We extend our sincere sympathies to the friends and families of the victims of the killings at Virginia Technical Institute.  The loss of all these lives is so difficult to comprehend.  The loss of so much potential – the lives they would have lead, the work they would have done, the families they would have loved, the lives they would have touched – all lost  now.  The world shares in your grief.

Pet Food Recall Update
There have been more pet foods and treats added to the recall list since our last newsletter.  The most comprehensive list we have found is on the AVMA website.  Please click here to view that list.  We want to recommend that everyone check the list to be sure that your pet’s food or treats have not been recalled.  Some recalled pet foods have still been found on store shelves so be very careful when you are pet food shopping.
There has been a new component of pet food implicated in the kidney failure symptoms that have been caused by tainted pet food.  It is rice protein concentrate.  The Dick Van Patten Natural Balance Venison pet food, several Sensible Choice foods, and three veterinary diets from Royal Canin have been recalled due to the tainted rice protein concentrate.  The Sensible Choice diets that were recalled are:
Chicken Meal and Rice Formula Senior
Lamb Meal and Rice Puppy
Lamb Meal and Rice Adult
Lamb Meal and Rice Senior
Rice and Catfish Meal Formula Adult
The Royal Canin diet recall is for:
Feline HP (Hypoallergenic)
Canine Early Cardiac
Canine Skin Support
These Royal Canin products are sold here at East Hilliard Veterinary Services.  The staff here have contacted all of our clients who have purchased these items and their pets have been started on other products.
There has been a recall of several products due to salmonella contamination.  These products are:
Dingo Chicken Jerky treats
Dingo Kitty Chicken Jerky Treats
Dingo Ferret Chicken Jerky Treats
Petrapport’s Full Cut Pig Ears treats
Wild Kitty raw cat food
American Bullie A.B. Bull Pizzle Puppy Chews and Dog Chews
The Pet Food Institute, a trade group representing companies that supply more than 98% of the pet foods currently on the market, has established the National Pet Food Commission.  This commission is composed of veterinarians, toxicologists, government officials, and food scientists who are committed to keeping your pets safe and healthy.  They will investigate the causes of the pet food recalls and recommend steps the industry and government should take.
While the recall and all the animals that have been affected by the tainted food is truly a terrible situation, we want to remind you that the vast majority of pet foods have been unaffected.  We advise extreme caution to those pet owners that are considering home formulations of pet foods.  Many recipes found on the internet or elsewhere may not be complete or properly balanced, creating the possibility of long-term harm to animals fed these diets.  It is very hard to match the balanced diet provided in commercially packaged pet foods.  If you would still prefer to feed a homemade diet, Dr. Tony Buffington of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine suggests www.petdiets.com as a quality online information source.

Exercise Your Cat
Many of our pet cats suffer from excess weight.  And, as many of us have found, reducing the caloric intake alone is often not the solution.  By reducing the calories coming in and increasing the calorie burn you can greatly increase your chances for success in your battle against these excess pounds.  Cat Fancy magazine in January 2007 had this list of ways to increase your kitty’s exercise. 

• DVD/Video – Cat geared videos are available featuring birds, squirrels, and other little creatures that can fascinate cats.
• Playmates – Cats in multi-pet (cat and dog) households tend to play more.  There are some definite disadvantages to multi-pet households too, so take your time and do good research before deciding to get a playmate for your cat.
• Remote control mouse – These can be purchased for under $20.00.
• Food placement – If cats must climb to get to their food, they will.
• Obstacle course – Create courses with cat tunnels and boards propped up on furniture and entice your cat to participate by using a feather teaser.
• Laser pointer or narrow beam flashlight – Cats love to chase the beam around the house.  (Do not point the laser light or the flashlight into your cat’s eyes.)
• Food-dispensing toys – Your cat will quickly learn how to manipulate the toy to get (low-calorie) treats.
• Tricks – Cats can learn many tricks.  Give it a try.
• Toys – No need to buy anything fancy.  Many cats love little things like crumpled paper and rings from plastic milk jugs.  Just make sure they are safe and big enough to not be swallowed.  Avoid ribbons, yarn, and strings of any type except during closely supervised play.
• Cat activity mat – These are similar to the ones that are made for kids.
• Computer screensaver – Choose one with a lot of activity such as mice scampering around.
• Walks – Many cats will walk with their human family.  A harness and leash is better than a collar and leash for cats.
• Catnip – Just about anything can become a toy for a cat after enjoying some catnip.
• Cat tree or perch – Aside from the climbing and jumping, if you put it near a window, they’ll keep themselves entertained by watching the world go by.
• Cat sack – Some cats are freaked by this but others enjoy the challenge of getting out of the sack.
• Battery powered ball – keeps the action going (and going and going and…)

Meet the pets of Christina Purtee
My name is Chewy and I am the oldest of three Yorkshire Terriers.  Unlike my younger siblings I am pretty independent.  I like to just be by myself and do my own thing.  After all, I am the oldest so I can’t be caught playing with the younger two.  On some weekends if I’m really lucky, my parents will take me to the store and let me pick out a new bandana because if I have to wear the same one for too long, I get a little sad.  I even get sad if my mom takes it off because it needs washed!  If you don’t take off my bandana we will get along just fine.

My name is Keke and I am the middle of three Yorkshire Terriers.  I need lots more attention than my older brother.  He is much more independent than I am.  If my mom and dad are gone for too long I get really anxious and tear things up.  However, if you ever need kisses, I am the one you need to come to.  If you’re not careful I will catch you off guard and kiss you in mid-sentence.  I sometimes like to play catch but I am much happier just sitting on someone’s lap and getting all of the attention while my brothers are elsewhere.

My name is Teddy and I am the youngest of three Yorkshire Terriers.  My parents named me Teddy because they say I am just like a teddy bear.  I like to be cuddled.  I also really enjoy playing with all my toys, especially my stuffed frog.  I love my frog so much that I sleep with him by my side at night, much like a kid with their teddy bear.  Sometimes I play so much that I actually fall asleep with my toy in my mouth.  My parents say that’s just the cutest thing!  Actually it’s just my way of telling them that I’m ready to play anytime or anywhere.

Welcome Aubrey, Leslie, and Jolie
We want to welcome three new employees to the team here at East Hilliard Veterinary Services.

Hilliard native and graduate of Hilliard-Davidson, Aubrey Griffin is a second-year veterinary student at The Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine.  She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from OSU also.   She has a Golden Retriever named Noah, a cat named Frasier, and a recent addition to her family, a turtle named Leo.  Aubrey’s primarily interested in working with dogs, cats, and exotics and after graduation she plans to work in the Central Ohio area.  Until then, she’ll spend her time studying and enjoying music and movies with her boyfriend, Nick.

Leslie Gunstream is a first year student in the veterinary college at The Ohio State University.   She is a native of the Ashland, KY area and came to Columbus to go to school.  She received her undergraduate degree in Animal Sciences from OSU.  Leslie has worked in other veterinary clinics both locally and in the Ashland, KY area.  She enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her cat, Trudie, and boyfriend, Tim, a student at Ohio University.

Jolie Henman lives in Springfield but will be moving to the Columbus area soon.  She has two cats, Daisy and Roscoe, and a Pug named Pugsley.  Jolie got her degree in graphic design from the School of Advertising Art in Kettering.  She has worked in a veterinary clinic in Springfield and a doggy day care in the Columbus area.  Her interest in pets led her to take an online course in animal science.  In her spare time she enjoys painting pet portraits.

Visit the Newsletter Archive