y^k ^^ 1^/1 /^L MAY/JUNE 1975

THE ANIMAL HEALTH MAGAZINE

BE ON THE ALERT: IT'S FLEA SEASON! ACUPUNCTURE GIVES NEW AID TO ANIMALS WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT THE SURPLUS ANIMAL POPULATION?

< cXWJiAm: Official Journal of the Animal Health Foundation on animal care and health. EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK MAY/JUNE 1975 VOLUME 6 NUMBER 3 THE INVASION ARTICLES As summer approaches, so do the Know Your Enemy 8 bugs. Whether you have a choice Be on the Alert: It's Flea Season 10 plant or animal, you are almost sure Fleas in the House 11 to have it invaded by some sort of Surplus Pet Population Conference, bugs before fall. Some of these ene­ Lois Stevenson 12 mies can be prevented, but most of Fleas and the Importance of their them have to be dealt with after they Control on your Pet, Grover D. Cloyd, D.V.M. 14 appear. Acupuncture Gives New Aid to Animals, Bobby Klein 16 This issue of Animal Cavalcade, Beware: Flea Allergy Dermatitis! 20 which some like to call "The flea Tiny Miracle Jumper is a Menace, Duane Valentry 20 issue," has been devoted primarily to Traveling With Fido, Bea Boynton 24 control of external parasites of ani­ Time to Sow Your Oats - For Your Cat, June McLean 25 mals. Mr. Fritz: An Open Letter on Acupuncture, Some external parasites are also Don Harrington 27 the cause of severe internal parasite Survival Training for City Dogs, Paul Stevick 28 problems, i.e., the Bot Flies of horses, dog and cat fleas, and many DEPARTMENTS others. The control of parasites requires Editor's Notebook 3 continuing research to find more ef­ Doctor's Advice 4 fective, safe chemicals and methods In The News 6 of application. It is the aim of ANI­ Children's Page MAL CAVALCADE to keep its read­ Bushranger's Curious Allergy, Grover Brinkman 22 ers informed on new developments. It Letters to the Editor 31 is the aim of the Cavalcade's parent, the ANIMAL HEALTH FOUNDA­ C. M Baxter, D.V.M Editorial Director TION, to help in the research for Norene Harris Associate Editor more and better products. Millwood A. Custer, D.V.M Small Animals Editor As the reader goes through this Charles H. Reid, D.V.M Equine Editor issue of Animal Cavalcade, I hope Robert J. Schroeder, D.V.M Ecology & Public Health Editor that some questions will be answered Oscar W. Schalm, D.V.M Research Editor and that questions will be asked. Wesley A. Young, D.V.M Exotic Animals Editor Don't forget that the advertisers like to have questions asked of them Bill Williams Art Director too. They are very helpful to their Laura Tracy Advertising Director readers. Harry Maiden Circulation Manager C. M. Baxter, D. V.M. Editorial Director Address all advertising and editorial communications to ANIMAL CAVALCADE. H 338 Rosemead Blvd.. Pico Rivera. Calif. 90660. All editorial correspondence and manuscripts must be accompanied by a stamped self-addressed envelope.

URGENT!!! COVER: Eight-month old Sheep dog named Woodrow belonging to Please notify Animal Cavalcade Barbara and Manny Vesa of Malibu, California. when you move! Failure to do this costs the Animal Health SUBSCRIPTIONS AND CHANGE OF ADDRESS Foundation funds which should Send subscriptions and change of address to ANIMAL HEALTH FOUNDATION, 8338 be spent on caring for sick ani­ Rosemead Boulevard, Pico Rivera, Calif. 90660. Be sure to notify us of your change of mals or for veterinary medical address at least six weeks before the change is made, including an address label clipped research. from your latest copy. Give both your old and new address and include your ZIP CODE. Send change of address informa­ tion to Animal Cavalcade, 8338 ANIMAL CAVALCADE is published bi-monthly by the Animal Health Foundation, Rosemead Blvd., Pico Rivera, 8338 Rosemead Blvd., Pico Rivera, Calif. 90660. Single copies $.60. 12-issue Calif. 90660. subscription, $6.00; additional gift subscriptions (if ordered at the same time), $4.00 each. Copyright, 1972, Animal Health Foundation. 3 stable flies — but be sure to follow directions carefully. Keep IS YOUR PET the stable clean and if possible pile the manure some distance away. If the flies come from STARVING TO DEATH? next door, put screens on your No matter how much you feed your pet, he may be stable door and windows. starving to death right in front of your eyes. What can Q. What do bot flies look like? How you do? Serve Sergeant's® Vitapet® Tablets regularly. do they produce the bots that Vitapet Tablets contain vitamins and minerals essen­ horses get? tial to good health and good looks. And they taste like treats! Get Sergeant's Vitapet Tablets for your dog A. The adult bot fly is brown and or cat. From Sergeant's line of 200 carefully tested hairy and resembles a bee, but has only one pair of wings, each of which has a dark band across pet products ASergeants it. They lay eggs on the hair 1974 Millei Motion Compiny i mbvdury of A H Robin Company the pet care people around the fetlocks or the mane and are licked off by the horse. The larvae, which hatch in the mouth, penetrate the tissues and shampoo will help control fleas, eventually reach the stomach, 1 and your veterinarian might rec­ where they attach to the lining I HE* ommend such for some skin con­ and grow into full-sized bots. ditions. Later they drop off and are passed in the feces, where they Q. Are dogs allergic to fleas? form pupae and transform into A. Dogs and other animals as well as adult flies. people may become allergic to Q. What is ringworm? secretions produced by fleas, in some cases to such an extent A. Ringworm is caused by a fungus that medical treatment is neces­ (mold) that grows in concentric sary. For such animals in particu­ circles, hence the name. The lar a regular program of flea con­ lesions have lines in them that to trol is necessary — and it will some people suggest a worm, but Readers with health and other pet make you a hero to your pet. 'tain't so. The disease can be problems are invited to send in their passed from animals to persons. questions to ANIMAL CAVALCADE. Q. Do all breeds of cats and dogs Those with the greatest reader interest get fleas? Q. Is it bad to pull ticks off the skin? will be handled on this page by Dr. A. Yes, although some individuals of J.F. Smithcors, D.V.M., Ph.D., who is any breed might appear to be A. Ticks should not be pulled off technical editor of American Veter­ "immume" — perhaps because because this usually leaves some inary Publications, Inc. they tolerate a certain number of of their mouth parts in the fleas better than others. animal's skin* and abscesses Q. Where do fleas come from? might form. Touch them with Q. How long will fleas live in the cotton soaked in alcohol and use A. Out of the woodwork, in a man­ house? tweezers to pick them off when ner of speaking. They lay their A. Under most conditions fleas will they loosen hold. If they are eggs in cracks in the floor or live from one to four months,but very numerous, a medicated recesses of furniture in the ani­ with moderate temperatures and shampoo may be necessary. mal's surroundings. After hatch­ high humidity they have lived as ing they jump on and off the long as two years. Dear Dr. Smithcors, nearest animal periodically to In a recent issue of Animal Caval­ Q. If I take my dog on a trip, will it feed. cade, you stated in "Dr. Advice" that get different kinds of fleas? Q. Are flea collars dangerous to the oldest living dog on record was a A. Possibly, and sometimes it cats? Labrador Retriever who lived to be needn't be to far off places. Dogs 27 years old. Fact is that a Lhasa A. No, not if used according to di­ can get cat, rat, chicken (stick- Apso named Ch. Hamilton La Pung, rections on the box. In a recent tight) and human fleas, although owned by Mrs. Elizabeth Finn, of study they were 90 to 100% these "foreigners" won't stay on Cedar Grove, New Jersey, passed effective against cat fleas for 2 to dogs if they can find a happier away on July 4, 1964, at the age of 3 months. Make certain you use home. 29. Thought you might appreciate the proper size, and on a young Q. Do horses get chicken mites and the information. Sincerely, cat check every few weeks to see lice? that it hasn't gotten too tight. John Weidl A. Yes, and sometimes they can be Q. How often should I bathe my Manager, Puppy Palace quite bothersome for a while — dog? Will that control fleas? Oak Lawn, 111. as when a horse is put into an A. As often as you wish — or only old chicken house that is not P.S. You can check this through when it's necessary — once or properly cleaned and disinfected. T.F.H. Publications, Inc. 211 twice a year is often enough for W. Sylvania Ave., Neptune City, many dogs if they are brushed Q. What do you recommend to con­ N.J. They published How to occasionally. Obviously, if he trol stable flies? Raise and Train a Lhasa Apso. Infor­ rolls in grease or garbage it's A. Most feed stores carry various mation on Mrs. Finn's dog is on page another matter. A medicated sprays suitable for controlling 21 of this book. 4 rights in the selection of students CALIFORNIA MORGAN under this program. Once selected, a HORSE CLUB student receives $1,000 a year throughout his, or her, four year Reprinted courtesy course of study in veterinary medi­ California Veterinarian cm LOADS cine. March, 1975 Mr. Murray said the other critical needs faced by veterinary colleges are Clint M. Baxter, D.V.M., former expansion of existing college facili­ president of the Southern California ties, and an increase in the number of Veterinary Medical Association and veterinary colleges so that more inter­ instrumental in the founding of The ested students can have the opportun­ Animal Health Foundation and its m ity to become veterinarians. publication, "Animal Cavalcade," of which he is Editorial Director, has been elected president of the ALPO AIDS VETERINARY CALIFORNIANS ELECT 150-member Morgan Horse Club of PROGRAM VIA GENEROUS MODESTO VETERINARIAN Southern California. SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM TO HEAD LARGEST STATE The organization meets in a differ­ ORGANIZATION ent area each month. Monthly pro­ Seventeen freshmen students have grams concern health, breeding, and been named to receive four-year MORAGA: The California Veterin­ showing of Morgan horses. The an­ scholarships valued at $4,000 each ary Medical Association, largest re­ nual "A" rated show, sponsored by under a veterinary scholarship pro­ gional veterinary medical society in the Morgan Horse Club, is planned gram established in 1971 by ALPO the United States, has elected Dr. for May 30 through June 1 at the Pet Foods in cooperation with the William B. (Bill) Wetmore of Modesto Los Angeles County Fair Grounds in nation's nineteen veterinary colleges. as President of the Association and Pomona, California. Two other students will be named, Chairman of the Board of Governors Dr. Baxter, his wife Helen (former Spring, 1975. for the coming year. Southern California auxiliary presi­ The new recipients join 54 sopho­ dent), and Vicki Smith have been more, junior and senior veterinary breeding Morgan horses for six years students already receiving scholarship in an attempt to develop a black aid under the ALPO program. strain that will breed true. At the According to James W. Murray, present time black Morgans only oc­ President ALPO Pet Foods, "Scholar­ cur in about one in eight births. ship aid to deserving veterinary stu­ Their attempts seem highly successful dents has taken on special meaning as in that they have only one non-black the cost of all professional education ^ foal. These horses have a reserved has increased over the past decade. prefix of "Blackjack Morgans." The pet food industry should provide Dr. Baxter and his wife reside and leadership in encouraging and sup­ raise their Morgan horses in Bradbury porting deserving students interested Estates. in veterinary medicine and prepared to complete the long four-year post­ A METHOD OF CONTROL OF graduate study course." OVERPOPULATION OF The ALPO scholarship program BREEDING CATTLE IN U.S. was initiated in 1971 with eighteen student scholarships — one at each of A resolution calling for a new the then nation's veterinary colleges. Dr. William B. Wetmore, Modesto, Ca. approach to the handling of brucel­ Last year, Louisiana State University losis in cattle was the highlight of the opened the nineteenth veterinary Dr. Wetmore, a pet companion business meeting at the 47th annual school. Today, a total of 76 students (small animal) practitioner for the meeting of the Intermountain Veter­ are receiving the yearly stipend given past nineteen years, is a graduate of inary Medical Association held at Las under the program. Since its incep­ the University of California at Davis Vegas, Nevada. The resolution reads tion, ALPO has provided $180,000 in where he received his D.V.M. degree as follows: support of this program. in 1955. "Whereas the American National Scholarship recipients are selected Serving as president-elect is Dr. Cattlemens' Assn. has recognized the from among the entering freshmen Dan Evans of Escondido, a veterinar­ problem of over-population of adult class, at each of the nation's veterin­ ian specializing in equine medicine. breeding cattle, and, whereas the test­ ary colleges. Selection is made by the The California Veterinary Medical ing and retesting of brucellosis- Deans and the Scholarship com­ Associated, located in Moraga, was affected herds is in many cases more mittees from each based on the stu­ founded in 1888, and completed its expensive than the depopulation of dent's financial need and scholarship own building and headquarters last exposed animals, ability. ALPO Pet Foods reserves no year. It maintains a staff of eight to "Therefore, be it resolved that the serve the profession as a liaison with IVMA encourage the U.S. Dept. of the public and provide the members Agriculture and the state departments •n^fil1 DOGS! Prove Your educational and supportive services. of agriculture to seek funding to pay J)f LOVE for OWNER! Heading the organization is Kenneth for the depopulation of brucellosis- Humphreys, who has served as Execu­ affected herds, these funds to be de­ m \\ ,j SEND PHOTO FOR OIL PORTRAIT, •L I 5 11 '-READY TO FRAME -J12.95 tive Director for the past seventeen rived from funds that might be made I Check ot Money Order (Ca.Rej. add years. In addition to the State Associ­ available to bolster the economy. /V^ Hk : | 6%tai)toMIEKE,5l01MonteVisti '•A* St.Oipl.A,LtsAn|iUt.Calil.90042 ation, there are 44 Units and Chap­ They should not be considered as ters in California. continued on page 28 i Knou* • C/frUA/

