Volume 6•Issue 1
Spring 2015
Love & Honor Specially Trained, Caring Dogs Serve Those Who Serve Teaching Your Dog to Give Up Stuff Why Our Best Friends Need a Board-Certified Vet Cardiologist A Vet Tackles the Painful Canine Aliment Known as “Dead Tail”
Walking in a Winter Wonderland Demystifying Spinal Injuries in Dogs Holiday Gift Guide Inside
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“Taylor” is seeking her forever home through WAAAG (details on Page 46)
}
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contents Volume 6
•
Issue 1
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Love & H Specia onor lly Train Caring e Dogs Se d, Those Who Se rve rve Te
aching to Give Your Dog Up Stuf f Why O ur Need a Best Friends Bo ard-C Vet Car diologis ertified t A Vet Ta ck Canine les the Painfu Al l as “Dea iment Known d Tail”
Spring 2015
departments 18
15
Volume 6•Issue 1
Spring 20
Walking in a Win Wonde ter rland Demys tifying Spinal Injuries in Dog s Holiday Gift Gui de Insi de
Weekend Getaway: A Few of Our Favorite Pet-Friendly Wineries
On the Cover…
21
Fitness & Training:
24
Training:
26
Rounding Up Rover: Ms. Working Dog!
features
28
Ask A Neurovet:
9
ABC’s and 1,2,3’s:
30
Ask Dr Katy:
12
Tails of Woe:
32
Stories Within The Bond:
36
Giving Back:
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“Taylor”
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is see home thro king her forever ugh WA AAG (details on Page
46)
“Taylor” is available for adoption through WAAAG (See Page 46 for details)
The Zen of Dog Training, Part 2
Photo by Carina Thornton, Fuzzypants Photography
Trading Day: Teaching Your Dog to Give up Stuff
with Dr. Lauren Talarico
with Dr. Katy Nelson
A Penny Saved…
39 42
Unconditional Love:
44
Grooming:
A Vet Tackles the Painful Canine Ailment Known as “Dead Tail”
special feature
The School of Puppy-Raising Hard Knocks
Health:
Start Your Canine Athlete Off on the Right Paw
14
Pet Cardiology
Love and Honor:
Specially Trained, Caring Dogs Serve Those Who Serve
A Little Sugar Goes A Long Way
Wash, Dry, Repeat
46 Seeking A Forever Home Spring 2015 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ contributors }
contributors Kimberly Artley
Katy Nelson, DVM
Kimberly Artley is Founder of PackFit: Body + Mind for Human + Canine. PackFit is dedicated to helping humans + their faithful canine companions achieve stellar health + wellness through various integrated modalities. Creating our best version of self + becoming the leader our dogs need us to be.
Prince Lorenzo Borghese Prince Lorenzo Borghese is founder of Prince Lorenzo’s Royal Treatment, an organic-based grooming line formulated in Italy. He is honorary animal welfare Ambassador for the ASPCA and the American Humane Association. He is also President and co-founder of Animal Aid USA, a not-for-profit organization comprised of all non-paid volunteers that through their monthly adoption caravans save an average of 150 lives per month. For more information go to royalpetclub.com or animalaidusa.org.
Julie Buzby, DVM, CVA, CAVCA Dr. Julie is certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and practices integrative medicine in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. In 2012, she founded Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips for Dogs—marketing nonslip nail grips for senior and special needs dogs. She shares her home with her husband and eight children, and their angelic rescue mutt named Luke.
Bruce Coston, DVM Doctor Coston owns and operates Seven Bends Veterinary Hospital in Woodstock, Virginia. He is the author of two books: The Gift of Pets and Ask The Animals. www.brucecoston.com
Krisi Erwin, DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVPP Dr. Erwin, a life-long Loudoun County native, owns a house call practice called Wholistic Paws Veterinary Services that focuses on offering in-home acupuncture, rehabilitation, pet hospice, and euthanasia for her clients. Dr. Erwin is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist and a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist.
Bonnie Lefbom, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) Dr. Bonnie Lefbom is passionate about cardiology for pets. Her vast experience allows her to remain focused on the emotional and financial needs of owners while achieving optimal treatment for each pet. Dr. Lefbom’s home life is joy-filled with three teenagers, two spoiled dogs, and one very friendly cat.
Laurie Luck, M.A., KPA CTP, CNWI Dog lover and professional trainer, Laurie knows the joy that dogs bring to our lives. Smart Dog University specializes in dog-friendly, positive training. From pups to dogs, Laurie makes training fun for both ends of the leash!
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Dr. Katy Nelson is a veterinarian and the host of “The Pet Show with Dr. Katy” on Washington DC’s News Channel 8 - the show airs at 11am on Saturday mornings. An ardent advocate for pet rescue, Dr. Nelson works with numerous local and national rescue organizations to promote pet adoption. Dr. Nelson is known as “Dr. Pawz” on Washington DC’s All News Radio Station WTOP live on air every two weeks. You can also catch her on her online radio show called “Pawsitive Talk with Dr. Katy” on the all positive radio network HealthyLife.Net. Dr. Nelson is a Certified Veterinary Journalist (CVJ), accredited by the American Society of Veterinary Journalists (ASVJ). Catch her every Friday morning on News Channel 8’s “Let’s Talk Live,” and you can even find her reporting on animal health topics every week on WJLA ABC7 News. A prolific writer, you can follow her on The Pet Show’s blog www.wjla.com/blogs/the-pet-show/ and find back episodes of The Pet Show there, as well.
Lauren R. Talarico, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology/Neurosurgery) Dr. Talarico is a board certified neurosurgeon at VCA SouthPaws in Fairfax, VA. She graduated with honors from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, completed an internship at the University of Georgia and neurosurgical residency at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals. Dr. Talarico conducts research projects involving Chiari-like malformations through the pediatric neurosurgery team at Children’s National Hospital in DC. She has also been published in several veterinary journals and textbooks. Dr. Talarico specializes in brain and spinal surgery, reconstruction procedures and treatment of medical neurologic diseases.
Ginger, Warder Ginger Warder, the author of Fido’s Virginia and Fido’s Florida, is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers, specializing in luxury travel and travel with pets. Her current canine research assistants are her German Shepherd, Tipsy, and her Daschund, Max.
Jamie Williams Jamie Williams is public relations and outreach director for Warrior Canine Connection, where she began working as an enthusiastic volunteer during the summer of 2012. Before joining the non-profit, she was founder and principal of a strategic consulting firm focusing on the health care, technology and construction industries.
Anne Wills Anne Wills is the founder of Dogs Finding Dogs, K9 Search & Rescue for Missing Pets, a 501c3 Non-profit organization. In addition, Anne is a Professional Dog Trainer and Private Investigator, as well as the owner of Dogs Finding Drugs, K9 Narcotic & Firearms Detection. She is also an HLN and Fox News Consultant.
The Virginia–Maryland Dog
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{ department }
Publisher/Editor in Chief Pamela Wahl Director of Operations Gene Wahl Art Director Kim Dow, Kalico Design Graphic Designers Jen Tyler, Jillian Winkler, Kalico Design Social Media Cami O’Connell Kristin Carlson Senior Editor Kimberly Holmes Photographers Carina Thornton, Fuzzypants Photography Copy Editor Matt Neufeld Advertising Director Pamela Wahl
{ publishers note }
a note
from our publisher
“Dogs…do not ruin their sleep worrying about how to keep the objects they have, and to obtain the objects they have not. There is nothing of value they have to bequeath except their love and their faith.” –Eugene O’Neill, from his Dalmatian, Blemie’s, last will and testament
This edition of The Virginia-Maryland Dog is dedicated to one of my own
Production Coordinator Diane Weller Web Site Manager Jen Tyler, Kalico Design Business Manager Cathy Wahl Contributing Writers: Kimberly Artley Linda Baker Prince Lorenzo Borghese Julie Buzby, DVM, CVA, CAVCA Bruce Coston, DVM Krisi Erwin, DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVPP Bonnie Lefbom, DVM, DACIM (Cardiology) Laurie Luck, KPA-CTP, CNWI Katy Nelson, DVM Lauren Talarico, DVM, DACVIM Ginger Warder Jamie Williams Anne Wills The Virginia-Maryland Dog Magazine 1 College Avenue Frederick, MD 21701 Tel: (301) 514-2804 Fax: (301) 694-9799 www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com bark@vamddog.com Copyright 2015 No part of this publication may be reproduced without expressed written permission of the publisher. No part may be transmitted in any form by any means, including electronic, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher. Publisher accepts no liability for solicited or unsolicited materials that are damaged or lost. Views expressed by editorial contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
6
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ABC’s and 1,2,3’s: Start Your Canine Athlete Off on the Right Paw! Congratulations! You have added a new addition to your family and you are already envisioning your roly-poly friend lithely running the weave poles or taking top-of-the-class in rally obedience. Keep in mind that your new bundle of joy has a lot of growing and learning to do before he’s ready to take on the world. Here are a few thoughts to consider to help get your pup off
By Krisi Erwin DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVPP
to a good start:
1 Nutrition: Nutrition for our canine
counterparts is often an overwhelming topic, and you are likely to receive many opinions on how to feed your young athlete. It is important to keep a few things in mind when choosing a food. Don’t be afraid of protein for your growing dog. Protein is not implicated in causing growth problems, and your puppy’s food should have a good, quality protein source. Problems arise when your puppy is fed a diet too rich in fat or one that has an imbalance
of calcium and phosphorus. After choosing an appropriate diet for your puppy with your veterinarian, make sure to keep your puppy lean. A chunky puppy may be considered cute by some people, but too much weight may affect how his bones and joints develop. Strive to keep your puppy at a body condition score of 3.5-4/9. Check this website to learn how to assess your dog’s body condition score: www.petnutritionalliance.org/PDFS/bcs.pdf.
