The Virginia Maryland Dog Spring 2014 by Pam Wahl

Volume 5 •Issue 1

Spring 2014

Wanted: Puppy Raisers for Veterans Moving Forward Walking in a Winter Wonderland

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Demystifying Spinal Injuries in Dogs “Tori” & “Lotto” are Seeking a

Forever Home through BRAG Holiday Gift Guide Inside (details on page 43)

Stepping into Spring Rounding Up Rover Navigating Forelimb Lameness

Any Breed, Any Age, Any Size.

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Spring 20

Volume 5

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Issue 1

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Volume 5 •Issue 1

contents Spring 2014 Walkin g in a W inter Wonder land Demys tifying Spinal Injuries Dogs “Tori”in & “Lotto ” are See Forever Holiday king a Home thro G ugh BRA (detift G ails onG de In pagui e 43) side

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departments 18

Weekend Getaway:

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Wanted : P Veteran uppy Raisers s Movin fo g Forw r ard Steppin g

into Sp ring Round ing Up Rover Naviga ting Fo relim Lamen b ess

On the Cover…

Apples and Antiques in the Shenandoah Valley

“Tori” and “Lotto” are available for adoption through BRAG, Bully Rescue & Advocacy Group. (See Page 43 for details)

Health:

Training:

Legal:

Ask Dr Katy

Stories Within The Bond:

Photo by Fuzzypants Pet Photography

A Vaccine for Canine and Human Brain Tumors

Real Life Training For Your Dog

Animal-Free Research & Loving Thy Neighborhood Animal

with Dr. Katy Nelson The Protégé

features 8

ee How These “Tricks” Can S Make “Scents” Getting Fit This Spring

Stepping Into Spring—

Rust-Proofing Our Dogs

Beware the Weekend Warrior

Just Doodling

Rounding up Rover

Sadie

Seeking A Forever Home

Navigating Forelimb Lameness

special feature 14

Wanted: Puppy Raisers to Assist Veterans

Spring 2014 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com

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contributors Cathy C. Bennett, Online Publicist Cathy C. Bennett enjoys writing about life with her two Goldendoodles and the world they continue to introduce her to. Author and Editor for The Chronicles of Life with Harley & Leo, The Doodle Daily and Doodle*Licious, Cathy writes because so many people ask her “what’s it like with two?” www.groovygoldendoodles.com

William Bush, VMD, DACVIM (Neurology) Dr. Bush is the Chief of Staff, Neurology/Neurosurgery at Veterinary Neurology Service with three locations throughout Virginia. He was an English major at College of the Holy Cross and a naval officer prior to graduating near the top of his class at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School. He then completed a rotating internship in medicine and surgery at NC State University. Dr. Bush then returned to University of Pennsylvania for a residency in Neurology and Neurosurgery where he earned research and teaching awards. After finishing his residency, he settled into the DC Metro area and practiced locally until launching Bush Veterinary Neurology Service in 2005. He lives with his wife and two children in Montgomery County, MD.

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. He is owned by a mixed breed dog named Starr. www.brucecoston.com

Michael DeTora, DVM, DACVS Dr. DeTora graduated summa cum laude from Virginia Tech University in 2003, where he majored in animal and poultry science. Dr. DeTora went on to complete his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in North Grafton, Massachusetts. Dr. DeTora has special interests in minimally invasive surgeries, complex orthopedic procedures, and total joint arthroplasty. Dr. DeTora practices orthopedic surgery and sports medicine at Veterinary Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Group in Annapolis Junction, Maryland.

Krisi Erwin, DVM, CVA, CCRT 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.

Deva Khalsa, V.M.D. Dr. Deva Khalsa V.M.D. practices with blend of sophisticated holistic techniques designed to best enhance the natural strengths of her patient.Aside from her impressive career and dedication to teaching, Dr. Khalsa has authored, ‘Dr. Khalsa’s Natural Dog’, a book best described as a ‘holistic bible’ for dog owners and has designed a comprehensive preventive supplement for Deserving Pets.

Laurie Luck, M.A., KPA CTP 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!

Amanda Meighan

Katy Nelson, DVM 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.

Gary Norman, Esquire Mr. Norman is a visible attorney with a disability, gifted in brokering relationships and in designing engagement strategies. Notably, two influences have informed Gary’s goal of bringing people together: the example of his mother and her hospitality as well as the Cleveland institution called the City Club. As such, he has co-founded the MidAtlantic Lyceum, and its publication arm the Mid-Atlantic Journal, to heighten public discourse and public policy.

Anne Stoneham, DVM, DACVECC Dr. Stoneham is an emergency and critical care specialist at VCA Veterinary Referral Associates in Gaithersburg, MD where she is Director of the Emergency Department. Dr. Stoneham completed her veterinary training at three different institutions: veterinary school at Cornell University in NY, internship at the Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital in Oregon, and residency at Tufts University in Massachusetts. Dr. Stoneham’s interests include emergency surgery, acute kidney failure, sepsis and hypoadrenocorticism among others.

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.

Cameron Weber, DVM, CCRP Dr. Cameron Weber is a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner at Veterinary Surgical Centers where she sees patients in VSC’s rehabilitation centers in Vienna and Leesburg, VA. Weber grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and graduated from Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in German Studies. She earned her veterinary degree from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. Prior to her work in canine rehabilitation, she served as both a primary care and emergency veterinarian.

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.

Amanda is an avid animal lover and recently received her Master’s degree from Virginia Tech in secondary education. She is currently a sixth grade English teacher in Roanoke, Va where she lives with her golden retriever, Chevy. Both enjoy hiking, traveling, and enjoying pet-friendly festivals, restaurants, and other destinations.

The Virginia–Maryland Dog

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Publisher/Editor in Chief Pamela Wahl

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a note

from our publisher

Director of Operations Gene Wahl

“Some of the greatest historical and artistic treasures we place with curators in museums; others we take for walks.” –Roger A. Caras

Art Director Kalico Design, Kim Dow Graphic Designer Jennifer Tyler, Kim Dow Social Media Director Laurel Weetall Senior Editor Kimberly Holmes Photographer Fuzzypants Pet Photography Copy Editor Matt Neufeld Advertising Director Pamela Wahl Production Coordinator Diane Weller Web Site Manager Kalico Design, Kim Dow Business Manager Cathy Wahl Contributing Writers: Cathy C. Bennett William Bush, VMD, DACVIM (Neurology) Bruce Coston, DVM Michael DeTora, DVM, DACVS Krisi Erwin, DVM, CVA, CCRT Deva Khalsa, V.M.D. Laurie Luck, M.A., KPA CTP Amanda Meighan Katy Nelson, DVM Gary Norman, Esquire Anne Stoneham, DVM, DACVECC Ginger, Warder Cameron Weber, DVM, CCRP Anne Wills

Spring--a wonderful and welcome change from the persistent snowfall and frigid temperatures that those of us in Virginia, Maryland and beyond have been experiencing this winter. We are simply thrilled with our spring cover that includes not one, but two adorable puppies that are available for adoption through a wonderful organization by the name of BRAG--Bully Rescue and Advocacy Group. This is a first for us. More information regarding these two cuties, along with the BRAG organization, may be found within the Seeking a Forever Home section of this publication. Our Special Feature article for this edition focuses on a fabulous organization by the name of Veterans Moving Forward, which provides comfort, therapy, facility, assistance and service dogs to veterans. With this edition of our publication, we would like to announce a new column within our magazine called “Rounding Up Rover.” This new column will be written by the founder of Dogs Finding Dogs, Anne Wills, and will include in-depth articles with regard to lost-dog prevention and related topics. We would like to welcome to our publication Dr. Cameron Weber, DVM, CCRP, of Veterinary Surgical Centers, which has four locations throughout Virginia. We also welcome Dr. Michael DeTora, DVM, DACVS of VOSM, Veterinary Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Group, which is located in Annapolis Junction, Maryland. We hope that you will take advantage of the welcome sites and sounds of spring--with your canine companion(s) by your side! Happy Spring! Pamela Wahl Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

The Virginia-Maryland Dog Magazine 1 College Avenue Frederick, MD 21701 Tel: (301) 514-2804 Fax: (301) 576-5079 www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com bark@vamddog.com Copyright 2014 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.

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See How These “Tricks” Can Make “Scents” Getting Fit This Spring By Krisi Erwin, Spring offers a great chance for pet owners to get their pet moving, and in the process, strengthDVM, CVA, CCRT en the bond between owner and pet and just have some good, old-fashioned fun. Physical activities can help a dog burn mental and physical energy, leading to a more-balanced, happier and more confident pet. Exercise and sports can also keep an older dog’s mind sharp and engaged. And, of course, sports and activities and exercise gets owners and pets up and off of the couch—and moving!

