Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Expert information on medicine, behavior and health from a world leader in veterinary medicine VoL 19, No, I -> January 2015

Targeting 'Fake' Service Dogs 2 Debunking the Dominance Theory Guide Dog Users Inc. steps up its efforts to raise awareness about them, It's based on bad science, often about wolves, and can Two Major Health Studies Begin 2 be counterproductive and dangerous used in training Funding goes to support research on epilepsy and hypothyroidism, he use of dominance in Katherine A. Houpt, VMD, Those Dead Skin Cells: Dandruff! 3 T dog training - or rather Ph.D., emeritus professor at (ommonly known as seborrhea, the a misinterpretation of it - has Cornell University College condition can be inherited or acquired, given rise to some silly advice: of Veterinary Medicine. Daisy Avoids Her New Owner 8 "Pretend to eat from your She'l! play with two other Maltese dog's bowl before allowing No Alpha Rolls. "If you in the house, then go off by herself, him to eat," or, "Never let your turn a dog over on his back dog be in a position that's in the so-called 'alpha roll' IN THE NEWS ..• higher than you in a room," in the name of dominating AContagious Dog Flu If you don't observe these him, it's the most dangerous rules, the theory goes, your thing you can do, second Continues Its Slow Spread dog will think he's dominant only to hitting your dog," Wh ile dogs' susceptibility over you and never obey you. says Dr. Houpt. The move to Ebola remains the subject of These examples are harmless, A team of researchers, intensifies aggression. debate, provab le health risk s exist but trainers who look to dom­ including three from Cornell, Recent studies have shown when dogs are in close contact, as inance theory to justify using la st year discovered that dogs canine dominance theory is in kennels, shelters and day care. and wolves descended from a force may be putting own­ common ancestor. based on bad science, including One exa mple: cani ne in fl uenza . ers at risk, says behaviorist (contillued orl page 4) The Ameri ca n Ve ter ina ry Medical Associa tion inclu des the vi rus on its most recent list of common com­ municable canine di seases. Anesthesia Presents Fewer Risks Today The An imal Heal th Diagnostic Center at Cornell fi rst ident ified Improved drugs, precise monitoring and an increase in the vir us in 2004 in conjunction wit h a University of Florida study the number ofspecialists all contribute to greater safety on respi rator y disease in racing f your dog needs to have anesthesia, .17 percent by 2008 - and for healthy dogs, Greyhounds. It wa s later fo und to you can rest easier about the procedure as opposed to dogs with pre-existing condi­ be related to an equ in e virus and I because it poses fewer risks today, thanks tions, that rate was only .05 percent." conti nu es to move slow ly through the canine population. to newer drugs, precise monitoring and Infec tion is spread th ro ugh respi­ an increased number of board-speCialized Mortality Rates. Half as many dogs ratory secreti ons and contaminated veterinarians. as cats die during anesthesia, says Dr. objects - clothes, bowls, leashes. "Our discipline has evolved," says Luis Campoy, a diplomate of the European Th e viru s can survive 48 hou rs on sur­ Campoy, LV CertVA, MRCVS, Section Chief College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and facesand 12 hours on human hands, of AnestheSiology and Analgesia at Cornell AnalgeSia, "however, the mortality rate although humans ca n't contract it. University College of Veterinary Medicine. for humans is only .02 to .05 percent, so Dogs can be ill and not show signs, Mortality figures bear this out, shOWing we know there's still a lot of room for such as cou ghing, Fever and stuFFy a significant decrease in recent decades. improvement in the veterinary arena," nose.Fatalities usu ally result from "In the 1990s, the overall mortality rate for Some of the greatest progress has oc­ pneumo nia. A vaccine is available but dogs undergoing anesthesia was .23 percent," curred simply in the way anesthesia is prac­ not recommended For every dog. -:. says Dr. Campoy. "That had dropped to ticed, he says. "We are better at identifying (continued on bottom ofpage 6) DOGWatch SHORT TAKES Targeting the Fraudulent Use that predispose dogs to the disease and EDITOR IN CHIEF William H. Miller, Jr., VMD, of Service Dog Designations new drugs to combat it. Drugs today don't Dipl ACVD, Profe,sor, provide