Spring 2015 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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2 Supplements:
Most puppies don’t require a lot of nutritional supplements from the get-go. However, seek out a diet rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA), as they help with promoting healthy brain development and also help to support the joints. You may also consider starting a young athlete on a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement early on to help protect developing joints and prevent injury and arthritis down the road. This can be especially helpful in breeds that are prone to conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia. Remember, not every supplement is created equal, so consult with your veterinarian to help choose one that is safe and effective!
3 Ergonomics:
Most of us don’t have much say about whether or not a puppy will have their dewclaws or tails removed, as this is often done before they are even available to move into a new home. Keep in mind that canine athletes do use their front dewclaws to help them turn and pivot. Tails act as rudders to help align the dog’s body over jumps and through obstacles. Consider discussing this issue with your breeder, or seek out a breed where these structures are left intact--it may help you have a more sound athlete.
4 When to spay or neuter? Most
veterinarians would recommend that a puppy be spayed or neutered before 6 months of age. However, there is a growing amount of evidence showing that spaying and neutering a puppy before they are finished growing (around 12-16 months of age, depending on breed) can cause them to grow longer, making them prone to increased orthopedic ailments such as cruciate ligament tears. If you are planning to have your pup be your exercise partner, consider postponing that surgery until she is more mature.
5 Exercise and Rest!
A puppy’s body changes a lot during his first year. Not all exercise is appropriate at every age. Work with your veterinarian or trainer to learn when skills such as jump training and strength training can be added. In general, lots of play and non-impact skill training is appropriate for every age. Trick classes can help your puppy exercise his brain as his body grows. Properly conditioning your puppy by working on endurance and strength building over time can help hone him into a key athlete and help to prevent future injury. Remember, quality rest is just as important as well timed and implemented exercise. Your pup may need some time outs in a quiet area such as a crate to refuel and be ready for the next round of activity. Best wishes as you and your new friend set off to conquer the world of canine athletics! Whether you are high level competitors or fellow weekend warriors, these steps should help you get off to a good and healthy start!
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For more information: Wholistic Paws Veterinary Services P.O. Box 713 Hamilton, VA 20159 (571) 438-0339 wecare@wholisticpawsvet.com www.wholisticpawsvet.com
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
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Tails of Woe A Vet Tackles the Painful Canine Ailment Known as “Dead Tail” By Julie Buzby, DVM, I was an hour late getting my sister’s message CVA, CAVCA announcing her dog emergency unfolding 400 miles away. The message simply said,
I was pretty confident that he didn’t have a broken tail. Wagging into something is unlikely to fracture a vertebrae. My next question made me look like a clairvoyant:
“Banjo is at the vet! Call me when you can.” “Was he in water yesterday?” I had just talked to her the previous day about her newly-adopted Pointer rescue, Banjo, because he had seen his vet for some precautionary diagnostics post- heartworm treatment. We had celebrated his good report from the doctor and laughed together about the expense of dog ownership, but we agreed it was worth every penny! A weekend emergency visit to the vet hospital is never pleasant. I dialed her number immediately. “What happened to Banjo?” “We think he broke his tail,” she said with sadness in her voice. “He wagged it into an iron bed this morning and now it’s crooked.” She went on to tell me that it was bent near the base of the tail, and that when she asked Banjo to sit, he just whimpered and laid down.
“Yes,” my sister stammered. “I gave him a bath. Why?” I generally refrain from making a diagnosis over the phone, but I felt confident that Banjo was suffering from a condition called “Dead Tail,” also known as “Lab-, Cold-, Limber-, Swimmer’s-, Frozen-, and Rudder Tail.” “The bad news is that it is excruciatingly painful,” I told her. “The good news is that he will be fine.” I never heard “Dead Tail” mentioned in my veterinary school lectures, and I never read about it in my textbooks. As a newly-minted veterinarian, I would have missed the diagnosis the first time I saw it, but a seasoned colleague saved me after I called him in for a second opinion. This condition is sometimes misdiagnosed as a prostate problem, anal gland impaction, fracture, disc herniation, or infection.
Working dogs, such as English Pointers, Labradors and Beagles, are the most commonly-affected breeds, but it is thought to occur in all breeds.
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
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A month after seeing that first case, I was on my way back from a veterinary conference and I struck up a conversation about dogs with the gentleman squeezed into the seat next to me on the airplane. He remarked that he took his Labs to the beach every weekend and asked me if I had heard of “Swimmer’s Tail.” I told him I had seen one case, and was embarrassed that he knew way more about the condition than I did. The next day I made a concerted effort to educate myself. I was intrigued to learn that the precise cause is unknown, but it appears to be related to damage to the muscles of the tail. As if to further cement the classic presentation into my head, later that year, my own dog suffered from “Dead Tail” after a bath. When I palpated and manipulated his tail on exam, it was the only time I remember him trying to bite me. For these dogs, the area around the tail base is very painful, and they cannot hold their tails normally. The tail is flaccid and droops and they do not want to move it. Almost always, there is a history of exposure to water—ocean, lake, river, dock diving, or other bodies of water. Other predisposing factors may be heavy work the day before, cage transport, and cold water or cold weather. Exposure to water has been the consistent common thread in the cases I have seen, but that is not required in the history of the case to make the diagnosis. Working dogs, such as English Pointers, Labradors and Beagles, are the most commonly-affected breeds, but it is thought to occur in all breeds. I have had a couple patients instantly improve after chiropractic adjustment of the sacrum, where the tail attaches to the skeleton, but typically treatment involves rest, anti-inflammatories, and tincture of time. The good news is that affected dogs generally recover in a few days. That night, another message announced: “Banjo sacked out thanks to pain meds.”
Top & Bottom Photos – “Banjo” Photos Courtesy Keri Buzby
Within days, sweet Banjo was once again happily wagging his tail into the furniture.
Spring 2015 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
{ special feature }
LOVE AND
Honor
By Jamie Williams Photos by Bonnie Grower Photography
Specially Trained, Caring Dogs Serve Those Who Serve On any given weekday, it’s not unusual to see recovering warriors at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) in Bethesda, Md., engaged in a mission that will transform the lives of their fellow veterans with disabilities. A quick look inside the Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) program office there reveals the heart of the mission, an assortment of young Golden and Labrador Retrievers with bright eyes, eager smiles, and wagging tails. The Retrievers are part of a unique therapeutic service dog training program for recovering service members in treatment at Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities. The WCC program is specifically designed to mitigate symptoms of combat stress while preparing the dogs to become service dogs for veterans who require mobility and social support.