Tricks Class: Tricks such as high five, army crawling and doggie push-ups can provide a solid rehabilitation foundation for dogs to recover from orthopedic-related injuries. These tricks can provide a solid core for overall fitness, engage a dog’s mind and build physical strength. Pet owners should check with local dog-training facilities for information about tricks classes. Tricks are a good way to introduce dogs to two sports, tracking and K9 nose work. Games such as which hand and hide-and-seek will help a dog use its nose. For more information: www.suzanneclothier.com/ the-articles/scent-games-educating-your-dogs-nose.

Tracking: Tracking is a “canine sport that demonstrates a dog’s natural ability to recognize and follow a scent and is the foundation of canine search and rescue work,” according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). “Tracking dogs focus on using their sense of smell to find lost humans or animals and to detect drugs, bombs, and other articles. A track is created when a person walks a mapped out path and leaves an object at the end for the dog to find.” The goal of tracking is to accurately follow the scent along the track and locate that article. Dogs typically work nose-to-the-ground when they follow tracks that are laid out for them. People and dogs involved in tracking can work on their own, as hobbyists, or they can compete in tracking competitions. Tracking

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is a good, low-impact method to get outside and engage a dog’s mind and body. Check the American Kennel Club website or local dog-training facilities for information about tracking classes. The American Kennel Club offers an online manual for tracking beginners: http://classic.akc. org/pdfs/events/tracking/beginners_guide.pdf.

K9 Nose Work: Tracking focuses on finding a person or a specific object through a track that is laid out on the ground. Nose work starts with teaching a dog to find a specific odor, or odors, and then find the source of that odor or odors. Instead of working nose-to-theground to follow a trail, a dog would smell an object in the air and then use that scent to find the source. Beginners often start with high-value food, or toy items, that are hidden in boxes in a quiet room. As a dog’s skill progresses, owners can train for competition by teaching a dog to target specific odors such as birch, anise and clove. The complexities and skills involved with nose work increase at each level, and they can involve advanced detection and handling skills. Pet owners should look for local classes and consult with the National Association of Canine Scent Work about trials and workshops. For more information: www.nacsw.net and; www.k9nosework.com.

These are fun, healthy ways to get pet owners and their dogs outside to enjoy beautiful spring weather. However, pet owners should also consider that fitness can be even more simple: Exercise can be as easy as simply getting up off of the couch, clipping on the leash, and starting to walk! Walking programs can also build physical fitness, help owners and pets to lose weight, and provide mental relaxation. Pet owners should have fun with the spring weather, and they should see what they, and their pets, can achieve!

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These tricks can provide a solid core for overall fitness, engage a dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind and build physical strength.

Spring 2014 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com

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Stepping Into Spring— Beware the Weekend Warrior Pet owners need to be cautious during spring, as many pets have become acclimated to staying inside during the preceding winter months, with somewhat limited opportunities for outdoor exercise. When spring, and its concurrent warmer weather, arrive, the impulse of many pet owners is to suddenly take pets outside and start making up for winter’s lost exercise, with increased activity — but, commonly, only on the weekends. This, alas, leads to what is called the weekend warrior effect. The trouble is that pets, like humans, who are suddenly reintroduced too quickly into exercise are at higher risk of hurting themselves — with common injuries such as ligament tears, groin injuries, back problems, or worsening arthritis. Soft tissue injuries for pets may occur often, as a result of something as seemingly innocuous as chasing a squirrel, jogging with their owners, or playing catch. During the winter, pets may have put on weight, due to their lack of exercise during the winter months. Older pets may not be able to keep up like they used to in their younger years. They may want to run that extra mile, but their body may no longer be able to go that distance. There are some warning signs that your pet may have done too much or is not ready for unrestrained exercise: limping; trouble with running, jumping or climbing stairs; stiffness when rising; cowering or growling when touched; unhappy or uncooperative behavior; and decreased interest in activity. Pet owners can help alleviate this discomfort and protect pets from unnecessary pain. It is important to introduce pets slowly back into exercise, with special consideration for geriatric pets. Avoid the impulse to suddenly take exceptionally long walks when your pet may have only had a few minutes of exercise, or only short walks, during the winter months. Priming a pet for activity can be achieved by easing a pet into exercise with short, frequent walks throughout the day

instead of fast, high impact activity, such as running and jumping for hours at a time. Pet owners should consider consulting with a physical rehabilitation professional who can help prepare a pet for increased activity, through conditioning therapies and, when needed, controlled weight loss activities.

By Cameron Weber, DVM, CCRP

Sometimes, pet owners may find that it is too late for priming and, if a pet shows any of the signs of pain listed above, the pet owner should consider rehabilitation therapy. Heat therapy, therapeutic massage and ultrasound help ease and relieve muscular tension. Electrical stimulation and acupuncture may provide comfort to pets by blocking pain pathways and soothing aching joints. Cold laser therapy uses light frequency to stimulate energy for healing, reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. An underwater treadmill provides an excellent way to gently warm muscles and relieve muscle tension while safely exercising your pet and promoting weight loss. Such therapy should always be performed by a certified veterinary rehabilitation professional and under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian. Options in the Maryland and Virginia areas include the Veterinary Surgical Center rehabilitation facilities in Vienna, Leesburg and Winchester, Virginia. Pet owners should look for a facility that is fully-equipped to address the needs of a pet, has an experienced and professional rehabilitation team that will work with the pet owner’s primary care veterinarian, and is close to the pet owner’s home.

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Pet owners can help alleviate this discomfort and protect pets from unnecessary pain. It is important to introduce pets slowly back into exercise, with special consideration for geriatric pets.

Spring 2014 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com

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Rust-Proofing Our Dogs By Deva Khalsa, VMD

Antioxidants can deter aging by helping your dog’s cells and organs resist damage. It’s a form of preventing internal wear-and-tear. Antioxidants are substances that inhibit the destructive effects of oxidation. Oxidation is a process that begins when toxic substances in our environment cause damage to cells, producing unstable molecules with loose electrons known as free radicals. These seek to bind themselves to other molecules. A buildup of free radicals helps speed the effects of aging by altering cellular DNA codes and damaging internal organs and skin. Antioxidants work by neutralizing the free radicals before they can cause any damage. You can think of them as a first line of defense against an increasingly toxic world and a tool to help your dog stay younger longer. Some of our familiar vitamins and minerals are powerful antioxidants. Vitamin C is an antioxidant with additional benefits, it helps to keep our dog’s metabolic innards clean and sparkly, prevents disease, dramatically boosts the immune system and retards the aging of cells. While vitamin C can benefit your dog in the same manner it benefits you, dogs are typically given none. Unlike humans, dogs manufacture their own vitamin C, so it’s assumed the amount their bodies make is sufficient to meet their requirements.

That assumption is obsolete, as our present-day dogs are routinely exposed to a toxic overload that Mother Nature never anticipated, from factors that include lawn treatments, flea and tick prevention, and heartworm medication. Buffered vitamin C powder for human use is fine for dogs and you can give them from 100 to 1000 mg a day, depending on the size of your dog. It’s a vitamin, so the dose is not absolute. Start low and work your way up, to allow your dog to acclimate and avoid loose stool. Vitamin E is another antioxidant. Vitamin E occurs naturally in grains, nut oils and dark, leafy green vegetables. Vitamin E gets an important boost from vitamin C, creating a powerful one-two preemptive punch against cancer and other chronic diseases. Vitamin A can be found in animal fats, egg yolks and cod-liver oil. Carotenes are the water-soluble form of vitamin A. Beta-carotene consists of a double molecule of the vitamin that is converted into vitamin A in your dog’s body. It’s found naturally in orange and yellow fruits and vegetables. Interestingly, while dogs can convert beta-carotene into vitamin A, cats can’t. Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential to good health, but required only in small amounts. Selenium is incorporated into proteins to make selenoproteins, which are important antioxidant enzymes. This

The Virginia–Maryland Dog

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mineral is very important for your dog’s thyroid health, heart health, and in cancer prevention. Selenium can be found in eggs, meat, seafood and grains.