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u--yv ":::=::;;i:;i:H;;: . . .THE FLEA

power, but antennae on the head of ing preventative measures. Flea col­ the insect, and "sensilium" at the lars, flea tags, flea sprays, and even rear of the body act as sensing de­ flea bombs for house and yard insure vices to pick up air currents, vibra­ avoidance of health problems which tions and degrees of warmth, which can develop within flea-ridden pets." A small, seemingly humble crea­ the flea interprets to give him the Ordinary insecticides (sprinkled on ture known as the "flea" is respons­ whereabouts of his new meal ticket. dogs and cats) may be harmful to ible for more deaths than the com­ One the flea locates his destina­ children or to the cats, who often bined efforts of Hitler, Napoleon, tion, getting there is no problem. lick themselves clean. Kubla Khan, Nero and assorted Fleas don't fly, but they are natural On the brighter side, Dr. Rankin Popes, Pharoahs, and imperialist ty­ jumpers. reminds pets and pet owners that rants. In the course of Dr. Rankin's re­ they've never had it so good. During According to Dr. Donald Rankin, search he found that the known the Middle Ages amulets, flea traps, D.V.M., head of Research and Devel­ record for flea leaping is eight inches and assorted paraphernalia of dubious opment for Lambert Kay, a firm straight up and \2lA inches across. preventative value were utilized in specializing in flea-killing products for When considered in the light of a eliminating the flea, who at the time pets, historically fleas have done flea's relative size, this is like a was busy spreading bubonic plague. more damage to mankind than simply human being leaping the height of a The method of seizing fleas, one "bugging" his best friends. 35-story building, and zipping by one and extinguishing them be­ Veterinarian Donald Rankin notes through the air for a quarter of a tween the thumb and forefinger was that fleas have often been the carriers mile before coming to rest. This by far the most effective device avail­ of bubonic plague, transporting the unique talent enables a flea to thumb able, and fleas were and are difficult disease from Asian rodents to a ride on almost any tasty cat, dog, to catch at best. European rats, and subsequently to or human in nothing flat. But there's a lot of misery in store Europeans, wiping out whole popula­ The most common species of flea for the contemporary individual who tions. Fortunately, plague is not to affect this country at present is fails to wise-up and take action nearly as common today as it used to the Ctenocephalides canis — the dog against the fleas. According to Dr. be. Dr. Rankin places the last big flea. Although this particular flea is Rankin, fleas can live for five weeks epidemic in the late 19th—early 20th fond of canines, he is no less happy without food. If a family locks up century when bubonic plague claimed when confined to a diet of feline or the house and goes on vacation, any 13 million lives in Asia, Africa, and human blood. Cat fleas are also a "fallout" from the family pet goes America. problem, and are found all over the right on propagating. The family re­ Of course, the flea is the source of world, while the canine-loving variety turns home to a houseful of the other discomforts somewhat less are indigenous only to temperate hungry sons and daughters of the earth-shattering than the plague, but climates. Either creature can be the dog's or cat's fleas. Given the chance, annoying nonetheless. In short, they source of many swollen, red, itchy, fleas can all but ruin a home, burrow­ bite. smarting momentos on the skin of ing into cushioned furniture, draper­ Tying a flea collar around a cat or man and his best friends. ies, beds, carpets, and easily satisfying dog's neck isn't entirely an altruistic It has been said that "a reasonable their appetites on human hosts. gesture. Dr. Rankin points out that amount o' fleas is good for a dog - A purge is achieved by washing many humans suffer the pains of keeps him from broodin' over bein' a down floors and walls with hot soap itchy, prickly fleabites just as their dog, mebbe." Perhaps this is a point, suds, spreading any wooden cracks animals do. "That's why pet owners but it's doubtful any household Fidos with napthaline, and finally closing spend millions of dollars each year on would agree. Fleas burrow into a up the house for a few hours. The flea protection products for pets." dog's coat and feast on his blood alternative is calling the exterminator, Dr. Rankin notes that fleas are until the dog scratches miserably and evacuating the house for a full day, ambitious, hungry and literally blood­ his owner takes the cue, bathing him and returning to clean thoroughly for thirsty. They have remarkable sensing with one of any number of com­ removal of all traces of the mass mechanisms, enabling them to locate mercial flea-killing shampoos. execution. These prospects are not at a potential host with very little diffi­ Of course, Dr. Rankin recom­ all cheerful, and the best advice is to culty. They have little or no visual mends avoiding the problem by tak- avoid fleas "like the plague." 8 n ON we Aieer •• IT'S FLEA SEASON!

THE CAT AND DOG FLEA: both species probably occur throughout the United States, although they are CAT FLEA less common in the Rocky Mountain states. The cat flea seems to be more abundant and generally distributed than the dog flea. The head is about twice as long as high in the cat flea while it is only about as long as high in the dog flea. Moreover, the front margins of the heads of these two species have different shapes, as shown in the pictorial key. The angle is more acute in the cat flea than in the dog flea. In most cat fleas the first and second teeth on the genal comb are approximately equal, while in typical dog fleas the first tooth is shorter than the second. Both species are found commonly in homes, under houses, or in yards, preferring loca­ DOG FLEA tions where dust and organic debris accumulate. These fleas attack cats, dogs, and a wide variety of mammals such as foxes, racoons, and rats. They are serious pests of man, particularly during the summer, causing severe bites. A generation of the cat flea requires about 2 to 4 days for the eggs, 8 to 24 days for the larvae, and 5 to 7 days for the pupal stage.

THE HUMAN FLEA is found throughout the warmer parts of the world. It is the most " important species attacking man on the Pacific Coast and is often responsible for a dermatitis or allergy due to flea bites. It also causes severe annoyance in the Middle West and South, particularly HUMAN FLEA in homes, barns, barnyards, hogpens, and surrounding premises. On farms, severe infestations of human fleas have often been traced to hogpens where these insects have persisted for weeks or months after the hogs have been carried off to market. The human flea attacks a wide variety of hosts including swine, dogs, coyotes, prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and burrowing owls. This flea has been collected on these last four hosts in areas remote from human habitations. The human flea has been experimen­ tally infected with plague and shown to be capable of transmitting the bacteria in the laboratory. 10 STICKTIGHT FLEA NORTHERN RAT FLEA THE GROUND SQUIRREL FLEA is a dark brown, medium-sized flea with a very long labial palpi found on ground squirrels (Citellus) from Nebraska and Texas to , the Pacific Coast. It is capable of transmitting plague among wild rodents. Laboratory tests have shown this flea to be about half as efficient as the Northern rat flea in serving as a vec­ tor for plague. Certain species have THE STICKTIGHT FLEA is a also been found capable of trans­ THE NORTHERN RAT FLEA is small species that attaches firmly to mitting plague in laboratory tests. commonly found on domestic rats its host during the adult stage, often and house mice throughout North forming ulcers on the head and neck America and Europe. This flea is not of domestic fowl. The eggs are de­ abundant in areas having an extreme­ posited in these ulcers and, after GROUND SQUIRREL FLEA ly warm climate. It does not readily hatching, the larvae crawl out and bite man and is most commonly drop to the ground to feed upon found in temperate regions where organic matter. All stages may be plague is not a severe problem. It is found in poultry yards and adjacent the predominant rat flea in the buildings. This flea attacks rats, cats, northern United States and is well dogs, rabbits, ground squirrels, horses, established in Canada. This species fowl, and many other animals, includ­ may be of importance in transmission ing man. The Sticktight Flea has been of plague organisms from rat to rat. found infected with plague and can It has been taken from wild rodents be infected with murine typhus. This on a few occasions. flea plays a minor role in disease transmission because the females remain fastened to one host for most Reprinted courtesy of U. S. Dept. of their lives. of Health, Education & Welfare