The Mission Begins with Special Puppies
Warrior Canine Connection’s service dogs in training are purposely bred for health and temperament. Litters are whelped at the WCC Healing Quarters (HQ) in Brookeville, Md., and puppies are sometimes donated to the program by highlyreputable breeders. In all cases, Molly Morelli, WCC’s Director of Dog Programs, does exhaustive research into bloodlines. “At a minimum, we look at 12 generations of each dog’s pedigree,” Morelli explained. “This makes it possible for us to obtain an accurate picture of each puppy’s genetic potential to become a successful service dog, which is the ultimate goal of the program.” Litters are nurtured to be emotionally stable and socially engaged through careful socialization by hundreds of volunteer and Warrior puppy petters. This contact helps the dogs form strong connec-
tions with humans, and provides them with the foundation to become successful service dogs. In some cases, this early socialization takes place during public outings and visits to DOD and VA medical facilities, but for the most part, it occurs at WCC’s HQ in Brookeville. It is there, in the Puppy Enrichment Center, where service members, veterans, military family members and volunteers socialize new litters, and training classes are held on a regular basis. Once puppies reach 8 to 12 weeks of age, they are placed with puppy raisers who take on the demanding and rewarding task of housing, caring, training, and exposing the puppies to experiences and public places that will prepare them for their future lives as service dogs. These puppy parents volunteer to take on this role until the dogs are approximately two years of age and return to the WCC HQ for advanced training and placement with veterans with disabilities. Most of the WCC dogs in training accompany their raisers to work; in many cases, work is at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and NICoE in Bethesda, at the Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Belvoir, Va., and at the West Coast Program Office at the VA Medical Center in Menlo Park, California. At these facilities, the puppies are part of WCC’s therapeutic service dog training programs for service members and veterans in treatment for combat
Spring 2015 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ special feature }
stress and traumatic brain injury. Each office is staffed by professional Service Dog Training Instructors, who work with the recovering warriors and their family members to teach dog care and training skills, commands, and the tasks that are required of service dogs.
One Dog, 60 Warriors
It takes approximately two years of training to prepare WCC’s dogs to become service dogs. During that period, each dog may help to heal the invisible wounds of approximately 60 recovering Warrior Trainers. WCC service dogs are trained and placed in accordance with the industry standards established by Assistance Dogs International, a coalition of non-profit assistance dog organizations. At the end of training, veterans with disabilities receive WCC service dogs, along with the necessary instruction to care and partner with them, at no cost.
Addressing Symptoms of Combat Stress
Warrior Canine Connection is the brainchild of founder and executive director Rick Yount, who introduced the concept at the Palo Alto VA Medical System in Northern California in 2008. While working with combat veterans at the VA, Yount, a social worker, found that training service dogs provided warriors with a way to positively address symptoms of combat stress like isolation, emotional numbness and re-experiencing. As he anticipated, the warrior ethos of helping a fellow veteran proved to be a powerful motivator to get veterans with invisible wounds to volunteer to participate in this therapeutic program. “While our Warrior Trainers are preparing our Golden and Labrador Retrievers to provide mobility and social support to Veterans with disabilities, they are addressing their symptoms of post-traumatic stress and mild traumatic brain injuries,” Yount said. “As a result, we see them better reintegrating into their communities post-deployment, and strengthening their family relationships. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.”
If you would like to learn more about or support Warrior Canine Connection, please visit their website: www.warriorcanineconnection.org.
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
Yount explained that in order to effectively train a service dog, the warrior must convince the dog that the world is a safe place. In doing so, service members convince themselves of the same. In addition, Warrior Trainers are taught to praise and provide treats to their dogs when they experience a startling event, such as hearing a dumpster door slam. Rather than turning inward to focus on their past trauma, the trainers must get outside of their own heads to focus on the dogs and their mission to help another veteran. Yount noted that the program has also provided a new career path for some of its participants. “We’ve seen several of our Warrior Trainers become professional service dog trainers, both for fellow Veterans and for civilians with disabilities,” he said. “They tell us that their work with the dogs has been life-changing, and they can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Building for the Future
The Warrior Canine Connection program has been expanding so rapidly, the organization has outgrown its current location and is in the process of developing a new Healing Quarters approximately 20 miles away, in Germantown, Maryland. “We have been extremely fortunate to have the support of public officials and government entities in Montgomery County and the State of Maryland,” Yount said. “They understand the importance of programs that focus on the health and well-being of Veterans, and they are responding with enthusiasm to what we’re doing.” Yount explained that the new property, which is part of Montgomery County’s Seneca Creek State Park, was secured by a 25-year lease with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The property is currently under development, with plans to relocate in the summer of 2015. The new Healing Quarters will enable WCC to further expand its therapeutic training programs, which in turn will enable the organization to assist the growing number of veterans who are requesting service dogs to enhance their mobility and lives.
{ special feature }
Spring 2015 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ weekend getaway}
A Taste of the Old Dominion: A Few of Our Favorite Pet-Friendly Wineries By Ginger Warder Spring is the perfect time for a drive through Photo at Right, Courtesy of Ginger Warder
the dogwoods and a visit to one of the Old Dominion’s welcoming wineries With more than 200 wineries in nine regions and six American Viticultural Areas, or AVA’s, Virginia was named as one of the world’s “Top 10 Wine Destinations” by Wine Enthusiast. Most of Virginia’s vineyards and wineries that are open to the public also welcome four-legged visitors, and several host special events for canines or feature pet-friendly accommodations and amenities. Virginia’s wine trails are designed on popular routes that also highlight the state’s natural beauty and historic attractions: signs featuring clusters of grapes mark the trails and point the way to vineyards. Here are five favorites for a fun spring outing:
Chateau Morrisette Winery:
Milepost 171.5, Blue Ridge Pkwy., Meadows of Dan. Free tours; tastings are $8 per person. For more information: (540) 593-2865 or go to www.thedogs.com. There are black dogs everywhere at Chateau Morrisette: on the grounds, in the tasting room and on the wine labels. One of the largest wineries in the state, this winery not only welcomes canine visitors, but also supports animal organizations throughout Virginia with special events like adoption
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
days and through donations from its line of Service Dog wines. Dogs are welcome on the grounds and in the tasting room and gift shop (there’s some great pup stuff!), but they also have a kennel onsite if you want to relax over lunch in their excellent restaurant. If you visit during the summer or fall, try to catch one of the black dog wine and music festivals or a free concert on Sunday afternoons.
Chatham Vineyards:
9232 Chatham Rd., Machipongo. Free tours; tastings are $3 per person. For more information: (757) 678-5588 or go to www.chathamvineyards.com. A working farm for more than 400 years, Chatham (pronounced chat-em) was named after William Pitt, the Earl of Chatham. The red brick Federalstyle house was built in 1818 and overlooks Church Creek. Two generations of the Wehner family have put their expertise into the award-winning Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot vines. Tastings often include pairings of Chardonnay with two varieties (bay and sea) of locally-harvested Shooting Point Oysters, and you’re sure to get a warm welcome from Wilbur, the winery’s official canine greeter.
DelFosse Vineyards & Winery: 500 DelFosse Winery Ln., Faber. Tastings are $5 per person. For more information: (434) 263-6100 or go to www.delfossewine.com.
Located near Charlottesville, DelFosse is known for its Petit Verdot and Viognier. One of the coolest things about this vineyard is its pet-friendly log cabin (once the original tasting room) for overnight stays: you have your own wine bar on the deck overlooking the vineyards.
Ingleside Plantation Vineyards:
5872 Leedstown Rd., Oak Grove. Free tours; tastings are $5 per person. For more information: (804) 224-8687 or go to www.inglesidevineyards.com.
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One of Virginia’s oldest wineries, Ingleside has won the Virginia Governor’s Cup several times, as well as national and international awards. Taste several of the 18 varieties made from estate-grown grapes, from viognier and sauvignon blanc to sangiovese and cabernet franc. Visit the museum featuring antique wine bottles, Native American artifacts and Chesapeake waterfowl decoys, or relax with a glass of wine in the European-style courtyard. Four-legged visitors are welcome on the grounds and in the courtyard.
@ thevirginiadog
Keswick Vineyards Yappy Hour:
1575 Keswick Winery Dr., Keswick. For more information: (434) 244-3341 or go to www.keswickvineyards.com.
Every Sunday from the beginning of April to the end of October, Keswick hosts a Yappy Hour to benefit local animal rescue groups. You and your pal are allowed in the tasting room, but Keswick also offers outdoor tastings so your pooch can socialize while you sip. A portion of the purchase price of each bottle of wine sold that day goes to the local groups. A recent addition of a fenced dog park lets your dogs run off-leash and play while you’re relaxing with a glass of wine.
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SPECIALIZING IN UNIQUE PORTRAITS OF PETS AND THEIR PEOPLE.
