VMDiva

The name Michael Vick tends to incite inflammatory conversations about the man’s widely publicized exploits in dog fighting rings. Pet owners nationwide were largely aghast that the Philadelphia Eagles would extend a contract to a man who was convicted of brutalizing pit bulls in 2009. Now, I don’t believe Michael Vick is any different from Baltimore Ravens infamous bad boy Ray Lewis, who’s rap sheet could circle the equator, just because his crime is against animals. They are both criminals who don’t deserve NFL contracts. I don’t believe either one of these men should be given the privilege of million dollar contracts, public notoriety, and a position as a role model for children. But that’s another conversation.

What I find more disturbing is that the Philadelphia Eagles awarded Vick the Ed Block Courage Award.  Are you serious, Philadelphia!? The Ed Block Courage Award is “given annually to a player who exemplifies commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage.” Vick is anything but courageous. Courage implies choice to persevere despite adversity. The only choice Vick made in this situation was to abuse and mutilate dogs. The law caught up with him and placed him behind bars for 18 months. There is nothing respectable nor courageous about serving your prison term.

“I’ve had to overcome a lot, more than probably one single individual can bear,” Vick said. “Take a look at what I’ve been through. You ask certain people to walk in my shoes, they probably couldn’t do it — probably 95 percent of the people in this world. Because nobody had to endure what I’ve been through — situations I’ve been put in, situations I’ve placed myself in, decisions that I’ve made — whether they were good or bad. There are always consequences behind certain things and there are repercussions behind them, too. Then you have to wake up every day and face the world, whether they perceive you in the right perspective or it’s a totally different outlook on you.”

Michael, you’re missing the point here entirely. People would not walk in your shoes let alone try them on! They would not beat, electrocute, and mutilate dogs for entertainment. I couldn’t walk in your shoes, not because I couldn’t endure prison, but because I could never have exhibited such blatant disrespect for life! And Michael, you don’t deserve to have a “right” public perception. I perceive you as a heartless, money hungry athlete who was willing to brutally sacrifice animals for cash and amusement.

And where does personal accountability come into play? He shows a glint of personal accountability but loses any credibility when he bookends his speech with his sob story about the challenge of living the life of a convicted felon. He wouldn’t have had nearly as much to overcome had he not continually recommitted himself to his dog fighting ring. Vick should never have gotten another opportunity to play professional sports, let alone an award for pulling himself out of the hole he dug with his own hands.

Philadelphia Eagles, you look like a bunch of Dodos.

I spent months dreaming up the names for my cats. No ordinary names would do. In the end, I kept the name Fox for my sneaky, pointy-nosed, red male. I did, however, rename my other chubby male from Winston, a regal deviation from his shelter name Cedar.

Many people name their pets using descriptive, cute names. These names, because of their mass appeal, result in names that are hackneyed.  For example, I can’t come close to counting the number of Chocolate Labs I see in my practice named Hershey or Cocoa. Then you have the calico named Callie, the Jack Russell Terrier named Jack, and the ever clever Deeogee (sound it out).  Over the years names like Max, Buddy, Fluffy, and Shadow have reigned supreme. While there will always be a place for those names, they have yielded to trendy names that sound more like a child’s name than a pet’s.

Perhaps the changing tide in pet names revolves around the changing perception of pet’s as family members. I’d never name a child based on his skin and hair color, but Pasty Toehead Koehl does have a ring to it.  Perhaps popular pet names merely lag behind popular people names. As Chloe, Zoe, Molly, and Maggie’s pet name popularity rises, their prominence as new baby names wanes. Or perhaps, we just can’t resist a cute little tabby named Daisy and a lumbering Golden Retriever named Charlie.

Check out the list of names below!

Petfinder.com Top Pet Names for 2009

For the third year in a row, the No. 1 and No. 2 names for dogs are “Buddy” and “Max.” “Lucy” took the No. 1 spot for cats, and “Smokey” came in as the second most popular feline-forename.  For the first-time in recent history, “Bella” made the list for both cats and dogs. After all, all pets are beautiful, right? (Check out 2008′s most popular pet name list.) Here’s the rest:

2009 Top 10 Most Popular Dog Names
1.  Buddy
2.  Max
3.  Daisy
4.  Lucy
5.  Charlie
6.  Bella
7.  Molly
8.  Jack
9.  Sadie
10. Lady

2009 Top 10 Most Popular Cat Names
1.  Lucy
2.  Smokey
3.  Midnight
4.  Bella
5.  Molly
6.  Daisy
7.  Oreo
8.  Shadow
9.  Charlie
10. Angel

Have a cute and original pet name? Leave it below!

