Niles Animal Hospital and Bird Medical Center

Food Allergies in Dogs and Cats

2012-03-05T12:06:00.001-06:00

Food Allergies

Don Staunton DVM

7278 N. Milwaukee Ave. Niles, IL 60714

Ph 847-647-9325 FAX 847-647-8498

www.nilesanimalhospital.com

Allergic conditions are very commonly seen in pets. Many of the allergic conditions seen are due to seasonal allergies and a wide variety of other causes. However, 5-15% of dogs and 1-10% of cats with skin or ear disorders are likely to be food allergic. There are no recognized age, sex, or breed predilections. The age of onset is 4 months to 14 years in dogs and 3 months to 11 years in cats.

The most common sign of food allergy in both dogs and cats is itching, scratching, biting, or licking the skin. In dogs the itching is often generalized but in many cases is limited to the face, ears, legs, feet, armpit and groin area, and/or the area around the anus. In cats, the head, neck, ears, around the eyes and in front of the ears are commonly affected, but other areas may be involved. Ear infection is often present and may be the only clinical sign in dogs and cats. Skin redness, hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin), infection, ulcerations, hair loss, scaling, and flaking are other clinical signs. Approximately 30-50% of animals with skin signs of food allergy also have signs of vomiting, diarrhea, increased frequency of defecation, and abdominal pain.

Other possibilities for the clinical signs described above include fleas, mites, lice, bacterial and yeast infection, contact allergy, and atopy (hypersensitivity to substances in the environment including house dust mites). Many animals have combined allergies (both atopy and food allergy). Non-seasonal allergies (late fall and winter months) can be highly indicative of food allergy.

Foods reported to cause allergies in dogs include beef, chicken, corn, dairy, egg, soy, and wheat. Uncommon food include fish, lamb, pork, rabbit, duck, and venison. In cats, common foods include beef, fish, and dairy. Uncommon foods include wheat, barley, egg, lamb, pork, poultry, rabbit, and duck.

The main challenge of performing a food trial is compliance. A food trial will fail if you feed treats, snacks, rawhides, pig ears, human foods, scraps, garbage, outdoor feeding, and any other items not specifically ordered in the food trial. There are three food trial options available: 1) veterinary therapeutic/prescription food, 2) over the counter (OTC) food, or 3) formulated home-prepared recipe. There are advantages and disadvantages to each approach.

Veterinary diets include novel protein and hydrolyzed therapeutic diets. Novel protein diets include ingredients such as rabbit, venison, fish, duck, or kangaroo, on the theory that other commercial pet foods rarely use these ingredients, so previous exposure is not likely. More and more OTC retail products are becoming available with these ingredients but some are contaminated with possible food allergy offending ingredients. Also, most novel protein veterinary diets are formulated for adult maintenance, not growth or reproduction. Hydrolyzed diets are not designed to be novel. They are formulated to provide small peptides, that are not recognized by the immune system, instead of larger intact proteins. These diets may be chosen if an animal has been exposed to several different diets in the past. Over the counter foods may be offered but limited data suggests that cross-contamination of retail foods can lead to traces of other ingredients. Lastly, home-prepared diets may be offered but they can be expensive, inconvenient, time-consuming to prepare, and difficult to formulate as complete and balanced (vitamins, minerals, etc.).

Animals with immunologic food allergies and food responsive gastrointestinal symptoms usually respond positively to food trials within 4 to 12 weeks. Clinical signs, such as itching, ear infections, and gastrointestinal upset will start to improve in the first month, but up to three months may be necessary to see significant improvement. Secondary bacterial and yeast infections will need to be treated during the early stages of a food trial. Be sure to use a topical flea and tick preventative during the appropriate months, as ectoparasites can cause many of the same skin and ear symptoms seen with food and environmental allergies.

Hazards and Dangers for Pet Birds

2012-03-03T21:18:00.001-06:00

Be Afraid……Be Very Afraid

Peter S. Sakas DVM

NilesAnimal Hospitaland Bird Medical Center

7278 N. Milwaukee Ave. Niles, IL 60714

847-647-9325 FAX847-647-8498

Introduction

Petbirds are totally reliant upon our level of care for their very existence. Thefate of these companion animals are in our hands. Poor husbandry techniques,poor diet, inadequate care are all factors that can lead to sickness, poorquality of life and even untimely death.

Whenyou make the commitment to keep birds as companion animals you must dedicateyourself to maintain them in a proper fashion. Too often, due to negligence orignorance birds are subjected to injury, illness or death due to poor husbandrytechniques.

Nutrition

Malnutritiondue to improper diet is probably the number one “disease” condition that we seein avian practice. Poor diet can lead to metabolic conditions and loweredresistance to disease. Nutritional conditions we see include obesity, fattyliver disease, vitamin A deficiency, atherosclerosis, and poor feather quality.

