Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Expert information on medicine, behavior and health from a world leader in veterinary medicine Vol. 19. No.6 ~ June 2015

Pet Industry Sales Break Record 2 Pursuing a Cure for Mammary Cancer However, one niche surprisingly posts a nearly 4percent decline. A Cornell study identifies a drug that seems to kill Sniffing Out Thyroid Cancer 2 cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected Apreliminary study found scent­ trained can detect the disease. ornell researchers studying ing drug that seems to kill off ca­ No First Aid for Snakebites 3 Ccanine mammary cancer have nine mammary cancer cells while TechnIques are useless at best set an ambitious agenda. They leaving healthy cells unaffected. and at worst can cause injury. hope that their ongoing work Ask the Experts 8 will lead to better di- Malignant Tumors. The What causes a labrador to whine agnosis, treatment drug inhibits certain enzymes, nearly nonstop on car rides? and prevention called peptidylarginine deimi­ ------1 of breast tumors nase (PAD), which tend INTHE NEWS ... both in dogs and to be over expressed Raising Awareness About humans. Much of (increased) in canine Begging and Obesity's Risks their interest lies in mammary tumors. how a novel class Toy are among breeds vulnerable About half of these Despite the consequences of drugs affects to cancer. mammary tumors of obesity, up to 59 percent of breast cell tumors. are malignant, and they dogs are overweight, according In a collaborative study funded by the are the most frequently diagnosed cancer in to the American An imal Hospita l Morris Animal Foundation, Assistant Pro­ unspayed female dogs. Association. It lists the effects in fessor Gerlinde Van de Walle, DVM, Ph.D., "If you can identify certain enzymes that "Weight Management Guidelines for and Associate Professor Scott Coonrod, are over- or linder-expressed in tumors, those Dogs and " in the Journal of the Ph.D., both working at the Baker Institute can be targets for the development of both AAHA:chronic infiammation caused for Animal Health, have identified a prom is- diagnostics and treatments," Dr. Van de Walle by fat tissue releasing hormones and (COil till ued Oil page 4) proteins called cytokines, skin and respiratory disorders. renal dysfunc­ !Ton, dfatJetes and orthopediC disease. Promoting Mobil-ty, Mana ing Pain -----" The AAHA acknowledges weight management is achallenge. Many Rehabilitation goes mainstream as Cornell offers therapies owners - 39 percent in one study - believed their , deemed over­ from lasers and platelet-rich plasma to electrical stimulation weight by his , was an acceptable weight. eterinarians at universities and specialty Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. He heads The guidelines go into technical V practices across the country today offer the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Service detail on topics such as daily protein a range of therapies from stem cell therapy to at Cornell University Hospital for Animals. "If requirements but also offer practical traditional massage in the growing field of ani­ people come back qUicker and better after reha­ advice for owners, especially in deal­ mal rehabilitation. Advocates say the therapies bilitation, why wouldn't a or dog?" ing with begging.They say that, when can help dogs recover from surgery, arthritis nutrient and calorie needs are met, pain, obeSity and neurological diseases that Healing Benefits. In fact, pet owners "Begging is behavior, not nutritional affect mobility. who have experienced the healing benefits of or hunger-related." The substitutes: "Medical doctors send patients to physical physical therapy are more likely to seek it for play, grooming, wa lk s, affection; food therapy after orthopedic injuries, surgery and their pets. The American Veterinary Medical ba llsand puzzles; providing a portion heart attacks," says Joseph Wakshlag, DVM, Association approved rehabilitation and sports of the diet as treats and serving more Ph.D., ACVN, one of 142 specialists in the U.S. medicine as a specialty in 2010. (The term physi­ frequent but smaller mea ls. •:. certified by the American College of Veterinary cal therapy is limited to humans.) Cornell has (coll tinued Oil page 6) DOGWatch SHORT TAKES One Category Declines as Pet provide care for their pets and younger EDITOR IN CHIEF Generation Y owners, those variously William H. Miller, Jr., VMD, Industry Sales Hit aRecord High described as between 21 and 35 years of Dipl ACVD, Professor, Spendi ng on pets continues to exceed CImical Sciences almost all other retail sales in the US., with age, who prefer the conven iences of high ­ EDITOR tech and pampering products and services, Betty Liddick an increase of 4.2 percent last year. Total up owners' expenses for pet food, veterinary Vetere says. ART DIRECTOR Mary Francis McGavic care, services and supplies like over-the­ counter medications, beds, bowls, collars ADVISORY BOARD Sniffing Out Cancer James A. Flanders, DVM, and toys, and they top $58 billion - an Add thyroid cancer to the growing list Dipl ACV ,Associate Profes