relief for nearly one-third of Cli nical Sciences Guide Dog Users Inc. has stepped up affected dogs. EDITOR its campaign to raise awareness about the Diagnosing hypothyroidism is one Betty Liddick misrepresentation of pets as service ani­ of the greatest cha llenges in veterinary ART DIRECTOR Mary Francis McGavic mals. Continuing news reports have made medicine, the CHF says. It has awarded Jan it difficult for people with trained service A Mol, PhD, at the University of Utrecht ADVISORY BOARD James A. Flanders, DVM, animals to access public places, the org ani­ in the Netherlands $48,195 to investigate Dipl ACVS, Associate Professor, zation says. methods that may provide a more accurate Clinical Saences "It makes it hard for all of us who diagnosis. Improved diagnostic tools could Katherine A. Houpt, VMD, PhD, depend on our legi timate service animals lead to early intervention to" prevent the Dipl ACVB, Emeritus PrOlessor of Behaviol Medicine for independent tra vel when business own­ progression of damage to the thyroid. Joseph Wakshlag, MS, DVM, PliO, ers question our right to visit their estab­ Both diseases impact dogs and humans, Dip! ACVN,Associate Professor, li shments in the company of our guide the CHF says, citing National Institute of Clinical NUliition dogs or when untrained or uncontrolled Health estimates that, in the U.s., epilepsy Marc S. Kraus, DVM, Dipl ACVIM, pets masquerading as service animals dis­ affects 2 million people, and hypothyroid­ l ecturer, ClinicaJ Sciences tract our dogs, or make it unsafe for us or ism affects nearly 5 percent of people. Margaret C. McEntee, DVM, Dipl ACVIM. DACVR, ou r dogs to share the same space," says Professor 01 Oncology Penny Reeder of Montgomery Village, Md., John Parker, BVM5,Pil l.), president of Guide Dog Users, In c. (GDUI). Rah, Rah, Woof! Asso iate Professor of Virol ogy Many people with "emotional support animals" mistakenly believe they have the Cornell University right to be accompanied by their dogs in -_ . College of public areas, GDUI says. Emotional sup­ tI Veterinary Medicine port dogs are said to provide comfort and support to individuals with emotional For in formation on pet heal h, visit the Cornell University conditions. College of Veterindry Medicine GDUI has urged members to share websi te at www.vet.comeILedu. information with businesses about their civil right protections from the Dogs live wit h owners In a pet-frien dly dormi­ U.S. Department of Justice, Reeder says. "In tory at the niversity of Northern Colorado.There addition, we are encouragin g our members have been no complaInts from reSIdents so far, not who live in states that do not have laws even about barking. that address this issue on their books to DogWmch' (ISS : 1098­ _ 2639) i, published ad vocate w ith their la wmakers at the local The University of l\Jorthern Colorado in monthly for 539 per year and state leve ls to pass such legislation." Greeley has designated two floors of a dor­ :]by Belvoir Media Group, LLC 535 Connecticut Si xteen states now have criminal or civil mitory as pet friendly. Dogs and cats may Bel vo ir Ave. Norwalk,CT 06854­ laws prohibiting misrepresentation of a pet live w ith owners on the sUite-style second­ 1713, Robe" Englander, ChJirman dfld CEO, Timothy H. Cole, as a service an imal. to-fourth floors of Lawrenson Hall if the txecutive Vice PreSiden t, Edltonal Dueclor: Pt1,lip L Peflny, Ch,ef Operating animals are spayed or neutered and weigh Of leer; Greg King, cxecu Ive V,ce 40 pounds or les s. Certain breeds and their President, Marketing Duector; Ron Two Major Health Studies Goldber , Chief Flnanoal Officer; Tom mixes are prohibited. CanReld, Vice Presidem, Circulation «:12015 Belvoir MedlQ Group, LLC The AKC Canine Health Foundation Owners must attend orientation for Postmaster: Send addreSS corrections to (CHF) has funded stud ies on what it the pilot program, buy liability insurance, DogWatch, P.O. Box 8535, Big Sand y, TX describes as two major health concerns: keep their pets on leashes and obtain 75755-8535 epilepsy and hypothyroidism. roommates' approval. Several universities For Customer Service or Subscription information, visIt Sam Nicholas Long, PhD, at the around the country permit pets to li ve with www,dogwatchnewslettel. om/cs University of Melbourne will receive students, with fish predominating. Among 0 ' call toll free: 800-829-5574 $116,000 and Ned Patterson, DVM, PhD, the smal l pets that Eckerd College in St. Express written perm ission is required to reproduce, in any at the University of Minnesota, $104,781. Petersburg, Fla , allows are non-venomous manner, the contents of thi\ issue, either in full or in par For more Their goals are a greater understanding snake s. They have to be less than four mformation, write to Permissio s, of epilepsy, the underlying mechanisms feet long. •:. DogWatch', 535 Con necticu t A v ~ , NOlwalk, Connecticut 06854 -171 3. 2 DOGWatch JANUARY 201 5 HEALTH Those Dead Skin Cells: Dandruff! Commonly known as seborrhea, the condition can be inherited or acquired from several sources

