The vaccine clinics for 2014

The clinics in Golden are staying with the Golden Mill at 10th and Ford - go visit them for a nice down home experience shopping for your pets.
I've moved my clinics for Denver to American Canine Academy, this is a training and boarding facility across from the Denver Flea Mart.  They are on 88th Ave off of I-76 North, stay right when you exit (heed the no turn on red sign they ticket a lot there), and proceed toward the flea market entrance.   On the right you see a blue house, the ACA is the gate just beyond the house.  I'm in my trailer.

The Gilpin County fair, and other dates to be announced may add in during the summer.

I've standardized most of the weekends for clinics to the first weekend of each month.
The Friday/Saturday I'm at the ACA, USUALLY 2-6pm and 9-1am.  Call to be sure, the Apr will both be pm hours.
The GM is on the first Sunday/Monday, usually 2-6pm both days.  Again call for specifics.

Sometimes a holiday or oddness will happen, then the dates get switched.  Sorry, I try not to do this often but it does happen.

Apr 4-5 ACA 2-6, 2-5, pm both days
Apr 6-7 GM  2-6 both days

May 2-3 ACA 2-6, 9-1.
May 4-5 GM 2-6 both.

Jun 4-5   ACA 2-6, 9-1.
June 6-7   GM  2-6 both.

July 4-5  ACA  2-6, 9-1,
July 6-7  GM  2-6 both.

Aug 1-2  ACA  2-6, 9-1.
Aug 3-4  GM  2-6 both.

Cool thoughts to read and post

Eight gifts that don’t cost a cent 

THE GIFT OF LISTENING . . .

But, you must really listen.  No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response.  Just listening. 

THE GIFT OF AFFECTION . . .

Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back, and handholds.  Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends. 

THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER . . .

Clip cartoons.  Share articles and funny stories.  Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.” 

THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE . . .

It can be a simple “Thanks for the help” note, or a full sonnet.  A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life. 

THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT . . .

A simple and sincere, “You look great in red”, “You did a super job”, or “That was a wonderful meal” can make someone’s day. 

THE GIFT OF A FAVOR . . .

Every day, go out of your way to do something kind. 

THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE . . .

There are times when we want nothing better than to left alone.  Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of time alone to others. 

THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION . . .

The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really it’s not that hard to say “Hello” or “Thank you”. 

I ADD, THE GIFT OF ACCEPTING . . .

If someone does one of the above, be kind and accept the gift or gesture in the manner in which it was intended, a gift to be given and received.

The Difference Between someone who has failed and being a failure 

A failure is a person who has blundered but is not able to cash in on the experience.

ELBERT GREEN HUBBARD (1856-1915) 

A failure is not someone who has tried and failed: it is someone who has given up trying and resigned himself to failure; it is not a condition, but an attitude.

SYDNEY J. HARRIS (1917-1986) 

Failure is not failing down; it is remaining there when you have fallen. 

Great accomplishments are often attempted but only occasionally reached.  Those who reach them are usually those who missed many times before.  Failures are only temporary tests to prepare us for permanent triumphs. 

CHARLES R. SWINDELL (1934-) 

I’ve never met a person, I don’t care what his condition is, in whom I could not see possibilities.  I don’t care how much a man may consider himself a failure, I believe in him, for he can change the thing that is wrong in his life any time he is ready and prepared to do it.  Whenever he develops the desire, he can take away from his life the thing that is defeating it  The capacity for reformation and change lies within.

  PRESTON BRADLEY (1888-1983) 

No amount of falls will really undo us if we keep picking ourselves up each time. We shall of course be very muddy and tattered children by the time we reach home. . .  It is when we notice the dirt that God is most present in us; it is the very sign of his presence. 

C.S. LEWIS (1898-1963) 

Our Father in heaven . . . help us to see that it is betyter to fail in a cause that will ultimately succeed than to succeed in a cause that will ultimately fail. 

PETER MARSHALL  (1902-1949) 

The probability that we may fail in the struggle should not deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just. 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN (1809-1865)

There are some defeats more triumphant than victories.

 MICHEL EYQUEM DE MONTAIGNE  (1533-1592)

Whose job is it? 