Ourresponsibility is to provide a complete and balanced diet. Pellets are an idealdiet and should make up 80 to 50% of the diet. People food, including someseed, can make up to 20 to 50% of the diet as well. The conversion process to apelleted diet must be done carefully as some birds do not willingly changeover. They must be monitored carefully during the change to pellets.

Ifthe bird refuses to convert and remains on a seed diet it must be supplementedas a seed diet is inadequate. Supplements should include a quality dailyvitamin, mineral sources, and vitamin A rich foods (red and orange vegetables /dark green leafy vegetables).

Sanitation

Birdskept in filthy conditions are prone to picking up disease. Cage papers shouldbe checked and changed daily. If wood chips, shavings, corn cob or similarsubstrates are used they should be changed regularly. Regular cage cleaningsshould be performed.

Dirtyfood and water cups are a prime source of infection for pet birds. Cups shouldbe thoroughly cleaned daily. Cups should be covered or placed strategically toavoid fecal contamination.

Thesurrounding environment should be thoroughly cleaned regularly as well. Feathers,powder, feces, food all will be potential sources of irritation or infection.

Aspergillusis a ubiquitous soil fungus that can lead to serious disease in pet birds. Itcan be found in a dusty, musty environment or improperly stored food materials.It can lead to respiratory disease or manifest itself as a skin irritation leadingto feather picking.

Birdkeeper’s lung (Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis) is human health hazard (zoonosis)caused by hypersensitivity of certain individuals to aerosolized fecalproteins. It can lead to irreversible fibrosis of the lungs. It is important toclean the cage regularly to prevent the drying of the feces and potentialaerosolization. Having an air cleaner near the birds is a good idea to keepfeather dust, debris, and the fecal material to a minimum. If you do havesensitivity to birds have someone else in the family clean the cages or if youmust clean wear a mask.

Cage/Cage Environment

Thecage should be proper for the type of bird housed there and made of non-toxiccomponents. Be cautious with objects that may contain lead or zinc (commontoxicoses seen with pet birds). Watch for wear and tear of the cage as partsmay become damaged and pose a hazard. The cage should be placed in an area freefrom cold steady “drafts” and sites with potential for exposure to fumes orgases.

Thekitchen is one of the worst places to place a bird cage. Dangers include naturalgas (stove or water heater), carbon monoxide, overheated or burning food,overheated PTFE, cleaning agents, and aerosols.

Trauma

Birdsthat fly free are at great risk to be severely injured. Mirrors, windows,ceiling fans, and other objects can be dangerous to free-flying birds.

Closelymonitor birds in households with other pets. Cats, ferrets, dogs, and otherbirds have caused severe and sometimes fatal injuries to birds that are notproperly monitored.

Disease Conditions

Birdscan suffer from all kinds of disease conditions including bacterial, fungal,viral, chlamydial infections, metabolic disease, reproductive/endocrinedisorders, cancer, and psychological conditions. Early detection is the key. Bealert so the signs of disease can be recognized before they lead to a severecondition. Develop a feel for what is normal for your bird and watch for changesfrom the norm may serve as an indication of disease. Check the droppings dailyas droppings are an excellent indicator of potential disease conditions

Feather Picking

Featherpicking/self mutilation is one of the most frustrating conditions faced byavian veterinarians as there are a multitude of possible causes. Infection,hormonal conditions, psychological issues, allergies, metabolic disease, are potentialcauses to name a few. As there are so many causes there is no one good, allencompassing solution.

Purchasing a Bird

Whenpurchasing a bird, deal with quality sources. If it is too good to be true itprobably is! Always obtain a written guarantee and honor the requirements. Havethe bird checked by an avian veterinarian within the guarantee period. Alwayspay attention to what the breeder/pet store tells you about the bird and followthe instructions carefully.

Isolation

Lackof an isolation period after the purchase of a new bird is one of the worstsins I see committed by people who have other birds in their home/aviary….EVENBY PEOPLE WHO SHOULD KNOW BETTER!!!!!!!!

Theisolation period should be a minimum of 30 days, some sources advocate 90 days.New birds can be carrying a variety of disease conditions that can cause severedisease in your other birds. Not only large birds should be isolated as seriousdisease has been detected in small birds as well. For example, there have beenrecent cases of psittacosis in cockatiels, as well as psittacine beak andfeather disease in budgies and lovebirds.

Withno isolation precautions you are exposing your birds to all the diseases thatexist in the pet store or breeding facility.

Conclusion

Thereare many disease conditions and hazards lurking out there to put your bird atrisk. Your responsibility is to protect your bird from such hazards by properhusbandry techniques and recognition of disease conditions. We want our aviancompanions to live the long quality life they deserve.

