In the next month or so we would like to publish some pet treat recipes. We have several we like but would love to share your recipes also. Please e-mail your recipes to us - staff@easthilliardvet.com or stop by with your favorite recipes.

Preventable canine diseases
Vaccinations are one of the most important preventive measures we can do for our pets. They help prevent infections from viral and bacterial diseases. Exposure is possible anytime, anywhere. During your next visit to the veterinarian, discuss your pet's risk factors and which vaccines your pet should have. (Please see last month's newsletter for our coverage of preventable feline diseases.)

Canine Distemper
This viral disease has been around for many, many years. Most commonly fatal in puppies, it is seen in adult dogs also. It is an airborne virus and not restricted to canines. (It is also seen in fox, coyote, raccoons, and other wild animals.) It is out there just waiting for the next unprotected dog. Signs of distemper may include: diarrhea, fever, respiratory disease, and muscular twitches. To provide protection against distemper, a series of vaccines is given to puppies beginning as young as 5 weeks of age. As an adult, the vaccine is boostered once a year. (Ferrets are also susceptible to canine distemper and should be protected through vaccination.)

Hepatitis
Hepatitis is most often seen in young dogs, but it can affect dogs of any age. It is spread through infected urine. Signs of hepatitis include fever, respiratory disease, enlarged lymph nodes, abdominal pain, liver damage, eye damage, and changes in the blood. Protection is provided through the use of a vaccine containing canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2), similar to hepatitis. Puppies require a series of CAV-2 vaccines beginning as young as 5 weeks of age. As an adult, the vaccine is boostered annually.

Leptospirosis
This bacterial disease affects dogs of any age. It is transmitted by contaminated urine penetrating the dog's body through skin abrasions. Signs of leptospirosis include fever, weight loss, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, kidney and liver failure, and ultimately death. It is seen in raccoons, skunks, opossums, rats, voles, cattle, pigs, and humans as well as dogs. Outbreaks of leptospirosis often occur after periods of heavy rain. Standing water, rivers, streams, and puddles are reservoirs for the bacteria to survive. Puppies begin a series of vaccines beginning at 8-10 weeks of age. Adult dogs are boostered annually.

Coronavirus and Parvovirus
These are both very nasty viruses, which cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, dehydration, and rapid weight loss. Exposure occurs through the viral particles passed in the stool of an infected dog. Most people remember the initial outbreak of parvo about 20 years ago. Many dogs died from parvo until a vaccine was formulated. It is still seen in unvaccinated (or undervaccinated) dogs, especially puppies, and is still often fatal. Puppies should be started on the parvovirus vaccine series at 5-7 weeks of age, and their coronavirus vaccine series at 8-10 weeks. Adult dogs are boostered annually.

Bordetella and Parainfluenza
Bordetella is a bacterial infection and parainfluenza is a viral infection. They are both referred to as Canine Kennel Cough or tracheobronchitis. It is commonly spread through exposure to infected dogs, often picked up in places where there are groups of dogs such as boarding kennels, grooming parlors, dog shows, even the "dog park". They cause stubborn infections that can keep dogs coughing for days or weeks. In puppies, the vaccine series for parainfluenza begins at 5-7 weeks of age, and the bordetella is given at 8-10 weeks of age. Adult dogs are boostered for both annually.

Lyme
Lyme is a tick-borne bacterial disease carried by a little tick called the deer tick. As of today, there are no deer ticks in Central Ohio. However, they are found in other parts of Ohio and all across the nation. Dogs that may experience contact with deer ticks should be protected against lyme disease. Symptoms of lyme disease include fever, joint swelling, arthritis, lameness, and lethargy. If the disease is allowed to become chronic, it can cause kidney failure, an irregular heartbeat and other heart problems, along with chronic arthritis.

Rabies
Rabies is a deadly virus, which attacks nerve tissue causing a variety of symptoms. It is transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. It can occur in any warm-blooded animal. Rabies is seen in skunks, raccoons, fox, and bats, all of which we see regularly in Central Ohio. Any time a dog is involved in a fight with any wild animal, rabies should be a concern. Vaccination for rabies is a requirement of dog ownership in Ohio. Puppies should be vaccinated for rabies at 12-14 weeks of age, and as adults the vaccine is boostered every 1-3 years.

It is a "plug-in" product like air fresheners. The diffuser should be placed in the area where the dog spends most of its time. It should be plugged into a receptacle which is not blocked by anything - do not place it behind the couch. It covers 500-650 ft. and lasts approximately 4 weeks. Then you put in a refill - no need to buy the diffuser again. This new product has great potential. We are looking forward to seeing great results as it is used in more and more homes.