Everyone knows if you are going to keep a New Year’s resolution you’re more likely to do it if others know of your plans.  I’d prefer to approach them as New Year’s goals…the places you want to take yourself in the coming year. I have high hopes for VMDiva.com in 2010!

2010 New Year’s Goals

• Write posts in more routine fashion, accelerating to daily postings
• Develop VMDiva Twitter account AND actually use it
• Apply for American Animal Hospital Association’s blogger position
• Develop and publish PDF technician lesson files
• Write and publish at least one news article

Cheers to a productive and prosperous 2010!

A lot happened in the veterinary community this year. Some news was widely published, like the emergence of swine flu and canine influenza, and other things seemed to slip under the radar. Reflecting on the implications of the changing veterinary world over the past year brings clarity and inspiration for 2010. The ever dynamic world of veterinary medicine affects every aspect of the world around it.  Below are some of the headlines we saw this year.

Swine Flu

If you haven’t heard of the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus you’ve been living under a rock. Swine flu emerged in April 2009 with the first cases erupting in Mexico. The first domestic cat with a confirmed case of H1N1 was reported in November 2009 followed  a month later by the first case in a domestic dog. In each of these cases, the pet contracted the influenza virus from its owner. There is no evidence of cat/dog to human transmission. Multiple swine herds were also affected in the United States.

Canine Influenza

If you missed the VMDiva article on canine influenza, read up! Canine influenza was not new in 2009, however, it gained national attention due to the ever expanding reach of the virus. By September 2009, over 30 states had reported cases of canine influenza.

Vetsulin^® No longer Available

Vetsulin^® insulin, produced by Intervet Schering-Plough, was recalled and veterinarians were advised to transition diabetic dogs and cats to alternative insulins. Vetsulin was one of the most widely used insulins in the veterinary field.

California Cities Rush to Ban Cat Declaws

Prior to legislative changes on January 1st, 2010 that would prevent cities and counties from regulating veterinary medicine practices, several California cities banned cat declaws. Included are Berkeley, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills. Both the American Veterinary Medical Association and the California Veterinary Medicine Association oppose the bans.

Court Denies Emotional Damages for Pet Loss

In a move that supports pets as property, a California court failed to award emotional damages for the death of a pet. An August 2009 ruling noted, “California law does not allow parents to recover for the loss of companionship of their children, we are constrained not to allow a pet owner to recover for loss of the companionship of a pet.”

Palladia Approved to Treat Inoperable Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs

Palladia (pdf), a new canine chemotherapeutic drug from Pfizer Animal Health, was approved by the FDA in June 2009. This drug is designed to treat mast cell tumors (MCT), a type of skin tumor that commonly metastasizes to the liver and spleen. This is the first veterinary specific chemotherapeutic for dogs on the market.

PETA Protests AVMA at Annual Conference

The annual AVMA conference was held in Seattle this year and PETA protested the aquaculture industry and the veterinary profession in response to the traditional “fish throwing” exhibition performed by the workers from Pike Place Fish Market during the conferences opening ceremonies. PETA representatives contended fish are “intelligent, sensitive animals” that should not be tossed. Author’s Note: The fish are always deceased prior to tossing and are then sold for human consumption.

Polo Horses Die From Drug Compounding Error

Twenty-one polo horses died at a Florida stable this April after they were given the incorrect dosage of a vitamin supplement. A compounding error accompanied by an illegal prescription for the drug catapulted this story into the headlines in April 2009.

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” -Norman Vincent Peale

From VMDiva to you and yours, Merry Christmas!

The University of Pennsylvania’s Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital is in the News for its free pet loss support group for owners of animals grieving the death of their furry family member.

The loss of a pet affects owners in different ways. The most important thing to remember is there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Some owners grieve by reliving happy memories and others need extra time to adapt to their loss.  For those who need some outside help, a pet bereavement group can provide a circle of friends who understand the emotions associated with the death of a pet. You don’t have to go it alone.