For more information: on Virginia’s wine regions, AVAs, trails and wineries visit www.virginiawine.org
Spring 2015 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ fitness & training }
The Zen of Dog Training, Part 2 The Human Ingredient By Kimberly Artley Dog training is far more than teaching a dog to sit, stay, lie down, roll over or give up a paw. It’s about partnership. Relationship. Creating mutual understanding and rapport. Reverence. Loyalty. The symbiotic exchange of trust, respect, energy and love.
We have a responsibility, you see, for these amazing living, breathing, feeling beings we domesticated thousands of years ago. For providing what they need to achieve sound health and well-being in body and mind. What dogs are trying to tell us through their actions and behavior, however, and what most people are misinterpreting or missing all together, is that we aren’t holding up our end of the bargain. Especially here in America. And, sadly, millions of dogs are paying the ultimate price for this every single year.
The Human Ingredient.
We play a big role in the conditioning and influencing of our dogs’ mental and emotional state, and their overall health. How else are they supposed to learn how to behave and what’s expected of them if we don’t teach them? It’s up to us to learn how to meet their instinctual needs as a canine, then work to fulfill them----daily. (Please see Part 1 of this article on page 28 of our Winter/Holiday 2014 edition.) We, and we alone, are responsible for the energy we bring into each space. The energy through which we approach life, teach and discipline, guide and direct with. Are we nervous? Tense? Anxious? Stressed out? Feeling frustrated or impatient? Dogs will not instinctively trust, respect and follow this type of energy. They will, however, trust, respect and follow calm, patient, grounded (read: unemotional), confident energy. This is how dogs teach us to constantly self-check, be more cognizant of how we’re feeling and what we’re projecting. The energy we share with our dogs is a direct message to them; and if this is a daily constant, way of life and consistent source from which they’re receiving their guidance, you better believe it’s going to impact their behavior and how they perceive the world around them.
Spring 2015 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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What “family” is to us, “pack” is to them; and when we welcome a dog into our home, we’re welcoming in a new family or pack member. Every human family has a “Head of Household,” “Parent” or “Parental Unit,” like every canine pack has a “Head of the Pack,” “Alpha Dog” or “Alpha Pair.” All work to provide their dependents with structure and order. Setting and enforcing rules, boundaries and parameters. Teaching and guiding their youth as they grow and mature; preparing them for the real world, and empowering them to become selfdirective, self-sufficient and productive, contributing members of society. Both work to provide what the other members of their family need to both thrive and survive. This is Mother Nature at work, and is what’s been instilled in both species since the dawn of our existence. We may have been able to take the canine out of the wild, but there are parts of the wild that will always remain part of the canine—such as, the type of food they were physiologically built to take in, digest, utilize and absorb; the need for structure and order; the predatory behavior of rolling in carcasses or super-smelly things to mask their scent; and more. Much like children, our dogs are a direct reflection of what we’re doing and not doing. When we invest our time, attention, energy and effort into shaping, guiding, directing, teaching and molding, it’s reflected in their behavior and disposition. This is why it’s important that what we’re imparting comes from a calm, patient, compassionate, confident, firm, yet loving, space.
Behavior Never Lies. At the root of all
misbehavior is a need or set of needs not being met or fulfilled. The behavior, action or reaction, is an extension and byproduct of this. In the case of humans, this may be expressed by certain coping mechanisms or numbing techniques such as: excessive shopping or obsessive compulsive cleaning; bullying; eating disorders; alcohol or drug misuse;
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It’s up to us to ensure that our dogs feel safe, secure and comfortable being under our guidance, tutelage and care.
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smoking; too much TV; too many video games; too much time on Facebook or getting lost in cyber space; perfectionism; anxiety; depression, or other similar behaviors. Each resulting from an instinctual need not being met and fulfilled in a certain area of life (outside of medical or health issues). In the canine world, though the expression may differ (such as excessive digging, barking, jumping, whining, aggression, resource guarding, chewing), the source is very much the same.
Dogs Are Our Dependents.
The choices and decisions we make directly affect their quality of life. The onus falls upon us to step up and become the Leader their DNA tells them they need. We are who they look to for their cues, guidance and direction, which is why investing in ourselves and working to move into a better, more empowered, grounded space is very important. Everything we do with our dogs is a conversation. Our energy, how we’re feeling and our emotional state. Body language, movement, posture, how we’re carrying and handling ourselves. Tone of voice and vocal inflection. Intention. We say far more without using any words at all. Dogs are expert interpreters of body language and energy, reading even the most minute movements, subtleties and shifts. A tense arm or super tight grip on the leash during a walk. The increase of our heart rate and breathing pattern when we’re confronted with a situation we’re not feeling so confident in handling. Imagine we have two people standing side by side. One is standing tall with squared shoulders and hips, head held high, owning their space. Eye contact is direct. When he or she speaks, the tone of voice is calm, low-pitched, affirmative, clear and served with an exclamation point or period at the end. The other person is uncomfortable in their space, shoulders rounded, back hunched over, the head is low, the eyes are shifty. The tone of voice is soft, unsure and high-pitched with a question mark at the end. Which of these two people would be more believable to you? Which would you feel more confident following? Both project a very different energy. In my opinion, there’s no such thing as a bad dog; and a vast difference between behavior and trait. Behaviors are nurtured and conditioned, whereas traits are more ingrained and are genetically part of the individual. While they can be managed, they cannot be removed or undone. Like humans, very few dogs are born unbalanced or with intent to harm
{ fitness & training }
or kill; but they are born with their own personalities and drives—such as pack drive vs. prey drive vs. fight or flight drive. Their behaviors are conditioned by humans through our actions and inactions, knowingly or unknowingly--such as showing affection to the wrong state of mind, helicopter dog parenting, coddling, humanizing and babying our dogs; not meeting and fulfilling their instinctual needs; or keeping them in isolation--and are also influenced by their dominant drive and individual personalities.
Self-awareness doesn’t happen overnight, nor does the establishment of trust and respect. As with everything worthwhile, it’s a practice and a process. Take each day as it comes. Breathe. Making the time to get to know ourselves on a deeper level, addressing the beliefs and operating systems behind our reactions and behavior. The more we work to bring ourselves into a healthy, more grounded space, the better our relationships with our dogs and others will be.
It’s up to us to ensure that our dogs feel safe, secure and comfortable being under our guidance, tutelage and care. Humans need to provide ways to help them reconnect to their natural, instinctual state of calm through meeting and then fulfilling their needs; teaching them how to practice polite, respectful behavior in any given scenario; and providing opportunities for them to simply be dogs.
We are our dogs’ life-long guidance counselors. Their role models. Way-showers. and when we show up consistently from a calm, grounded space, practicing a confident, firm yet loving state of mind and being, this is what we teach. Our daily practice, manner of approach and way of life becomes their daily lesson.
When we invest in our own personal growth, we’re indirectly investing in all who depend on and share space with us. The more empowered and fulfilled we are as human beings, the better leaders, providers, co-workers, managers, parents, friends, sons and daughters, siblings and dog parents we are.
This isn’t about being the perfect human, or cultivating the perfect dog; but it is everything about creating awareness, raising points to consider, and growth. After all, isn’t that what life’s all about? This is what dogs are here to remind us: We may not always get the dog we want or expected, but we always get the dog we need.
This is how dogs help us to become fully present and accountable. This work bleeds out into every aspect of our lives, and is how dogs help us to become more intuitive and self-aware. Getting in touch with that part of ourselves we’ve neglected while chasing the American dream, and underneath who our fast-paced, success-and-material-driven, impatient, time-is-money culture has told us to be. Balance isn’t something that just happens. It’s afforded, invested in, is a daily practice, and is part of the human experience. Dogs remind us of this. When dogs know we can handle whatever may come our way, it takes the pressure and onus off of them. They can relax and enjoy life--as a dog. They find safety and security in the knowing that their human has got it together, and can and will handle whatever may come their way.
Spring 2015 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ training }
Trading Day: Teaching Your Dog to Give Up Stuff! By Laurie Luck, The dog has grabbed a shoe and is running KPA-CTP, CNWI with it—what’s the best way to save the shoe? This article will solve the immediate problem, as well as provide tips on prevention and how to teach a dog to trade.
Rescue the Shoe.
Find the closest tasty treat--from the fridge if necessary--and call the dog. It’s best NOT to chase the dog, as this might be just the game the dog was hoping for. If the dog acknowledges his name, wave the tasty treat and call him in a happy, excited voice. Sounding angry at this point will not help get that shoe back! As the dog moves closer, having the person back up quickly will facilitate the dog’s coming even faster. Trade that treat for the shoe and DON’T forget to praise!! The shoe was saved, no sense in being mad at the dog. (And don’t forget to put the shoes in a less doggy-accessible place next time!) Most importantly, find an appropriate object to give the dog to carry or chew instead of the Italian leather shoe.