Another antioxidant you may be familiar with is Coenzyme Q10. This plays a key role in the production of ATP, or adenosine-5’ triphospate, the energy molecule of the body. There are two commercially available forms of what is commonly known as CoQ10. The most commonly available one uses Ubiquinone. However, research in animals and humans has shown that the Ubiquinol form is much better absorbed, and thus better utilized. CoQ10 is an important antioxidant for dogs with liver or heart problems, because these organs need high levels of ATP to function. CoQ10 in Ubiquinol form is available online and at health food stores. A dog can be given from 10 to 50 mg a day.

Feeding your dog healthy organic vegetables and fruits, free range eggs and creating variety in their diet will ensure that he or she gets health-supporting, anti-aging antioxidants every day.

The antioxidant glutathionine is produced naturally in the liver through the synthesis of certain amino acids. Diminished glutathionine levels have always been associated with aging. However, in today’s toxic world, low levels of glutathionine are no longer reserved for the aged. Glutathionine is a master antioxidant that enhances healthy growth and promotes immune activity. It protects against cancer and aids in the synthesis and repair of DNA. Glutathionine is also a powerful liver detoxifier, and it enables the elimination of unwanted toxins and heavy metals. It also supports kidney function. Asparagus have high glutathionine levels, and broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, apples and watermelon also help raise glutathionine levels. Eggs trigger the production of glutathionine in the body.

a preventive supplement that can be powdered on your dog’s food every day, making it easy to give your dog everything he or she needs.

Just like some kids, some dogs don’t always eat their vegetables. Most dogs like broccoli stems, apple slices and watermelon. A mix of the veggies mentioned above can be chopped and mixed into a healthy antioxidant omelet. Some companies provide

Feeding your dog healthy organic vegetables and fruits, free range eggs and creating variety in their diet will ensure that he or she gets health-supporting, anti-aging antioxidants every day. And that ensures a healthier life and healthier quality time together.

Spring 2014 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com

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Wanted: Puppy Raisers to Assist Veterans Story By Amanda Meighan

The Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Maryland Dog

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Veterans Moving Forward is a non-profit organization that seeks to provide our courageous and honorable veterans with service, therapy, and comfort dogs at no cost to them. Though this organization was started only a few years ago, it continues to grow and expand across the nation. Veterans Moving Forward’s mission is to increase veterans’ safety and independence within their environment by use of their services at no cost. VMF works to support U.S. military veterans of all ages, generations, wars and campaigns, and with physical or mental health challenges resulting from war, disease or a motor vehicle accident. The organization also works to employ veterans in distributing service dogs to other veterans. It is through the intelligence and intuition of these canines that veterans can begin to heal. In order for this dedicated organization to continue to grow in the number of veterans it is able to help and service, it is important to have puppy raisers and volunteers who are willing to put in the time and effort to help these canines qualify to meet the needs of each unique veteran. Frustrated with organizations that provide service dogs which only focus on the dog’s skills, Navy veteran Karen Jeffries became inspired to establish

a program where canines are trained to meet the unique needs of the veteran to whom will require the individualized assistance, therapy, and comfort. With the organization already successfully providing service, therapy, and comfort dogs to deserving veterans, those receiving canine services boast about the healing powers possessed by these unique creatures. In a testimonial on the VMF website, John Murray, a U.S. Navy veteran, speaks about his experience working with therapy dog in service, Iden, stating, “I’m absolutely sold on the benefits of canine therapy in a hospital environment. I brightened up and forgot about the pain for a few brief moments when the dogs arrived for a visit.”

Spring 2014 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com

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Donating time or money to this charitable organization is a great way to thank our courageous veterans. Each trained service dog costs an estimated $35,000 to $40,000, depending on the individualized training required to meet the custom needs a veteran may require. Your tax-deductible donation will allow VMF to cover the costs associated with raising and training these dogs. Sponsoring a puppy in any size donation will help mitigate the costs of procurement of the puppy, vaccines and vet exams, food, treats, toys, leashes, training, and more. Consider contacting your employer to determine if they sponsor a matching gift program. Following the industry standard, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers seem to be the breeds who best qualify for the position for service dogs, based on intelligence, health, and reliability. Those interested in raising these puppies should expect to commit at least one year of service raising each puppy. There are many payoffs to becoming a puppy raiser for the Veterans Moving Forward organization. Perhaps the most rewarding part of the position comes from giving back to the veterans who have given so much to our country, fighting for both our freedoms and our own dogs. Knowing that a veteran has finally been able to have a good, restful night’s sleep because of a service dog is rewarding. Knowing that you have raised a puppy to help a veteran who was terrified to be out in public, made an easier transition through the company of a service dog is gratifying. There is an endless cycle of love that is exhibited in the smiles of the puppy raisers, veterans, supporters, and the dogs, themselves. When you take the courageous step in becoming a puppy raiser, a whole new world of delight will follow. Puppy raisers consistently comment on how raising a service dog allows for a way to bring smiles to the world. “You cannot just simply go to CVS for a quick in and out trip,” Jeffries professes. “ People will see you and the puppy and instantly smile. People are excited to see you and find out what you are doing.”

raiser, volunteer or donor to Veterans Moving Forward, and to give veterans the gift of a dog’s love and loyalty, visit the organization’s website at www.vetsfwd.org.

An ideal candidate for a puppy raiser is someone who works from home or is retired. Being a puppy raiser is a 24-hour time commitment. Jeffries relates it to having a toddler: you always have to be aware of your surroundings, where your puppy is, whether he or she is behaving, and if there are any foreseeable conflicts. Also, it is important for a puppy raiser to be active. Ideal candidates will already participate in, or be able to make time for, many social interactions in which the dog can accompany, whether it is shopping, going to church, or participating in other forms of interaction. Training the puppies to react in these scenarios, as well as a stipend to include basic obedience training, is provided. Besides puppy raisers, Veterans Moving Forward also seeks dogs that have been evaluated and qualified to be a therapy dog to become a part of the organization. Therapy dogs are important to veterans in a counseling session or in more casual conventions. Although the bond that someone develops with the puppy they raise will be a strong one, passing a puppy to a veteran, ready for love and a boost of morale, is heartwarming. The time and commitment that someone has passed on to their raised puppy will allow for the dog to assist veterans who are visually- impaired,hearing-impaired, mobility-challenged or prone to seizures.

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Incidentally, this spark in conversation while out with a service dog is another great way Veterans

For more information about how to become a puppy

Moving Forward seeks to honor our nation’s heroes. Each puppy is named in honor of a veteran who has deceased. Hence, when people are eager to find out about what the puppies are about, the puppy raiser is able to introduce the inquirer to both the puppy and a hero’s story of courage, strength, and, ultimately, sacrifice. It is through these puppies that our veterans’ tales live on. Through this process, puppies and puppy raisers are able to spread honor, gratification, and knowledge to those many strangers on the street that are enthusiastic to talk to both parties, human and canine.

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Joining the Veterans Moving Forward organization is like joining a family, participants say. People are working together to achieve the same goal. Karen Jeffries has extended her thanks to committed volunteers and consultants who are working with the organization. She has also invited readers to be a part of the VMF family.

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VMF Service Dog Nathan relaxes with his combat veteran, Army SGT John Williams. (Photo by Shelley Castle Photography)

Karen Jeffries, Founder and CEO of Veterans Moving Forward, shows off new puppy Jug to patrons at a fundraising event. (Photo by Kent Potter, RIT Photography)

Before his permanent match up with SGT Williams, Nathan served as a comfort dog. Here heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visiting with Sandy Heise and Paul Bollea, a puppy raiser. (Photo by of Paul Bollea).