Check out these Pet Loss and Grief Support Websites

• Paws 2 Heaven
• Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
• Rainbow Bridge

With the holiday season upon us, it’s important to remember our furry friends and keep them safe! Below is a adapted list of holiday hazards from the American Animal Hospital Association. With a little preparation and pet proofing, the holidays can prove as enjoyable to your pets as they are to you!

Common Holiday Pet Hazards

Bones: The holiday turkey or chicken will leave a lot of tantalizing bones, but don’t feed them to your pet. Beware of steak bones, too. Small bones or bone chips can lodge in the throat, stomach, and intestinal tract.

Holiday Plants: Holly and mistletoe are extremely poisonous when eaten. The lovely poinsettia may not be truly poisonous but its milky white sap and leaves can certainly cause severe gastric distress. With so many hybrid varieties available each year, the best approach is to keep the plants out of your pet’s reach. Don’t forget lilies are toxic to our feline friends!

Electrical Cords: Holiday lights mean more electrical cords for kittens and puppies to chew. Be sure you have cords secured and out of the way.

Candles: Lighted candles should never be left unattended and that is even more important if left at kitty’s eye level or within puppy’s chewing zone. An exuberant tail or a swat of a paw can turn candles and hot wax into an instant disaster. Anchor candles securely and away from curious faces and feet.

Pine Needles: Check around holiday trees frequently. Ingested pine needles can puncture your pet’s intestines.

Christmas Tree: Make sure your tree is well secured. If you have a tree-climbing cat or large dog with a happy tail, anchor the top of the tree to the wall, using strong cord or rope. Preservatives often used in the water in a tree stand can cause gastric upsets, so be sure it is inaccessible or not used. Avoid sugar and aspirin additives in the water as well.

Ornaments: Sharp or breakable ornaments, dreidels, and even aluminum foil should be kept out of reach. String objects, especially tinsel and ribbons, are to be safeguarded at all costs. They are thin and sharp and can wrap around intestines or ball up in the stomach.

Stress and Company: With everyone coming and going, watch out for open doors and sneaky pets. Make sure your pets have updated collars and tags on in case of escape. Microchipping your pet will also help if your pet escapes. All pets should have at least two forms of id on them at all times. Ask guests to keep an eye out for pets under foot and remind them that sometimes your normally friendly dog or cat may be less than willing to deal with enthusiastic children and rooms full of unfamiliar people. Provide a special quiet place with a blanket and fresh water for your pets to retreat to when the festivities get too stressful.

• Before traveling with your pets, make sure they have all required vaccinations and health papers. If they are on medications, have enough to last  through the trip plus an additional 5 day supply to be safe.
• When traveling by air, be aware of airline restrictions regarding outside temperature and number of animals allowed per flight. Someone may have already booked a pet, and there are no more allowed. Each airline handles pet differently, please contact your carrier for more information.
• Remember that even the most gentle and trusting pet may bite when in pain. Train your dog to a basket muzzle by placing treats in the bottom of it. Basket muzzles provide protection for you and anyone else helping with your pet and allow them to pant and breathe easily. You can also use a soft towel or cloth strips and remove it as soon as possible so the pet can breathe more easily. When dealing with cats simply placing a thick towel over their head may calm them down and decrease the chances of being bitten.
• Too many treats during the holidays can expand your pet’s waist line, so monitor the amount of goodies and remember that food is not love and extra attention will give you the same reaction as a treat.

The recent ban on cat declaws in Berkeley and the current legislative efforts to create bans in other California towns may have unintended consequences. The concern with elective procedures such as cat declaws is a topic of debate within the veterinary profession.  Most veterinarians still perform declaws nationwide and help cat owners decide whether to pursue a declaw or not. Many owners who elect the have their feline friend declawed do so with full disclosure to the discomfort the cat will feel postoperatively. It is not a decision to be taken lightly. It is also not a decision to be made by bureaucrats.

Cats are destructive of no fault of their own. Cats sharpen their claws on the best available substrate, which unfortunately many times is your new sofa, clothing, moulding, etc. In a Utopian world, owners would have infinite tolerance for cat scratches and destructive behavior. We don’t live in Utopia. One can argue right or wrong but the issue remains. I fear many more cats will be forced outdoors where they face the perils of cars, predators, and disease. It is known outdoor cats have a significantly shorter lifespan than indoor cats. I also fear that more adult cats, and therefore less adoptable cats, will end up in a shelter situation. The repercussions of an influx of cats into a shelter will most likely result in an increase of euthanasias. I predict a repeal of the ban in several years.

