VMDiva

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!

First of all, I have to admit I love putting the word testicle in a title because it tends to make folks squirm. A small dose of genital reality does a person good.

Months ago I castrated a unilateral cryptorchid kitten. Cryptorchidism is a condition where one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) testicles are retained internally instead of descending into the scrotum. During gestational development, the testicular tissue begins to form near the kidney. As the animal grows, the testicle will travel down a pathway to the scrotum. For mostly genetic reasons, some testicles do not descend properly. The condition is more common in dogs than cats and is more prevalent in purebreeds. Retained testicles are sterile and have a greater likelihood of developing cancer overtime given the abnormal temperature the tissue is kept at. Cryptorchidism is typically diagnosed during early puppy and kitten visits.

My patient came in for his surgery at six months of age. The scrotal testicle was removed via a normal castration. The rogue testicle couldn’t be located in the inguinal region so an abdominal incision was made. No testicular tissue, of normal or abnormal appearance, could be located. I certainly believe some form of atypical tissue was present, but ask any veterinarian who has surgically explored an abdomen and he/she will tell you it ain’t easy. Looking for small, sometimes millimeter-sized, pieces of atypical tissue is a challenge because soon after exploring the abdomen small pieces of fat, lymph nodes, and omentum begin to look suspicious. I removed what was probably a small lymph node and finished the surgery. The post-op conversation with his owner covered the likelihood that some testicular tissue was probably remaining and would be near impossible to find.

Jump ahead six months to an appointment with our feline friend. His owner reported he had mounted her arm and softly bit her, a typically sexual or dominance behavior for intact males. My impression as I entered the room was he had reached sexual maturity. His block-like head gave him the regal appearance of a tom cat. And the testosterone dependent spines on his penis were prominent. My friend was still producing testosterone but his owner insisted she didn’t want to pursue any testing or an exploratory surgery at that time.

A month later his owner noted he had begun spraying urine on vertical surfaces. Uh-oh. Urinalysis was normal. We had an in depth discussion that surgery may not yield the elusive testicular tissue and even if it does, the behavior may not stop. Inappropriate elimination can drive even the most determined owners to desperate measures.

Surgery is scheduled for next week. I’ll keep you posted.

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!

A Veterinary Medicine magazine article provides some good insights on approaches to puppy socialization. From the article…

The American Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) recently released a position paper outlining the importance of early puppy socialization, preferably before the puppy reaches 12 to 16 weeks old. Four veterinarians with extensive experience discuss early puppy socialization in a roundtable format.

Read the full article.

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.

You’re one step closer to admission to veterinary school and one thing remains: Your interview. The nausea-inducing most nerve wracking moment of your life. But with a little preparation it can prove successful. Here’s what you need to know:

Relax

If you approach your interview confidently, that confidence will be palpable to your interviewers.  A few deep breaths prior to your interview will help clear your head. Remember your interviewers understand your nervousness and won’t hold it against you. Every other applicant is as nervous as you.

Dress Well

Men should wear a suit and tie. Women should wear a suit, blouse and trousers, or blouse and skirt. Wear comfortable shoes as you may walk around the hospital and campus during your interview process. No Sneakers! Tattoos are becoming more acceptable and I have seen veterinary students with full sleeves of tattoos. Tattoos should not affect your interview unless you have a naked woman on your forehead. Piercings are prevalent but if you have excessive facial piercings consider taking the most unusual out prior to your interview.

Be prepared to discuss any grades below a “B” on your transcript

This one’s a gimme. You are being compared against the cream of the crop.

Focus on Your Interviewers

I have heard firsthand accounts from admission committees that, because the application process is so competitive, something as seemingly insignificant as looking at your watch during your interview can result in denial. Focus on your interviewers, make eye contact, and don’t fidget. Shake hands before and after the interview and thank them for their time. Don’t ask questions unless they ask if you have any, then, focus the questions on their professional lives. There is limited opportunity for written thank yous to your interviewers. You will be lucky if you remember what you said during your interview let alone the interviewer’s name. A written thank you can never hurt your chances and is always good etiquette.

Be prepared to Answer the Obvious Questions

• Why do you want to be a veterinarian?
• What sets you apart from other applicants? What contributions can you make to the veterinary field?
• Tell me about your most memorable experience while working with a veterinarian?
• Are you a member of PETA? Do you oppose lab animal use?
• If you are a cat breeder, you’d better be able to name breeds of cats.

Take Your Time to Think About the Less Obvious Questions

• What was the most difficult moment in your life?
• How does your background influence how you approach the human-animal bond?
• What do you do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies?
• What is the last book you read?

Not every applicant is given the chance to interview. Knock ‘em dead!

Changing ideas on work and life have been festering in the veterinary field for years. The now female dominated profession (80% of new graduates are women) has swung the pendulum back in the direction of family oriented work schedules. Most new graduates do not want, nor will they accept, jobs that require the 60-80 hour weeks the baby boomer generation has set forth. They are looking for a reasonable and oftentimes flexible schedule to adequately balance against family life. Baby boomers, the typical demographic for male practice owners, have had mixed receptions to this idea.  Some have acknowledged that “old way” of practicing veterinary medicine with all night surgeries and lack of sleep coupled with strained family relations is not only undesirable but sometimes detrimental. This is especially the case when a woman must consider balancing work with raising children. Others cling to the mantra “I paid my dues, so should she” or “This generation is lazy.” These ideas are preposterous. The push toward family life comes from the children of the divorced parents from the 70′s and 80′s. Perhaps this new generation sees the strain living the “veterinary lifestyle” can have on a relationship. All this being said I came to realize: It’s going to be difficult converting the older clientele to this idea as well.

I recently had a client demand, rather belligerently, that because she was such a good client she deserved another veterinarian’s home phone number so she could call on weekends. Huh? Had my customer service skills failed, I would have retorted with “Do you know your physician’s home phone number? How about your dentist’s?” Regrettably, I refrained. After mulling this over, I realized there is a population of veterinary clientele who have grown accustomed to having their veterinarian available at all times. While this may have been a necessity years ago, the advent of overnight emergency clinics and referral hospitals makes this obsolete. I would much rather have my own pets at a 24 hour care facility being treated and monitored by veterinarians who haven’t just rolled from bed. I would also much rather have a client’s pet, who is sick enough they called me in the middle of the night/weekend, at a facility where it can receive continuous supervised care. This is in the animal’s best interest.

Veterinarians too long have positioned themselves differently from other medical professionals: cramming in extra appointments, working a full day then getting up in the middle of the night for emergency calls, never refusing an emergency.  These, one can argue, are good qualities. I agree to a limit. Knowing when to defer, when to refer, and when to confer is equally important. Your family doctor does not meet you at the office at 10pm. If you call with an illness, you are sent to the well staffed emergency room ready to handle any illness. To be treated as a knowledgeable professional one must behave like one.

Veterinarians must maintain a balance between work and personal life or we will see the same high turnover and burnout that has afflicted many before us.