"Illustrations not relative in size or proportional to one another Enlarged to show detaH f leas • fleas • fleas • fleas • fleaj egg larva pupa adult 1-2 days 7-10 days 5-10 days lives 35-40 days 200-300 laid by adult Time elapse: (egg-egg laying stage) 15-20 days Total life cycle: 50-60 days 0 (S**^

Chart courtesy of Vet - Kern

FLEAS IN THE HOUSE

Occasionally a person says, "My dog (or my cat) never gets fleas." Most dogs and cats do get fleas. Some seem to have more than others. Some animals are resistant to the parasite. However, a good test to see if your dog or cat gets fleas, is to darken your house when you leave for a week or two. When you return, turn on the lights and get on the rug on your knees. You will be amazed at seeing the fleas jumping, sometimes so thick there is a veritable cloud of them. This is especially true in the summer. These fleas are hungry and looking for an animal (humans included) to jump on and from which to suck blood. Some people get rid of most of the house fleas by letting the dog loose in the infested rooms so the bugs can jump on him.Then immediately, the dog is given a flea bath. This is temporarily uncomfortable for the dog, but it seems to be effective in picking up the fleas. Be sure to deflea the dog right away. A better way to control fleas in the house is to close all windows, remove foods, and "set off" a flea bomb in the middle of the room. Follow directions on the can. Leave the house closed up and do not enter until 12 hours, or more, later. Then, open the windows and ventilate the house well.

11 pet population conference

Photos: Lois Stevenson A First-Hand Report by Lois Stevenson

Rutherford T. Phillips, Executive Director of the American Humane Association and Dr. D. A. Price, Executive Vice President of the A VMA. A city pipeyard is the only home this dog has ever known, and scraps from lunchpails are his food.

It was a meeting unparalleled in its historical significance for the pet ani­ mal world. It concerned the nation's most crucial animal problem, and it brought together for the first time the country's most divergent view­ points on how to solve it. "The National Conference on the Ecology of the Surplus Dog and Cat Problem" held in Chicago, was spon­ sored jointly by the American Veter­ inary Medical Association, American Humane Association, American Ken­ nel Club, Humane Society of the United States and the Pet Food Insti­ tute. Officials of these sponsoring groups met with representatives of animal shelters, governmental agen­ cies, hobby breeders, commercial firms and ecological scientists. To­ gether, they explored ways to halt the overwhelming surplus of dogs and cats — a surplus which threatens pub­ lic health and safety and requires shelters and pounds to destroy 13 million animals every year. The conference explored the prob­ WA lem from many different facets. According to the discussion, it began [•-saw at least two decades ago, when ani­ mal welfare organizations first began to communicate to an unconcerned public and usually-disinterested local governments, the fact that an increas- There are never enough homes for all the surplus kittens, appealing as they are. 12 r.

+ • . I • - • I I i S

. 1 II % I ^y -* Fll 1 ••->- ~* J Li i •~* Three surplus kittens hopefully await a new owner. ing stream of dogs and cats was be­ ginning to flood their shelters. Since then, members of these hu­ mane groups have donated massive amounts of time, effort and money in an attempt to stem the growing tide. Yet they have been inundated with increasing millions of unwanted animals, at a recent annual handling cost of $125 million. They have had no choice but to destroy nearly 80 per cent of them, even though the majority are, or would have been, healthy, affectionate pets. Looking at the problem from an overall point of view, the conferees agreed: 1. That there are increasing num­ bers of litters of puppies and kittens taken directly from their mothers to shelters because no homes can be found for them. 2. That dogs and cats abandoned by their owners or taken to pounds "Can that be my owner coming to pick me up?" this stray dog seems to be asking. and shelters because they are no long­ er wanted represents the "mass of the they believe an animal should not be single birth control device presently surplus." Dr. Alan M. Beck, chairman confined. "These animals produce the available." of the Urban Ecology Task Force, overturned garbage cans, the dog bite 4. On the subject of feral (wild) Washington University, St. Louis, Mo. statistics, the damaged gardens, the strays, Dr. Robert Schneider, Depart­ said: "This fickle behavior on the excrement pollution and the copious ment of Epidemiology and Preventive part of pet owners is the major factor urination that kills trees and shrub­ Medicine at the University of placing a huge financial burden on bery. They also constitute a traffic California Davis' Schoc*. of Veterinary taxpayers and local governments." hazard," Dr. Beck pointed out. Medicine, says these constitute only 3. That another major area of He believes that controlling these 15 per cent of the surplus; pets of concern are uncontrolled animals pets would help immensely to elimi­ irresponsible owners account for 85 whose owners let them run loose nate overpopulation. According to per cent. "Because of disease, starva- because of indifference, or because Dr. Beck, "The leash is the greatest Continued on page 30 FL AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THEIR CONTROL ON YOUR PET

by Grover D. Cloyd, D.V.M.

Flea from the Yearbook of Agriculture, USD A.

Fleas are parasites principally of becomes full grown and spins a tiny Some dogs and cats seem more dogs, cats, pigs, people, rodents, rab­ cocoon in which it transforms into a attractive to fleas than others, and bits, and birds. They show little host pupa. The pupa changes to an adult some seem more susceptible to flea specificity, and when hungry enough flea after a week or more, but the bites than others. Frequently a pet most species will attack any source of adult may not emerge for some time owner will complain that one particu­ blood. There are over 1,500 species unless disturbed. Adult fleas separ­ lar dog in a multiple-pet family will of fleas. Since these tend to be casual ated from the host live only one to have all of the flea problems while in their choice of host, they may in two months: Fleas do not live at the other pets are seldom bothered. some cases need identification as to altitudes higher than 5,000 feet. They Some people are more susceptible to their source. lay most eggs when the temperature flea bites than others. The bites on Four species are commonly found reaches the range of 65°F to 80°F, man tend to be on the lower legs. on dogs and cats — the dog flea, and when the humidity is high (70%). Ctenocephalides canis; the cat flea - Fleas often breed in tremendous Flea Control C. felis; the human flea — Pulex numbers in rooms of buildings where Because fleas spend only short per­ irritans; and the sticktight flea — dogs and cats are kept. The larvae iods on the host, their control with Echidnophaga gallinacea. The first proceed with their development even periodic dips, shampoos, sprays and three are quite active and run when the host is taken away, and the powders gives only momentary relief. through the hair when disturbed. The resulting adults may continue to Because some stages of the life cycle sticktight flea attaches permanently appear for several weeks. If no cats of fleas are spent off the host, treat­ on the less hairy parts such as the or dogs are present, the flea becomes ment of the areas frequented by dogs regions around the eyes and ears. particularly noticeable and annoying and cats has been widely recom­ Otherwise the habits of all four to people. mended, especially where the infesta­ species are similar. Cat, dog and tion is spreading. The use of dusts human fleas infest houses. Flea Bites and sprays in and around home areas requires repeated application, and if Four Key Stages Fleas produce severe irritation be­ the adult flea on the dog is not All fleas pass through four stages cause of their frequent bites. The controlled, it needs to be a continu­ — the egg, the larva, the pupa, and irritation induced by flea bites may ous process. Since every flea at the the adult. Copulation in fleas occurs lead to self-mutilation by the host adult stage of its life cycle comes in over a blood meal. Eggs are laid off through scratching and biting. This contact with the host for a blood the host or fall off after being laid mutilation may open lesions which meal before reproduction can ensue, and develop to the adult stage before can become infected with bacteria or the most logical pressure point becoming parasitic. The eggs, which other agents. Flea saliva which con­ against an exploding flea population are oval, white and glistening, are laid taminates the flea bite is highly anti­ is on the host itself. Animals may be on the premises in cracks of buildings genic in some individuals and pro­ treated with dusts, sprays, shampoos or on damp ground. The female lays duces an allergic dermatitis. Fleas and powders, but like the area treat­ only three to eighteen eggs at one may be mechanical vectors of many ment, these leave holes in the pres­ time, but with frequent blood meals diseases. The rat flea is an important sure applied against the flea popula­ and frequent copulations she may lay vector of Pasteurella infection tion and require a frequent and thor­ several hundred over her life span of (plague). The cat and dog fleas also ough application. The most effective one year. The larvae are not parasites, are the intermediate host for the dog means of controlling fleas is through but live on organic matter in the dust tapeworm. the use of an antiflea collar. This or soil. The dust in habitual sleeping In the past it was thought that the collar applies continued pressure or resting places of heavily infested dog and cat fleas were the ones most against a flea population and if used animals contains dried blood that was commonly found on pets. Recent continuously over a period of passed in the feces of adult fleas, data have shown that the human flea months, will gradually reduce the flea which makes an especially favorable is also becoming a problem. The rat infestation in the area the dog and food for the larvae. flea may also attack dogs, cats, and cat frequents. Flea collars have been In about two weeks the larva man. successfully used on millions of pets. 14 37/

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ill Dr. Grover D. Cloyd, Director of Veterinary Medicine and Consumer Products R&D, appears above when he was featured as one of the nation's foremost experts on fleas and as a developer of the Seargent's Sentry IV flea collar marketed by Miller-Morton.