This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done, and Everybody was asked to do it.  Everybody was sure Somebody would do it.  Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.  Somebody got any about that, because it was Everybody’s job.  Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.  It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

Vaccine clinic dates Aug-Nov 2013

Usually Sun 1-5 and Mon 2-6, but specific places are different.
The new Fri 1-6p and Sat 9a-1 pm at ACA (see below) may change times.
Later dates on this calendar may change, call if you need more.

Golden Mill is on 10th and Ford in the upper parking lot.  Usually the first weekend of each month.

Welcome the newest - American Canine Academy (ACA) - 88th and I-76, across from the Flea Market main entrance.  (A long term client found this site, thank you Pam.)  Till I get it scheduled in, will be odd in the month dates.  Then will go to Fri/Sat consistent.

Gilpin Rec is off Norton Rd (Golden Gate, highway 46, almost to 119) near the Gilpin justice center.  Will be here for the Gilpin County Fair, no other dates planned at this time.

Camp Bowwow is on hold.
Colorado Ranch Market is discontinued due to Denver P&Z, they say it's residential.

Jul 26 - Fri - American k9 Academy , 1-6pm, in their dirt parking lot

Aug 4-5  -    Golden Mill    (May be late for Sun dt Denver trip)

Aug 9-10 -   American k9 Academy

Aug 17-18 - Gilpin county Fair  (9-6 Sat, 9-4 Sun with lunch and breaks)

Sept 6-7 -     American k9 Academy

Sept 8-9 -    Golden Mill -  (May be late for Sun dt Denver trip)

Oct 4-5  -     American K9 Academy

Oct 6-7  -     Golden Mill

Nov 1-2  -    American K9 Academy

Nov 3-4  -    Golden Mill

Nov 22-23 - American K9 Academy

End of Colorado Ranch Market - now at American K9 Academy

Due to continuing zoning issues, I have moved north from CRM to 88th and I-76.  This site is across from the flea market main entrance.  I will be doing monthly clinics Fri and Sat at this new location.
  The American Canine Academy has a website for more info on their programs, grooming, and boarding.
I hope this turns out as a convenience to all my loyal customers.
Dr C

Household toxins - cats

I was reading an interesting article, here are some highlights.

NSAIDs top the lists, these are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like acetominopphen and aspirin.  Some anti-depressants seem to attract cats also.  The cat doesn't handle these drugs well, and all ingestions are considered toxic.  Treatment is aimed at removing the offending stubstance and diluting it in the blood with fluids.   Sometimes a specific anti-toxin is available (n-acetylcysteine for acetominophen), but charcoal may be the only thing available.  Kidney and liver damage and failure are the usual outcome, but many do well for years after if they are caught early enough and treated aggressively.

I already talked about plants and a link to APHIS, but lilies are on the worst plants ever list.  The flowers can drop petals and they are just as toxic as the leaves, stamen, etc.  True lilies are the culprits, while Peace, Peruvian, and Calla lilies cause less severe issues.  Assume all lilies are toxic and get rid of it or lock it away from touch and chew.  Again treatment is aimed at detoxifying and diluting, hospital stays are mandatory.

Bug toxicants (either for the yard and house or dogs) claim the next spot.  The usual detoxify and dilute are used here, but we add WASH IT OFF.  Most insecticides are on the surface (even the flea and tick stuff for dogs), so they can be decreased just by washing the cat with a safe detergent.  Getting the cat into your ER vet is still necessary for all the other treatments.

Surface chemicals - this includes anything you use to clean that the cat can touch (feet, hair), lick, spill, or inhale.  If they can get it into or on them, they can react to it.  Depending on the chemical (bleach, cleaners, perfumes, etc) the signs can be local (mouth burn) to systemic (vomiting, kidney failure) and will require the above detoxify and dilute again.  The best way to keep chemicals away from a cat is to keep the door closed when using them, letting them dry completely before allowing access, and keeping the SEALED bottles put away.

Everything else that cats can ingest, spill on themselves, or come in contact with may be a toxin or allergen.  The more odd it is, the more likely it will cause harm.  Even "safe" items for dogs and humans can intoxicate your cat.  A list is available at most vet sites (CSU, Cornell, MSU, AVDC, etc) of toxins and other interesting things cat owners should know.  I prefer the vet school sites because their stuff has been checked and rechecked.  The other more commercial sites have some misinformation in them that can lead to more problems.  Just google vet school owner info to find good links.