Merial Donates Certifect to Police and Service Dogs

2012-02-25T22:50:00.000-06:00

We are pleased to report that Merial has made a generous donation of their new flea and tick preventative drug, Certifect, to the police and service dogs we see at Niles Animal Hospital.

Since 1999, we have been providing veterinary care for the Federal dogs who work out at O'Hare, Midway, mass transit and for the TSA. It is indeed a privilege and honor for us to be the veterinarians for these dogs and their officers who are dedicated to protecting all of us. In a benevolent act to help defray the cost of the care for these dogs, Merial has provided us with Certifect so that these dogs can be protected against fleas and ticks. We sincerely appreciate this kind gesture.

Next time you are at the airport or taking mass transit and see these dogs and their officers, know that they are a very effective line of defense in keeping us safe from danger. Working with these officers and their dogs through the years, I am so impressed by the quality of these dogs and the officers who handle them. We can rest easy knowing these officers and their dogs are ever vigilant, protecting us. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude for what they do and in this case, Merial put their money where their mouth is, which is well appreciated by all.

Pet Wellness Class About Nutrition on Sunday Night!

2012-02-24T22:51:00.000-06:00

Just a reminder. The Pet Wellness Class about Nutrition presented by Dr. Bartels from Hill's Science Diet will be held this Sunday at Niles Animal Hospital 7278 N. Milwaukee Ave. Niles from 6-8 PM. It is also a fundraising event for Chicago Pet Rescue and a $10 donation is suggested. Dr. Bartels will speak about pet nutrition and teach the attendees how to read pet food labels.....so you will really know what things mean on the label. Light refreshments will be served.

Call the hospital 847-647-9325 for more information or to let us know you are coming. You can also RSVP at the Chicago Pet Rescue website.

Please take part...it will be an interesting and informative presentation.

Arigato from Japan Earthquake Victims

2012-02-22T20:35:00.003-06:00

With all the crap and divisiveness going on in this world here is a heartwarming video. It is a thank you from the people of Japan who suffered during the earthquake and ensuing tsunami on 3/11/11. It was sent to me by a friend and I wanted to share it. It shows what we can accomplish when we help each other and also how wonderful the heartfelt appreciation of those you have helped makes you feel.

Salmonella Risk in Pet Foods

2012-02-15T10:00:00.000-06:00

This information was found in an article in the March 2012 Dog Fancy Magazine and is definitely worth sharing.

Salmonella lurks in pet foods, supplements, and treats more often than you may think, making both pets and people sick.

Since 2010 the Food and Drug Administration has issued more than two dozen recalls warning consumers about salmonella-tainted pet products on the market.

We all have heard of Salmonella but what is it and where does it come from? Salmonella is a genus of rod-shaped, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, predominantly motile bacteria from the intestinal tract. Salmonella is closely related to E. coli and are found worldwide in cold- and warm-blooded animals (including humans), and in the environment. They cause illnesses like typhoid fever, paratyphoid fever, and foodborne illness. Salmonella infections are zoonotic and can be transferred between humans and non-human animals. Many infections are due to ingestion of contaminated food.

Sources of infection include:

Infected food, often gaining an unusual look or smell, then is introduced into the stream of commerce;
Poor kitchen hygiene, especially problematic in institutional kitchens and restaurants because this can lead to a significant outbreak;
Excretions from either sick or infected but apparently clinically healthy people and animals (especially endangered are caregivers and animals);
Polluted surface water and standing water (such as in shower hoses or unused water dispensers);
Unhygienically thawed fowl (the meltwater contains many bacteria);
An association with reptiles (pet tortoises, snakes, iguanas, and frogs, but primarily aquatic turtles) is well described.

Salmonella bacteria can survive several weeks in a dry environment and several months in water; thus, they are frequently found in polluted water, contamination from the excrement of carrier animals being particularly important. Aquatic vertebrates, notably birds and reptiles, are important vectors of Salmonella. Poultry, cattle, and sheep frequently being agents of contamination, Salmonella can be found in food, especially in milk, meats and sometimes in eggs which have cracks.

High temperatures in the cooking process kill the Salmonella organisms, but the problem is not all consumable pet products are cooked. There are many steps in the production process after cooking where cross contamination with Salmonella and other bacteria could occur.

Sickened pets may experience diarrhea, lethargy, fever, and vomiting. People handling contaminated pet products may become ill, too. In 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that between 2006 and 2008, nearly 80 people (about half of them children under the age of 2) became sick after coming in contact with dry dog and cat food.

The way to keep your family and pets healthy is easy to do by following these steps:

Wash hands with warm soapy water before and after touching pet food items.
Store pet food, treats, and nutritional products according to label instructions. This usually means keeping them in a cool, dry, dark place.
Discourage children younger than 5 years of age from touching pet food, treats, or supplements. Young children are more at risk for illnesses because their immune systems are still developing.
Purchase individually packaged pig ears rather than buying them from bulk bins.
Use a scoop to dispense pet food into bowls.
Wash water and food bowls regularly with hot, soapy water.

