Well folks, summer has "finally" arrived for those of us that wait all year for these hot, humid days.

The expression "dog days of summer" has a bit of a different meaning for us in emergency medicine.  Before reading this blog, this is your official warning, it is a "soap box" blog.

On Saturday after going to the local farmers market and running a few errands, I spotted a car in the parking lot which had a dog in it.  It was 77 degrees at 10 am.  The windows literally were only cracked an inch at best.  The dog in the car was 70 plus pounds.  A bit overweight for the breed he appeared to be.  My 10 year old son was the one who noticed him and how heavily he was panting and that his colored "did not look right".  The dog was clearly uncomfortable and jumping back and forth from the front to the back seat trying to find some shade.

I took a picture of the license plate and went into the store asking them to make an announcement that the dog locked in this car was showing signs of distress.  Which they did.  I walked back out waiting for the owner to come out, they did not.  The next and only other way I  could think to do to help was to call the police.  I gave the license plate number and a description of where the car was parked.  I then decided to leave.  Why? Like I said, I had my son with me and I had nothing good to say about the owner of that car and at that time with my emotions running high, did not trust myself as to what my reaction would be if the owner had come out.  I can assure you that I would not have acted out physically, however there would have been a stern, one sided conversation if you will.  I figured it was better to leave this to the police. I had also found out that someone else had already called the police and they were on their way.

I started thinking of what I would say to those people who continue to insist on taking their dogs with them everywhere they go during the summer months and then recalled that someone beat me to it.  Dr. Ernest Ward from North Carolina made a great video documenting how quickly the temperature rises inside a car.

http://www.samaritanmag.com/1589/veterinarian-locks-self-hot-car-pet-experiment

http://www.seasidevet.com


I just do not understand WHY anyone would think it is "ok" to leave a dog in the car for "just 5 minutes".  It just is NOT.  It is irresponsible and selfish if you think your dog needs to be with you every second of the day that they just can not bear to be without you while you run to the store.

Heat stroke is completely avoidable.  There is just no reason that a dog needs to suffer or die from it.

Here is a list of heat stroke symptoms:

http://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/common-emergencies/e_dg_heat_stroke#.UeRBZxbZWJU


Thank you to whomever posted this sign !

Here are some fun ideas of how to beat the heat and keep your K9 friends cool this summer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DX2WEXd53ik&feature=player_detailpage

I will now step off my soap box with one final plea... we live in a state where although it feels like we have two seasons, construction and winter, we have 4.  Spring, summer, fall, and winter.  All can be wonderful and we can enjoy them with our furry family members but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let's be safe ! 

Came across this great blog from an emergency clinic in TX.  Although we have only been teased with a few warm days, sooner or later summer will find it's way to us:

How to avoid heat stroke

All pets that are kept outside need to have shade and plenty of water provided. If possible- when it gets to be hotter than 90 degrees it is best to bring your pets inside. If they are an outdoor pet- please heed the precautions provided below.
If you do plan on spending time outside with your pet, please be aware of several common and serious problems that may arise in the hot weather. Even the most experienced pet owners may sometimes be unaware of these dangers. The following are a few tips on how to avoid undue stress or pain to your beloved 4 footed friend.

Boy its hot and sunny out there. it is cool in here with the a/c

Dogs can wear shoes…but normally do not

Dogs can burn their feet running around on cement in the hot summer sun. Grass and dirt tend not to become quite as hot. However, if your pet is generally pampered, his paw pads may not used to rough ground and it can cause severe trauma. Most of our dogs want to please us. They will follow us anywhere even if they are in pain…so please take note. If your pet is used to being indoors, a run on a summer day on the concrete or a trail is probably not the best idea and should be reconsidered.

puppy on a walk in the grass

Dogs don’t sweat

Dogs and cats cannot sweat. They pant to cool off. Sweating, also known as evaporative cooling, is more efficient and works better. The only way that a pet can benefit from evaporative cooling is if they are wet and provided with a breeze by wind or a fan.