e don't usually think of the Seborrhea can be acquired, mean­ W skin as being one of the body's ing it's caused by outside influences. organs, but it is - the largest, in fact. When seborrhea is genetically influ­ The skin has another significant and enced, it's called primary seborrhea. unique characteristic: It replaces it­ One of the most common inherited self frequently. forms is ichthyosis. Cube-shaped basal cells line the Ichthyosis, which comes from deepest layer of the epidermis, the the Greek word "ichthys," meaning outermostl-ayer of the skin. As the fish, is a rare condition that results basal cells divide, they produce new in roughened skin covered in thick, cells that are pushed upward toward greasy scales. Breeds prone to the the surface. As these cells mature, they disorder include: form lipids and keratin, which are fi­ Considerable scaly skin - dandruff - is evident on th is Doberman's skin as a result of brous proteins, and they cause the skin • American Bulldogs seborrhea, also known as exfoliatIve dermatoses. to be tough and waterproof. • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels However, moving on up isn't a met­ • Golden Retrievers aphor for success of these skin cells • Jack Russell Terriers be managed with frequent baths using but their death. As they move upward, • West Highland White Terriers anti-seborrheic shampoos and moistur­ the cells start to die. "All the cells on izing conditioners. Sometimes, treat­ the skin's surface are dead cells that The dogs are born with abnormal ment with synthetic retinoids, vitamin­ are sloughed off into the environ­ skin, which worsens as they mature. A based topical creams, can help. ment," says dermatologist William H. The disease is diagnosed with a skin Dogs with primary seborrhea have Miller, Jr., VMD, Medical Director of biopsy. Ichthyosis isn't curable and can scaly, crusty, waxy or greasy skin or the Cornell University Companion predispose to severe infections and oth­ haircoat, and an odor. The condition Animal Hospital. er skin changes, but in some cases can may also be accompanied by a waxy type of otitis externa, or inflammation Shredding Dander. The dead skin of the outer ear. cells are known as dander. Because ABOUT THAT DOGGY ODOR .•. Primary seborrhea occurs when they are shed in tin ackets, the), are there are defects in the complicated usually invisible to the hu-;;n-eyZ We Three sallencfacts about process of producing the skin cells typically don't think about dander ­ canine skin: that manufacture keratin. The cells except as it affects our allergies - but 1. Th e epidermis varies in its reproduce more rapidly than normal. changes in skin production can bring depth over the body. It's thick causing flaky skin and sebum (skin oil) it to our attention. Ifyour dog has dry, and tough on the nose and to form at an excessive rate. Primary scaly skin, or if he has crusty or greasy paw pads, but thin and deli­ seborrhea can appear as a greasy form skin and hair, they can signal the pres­ cate at the groin. (seborrhea oleosa), a dry form (sebor­ ence of what are called keratinization 2. An oily substance call ed rhea sicca) or a combination of both. disorders, exfoliative dermatoses or, sebum, w hich coats each more commonly, seborrhea. strand of hair, ca uses th e Skin Biopsy. A case of primary sebor­ "Anything that increases the num­ "doggy odor" that so ohen rhea, diagnosed with a skin biopsy, is ber of cells produced; changes the lipid, accompa nies breeds with usually apparent by the time a dog is 1 or fat, content of the skin; dries the water-resista nt coats. year old. Dogs with the condition may skin, such as low humidity; or changes also be more prone to itchy secondary 3. Skin col or ranges from pin k to the size of the packets that are shed will bacterial or yeast infections. light brown an d is sometimes produce visible dandruff or scaling," There's no cure, but like ichthyosis, dark