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Prevention is Key.
It’s easiest to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. If the dog can’t practice the behavior, he can’t get better at it. Put shoes in the closet and close the door; dog-proof the house so important and valuable objects are out of reach from the dog; and encourage and praise the dog for playing with his toys.
Teach the Dog to Give Up Objects Willingly. Find objects that the dog and a person can hold onto at the same time, such as an empty paper towel roll (the cardboard core), a rolled up newspaper, a rope, or Kong.
Step 1.
To begin, have a bowl of tasty treats. Not just dog biscuits--something really good like leftover chicken or steak.
Step 2. Wave your object enticingly at the dog’s
eye level and say, “take it.” Encourage the dog to take the object into his mouth, while the person still holds onto it.
Step 3.
Now say, “thank you,” or “give,” “release,” “out,” whatever the word of choice you prefer; stop wagging the object around and, with the other hand, wave that tasty treat right in front of the dog’s nose.
Step 4. Most likely, if the treat is tasty enough, the
dog will release the object to take the treat. Simultaneously praise the dog and give two, three, even four treats in succession.
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Step 5. Then ask the dog to take the object again
(“take it”) and repeat the sequence. After the dog has relinquished the object five times in a row, while the person is still holding onto it, begin to let go of the object each time, still giving praise and three or four treats to the dog for relinquishing the object. Remember to practice this especially when the dog has an object he’s allowed to have. By dropping appropriate objects (and getting them back), the dog is much more likely to drop the iPhone, steak knife, or other valuable or dangerous object when asked.
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For more information: Laurie Luck, KPA-CTP, CNWI Smart Dog University 240.394.1112 www.SmartDogUniversity.com
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Spring 2015 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ rounding up rover }
Ms. Working Dog! Try And Catch Me If You Can! Dogs Finding Dogs’ Top 5 Escape Artists By Anne Wills Pictured Right: DFD Rescue Dog “Heidi”. Photo Courtesy Anne Wills
Dogs Finding Dogs has been a non-profit charity since 2008 that specializes in K9 search and rescue for missing pets. With more than 4,000 pets returned home, we have seen a pattern in certain breeds of dogs regarding loss and difficult capture.
Shetland Sheepdog
Starting with the , also known as the “I Miss Nothing and am a Really Fast Sheltie,” this is one of the most beautiful breeds of dog. They are from the herding group, which means they see everything! They will see a trap when it is perfectly disguised. Any movement at all causes them to run. Their eyesight is extremely keen. They are intelligent and agile. We had a case of a Sheltie that took more than one year to catch. We had to constantly keep finding ways to outsmart her—and most of the time she outsmarted us.
Beagle
. People get fooled Next on the list is the by this cute little dog. With a strong hunt drive accompanied by a very strong sense of smell, this breed goes missing frequently. They see a rabbit, deer or squirrel and off they go. If you have a Beagle, make sure it’s well-leashed. For this breed, we strongly recommend a GPS collar. They have endurance and run far distances. Beagles need to be exercised daily. Families often want the Beagle for apartment living because they are a smaller dog—however, this is not the best choice for this mighty little hunter.
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{ rounding up rover }
Siberian Husky
The intelligent, blue-eyed is a master of escape. Huskies put the “H” in Houdini and need a heavily-fenced yard to prevent escapes. When a Husky goes missing, we put on our running shoes! They love an adventure, and endurance is a key attribute. This breed is very athletic and needs obedience training. Being a working dog, they have a strong will to do what they want to do. They are a loving dog and fit in with multi-dog families well. Like the Beagle, a small investment in a GPS collar will have you prepared to find them quickly.
Great Pyrenees
is an independent The guardian dog that will monitor the fields of a farm to warn off predators. It’s a roamer, usually knowing its boundaries. When this breed goes missing, we know that we have to cast a huge net for tens of miles with awareness, flyers and more. One of the most famous cases was during the summer of 2014, when a newly-adopted Great Pyrenees took off in Gettysburg and traveled 57 miles down into Baltimore. The Pyrenees breaks all the rules. It will keep going, never setting up a home base. Don’t get a false sense of security with these dogs. Definitely get them micro-chipped and have a GPS collar on them. And last, the most challenging smart difficult dog to . It is catch is the actually a personal favorite of DFD to track because you can see the intelligence in this dog. It really outsmarts us! Bred to hunt lions and big game, this dog is astonishing to watch in action. It will set up a temporary home base in a wood line and then pop out into the area looking for food. However, try to follow him and you will see the Rhodesian Ridgeback has learned every escape route, every nook and cranny in a neighborhood. This dog has a strategy to evade you. It’s smart, athletic and is a thinker. Very difficult to catch. With a GPS collar on to see where he is at, and to track his patterns, is not enough to catch this fellow. It takes great skill and a small army filled with creativity to catch the Ridgeback.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The best advice is for these breeds to have a secure yard for them to exercise in. Keep a GPS collar on them at all times and mostly, do not under-estimate their capabilities. Have them microchipped. Understand their breed characteristics and put a little extra pound of prevention in to keeping them safe. You will have a loving happy dog with you for a very long time.
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For more information: Anne Wills Dogs Finding Dogs 410.908.6374 www.dogsfindingdogs.com
Spring 2015 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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Ask A Neurovet Dr. Lauren Talarico
By Lauren R. Talarico, BS, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology/Neurosurgery) Photo Courtesy Dr. Lauren Talarico
Dear Dr. T, My Labrador Chloe is 13 years old. She recently started holding up her left back leg and has difficulty rising from a seated position. I also noticed she has difficulty posturing during urination and is reluctant to jump onto the furniture. Is this a sign of a neurologic condition or is her hip dysplasia acting up again? —Melissa, Washington, DC
Dear Melissa and Chloe, Orthopedic and neurologic diseases can sometimes be very hard to distinguish between. Many older, large breed dogs have a combination of both! Based on your description, it sounds like Chloe is suffering from a problem within her lumbosacral spine. This is the region right above her tail and is analogous to sciatic nerve problems in people. When Chloe holds up her left hindlimb, that is called a nerve root signature sign. Dogs do this to alleviate pain originating from the nerves in this region. The reason Chloe has difficulty holding her self up to urinate/defecate and jump is due to hindlimb weakness from compression of her nerve roots. The most common cause of the nerve root compression at this location can include a herniated or slipped disc, however other causes are possible. I would recommend having Chloe evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out any concurrent orthopedic disease. An MRI will likely be necessary to determine the extent of her presumptive lumbosacral spinal cord disease and how to best treat her. Some dogs are treated with anti-inflammatory and pain medications and others require surgery. Most patients with lumbosacral spinal cord disease have very good progno-
Do you have questions for the Neurovet? You can follow Dr. Lauren Talarico on Twitter @neurovet3 or contact her through her blog at www.theneurovet.com
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{
{ ask a neurovet }
ses, as long as signs of urinary and/or fecal incontinence have not yet developed. Best of luck with your girl! I have a soft spot for the older Labradors!
Dear Dr. T, My dog Auggie, a 5 year old male neutered Standard Poodle, was recently diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. I am confused as to what this means. He is currently taking Prednisone and Pyridostigmine medications. They seem to be helping but I am still confused as to what exactly is happening with Auggie. Can you help explain myasthenia gravis and how his medications work? —Carley, Falls Church VA
Dear Carley and Auggie, First and foremost, I am delighted to hear that Auggie is responding to his medications! Myasthenia gravis is a very treatable autoimmune disease that affects the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Similarly to many autoimmune diseases, Auggie’s immune system is producing excessive antibodies. The NMJ is where the nerve ending connects to the muscle. A chemical known as acetylcholine (Ach) is released at this terminal and this allows the nerve and muscle to communicate and the muscle to work properly. Ach is released by the nerve ending and is received by a receptor located on the muscle.Think of this interaction as a pitcher throwing a ball to a catcher in a baseball game. The reason Auggie gets tired and likely collapses after taking a few steps is because the extra antibodies produced by his immune system are blocking the receptor on the muscle where the acetylcholine binds and works. If we use our baseball analogy again, this is analogous to the batter hitting the ball and preventing the catcher from receiving the pitch. Many dogs with myasthenia Gravis will go into a spontaneous remission after several months. However, this is not guaranteed and medications are necessary to help in ameliorate the clinical signs and prevent secondary complications. The Prednisone helps this disease by suppressing Auggie’s immune system, decreasing the amount of antibodies produced and allowing the acetylcholine to bind to the receptor on the muscle and function properly. As mentioned above, Auggie’s immune system is on “overdrive” and the excessive antibodies he is producing are binding to the receptor on the muscle,
essentially blocking the acetylcholine from binding. The Pyridostigmine allows the acetylcholine to remain in the neuromuscular junction longer, giving this chemical an extended period of time to connect to the receptor. Many dogs with myasthenia gravis require frequent dose changes to get their medication “cocktail” just right.