While flea control prevents the haz­ causes in some individuals, the good fox and other species seldom live in ards brought about by the parasite, done through flea eradication is great­ concentrated populations as they do that is, self-mutilation, irritation, er than the harm done to a very few in domestic situations. When man re­ flea-bite allergy, mechanical transmis: individuals by the collar that is im­ moves an animal from its natural sion of bacterial and other diseases, properly applied. It must be remem­ environment and imposes upon it the and tapeworm infestation, it also pre­ bered that there are few medications artificial conditions of domestication, sents a problem to a very few ani­ used therapeutically or prophylac- he also inadvertently imposes the op­ mals. Anti-flea-collar problems fall in­ tically that do not also cause some portunity for parasites, both external to the following categories: side effects. This does not prevent and internal, to attack this animal. their use when there is an indication Therefore, it is necessary to use artifi­ 1. Contact dermatitis may be pro­ for them. Understanding the flea and cial means to control the parasites duced by the plastic and/or the the problem it causes and the excel­ that have been allowed to experience medication contained in the collar lent control afforded by the use of a population explosion under the in those dogs which are basically the antiflea collar gives greater confi­ conditions which surround the dog allergic to these chemicals just as dence to the owner in eliminating and cat under domestic situations. An some people are allergic to various this irritating and hazardous parasite authority on wild life has said that hair sprays, fingernail polish, and from his dog or cat. fleas eliminate the second litter of cosmetics. If he were to eliminate all chemi­ squirrels due to anemia in the babies cal control of fleas from dogs and and driving the mother away from 2. If the collar is not applied prop­ the nest. The first generation, born erly and is too tight, a mechanical cats, then we would face the neces­ irritation and dermatitis may en­ sity of losing some five to ten million early in the spring, does not have the sue. of the eighty million pets in our flea burden, but during the nesting homes with the ravages of bacteria, period the flea population explodes Those pet owners that apply the allergies, and tapeworm infestation to so that the next litter is put under collar loosely, i.e., so that three which the flea makes a sizable contri­ tremendous pressure. There are many fingers may be inserted between the bution. other examples in the ecology, for collar and the neck of the animal and external and internal parasites are of Why the Flea? observe their pet frequently during benefit in preventing exploding pop­ the first week or so the collar is The question has been asked - ulations. worn, will find there is no problem why the flea in the first place? This Year of the flea! Fleas experience that cannot be recognized early is a logical question and deserves a cycles in population increase and de­ enough to be eliminated. logical answer. The flea, as a parasite, crease. Warm summers with high Since many millions of dogs and joins other external and internal para­ humidity lead to high flea numbers in cats have worn flea collars for years sites in placing a burden upon boom­ the fall and if the following winter is without trouble, the use of these ing canine and feline population and mild with little "winter kill," the collars need not necessarily be dis­ effecting their control through biolog­ following spring sees fleas emerging in couraged because of the irritation it ical means. In the wild the dog, cat, high humbers. 15 "I DON'T KNOW HOW IT WORKS, I JUST KNOW THAT IT WORKS." — BOBBY KLEIN

ACUPUNCTURE - A 5,000 YEAR OLD SYSTEM OF IN PART II OF THIS ARTICLE, ANIMAL CAVALCADE MEDICINE ROOTED IN THE DISCIPLINES OF AN­ WILL EXPLORE INNOVATIONS BEING MADE IN CIENT EGYPT AND CHINA - IS A WORD THAT VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURE AT A NEW CLINIC IN CONJURES UP VISIONS OF LONG NEEDLES AND FULLERTON, CALIF. RUN BY THE NATIONAL HOCUS-POCUS IN THE MINDS OF MOST WESTERN­ ASSOCIATION OF VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURE, ERS. NAVA. Editor's Note: NA VA was originally sponsored by the PRESENTED HERE IS AN INTERVIEW WITH ACU­ PUNCTURIST BOBBY KLEIN* BY NORENE HARRIS Animal Health Foundation with whom they now have a OF THE ANIMAL CAVALCADE STAFF. MR. KLEIN cooperative relationship. EXPLORES WHAT ACUPUNCTURE IS, WHY IT WORKS, *Bobby Klein is a practicing acupuncturist on the Board of AND, IN PARTICULAR, EXPLAINS SOME OF THE Directors of both the National Association of Veterinary WONDERS IT HAS WORKED FOR ANIMALS. Acupuncture and the National Tai Chi Chuan Institute.

NH How did you get interested in acupuncture? BK I've been interested in dealing with medicine for a long time. As a kid, I was always reading about it. As for acupuncture, I've been treated with it myself. I was having a terrible problem with my eyes. They were completely bloodshot, and felt like there was sandpaper under the lids. I could barely even sleep. I heard about an acupuncturist from a friend and decided to try it. I want to see him and he cured me in 15 minutes. NH You're kidding. BK It's a true story. He put needles in at certain points in each wrist and took a drop of blood from each ear and looked at me for a while. He twirled the needles around while I was saying to myself, "You are crazy to do this." Then he held up a mirror to my eyes and said, "Look." I looked into the mirror and I was cured. I couldn't believe it. I said, "How did you do it?" He said, "Acupuncture good." I asked him to teach me and he said, "No, no, no. Secret knowl­ edge learned in monastery — not teach anybody." So I said, "OK, I'm not leaving till you teach me." I must have appealed to his sense of Chinese hospitality. This was all about 7 years ago. NH What happened next? BK I got to study with him at the

Acupuncturist Bobby Klein with pa­ tient Fido. Acupuncture research is investigating new possibilities for treat­ ment. 16 m m m AN ANCIENT PRACTICE BRIGHTENS THE FUTURE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. • PARTI

same time some psychology stu­ store. It sometimes felt a great Before I knew what had hap­ dents from UCLA had asked him deal like being in grammar school. pened, he took the book out of to speak to their group. This For a couple of years we just had my hand, or rather, being an group is now the UCLA Acupunc­ to watch and listen. We memor­ expert in Tai Chi, he knocked the ture Clinic. Another group was ized the names of the points in book out of my hand, clear across formed called the National Acu­ Chinese and English, what they the room. There was a patient in puncture Association. We all came were for, what type of application the room and it caused a great together through this man. We was used. Was it a needle or was it deal of commotion. I said, "What continued to study together for moxa, an herb that is heated to did I do? What did you do that four years. Part of the study temperatures up to 600°. During for?" He said, "You lose book, included doing his dishes, cleaning the day he would quiz us on it. you not able to fix people. You his house, and getting his laundry. When I first showed up for class, I remember. I remember." So that's Sometimes he'd write a little note had a little notebook and started how they teach you. Very monas­ in Chinese and send us to the herb taking notes. Just like in school. tic. NH Did you learn anything by watch­ ing him with a patient? BK Yes. Along with the lectures and the quizzes, we each got our own set of needles. We had to practice a thousand times a day to get the right strength in our hands so that we could insert a needle properly. At the beginning, 1 couldn't put a needle in without bending it in half. But after the exercise, your strength and concentration come so that the needle goes in the right spot. The acupuncture point is actually not very much bigger than the tip of your needle. NH What kept you going through that much discipline? BK I knew I was leaning something very important. There was no doubt about it. I would see people come in agony, bent over, twisted up with pain — and walk out of there dancing. NH Are you still technically in train­ ing, or are you finished? BK I am a practicioner. But I must practice under the supervision of an MD or a DVM. 1 K7 9 ,** * \ " 1 ACUPUNCTURE POINTS ~V NH How many acupuncture points are E* there? •&.» BK In humans, about 1,000. NH Part of your training then was to learn the points and when to k puncture them. BK When to puncture them for what. NH In unison? BK In combination. Sometimes we use just one or two points to treat something. Sometimes twenty.

<] Bobby Klein uses acupuncture to increase the number of eggs of a favorite chicken. 17 4 ACUPUNCTURE AND ANIMALS NH It's hard to believe such dramatic NH How have pet owners felt about NH How did you get involved with results - even temporarily. their animals undergoing acu­ the animal aspect of acupuncture? BK It is. But again, the cases we see as puncture? BK The association I worked with acupuncturists are pretty far gone. BK For most of these people, acu­ under Dr. Ju started doing public­ We are the last resort. We had a puncture is very far out. These ity about acupuncture. Then, in fascinating case a while back sent people love their pets a great deal January 1973, the California Vet­ by the University of California, to go this far. They are fascinated erinary Medical Association ap­ Davis. A little Yorkshire terrier and bring their friends. They can pointed a committee to study that circled to the right. It hardly believe what happens. acupuncture in veterinary medi­ couldn't walk straight. The prob­ They're right there with their cine. A lot was based on the lem was diagnosed as congenital animals the whole time, petting principles we used in human hydrocephalitis which is fluid in them, talking to them and keep­ medicine. What we've done for a the tissue of the brain. After ing them calm. The acupuncture number of animals has been quite several treatments he walked treatment of animals tends to successful. straight about 80% of the time. have a tranquilizing effect on That dog hadn't walked straight in everyone involved. NH Can you give me some examples? 2 years. Incredible. However, after NH Have there been any regressions BK Mr. Fritz is an 11 year old treatments were stopped, he re­ lapsed. on the animals you've worked Dachshund who went down some with thus far? time ago. He had lost the use of We had another case, an emer­ BK There have been regressions. We his back legs. All he could do was gency, with an Irish Setter that treat the animals, they get better, drag them down the last third of had been hit by a car. It had a and they go back a little. Progress his spine. He had big sores on his fractured skull and was in a coma. in acupuncture is usually rather legs from dragging himself. The Classically, we learn in humans hilly. You come up and go down, neurologist looked at him and that if someone is in a coma that but never as far down as you were thought there was nothing they by acupuncturing the 10 emer­ originally. You're always making could do and. that perhaps surgery gency points and drawing a drop forward progress. In addition, would help. But they weren't of blood from each that we can really sure. There had been some some animals have not responded. damage, but they couldn't see WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS how to really treat it. He was one of our first cases. After a few NH If I'm like most people, I never treatments he came out and think of acupuncture in any started to walk, and the last time I other terms than as a last resort saw him he was running.* to end pain when all else fails. *Ed. Note: As of 2/26/75, Mr. BK Unfortunately, with animals and Fritz is completely recovered and people, those are the only cases I very healthy. He runs, jumps and ever get to see, despite the fact climbs the same as he did before that in China acupuncture was l originally conceived as preventa­ his injury. tive medicine. NH Any examples of acupuncture used with horses? NH That's different from anything I've heard. BK We had a few horses with laminitis, which is a foot disease. BK It's also pretty much in opposi­ With laminitis an edema starts on tion to prevailing concepts. That the inside of the hoof between is, there's a big difference between the outer part of the hoof - treating people when they're sick which we can see — and bone Acupuncture in veterinary medicine is and treating people to keep them that runs close inside it. It's very best seen as an adjunct to Western from getting sick. painful and difficult to treat. medicine. A L TERN A TIVES WITHIN THE ACU­ Acupuncture has been able to PUNCTURE TRADITION treat the problem. bring them out of it. We tried this NH You mentioned two kinds of SUCCESS AND RELAPSE with this dog, and by the time we had finished, the dog was up and acupuncture — one using needles BK There was a mare we worked with walking — looking like it had been and the other, using herbs. When who had terrible emphysema. She hit by a car — but it was up and would you use the herb, moxa? had a great deal of difficulty walking outside to eliminate. He BK The needle will disperse energy at expelling air from her lungs. Her drank some water and laid down a point when a point is very whole body would rumble and and went back to sleep. Anyway, congested. But classically, there shift. Dr. Shin treated her the he needed to be brought up again. are acupuncture points in the same way we would treat a human This time Dick (Dr. Dick Glass- body that are forbidden to needle. being, and in 5 minutes, the horse berg) did the procedure and Sometimes you use the two was breathing normally. This was brought him out of it. methods separately, sometimes the first time out at this particular together. ranch and there were a lot of NH Are there many more points for veterinarians standing around. It animals than there are for hu­ NH Is there pain involved with either really surprised them. Twenty mans? of these methods? minutes later, however, the mare BK We're doing research now to find BK You feel a pin prick, or, in the relapsed. After another treatment out just how many points there case of moxa, which is heated to she was OK for a couple of weeks are for different animals, and very high temperatures, you feel and then she relapsed again. where they are. heat. 18 NH How do you use them in combina­ Western medicine. In the best of Be sure and read Part II of the tion? all possible worlds, acupuncture acupuncture story with highlights BK You will heat some of the herb on and Western medicine would work from the new N.A.V.A. clinic in the top of the needle. Often the side by side, complimenting one July/August issue of Cavalcade. needle is heated by a stick of another and facilitating the pro­ moxa. gress of medicine in general. For information regarding veterinary acupuncture please contact: National RELATING ACUPUNCTURE TO HU­ "Acupuncture in veterinary medicine Association for Veterinary Acu­ MAN CONCERNS is in its infancy. It's going to take a lot puncture, P.O. Box 5181, Fullerton, BK As part of my study, the master of work and a lot of study before it California 92635; or N.A.V.A. Clinic, acupuncturist told us we would realizes its potential. However, I feel 2926 E. Miraloma Ave., Anaheim, also. have to do this form of that it may play as important a part in California 92806, Phone (714) exercise from Tai Chi which medicine as antibiotics and steroids 630-6970 or (714) 879-2266. develops the body's total energy. (cortisone)." It was developed around the same Dr. Richard Glassberg MORE ON ACUPUNCTURE - SEE PG 27 time as acupuncture. It keeps your channels clear, and makes the body very supple, very elastic like with Yoga. You end up having more strength than you've ever had with less muscle. Your body is toned. I've seen it do wonders for people. It did a lot for me. The man I studied with is Marshall Ho'o. An incredible man. He is a Tai Chi master in his late 60's and looks 30. He was the one responsible for bringing this acu­ puncture group together. NH In acupuncture, is the idea for people to be able to keep their balance of energy almost through will? BK Through will and through doing the proper exercise. Eating well. It's a circle. It's everything. Avoiding stress. Often in our society it's very difficult to keep your balance. NH / know. ACUPUNCTURE LA WS BK The Board of Examiners says that veterinary acupuncture can be performed only under the direct, visual supervision of a licensed DVM working on a research project, or at a school of veterin­ ary medicine. The National Asso­ ciation for Veterinary Acupunc­ ture (N.A.V.A.) is supervised by the School of Veterinary Medicine at U.C. Davis. Editor's Note: Animal Cavalcade would like to thank Mr. Klein for the time and effort involved in participating in this interview, and for his positive approach toward acupuncture. We feel that al­ though veterinary acupuncture has done some astounding things - it is not a panacea. There have been regressions, relapses, and even failures. Acupuncture has been able to help some injuries and diseases that have baffled