with patch es of black. Dr. Miller says. primary seborrhea can be managed with (continued on bottom ofpage 7) JANUA RY 201 5 www .do gwatch ne wsJe lter. ( Om DOMINANCE... (conti'lUedjrom coYer) makes about as an unsubstantiated assumption about much sense as human-dog interaction. These find­ saying, 'I want ings, which often run counter to popu­ to improve my lar wisdom, support training methods parenting ­ that can help enhance our relationship let's see how with our dogs: the chimps do it!'" • Dogs are not wolves. According Observa­ to an analysis of modern dog and wolf tions of dogs genomes published last year by an left to their international team of researchers ­ own devices including Ilan Gronau, Ph.D., Adam confirm the Boyko, Ph.D., and Adam Spiepel, Ph.D., genetic evi­ at Cornell - dogs and wolves evolved dence. Feral Pack of three? Misinterpretation of wolf behavior led to describing house­ from a common ancestor. The wolf-like dogs sometimes holds of dogs and humans as packs. but ir"s not known if dogs consider us part of th eir cohort animal is believed to have existed 9,000 roam together to 34,000 years ago. As animal behav­ in packs, but iorist Ian Dunbar, BVetMed, MRCVS, they generally don't help to feed each • We're likely not part of their pack. Ph.D., known for his influence on dog­ other as wolves do. They also mate at The false wolf-dog analogy and misin­ friendly training, puts it, "Learning will, rather than forming a breeding terpretation of wolf behavior in the wild from wolves to interact with pet dogs pair as wolves do. have led to describing households of dogs and humans as packs. We're keep­ ers of desirable resources, but scientists WOLVES AREN'T 'ALPHAS' ­ THEY'RE MOSTLY JUST PARENTS haven't determined whether dogs con­ sider us part of their cohort. There is no question that animals ­ including humans - observe hier­ • Dominance training theories were archies in their social organizations. The term "pecking order/' often used based on inaccurate wolf studies. The in the context of office politics, entered the language after a 1921 study wolves scientists observed behaVing ag­ by Norwegian zoologist Thorleif Schjelderup-Ebbe observed how hens gressively toward each other were studied used their beaks to dominate other hens to get first dibs on food. Once in captivity; they were also from different the hierarchy was established, the study found, there was no need for constant squabbling. families. A typical wolf pack in the wild is a cohesive family that bands together Subsequent studies of other species, including chimpanzees, lions, meer­ to get food and raise offspring. The so­ kats (members of the mongoose family), cattle and goats, revealed a called "alpha pair" are parents, not the variety of social structures to determine who gets first access to resources winners of a lupine version of the "Hun­ such as food and breeding privileges, as well as ways of enforc.ing these ger Games." (See sidebar at the left.) structures, especially aggreSSion. • A dominant or alpha dog doesn't Ironically, wolves, the species from which dog behavior - and dog train­ exist. Dogs display dominant behavior ing theory - was erroneously extrapolated, organize themselves in ways toward each other, but it's a relationship less regularly confrontational than those of many other species. between two individual dogs. Although Wildlife research biologist L. David Mech, Ph.D., takes some responsibil­ a strict hierarchy applies in some other ity for the dissemination of misinformation about the wolf's nature. "The species, that's not the case with canines. concept of the alpha wolf is well ingrained in the popular wolf literature A dog dominant in relation to a dog in at least partly because of my book 'The Wolf: Ecology and Behavior of an one household might be submissive with Endangered Species' ... published in 1970," Dr. Mech writes on his website. a dog in another home. Even within a /lAlpha implies competing with others and becoming top dog by winning single household, dominance roles shift; a contest or battle." a dog dominant in one situation with another dog might not be dominant in His subsequent research, however, revealed that "Most wolves who lead another situation, one in which the re­ packs achieved their position simply by mating and producing pups, source - say, a particular toy - is not which then became their pack. In other words they are merely breeders, or parents." as valuable. To say "I have an alpha dog" is meaningless. •:.