Dear Dr. T, I have a 12 year old female mixed breed dog named Kiki. Over the last several months, she has been urinating in the house. Kiki has always been a very well trained dog and hasn’t had an accident since she was a puppy! Kiki also seems confused, and often gets stuck in corners. Its almost as though she forgets where she is at times. Does doggie Alzheimer’s disease exist? If so, what are some signs to look for and is there a medication to prevent progression? —Nancy, Bethesda MD
Dear Nancy and Kiki, Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a disease analogous to Alzheimer’s and dementia in people. Many dogs with CDS experience changes in memory, recognition of their owners and other familiar people and most commonly will lose learned behaviors. Some of the most common behaviors owners mention to me include their dog appears lost in the house or outside, barks constantly at night or early in the morning, gets stuck in corners, develops difficulty navigating furniture, no longer responds when their name is called and soils in the house. More than half of dogs over the age of 10 have some degree of CDS. It is very important to have Kiki evaluated by a veterinary neurologist to ensure her signs are truly related to CDS. Metabolic diseases and some cancerous processes can mimic CDS. A brain MRI is often necessary to make a formal diagnosis. Similarly to people, CDS is a progressive disease without a cure. Many of my canine patients with confirmed CDS are treated with a drug called Anipryl (Selegiline) to help improve their quality of life. I also recommend several lifestyle changes that are tailored specifically for each dog and their owner as well as a high quality pet food such as Hill’s B/D. This diet is packed with antioxidants that may benefit the brain of a dog with CDS.
Spring 2015 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ ask dr. katy }
?a?k Dr. Katy
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By Katy Nelson, DVM
Dear Dr. katy: What is the best manner in which to dispense Glucosamine and Chondroitin to my Dogs? Through treats, food or pills/chewables? – Lindsay T., Chesapeake, VA
Dear Lindsay,
Glucosamine and Chondroitin are chondroprotective agents which provide the body with “building blocks” of cartilage. In older dogs, overweight dogs, or dogs with confirmed joint disease, these supplements can help to keep the healthy cartilage that they still have viable and strong. The most concentrated amount of glucosamine and chondroitin is going to be found in pills or joint supplement chewables. Joint diets have a respectable amount of these agents, but in general not enough to be effective totally on their own. The least concentrated amount will be found in treats. If you want an effective joint supplement, ask your veterinarian for their recommendation today.
Do you have questions for Dr. Katy?
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You can follow her on Twitter @drkatynelson, on Facebook or send her an e-mail at bark@vamddog.com.
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Dear Dr. Katy: My dog has a constant runny nose. Should I be concerned? – Donald M., Petersburg, VA
Dear Donald,
I’d definitely be concerned about this is in your dog. Nasal discharge can be a sign of many illnesses in dogs, from allergies, to dental disease, to fungal disease, to cancer. It is not something that should be ignored. Start with a dental exam by your veterinarian, consider doing blood work, radiographs and possibly even a culture of the discharge. Please keep us posted on what you find in your pup!
Dear Dr. Katy: My rescue dog has a significant amount of anxiety. His highest anxiety is associated with car rides, and when we prepare to leave him alone at home for even short periods of time. I have read about various holistic remedies that have proven successful for others, but wanted to obtain your opinion on the subject.
new the t o ve g so We’ Calyp isc! py D Flop
– Karen S., Salisbury, MD
Dear Karen,
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ay 2014
Volume 5 •Issue
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There are numerous ways to alleviate anxiety in pets, but I typically start with a behavioral assessment by a certified trainer. Have a trainer come into your home, see your usual routine, how you and your pet interact, and even go on a car ride with him. Start with this step, and see if there are some things that you can do on your end to help decrease his anxiety at home. After that, talk with your veterinarian about potentially using a Thundershirt, Dog Appeasing Pheromones, or oral supplementation with some herbal remedies created for anxiety. This works extremely well in some dogs. There are situations, though, where the anxiety is so intense that you may need to resort to pharmaceutical anti-anxiety medications. There is no shame in using these if they improve everyone’s quality of life. But start with the trainer visit, then talk with your veterinarian. By utilizing these professionals, you should be able to find a great recipe for a calmer, quieter version of your current life! Best of luck!
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{ stories within the bond }
A Penny Saved… By Bruce Coston, For me, seeing a client for the first time presents an opportunity and a challenge. The opportunity DVM is to earn the client’s confidence enough so they will willingly place the care of their beloved pet in my hands. The challenge is to do so in such a way as to become not only their veterinarian, but their friend. In some cases, the challenge is greater than others. Take Jill Crump for instance. Jill was not the run of the mill pet owner. She was a sophisticated and highly educated professional who expected the best care for her dog, Penny; and who, as the head nurse in a cardiologist’s office, knew exactly what that meant. Penny was easy to win over! She was a seven year old miniature poodle with a happy grin, curly white hair with a top knot and ribbons, and a propensity to lick. She stood on my examination table, eyes shining and engaged, and danced a greeting. Jill, while not overtly hostile, was less enthusiastic about her assessment of me. “I’d like to talk with you about having Penny’s teeth cleaned,” she said. “Her breath is pretty awful and I can see quite a bit of tartar buildup. I’ve read that dental disease can cause other problems and should be addressed.” “That’s actually true,” I responded. “There are a lot of studies that confirm the risk to heart, joints, disks, and kidneys that dental disease poses; not to mention the local pain, infection and discomfort it causes in the mouth. Having a routine dental cleaning annually on dogs of Penny’s age is an important part of good preventive care.” “Maybe so,” she said. “But I don’t at all like it that doing her teeth would require her to be under anesthesia. As a nurse, I’m well aware of the risks of anesthesia.” “Certainly there are some,” I said, trying to strike a reassuring tone. “But in every study that has looked at teeth cleaning, the benefits outweigh the risks – provided that we fully evaluate and mitigate them, that is.”
I knew by Mrs. Crump’s wary expression that my response to this question was the litmus test for me as a veterinarian. If I got this right, I would earn a loyal client. But if I faltered here, this visit would be Penny’s last. I straightened my white lab coat, stood to my full height, assumed my most confident, professional expression and looked directly into Jill’s eyes. “Very carefully. We start with a thorough examination looking for anything out of the ordinary. Then we do some bloodwork to see if there are any abnormalities in liver or kidney function or any electrolyte or other abnormalities that might compromise anesthesia. An electrocardiogram will help us evaluate the heart for rhythm disturbances. With that information we can match the best anesthetics with her specific metabolism. Placing an intravenous catheter allows us to maintain hydration and blood pressure during and after the procedure and is vital in case, God forbid, any complications develop. Then we carefully monitor the anesthesia with intraoperative EKG and pulse oximetry. When we take those precautions, the frequency of anesthetic complications is extremely low. The risks aren’t zero, but problems are rare!” Jill continued to eye me as if she expected at any moment for me to snatch her purse and bolt for the door. I resolutely held her gaze until I sensed a subtle change in her attitude. “That all sounds expensive to me.”
Jill eyed me suspiciously before proceeding, her hand absently stroking Penny’s head and neck. “How do you do that?”
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“Those things do add some cost to the procedure,” I said. “But without them you assume unnecessary
{ stories within the bond }
risks with Penny’s life. I can tell she means enough to you that you wouldn’t want to do that.” When Jill visibly relaxed and smiled, I knew I had passed the test. I turned my attention to Penny, who had not taken her eyes off me during the conversation and was now whining and straining against Jill’s restraint to greet me. My careful examination turned up nothing of concern. Knowing that Mrs. Crump was a cardiac nurse, I devoted a little extra time to Penny’s heart, my stethoscope hovering over each valve in turn. It was steady and regular with no murmurs. The lungs were clear, as were Penny’s eyes and ears. Her belly palpated normal with the smooth contours of the kidneys and spleen slipping through my fingers. Her skin was normal. Only in her mouth did I find problems. Her breath was abysmal; halitosis resulting from significant periodontal disease. Awful tartar, angry gums, and several teeth loose. I straightened and faced Mrs. Crump again. “I can see why Penny’s breath is so bad. Her teeth and gums are hideous. She desperately needs to have her teeth cleaned. My schedule permits me to do that this afternoon if you’d like me to.” “OK, I think that would be wise. I fasted Penny overnight in case you thought it was necessary. After your examination, do you still think blood work and an EKG is really necessary?”