~o r infmmation on pet health, about the decline include a change in the in a very large background of benig n nod­ visit the ComellUniversity type of pets available from shelters, a grow­ ules. It is also difficult to say with certainty College ofVeterinary Merirein ing number of pet sale bans and longer pet web~lle al www.ver. comell.edu that a patient is cancer-free after surgery," lifespans due to improved healthcare. says Donald Bodenner, MD, Ph.D., director of Shelters often report an over-popu lation the Thyroid Center at the university. "Having in the most difficult pets to place such as a technique with which to do these th ings big black dogs, pit-bull types, seniors and with a higher degree of certainty would be special needs dogs. a tremendous advance in thyroid ca ncer." DogWQILh" (ISSN' 1O'J3­ Increases in spending are being led by 2639) rs published both ends of the pet-ow ning spectrum The researc hers' next step is to validate _ mtln hl~ lor S39pe,ye I :]_ by Belvoir Media Group, - aging baby boomers paying more to their study with Auburn Un iversity's Canine Uc. 535 Connectrcur BCI\Olf Ave,Norwalk.G06854­ Pe rformance Sciences 171J Robert Englander, Charrman and GO;TimOtr,y H, Cole, program in the College ExeculiVE' Vice Presrdenl, Edr[Orial Director, Phil; . L Penny,Cillef Upel \rng of Veterinary Medicine Ofncer. Gre Kin ,ExecutM' V,ee President, Marketing Director; Ron using dogs speCifica lly GoldbeH} Chicffina cial ffieer; Torn Canfiel ,Vice Pre5ldent,CirClJla!iofi bred for detection tl2D15 BelvOir Med.a Group, lie rather than the strays Postm ste r: Send address corrections to DogWatCh. PO. Box 8535, Big Sandy. TX and other dogs 75755-8535. they used . •:. For Customer Service or Subscription informat ion, visit www.dogwachnewsletrer.com/cs Or call toll free 800-829-5574. When presented with Express written permission IS three urine samples, equlred to reproduce, In any manner, the contents of rhl5 issue, Sophia alertS to [he one either In full or in Dart. For more with thyroid cancer cells informarion. write to Permissions, by lying down next to i . DogWatch', 535 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk, Connecticut 06854-1713 . DOGWatch JUNE 2015 SAFETY Don't Try First Aid for Snakebites Techniques are worthless at best and at worst cause injury - go to an ER clinic for antivenom