Thanks for reading, and keepp your kitties safe.

Interesting cat books, ramblings.

Okay, I admit I'm into books, and found a lot of great cat books over the years.  Recently, my kids have been into the Warrior's series, and I've snuck a read too.  The "cat who" series was and is great, and I still love  all the little stocking stuffer books I get.  However, on the serious side most books have been dry.  Recently I read cat Vs cat by Oan Johnson-Bennett, and it was interesting.  Also, naughty no more! by Marilyn Krieger.  One that was recommended, and I haven't read yet, is The veterinarian's guide to your cat's symptoms by Michael Garvey DVM.  Will have to find that oneand read it.

In the past Acupressure for cats and Tellington touch for pets were good reads that my cats enjoyed as well.  I suspect if they knew how to read they'd be dropping those under my feet as reminders all the time.

A series I've been trying to re-find is about telepathic cats and their companions.  One set was in space and the other on a planet.  Unfortunately, this hasn't been enough to find either set yet.

Recently attended a continuing education conference and received some recommendations, so will post those in the future if I find any worthwhile additions.
j

Out of area vaccine clinics

My normal vaccine clinics are in Golden and Denver, but I've had a few calls from small towns outside the Denver area.  If you are in a small town without a good source of small animal vaccination, I'm willing to bring my clinic for a few days to your town. 
If interested in this option, just give me a call.  Obviously, I'd need some contact numbers and names of people to find out how to legally do this in your town.
Thanks, Dr C

feline nutritional allergies

Feline nutritional allergies aren't that uncommon, that's the nice way of saying they're out there, but very hard to diagnose and treat.  Basically, I find that any overgrooming or odd skin changes cat can be allergies, but can also include kitties that vomit, wheeze, or have soft stools.  Obviously, other disease process cause these exact same symptoms, so working up labwork including blood, urine, and stool will be necessary to rule out other sources of the symptoms.   The treatment for food allergies is to "food trial" on a novel protein food (read none of the proteins kitty has eaten previously may be in this food) or a hydrolyzed diet (read the proteins have been cut down to small pieces the cats immune system isn't supposed to read.  There are very few truly novel protein foods out there, most having in common at least soy(see below).  To this end some try niche diets (a diet made by a company for your cat), or cook for them ( a hard to balance proposition).  I recommend the hydrolyzed diet as the easiest of these approaches.
A niche diet is for your pet, it is literally the first one to eat it. It balances on paper, but most niche companies don’t do animal feeding trials to measure actual nutrition performance. A few organic brands have gone through animal feeding trials for some of their formulas, but most have been presumed balanced based solely on book values. When choosing any food, look at the food’s AAFCO statement for these words: animal feeding tests substantiate this food is complete and balanced. If the words animal feeding tests are missing, the tests haven’t been done.

When feeding your kitty who may have a food allergy, be patient. If you are able to find a true novel protein diet, it may take up to eight weeks to see a convincing response. One study in Europe showed that it may take as many as three consecutive diet trials to catch 95% of food allergic patients!

It is difficult to find a truly novel protein for cats because ordinary cat foods contain so many similar flavors and ingredients. Duck, for instance, often cross reacts with turkey and chicken. Beef often cross reacts with venison, bison, etc. Add to that the difficulty that many OTC formulas that say "soy free" or "grain free" have been shown to have significant enough levels of these ingredients to aggravate a truly allergic cat. It’s not so much they’re “sneaking it in” as there is inadvertent contamination. Feed mills are dusty places and it’s easy to have cross contamination of production lots.   The dog food market has a few that use kangaroo or rabbit and pass the" no soy… really, for real… no soy" tests. However, those diets just aren’t there for cats, and dog food doesn't have the essential amino acids required to keep kitties healthy.  There are a very few over the counter diets that have proteins limited to salmon, chicken, duck, and venison and also live up to their “no soy” claims. Again, realize that none of those proteins are completely novel for all cats.  
For pet owners who really want to be sure they are using a novel protein that has no contaminants and they want to avoid commercial manufacturers, could try the web site balanceit.com. They sell supplements that make a homemade diet complete and balanced (at least on paper). It was designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists. You basically can make your own diet out of your own protein source and their supplement will make it balanced. They also have some free recipes using human supplements, but I think the custom formulas are better for cats (this is a niche site).
Before commiting to any of the "food trials" understand that NOTHING else can sneak in, even a tiny morsel of chick in a poultry-allergic feline will result in a failed trial.  The symptoms are fast to appear, and slow to disappear.
For dogs the trials are slightly easier as they do have some good options, including the hydrolyzed formulas that cats have.
If you have questions, please give me a call.