Feliway
Feliway is not a new product. It has been in use for stress related symptoms in cats for several years with great results. Now it is available in the "plug-in" form also. Cats react to stress a little differently than dogs. Their primary symptoms include urine marking/spraying, loss of appetite, reduced desire to play or interact with other members of the family, and increased scratching of scratching posts or furniture. The Feliway diffuser should be placed in the area (not blocked by furniture) where the cat spends most of its time. Just like the D.A.P., it covers 500-650 feet and lasts 4 weeks. Then you put in a refill.

New medication to help control pain
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been in use in human and veterinary medicine for years. They have been used for the management of pain, most commonly pain due to arthritis. Despite their popularity, little was known about the actual mechanism of these products. In the early 1970's, it was discovered that they worked through the inhibition of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. This enzyme is necessary for the production of prostaglandin, a potent inflammatory agent. However, the high potential for side effects, such as stomach ulcers, caused by the use of NSAIDs has driven researchers to attempt to find an NSAID which would not have such severe side effects. In the early 1990's, a second form of cyclooxygenase was identified. The two forms are commonly referred to as COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 is necessary for the maintenance of normal blood flow to the kidneys and the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, among other things. COX-2 is induced by tissue damage and is associated with inflammation. Thus it is advantageous to block COX-2 without affecting COX-1 activity. We are pleased to announce that Novartis Animal Health has released Deramaxx tablets, a new COX-2 inhibitor. If your dog is showing any signs of osteoarthritis, please speak with the veterinarian at your next visit regarding the possible use of this new medication.

Agility training
Agility is one of the most popular dog sports for both spectators and competitors. Agility training is a great way for a dog to build confidence and burn off excess energy. Agility training also builds lifelong bonds between dogs and their owners. Purebred and mixed breed dogs both are able to train and compete in agility. It is never too late to start agility training, as long as your dog is in good physical condition and has no severe orthopedic problems. Puppies as young as eight weeks can start agility training. Puppies should not jump until they are finished growing, but can become familiar with the obstacles and run through the jumps with the jump bars laid on the ground.

Agility consists of the following:

Contact obstacles
These obstacles have a painted yellow area at the bottom of the obstacle. This area is called a contact area. The dog must touch at least one foot (or even a toenail) in the contact area when completing these obstacles. If the dog does not touch in this area, the dog is faulted in competition.
• A-Frame - The dog must climb up the front and come down on the other side, touching the contact area. The A-Frame is typically 8 to 9 feet tall at the apex.
• Teeter - The dog must climb up the teeter, tip the teeter at the balance point and continue down the other side, touching the contact area.
• Dog Walk - The dog must climb up the plank, walk across the top, and descend down the other side, touching the contact area. The dog walk consists of three planks, each 8-12 feet long, and the middle plank of the dog walk is elevated 3-4 feet above ground level.
• Table - The dog must run to the table, jump up on the table, then perform either a sit or a down (the judge decides which) for 5 seconds while still on the table. Each time the dog breaks the sit or down, the time starts over. If the dog jumps off (even if they jump back on), the dog is faulted.

  Jumps
  There are several different types of jumps. The dog must go over the jump without touching the bar (on the broad jump) or knocking the bar off. If a bar is dropped or the broad jump is touched, the dog is faulted. The jump heights are determined by how tall your dog is, measured at the top of the shoulders (withers).

• Tire Jump - The dog must jump through the hoop.
• Single Bar Jump - The dog must jump over the jump.
• Double and Triple Bar Jumps - The dog must jump over the jump. These jumps are more difficult because the dog not only has to jump up, but must also learn to jump a spread.
• Panel Jump - This jump is the same as the single bar jump except that the dog cannot see what is on the other side of the jump.
• Broad Jump - The dog must jump "long" instead of high.

  Other
  

  
• Tunnel - Open - This is a pipe tunnel. The dog must enter the tunnel and come out the other end. The tunnel is often curved or wrapped around another obstacle.
• Chute or Closed Tunnel - This is a tunnel with a normal opening but collapses after the first few feet. The dog must run through the chute opening and continue through the chute by pushing its way through.
• Weave Poles - The weave poles consist of 6 to 12 poles. The dog must weave through the poles. The dog must enter the weaves between pole 1 and 2 with the left shoulder facing the poles.