f a venomous snake bites your dog Southeast and in the Western U.S .," Dr. I while you're out on a walk, his life can Schaer says. "And although you probably quickly be in danger. The safest course wouldn't find venomous snakes in down­ ofaction: Don't attempt outdated first­ town Orlando, snakes can live almost aid measures such as application of a anywhere, particularly in rural areas. tourniquet or an incision to remove the One issue is that human development venom with suction. The venom will have has encroached so much on the snake's already been absorbed, and tourniquets habitat that snakes in some regions have Keep your dog leashed on hikes in fields and can compromise blood circulation, caus­ been pushed to the limits of their ecosys­ woods, avoiding rocks, bushes. grassy trails and ing severe injury. tems." Today rattlesnakes can be found other shelters for snakes. "Go straight to your nearest emergency throughout the continental U.S . animal clinic - the faster, the better. Pit vi­ "Dogs most often get bitten in the per venom can impede blood coagulation Retractable Fangs. Pit vipers inflict face, so the face is frequently the first and cause red blood cell and tissue destruc­ the most venomous snake bites in North body area to swell up." Dr. Schaer says. tion, while coral snake venom can render America. Those in the Southeast include "The severity of envenomation varies ac­ the victim unable to move or breathe," says rattlesnakes, water moccasins and cop­ cording to the type ofsnake, the venom Michael Schaer DVM, ACVIM, ACVECC, perheads, all with triangular heads, dose and the victim's general health." emeritus professor and adjunct professor retractable fangs and heat-sensing de­ In some cases, signs of coral snake in emergency medicine and critical care at pressions, or pits, between the eyes and envenomation might not appear for the University ofFlorida College of Veteri­ nostrils. "Pit vipers can actually control hours, but in the case of pit v.ipers, most nary Medicine. He has studied poisonous the amount of venom they give off," Dr. victims show signs within the first 30 snakebites and treated them in dogs from Schaer says. "If they feel very threatened, minutes. They include shock, listless­ Poodles to Great Danes. they can unload a huge dose." ness, muscle tremors, nausea, vomiting Elapids, another type ofsnakes, include and difficulty breathing. Now's the Season. Snakebites tend coral snakes - members ofthe cobra fam­ Most emergency veterinary clinics to be seasonal and regional, frequently ily with potent neurotoxic venom. They stock antivenom. However, particularly occurring from spring through au­ have short, fixed fangs in the upper jaw. in the Northeast, where snakebites are tumn. "TIle incidence is highest in the "Encounters with these snakes are less rare, most private practice common because they are shy creatures don't carry antivenom because of its ex­ that prefer to be left alone," Dr. Schaer says. pense. "It can run anywhere from $400 KHP HIM ON A ~HORT lEASH He's found the most common scenar­ to $1,000 per-vial. And a snake-bitten pet io for a bite is when a dog notices a snake may require anywhere from one to 20 or Let common sense be you r guide in protectin g your dog from in his yard and tries to remove it from his more vials, depending on the severity of snakebites: territory. "The dog sees the snake as an the bite," Dr. Schaer says. invader. The snake, of course, tries to de­ • Don't hike with him near fend itself. But it is always the pet that is Expensive Antidote. ProdUCing an­ sn akes' favored haunts, such pursuing the snake, not vice versa." tivenom is costly and labor-intensive, as log s, rocks, bushes and Owners will often witness a snakebite involving "milking" venom from live grassy ualls. to their dog, but even when they don't, snakes, then injecting it in small, increas­ • Don't walk at night in areas the signs of envenomation - poisoning ing dosages to horses, sheep and other kn own to have venomous - should be well recognized by an expe­ animals owned by drug companies, Dr. snakes. They're nocturnal. rienced veterinarian. These include low Schaer says. "In response, those animals • Keep your dog on leash ­ blood pressure, weakness, blood coagula­ produce antibodies. Once a high enough ideally Six-foot rather tha n a tion problems causing bleeding from the antibody level is reached, the animals' flexible one. Snakes can strike puncture wounds and sometimes else­ blood is drawn, purified and used to half the length of their body. where in the body. Snakes can bite several make antivenom." times if they feel especially threaten~d . (colltinu ed all bottom ofpage 7)