Nuevo Espanol para DAVMS, a link

http://www.davms.org/associations/7275/files/HNPG%20Text%20Spanish_2012.pdf

The newsletter for DAVMS new pet owners now has a translation available.

New site found

I've added a new site in May.  The old Arvada site is not feasible, and nothing close-by was either.  So I'm sorry but the closest of my 2 old sites (Colorado Ranch Market or Golden Mill) will continue for that area.  As always I'm available for mobile at 303-279-2322.
The new site is at the Gilpin Recreation center.  This is 17 miles up Golden Gate Canyon Rd, in the Exhibit hall barn.  I will be there May 20 12-4p, and May 21 4:30p-8p.
                               June 10 12-4p, and June 11 4:30-8p.  Their community flea market is June 8,9 9a-4p.
                               July 22 12-4p, and July 23 4-8p.
                               Aug 19 9a-4p in the County Fair, and Aug 20 4-8p.
I will be deciding after this if this site will continue in winter on the same schedule or at all.  I'd like to continue if able, but only have 2 wheel drive, so will play it by ear.
I'm also looking at another site, but no details at this time.

64th and Simms (Super Tee's) ending

Due to new sign restrictions and other Arvada rules that went into effect this year, these vaccine clinics will no longer happen here.  I'll be trying to find somewhere close but not within the new rule structure.  The owner of Super Tee's was going to be fined for me helping people, go figure.  Anyhow, sorry to disappoint anyone, but I'll also put this in the yourhub if  I'm able.

The basics for spring.

HAPPY EASTER!!!!   Beware the lilies, candy, and fake grass.  They are either toxic, cause GI trauma, or just plain bad.  Don't forget to "child"-proof your pet during the holidays and activities.  Keep the rich food handouts to a minimum also, as these can cause the dread pancreatitis.  I usually invest in some new chew toys for the dogs to keep them busy during the egg hunts (yes they re-hide them multiple times) and other festivities.

Due to the wonderful weather, the musquitoes are early in my territory, so I've already started my dogs on their heartworm preventive.  Look around, if yours are out also, get the going.  The test is a single drop and done on dogs greater than 6 months old, the puppies under 6 months can just start on the preventive this year and worry about testing next year.  ( This is due to the life-cycle of the heartworm and the 6 month lag time between infection and positive test results.)

Don't forget to brush those teeth, doggy enzymatic toothpaste is still the best for all our pets, avoid anything with xylitol (the diabetic artificial sweetener is toxic to pets) and fluoride (they swallow it and mess up their bones).

Regular yearly vaccines (rabies and DAPP for most, though water dogs need lepto) keep the viruses away, but don't forget all the cool parasites they can pick up.  Colorado is slightly limited, but that doesn't mean we don't have roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms, giardia, and etc in our environs.  If your pet hunts or visits moist areas where wildlife have been, they are at risk.  Also, use the tick repellants if you're planning on camping with the pets.  If you board them, don't forget the bordetella vaccine.  The influenza vaccine is available at some select locations, but I still don't have it at this time, ask me about it if you're interested.

