Winter 2013
Muskoka Tails
705-789-7979 www.muskokavet.com
A New Approach to Canine Vaccinations Modern vaccines produce longer-lasting immunity in our pets. This means most pets may only require vaccines based on their lifestyle, life-stage, and where they fall in the rotating vaccine cycle. Dr. Easler and Damian get to know each other
Bring us Your Pocket Pets W
e are happy to announce the addition of Dr. Alex Easler to our team. Dr. Easler joins as an Associate Veterinarian after graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph in May 2013. As you know, Dr. Bridge moved on from our clinic this past spring to be closer to her husband and we were left with big shoes to fill. Dr. Easler’s communication skills and gentle and compassionate approach allow you to feel informed and confident that your pet is in the best hands. Dr. Easler spent the summer in Belize and Chetumal Mexico, working with volunteer spay and neuter organizations. He has an interest in care of exotic species, and we are very excited about opening up our practice to the care of birds, reptiles, and small mammals. He and his bulldog Milo look forward to meeting you!
The way to tell if your pet still has immunity, and doesn’t need a boost, is to do a blood antibody test (a titre test). Previously, titre testing involved expensive blood tests analyzed by a distant laboratory with results taking a long time to obtain. Fortunately, we can now offer a simple, inexpensive test right in the clinic to determine your pet’s immunity prior to vaccinating. In our lab, we can measure an antibody or titer level against the three core canine diseases: canine distemper, canine parvovirus, and canine hepatitis or adenovirus. Results are available within minutes and allow us to make an informed recommendation for or against vaccinations. Soon, a valid in-clinic test will also be available for cats! Vaccines are an important part of your pet’s preventative care. As always, we strongly encourage a conversation with your veterinarian regarding any concerns about vaccines and your pet at every visit. Be assured that our doctors are up-to-date on the latest information and technology and are more than willing to discuss your questions about your pets care with you. If you would like to have your dog’s immunity tested, please call us at 705-789-7979 to arrange a convenient appointment. Remember that vaccinations are only one of the reasons to be sure to visit your veterinarian at least annually. Pets age faster than humans and it is important to identify and address illness and disease early, when treatment can be most effective.
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Feature
Pets in the News
Food Facts: How to Pick the Right Pet Food
Pets Meet Santa
Bandit was on the brink when a simple change in diet brought him back to health. Dr. Adronie Verbrugghe explains why nutrition is the foundation of our pets’ health — and why it’s always important to talk with your veterinarian about it. Bandit, a 4-year-old Maine Coon, was a big cat with a big problem: he couldn’t poop. Bandit’s constipation became so bad, his owner George Lavorato could see something was wrong. “He was avoiding his food, he hid all the time and wasn’t going out, there were no stools in the litter, and he had a dizzy look on his face,” says George. A trip to the vet confirmed Bandit was very sick. “He had to be anesthetized so they could mechanically clean him out,” says George. But not long after the procedure, Bandit was back in trouble again, despite medication. Again, Bandit needed the hospital procedure.
Pets visit Santa, and support a good cause
At locations around the province, the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) is offering a Santa-visit and photo shoot for pets, with proceeds going to the organization and its works. Check out the event calendar at www.ontariospca.ca
“After this happened twice, I said, this cat can’t go on suffering like this. I was afraid we would have to say goodbye.” Bandit’s veterinarian recommended a high-fibre prescription diet specially designed to help cats who are prone to constipation. George is amazed at the transformation in Bandit since he began the new diet.
Did You Know?
“The food did the trick. My wife saw the stools in the back yard and said, ‘Honey, I think we have a deer.’”
A tail-wag to the left means something different than a tail-wag to the right.
Nutrition is very individual, explains Ontario Veterinary College Veterinary Nutritionist Dr. Adronie Verbrugghe. Pets have different needs depending on their breed and their age, but also
A new study reported in the November 18 issue of the journal Current Biology found that dogs are more likely to wag right when they feel positive emotions, and to wag left in the presence of an unfriendly dog.
Photo: Dean Palmer
Dogs also recognize this behaviour in other dogs, and respond differently depending on the side of the wag.
Dr. Adronie Verbrugghe with her own kitty, Chanel
... continued on page 3 2
This information is not medical advice. Always see your veterinarian with any concerns about your pet’s health.
What’s in a wag?
... continued from page 2 based on their own particular lifestyle and health risks. Bandit’s risk was constipation but other pets are prone to bladder stones, hyperthyroidism, allergies, bone mineral loss, arthritis, kidney, failure, obesity, or any of a long list of other potential problems that can be influenced by diet. The right nutrition can prevent disease, or treat disease, says Dr. Verbrugghe. But with so many choices, and so many mixed messages about pet nutrition on the commercial market, how can we know what is right for our pets?