Fans won’t work

A fan will only work to cool your pet if they are wet.

Dogs cannot talk and let you know the water is too hot!

In the summer your hose becomes heated by the suns rays. When you turn the water on it comes out very hot! Always let the water run out of the hose for a little while before using it on your pet. Test it with your own hands to make sure it is nice and cool. We often see dogs that start losing their hair in a straight line down their back or on their side. This is usually caused by scorching from a hose that was running hot water.After being scorched by hot water, it takes about three to five days for the hair follicles to fully die and for the hair to fall out. These injuries are extremely painful and, if enough skin is involved, this can become a life threatening problem.

Even at rest…

Overheating and heat stroke DO NOT require activity! When it gets very warm outside, many dogs can’t pant fast enough or hard enough to remove the heat that is accumulating in their bodies. Even lying around in the shade on a very hot day, dogs and cats may over heat. The brachycephalic (short-nosed dogs like pugs, Boston terriers, bulldogs and boxers) breeds have an exceptionally difficult time keeping themselves cool and are very susceptible to overheating. These breeds are inefficient at panting and often have numerous other abnormalities found in the respiratory track (nose to the lungs) so they have difficulty moving air in and out. Obese pets also have difficulty cooling down. Their fat effectively insulates them (like blubber used to keep seals and polar bears warm) so that heat becomes trapped in the body. Being overweight limits the expansion and compression of the chest cavity as well thus making panting even less efficient. The combination can be deadly. So be extra careful in the heat with short-nosed and obese dogs.

Dogs love to swim!

Evaporative cooling does work when animals are wet. Simple light kiddie pools or wading pools are perfect for dogs to play in. Many of them will not just jump in at first and may need a little convincing. Once they are in though, they may not want to come out! Dogs should not remain wet however, as this may cause some issues with their coat if allowed to stay wet for extended periods of time.

Dogs and swimming pools

People need to be very careful with their dogs around swimming pools. Even though most dogs swim well, they may not be able to figure out how to get out of a pool. If the dog gets in the pool when you are not around they can panic, become tired and then drown. Smaller dogs sometimes just fall in (especially when they are trying to get a drink out of the pool) and the same thing can happen to them. Protect your pets just as you do your children around the swimming pool.

Sunburn

Just because dogs have fur doesn’t mean that they can’t get sunburned. Lighter colored dogs are more susceptible to the sun’s damaging rays but even dark coated dogs can burn their ears and noses. If you shave your dog for the summer they may be more susceptible to becoming sun burned than they would normally. Sunburn can be as painful in dogs as it is in people. There is often a delayed response in pets so you may not notice that your pet is hurting until several hours later.

Skin cancer is as big a problem in dogs as it is in people. The sun can cause irreversible damage that leads to cancer, especially in light colored dogs. Dogs and cats can lose portions of their ears, nose or eyelids to cancer. This type of cancer is typically very aggressive (squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma) so that if it is not identified and removed early it is possible that can spread to the lymph nodes or lungs. Sunscreen that is baby safe may be considered to help prevent this deadly disease. Limited exposure to the sun and shade are also considerations.

Until next time, please spay and neuter your pet and keep them healthy and indoors!

J. Veronika Kiklevich, DVM, DABVP (C,F) and Ariana Finkelstein, DVM
I-10 Pet Emergency
10822 Fredericksburg Road
San Antonio, TX 78240
(210) 691-0900
www.i10petemergency.com

Living in a digital world

When it comes to technology such as a laptop, television, camera, you buy something today, a newer version comes out tomorrow...

Download your software upgrade, wait a week and the next version is out...

IPhone, Ipad, Itouch, Ishuffle... text me, tweet me, send me a message on Facebook, read my blog...

It sounds like a Dr. Seuss riddle doesn't it? 

How is a person to keep up with it all?  It seems overwhelming at times but can sure be convenient when you literally can access the information you are looking for in seconds from your hand held device.  

If you have not already guessed, today's blog is to inform you that the Fox Valley Animal Referral Center now has an app!! 