Now that it's warmer, the plants are blooming, and so are allergies.  Allergies are additive, so the comfortable winter dog may suddenly scratch everywhere when the pollen rises.  Remember to dry out the ears after swimming, and just wipe them out with dry cotton (not cotton tip applicators) to check for smell and discharge.  Decreasing the symptoms of allergies, can make the whole dog more comfortable even when not completely controlled.  Cleaning the ears and keeping them dry, using hypoallergenic doggy shampoo for baths to soothe (yes there are also medicated ones), starting an antihistamine (ask before you try ANY, some aren't good for our pets), avoiding high pollen areas, double rinsing the bedding and decreasing the allergens tracked in from outside, filtering the inhalant allergens out of the air, etc are all great strategies for helping your pet feel better during this trying time.  If you have more pressing needs, don't forget to make an appointment and we can talk, or test, and treat.

Not forgetting the kitties, if they just can't keep their tootsies inside the house, institute door routines, add a micro-chip, and make sure they're current on their vaccines.  Having up-to-date pictures for emergencies doesn't hurt either, just in case all your best plans fail and they escape.  If you already have a chip in, recheck that all the information is correct on the websites.  Contact me for more info on that.  also, with the bugs and spiders active, some inquisitive minds and paws chase and capture not-so-nice critters.  Reactions can happen, rinse, call the vet, and watch for anything abnormal if no toxins were available.  If in doubt, testing may give you peace of mind if a toxin could have been found (outside, for instance).

That seems to be all the high points of questions at this time of year, so send more if you have them.

The newer vaccine clinics

 Sorry I've been away for so long, doesn't seem like time flew that fast.  The future clinics are as follows - CRM is Colorado Ranch Market at I-70 & Pecos  (North east corner)
64th and Simms is at Super Tees on the corner above the stoplight  (North west side)
Golden Mill is the upper parking lot on 10th and Ford in downtown Golden.  (upper parking lot)

 CRM  -  Apr 1 Sun 12-3p, Apr 2 Mon 12-4.
Apr 8 EASTER!!!
64th  -  Apr 15 Sun 12-3p,  Mon Apr 16,  12-4p.  Cancelled after this.
Golden - Apr 22, 3-6p,  Apr 23, 1-5p.        NEW TIMES!!!!
CRM - Apr 29, 12-3p, Apr 30, 2-6p.

I'm trying some new times to see if it helps anyone get in and do the vaccines or heartworm testing for spring.  Let me know if you hate or love it in an e-mail to petvetjune@gmail.com.
These dates and times do have some changes sometimes, but not often.  Call 303-279-2322 if you have any questions, or may run a little late.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Hope everyone is having a great holiday.  We had over 20 inches of snow!  Will be having the first vaccine clinic after the new year on Jan 7-8.  We'll see you then.

Coping with the loss of a pet

Losing a pet is hard, they are the constant companion who listened without censure.  They are the comforter who stayed up with you all night, or when your human companions were ill/away.  They are with us for such a short time, but take up such a large part of our hearts.  Everyone feels differently about their pet and their grief, don't poo-poo anything.  If you're feeling it, it's real.  Take time to be honest about your emotions and validate they exist.  Denial, guilt, anger, and depression are all real reactions to the loss of a pet, and can be overwhelming.  Find an outlet for these feelings, either with good friends or with a professional who can help you work through the pain.  Don't stuff them inside, do activities, talk to pet loss counselors, find a support group, commemorate your pet, do waht it takes to work through waht you're dealing with.  Memorials, volunteering, etc can all help you as you decide where to go.  And don't forget to watch out for your other pets and children, they can grieve as much as you do.  Healthy coping mechanisms must be found for everyone.
The local veterinary group has an excellent pet-loss support group that meets weekly, contact the DAVMS for this info.  http://www.petlossdenver.org/
There are also excellent reading sources for children and adults alike, most are available through your local library.  The 10 best things about Barney is one of my favorites.  There were so many listed on the site when I searched, that I recommend doing the search and picking out the ones that interest you.  
Should you get another pet is one of the bigger questions I hear also.  The fact is, you can't replace the pet that passed on, but in time you may be ready to share your heart with a new bundle of joy.  Give yourself the time you need to heal, and when you're ready rescue a new best friend.  Then take the time to socialize and learn about this new pet.  Time will eventually heal your painful memories, so that the happy memories of the new good times can be shared.