JU NE 20 15 www .dogwatchn ewlletter.com 3

- - - ~ -- I RESEARCH

MAMMARY .. (conlirzuedfrom cover) CHARACTERISTICS says. "These studies are all still in vitro OF THE TUMORS (occurring in a laboratory setting), but the effects of the PAD inhibitors seem A veteri narian should evaluate consistent and definitely have potentiaL" al l can in e mam mary tumors to An estimated 25 percent of un­ determine if they are malignant spayed female dogs will develop a or beni gn. Tumors ca n vary in mammary tumor during their lifetime. size and appearance: The tumors can be aggressive, easily A veterinary appointment is warranted spreading to surrounding tissue, lymph • The mammary gland might if you notice lumps around your dog's mam­ nodes and the . The median age have a single or multiple mary glands. An examination is also impor­ of dogs with canine mammary gland masses. About half of dogs tant every six to 12 months as a dog ages. cancer is 10 to 11 years. The cancer can have multiple tumors. also develop in younger dogs and, in • Superficia l loss of tissue on the surface of the skin over the mammary rare but serious cases, male dogs. gland may be apparent. often with inflammation. Drs. Van de Walle and Coonrod • Tumors fixed to the underlying tis sues or body wal l ar more likely to be have undertaken related studies, also malignant but a malignant tumor can also be freely movable. funded by the Morris Animal Founda­ tion, in which they are investigating a different enzyme, spleen tyrosine ki­ SYK in both canine and human mam­ inch) - in dogs," Dr. Balkman says. "It is nase (SYK), and its role in canine and mary cancer cells, at least under labora­ important to for owners to take their pets human . They found that tory conditions. to a veterinarian if they notice any lumps the SYK gene is "turned off" in mam­ in the region of the mammary glands. mary cancer cells from dogs as well as Cross-Species Effect. These studies It's also important to have a veterinarian humans. If researchers can uncover seek to better understand the underlying examine their pet every six to 12 months why and how the gene is suppressed, causes and indicators of breast cancer, as they get older." they could devise a way to and apply the knowledge from one spe­ Owners can playa valuable role in turn it back on . cies to another. Such cross-species com­ early detection by routinely screening for In this regard, Dr. Van de Walle parisons are also being pursued in cats. lumps on their pets' undersides, particu­ evaluated the drug 5-Azacytidine, mar­ Mammary gland tumors are a diverse larly around the nipples. keted as Vidaza. It's used in the treat­ group of tumors with a wide range of bio­ ment of certain human cancers and can logic behaviors, especially in dogs, says Excessive Licking. In some cases, successfully increase the expression of Cheryl Balk man, DVM, ACVIM, a spe­ dogs might exceSSively lick or groom cialist in small animal internal medicine small mammary tumors, which can and oncology and Senior Lecturer and become infected and begin to emit a Section Chiefof Oncology at Cornell. strong odor. Often, dogs with small The range makes diagnosis and tumors show no other symptoms of treatment all the more challenging. disease, but as the tumor grows and "Researchers continue to work on clas­ the spreads, general signs sifying these tumors to better predict of poor health, like weight loss or leth­ their behavior in the patient by investi­ argy, will become evident. gating molecular profiles and receptor The underlying causes of canine expression of these tumors, as is done mammary gland cancer are unknown, in people," Dr. Balkman says. "But as of but the disease likely involves both yet, there isn't a commercial test avail- genetic and environmental factors. All ~ able, and work continues." breeds of dogs are vulnerable, but cer­ .2' ~ Like breast tumors in humans, ca- tain breeds have a higher prevalence.

An evaluation of Vidaz.a at Cornell showed nine mammary tumors start as small These include Boston and Fox Terriers, the drug can increase the expression of the SYK lumps beneath or next to a dog's nipple. Brittany and Cocker Spaniels, English gene, which is tur ned off in human and feline "The most important thing for owners Setters, Pointers and Miniature and ma mmary ca ncer ells, ar leas! in the laboratory. to know is that pets have a better prog­ Toy Poodles. Researche rs want to know why the gene Is sup­ nosis when the tumors are small - less Hormones also seem to playa sig­ pressed and devise a way to turn it on. than three centimeters [slightly over an nificant role. Dr. Balkman notes that it

4 DOGWatch JUNE 2015 RESEARCH is very rare for mammary gland tumors to develop in dogs who have been spayed early in life, such as before the first heat cycle, which usually occurs around 6 months of age. "This is one of the best ways to prevent these tumors from de­ veloping," she says. In fact, spaying be­ fore the first heat cycle has been shown to reduce the risk of mammary cancer in dogs to .5 percent. Spaying after the first cycle reduces the risk to 8 percent.

