, when the disease may lead to blindness.

Sight for Sore Eyes

Cats with recurring conjunctivitis may show symptoms in both eyes or in only one eye (it tends to be the same eye each time).  Antibiotics will not kill the virus, but where there is also a bacterial infection, antibiotic drops may be prescribed for the eyes

There is no cure for latent viral infection, and there is no prevention for uninfected cats.  However, supportive therapy may shorten the disease’s life:

* L-lysine:  This amino acid, which inhibits the replication of FHV-1, is available as a powder you can sprinkle on food and as tempting treats.

* Interferons:  These proteins are produced by cells in response to viruses.  When given to affected cats, they seem to limit the infection of healthy cells.