poison info from the ASPCA website - PLANTS and FOODS; winter, etc

www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants.aspx
www.aspca.org/pet-care/ask-the-expert/ask-the-expert-poison-control/people-foods.aspx
These 2 spots list the variety of plants and foods that our pets cannot get into without sometimes severe consequences.  Most people know some things such as lilies and chocolate, but these lists include sago palms and raisins and other weird stuff.
Fall is also the time for more problems from anti-freeze.   Either because more people are adding it in, or because the spills are the only available "water" the animals can find.  This toxin doesn't take much to destroy the kidneys of animals, so be sure to clean up and get rid of any spills you find.
With winter around the corner, I also need to mention te "salts" used for snow/ice removal.  Be sure to get a pet friendly type, and stay away from any you don't know.  I usually recommend booties to decrease contact, then wash their feet when you get home.  Leave your boots and shoes with toxins on the soles outside/ in the mudroom, or in closed closets also.  Even residues on the carpet can make a pet sick over time, so why take the chance?
Heartworm is off our minds since the musquitoes are decreasing, but don't stop that preventive!!!  The musquitoes have the ability to hibernate, so any that awaken, even in winter, can be infective.  Once an infected source is available, the problems just continues to spread.  We're dry, but we do have musquitoes, and unfortunately some positive dogs.  The preventive is so much easier than the treatment, and so much less expensive too.
Our outdoor water still contains giardia, leptospirosis, as well as some other less common nasties.  Not all water has all infectious diseases, but why take the chance at all.  Pack in water for you and your pets, and get the vaccine for lepto if your dog just can't help himself.  This important zoonotic disease is ugly, so get your dog vaccinated and keep them that way.
Spring is Canine influenze season, the vaccine is available at some area vets, I'm not carrying this one at this time due to the extremely rare prevalence in this geographic area at this time.

Arthritis - a partial overview

The hills of ones youth are all mountains.  Mari Sandoz American writere

     With arthritis, the opposite is also true, it's really hard to physically do the simple things that one enjoys when everything hurts.  A great resource for the basics of arthritis can be found on the AAHA Healthy pet.com website.  They even have printable brochures.  Their article on cats and arthritis shows just how far we've come in the recognition of our companions needs. 
     So what can we do for the arthritic pet, and how can we slow down the degradation of the joints so they can continue for many years to enjoy their time with us?  First off, start now.  If you're feeding too much and they are tending to overweight, cut back and maintain them at a healthy weight.  The wear and tear of extra weight on any joints is bad, but it also effects the heart and body in other ways, so it's a serious issue to address.  What to feed?  A good quality, name brand, well-known food like Science diet, Royal canin, ProPlan, Nutro, etc.  Don't go for bulk, store brands, or local fad brands, if the track record is unknown, your pet is the guinea pig.  For pets with clinical symptoms of arthritis, clinical trials have shown Science Diet J/D (joint diet) to ease the pain.  The food has more than some supplements can do, so if it's an option I recommend it.
     As for supplements that actually help, I swear by chondroitin/glucosamine and omega fatty acids (like fish oil).  Some of these supplements also contain MSM or antioxidants, which have been proven to not hurt, and possibly help.  As with any new addition to the diet, watch for a response (usually >3 weeks to see), and allergic reactions (vomition, hives, itchy).  These are all things that are safe in younger dogs, all the way through their golden years.   Recently I've seen a few people advocating vegetables as anti-inflammatories.  I don't see anything wrong with eating vegies, and they can make a dog feel full without eating a lot of calorie-dense food, but be sure to avoid toxins (grapes comes to mind immediately) and only feed well washed samples.  I prefer the frozen kind just because they're easier for me.
     Mild gentle exercise is best all the way around, something like walks or swimming, but if your dog is a sporter, make sure to have him on good surfaces that encourage strong landings without damage.  Wet surfaces that are slick, hills, hard uneven surfaces, and other hazards play havoc on their joints just as they do on ours.
      A good egg-crate bed decreases the pressure points when your pet is sleeping.  There are several models available, though my dog just uses my old ones, and sometimes the new one on my bed as well.
     Medications are a last resort before unconventional methods of pain control associated with arthritis.  I use the weaker NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) at low doses until a stronger dose is required or the pet proves the drug is incompatible with them.  for a run-down on the NSAIDs available, teh fda.gov site has an animalveterinary/resourcesfor you section that outlines them all.  NSAIDs are strongly discouraged in cats, as they develop life-threatening diseases from them, so we usually still use steroids.  Ketoprofen does work but tastes awful, and robenacoxib is still in the research stage as far as I can see.  Some sources are using tramadol, and that does seem to provide effective and safe pain control in some cats.  I use the tramadol more for it's synergystic effect with the NSAIDs in dogs.  This allows me to use a lower dose of both to achieve longer use of lower doses, resulting in less side effects from the medications (vomition, kidney and liver disease, GI upset). 
     Acupuncture (veterinary certified), laser, massage, ultrasound, stem cell treatments (from fat no less), surgery, and braces are all out there.   Each of these is used in specific spaces and places, and should be on the recommendation of your veterinarian.  They are important in some cases, but not in all, so should be approached with a discerning eye.  I've worked with a few really great acupuncturists over the years, and the dogs (and cats) being treated really seemed to enjoy it.
     This isn't a comprehensive overview of everything available, but hits the most common and most promising available modalities for pain control and arthritis control.  Keeping dental disease, and for that matter any whole body diseases that lead to inflammation, can also help decrease the pain from arthritis.  If you have questions, or wish for an evaluation, give me a call.  303-279-2322