4 DOGWatch JANUARY 2015 WHY FORCE DOESN'T WORK IN TRAINING: FOR ONE THING, THEY HAVE FASTER REFLEXES

The systemat ic use of force In dog training has a long history but is mostly associated with milita ry and polke forces - and with protective t raining gear - rather than with pet dogs. That changed in the mid-1970s with the Monks of New Skete, who based their book "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend" on the misinterpreta­ tion of wolf behavior. The monks recommended physical discipline, including shaking dogs by the scruff of their neck while yelling in their faces and, in the case of severe disobedience, the "alpha wolf rollover." More recently, dominance theory-based train­ ing and the alpha roll were resurrected by Cesar Millan on his National Geographic "Dog Whisperer" TV show. "Mil lan is a very charismatic guy who feels every behavior problem, even Treats can be a motivator in training, gradually given every third or fourth separation anxiety, is caused by the struggle lime as a reward and eventually phased out. 'It's like a slot machine, a varia ble for dominance between dogs and people," says reward system: says behaviorist Katherine A. Houp t, VMD, Ph.D.. emer ilLJS professor at Co rnell. behaviorist Katherine A. Houpt. VMD, Ph .D., emeritus professor at Cornell. "In fact, dominance has very little to do with training. to happy. She once said that, "My clients think that they Most unruly behaviors in dogs occur not out of the have to use force to [train] a dog who's well-behaved desire to gain higher rank but simply because undesir­ because that's what they see on TV. They aren't check­ able behaviors have been rewarded." ing to see if their dogs are actually happy." As the American Veterinary Society of Animal Aside from ethical and moral reasons to avoid using Behavior's "Position Statement on the Use of force in dog training, there are also practical ones: Dominance Theory in Behavior Modification of • It's too generalized. The notion that "You just need Animals" explains It, "Pinning a dog down when to be the boss" doesn't provide the reason for what he is scared will not address the root of his fear. the owner considers the dog's misbehavior. Nor does Furthermore, it can heighten the aggression." The rea­ it explain how the owner has rei nforced the behavior. son: Most aggression in dogs is caused by fear. One popular misconception holds t hat posit ive train­ • It doesn't allow for mistakes, "If you punish your Ing requires owner s to spoil their dogs, Dr. Houpt-says. dog atthe wrong time, you've punished the wrong "You can give a treat as motivation, and then after behavior. If you hit your dog after 20 attempts to you've trained the dog to expect the treat, you give the get him to come, you've taught him not to come or treat every third or fourth time and that gives the dog else he'll get hit. If you give your dog food after 20 reason to come back. It's like a slot machine, a va riable attempts, the dog will figure he will get food," Dr. reward system." Eventually, treats can be phased out. Houpt says. "The best training tool is ignoring behaviors you don't • Humans are not as adept using force as dogs. li ke, and unless it's life threatening, not to respond to We're sl ower than almost all dogs, and we don't have them," Dr. Houpt says. When a puppy Jumps up on you, the strength of larger dogs. Dogs have better ti ming for example, he's seeking attention. If you ignore him, and better reflexes. We domesticated them because the puppy learns jumping has no benefits. of our brainpower, not our brawn. Perhaps the best reason to eschew force is that it We can use our brains today to get dogs to do our bid­ undermines our relationship with our pets. The late ding. "If an animal wants food, we can put It away so Sophia Yin, DVM, MS, a pioneer in positive training, they ca n't get it," Dr. Yin has sa id. "We can withhold used videos about dogs' body language to educate petting until they act more appropriately. If they want owners about dogs' state of mind, from sad to neutral to ru sh out the door, we don't have to open it."