“There are no Canadian rules to say which nutrient levels a pet food should have to be complete and balanced,” says Dr. Verbrugghe. So it’s important to work with your veterinarian to choose the right food, to avoid deficiencies or toxicities due to too little or too much of a given nutrient. One mistake some people
“I said, this cat can’t go on suffering like this. I was afraid we would have to say goodbye” make is to try to save money by buying a low quality grocery store food. Because these foods are often low or imbalanced in nutrients, the pet has to eat more of it to meet their needs. “The veterinary diet might seem more expensive, but compare the actual cost per day,” says Dr. Verbrugghe. And health problems can develop that lead to higher veterinary costs. Another mistake is trying to reinvent the wheel. The recent trend toward home made foods and raw food diets has led to a surge in health problems in pets because it is difficult to make sure the food is balanced and free of toxicities such as salmonella. On the right diet, Bandit’s health is now fully restored. “He just glows,” says George. “He’s a beautiful 20-pound cat. When he was sick he was down to just 11 pounds. The food saved his life.”
Bandit, back to himself again
Winter Awareness As the frosty winter sets in, we have fun in the snow with our pets. Play safe and remember that, like us, pets need shelter from the cold.
Keep it short Keep outdoor stints short and active so your pet stays comfortable and doesn’t risk frostbite of his extremities — ears and paws get cold fast!
Thin ice Every year dogs die when they fall through thin ice into freezing water below. The best way to ensure your dog does not wander onto thin ice is to keep him leashed and supervised while outdoors. Stay aware of nearby bodies of water.
Store antifreeze safely Another winter hazard to look out for is antifreeze. Sweet to the taste, pets quickly lap up spills — and quickly need emergency attention. Close supervision of pets and safe storage of antifreeze can prevent this deadly and common form of poisoning.
Have a safe, fun winter
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What’s New •
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Cool Case
Many thanks for helping us to raise over $1000 for the Farley Foundation this fall! Your generosity will help veterinarians provide essential care to pets whose owners are disabled, in nursing homes, or entering women’s shelters. We are happy to announce the launch of our new physiotherapy and rehabilitation program! Under the direction of Dr. Wurdell and Rosemary Holtz, RVT, we are helping pets recover from orthopaedic surgery, neurological disorders, joint or spinal injuries or osteoarthritis related issues. Call us to schedule a consult for your pet.
Ta-da! Meet Tada, an 8-year-old mixed-breed sweetheart! Tada came to our clinic with a history of chronic painful ear infections. Recurrent ear infections are a symptom of allergies, so Dr. Wurdell began to investigate. Tada was eating a higher-end pet store diet but it lacked full nutritional support. Dr. Wurdell prescribed a 12-week food trial with a new protein diet to see if Tada had food allergies.
RVT Jess’s lizard, Sid, is ready for the holidays. Our newest veterinarian, Dr. Alex Easler treats your pocket pets and exotic pets too!
Puppies, cats, birds, and lizards? Oh my! We now offer care for avian and exotic species. Gerbils, hamsters, iguanas, reptiles, ferrets, and birds all have special healthcare and nutritional needs!
Happy holidays, from Riley, and all of us here at Muskoka Animal Hospital!
Tada ate Royal Canin’s Veterinary Exclusive Anallergenic diet strictly, with no additional foods or treats. After 12 weeks, Tada’s ears had greatly improved, even without medication!
Tada didn’t need medication – she needed the right food
As Hippocrates put it, “Let food be thy first medicine!” See also our nutrition feature on page 2.
Behaviour Bits
Snug as a Bug Is it silly to dress your pets up for winter? In most cases pets do not need clothing, but in very cold temperatures a secure, nonrestricting coat can help pets better deal with the cold.
Muskoka Animal Hospital A reminder of our holiday hours: Tue Dec 24: 8:30am-12pm Closed Dec 25 and 26 Fri Dec 27: 8:30am-5:30pm Mon Dec 30: 8:30am-5:30pm
Tue Dec 31: 8:30am-12pm Closed Wed Jan 1 Thur Jan 2: 8:30am-6pm
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Senior dogs, dogs recovering from illness (particularly those who have lost fur due to illnesses or surgery), and short-haired or hairless breeds will benefit the most from having a cozy sweater or jacket. Cats may not appreciate clothing or boots and will be better off kept indoors during winter. Tootsie is snug as a bug in the sweater knit by her “mom” Lesley!
This information is not medical advice. Always see your veterinarian with any concerns about your pet’s health.