ADIT Chief and Puppy Raiser Brent Mathews talks to Senator Bob Dole at a veterans event at the World War II Memorial. (Photo by Sherry Mathews)

Spring 2014 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com

{ weekend getaway }

The Home where Patsy Cline lived in Winchester, VA

Apples and Antiques in the Shenandoah Valley

Sniff the apple blossoms on a spring getaway to historic Winchester and the serene Shenandoah Valley By Ginger Warder The fertile Shenandoah Valley, nestled between the Blue Ridge and the Allegheny Mountains, is ripe with Colonial and Civil War memories, and just 70 miles west of the nation’s capital, it’s a Photos Courtesy of Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau

favorite weekend escape for Washington power brokers. Visitors flock to Skyline Drive each fall to see the blazing panorama of color, driving the 105-mile route on the crest of the Blue Ridge through the Shenandoah National Park. But, Beltway insiders know that the fertile valley below holds tantalizing treasures of its own, from quirky antique stores filled with Americana to a bounty of farmer’s markets, wineries, and

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an annual festival celebrating the region’s famed apple orchards. The historic town of Winchester www.visitwinchesterva.com is widely known as the birthplace of one of country music’s most beloved stars, Patsy Cline. The native who once worked at the local drugstore hit it

{ weekend getaway }

big when she won the Arthur Godfrey talent show, but she died tragically in a plane crash at the peak of her career in 1963. Cline is buried in Winchester’s Shenandoah Memorial Park, where a bell tower was erected in her honor. Pick up a flyer for a self-guided driving tour of Patsy sites at the Winchester-Frederick Visitors Center and pop in your greatest hits CD. While Patsy’s legacy is pervasive, there are many more country surprises in this farming region, famous for its apple orchards and annual Apple Blossom Festival. The Old Town features a multi-block pedestrian mall www.oldtownwinchester.com, perfect for a stroll with your pooch. Located within the 45-block Historic Register district, the pedestrian mall has been the center of commerce in Winchester for more than two centuries, and is filled with boutiques and restaurants, as well as must-see museums including George Washington’s Office Museum and the Civil War Museum in the Old Courthouse. Every spring, Winchester celebrates the season with its annual Apple Blossom Festival and Parade. This year’s event is scheduled for April 25-May 4, and includes a festive parade led by a celebrity grand marshall (past marshalls have included entertainment royalty such as Ed Sullivan, Bob Hope and Lucille Ball), a carnival, wine festival and several “downhome” events, from beauty to pie-baking contests. Foodies will want to visit the Marker-Miller Farmer’s Market www.markermillerorchards.com, one of the best in the area. Purveyor to some of the best chefs in the region, Marker-Miller’s farmer’s market and orchards welcome you and Fido to browse and sniff out the best of locally-grown produce, as well as jams, jellies and baked goods. Munch an apple cider donut as you stroll the market or pick your own apples from their orchards in the fall.

Spend a morning at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley and historic Glen Burnie House. Designed by renowned architect Michael Graves, the museum’s modern exterior belies the four centuries of historical artifacts, fine arts, and decorative arts on display. In contrast, the Glen Burnie House and gardens offer a gracious walk through the 18th and 19th centuries. Continue down Route 11 to Middletown where you’ll find irresistible antique shops, one at the historic Wayside Inn, which was once a stagecoach stop. The nearby town of Strasburg is also a treasure trove for antique aficionados, featuring the Great Strasburg Emporium, housing over 100 dealers.

For More Information:

Don’t miss Belle Grove Plantation, the former home of Nellie Madison Hite, sister of President James Madison. Based on Jeffersonian design, this Federalera home constructed of limestone that was quarried on the property was surrounded by the raging Battle of Cedar Creek when it served as the Union headquarters for General Philip Sheridan.

Pictured Below: The Aloft Hotel in Winchester, VA;

The Town of Winchester: visitwinchesterva.com oldtownwinchester.com Aloft Hotel starwoodhotels.com

Stonewall Jackson’s House. One of the many historic attractions in Winchester

Stay at Aloft www.starwoodhotels.com a hip, rather than historic, hotel with bright and airy modern rooms that are tech savvy and streamlined. Standard amenities include a 42-inch flat screen, complimentary bottled water, coffee and tea, and spa-worthy bath amenities. Aloft ‘s “arf” program provides pet amenities as well, including a dog bed, bowl, “woofalicious” treats, and toys. Dogs under 40 pounds are welcome under the standard pet policy with no additional fees.

Oenophiles will enjoy tasting tours of some of the area’s notable wineries, including Linden Vineyards, Naked Mountain, and Glen Manor. The same welldrained mineral soil and mountain microclimate that have made the Shenandoah Valley the “apple capital” of Virginia, are now producing stellar wines including Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs, and outstanding Bordeaux blends. Head just a few miles out of town on Route 11 and you’re in another world altogether, filled with farms and vineyards, quirky antique shops, and in these rolling pastures, the site of one of the most pivotal battles of the Civil War.

Spring 2014 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com

{ health }

A Vaccine for Canine and Human Brain Tumors – Unbelievable? By William Bush VMD, DACVIM, Neurology

Puck, a 10 year-old Corgi, had two seizures

worked wonderfully and Puck’s owners report that almost two and a half years later, Puck is off all medication and seizure free.

in one day. I suspected a brain tumor and ordered an MRI. Unfortunately, Puck’s MRI showed the most common brain tumor in dogs, a meningioma, located in the very front of the brain. Seizure medication and prednisone were started, but this therapy alone was thought to give Puck only about three months before he would likely have to be euthanized for intractable seizure. I believed that my surgical team could remove the tumor safely and likely provide Puck an additional year before seizures would again return and be problematic. It was at this point that a novel treatment strategy was initiated. I removed the tumor and sent a piece of Puck’s brain tumor the University of Minnesota to see if they could grow the tumor in a cell culture and develop it into a vaccine. It was hoped that the vaccine would then stimulate the immune system to fight any residual tumor in Puck’s brain.

{

Luckily, the tumor cells grew and a vaccine developed which was then administered every two weeks for 12 weeks. Happily, this treatment has

For more information: Bush Veterinary Neurology Service www.bvns.net Leesburg, VA: (703) 669-2829 Richmond, VA: (804) 716-4716 Springfield, VA: (703) 451-3709

Puck’s case is not unique as the University of Minnesota reports that 12 dogs have received the vaccine and lived an average of almost two years with very few of these dogs actually being euthanized for seizure. This same report showed dogs that had surgery but no vaccine lived less than a year. Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), this study seeks to use the dog as a model for the human condition. The study was considered a success not only because of its wonderful results, but because it showed that the vaccine works on the brain side of the blood brain barrier and cross-reacts to all meningioma. It is hoped that one day a universal vaccine can be developed for meningioma, potentially controlling or curing this disease without surgery. Bush Veterinary Neurology Service (BVNS) continues to advise the vaccine as an adjunct to surgery. BVNS is proud that their dedication to cutting-edge therapies improves outcomes for their patients and contributes to better therapies in people. We delight in pointing out that this work further demonstrates that the dog is truly man’s best friend.

Pictured Below: “Puck” with his Owner. Photo courtesy of BVNS

The Virginia–Maryland Dog

Joint Protection Now For You And Your Dog Call Today for a Free Sample!

540-337-5450 www.foxdenequine.com

{ training }

Real Life Training for Your Dog You’ve spent time and money on a dog manners class and your dog behaves just fine in class. But let the doorbell ring at home and the dog goes berserk. Does this sound familiar? There are three things to teach your dog so those class skills will translate to real life skill

By Laurie Luck, KPA-CTP, CNWI

You’ve put in the hard work of teaching your dog the basic good manners. Now, it’s time to attach “real life” aspects to those behaviors. Real life brings three variables: Distractions (the doorbell is ringing), duration (staying in position for 30 seconds), and distance (walking six feet away) to that behavior. Otherwise, the sit (or down, or look at you) will fall apart in the real world. But it is in the real world where most people really want these exercises to work. It’s crucial to understand one simple point: introduce each one of these skills separately to your dog. That means working on just distractions until that’s mastered. Then forget working on distractions and work only on duration. Once duration is mastered, then drop duration and work only on distance. When the dog has mastered each of those skills individually, then begin putting just two of the skills together: For example, five seconds of duration with two feet of distance.

Duration

Duration is the typical “stay” behavior. The dog sits, or goes down, or looks at you, for a period of time. This is how duration is taught:

The Virginia–Maryland Dog

1. Ask your dog to do the behavior (sit, for this example). Count silently for two seconds. If your dog is still sitting, click and treat. If your dog could not remain seated for two seconds, ask him to sit again, then count silently for one second. Click and treat if he sat for one second. 2. Continue to add a second or two to the time, occasionally varying the amount of time to a very easy one to two seconds. Click and treat every time the dog sits for the duration you were looking to achieve. 3. When your dog reaches about seven seconds of duration, he may become confused and stand up. Remember, your dog understands that the click means he’s correct. When you ask him to sit and then don’t click him, he will wonder why he isn’t getting the click. He may stand up or re-sit just to be sure you saw him the first time. If this happens, the next time you ask the dog to sit, give him or her calm encouragement, such as “goooooood dog,” once or twice to get him to the click a little easier.

{ training }

When your dog is good at about 10 seconds, you can start to add the word “stay” immediately after you say “sit” if you’d like. The goal is to get the dog to stay in the same position for at least 20 seconds.