Essential Tests. When a small lump is identified, veterinarians typically use a fine-needle aspirate to determine if the mass is cancerous. Ifcancer is suspected or confirmed, they might also perform a fine-needle aspirate of nearby lymph nodes to determine if the mass has spread. "Because such tumors can spread to the lungs or other organs, chest X-rays Gerlinde Van de Walle, DVM, Ph.D., here with Scott Coonrod, Ph.D., examines stainings on mammary tissues to evaluate the effect of enzymes. should be taken to check for that pos­ sibility," Dr. Balkman says. "Blood work is also recommended as a health screen Because some mammary tumors However, a new agent, prior to anesthesia for surgery." in dogs are aggressive and have a high Paccal Vet, is now being marketed for Treatment will depend on the size risk of spreading, treatment with che­ canine mammary tumors (see sidebar). of the tumor, the extent to which it has motherapy may be considered to try to "Hopefully over the next few years, we spread and the dog's overall health. If slow their reach. "Further studies are will be able to determine how effective the tumor is confined to the mammary needed to determine the appropriate this drug is against canine mammary glands, a veterinarian will likely recom­ chemotherapy that can provide a strong tumors," Dr. Balkman says. mend a mastectomy, the removal of the survival advantage, as currently this The expense ofdiagnOSiS and treat­ entire breast. data is limited," Dr. Balkman says. ment ofmammary tumors varies with each patient. Evaluation typically costs $200 to $600, and the cost ofsurgery, depending on ANEW CHEMOTHERAPV DRUG INTRODUCED its extent to completely remove the tumor, ranges from $1 ,500 and $3,000 at Cornell. IbaFQOQ and Dr u g-Adm i n i st,a tio n ~ Center for Veterinary Medicine last year As in humans, the prognosiS for a ogs conditiorl ally approved Pacca l Vet-CAl , a chemothera py drug intended to depends heavily on how soon the disease treat dogs wi th mammary cancer and squamous cell carcinaoma of the skin. is caught. The outlook is guarded for dogs The "CAl " designation means the approval is the drug's firs t condition ­ with large tumors with a high degree of all y approved ap pl ication and all ows the ma rl ufacturer to market it before malignancy, especially if the cancer has meeting the sta ndard of effectiveness fo r full approval. Th e company has spread. In those cases, survival may be shown that, when used acco rding to the label, the drug is safe and has a only a few months. If, however, treatment "reasonable expectation of effec ti veness," the FDA says . begins early - when the tumors are "Pa cca l Vet-CA1 is the fi rst veteri nary drug to uti li ze paclitaxel, one of the small and before the cancer has spread to mos t fre quently used chemotherapeutics fo r the rrea tment of a wide range the lymph nodes or lungs - the survival of cancers in humans for the past 20 yea rs," says th e ma nufacturer, Oasmia chances are favorable, with some dogs Ph armaceu ti ca l A8 in Uppsa la, Sweden . living several years after the complete re­ The drug, given in traven ously, is based on the plant substa nce paclitaxel. moval ofa malignant mammary tumor. After a year, th e manufacturer can ask for annual conditional ren ewal for As research continues at Cornell and up to fou r more years. The company must collect data during that time to other institutions, advanced diagnostics prove the drug meets the effectiveness standard for fu ll approval. and treatments could be on the horizon to improve the outlook even further. -:.