Acupuncture - A 5,000 year old > practice, is making new headway in veterinary medicine. tituj mltCLolB juwib&t

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Photo: USDA, Office of Information

BEWARE!...PLEA ALLERGY DERMATITIS

The most common allergic skin disease in the dog develops when certain dogs become hypersensitive to flea bites. The allergic agent is contained in the saliva or mouth parts of the flea and is injected into the dog when the flea feeds. The disease usually occurs during the warm months and is commonly called summer eczema. The disease begins near the tail head on the rump of the dog. The patient will scratch or rub this area intensely, causing the hair to fall out and often ulcerating the skin. In severe cases the hair loss can become more generalized and involve large areas of the body. Although the disease occurs more commonly in the summer months, many dogs will show signs constantly through the year. The flea can complete its life cycle in the home environment and thus can cause constant irritation to hypersensitive dogs.

20 by Duane Valentry

What lives only a brief period and pet's bedding clean is most impor­ made for great leaps. The head has yet has killed more humans than any­ tant. short antenna, sometimes a pair of thing else? The honor goes to the "When the flea bites, the pet eyes, strong black spines or combs, flea, which throughout history has scratches and becomes sore," says a unless these are elsewhere on the been right beside man if not on him veterinarian. "Your pet may be clean body (human fleas don't have comb- wherever he has gone. of fleas and yet pick them up when parts), the mouth made to pierce and This mighty mite gets around — walking, so be sure to put flea suck blood. Ugly, but a marvel. over the whole earth and has even powder on underparts and brush "Fleas have gone a long way and been found in a sealed space capsule. often to remove flea eggs. Put salt in deserve their position near the top of "Tormenting beyond all other dis­ sofas or chairs to destroy flea eggs." all insects." says a naturalist. comforts," wrote explorers Lewis and Both fox and raccoon cleverly get The flea lays eggs in the coat of Clark, putting the flea at the top of rid of fleas. Carrying a stick with the host, which fall to its bed or nest their list of hardships. leaves, or even a tuft of hair, in its where the larvae remain to feed on Scientists agree the flea is a mar­ mouth, the animal backs slowly into bits of debris. The flea only likes a vel. Though tiny, it has played a a lake or pond. As the water rises the host that can provide it with a warm remarkably bad part in man's history. fleas scurry higher, then jump for the nest, den, or sleeping place. Fleas cause illness in animals and stick,and the fox or coon floats away! Especially made for rapid motion disease in man. They are responsible Can a flea be trained? In a flea through fur, a single flea will bite for spreading deadly plague through circus, they wear tiny costumes and many times, so that it often seems as entire countries by traveling on rats pull tiny carriages. A fine silk thread if a house or animal is overrun when that enter houses and food storage is tied around the flea's neck and only a few are doing the biting. and causing the death of millions in training is done through a magnifying "Nothing should be done in a past eras. glass. First, it is trained to walk with­ hurry except catch fleas," is one of To catch a flea is almost impos­ out jumping, which takes much the many sayings that have come sible. It is fast and tough, with a patience. But fleas learn to jump down in literature, including the body covered with smooth backward through hoops and pull objects Bible. The flea is also found in super­ pointing hairs or spines. It has been several hundred times their weight. stition ... "A flea on your hand, a called the "escape artist" of the One dollar for ten fleas is offered by letter from the country!" world! Too, it grows and lives almost a flea circus in Montreal. Some sayings make sense, consid­ everywhere and in any climate. "Apparently once a flea has pain­ ering the nature of this pest. The flea is an amazing piece of stakingly been made to perform a "The fatter the flea, the leaner the machinery. Called a "miracle in ac­ certain act repeatedly," it is ex­ dog!" "That's a valiant flea that dares tion," it can jump 84 times as high plained, "the act becomes such a eat his breakfast on the hip of a and 132 times as far as its own firmly established conditioned reflex lion;" "He put the bite on you." length and 210 times as high and 330 that the flea is not able to break The flea may once have had wings times as far as its own height, says a away from it." which it lost. Though sprays help, scientist. Countless fleas tormented man and there seems no way at present to rid "At the same time, it can go 18 beast in the Middle Ages, when even the world of them. For one of the months without food or water! It gets the civilized world was far less clean world's strangest hobbies, Robert this tremendous energy from food it than today, and people wore "flea George, a London teacher, has made has eaten in the larval stage." glasses" to keep them from hopping a flea map of England. Animal fleas are not like those in their eyes. "Flea furs" around the "The map will show what kind of that jump on humans. They are made shoulders were supposed to attract flea is to be found in any part of with a comb to more easily travel and trap the fleas. England. So far we have catalogued over dog, cat, fox, possum or rabbit. Under the microscope, the flea is and bottled over 60,000 fleas. The It lives on the animal's blood; the astonishing. A parasite living on a fact that they aren't popular gives me sharp point on the flea's nose, called host, animal or bird or human, some a chance to find out lots about them. a "stylus," acts as a tiny saw making require special hosts, while others are Helping him make his flea map are many small cuts — for example, some not so choosy, jumping on anything 70 assistants in different areas. Re­ 600 cuts by 25 fleas in 24 hours, it is alive. Flat and wingless to move cently one was sitting under a tree in figured, are what drives the pet crazy. through hair and impossible to crush, Surrey when a flea hopped into his Fleas can be kept off pets by the flea grows fat on blood. A differ­ lap. He caught it and mailed it to the careful spraying with flea killer — the ent order than lice, they are often teacher. spray should be one harmless to pets. confused with them. "That became the first cat flea Flea powder helps, but keeping your Legs of the flea are powerful. ever found in Surrey," said George. 21 by Grover Brinkman The rimrock was still warm early in the Spring. He had just from the sun's heat. Stretched walked up to the ranchhouse one out at the brink of the canyon, morning, one of the prettiest Binge Colby tapped the shoulder Shepherds that Binge had ever of the boy at his side. seen. There was no collar on him, "Listen, Joey! There it is no identification. No one was again!" with him. Joey Lance, the Navajo boy, They had advertised in the shrugged his shoulders. "Sound­ valley weekly newspaper in Pine ed like a wolf to me, Binge." Valley. "Just keep him until "Not a wolf!" Binge insisted. someone lays claim," the sheriff "It's our dog - Bushranger!" advised. "If no one does, after "It can't be!" Joey argued. ninety days, turn in a bill for his "Bushranger is dead. You know care, and we'll see if we can he is dead!" make him yours legally." "We never found his body, No one answered the ad. Joey. Just because Slim Bonney Months passed, and Bushranger said he shot all six of the wild turned into one of the finest dogs, doesn't mean he's dead—" sheep dogs on the range. He "He's dead," Joey persisted. worked well with other dogs, "Bushranger was always at our soon learned their routine, and side. If he didn't get killed, why established new hearding tactics didn't he come back to you-or all of his own. me? Not a Navajo has seen him." "Best dog we ever had!" "I haven't seen him, either," Uncle James said, stroking the Binge argued. "But just now I shaggy head. heard him J" And then one dark, stormy Far down the canyon came a night, Bushranger disappeared plaintive, long-drawn sound that just as suddenly as he had come. was either wolf or dog.. It came "Can't understand it!" James again, the sound wafted upward Colby said. "Disappearing in a by the air currents always pres­ storm—" ent in the canyon. Now, with the moon shining Joey shrugged. "Binge, you're down, painting the desert with imagining things. That's a wolf!" silver, Binge and Joey lay listen­ "Even if it is a dog, or a pack ing to the noise of a dog pack in of dogs," Joey argued, "it means the canyon below. nothing but trouble." "Those are sheep-killers down Binge was silent. Joey was here," Joey said, pointing. "If right, of course. Dogs that Bushranger is leading that pack, ganged up and ran wild were a he won't have long to live." menace to all ranchers. In a Binge pulled back from the single night, a dog pack could rim,sat up. "Why would he leave ravage a flock of sheep. in a storm?" he asked. "Some­ Binge's uncle, James Colby, thing happened to him that was a sheepman. His ranch was night. Maybe he was ill." one of the largest in the valley, "Regardless of what hap­ bordering the Navajo reservation pened, he wouldn't be a friend ranges on High Mesa. Binge and any more, not if he's running Joey had been neighbors for a with those sheep-killers." long time. The next afternoon, however, Bushranger had come to them Binge rode fast toward the Navajo village. When he saw He stopped, with a quick ers were ringing them now. The Joey, busy in the sheep-shearing intake of breath. Moving down shooting was over. Sheep-herders shed with his father, he pulled from the far rim suddenly were were regrouping the scattered up. tawney shapes. They came down flock. "A dozen ranchers are at our the shale, silent as the night "We got most of them," place," he explained. "I over­ itself, toward the sleeping flock. Colby said. "I saw this fight, too, heard some of the things they "Look!" Binge said. "There Binge. It's Bushranger, all right, said. Twenty sheep were killed in they come! Dogs, Joey, eleven, and he came down from the rim, the valley last night. The ranch­ twelve—" fighting the pack as you said. But ers are going after the dogs "That big fellow leading where did he come from?" tonight." them!" Joey exclaimed. "It's a Binge shrugged. "All I know is Joey's face sobered. "What Shepherd." — he's come home." can we do about it?" he asked "Yes!" Binge admitted. Suddenly Joey touched his finally. "The pack must be wiped "There he goes! Yes, it's a arm, pointed. "There's a car up out, if they're killers." Shepherd without doubt." there on the mesa trail. I can see "I know," Binge said. "But The pack raced toward the headlights. Someone's coming what if Bushranger is leading sheep now. Startled ewes, real­ down." them?" izing their danger, started run­ Finally, a tall, tanned, white- "There is no Bushranger, ning blindly. Lambs bleated in haired man strode up to the Binge!" terror; old bucks stood still, group. "My name is Jed Harris," "Binge didn't try to argue. stomping. Then the dogs reached he said. "I've been following my Even his best pal didn't believe the flock, tearing, jumping atop dog." the Shepherd was alive. Possibly the startled animals. And the big The time was very late, but Joey was right. Still, he had Shepherd was in the midst! they were still reluctant to call it heard Bushranger's squeaky "It can't be Bushranger!" a day. Bushranger was curled on bark! He was positive the dog Binge said. "It just can't!" a rug near the fireplace. Joey was was alive! "What are we going to do?" staying all night with Binge. "Will you go along with me "We're going down there, They were still discussing the tonight, merely to check? " he right now!" Binge said. "Grab a so-called miracle. asked Joey. "We will watch from club!" "Just think!" Binge repeated, the rimrock, near that box Joey grasped his arm. "We "Mr. Harris wants us to keep canyon. If the ranchers trap the might get shot. Ranchers are Bushranger - always. But who­ pack, this will be the spot." down there, too, with guns!" ever heard of a dog allergic to "Okay," Joey said. "I'll go "We can't let those sheep get storms? Sounds silly, doesn't it?" with you, but we won't find killed!" Binge said. "Come on!" "Oh, I don't know. Some Bushranger." They started skidding down a people are frightened of storms, The moon hung yellow over shale slide, working to the not to mention snakes, things the valley as the two boys canyon floor. They were running like that. Maybe Bushranger was crawled out on the rimrock. toward the terrified flock now, terrified by some bad storm They lay motionless, listening. shouting, swinging their clubs. when he was a small pup—" Hundreds of sheep were down in But they were no match for "Anyway, this Mr. Harris had the canyon, herded for the night. the dog pack, Binge realized. gotten Bushranger only a few There were ranchers down there They were in a dangerous spot as weeks before. He was camped on as well. Men with guns. well, among terrified, milling the desert when this storm came The minutes ticked by. Binge sheep and maddened wild dogs, up. Bushranger mysteriously dis­ felt his hands gripping the rock savage as wolves. appeared. That's when he face, ears attuned to the slightest Suddenly from the shale slope showed up at the ranch. Evident­ sound. But all was quiet. The came a charging shadow, right ly he liked the sheep so much sheep were at rest; no dogs. into the midst of the fight. Binge that he remained." Above them, a whippoorwill cut stepped back, brought up his "Until it stormed," Joey re­ capers in the sky, powerdiving club, ready to swing at this new minded. over the crags. Far off came the dog that had joined the pack. "He'll never leave again," cry of a coyote, but no dogs. Then his club halted in Binge promised. "I'll even buy a "It's past midnight," Joey midair. barometer and watch it every said at last. The new dog was fighting the day. If it looks like storm, I'll "The dog pack is wise. wild dog pack! take Bushranger up to my room, They're not in the canyon "It's Bushranger, Joey!" he lock him in." tonight." said gladly. "Did you see? He "You could even sleep with "You could be right," Binge came off the mesa to fight the him," Joey said, smiling, "just to agreed. "They've smelled wild dogs, not the sheep!" make sure!" trouble—" James Colby and other ranch­ 23 Families who plan to include their strange surroundings. With this famil­ initial this and include the date of dog in summer traveling may find the iar scent, they curl up peacefully on entry. This precaution eliminates all following suggestions helpful. I've the motel floor and go to sleep. doubt that this IS the same dog you found they worked with my Aire­ On Tour in Canada brought into Canada, when you cross dales with whom I travel frequently. To enter Canada, your dog's rabies back into the States. As dog-napping First, check with the AAA for certificate is of major importance. has become a major problem at motels that accommodate dogs in the The inoculation date must be "within "border crossings, you can see why area of your trip. Second, a jug of the preceding 12 months." In addi­ your dog's initialed, dated snapshot water and bowl in your car that you tion, you must have a description of provides a smooth, speedy re-entry can easily reach, a box of dog your dog. This will be initialed at the here. biscuits and don't forget their leashes. border. I include a current color South of the Border Third, their blanket or cushion is snapshot of my dogs and ask the For Mexico, the color shot of important to eliminate concern of Border Inspection Official to please your dog with initialed date is also