Distractions

Distractions are everyday occurrences that may get in the way of your dog’s ability to do what you ask. Your dog may be great at sitting when the house is quiet, but can’t seem to listen very well when the kids are coming in from school, or when the doorbell’s ringing. No worries — the solution is working distractions into the training. It is important to note that when working on distractions, that distractions are solely the focus (not duration or distance). Here is how to work on distractions:

1. Make a list of all the distractions you need your dog to work through in real life. Then prioritize that list from easiest to most difficult. Start working at the easiest level (a few examples are below), before moving to more difficult distractions. 2. Wave your hand in the air and ask your dog to do the behavior (sit, for this example). Click and treat the instant your dog does the behavior. 3. Tap your toe or swing your foot and ask your dog to do the behavior. Click and treat the instant your dog does the behavior. 4. Gradually increase the distractions, making sure the dog can be successful at each level before moving on, clicking and treating every success. If your dog can’t do the behavior, lower the distraction. It’s important that you ask for the behavior just once. Don’t fall into the bad habit of repeating the word--simply reduce the distraction to a level where the dog can get it right. The goal is to get your dog to stay in the same position while the doorbell rings and you open the door.

Distance

Distance is the skill that will allow you to walk away from your dog while he’s doing what you’ve asked, and not move until you return to him. It’s the last skill we work because this skill requires that your dog already be good at duration and distractions. Think about it: If you’re going to walk away from your dog, your movement is distracting and it’ll take a little bit

of time for you to leave and come back. If your dog hasn’t had any experience with duration and distractions, you’re asking for the impossible when asking for distance. Remember: when working on distance, you’re not working on duration or distractions. Here’s how distance is taught:

1. Ask your dog to do the behavior (sit, for this example). Say “stay” (or whatever word you’d like--just be consistent and use the same word every time). Move one foot forward, then back. Click and treat when you return if your dog has stayed in the same position. If your dog hasn’t stayed in the same position, simply ask him to stay again and go just half the distance. You want the dog to be successful, so be sure to make this exercise very easy and gradually increase the distance. 2. Ask your dog to do the behavior, say “stay,” then move one foot backward, then back to original position. Click and treat when you return if your dog has stayed in the same position. 3. Ask your dog to do the behavior, say “stay,” then move one foot to the right, then back to original position. Click and treat when you return if your dog has stayed in the same position. 4. Ask your dog to do the behavior, say “stay,” then move one foot to the left, then back to original position. Click and treat when you return if your dog has stayed in the same position. That’s one round: Step to the front, left, back, and right. Now repeat steps one through four, but move two steps instead of just one. Click and treat when you return if your dog has stayed in the same position.

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The goal is to get your dog to stay in the same position while you walk six feet away and return. Don’t click and treat the dog until you return to him. It doesn’t take long to teach your dog each of these skills. And by teaching them individually, you’ll be certain that your dog can listen just as good in real life as he does when he’s in class.

For a short how-to video, visit Smart Dog University’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/smartdoguniversity -and look for the video titled The Three Things Your Dog Needs to Know for a Rock Solid Stay

Spring 2014 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com

{ legal }

Animal-Free Research &

Loving Thy Neighborhood Animal By Gary C. Norman, Esq. L.L.M.

Furry companions such as dogs or cats may lower systolic and diastolic readings measured by a health worker in February, also known as National Heart Month, and also the month of Valentine’s Day, the annual national day of chocolate binging. Since scientific research shows the positive impact of furry companions on the heart, dogs and cats may arguably be recognized as important public health workers or measures. There are two Maryland legislative measures that may affect the health of dogs, cats and humans in the region.

The Figurative Heart

Views about whether animals should be the subjects of medical research are held close to the heart. The treatment of animals affects positively or negatively on humans’ figurative heart, demanding the humane treatment of animals, naturally. In the 2014 session of the Maryland General Assembly, a legislative measure may advance the culture of Maryland, with its world-class medical research institutions, towards less animal medical experimentation.

The Virginia–Maryland Dog

{ legal }

Senate Bill No. 862, introduced by State Sen. Lisa A. Gladden, Baltimore Democrat, and titled “Animal Welfare--Research Facilities--Dogs and Cats,” may address the needs of the physical heart for scientific developments and the figurative heart. The bill states that research facilities who use animals for experimentation or instruction must obtain a license from the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners Fund and that research facilities may not use animals “obtained through random sources” such as shelters. The bill provides that research facilities reduce the number of dogs and cats used for research purposes.

Community Health

Feral, or community, cats may affect public and financial health, prompting smart public health measures. Some people feel that there should be standard accepted practices for addressing feral cats. One practice is known as trap and release. This process, coupled with caring neighbors, should be safeguarded by norms and customs that the law embodies, some people feel. Not all people agree that trap and release or that a neighbor who cares for feral cats on a gratis basis, are improving the public health. Some people have even filed litigation on the matter. Another measure working its way through the Maryland General Assembly would amend Maryland statutes ensuring that such gratis neighbors are protected when they care for a feral, or community, cat. According to a report commissioned by the organization Best Friends Animal Society, in 2010, caring for a community or feral cat using trap and release may be revenue-positive for communities. The law can be seen as a social determinant of health. Positive or negative health may also shape the law, with respect to animals.

Spring 2014 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com

{ ask dr. katy }

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By Katy Nelson, DVM Do you have questions for Dr. Katy? You can follow her on Twitter @drkatynelson, on Facebook or send her an e-mail at bark@vamddog.com.

Dear Dr. Katy: Could you please provide some clarification with regard to the Jerky Treat Recall/Illnesses that have made the news in recent months? I am still seeing a ton of treats in stores that use the word “jerky” in their name. Why are these still on the shelf, and how do I know what is safe and what is not? –David K, Rockville, MD

Dear David:

Since 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been actively investigating the cause of reported pet illnesses associated with jerky pet treat products, most of which come from China. As of September 24, 2013, the FDA had received over 3000 reports of illness, involving more than 3600 dogs, 10 cats and 580 deaths. The FDA is working with laboratories around the country to investigate the cause, but to this date, testing for contaminants has not revealed a cause for the illnesses. Many products have been recalled, but there are many still on the market, as you referenced. I always recommend to my clients to only buy American made products, whether referencing treats, pet foods or medications, but sometimes it can be difficult to tell just by looking at packaging. My best advice to pet owners who want to give a jerky treat? Make your own. There are numerous recipes that are available online that are extremely simple to make, and the fresh healthy treats last for weeks/months if stored properly. You can never be too cautious with your pet’s health!

Dr. Katy: My wife and I recently adopted a six month old puppy from a local rescue facility. The rescue staff instructed us to crate the puppy while we are away from our home, as well as during the night. Unfortunately we have both read and heard from others conflicting information as to the maximum amount of time that our puppy can be crated before needing to be let out for bathroom and exercise breaks.

–Dan M, Salisbury, MD

Dear Dan:

Congratulations on your new pup, and thank you so much for adopting and not shopping! The amount of time that a dog can be left in the crate is variable, depending on the size of the dog, age and health issues. Smaller dogs (with small bladders), elderly dogs and puppies, or pets with urinary problems will need to be let out much more frequently than a large adult dog might. As a general rule of thumb, no pet should be left in a crate longer than 4 hours without a bathroom break. My advice, however, when crate training a puppy is to not leave them in any longer than 2 hours at a time, as you not only want to allow them the opportunity to get out, go to the bathroom, and stretch their legs, but also you do not want it to become a place they dread going into. As their ability to hold their bladder becomes better as they grow, then you can leave them in for longer stretches.

Dear Katy: As disgusting as a subject that this may be I am interested in finding an answer as to why our dogs continue to raid the cat litter, as well as to how to alleviate this problem. Your input would be most appreciated. –Stacy T, Roanoke, VA

Dear Stacy,

It is definitely a disgusting subject, and if I could tell you without a doubt how to cure this problem, I’d be a millionaire! There’s just something about those little “Tootsie Rolls” in the litter box that dogs find irresistible, as gross as it is to us! I’ve researched over the years, and basically have just come to the conclusion that there isn’t necessarily a “reason” behind it, other than they just like the taste of it. Many years ago, I battled this habit in my own dog, and went through a variety of gadgets to try and help. I started with various types of litter, moved on to litter boxes built into furniture, electric litter boxes with clamps on the litter storage area, you name it, I tried it. Finally, I found that the only way I could totally prevent my dog from eating the poop was to completely restrict his access to the room with the litter box in it. I called a carpenter and had kitty-sized doors cut into the bottoms of the doors that led to where the litter boxes were. The dog was too large to fit through the hole (though he tried every day), so the problem was eliminated. Hope you find something that works for you!