JUNE 20 15 www .do gwatch news lette r.com 5 REHABILITATION

THERAPIES... (continued/rom the cover) well-researched of the complementary and injecting them into damaged tis­ offered rehabilitation for some time but therapies, says Narda Robinson, DVM, sue may promote healing, reduce pain recently renamed the program, formerly director of the Colorado State University and inflammation, and repair dam­ known as pain management. Center for Comparative and Integrative aged tissue, cartilage or bone. Among the advanced techniques Pain Management. Studies on acupunc­ • TIlerapeutic ultrasound: High­ Cornell offers is platelet-rich plasma ture's effectiveness in treating chronic pain frequency sound waves stimulate tis­ (PRP) therapy, which has been gaining span a range of species, from rats to cats, sues to help increase blood flow, reduce popularity in human medicine, especially dogs, horses and humans, she says. swelling and gently massage muscles, for its use among professional athletes. Rehabilitation specialists treat dogs tendons and ligaments. It can also help Specialists take a concentration of the with complicated fractures, limb amputa­ speed healing, reduce pain and relieve dogs' platelets - small blood cells that tions, neurological disorders and deformi­ tight muscles and tissues. contain lots of growth factors in their ties that cause problems with limb usage. • Electrical stimulation for pain and blood - and inject or deliver them into For instance, dogs who have undergone an neurologic problems. Therapists ap­ the tendon or joint space to promote ply an electrical current on the skin healing of tendons or cartilages. to help nerve regeneration after back "This short procedure - usually less surgery, relieve chronic pain, especiaJJy than an hour - may be suggested for in geriatric pets with spinal arthritis, cruciate ligament tears, osteoarthritis promote mobility and prevent muscle and other joint or tendon injuries, and we atrophy from disuse. Certain electrical think we are seeing favorable results," Dr. stimulation therapy causes the muscle Wakshlag says. "The department is doing to contract rhythmically to increase an ongoing study ofPRP on arthritics and contractions so it doesn't atrophy. "We stifles (knees), typically cruciate injuries, use electrical stimulation therapy for and results appear promising." chronic pain relief in just about any When patients arrive at the Rehabilita­ geriatric animal who's got chronic back tion Service, therapy typically starts with pain, for muscle and neurogenic pain evaluating their range of motion in the relief," Dr. Wakshlag says. affected areas. "We also measure muscle • Exercise regimens, such as stepping mass, girth and fitness, and then we try to over cavaletti (jump) poles, walking up improve on all those," Dr. Wakshlag says. Results appear promising on a Cornell study or down steps or standing on wobbler on he effects of platelet-rich plasma therapy "We try to rebuild muscle and improve on arthritis and knee injuries, says Joseph boards helps improve the perception range of motion and, in effect, the joint, so Wakshlag, D M. Ph.D., director of the Sports of movement and spatial orientation, we tend to use many different therapies, Medicine and Rehabilitation Service. coordination and strength. including home exercise programs. • Massage: Rubbing and kneading amputation must learn how to walk on muscles and joints can relieve pain and Varied Patients. "We see the gamut of three legs. relax contracted muscles. patients. For some owners, it's just a matter Among other techniques that Cornell • Underwater creadmtils help spmal ofgetting a dog back and walking. For oth­ offers dogs are: cord patients because they create ers, it's a matter of getting them back into buoyancy, and dogs move better agility. The expectations are highly variable, • Laser therapy for pain and healing. in water than on land. Resistance depending on the patient and the injury." In Class IV laser therapy, which has generated by walking in water also Veterinarians may experiment with long been used on human patients, increases muscle strength and helps different therapies to find the one or a the specialist directs an intense beam patients with neurological deficien­ combination of several that works for indi­ of light into tissues to reduce swelling, cies move with ease. Nine out of vidual dogs. Many rehabilitation therapies increase circulation or block a nerve's 10 dogs do well on the underwater appear to have benefits, though few studies ability to send a pain signal to the treadmill, Dr. Wakshlag says. Stan­ have been done to confirm their effects, Dr. brain. Veterinarians apply it for wound dard treadmill therapy continues Wakshlag says. "But exercise ofjust about healing and inflammatory conditions to be popular for conditioning and any kind just plain makes sense, and we in the elbow, stifle or lower back. It also building strength. try to use ones that work specific muscle can be helpful for spinal cord injuries groups in safe and effective ways." in smaIl dogs. The University of Tennessee, the first The ancient Chinese therapy ofacu­ • Stem cell therapy: Isolating stem cells institution in the U.S. to offer certifica­ puncture, which Cornell also offers, is the from a dog's fat tissue or bone marrow tion courses in animal rehabilitation, has