It is in the beginning phases and we look forward to adding new features to it.  

I have included the links for both Iphone and droid users

Iphone users:

FVARC on iTunes: 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fvarc/id617927497?mt=8&uo=4

Android users:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.foxvalley&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS5mb3h2YWxsZXkiXQ.

As a quick over view:

Currently, there are 4 screens.  A home screen which clients can tap to call, tap for directions, our hours, as well as a history of our hospital.  They can also tap here to get to our website.

The news section of the app currently features directions how to use the app.

The post card screen allows clients to choose a back ground template, take a photo of their pet and email it, post it to facebook, send it to us, post it to their twitter account or just save it to their photo album.  

The 4th screen it a social screen which takes the client to our blog, pintrest board, twitter , you tube account, and facebook page.  Yes, we have ALL of those!!  

Future use for the app will be a links and library section, appointment reminders etc....

Words to live by...

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" -- Dr. Seuss

I saw this quote on the bottom of an email, part of the salutation line and thought how fitting this is for every day life and can be applied in veterinary medicine.  

Often times clients are embarrassed to ask questions or share their pet's history with the doctor because they are fearful that they will be perceived as if they did something wrong or did not take care of their pet.  This is not the case, by the time you walk through the doors of a specialty and emergency hospital, we know you care, otherwise why would you be there? Regardless of the circumstance of how you and your pet arrived, we are grateful you made it so you can get the answers you are looking for.  

"Say what you mean, mean what you say" 

This is also important.  Saying that your cat has been straining "forever" is a very long time.  In order for us to help, we need to know is "forever" a day, a week, a month? Please be direct and specific and we will do the same. 

"They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care"

That one applies for all of us in veterinary medicine.  Once a client walks in, they know to expect the most advance medical care we can provide, what the clients want is a person who talks to them in a language they can understand.  Someone who cares for them as well as their pet.  Someone who helps educate them about diabetes, epilepsy, or whatever the issue may be.  

We are all in this together and we all have the same goal, the best care that can be provided for your pet! 

Education is the key

So we all have heard and have said ourselves, "there is no such thing as a stupid question".

I would say that statement is accurate and if you don't ask the question, how do you know the answer?

I bring this up today because in emergency and specialty medicine,  often times decisions are made in part, based on finances.

I never , never, pass up an opportunity to speak with elementary school, middle, and high school kids about animal health and safety.  I have added finances to this talk, yes, to 1st grade kids I will talk to them about pet care and financial obligations. Why?  Because no one did this for me!

Like anyone in this field, I grew up bringing home every stray animal as well as wildlife.  If the neighbor's dog got loose, they knew to come to our house to pick it up, but not without a lecture from a very precocious young girl.  Later, as a teen working as a staff member at a small town veterinary hospital, I remember thinking to myself "why doesn't the doctor fix it for free if he knows how? Why doesn't she do it because she loves pets?"

Little did I know that in most cases they did, and when the clients were charged, it was little to nothing.  The effect this had on the clients went unnoticed by some, greatly appreciated by others.  Although I am sure it made the doctor feel great to do this, it affected the hospital negatively.  Without the income coming in, there is no way to pay the staff, the electric bill, upgrade equipment, order food and medical supplies, etc.  A hospital simply can not provide the best care for free and keep their doors open.

Medicine has a price.  It is expensive.

When I was a manager, a client asked me once, "you expect me to pay $$ for 30 minutes of the doctors time?", my answer was no, I expect the doctor to be able to provide you with a list of things that may be going on with your pet after examining them within 30 minutes. We may not have an answer but we have a direction to go in.  You are paying for their knowledge.  Their time is worth something.  Their ability to know what to do next is worth something.

Back to the education part of this blog, people spend millions of dollars on their pets. That money is not spent on veterinary care alone, it is spent on things like Halloween costumes, rain coats, doggie massage, etc.  Don't take my word for it, Time Business did an entire article on this alone:

http://business.time.com/2012/10/04/millions-on-pet-halloween-costumes-why-we-spend-more-and-more-on-pets/  

I have no issue with spending money on the "extras" for your feline or canine companion, however, it should NOT take the place of spending money on preventative care.