The Virginia–Maryland Dog

{ stories within the bond }

The Protégé By Bruce Coston, DVM

I had a job for Erin. I knew she could do it; no doubt in my mind. I had seen her grandfather’s dog for a limp that appeared suddenly after an unattended five minute walk. Examination showed pain in the left knee when it was twisted in just the right way. Because I could elicit no pain from other manipulations, could find no swelling, could feel no warmth in the joint, could find no wounds nor see any problems on x-rays, I concluded that Brody had strained his collateral ligament. What he needed was strict rest and the attentions of the two best doctors I know: Mother Nature and Father Time. Rest, though, for a five-month-old Border Collie like Brody was a difficult prescription indeed – especially since his owner, Erin’s grandfather, was scheduled to spend the next week as a patient in Johns Hopkins Hospital. Making sure Brody got the rest he needed would be Erin’s job; that and administering the pain medication I had prescribed. But I was not worried. I knew Brody was in good hands. Exactly how I knew it is the story. Erin is the third generation of the Rheiner family that has come to me with their pets. I first treated her grandmother’s Keeshond, Casey, for lymphoma, successfully wringing with chemotherapy an additional year of time from the clutches of that awful disease. I well remember the teenager who often accompanied Casey, the canine hairball, into the office, always attentive and respectful. Over the years I watched Eric Rheiner grow into an equally attentive and respectful young man who spent time in the military before joining the Virginia State Police. During his stint as a patrolman in a dreaded blue and black cruiser, Eric brought his dog, Sarge, to me several times, even though he lived at the time on the outskirts of DC an hour or more from my practice. I was honored to be so trusted; honored, too, to be asked for a second opinion on whether or not Sarge, who was the spitting image of Casey, should undergo major abdominal surgery for a

The Virginia–Maryland Dog

{ stories within the bond }

tumor in his spleen. I was pleased to have given Sarge another couple of years with Eric and his beautiful wife. Eric is now the Chief of Police in our small town. He and his wife have two adorable children and a dog named Jake. Erin is the oldest. She has long brown hair, intense blue eyes, and a mischievous smile. It’s tempting to think she’s shy; but she’s not. Reticent perhaps, but certainly not shy; at least not with the things she’s passionate about. And she’s passionate about animals! I learned that the first time she came into the office with her mother, her little brother, and Jake. She was about eight years old. “Erin wants to be vet when she grows up!” her mother announced, grinning down on her daughter with pride. “Is that right, Erin?” I asked, already taken in by the intensity on her shining face as she watched me examine Jake, who had developed a case of diarrhea. She just nodded her head without taking her eyes off me or discontinuing the reassuring stroking of Jake’s ears. “Well, if you’re gonna’ be a vet, you’ve really got to be a good student. Do you do well in school?” Still intent on what I was doing, she answered in a clipped voice, as if doing so was an unwelcomed interruption.

Erin said it in the same distracted way she had reported her grades, short and to the point. There was no bragging in the answer; just a simple reporting of the facts, as if I’d asked her if Richmond was the capitol of the state. Again the most subtle of smiles tugged at the corner of her lips, a smile she tried to smuggle by biting her lip. It was adorable and I was putty in her hands. I began to direct all my questions to Erin instead of her mother. It was a brilliant, if shameless, strategy to win the confidence of both women. “So, Erin, how long has Jake had diarrhea?” “This is the third day.” Erin turned to her mother for confirmation, which she got in the form of a nod. “Have you seen any blood?” Erin shook her head, again turning to her mom, this time for just an instant. Her confidence was growing. “And is Jake acting sick?” “No, he’s the same old Jake. There was no consulting mom now. Erin directed her response directly to my face, her expression earnest and sincere, careful to convey every detail which might help me come to a diagnosis.

“All A’s.” Her eyes skipped to my face for just an instant to gauge my reaction to her scholastic performance, a wry smile subtly lighting her cheeks. Erin stood by the exam table, stroking Jake, whose face was not quite as eager as Erin’s. Erin’s mother sat on the bench behind her, entertaining her younger brother who was carefully sorting the toys she had brought along. “You must be one smart cookie, eh? I bet you’re the smartest person in the class, aren’t you?” I furtively caught her mom’s eye and smiled. “Yes.”

{

Holding the bell of the stethoscope over the beating heart I looked into Erin’s sweet face and watched an entirely new universe explode like the big bang onto her features.

Spring 2014 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com

{ stories within the bond }

“He wanted to play ball this morning like he always does. It’s my job to take him out and exercise him every day. He loves to play ball.”

diagnoses she would make, the relationships she would rescue from the clutches of disease and contagion. I recognized the look; an expression of pure magic.

“Has he vomited at all?” I asked. “No, sir.” It was exactly the answer Eric had given to questions about Casey almost twenty years before. All the while I had been going over Jake from head to toe. I had looked in his mouth, felt his lymph nodes, palpated his abdomen and manipulated all his joints. Now I pulled the stethoscope from around my shoulders and listened intently to the steady rhythm of a normal heart. Erin was mesmerized by the process. When I took the stethoscope from my ears and handed it to her, I thought she just might dance.

{

Holding the bell of the stethoscope over the beating heart I looked into Erin’s sweet face and watched an entirely new universe explode like the big bang onto her features. She looked at Jake as I moved the scope over the heart and the lungs, but her eyes were not really seeing only him. They were looking into her distant future, to all the dog hearts she would listen to as a veterinarian, to the

{

“OK, Erin,” I said as I snapped a latex glove onto my hand and cast a conspiratorial wink over her shoulder at her mother. “I’m gonna’ need some help with this next part.”

The Virginia–Maryland Dog

“OK, Erin,” I said as I snapped a latex glove onto my hand and cast a conspiratorial wink over her shoulder at her mother. “I’m gonna’ need some help with this next part.” I thought I’d have a little fun at Erin’s expense. She didn’t yet know that nothing good can happen when a doctor puts a glove on. But I did; and so did her mother. And I thought it’d be fun to test just how far she was willing to go as my protégé. Many kids go through a stage when they think they want to be a vet. Most grow out of it when they realize that we do some pretty gross things, like what was about to happen. I knew Erin’s eagerness would evaporate when she saw what would transpire. I opened the drawer under the exam table and pulled another glove from the box. “Put this on just like I did so you can help me.”

{ stories within the bond }

With unbridled enthusiasm Erin donned the glove. It sagged from her tiny hand like a tent draped over a mannequin. I began to feel a little guilty at the cruel joke I was pulling, afraid that I would smother the dreams of a fragile heart. But Erin’s face was now too rapturous to turn back. I squeezed a line of lube onto her finger and mine, confident that when the grim realization finally dawned on her, Erin would blanch and pull the glove from her hand. Then, with another camouflaged smile at her mother, I inserted my finger into Jake’s rectum. Jake seemed to be the only one surprised by this. Erin watched with unflagging interest as I turned my hand in all directions to carefully examine my patient. After what seemed like an eternity during which I expected Erin to turn in disgust, I removed my finger and studied it for the presence of blood. Then I turned to Erin, laughing.

Volume 4 •Issue 4

Winter/Holiday 2013

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Dogs Finding Dogs: A Dog’s Nose Knows Winter inaaWinter Walkingin Walking Wonderland Canine and Wonderl Spinal yingSpinal Demystifying Demystif Dogs inDogs Injuriesin Injuries InsideInside Guide Guide GiftGift Holiday Holiday

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}

adoption

“Rosa”is available forGerman

through the Virginia (details on page 44) Shepherd Rescue.

thevirginia-marylanddog.com 301.514.2804

“You don’t have to do that, Erin,” I said, turning to dispose of the soiled glove. “I was just pulling your leg.” But when I turned around again, Erin had already plunged her stubby little finger into Jake with a purpose. Only Jake was more surprised by this than me. I turned to Erin’s mom, my mouth hanging open in astonishment. She was laughing, not at Erin as I’d expected, but at me. Still with her finger probing the orifice as I had done moments before, Erin turned a questioning face to me. “What am I feeling for, Dr. Coston?” And the first tutorial in digital rectal examination I had ever given was delivered to an eight-year-old prodigy with shining eyes and a dirty finger. And that’s how I knew that Brody would be well taken care of!