6 DOGWatch JUNE 20 15 REHABILITATION

Treadmills tend to be helpful For conditioning Swimming helps cardiovascular fitness Wobbler boards help Improve strength, and building strength. and encourages the bending of joints. balance and perception of movement.

graduated more than 850 individuals from get around. This is part of the reason the ACVSMR (American College ofVet­ it.s program since it began in ~001. Marti that Nestle Purina PetCare is fuoding a erinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilita­ Drum, DVM, Ph.D., a clinical assistant residency position at Cornell in Canine tion) specialists. They may be able to add professor at the University's College of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dr. few years to your dog's life and help him Veterinary Medicine in Knoxville, most Wakshlag says. "Exercise and dietary rediscover life again." commonly treats traumatic orthopedic changes often go hand in hand." Some of the rehabilitation service's injuries such as pelvic fractures, deranged Obese dogs with painful arthritis can most successful cases were geriatric pa­ stifles - in which all the ligaments of the also benefit from supplements with anti­ tients whose owners were considering knee are traumatically torn - and spinal inflammatory effects such as fish oil or euthanasia because of their dogs' poor cord injuries. But many senior dogs could glucosamine-chondroitin. health and mobility, Dr. Wakshlag says. benefit from rehab, she says. Owner participation is often a sig­ "We made very positive advancements One reason: It is estimated up to 20 nificant part of rehabilitation. At-home as far as the pets' ability to get up, get percent of adult dogs have arthritis in exercises can include stretching to keep down, being active and mobile when one or more joints, which can be exacer­ joints flexible, applying heat or ice to in­ they were potentially at the end of their bated by obesity. Massage, exercise and jured areas to improve blood flow (heat) life. We gave them more time." .:. stretches keep joints flexible, while a diet and reduce inflammation (ice), and walking on air mattresses. Some owners plan from a rehab specialist can help HOW TO FIND ASPECIALIST reduce excess weight. build ramps and encourage their dogs to Diet is important since carrying walk up and down them for treats. Ask your dog's veterinarian to extra weight makes rehabilitation more Age is not a disease, Dr. Wakshlag recommend a sp cial ist in reha­ difficult. "A strict diet plan is often part says. "Many ailments that come with bilitation.The American College of the rehabilitation plan and all rehab aging are definitely treatable, and this of Veterinary Sports Medicine and f------sue tHlIs(S'cnr weti versed tn ubesny extra attention to details regarding ltenabilitation (http://vsmwrg/) management as part of their training," movement, behavior and pain manage­ and the University ofTennessee Dr. Wakshlag says. ment is all part of this growing area of (www.utc.edu/Faculty/David­ rehabilitation in our family pets. As Levine/) websites list facil ities and Dietary Changes. Many dogs are so your dog ages and doesn't do the things individuals offering services. overweight that it's difficult for them to that he or she used to do, look up one of

SAFETY

SNAKEBITES.. .(continu ed from page 3) tion and cardiac issues. If these worsen, 2-year old Labrador mix named Cali In difficult cases, a dog may need more anti venom may be needed." needed more than 22 vials of antivenom intravenous fluids, antibiotics, oxygen The prognosis for snake-bitten dogs as part of her treatment. "She survived, and pain medication in addition to anti­ is guarded. "All in all, roughly 5 to 20 against all odds," he says. "As a result, she venom. "A severely envenomated pet may percent of dogs may not survive," Dr. became kind ofa media star, appearing need six to eight vials over the first three Schaer says. But sometimes there's an on YouTube and even on the local news to four hours," Dr. Schaer says. "The pet unexpected happy ending when the ini­ - a truly amazing dog belonging to a is re -assessed after each dose for coagula- tial signs had been life threatening. One lovely and caring family." .:.