JA NUA RY 2015 www .do gwa lchnewsle tter. (om 5 MEDICINE

ANESTHESIA... (con tinued/rom the cover) The ideal candidates are dogs without which dogs may pose a greater chal­ "co-morbidities," Dr. Campoy says. "If lenge and what factors may pose a risk there is a history of concurrent disease for general anesthesia. These include such as renal disease, heart problems or extremes of age and weight, the ur­ respiratory disease, the risk of mortality gency and duration of the procedure, increases. Emergency procedures present and the complexity of the surgery. an even greater risk .There may be less Obviously, a six-hour procedure such time to take a detailed history or explore as a very involved tumor removal will options. "For example, if a patient pres­ entail more labor-intensive anesthe­ ents with profuse, life-threatening bleed­ sia and involve a greater risk than a ing, you need to go into life-saving mode 20-minute spaying procedure." and act qUickly," he says. At the same time, Dr. Campoy says, "Veterinarians generally are be­ Medical History. For less urgent situ­ coming more proficient at recognizing ations, the time spent taking a thorough when they are not equipped to deal medical history can be well spent. "1 with anesthetizing a particular dog can't stress its importance enough," Dr. and are more likely to ask for advice Campoy says. "An observant owner who or to refer that patient to a speCial­ reports the full details of their dog's con­ Today's better-informed owners ask why ist. There have also been improve­ some procedures in human medldne can't be dition can prOVide valuable clues about ments in the drugs themselves. Drugs done on their pets, helping to drive an esthesi­ their pet's health that in turn may impact that are used nowadays have better ology foward, says Dr. Luis Campoy, LV Cer VA, our anesthetic plan. MRCVS, administering anesthe sia at Cornell. margin of safety and a more refined "For example, if we know that a dog pharmacodynamic and pharmacoki­ has been having difficulty eating or netic [movement through and out of before passing a rigorous exam and re­ showing signs of pain when opening his the body] profile. ceiving their board certification. mouth, then we will have a much better But their education doesn't end idea of how to prepare for and manage a Specialized Training. There is also there, Dr. Campoy says. "We attend an­ potentially difficult airway when putting a greater presence of board-certified nual worldwide meetings of veterinary this dog under general anesthesia. Report anesthesia specialists in private prac­ anesthesiologists, sharing knowledge all changes to your dog's veterinarian tice, in addition to referral clinics and and experience, and publishing research or specialist - anything from a simple university hospitals. Upon graduation specific to veterinary anesthesiology and cough to more serious symptoms. Some­ from veterinary school, they will have analgesia. We are also getting better at thing you think might be trivial might spent at least one year in a rotating in­ talking to dog owners about the risks end up being important." ternship and three years in a residency associated with anesthesia." In deciding on a specific anesthesia, there is a common misconception that AHIGH-TECH APPLICATION OF LOCAL ANESTHESIA many drugs are available. "In actuality, there aren't that many," Dr. Campoy says. A special use of local anestheSia Is one of the advanced techniques in "Our choices have more to do with indi­ anesthesiology offered at the (ornell University Hospital for Animals. The vidual case management. In all cases, we procedure is done on a daily basis for anesthesia and for pain manage­ want to be sure the patient is well oxygen­ ment for patients undergoing palliative therapy, Dr. Campoy says. ated, well hydrated and well monitored, "We baSically And the nerves that serve a particular part of the body and with adequate blood pressure. There is no inject local anesthetic around those nerves. The end result Is that we can one-size-fits-all management plan." selectively numb the part of the body to be operated on and provide necessary and desired analgesia. We commonly use a combination of Essential Management. In fact, case ultrasound guidance and electrolocation [changes in the electric field] management is often more Significant with great levels of accuracy." than the drugs used, Dr. Campoy says. Numbing one part ofthe body - such as a fractured leg - allows us to "For example, we need to ensure that reduce the necessary depth of anesthesia making it safer, Dr. Campoy says. "It our equipment is in perfect working provides the greatest level of analgesia possible, and facilitates a faster return order. You can have the best anesthetic to normal behavior, a faster recovery and a better outcome all around." drugs in the world, but if your equip­ ment fails to deliver oxygen, you may be