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Spring 2014 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com

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{ feature }

Sadie

By Anne Stoneham, Sadie Sue comes to visit on a regular basis at DVM, DACVECC the hospital. Now, it’s just for nail trims and to check her skin or whatever other small ailment she has. But it wasn’t that way when she first arrived. That first day, this beautiful 12-year-old golden retriever was so sick she could barely walk. She didn’t even wag her tail--that’s usually the part of Sadie that never quits. That first day, Sadie had a fever of 106 degrees, and she felt crummy. The rest of her exam showed that she was having some trouble breathing. X-rays were taken of her chest. The X-rays revealed that she had pneumonia. That explained the illness. It would be easy to stop there, start some antibiotics and call it a day. A case like Sadie’s, though, is the reason that tests are run. A complete blood count revealed that Sadie’s white blood cell count was unusually low. When individual

types of white cells--there are five different types— were examined, it became clear that the immune system’s first line of defense, the neutrophils, were barely present in Sadie’s blood stream. Neutrophils are the cells in the blood stream that are first up to destroy invading bacteria. There really is no replacement for them; no other cell that will step up and take over when they are missing. Usually during an infection, the neutrophil count rises. Nurses placed an intravenous catheter and started running some fluids to cool her off. Her mom talked with doctors about Sadie’s recent past: Had she been on any medications, such as sulfa-based antibiotics, that can have this undesired side effect? No. Had she shown any other signs of illness? A little coughing, but it just started recently. Was there any chance she had gotten into her owner’s medications? Neither Mrs. Urbanczyk nor her husband, the owners, were on any medications. The owners were told that with Sadie’s non-eventful history, doctors were worried that the pneumonia might be overwhelming her body or that either immune-mediated disease or cancer was destroying the neutrophils and the result was that Sadie was a sitting duck for infections. More tests were needed to be able to decide what was going on. Doctors took a culture from her lungs and a urine sample. While they waited for those test results, doctors started intravenous antibiotics. A few hours after starting treatment, Sadie’s temperature had started to drop, she was wagging her tail and a spark had returned to her eyes. The

The Virginia–Maryland Dog

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www.pilotsnpaws.org If You Love to Fly If You Love Animals Join Us! next morning, her temperature was normal, she was standing at the front of her cage and her wagging tail made her whole body wriggle. Before doing any more invasive tests, doctors rechecked the complete blood count. If her neutrophils were normal now, it was just an overwhelming infection and all would be well. But Sadieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; neutrophil count had dropped lower. Unfortunately, a more invasive test was necessary. Sadie was anesthetized and her doctor took a bone marrow sample. Once doctors had their samples and before they had more test results back, they sent Sadie home. She was doing very well, and one of the worst places for an immunosuppressed patient to be is at a hospital where sick patients are around all the time. But even at home, unless Sadieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neutrophils increased, she could get another, more resistant infection. Her doctors were fairly certain that Sadie had immune-mediated neutropenia--low neutrophil count--caused by an immune system that, for some unknown reason, had gone haywire and started destroying its own cells.

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The treatment is immunosuppressive medication. There is the difficulty---if doctors are correct, they will save her. If the doctors are wrong, they are giving an already immunosuppressed patient medication that will probably wipe out whatever immune function she has left and it could kill her. Doctors waited until the end of the day. By then, they had a preliminary result on the bone marrow that indicated that this was not cancer. Doctors called Mrs. Urbanczyk and told her it was time to start the prednisone. It was the right choice. The final bone marrow biopsy told doctors that Sadie was suffering from immune-mediated neutropenia and the treatment was successful. Sadie finished treatment several months later. Her doctors are happy to report that they still get to enjoy rubbing her belly--which is presented to her caretakers almost the second she sees them--and they get to see Sadie madly wagging her tail.

AVAILABLE WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD Spring 2014 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com

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Navigating Forelimb Lameness Forelimb lameness can be one of most difficult types of lameness to diagnose, and it is often one of the most common reasons why an orthopedist is referred to in such cases. One of the reasons forelimb lameness can be so challenging is that it is often hard to figure out exactly what part of the forelimb is affected. Occasionally, it can even be difficult to recognize that the lameness is truly from forelimb discomfort! Signs can range from a very subtle lameness to complete non-weight bearing. This is why watching a dog walk or trot prior to manipulation of the limbs is key to determining the origin of a lameness. Subtle signs can range from a change in how daily activities are performed to a shortening of the dog’s stride length, or even position of the elbow during stance and swing phases. An additional thing to look at when diagnosing forelimb lameness is head carriage. A dog will adjust its head position based on where it’s uncomfortable. This is recognized as a “head bob,” as the dog will pull its head up when placing down the uncomfortable limb to take weight off this limb,

and place the head down on the sound, or nonaffected, limb, in order to shift the weight load. There are some instances where the lameness can be so subtle that certain objective measures can be beneficial to help determine the exact location. Measures, such as force plate analysis, use piezoelectric sensors to measure ground reaction forces and the total amount of pressure placed by each limb during a phase.

By Michael DeTora, DVM, DACVS Photos Courtesy of VOSM Pictured Above: Photo of Operating Room

It is known that dogs bear 60 percent of their weight on their forelimbs, and 40 percent on their hind limbs. Therefore, we expect equal weight bearing of 30 percent on both forelimbs. Force plates allow us to measure the exact pressure placed on each limb during each phase of the walk, and can help us isolate a lameness to a certain limb based on the fact that the total pressure index for this limb is less than the expected normal. The remainder of the physical examination can help pin-point which area of the limb is affected. The exam consists of palpation of all bones, joints, and muscles, as well as range of motion of all joints, along with a number of different stretches to isolate certain muscles. Once an area of inter-

Spring 2014 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com

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est has been found, for example the elbow or the shoulder, additional diagnostics are pursued to confirm the diagnosis. These diagnostics include radiographs, musculoskeletal ultrasound, CT, and MRI. Radiographs will primarily show bone changes. A skilled specialist can diagnose fractures, luxations, and even osteoarthritis based on the presence of osteophytes. Chronic tendon injuries with concurrent mineralization of the tendon can also be detected on radiographs. Young dog diseases, such as hypertrophic osteodystrophy, panosteitis and OCD can all be detected radiographically. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is an excellent diagnostic tool that can provide

Pictured Clockwise: Shoulder Ultrasound, Arthroscopy Image of a Biceps Tendon, Forelimb Stretches

The Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Maryland Dog

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insight to soft tissue structures that commonly do not show up radiographically. Another major proposed advantage of ultrasound over MRI is dynamic testing--allowing muscles to move during the examination. The most common areas that are viewed with ultrasound are the biceps tendon, the supraspinatous and infraspinatous tendons and muscles, and the flexor, extensor tendons, and collateral ligaments. CT and MRI are advance diagnostics often pursued in very challenging cases and done only in a referral setting where the modalities are available. CT allows for accurate, non-invasive 3-D imaging of bone structures, where MRI is better for soft tissue structures, especially those that are in places that standard modalities cannot access. Treatment plans can vary greatly, depending on the suspected injury. Soft tissue problems, such as tendonopathies, sprains and strains, can often be managed with medical management, rehabilitation therapy, and, occasionally, external coaptation, such as custom braces or splints. Depending on the degree of soft tissue injury, and if medical management is not an option, focal intralesional injections with either platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or autogenous stem cell therapy/PRP combination can be used to promote regeneration of the damaged tissue. Surgical intervention for musculotendinous injuries can be pursued through different surgical options, including reconstruction, radiofrequency ablation, tendon transposition, and arthrodesis. Arthroscopy is hugely beneficial with certain forelimb lamenesses due to its ability to be diagnostic and therapeutic. A common, yet often unrecognized, cause of forelimb lameness is medial shoulder instability (MSI), or damage to the structures comprising the medial aspect of the shoulder joint-joint capsule, medial collateral ligament, and subscapularis tendon, often in conjunction with a supraspinatous tendonopathy, leading to a largely increased abduction angle of the forelimb. Where this syndrome can be suspected through physical exam and musculoskeletal ultrasound, it cannot be definitively diagnosed without arthroscopy. This minimally-invasive technique also assesses the entire joint and surrounding structures. Depending on the degree of damage, appropriate treatment plans are made. These can range from conservative treatment (rehabilitation therapy and

restraint) to advanced surgical techniques, such as radiofrequency treatment to tighten the joint capsule, damaged ligaments and tendons. MSI is not the only condition where arthroscopy is valuable due to its dual properties. Fragmented medial coronoid process (FMCP) is a bone and cartilage problem in the elbow joint that is responsible for innumerable cases of forelimb lameness in young dogs and older athletic dogs, and if unrecognized, is responsible for a large amount of the elbow osteoarthritis cases seen in geriatric patients. FMCP is a component of canine elbow dysplasia-one of the most common causes of forelimb lameness in veterinary medicine. Being able to get an arthroscope into the cubital joint allows your specialist to not only visualize the bone fragments and cartilage damage, but also to remove those chips as well as treat the cartilage lesions. This is also true of OCD (developmental cartilage defect) in the shoulder or elbow, as arthroscopy allows us to find the lesion along the humeral head or condyle and remove the fragmented piece from the joint space. Displaced fractures and angular limb deformities, often caused by pre-mature closure of a growth plate, are primary bone problems that are often best treated with surgical intervention. Neoplasia (osteosarcoma, brachial plexus tumor) and some non-orthopedic related disease (nerve root signatures, cervical disk disease) are also causes of forelimb lameness that are seen periodically, although not frequently.