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“It’s up to you, of course,” I responded. “I didn’t find anything that really alarmed me. But it’s possible that
“But in every study that has looked at teeth cleaning, the benefits outweigh the risks – provided that we fully evaluate and mitigate them, that is.”
Spring 2015 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ stories within the bond }
things might show up that I couldn’t identify with just my hands and my ears.” I picked up my patient and carried her to the treatment room. My technicians drew blood and performed the tests and EKG that Jill had hesitantly agreed to. Twenty minutes later I had the reports in my hand. Penny’s boringly normal physical had not prepared me for the results I held. The EKG traced a series of wide bizarre waves: ventricular tachycardia without a normal complex among them. It was a rhythm that sounded normal through the stethoscope, but posed an immediate and ominous danger to Penny’s life. The blood work was no better. The white blood cell count soared to almost twice as high as normal. And the platelet count had plunged from a normal of 200,000 to barely over 15,000. At that level, Penny was in danger of developing spontaneous bleeding that would not clot. In fact, when I rolled her onto her back and looked at her belly, I noticed spots of red bruising under the skin that had not been present just a few minutes earlier. Despite her happy demeanor, Penny was in dire straits! She was suffering from immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, a life-threatening disease in which her immune system
had gone rogue, unleashing its fury against its own body, a home-grown terrorist cell which was minute by minute implementing its ruthless evil, a merciless jihad against the innocent dog. We had caught the disease in the nick of time. The dental cleaning was scrapped, of course, and Penny was put on a smorgasbord of powerful immunosuppressive medications. Mrs. Crump blanched when I placed the EKG in front of her. Her mouth gaped when she saw the platelet count. With a strong medical background, Jill understood immediately the seriousness of Penny’s disease and how closely we had come to total disaster. There is no doubt in my mind that, had we not performed a pre-anesthetic workup on Penny Crump, she would not have survived the most routine of procedures. It was that blood work, in fact, that saved her. Despite the fact that she was behaving normally, Penny was only a few hours away from certain death. Fortunately, she responded well to her therapy, though medications were required for over six months. Penny never looked back after her recovery. She was a patient of mine for many years, passing away a couple of years ago at the ripe old age of sixteen. Jill Crump is still a loyal client and a good friend. Her current dog, Abbey, is also a wonderful miniature poodle who is recovering well from knee surgery. Preoperative bloodwork was done as a matter of course without question or complaint. Whenever I have a client balk at performing screening tests prior to surgery, I think of Penny, her completely normal physical examination, and the surprising results of her bloodwork which proved the old adage, “A Penny saved is a Penny earned”.
The dental cleaning was scrapped, of course, and Penny was put on a smorgasbord of powerful immunosuppressive medications.
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
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{ giving back }
Pictured: Laurie & “Schooner”
The School of Puppy-Raising Hard Knocks! A Local Volunteer Learns What it Takes to Raise A Puppy for Service Dogs of Virginia By The VirginiaMaryland Dog Magazine Photos Courtesy of Laurie Luck
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Raising puppies is hard work! Just ask Laurie Luck of Smart Dog University. Since 2001, she’s been a volunteer puppy-raiser for Service Dogs of Virginia (SDV). Service Dogs of Virginia is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization located in Charlottesville, Va., that raises, trains, and places dogs to assist people with disabilities. Highly-trained dogs perform numerous tasks that allow greater personal freedom and independence.
The Virginia–Maryland Dog
The program relies on puppy-raisers like Luck who take a puppy into their homes for about 16 months. Puppies start training early--most are between 8 and 10 weeks old. Luck spends several hours each week teaching several dozen behaviors to her puppy, and is also responsible for getting the puppy into
{
{ giving back }
You get to see your puppy, now grown and working so well, with his new person, who clearly loves the dog to pieces and it’s just really fulfilling. That’s what makes all the work and all the tears worth it.”
public areas that the recipient will likely frequent, like the grocery store, restaurants, the doctor’s office, workplace situations, the mall, and public transportation. It’s important that the dogs learn basic manners, self control, focus, and attention, in addition to being comfortable in any public setting. Luck says the process is exhausting, thrilling, and exceptionally fulfilling. “It’s amazing to watch that little puppy grow into a beautifully well-behaved dog,” she says. “Most people are quite surprised at how calm the dogs are in public. We start taking the pup in public as soon as house training is complete, which is about 12 weeks old. They get used to the hustle and bustle quickly.” Luck says she loves raising puppies for Service Dogs of Virginia for a few reasons. “They really look out for the dogs. If the dog doesn’t like working or isn’t comfortable in public, SDV doesn’t make them ‘fit’ into that situation,” she says. “They find a really good, loving home and the dog gets to live a pampered life as a pet.” Another factor that appealed to Luck was that SDV uses clicker training to train the service dogs. “From puppyhood through their advanced training, these dogs are taught with a clicker using positive reinforcement. The dogs trained this way love their work and are eager to learn. I wouldn’t raise a dog any other way.” The year the dog spends with its puppy raiser goes quickly. Turn-in day is a difficult one for Luck, who has turned in more than a dozen dogs during the course of her puppy-raising experience. She says she’s always shed a few tears as she leaves her charge at SDV when it’s time for the more advanced training. “You know the day is coming, but it doesn’t make it any easier,” says Luck, who had just turned in Levi, a black Labrador retriever, a week earlier. “SDV gives me updates and sends me pictures, and I can always head down for a visit if I get to really missing him.”
The real payoff for a puppy raiser is Graduation Day. That’s when each raiser gets to pass the leash--which means the puppy-raiser ceremoniously presents the pup (who is now a fully-trained service dog) to the recipient. “For me, it’s a cry fest,” Luck says. “But in the very best way possible. You get to see your puppy, now grown and working so well, with his new person, who clearly loves the dog to pieces and it’s just really fulfilling. That’s what makes all the work and all the tears worth it.” Luck is a professional dog trainer, but service dog organizations rely on families and individuals without any formal dog training background as puppy raisers, as well.
Spring 2015 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
Pictured: Laurie Luck
For more information on Service Dogs of Virginia: PO Box 408 Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 295-9503 servicedogsva.org info@servicedogsva.org
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The Karla The Dog Dog series series provides high quality academic stories that create educational experiences at school, home, or anywhere!
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{ health }
Pet Cardiology,
Why Our Best Friends Need BoardCertified Veterinary Cardiologists Board Certified Veterinary Cardiologists? Who Would Ever Need One?
How Would I Know If My Pet Has A Heart Problem?
By Bonnie Lefbom DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology)
Spring 2015 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
39
Heart disease is a common problem in dogs and cats. Two-thirds of small breed dogs and fifteen percent of cats will develop heart problems in their lifetime. Large breed dogs, particularly Boxers, Dobermans, and the Giant breeds are susceptible to rhythm problems and a weak heart muscle while smaller dogs acquire valve problems. Cats primarily develop heart muscle disease, with the most aggressive cases developing at a very young age.
Frequent wellness and preventative health visits with your primary care veterinarian are the key to giving your pet a long and healthy life. In most cases of pets with heart problems, your veterinarian will hear an abnormal heart sound during the veterinary physical examination. They may describe hearing a murmur or a rhythm problem well before the pet shows any outward signs. For cats, there is a new blood test (NT ProBNP) that has been life-saving to find disease in cats not yet showing symptoms.
{ health }
Pet’s live 75% longer when both a CVCA cardiologist and a primary care veterinarian collaborate.
Once the abnormal sound is identified or the blood test result is positive, an evaluation with a boardcertified veterinary cardiologist provides the best care for your pet! Because dogs and cats both hide outward signs of heart disease, they usually are not noticeably sick until the pets are in a crisis situation. Emergency visits with pets in crisis can be scary and expensive so the “wait and see” approach is not recommended for dogs or cats with heart murmurs.
What Can I Do if My Pet Develops A Heart Problem?