6 DOGWatch JANUAR Y 20 15 MEDICINE

Today's better-informed pet owners are also improving patient care. "They will often point out to their veterinarians something that is done in human practice and question why they can't do the same for their pet," Dr. Campoy says. "In doing so, they help drive the specialty forward. We are seeing more challenging cases and longer procedures, such as traffic accidents that may involve a simultane­ ously shattered hip, broken leg bones and massive hemorrhage. In the past, these animals may not have even made it to the ER. But today, more owners are willing to invest the time and money to help get their dogs back to_full health. So diag_- _ nostics, medicine, anesthesia and surgery Owners who report full details of their dog's health can provide va luable clues that may impact have all evolved together." (+ the use of anesthesia. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW putting your patient's life at risk from Advanced monitoring is also helping hypoxia [oxygen deprivation]." identifying a situation before it becomes a To find a board-certified mem­ Another risk: If food hasn't been real risk, Dr. Campoy says. "We have now ber of the American College of withheld beforehand, the possibility of affordable equipment that will monitor Veterinary Anesthesiologists the patient's vomiting, then inhaling it oxygenation, cardiac electrical activity, and Analgesia in you r area , please into the lungs and developing aspira­ blood pressure, respiratory function and visit www.acvaa .org. tion pneumonitis can occur. body temperature - all at once!"

HEALTH

SKI N.. .(corlt. from page 3) infections of the skin, and various sys­ on the specific condition as well as your medicated shampoos and moistur­ temic diseases such as hypothyroidism own preference. In cases of acquired izing conditioners. Dogs may need or liver disease, to name a few. seborrhea. bathing is needed only for a baths two or three times a week until "The diagnosis depends on the his­ short period until the cause is resolved. the condition is under control. Then tory, physical findings and diagnostic "A common example of acquired the number of baths can be gradually test results," Dr. Miller says. "The tests seborrhea is the dull. dry. flaky coat a scaled back to a maintenance level selected depend on which conditions dog will develop when he or she is put that works best. are being considered." on a low-fat diet to control weight or "Sometimes nutritional supplements some internal disease," Dr. Miller says. can improve the skin, limiting the need Battery of Tests . A number of stan­ "Once the dietary fat is returned, the for bathing, but rarely will they cure dard tests may be used to rule out other coat will return to normal and bathing the seborrhea," Dr. Miller says. conditions or to evaluate the skin. can be eliminated." Dogs with ichthyosis or primary They include a complete blood count, If parasites, a bacterial infection seborrhea should be spayed or neu­ biochemistry profile, urinalysis, skin or a disease such as hypothyroidism is tered, so they don't pass the condition scrapings, skin biopsy, skin tests for al­ causing the seborrhea. your dog's vet­ on to the next generation. lergies, testing for the presence of skin erinarian will prescribe the appropriate Acquired seborrhea can have a parasites, and even an elimination diet medication to resolve the condition number of causes. They include diets if a food allergy is suspected. and a medicated shampoo to clean up that are too low in fat. low environ­ Medicated shampoos can help to the skin while the skin is healing. As mental humidity. excessive bathing, wash away dandruff. Numerous types time goes by, the skin will improve and external parasites such as fleas and are available in varying strengths. The the need for bathing will decrease and Cheyletiella mites, bacterial or yeast veterinarian's recommendation depends eventually disappear all together. .:.