If you can afford a gucci bag to carry your dog in without taking food off the table for your family that is great! You work hard for your money, spend it how you wish but please, please, please make sure your animal is spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and in good health.  Please make sure that you know what is normal behavior for your pet so you recognize what is not normal.  Please know what medications your pet is on and their dose.  Please ask your veterinarian what food is best for your pet and why, take note of their daily routine, if they are need training and behavior modification ask for help, it is out there.

Maya Angelou  is famous for saying "when you know better you do better".

http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/3503.Maya_Angelou

Education is the key.  We need to educate ourselves and share that with others.  There is not a day that goes by that someone does not teach me something new.  It may be a fact about a specific breed of a dog or cat that I am not familiar with or it may be about new technology.  I want to know better, I want to do better.  If we can all do that, we are then all part of the health care team for our pets that mean so much to us.

(for more on this topic there is an ongoing blog at http://www.angryvet.com/the-cost-of-veterinary-medicine )

New Years Resolutions

So it is the middle of January, how many of you made a resolution to loose weight, eat better, exercise more, make and KEEP annual visits to your doctor?  Are you sticking to it?

The same resolution is important for our pets as well.  Obesity in pets is on the rise.  Numerous studies show that obesity can have detrimental effects on the health and longevity of dogs and cats. The problems to which obese companion animals may suffer from include orthopedic disease, diabetes, cardio disease, respiratory disease, urinary disorders, reproductive disorders, neoplasia (mammary tumors, transitional cell carcinoma), dermatological diseases, and anesthetic complications. 

What are our options? dietary management and increasing physical activity!

Did you know that just 1 ounce of cheddar cheese given to a 20lb dog has the same number of calories as 2 1/2 hamburgers!! Or that 1 cup of milk for a 10lb cat is the same number of calories equal to 5 chocolate bars for us!

A healthy diet for us and our pets is an essential.

Just as important is exercise.  YES, IT IS COLD OUT, we live in Wisconsin.  However, maintaining an exercise routine is important for us all.  A short walk around the block is better than no walk at all.  Not only is exercise important for weight management for our pets but pets tend to suffer from cabin fever as well and your new pair of shoes or the dining room table leg sure look like the perfect new chew toy!  For more indoor tips on what to do with your pet visit:

http://www.cesarsway.com/tips/thebasics/indoor-activities?utm_source=Mobile+Storm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=JanuaryNL_4

K9 officer Mato retires

If you are reading this blog, you of course are an animal lover and supporter.  I can spend hours watching videos, looking at photos, reading stories about the human animal bond that the impact that animals have on our lives.

Today I would like to talk about one very special dog.  At the end of 2012 Mato McQuaid, a K9 officer with the Appleton Police Department retired.  We came to know Mato when he was referred for an orthopedic issue.  Matt, his handler, and Mato became frequent fliers here at the Fox Valley Animal Referral Center so the staff got to know them both very well.  To see the bond that these two have on and off duty is really pretty fantastic.   They both rely on each other so much and at times appear to be more one than two separate entities.

Seeing them prompted us to nominate them to receive honors at the Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame which Mato was recognized as the hero he is in 2010.

Many people ask if the K9 officer gets to live with the human officer and the answer is yes, Mato is part of the McQuaid family. Matt and his wife Jacquelyn have 3 children.  Recently I heard that Jacquelyn who serves in the military was deployed overseas......so Matt and Mato are pulling all the parenting duties while she is gone.

Often when I see a K9 officer or any service dog, other than feeling overwhelming respect and compassion, do I think about their "home life".  I thought about Jacquelyn's selfless choice to serve her country knowing it meant a separation from her family.  I then found myself thinking what Mato must feel like when Matt leaves the house in uniform for the day with out him and she is not there either.  I then thought what is Matt feeling leaving the house with out Mato? What does it feel like to come home knowing your spouse may be in danger?  Both Matt and Jacquelyn are military and Matt is actively serving his community as a police officer so they are aware of the risks they face each day.  With all these changes to their families daily routine, it is certainly a huge adjustment for them all.