JUNE 2015 www .dogwatc hn l!ws letter.com 7 What Causes aLab to Whine to deal with this is to take him places that he Nearly Nonstop on Car Rides? will love - the dog park, hiking trail, his favor­ ite dog-friend's house. As long as the ratio of I have a 7-year-old chocolate Lab. When I happy trips to fearful trips is high, he should Q put him in the car for a ride, he whines and gradually begin to relax in the car. whines. Probably takes him 30 to 45 minutes Many dogs whine with frustration because before he lies down. Is there anyway to stop his they want to interact with other dogs, people whining, and is there an explanation for this? or even cars they see out the windows. This can be dealt with by simply obscuring his A whine is a high-pitched vocalization view. A covered crate is the best and safest that a dog usually makes with his mouth way. You can block his ability to see out the closed. He may whine because he feels unwell windows, but that will obscure your view, or is frustrated in trying to reach something or Katherlne A. Houpt, too, Sometimes a blanket between the front VMD, PhD.,here with be somewhere else. Most commonly whining and the back seat is enough. A Thundercap is her West Highland is an attention-seeking behavior. If you pay White Terrier, Yuki, another way to reduce visual stimulation. It is a provided the answer attention by saying "What do you want?" or veil over the dog's head that limits his ability to 01 1 his page Dr. Houpt "Poor dog" or even "Shut up!," you will reward is a diplomate of the see. If he can't see the things he might like to him with attention. So don't respond to whin­ American College ot chase, he will not whine. Veterinary Behaviorists ing, especially in the car. and empritus professor He also should have been wearing a seatbelt If he whines because of car or motion sick­ a C.O nell University for safety reasons. If he is wearing a seatbelt, he Co ll ege of Veterinary ness, he will probably have his ears down, tail Medicine. cannot hurt himself, hurtle across the car during down if not tucked and his body generally a collision or jump on you, causing an accident. Please Share Your Quesrions lowered. Note if he is salivates more than usual, Many seatbelts are available from simple bun­ We welcome queHlol1'. of which is another sign of motion sickness. Of general In efest on he'"llh, gee cords to elaborate padded harnesses. medicine and ehavior course, if he is particularly sick, he will vomit, You have several ways to calm a dog in a car: We rearel iH)wE",eT. thdl we .. ar,no uJmmenl on but many dogs in a car are a little queasy and one tactile, one auditory and two olfactory. The ;pelific produc ts and do not vomit. There are medications that your Pfll'r diagno~ps. Please tactile treatment is a Thundershirt wrapped $pno Lorrespondenu, 10 dog's veterinarian can prescribe for carsickness. snugly around him with Velcro straps, It tends to DDtJWarch Ediror Cerenia is the trade name of one medication. calm and reassure some dogs. We have talked 35 CC1I1necricui Ave. A 7-year-old Labrador is reaching the age about decreasing visual stimulation already, but Norwalk, CT 06854 Of email dogwotched1101@ when he is in danger of several old-dog dis­ dogs also are calmed by music. Classical music Lornell edu eases - from obesity to kidney disease and is much better than heavy metal that tends to arthritis, To rule out other illnesses, be sure to agitate the dog as well as the driver. COMING UP ••• have your dog examined by his veterinarian The olfactory treatments are lavender and and ask that blood tests be run. dog-appeasing pheromones. Essence of lav­ A more likely reason for whining is that he is ender, not just a spritz of lavender cologne, anticipating the end of the journey. There are has been shown to calm dogs in the car. Dog­ two kinds of anticipation: joyful and fearful. If appeasing pheromone is a synthetic version of most of his trips in the car end at the groomer, an odor produced by a female dog when she the boarding kennel or (shudder) the veterinar­ nurses puppies. It is available as the Adaptil collar ian, he may be whining with worry. One way from veterinarians and pet stores. Good luck! .:­

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8 DOGWatch JUNE 2015