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Forelimb lameness can be a challenging case, but if worked through in a logical fashion, a diagnosis can be made. However, referring to an orthopedist is always an option--itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a challenge that they love!

For more information:

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Michael DeTora, DVM, DACVS Veterinary Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Group 10975 Guilford Road Annapolis Junction, MD 20701 (240) 295-4400 or (410) 418-8446 www.vetsportmedicine.com

Spring 2014 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com

{ just doodling }

By Cathy Bennett Photos courtesy of Cathy Bennett

If you’d like another dose of Doodle fun, visit: www.groovygoldendoodles.com

New seasons are like a blank piece of paper, a clean slate on the board, a fresh start. With new seasons, anything is possible, everything looks promising. It’s only been a couple of months, yet our journey has been exhilarating. Let me get you caught up on some of our activities:

Not wanting to be a resolution failure, I decided to only proclaim one for the year. Along with other pet bloggers, who I call my furrends, we committed to “Resolve to Move Your Mutt,” which is put on by Petsmove.org. I had to publicly attach my resolution around Leo’s neck and post for the world to see. I bravely did that... The jury’s still out. But we’re not giving up. For the first time, I was asked to give a book review for the bestseller “Chaser.” People should read about the relationship between a border collie named Chaser and his human best friend John Pilley. The story teaches much about a dog’s ability to decode language. I decided to test it for myself. It’s true. Techniques shared in this book do work once you understand how your dog thinks, reasons and deciphers what you teach. The dogs and I are not ready for prime time yet, but we’ve traveled a long way from where we were.

The Virginia–Maryland Dog

The weather this winter in our region has been brutal. There were so many winter storm watches, warnings, blizzards and vortexes, it was hard to keep up. We did follow the weatherrelated pet safety tips and successfully pulled through without any major frostbitten paw injuries. I did struggle to find adequate outerwear for Leo’s size when the temperatures fell below zero in January. The largest covering turned out to look like a vest on him, but he wore it nonetheless... February turned out to be an exciting month when our sponsors from Olde Towne Pet Resort cordially invited the boys to the Washington Humane Society’s 2014 Sugar and Champagne Affair. This was their annual event honoring local crusaders who work against animal cruelty. Hundreds of pet-loving people and their pets came together at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center for what some people felt was a magical night. The Washington Humane Society honored their own members and recognized other human heroes who worked with helping animals in the District. The boys wore red ties for the occasion and made quite an impression. Not only with the crowd...

But also with Kenton W. Keith, a Washington Humane Society Board Member.

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{ just doodling }

March 21 - 23 | Super Pet Expo www.superpetexpo.com/chantilly

April 5 | Capital Expo

It was an unforgettable evening. I was caught off-guard when asked to conduct an interview. Social calendars are already filling up for the spring and summer months. There are many pet-friendly events and activities in this area. To the right are some weekend jaunts that are great for families. Some are free, and others have small costs:

capitolpetexpo.com

April 12 | Fashion for Paws support.washhumane.org

April 26 | Doodles in Dewey Beach, DE www.doodlesindewey.com

May 3 | Pet Fiesta in Reston, VA www.petfiesta.org

TBD | Pups in the Park (Nationals Stadium) support.washhumane.org

Spring 2014 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com

{ rounding up rover }

A Dog has Gone Missing – Now What? By Anne Wills Imagine a typical scenario: a pet owner has released their pet into the yard only to find out the pet is missing. Panic sets in. The pet owner has to figure out what to do. Dogs Finding Dogs is a charity that has been using its search-and-rescue dogs to help find missing pets for more than seven years. Clients need to be guided through an immediate action plan when a pet is missing. Here are the basic steps to follow when a pet is missing.

First, try to calm down. A clear head is needed. Efforts have to be directed towards being proactive and determined.

Do a quick spot-check in the neighborhood. Do not spend hours driving around. That is wasting time. Dogs Finding Dogs suggests using a phone calling alert for your pet. The group endorses Findtoto.com. This alert will immediately call every house and business in the pet owner’s area, issuing a missing pet alert for the dog. There is a description field in the alert. This is a wildcard field. Anything the pet owner puts

into this field will be communicated to those who receive the calls. Trackers use this to tell people that a dog is blind, sick, or to give other information. Pet owners should use this to their advantage.

The second and most important task is to make flyers. The flyers should include the words “Lost Dog,” and a picture, phone number and any reward information. Use standard 8-and-a-half-sized paper. Put the papers into clear, plastic sheet protectors. Use brightly colored duct tape, which helps to attract the eye to the flyer. Do not cram many words onto the flyer. The flyer needs to be read from a car. Start from your house and place a flyer at every intersection located within a two-mile radius from your house. If a road is long, put one or two fliers on a light pole. If the pet owner lives in an apartment complex, put fliers on the dumpsters—be sure to check with the property manager first.

The Virginia–Maryland Dog

Pet owners can also make smaller fliers. Hand these smaller fliers to people on the street. This method is secondary. Pet owners should also distribute fliers to nearby veterinarians. Next, pet owners should use the Internet. Place a notice on Craigslist, under the “Lost and Found” section. Re-post the notice every two to three days. Next, place notices on the lost-and-found pet pages on Facebook. If the pet owner has a community e-mail list-serve, send a message at that website. Next, call every nearby shelter and place a lost-pet report. Do not rely on any shelter to call the pet owner or tell the pet owner what animals are located at the shelter. Find out the number of strays that are held at the shelter. In Maryland, strays are held at a shelter for three days. Go look for yourself. When pet owners talk to shelter officials, owners should ask about any animals that were found deceased in the owner’s neighborhood. This question needs to be asked. Next, pet owners should set up their yard in case the dog comes back. Dogs travel more at night than during the day. Set a bowl of food in the front and in the back of the home. Take flour and place the flour around the food—so when the pet comes to the food, the pet leaves a footprint. Leave something that smells like the pet owner at the feeding stations. Take bath towels, wipe down every person in the house, cut those towels into strips, and make trails from the home. Familiar smells, and food, show the dog where the owner wants them to be so the owner can find them. Groups like Dogs Finding Dogs can offer help and consultation. These organizations can also provide search teams to follow a dog’s footsteps. When these basic steps are used, the success rate increase to the 90-percentile range. Pet owners should remain calm and focused. Pet owners should not fill their minds with bad thoughts. Dogs can be found.

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Tori LOTTO Breed/Mix: Pit Bull Pit Bull Male/Female: Female Female Approximate Weight: 14 lbs 11 lbs Approximate Age: 4.5 Months 3 Months Activeness: High Energy High Energy Good w/Other Dogs: Yes Yes Good w/Children: Yes Yes Housebroken: In Progress In Progress Medical Issues: None None Feeding Issues: None None Special Needs: None None Vaccinations: Up-to-Date Up-to-Date Microchipped: Yes Yes Fun Facts: Tori & Lotto are both very fun loving, spunky & energetic puppies. They love to play with other dogs and absolutely love their toys. Tori already knows her basic commands, and Lotto is working on hers. They both love to snuggle and have quite time.

BRAG, Bully Rescue & Advocacy Group BRAG is a home-based rescue in the Richmond area with an ever expanding presence in Northern Virginia. BRAG works with local animal control in the surrounding areas by taking in homeless dogs from their shelters into their Rescue. By working with responsible foster homes, BRAG is able to provide the dogs with a loving environment which includes being kept indoors as a family pet, socialized, basic command and crate training. Through donations and funds provided by their volunteers, all animals rescued by BRAG are treated for any medical conditions, spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before being adopted into a well matched and carefully screened adoptive home.

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BRAG is an all-breed rescue with a soft spot in our hearts for the misunderstood bully breed dogs. Their goal is to help educate others and erase the negative stigma associated with “Pit Bull” dogs. BRAG also does outreach to the community to help owners who need assistance with food, routine care, training & fence building to help unchain dogs. Additional dogs in need of adoption include:

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Photos Courtesy of BRAG

Spring 2014 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com

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