The ideal way to figure out the severity and treatment options for any pet with heart disease is to see a board certified veterinary cardiologist in person. Board-certified specialists have four additional years of advanced training after veterinary school and pass two consecutive years of Board testing with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Taking your pet to a cardiologist allows a hands on, thorough cardiac examination of your pet along with the expert themself performing an echocardiogram - a non- invasive ultrasound based test that is done with the family present. The board certified veterinary cardiologist will explain the results to you during the course of your one hour visit. Based on their findings, the cardiologist will determine exactly what type of therapy will best treat your pet. Treatment is almost always via pills available at your local pharmacy and pets take heart medications very well. If there are negative effects of the medications, the cardioloigst would immediately change the treatment plan. At CVCA, our cardiologists are available 24/7 to assist owners and primary care veterinarians with adjusting medications to avoid side effects and maximize treatment.
CVCA
CHESAPEAKE VETERINARY CARDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES
www.cvcavets.com www.facebook.com/CVCAVETS
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
Are Their Board Certified Veterinary Cardiologists in This Area?
Yes, CVCA provides cardiac care for pets in Maryland and Virginia. They are the largest cardiology practice in the United States and treat over 12,000 dogs and cats each year. CVCA has 12 boardcertified veterinary cardiologists, one resident in their training program and a team of compassionate professionals who understand the importance of your pet. CVCA works as an extension of your primary care veterinarian’s practice to accurately diagnose and treat heart disease, improving both the quantity and quality of your companion’s life. In fact, we recently found that pet’s live 75% longer when both a CVCA cardiologist and a primary care veterinarian collaborate to manage cases of pets with congestive heart failure. A pet owner can rest assured they are getting the very best care for their pet when they see CVCA. Based on survey results, over 99% of our clients would refer us directly to their friends and family.
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{ unconditional love }
A Little Sugar Goes A Long Way By Linda Baker, Sugar was the victim of neglect: she came from a filthy hoarder situation where she had not Volunteer, Middleburg received any veterinary care in years. She was relinquished to the Middleburg Humane Humane Foundation Foundation shelter in Virginia at the end of August, 2014. Photos of “Sugar” Courtesy of Middleburg Humane Foundation
Suffering from a severe eye infection and a chronic skin infection, Sugar received the medical care she needed, including visits to veterinary specialists such as a dermatologist and an internal medicine specialist. Her treatments included medicated baths, eye ointments, daily foot baths, long term antibiotics and steroids. Sugar began a limitedingredient diet. She was diagnosed with yeast and bacterial skin infections and an autoimmune skin disorder: pemphigus foliaceus. Despite her various ailments and her poor medical treatment, Sugar remained a happy dog with an effervescent personality! She always talked and
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
played with her toys—even when she didn’t feel well and was in a lot of pain and discomfort! Sugar remains an affectionate dog, and she truly adores everyone and everything. The experience of working with Sugar through her travails and treatment provided a great example about why it is so wonderful to adopt senior dogs. And, her treatment also showcases the heartfelt, dedicated work with animals that is provided every day by the Middleburg Humane Foundation. With seniors, you already know the size and the personality. They are easy to train, and they have
{ unconditional love }
great concentration. They are very loving and calm and you don’t have to constantly monitor puppy behavior. Sugar, although a happy dog who likes to play, is also the perfect couch potato, in a good way, of course. The treatment of Sugar is just one example of the wonderful work performed by the Middleburg Humane Foundation. The Foundation regularly houses 20 to 25 dogs at a time. Homes are found for more than 100 dogs every year. The Middleburg Humane Foundation (MHF) operates a private, non-profit, 4.5-acre farm shelter located in Marshall, Virginia. “It is our goal to provide a safe haven for abused, neglected, and ‘at risk’ animals, both large and small,” according to a statement from the organization. “MHF specializes in the rescue and rehabilitation of animals that come to our shelter from a vast variety of abusive situations. After much needed nurturing and medical care, our animals are available for adoption. We depend solely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations, as well as funds raised at various events throughout the year. MHF also operates a Grooming Salon at our shelter in Marshall in addition to a Thrift Shop in the town of Middleburg.” The organization’s heartfelt mission statement relays their honorable goals: “We at MHF believe that all animals, both large and small, have the right to safe and sanitary living conditions, protection from abuse and neglect, and to live their lives in an environment free from pain and fear. We are reaching our goal of a humane and responsible community through outreach programs of assistance, education, and where necessary, intervention.”
{
For more information about the Middleburg Humane Foundation: www.middleburghumane.com Ph. 540.364.3272 | Fx. 540.364.3405 | Grooming Salon 540. 364.4766 For Companion Animal Adoption Inquiries: tina.ritenour@middleburghumane.org For Equine And Livestock Adoption Inquiries: christine.vallejo@middleburghumane.org For General Inquiries: admin@middleburghumane.org
Spring 2015 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ grooming }
Wash, Dry, Repeat:
Properly Cleaning and Preserving Your Dog’s Coat By Prince Lorenzo Borghese
A dog’s coat is covered with a natural oil called sebum. This oil is found on the dog’s hair shaft and follicles. The sebum oil’s purpose is to help keep the skin hydrated. If this oil is stripped from the coat or hair shaft, an action that is often caused by harsh surfactants found in many pet shampoos, sodium laurel sulfate being one of them, the skin can become extremely dry and irritated and the coat becomes brittle and unhealthy.
This is why you should only buy shampoos without sodium laurel sulfate and never bath your dog with human shampoo. With human shampoo, the pH is too low and most brands contain sodium laurel sulfate. When a dog’s coat gets wet, a strong unpleasant odor emerges. This odor is triggered by the sebum oil’s mixture with water, which creates a type of bacteria. In order to prevent your dog’s coat from emitting unpleasant strong odors, it is essential that you properly dry your dog. Usually a towel won’t work, as heat is the key to proper drying. So use a blow dryer and brush and dry. Set the blow dryer on a low temperature and don’t get it close to your dog’s skin, as overheating can cause an irritation or burn. You should also follow the drying process with a natural grooming spray that contains essential fragrance oils. Never use cologne or perfume, as both contain alcohol and are extremely drying to the skin. Also, try to find a spray with lavender oil, as it is nature’s natural flea and tick repellent.
{
In order to prevent your dog’s coat from emitting unpleasant strong odors, it is essential that you properly dry your dog.
44
The Virginia–Maryland Dog
“Benevolent, instructive stories of the bonds between animals and humans.” -Kirkus Reviews
Frederick, Howard, Carroll & Montgomery Counties
Teach. Play. Love.
A little training goes a long way.
Small group training
Customized in-home training when you’re at work
The Gift of Pets is a featured title on the 2012 LA TIMES Summer Reading List and in the 2013 Virginia Festival of the Book. Available from all major book retailers, Amazon. com and in ebook format for both Kindle and Nook. Get a signed copy from Dr. Coston’s website.
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{ seeking a forever home }
Seeking A
Forever Home
“Taylor”
Photo by Carina Thornton, Fuzzypants Photography
WAAAG Mary Lee Materna marylee@waaag.org
46
Taylor and her five puppies came to WAAAG from a shelter in WV. Taylor has been a caring and devoted mom to her babies. She loved grooming them and she always made sure that they were safe and comfortable. Now that Taylor’s puppies have all found loving homes, she is ready for her new family to look after and love. Breed/Mix: Shepherd Mix Male/Female: Spayed Female Approximate Weight: 33 lbs Approximate Age: 3-4 years Activeness: Loves Walks and Playtime Good w/Other Dogs: No Good w/Children: Good with Older Children Housebroken: Yes Medical Issues: None Feeding Issues: None Special Needs: None Vaccinations: Up to date on vaccinations Microchipped: Yes Fun Facts: Taylor is one of most nurturing mommy dogs that WAAAG has ever seen! She was with her babies for almost five months and loved grooming them and playing with them. Now that her babies have been adopted, she loves to explore the world on her walks and sit close to a special person to get tummy rubs. Taylor will make such a loyal and loving companion. She is housebroken and knows how to use the doggie door.
WAAAG (Webberpack Animal Adoption And Getaway) is a Veteran Founded, All-Volunteer 501(c)3 Nonprofit Corporation. WAAAG is dedicated to rehabilitating animals and helping them find their forever homes. WAAAG relies completely on donations from generous donors. WAAAG is located in the beautiful Northern VA countryside, near Delaplane. Each animal gets their own individual space in a Cabin that includes a porch and a yard, along with acres of trails through trees and along winding streams. All animals are given the time and care needed to help them be successful in their forever home.
The Virginia–Maryland Dog
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