JA NUA RY 20 15 ww w.dog wa tch ne wsleller. com 7 ASK THE EXPERTS

Daisy Gets Along With Two Other Denver, would leave Maltese but Avoids Her New Owner the couch as soon as I turned on the Tv. I adopted my daughter's teacup-size Maltese, In addition, Daisy is Daisy Duke, and have two littermates from Q older and, although the same breeder. Daisy is 9, and my two are 6. af9 a little dog like I took care of Daisy when my daughter and her her is barely middle husband went on vacations, and they took mine aged, she might when we traveled. have an ache or My daughter recently divorced and moved to pain that causes her a smaller apartment, and was gone long hours to dislike close phys­ at work. Daisy suffered, and that's how I came to ical contact. "Loving Daisy Duke, left. will play with take her. All the dogs get along fine, but when we on her" may actu­ Bella and Jasmine, but then go are together, Daisy goes into a different room. I've Katherine A. Houpt, ally be hurting her. off on her own. brought her back with us and loved on her, but VMD, Ph.D , here with What should you her Cairn Te rrier, Denver, she will not stay. It breaks my heart. She eats well do? Nothing is probably the easiest option. You provided the answer and plays with the other dogs. I just don't under­ on this pa ge. Dr Houpt could teach her that being with you is desirable stand why she excludes herself. Daisy will be excit­ is a diplomare of (he using food, ofcourse. Find a treat that she really, Ame rican College of ed to see my daughter and jump in her arms, but really likes that you reserve only for the time you Veterina ry Behaviorists she then starts to pant until my daughter leaves. and emeritus professor want her to be with you. When she is close to you, at Cornell University give her a tiny treat (you can cut one hotdog into (ollege of Veterinary Those are really, really adorable dogs. Three 60 bits so her weight won't be affected) and repeat Medicine, teacups ofwhite fluff! You were very kind to A every minute or so that she is with you. Be care­ provide a home for Daisy. Please Share Your Questions ful that this does not arouse the other dogs. They As for your problem, the easiest solution is to not We we lcome qUE'S Ions of could also get treats, but it would be best ifyou general in terest on health, worry about it, but we can try to determine why can avoid exciting all three dogs. medicine and behaviOr Daisy is acting this way. Does she always stay a We regret however, that You could make her "away from you" space very we cannot comment on room away from you or only when you are settled sfJecific products ar,d down for an evening ofleisure? She may actually comfortable with a nice soft bed. Once she is using prior dragrloses. Please be staying away from the other dogs. You are the bed routinely, you could move itjust a little clos­ ,end correspolldence 10. lucky that she is not fighting with them because er to you - just six inches or so. Gradually move the DogWorch Ediror spayed females, even related ones like yours, often bed closer every few days ifshe continues to use it. 800 Connec(iwr Ave Norwalk , CT 06854 are aggressive to one another. What about her behavior when your daughter, Of emml dOQwalcheditof@ We are not sure why this is, but removal ofthe ova­ her previous owner, visits? You are correct that cornell,eciu. ries removes the source oftwo hormones, estrogen panting can indicate anxiety, especially if the andprogesterone. Estrogen is secreted for a much weather is cool, and Daisy has not been exerting shorter duration than progesterone. Progesterone and has no physiological reason to pant. I am not COMING UP .•. does have a calming effect on dogs and its removal sure that dogs are able to make the leap from the may lead to more aggression. Although you are not sudden appearance ofa familiar and much-loved observing any fights, Daisy may still be uncomfort­ person to being home alone, but I am sure she was able with the other two dogs. Sharing a couch or a emotionally affected by the visit. There are other lap may not be pleasant for her. signs ofanxiety such as pulled-back ears, lowered The other possibility is that your location may not tail, lip licking and yawning. You might be able to be a comfortable environment for her. For example, if see the whites ofher eyes. you are watching rv, she may be avoiding the sound. Good luck with your extended family ofMaltese. I knew it was time to get hearing aids when my dog, They are lucky dogs. -:.

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