March 2007
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Pet Food Recall
On March 16th national media announced a recall of many different brands of pet foods packaged in cans and foil pouches.  These foods are referred to as “cuts and gravy”.  We highly recommend going to this website www.menufoods.com/recall to see if you pet’s food is included in this recall.  Stop feeding the food immediately and check the label as directed by this website.  Dogs and cats are being presented at veterinary hospitals with acute kidney failure.  Several have died.  Symptoms include lack of appetite, change in urinary output, and lethargy.  At this time it is not known what portion of these foods is causing the problem.  Dry food is not affected by this recall.  No food sold by East Hilliard Veterinary Services is included in the recall.

• Xylitol poison reminder
• Noise phobias
• Welcome Shawn and Christina
• Farewell to Chaplin, Amy, Julie, and Kathy

Welcome Shawn and Christina
We are pleased to introduce two new employees this month and we're very glad to have them on board.  They are learning quickly and will surely become valued members of our staff.

Shawn Hopkins joined the staff of East Hilliard Veterinary Services as a part-time veterinary assistant.  He is currently enrolled in the Purdue Veterinary Technology Distant Learning Program.  He expects to receive his degree in Veterinary Technology in about five years.  Shawn is a long time resident of Hilliard.  He and his wife, Jamie, have one cat, six ferrets, two hamsters, one hermit crab, and one gecko.  When Shawn isn’t working here or studying, he works at the Regal Cinema at Georgesville Square.

Christina Purtee graduated from Bradford School in Columbus in November 2006 with a degree in Veterinary Technology.  She graduated from Riverside High School in DeGraff, OH (near Bellefontaine) where she still lives with her husband, Brad, and their three Yorkshire Terriers.

Xylitol Poison Reminder 
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Poison Control Center, the number of dogs presenting with Xylitol poisoning has almost doubled in the last two years.  Apparently safe for human use as a sugar substitute, Xylitol is found in many items including chewing gum, toothpaste, chewable vitamins, sugar-free candy, and some baked goods.  Pet owners are encouraged to check all product labels for Xylitol and keep these items away from pets.  Please visit our July 2006 newsletter for more information on Xylitol poisoning.

Noise Phobias
A phobia is a greatly exaggerated fear response.  It is irrational, persistent, excessive, intense, and disproportionate to the stimulus.  Nearly 50% of dogs suffer from some degree of noise phobia.  Thunderstorms are the most common reason for the fear response. Firecrackers/fireworks and gunshots are the next most common.  Occasionally a noise phobia can be traced to a particular event but most often no triggering event can be determined.  Almost always, noise phobias escalate, worsening with each exposure.  It is not uncommon for a dog that is afraid of thunderstorms to become afraid of rain. A dog that is afraid of gunshots can become fearful simply at the sight of the rifle.
A recent study has shown that certain breeds have a higher incidence of noise phobias.  These include Collies, German Shepherds, Bassett Hounds, and Beagles, however this study was small and more research needs to be done.  It is also believed that dogs with separation anxieties are more likely to suffer from noise phobias.
The signs of noise phobias include:  hiding, house soiling, destructive chewing, panting, pacing, drooling, seeking the owner, trembling, and vocalizing.  Dogs that suffer from noise phobias can damage your house and can seriously injure themselves in an attempt to escape their torment. 
Treatment for dogs suffering from noise phobia should begin with a behavior consult appointment with an animal behaviorist or your veterinarian.  There are many factors to be considered before any treatment program can be instituted.  Treatment may consist of the use of pheromones, oral medications, and/or behavioral modifications through desensitization or classical conditioning.  These modification programs should only be undertaken with the guidance of trained personnel.  Attempting behavior modification programs on your own can make conditions worse.

Goodbye and Good Luck
As always, each year in March we have to say goodbye to our veterinary students as they go into their fourth year of veterinary school.  The fourth year is very busy for the students and there is no time for working here.  Amy Pugh, Chaplin McWhorter, Kathy Galan, and Julie Franklin will all be leaving us this month.  As always, you will be missed, but we all wish you the very best in your studies and in your chosen profession.

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