publication notice

All content provided on this site is meant for educational purposes only on healthcare for pets.  This site should not be used to replace professional veterinary care, and it's services do not constitue the practice of veterinary medicine, vet med health care advice, diagnosis or treatment.

A start on puppy and kitten basics.

Vaccines - every 3-4 weeks from the age of 2 months to 4 months, we use this to see your new pet and look for issues before they develop.  They require at least 2 boosters, so that the vaccine actually results in protection from the disease being vaccinated against.  The first rabies is given on or after the 4 month visit.  These important vaccines will them be boostered again a year later and as recommended after that (usually yearly for DALPP and bordetella and 3 year for current rabies nowadays).  No animal is ever "done" with vaccines except in extremely rare cases.
Deworming - every 2 weeks for 2 doses in low count areas (CO and other dry states), these liquid dewormers are often pre-empted into Heartworm preventives each 4 weeks.  Make sure something is being given, as these parasites can cross species and cause some serious illness.
Heartworm - "more important" to canines (puppies and adults), this vector-borne disease (from musquitoes) can infect cats as well.  The preventives are usually pretty easy to give and very effective.  Ask your vet about them, as some breeds and areas have different preferences and needs.  After 6 months of age all pets are tested to prove a negative status before starting a preventive.  The most recent guidelines recommend year-round administration even in seasonal areas to decrease parasite resistance and spreading of the disease by sub-clinical carriers.
Socialization - This is in it's simplest form touching and introduction of people, pets, and others that the pet will not always be around but needs to get used to.  Obviously, some of this is within the family, but much is outside of it.  Puppy classes are a great way to start and interact with many animals and people.  An unsocialized pet is often fearful, noisy, and aggressive to strangers.  Working through certain pet issues will often require a trainer or behaviorist so that the inappropriate behaviors aren't reinforced.  Catching it early and correctly is the best strategy.  Any behavior that you wouldn't want in the adult, should be trained out from teh pup.  Positive reinforcement is the best in all species, since the young want to please and get good feedback from interactions.  Everyone in the family and around must be on the same wavelength when training.
Grooming - start early, start slow, and repeat often.  Under 3 months do only sections of less than 1/3 of the pet.  Whether brushing, trimming or bathing this keeps them from being overdone and stressed.  Mutiple short sessions will allow the youngster to develop good habits and a life-long ability to be properly handled.  Touch everywhere, even though you may never trim the nails, clean the ears, etc.  It is much better to touch everything and have them allow it, then to have a disease or need and have them fight you all the way. 
This isn't a complete list by any means, so stay tuned for more.

Dental care 101: Yes pet teeth brushing works.