TRAVELING WITH flDO!

by Bea Boynton

Bea Boynton & Airedale Twins Mele & Aloha

s

24 necessary, as is your rabies certificate. Mexico also requires a statement from your veterinarian that your dog is "free of all and any contagious diseases." This statement must be clearly signed by him, also dated. Both rabies certificate and this dis­ ease statement will be legalized by the Mexican Consulate when you get your visa. Arriving at the Mexican Border, your dog will be inspected and a local inspection certificate will be issued. Keep this with you at all times. HAWAII?? Going to Hawaii? Have fun — but don't take your dog. Our 50th State requires four months quarantine upon your pet's arrival.

Cross-Country Junket Driving cross-country there usually are no inspection requirements of course. Check with your veterinarian Voila! Candy and Cindy enjoy antipasto for for the latest requirements. One must be alert for problems that can TIME TO SOW YOUR OATS - FOR YOUR CAT develop. Your dog, who has never by June McLean bitten anyone, suddenly does just container in one sitting. I give my cats that. Confused by strange surround­ If you've just discovered your this treat about twice a week. ings and strange people patting him, a favorite feline chomping away on your tired dog has an automatic reaction — favorite house plant, it is time to start By rotating the containers and he bites. Your problem now is the thinking about sowing some oats. Most adding more seeds, when regrowthhas one bitten and his personal concern cats enjoy greens as a part of their stopped, I keep a steady supply going as to whether or not he may get normal diet. Many, though, will turn for six to eight months. It takes very rabies. Your rabies certificate elimi­ up an indignant whisker at beans, little work on my part any my cats nates that fear and could also save spinach, and the like, in their food love it. They come running, meowing you possible legal action. Despite bowl. expectantly, when they see me bring­ proof, however, that your dog has his If you have an outdoor cat, he can ing out the containers. current rabies certificate, Santa Clara easily supplement his desire for greens THEY'RE GOOD FOR HIM on grass and leaves. However, if County, California, still quarantines If you have an altered male, raw your dog for five days. winter, in your section of the country, brings on an abundance of ice and greens are extremely vital to his well being. Oats, which belong to the grass California Here We Come snow, this could limit your cat somewhat during those months. If you family, are rich in starch and protein. The State of California law re­ have a house cat, he or she is bound to They are tissue builders and their body quires visitors with their dogs to explore other means of obtaining a bit fuel value is high. show the rabies certificate of inocula­ of greenery to nibble on occasionally. When you sow oats for your pet, tion, at the gate of all California I have two house cats who started you are not only accomodating him State Parks, before admittance. No out as plant nibblers, until I solved the and balancing his diet, but you are also exceptions. whole problem with oats. It saved my protecting him. Many house plants, Everywhere, rapport exists among plants and offered my two tabbies an that cats nibble on, are poisonous to people who have dogs. Concern for interesting treat. them. Philodendron and rhododen­ their health, safety and comfort is dron, which are fairly common house universal. But this can backfire. An JUST ADD WATER plants, are known to be poisonous to example of that is always taking your I went to my neighborhood pet cats. The fatality rate is about ninety dog along while grocery shopping. shop and purchased three pounds of per cent. Other known plants are But on a hot summer day, in a oat seed for $1.00. Then I gathered up laurel and oleander. There is enough locked car with limited ventilation, a variety of six planters, bowls and toxin in a single oleander leaf to kill a parked in the sun, plus reflected heat pans. I filled them with a little soil and cat. Even mistletoe, that fun- from the cement parking lot - your planted a heavy sprinkling of oats. I provoking plant for humans, can be car is turned into a hot oven. Police set the containers in the bedroom, in a deadly to your cat. and Humane Societies across the sunny spot in front of a window, country have appalling statistics of Many outdoor plants, such as watered them, and watched them larkspur, wisteria and amaryllis, to the needless death of pets from heat grow. In just a few days, green shoots prostration, who have been left in name a few, are potential kitty killers. were sprouting thickly. parked cars in the sun. Change this Also, the numerous weed killers spread habit for the summer. Leave your The first time I offered the bowl of on grass can cause serious mouth dog home in the shade, with plenty the tender sprouting oats to my cats, burns, if not death. of water to drink. each approached it cautiously. How­ So, if your cat starts treating your ever, after a few sniffs, they sampled house plants as a salad bowl, sow your Exercise can be a hazard for your the delicacy eagerly. Many times they oats. It will keep your cat healthy and Continued on page 26 finish off the entire contents of the both you and your cat happy. 25 Continued from page 25 dog. Exercise — an established daily custom? That's right. Remember those news headlines that read "it YOU'LL SAY "AH" 12 TIMES was hot enough today to fry an egg" AND SO WILL YOUR FRIENDS with pictures of newsmen actually frying eggs on both sidewalks and IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TO street pavements as proof? Before ANIMAL CAVALCADE AND walking your dog, or running him GIVE IT AS A GIFT! leashed to your bicycle, why not test the cement with your bare feet? If it is too hot for your feet - it is too hot for his paws. The painful blis­ tered and burned pads on dog paws are a major hot summer casualty, cffltfeiD' E veterinarians tell me. D 12 Issues $6.00 Dogs, family and the beach are a summer threesome, everywhere you • 24 Issues $10.00 look. With the picnic basket, include water for your dog. Sun and fun in ADDITIONAL POSTAGE: Canada, Latin America & Spain $2.00; the hot sand creates a thirst your six-pack cannot quench! Nor will salt Other Foreign $4.00 per year water, which he will drink if there is nothing else. Salt water is an irritant Your Name to his stomach causing nausea. It is Street equally irritating to his eyes. When your dog joins you in the ocean, City State Zip bathe his eyes with fresh water from that large water-jug very soon after he is through swimming. DNEWSUBSCBIBER D I AM A SUBSCRIBER Special Items of Concern Wherever you travel, events such AS A SUBSCRIBER YOU MAY ORDER ADDITIONAL as Fiestas, Centennials, Rodeos will SUBSCRIPTIONS - 12 issues for $4 be in full swing. Consider your dog. The noise for him is ear-shattering. Even if your dog is Field Trained, the Please Enter the Following Gift Subscriptions sudden bursts of guns, blasting horns, shrill fireworks - can turn a young To dog into a cowering wreck at any sudden noise, anywhere, for the rest Street of his life. A dog's hearing is far more sensitive than the human ear on City State Zip the deep and very high sounds. Gift card to read: "From. Consequently, the damage not only could be permanent, but could alter D 12 Issues D 24 Issues the entire future of what might have been a great dog. Pointers to remember wherever To you live or might tour: Street • Check with your AAA for accom­ modations permitting pets. City State Zip • Carry your dog's rabies certificate with you at all times. Gift card to read: "From. • Leave your dog home on hot days when shopping. D 12 Issues D 24 Issues • Keep water in your car - emer­ gencies do arise. • If the sidewalk is too hot for your To bare feet, it is too hot for dog's Street paws. • Don't endanger your dog's hearing City State Zip at noisy celebrations. • Be sure his "dog tag" is firmly Gift card to read: "From fixed on his collar. Include your name, address, phone number and • 12 Issues D 24 Issues his name. • Have a good veterinarian. He is as I enclose $ to cover. subscriptions. important for your dog, as is your doctor for you. Yes, traveling with your dog can 8338 ROSEMEAD BLVD., PICO RIVERA, CA. 90660 be fun for you - why not make it fun for him as well? 26 MR. FRITZ: AN OPEN LETTER ON ACUPUNCTURE Mr. Fritz poses before acupuncture treatment with his owner, After requesting information from a former patient of Bobby Klein, we Don Harrington, and received this letter - reprinted with permission from Don Harrington. acupuncturist Bobby Klein. Dear Friends, Mr. Fritz, whose hind quarters had Mr. Fritz is 11 years old as of January 23, 1975. He is a thoroughbred been paralyzed in an accident, doxie - black with tan markings turning gray. He is a very sensitive and is now able to walk, thanks "human" dog. We understand each other. Prior to his injury he was very to acupuncture treatments. strong and agile. After he became immobile he was depressed and self-conscious. He couldn't go up and down stairs. We had to carry him out for his normal body functions (which were not paralyzed). He would sulk especially when we had to clean him up. Mr. Fritz was injured in a pool accident while playing with the WHAT IS N.A.V.A.? neighborhood children. I took him to our veterinarian, and, after an The National Association examination and X-rays, he said the dog had damaged ligaments in his for Veterinary Acupuncture was right hind leg. He told us to take him home, keep him quiet and not let incorporated as a nonprofit him run. But Mr. Fritz did slip out on us to play with the kids and corporation on August 30, 1974 somehow slipped a disc in his back. We took him back to the to further research and teaching veterinarians', and after ten days in the hospital he could barely stand and in veterinary acupuncture. Vet­ could not walk. We were led to believe that only by a miracle would he erinarians on the Board of ever walk again. Part of our miracle was Mr. Bobby Klein. Directors include Dr. Alice Our first exposure to acupuncture was a television show on a local DeGroot (UCD 58), Dr. Michael channel. The show had a large poodle walking on its hind legs, which they L. Gerry (UCD 62), Dr. Richard said had been completely paralyzed in the hind quarters. I though that if it Glassberg (MO 68), Dr. Robert worked for that poodle, that it might work for Mr. Fritz as well. After Hart, Dr. Wolfgang Joechle (Mun many phone calls I was referred to Dr. Richard Glassberg of Fullerton. It 52), Dr. Horace E. Warner (UCD was in Dr. Glassberg's clinic* that we met Bobby Klein. 