Too often, as pets age, our mindsets change regarding how much financial and medical commitment we are willing to provide them. I hear all too frequently: “Well, he’s getting pretty old so I don’t want to run a bunch of tests. He certainly doesn’t need his vaccines and I don’t see the point in heartworm preventative.” While we can justify this line of thought, I challenge pet owners to approach their pet’s golden years from a different perspective.

Senior pets, just like senior citizens, require close monitoring to ensure their health does not fail prematurely. An old adage in veterinary medicine is that ‘Old Age is Not a Disease’.  Dogs are typically considered senior between 6-8 yrs of age with large breed dogs aging faster than small breeds. Cats are considered senior at 8 yrs of age.  Senior pets are more likely to develop common aging diseases such as heart disease, dental disease, osteoarthritis, thyroid disease, and early kidney disease. As pets age, their immune systems typically weaken preventing them from fighting infection as well as in the past. They slow down, spend a majority of their days sleeping, and sometimes struggle on cold days. They may develop a medical condition or two. But, with proper care, you can extend your pet’s quality of life by addressing these issues before they becoming life threatening. Below are a few ways you can stay on top of your senior pet’s health.

Twice Yearly Appointments

As you can imagine, an animal with a life expectancy of 12-14 years will age much more rapidly than a person with a life expectancy of 75-80yrs. Many health changes can be detected by your veterinarian based on your pet’s history and physical exam. At these appointments, do not be afraid to mention Fido’s difficulty getting up or Fifi’s ravenous appetite. Things you may think unimportant could signal disease to your veterinarian.

Senior Bloodwork

I cannot stress the importance of routine bloodwork enough. General health screen typically includes blood sugar, kidney and liver values, blood counts, thryoid values, and urinalysis. This bloodwork can detect sub-clinical disease processes like early kidney disease, mild thyroid disease, anemia, diabetes, among many others. This bloodwork is generally affordable and can prove invaluable if disease is detected early. Many diseases are treatable or manageable when detected early. A urinalysis can detect kidney disease before it is evident in bloodwork. Use a sealable plastic container to collect urine from your pet the morning of your appointment and take it along with you. Ask your veterinarian about screening bloodwork.

Vaccines and Preventatives

Vaccination protocol is not without controversy. There are several schools of thought concerning frequency of vaccinations in veterinary medicine, however, the vast majority of veterinarians agree that all pets should be vaccinated if their health allows. Senior pets are no exception. At minimum, all pets must be rabies vaccinated. This is the law. Even without the legal impetus, pet owners should ensure their senior pets are up to date on their rabies vaccine. A sad fact is that many animals will develop some degree of neurologic signs, from abnormal behavior to seizures, prior to their deaths. If your pet is not vaccinated for rabies, your veterinarian must consider the disease as she treats or euthanizes your pet. Rabies testing may be recommended. This is an avoidable scenario.

Heartworm and flea/tick preventatives are recommended irregardless of age. Discuss the remaining vaccinations and preventatives with your veterinarian to determine what protocol is best for your senior pet.

Follow Up!

If your sick senior pet sees the veterinarian, follow up! Stick with prescribed medications and, if financially feasible, pursue diagnostics. Call your veterinarian if you don’t understand the diagnosis or reason for testing. You and your veterinarian should work together to formulate a plan on how to extend your senior pet’s quality of life.

As pet’s age they rely on their owners to ensure a smooth transition from adult to senior life. Don’t undervalue the benefits of prompt and proactive care.

At the close of Veterinary Technician week, I want to extend a thank you to all the men and women who perform the duties of a veterinary technician. Technicians provide the backbone for veterinary work and without them I would not be able to perform my job as a veterinarian. Techs come from a variety of backgrounds. Some have little education while others have become certified after a couple of years of studying. Education level does not always indicate the quality of veterinary technician. Many non-certified techs practice at a level comparable to the best certified techs.

In the span of a day a veterinary technician may induce and monitor anesthesia, draw blood and place an IV catheter, wrestle a fractious dog, calculate and administer the correct dose of medication, and explain post-surgical instructions to pet owners. All this while running the risk of cat and dog bites and standing in the way of every bodily excrement imaginable.

Hats off to you, veterinary technicians!