Agility competitions are hosted by many different organizations including AKC, USDAA, NADAC, and UKC. Each agility competition has different skill levels at the same show. You only compete against dogs that are in your same jump height class and same skill level. The judge designs the course before the trial, so you never run the same course twice. Once the course is built, the obstacles are numbered. You are given time to walk the course. This "walk-thru" is done without your dog. It is a time for you to memorize the course and plan your course strategy. You are given a time limit depending on how large the course is and what skill level you are entered in. If you do not complete the course in the allotted time, you are faulted. Faults are also obtained by refusals and off-courses. A refusal is called if your dog runs to an obstacle and refuses to perform, or if your dog runs past the obstacle you have asked the dog to take. An off-course is when your dog performs an obstacle out of order. Placements are given in each class. Classes are scored by the number of faults and the amount of time in which the course is completed.

Many people join agility classes just for fun. There are several places in central Ohio that teach agility classes. Before starting agility training, you need to have a physical examination performed on your dog. X-rays of the hips and elbows are recommended to rule out orthopedic problems that may be worsened by agility training. Your dog should also be at his or her ideal weight. Agility training is a stress on the joints, and being overweight causes further damage. Your dog must know basic obedience skills such as walking on a loose leash, sit and down stays, and coming when called. Your dog should also be well socialized with other dogs. Dog aggression is not allowed in agility classes or at trials.

Introducing Tory Price
Hi! My name is Tory (short for Victoria). I am about 11 months old and am a terrier mix. I belong to Kay Price, one of the technicians here at East Hilliard Veterinary Services. I was adopted from an organization called Forgotten 4 Paws. I can't tell anyone my history before I was turned into the Franklin County Animal Shelter, but I can tell you I was a very lucky puppy. A nice lady from an organization called Forgotten 4 Paws took me from the shelter. She thought I deserved a second chance. I was placed in a foster home. Soon, a young couple adopted me. They both worked every day and because of that, they didn't have the time to teach me the rules so I got into trouble regularly. They took me back to my foster home, which at that time was full, so I went to a different foster home. My new foster mom was home with me all day and spent some extra time teaching me all the rules I needed to know to be a "good dog". Meanwhile, Kay had decided to get a dog and began "surfing" the internet looking at pictures of lots of dogs available for adoption through several humane organizations/shelters in the Central Ohio area. Lucky for me, I am cute! I am also fairly small, which was a high priority for Kay. She e-mailed Forgotten 4 Paws and a meeting was set up. My foster family wanted to make sure that Kay and I would be a good match. I must have made a good impression because I moved in with Kay and her cat, Molly. Molly and I play pretty well together, although sometimes Molly wants to quit before I do. I go to work with Kay every day and get to play with the dogs that belong to other staff members. I am a graduate of a clicker training class called Dog Talk and hope to go to more classes in the future, maybe even agility training. We had a great time in class. (Note from Kay -Tory has filled an empty spot in my household after having lost my last dog to cancer last year. We would like to express our gratitude to all the hard-working volunteers in organizations such as Forgotten 4 Paws. If you or anyone you know is interested in adopting a pet, please visit www.petfinder.org and our favorite www.forgotten4-paws.org.)

Notes from the Desk of Nya and Einstein
We know we did this last year, but we believe these warnings are so important we are going to repeat them.

• Remember antifreeze is extremely poisonous, and dogs and cats find the sweet taste irresistible. Be sure to fully contain the antifreeze when you do your car's cold weather maintenance.

• Cold weather means ice and snow, which means "salt" on the sidewalks. It is a good idea to wash your pet's feet when they come in from outside. The products we use to melt the snow on our sidewalks will make your pet sick if they are ingested. While you're washing their feet, be sure to remove any ice balls that have formed between their pads. They are very irritating.

• Dogs and cats that spend a lot of their time outside need extra calories just to keep warm this time of year. And remember to make sure they have fresh (unfrozen) water available at all times. That will require changing the water multiple times a day.
• Indoor pets may need fewer calories this time of year because their outdoor activity is decreased. Continuing to eat the same amount during periods of lower activity levels can lead to obesity.

• Holiday decorations present many hazards to pets. Nearly everything that goes on the Christmas tree (including the tree itself) creates potential health hazards. Take extra care to monitor your dogs and cats when the tree is up and the presents are out.

• And last, don't forget that all of that great food you have at the holiday get-togethers is just for humans. Don't feed it to your pets. If you feel the need for a special treat for your pet for Christmas, make it a "legal" dog or cat treat. Having to take your sick pet to the veterinary clinic or veterinary emergency service can really wreck your holiday spirit.

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