57). Mr. Fritz and Bobby Klein became friends immediately. The dog The association has leased seemed to understand that no harm would come to him. He responded to facilities to be utilized as a the very first treatments which were with the herb, moxa. He had five of teaching and research clinic for these treatmenta and we watched him carefully for results. He seemed to veterinary acupuncture. Cases us to regress and then progress between treatments, which we recorded for are accepted by referral only. Mr. Klein. His regression was never more than his previous progression. Mr. The veterinarians staffing the Klein started the needle therapy and Fritz responded more rapidly. The clinic and supervising the acu­ muscles in his legs started to develop, he could wag his tail and walk a puncture trials are all volunteer­ little. He still couldn't go up and down stairs, so we carried him. But his ing their time. The clinical progress was fast and steady and soon he was climbing the stairs, standing research is being conducted on one leg and behaving like a normal, healthy dog. From that time on he under the direction of a faculty has gained strength and confidence. committee from the University I was given no guarantee of any help for Mr. Fritz from the clinic and I of California at Davis. was not charged for the treatments. I did give a small donation to the Membership is open to inter­ Acupuncture Association after each treatment. We received so much from ested veterinarians who are the clinic and from Bobby Klein for so little that I have nothing but praise members in good standing of for all of the people involved. their local AVMA affiliate chap­ I hope some of the information here will help other dog owners with ter. Further information may be similar problems. Much luck to you, and thank you for listening. obtained by writing NAVA, P.O. Respectfully, Box 5181, Fullerton, California Don Harrington 92635. •Now N.A.V.A. Lawndale, CA 27 TRAFFIC,THIEVERY AND ANIMAL NEWS Continued from Page 6 ABUSERS CAN MAKE THE CITY A funds appropriated for animal health MISERABLE PLACE FOR A DOG. to avoid any imbalance in the fund- FIND OUT SOME EASY WAYS TO splitting requirement of the various TRAIN YOUR DOG FOR THE CITY. agricultural appreciation acts." The other resolution that is impor­ tant to the general public deals with meaningful funding of research efforts to understanding, alleviating, and eliminating animal disease in the U.S. There is now such a far-reaching bill in the U.S. House of Representa­ tives, and it is the hope of the veter­ inarians that this bill does pass to speed up the basic research funds SURVIVAL TRAINING FOR available to eliminate livestock disease.

CITT ANIMAL HEALTH FOUNDA­ TION RECEIVES GRANT FOR EQUINE RESEARCH

Recently a Texas Corporation PO§/ granted funds to the ANIMAL HEALTH FOUNDATION (parent of by Paul Stevick ANIMAL CAVALCADE) for a speci­ fied research project. Dr. Pierre Lieux of Riverside, California has been designated recip­ ient of the grant for research into the Dogs can be a problem in the city. The man-made environment of the urban area problems of ovarian malfunction in presents threats to both man and beast with which instincts often cannot deal. While mares. Dr. Lieux will use donated most city dwellers are aware of the many dangers to themselves, they are often mares which will be harmlessly ex­ ignorant or inadequately informed of the perils of their four-legged companions. amined by new remote controlled Savor the immeasurable joy and satisfaction of owning a dog without worrying that "cold" light called endoscopy where­ every walk will be his last. Dogs that live in cities, as well as their masters, should have by he will study their ovaries and an extra bit of education - survival training. oviducts during their function. Outlined below are three crucial steps for training your dog to live safely in the Dr. Lieux states that very little is city. positively known about the abnormal 1. It starts with the picking of a name. (pathological) function and condition Pick a name that is linguistically unique. The name should not be a common word of the ovaries of mares. He will make or sound. Two syllable words are best since dogs respond best to tone changes as well detailed studies and report his find­ as sound. In addition to making the dog more responsive to his name, it makes it ings to the Animal Health Founda­ harder for thieves to steal him since he won't answer to another name. tion. Results of these studies should 2. The second, and most important part of survival training is an extension of have a profound effect on the care "heel" training. Assuming that one has a puppy, as soon as he is leash broken, (if he and treatment of breeding mares. will walk on a leash without fighting it) his "heel" training should begin. Basically, There are large numbers of very valu­ this is the same as training him to heel, but with the added stipulation that he is able animals which remain barren required to "sit" at least thirty seconds (longer for older dogs) at every street corner. (non-pregnant) year after year. It is Never, should the dog be walked across a street without first sitting. When crossing hoped that with newer knowledge the street he should heel closely and not be allowed to dawdle over curiosities in the learned from this study that many of street. When the street is crossed "positive reinforcement" should be used. Tell him these can be returned to the normal he's a good dog for crossing that street so well. The critical point here is to never let brood mare band. him cross a street without stopping and sitting, even if the lights indicate you can go. Further information about this It's better to wait through a whole series of lights than to cross a street without study and others for the benefit of stopping. If this training is properly done your dog will always stay out of the street. animal health may be obtained from The strength of this training can be illustrated by my dogs who chase squirrels the ANIMAL HEALTH FOUNDA­ fervently. If the squirrels cross the street the dogs screech to a halt at the curb TION by writing or contacting the and stare longingly at the escapee. ANIMAL CAVALCADE, 8338 Rose- 3. The last part of survival training concerns "city breaking" a dog. mead Blvd., Pico Rivera, California "Housebreaking" a dog is not enough in a city. No one likes messy sidewalks 90660. and a good way to make enemies for dogs is to let them go where they will on sidewalks or lawns. So "city break" your dog to relieve himself in the gutter or FIREWORKS NO FUN in a bush. This is also done with "positive reinforcement" and a bit of old FOR FAMILY PET newspaper to pick up the "accidents" when they occur. "Survival Training" really pays off. When the dog gets lost chances are that Fireworks are a traditional part of if you circle the block you'll find him sitting at a corner waiting to cross. He Fourth of July celebrations in many won't respond to strangers calling him common dog names and he'll live a long, parts of the United States, but our happy life with you in the city. Continued on page 30 28 NEWS Continued from page 28 EIGHTH YEAR FOR EQUINE more horses on the move today, over SPRING CHECK-UP a wider area, than ever before. Urban canine friends would be happier with­ owners and weekend riders are still out them, states the Gaines Dog Re­ PROGRAM increasing. More animals are concen­ search Center. For the eighth year in a row, Fort trated in smaller lots and pastures, or Dogs have very sensitive hearing, Dodge Laboratories has announced it in larger stables - all contributing to and are likely to become terror- will again sponsor the Spring Horse greater health problems. striken when firecrackers explode. In Health Check-up Program. Initiated in Spring is the ideal time for an areas where fireworks are permitted 1967, when the horse population ex­ annual check-up, said Mr. Peterson. on the Fourth of July, dog owners plosion was just beginning, the pro­ The peak riding, showing and work­ should put their pets in a closed gram was designed to inform and aid ing season is just ahead. After a long room or in the basement where new horse-owners in scientific care of winter layover, there's generally a they're less likely to hear the noise. their mounts. At the same time, it build-up of internal parasites, and Under no circumstances should a was designed to carry word to horse­ problems may have developed with dog be deliberately exposed to a men about the professional help avail­ the teeth, feet, legs, internal organs noisy celebration on the theory that able from veterinarians. or condition. Importantly, it's the he'll get used to it. Such exposure is Eight years later, the "Spring time to make sure the horse is pro­ more likely to make him a nervous Check-up" is still making a valuable tected against any diseases it may wreck. If done to a puppy, it could contribution to the health of encounter during the summer's activi­ make him fearful of any loud noise America's horses, says D. A. Peterson, ties, by a complete vaccination pro­ for the rest of his life! president of Fort Dodge. There are gram.