     Your dentist has you brush your teeth, floss your gums, and hopefully even rinse with flouride to keep your pearly whites beautiful; so what's a pet owner to do?  Brush, BUT NO FLOURIDE, supply good dental toys & food, and keep an eye out for when the next surgical dental will need to be done. 
     Your veterinarian will check your pets mouth each time you go in.   Visits are recommended each 6 months since your pets age 5-7 years for our 1.  We are looking for red and inflammed gums, bad breath, nasty tartar buildup, and other proof of dental disease.  All pet mouths have some disease once the adult teeth have erupted, but when it starts to damage the structures then we recommend a deep cleaning and polishing.  Often, this will also require tooth removal to keep the rest of the body healthy.  Bacteria from the dental caries are absorbed into the blood stream and cause myriad issues to the lungs, liver, and kidneys. 
     Going back to brushing, even an old pet can learn to allow it, but it's easiest to start when they are very young.  Pets have deciduous teeth until 6 months of age, by then the adult teeth have erupted and each set of baby teeth has fallen out (if all goes as planned).  Starting with gentle stimulation of the gums, using gauze/finger toothbrushes/large soft toothbrushes, the pet is introduced to the concept of something foreign in their mouth.  You want your pet to get used to this different touch and "invasion" of their space, without making them nervous or hurting them.  I am not brushing the "bite" between the teeth or on the inside surfaces where the tongue motion helps keep them clean.  Using a flavor of NON-FLOURIDE toothpaste that they appreciate (poultry, apple, biscuit, vanilla, etc) can help with this transition.  There are also gels, liquids, and powders available, use whatever is easiest for you.  You start by "wiping" the canines, these big pointy prominent teeth stay in till 6 months, are easy to reach, and are pretty easy for a beginner to get used to.  Over time the gentle wiping motion is extended back into the corners of the lips, I don't lift the lips, but slide my finger or the brush up under to the molars, premolars, and incisors.  During the eruption phase of the youngster I usually avoid the spaces left by missing deciduous teeth until the new tooth shows, however my kitten enjoyed the stimulation of these areas and wanted me to touch them.  Older pets start the same way, but may require more time before moving into all the teeth getting brushed.  Everytime I finish they get a treat, either a crunchy dental treat or a rawhide.
     For best results, do short sessions at first and extend the time as your pet gets used to it.  Puppies and kittens are usually just wiggly, whereas adults may be protective of their mouths.  Work within the constraints of your pet, not putting yourself in danger if they truly will NOT allow this.  Once daily brushing is the best, but any is better than none, and if once a week is doable, do it.
     Dental toys are great if you have a pet who uses them safely and willingly.  These toys vary in their uses, and different pets will use or abuse different types of toys.  Introduce any toy when you will be there to watch, play with your pet to see how it works, and dispose of any worn or dangerous ones immediately.  The incisors are for picking up and nipping, not for grinding, so most toys don't help keep these teeth and gums clean.  The canines are for grasping and puncturing, so soft toys and striated toys or treats work well.  Premolars and molars are for grinding, so chew toys and striated toys and treats work well for them as well.  Make sure stuffing, soft strips, small pieces, rawhide pieces, etc are not being removed and ingested.  Tatters on toys usually mean it's time to get a new toy, or consider one that doesn't split apart so easily.  Striated type toys and treats are those that have oriented strips to clean the teeth and get between and down to the gums.  Ropes, dental treats, and dental foods like Science Diet T/D all can have this oriented strand that cleans as they penetrate the kibble.  The ropes, as long as not being ingested, also act like floss in the right patient.  Real bones are no longer recommended for chewing, as too many of our pets were breaking their large (carnassial) premolars, resulting in a need for surgical removal of this important tooth.   The best toys and chews are hard, but not so hard as to damage the enamel (protective layer).
     Once periodontal disease (gum reddening and swelling, smell, bleeding), cavities (feline resorptive lesions, canine wear or cracks), and infection (tartar, plaque, bleeding, smell) set in it is time for a dental.  Even with good, daily burshing, this tartar will build up over time; that's why we get cleanings each 6 months at the dentist.  Dentals clean, polish and remove painful teeth and foreign material, allowing the gums and teeth to recuperate and heal.  They also decrease the bacterial load, ease your future cleaning of the shiny surfaces, and make eating and drinking more enjoyable again.  Most dental patients will require antibiotics and pain medications after the procedure.  Depending on their genetics and temperament they will also need dentals each year or so after the first one.  Talk to your veterinarian today about this important health care option.