On behalf of us all at the Fox Valley Animal Referral Center, we want to wish Mato a happy and healthy retirement, wish Matt the best of luck and lots of patience while he is a parenting solo, pray for the safe return of Jacquelyn and thank them all for their service to our country and community.

Here are just a few facts about Police Service Dog Mato:

Born – 4/4/2003 in Czech Republic

Trained as a working dog in Czech Republic, titled SVV1, SVV2, IPO I, IPO II

Imported by Adlerhorst International Police K-9 Academy, Riverside, CA – September 2006

K-9 Training of PSD Mato / Officer McQuaid at Adlerhorst – September thru December 2006

·     Trained in subject detection, tracking, and illegal drug detection          

Mato retired after six-plus years of service. He had some impressive stats with his Handler Officer McQuaid -Mato utilized on a total of 1,044 incidents including:

• 795 drug sniffs
• 73 drug search warrants
• 20 robberies • 20 burglaries
• 25 public demonstrations

   Resulting in finds of: 

• 4,134 grams (9.2 lbs.) of marijuana
• 135 grams of cocaine
• 14 grams of methamphetamine
• 112 drug paraphernalia finds
• 19 successful tracks of suspects

https://www.facebook.com/K9sForASaferCommunityhttps://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=387045354719634&set=a.387045318052971.90839.277702592320578&type=1&theater

Blog submitted by L Schuh of the FVARC

Obesity in dogs... not just a New Years resolution for us

Obesity in Dogs

Is Your Dog Overweight?

If your dog is overweight, talk to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can recommend an ideal weight range for your dog and help formulate a safe and effective weight loss plan. Begin by evaluating your dog’s food. Check the label; has it been formulated according to AAFCO standards? Your veterinarian can recommend a weight loss diet that ensures your pet receives the right balance of  protein, carbohydrates, and other nutrients, while supporting successful weight loss. Nutritional counseling from your veterinarian, along with daily exercise, can help your dog successfully lose weight and live a long, active life.

Obesity is on the rise, and not just for humans. Dogs are increasingly overweight and even obese. In the United States, an estimated 43 million dogs are overweight or obese - that’s over half of all dogs! And it is not just dogs in the United States that need to lose a few pounds - canine obesity is also a problem in Canada, Europe, Australia and other countries worldwide.

Canine obesity increases the risk for osteoarthritis, insulin resistance, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and respiratory problems, kidney disease, some types of cancer, and cranial cruciate ligament injury. Thanks to these increased health problems, overweight dogs face a decreased life expectancy of up to 2.5 years.

Even if your dog is just a couple pounds over his ideal weight, those few pounds could make a big difference to your dog's health. For example, a 7lb Pomeranian is considered to be a “healthy” weight and the equivalent of a 145lb, 5’ 4” human female. An extra five pounds on the Pomeranian, however, is the equivalent to a 249lb female, which is more than 100lbs over the female’s ideal body weight. Just a few extra pounds really will make a big difference for your dog’s health.

Why are so many dogs overweight? Unfortunately, some pet owners are literally killing their dogs with too much food and too many treats! For example, only one ounce of cheese for a 20 pound dog is the equivalent of 1.5 hamburgers for the average woman! While dog owners may never intentionally mean to hurt their pet, overfeeding, lack of exercise, and poor dietary choices have led to a pet obesity crisis.

A lack of outdoor exercise is also a problem. Busy pet owners who work long hours simply don’t have the time to take their dog for longs walks, runs or play fetch. Together, too much food and a lack of exercise is the perfect recipe for dog obesity.

Early intervention will help overweight dogs get healthy. Your veterinarian can recommend the right diet and exercise program to help your dog lose the extra pounds.

Source:

Association for Pet Obesity Prevention

Association of American Feed Control Officials