SURPLUS PET POPULATION CONFERENCE Continued from Page 13 tion, capture or injury, a feral dog Ask the pet merchandising indus­ on an increasing scale for each suc­ probably doesn't last longer than five try to advocate, at the time of sale, ceeding offense rather than impound­ to six months," Dr. Schneider ob­ the neutering of pet quality animals; ing the animal. served. encourage ownership of smaller pets, Feral and owned stray cats are a which have fewer animals per litter; secondary but substantial cost to so­ and inform buyers of the responsibil­ THE DIMENSIONS ciety, the conferees decided. They ities entailed in pet ownership. OF THE PROBLEM kill birds and wildlife, spread toxo­ • Encourage animal registries and or­ plasmosis, worms, fleas and ticks and ganized dog and cat clubs to support There are approximately 90 mil­ increase the surplus population which responsible pet ownership and the lion dogs and cats in the U.S., not must be destroyed in shelters and breeding and merchandising of ani­ counting feral animals. While humans pounds. Also, cats are now equal to mals only where there is a ready and are being born at the rate of 415 per dogs in the incidence of rabies. responsible market. (Roy Carlberg, hour, dogs and cats are generating The Conference concluded with Vice President of the AKC, said: "We 3,500. the following recommendations: came to the meeting committed to In five years, one unspayed female • Utilize all possible media to in­ do this.") cat and her progeny can produce form the public of the seriousness of • Demand, and rigidly enforce, the 36,864 cats; a single female dog and the problem, and of their respons­ collection of higher license fees for her offspring can produce 12,498 ibility to care for and control their unneutered animals. puppies. pets properly. (Excellent films, TV • Investigate and pursue all sources If dogs and cats continue to prolif­ spots and brochures are available of funding to support scientific pur­ erate at their present rate, there will from the AHA, AKC, AVMA, HSUS, suit of the ideal contraceptive. (Vet­ be 200 million by 1985; by the turn Pet Food Institute and many local erinarians and animal welfare repre­ of the century, they will outnumber humane organizations.) sentatives agreed federal funds which the human population. • Encourage legislatures and local would be provided by legislation Nationally, 18 million animals governing bodies to revise and update pending in Congress for construction passed through shelters last year, at a their animal control laws and ordi­ of sterilizing clinics should be direc­ cost of $125 million. Of these, 13.3 nances to meet the needs of the ted instead toward support of better million were destroyed. public's health and safety. animal control programs and research Rabies control, dog bite care, sani­ • Enlist the help of law enforcement into alternatives to surgical ster­ tation, human infections acquired agencies, and supply guidelines to the ilization.) from animals, livestock losses and legal profession and courts. • Encourage federal, state and local wild dog control cost society nearly • Recognize the physical and ecolog­ regulatory agencies to set professional $200 million annually. ical values of surgical sterilization, standards for animal control person­ Every day in the United States, but conduct it in existing facilities. nel, train them adequately and pay dogs deposit 3,500 tons of feces and • Urge that all dogs and cats re­ them appropriately. 9.5 million gallons of urine. leased by pounds and shelters be ster­ • Ask community colleges and voca­ A recent survey by The National ilized, and that it be done by a tional institutions to offer educa­ League of Cities revealed that pet licensed veterinarian. tional programs for shelter manage­ control problems are the number one • Encourage animal welfare groups ment and animal control personnel. citizen complaint made to mayors, and veterinarians to arrange coopera­ • Permit adoption of animals only and are third only to traffic control tive spay and neuter programs by responsible owners. and rezoning problems in complaints through local veterinary associations. • Fine the irresponsible pet owner to councilmen. 30 year = 15; 5 years = 36; 10 years = dramatic statistical contrast apparent 56; 15 years = 75; 21 years = 100. on the two fronts. While the inci­ LETTERS So your 11-year-old Scotty would dence of rabies continues to climb equate to about 60 years - and he nationally, Los Angeles comes up should be able to keep going a good with a relatively clean bill of health. while yet. National Humane Review reports 232 Sincerely, confirmed cases of rabies in dogs in Dear Sirs: the country last year. The City of Your January/February 1975 issue J. F. Smithcors, D. V.M. Los Angeles hasn't reported a rabid provides interesting reading, and I do dog since 1962. enjoy it. Dear Ms. Harris: This remarkable achievement of lo­ However, I find no mention in In response to your kind invitation cal rabies control in a rabies endemic "Gerbils are to Enjoy" nor in the to submit material for Animal Caval­ area must be attributed primarily to accompanying article any mention of cade, I am enclosing a short disserta­ the active public low cost rabies pro­ the fact that Gerbils are illegal as pets tion by Robert I. Rush, general man­ gram pursued in the city. in California. ager of the Los Angeles City Depart­ The program was originated in Los I believe you should note this ment of Animal Regulation. Angeles in 1955. Last year, the one rather prominently even though the Mr. Rush would like to call public millionth dog was vaccinated against author omitted the information. attention to the role of the veterinar­ rabies in the city. From very modest Thank you for your publication. ian in the public low-cost anti-rabies beginnings 19 years ago, the anti- clinic program. W. E. Mottram, D.V.M. rabies clinic program now involves 45 We hope this meets with your clinic sessions per year conducted at Interim Zoo Director approval. Recreation and Park Dept. recreation centers in February, May, Very truly yours, McLaren Lodge August and November. Golden Gate Park This comprehensive program is James McNamara San Francisco, CA successful because responsible pet Public Relations owners in the city recognize the need City of Los Angeles for protection, and equally impor­ Dear Sirs: Dept. of Animal Regulation tant, because private veterinarians I have an eleven year old Scottish contribute their time, support and Terrier who is showing signs of old Anti-Rabies Clinics expertise to making the program age. How long should he live, and is According to the National Humane work. The term "low cost" is attri­ there any truth to the idea that 1 Review, May, 1974, laboratory con­ buted to the program because veterin­ year of a dog's life is equal to 7 years firmed cases of animal rabies in the arians contribute their services to the of human life? My dog doesn't look United States during the past year community free of charge. 77. showed a 14% increase above the So often when a community en­ John Boehmer preceding five year average. Statistics deavor is launched and maintains a c/o Ocean Springs High School reveal 4,427 cases last year, with high performance level year after Ocean Springs, Mississippi every state except Hawaii reporting year, it is accepted as being self- the disease. (Hawaii has a stringent sustaining, needing no new energies. Dear John: four-month quarantine for all dogs The project is assumed to be self­ Dogs are like people in that some and cats entering the islands.) winding. begin to look (and act) old sooner Skunks accounted for 47% of all than others, but the great variation in The Los Angeles anti-rabies clinics confirmed cases last year. Other spe­ are conducted with clockwork regu­ size of various dog breeds also makes cies with a high incidence rate were a difference. The giant breeds rarely larity and precision, but they're not foxes, 15%; bats, 11%; and raccoons, self-winding. The people providing live beyond about 10 years, while 4%. There were 232 confirmed cases medium-sized and smaller breeds the motivation for the clinics are the of rabies in dogs and 184 cases of Southern California veterinarians. To often make it to 15 - and 20 or rabies in cats during the year. older. This longer life is attained by a these men, who give unstintingly of The 14% increase in animal rabies their time and professional ability to fair number, expedaily if they are across the nation is a statistic which well cared for. The record is 27 the service of these clinics, the leads one to contemplate the local citizens of Los Angeles, pet owners years. The 7 to 1 ratio often quoted state of affairs pertaining to rabies is far from being accurate; the rate of and non-pet owners alike, owe a control. Sharp focus on the local sincere vote of gratitude. aging (relative to man) being much scene is recommended because Los more rapid up to 5 years (when the Angeles is a rabies endemic area. Robert I. Rush 7:1 ratio is applicable) and much In examining the local picture General Manager of the slower later. For medium sized and within the framework of national Los Angeles City Dept. of smaller dogs, 6 months = 10 years; 1 scope, an observer is struck with a Animal Regulation Animal Health Foundation 8338 Rosemead Boulevard, Pico Rivera, California 90660 Harry Maiden, Executive Director BOARD OF TRUSTEES (who serve without remuneration) Howard A. Weyker, UNM., President Nino Aloro, D.V.M. William W. Putney, D.V.M. Richard S. Glassberg, D.V.M., Vice President Clinton M. Baxter, D.V.M. William K. Riddell, D.V.M. W.A. Young, D.V.M., Seeretary Richard B. Fink, D.V.M. Thomas N. Snortum. D.V.M. Foster A. Lasdon, D.V.M.. Treasurer William A. Grant, D.V.M. Arthur W. Stone, D.V.M. Richard D. Macy, D.V.M. Delbert A. Thomas, J.D. The best reason tofeed you r B

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