Perhaps your best line of defense is staying current on pet product recalls. You can do so by visiting the FDA website at www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/safetyhealth/recallswithdrawals.

Portions of this article excerpted from the Newshound section of Dog Fancy March 2012 Issue "Stave Off Salmonella" written by Maryann Mott and also from Wikipedia.

An Inspirational Story

2012-02-11T21:33:00.003-06:00

I received a link to this video from a friend of mine. It is a very moving story.

I am not going to divulge too much as you need to experience it as the story unfolds. It is about an Australian contestant on the X Factor Show (Australian version).

The song he performs is "Imagine" by John Lennon. After you hear his story and he sings that song you will be moved as I was (along with the audience and judges of the show). The words are even more meaningful when he sings them.

Pet Wellness Class on Dog and Cat Nutrition

2012-02-08T10:25:00.002-06:00

Pet Wellness Class to be Conducted

A pet wellness class will be conducted at Niles Animal Hospital on dog and cat nutrition. It will be given by Jack Bartels DVM who is a nutrition expert for Hill's Nutrition. It is also a fund raiser for the Chicago Pet Rescue and a donation of $10.00 is suggested. Please come and take part as you will learn a great deal and also help support a good cause.

Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 6:00pm until 8:00pm

Are you interested in keeping your dog healthy? Want to learn from a professional veterinarian who specializes in nutrition?

Then join Chicago Pet Rescue (CPR) to hear: Dr. Bartels speak about

"Pet Nutrition: What you put in, is what you get out".

Presentation will be 1 hour at
Niles Animal Hospital
7278 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Niles, IL 60714

Register at the link below.

(Each class will include a handout on the information covered, presentation and time for question/answer opportunity. CPR staff will also be on hand to answer any questions about upcoming rescue happenings and volunteer opportunities.)

Donations for each class are $10
For Information About the Pet Wellness Series and Past Lectures Visit:
http://chicagopetrescue.web.officelive.com/PetWellnessClass.aspx

You can also RSVP via email right now (chicagopetrescue@hotmail.com)

The Loving Nature of Animals - A Valentine's Day Slide Show

2012-02-08T09:35:00.004-06:00

In celebration of Valentine's Day, I created a slide show demonstrating the loving nature of a variety of animals. The photographs show animals interacting with humans, other animals and inanimate objects. The music is from the Disney Classic "Lady and the Tramp" during the scene when the dogs are being serenaded while sharing a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. It is a very poignant and the most unforgettable scene for most people. The version is a newer rendition sung by Joy Enriquez and Carlos Ponce. It is a loving show and I hope you enjoy it.

Happy Valentine's Day!

http://youtu.be/5iUhZvsuNp8

Amazing Photography of Animals in the Womb

2012-02-07T21:50:00.001-06:00

Received this YouTube video from a friend and I had to share it. It is truly amazing.

Sergeant Stubby - War Dog Hero

2012-02-05T07:02:00.000-06:00

Another story about a hero animal that served in the military, Sergeant Stubby. (from Wikipedia). These true stories are very compelling to me compared to the fictional accounts that we see on TV or at the movies.

Sergeant Stubby (1916 or 1917 – March 16, 1926), was the most decorated war dog of World War I and the only dog to be promoted to sergeant through combat.

Life

While training for combat on the fields of Yale University in 1917, Private J. Robert Conroy found a brindle American Pit Bull Terrier mix puppy with a short tail. He named him "Stubby", and soon the dog became the mascot of the 102nd Infantry, 26th Yankee Division. He learned the bugle calls, the drills, and even a modified dog salute as he put his right paw on his right eyebrow when a salute was executed by his fellow soldiers. Stubby had a positive effect on morale, and was allowed to remain in the camp, even though animals were forbidden.
When the division shipped out for France aboard the SS Minnesota, Private Conroy smuggled Stubby aboard. Hidden in the coal bin until the ship was far at sea, Stubby was brought out on deck where the sailors were soon won over by the canine soldier. Stubby was once again smuggled off the ship and was soon discovered by Pvt. Conroy's commanding officer. The CO allowed Stubby to remain after Stubby gave him a salute.
When the Yankee Division headed for the front lines in France, Stubby was given special orders allowing him to accompany the Division to the front lines as their official mascot. The 102nd Infantry reached the front lines on the 5 February 1918. Stubby soon became accustomed to the loud rifles and heavy artillery fire. His first battle injury occurred from gas exposure; he was taken to a nearby field hospital and nursed back to health. The injury left him sensitive to the tiniest trace of gas. When the Division was attacked in an early morning gas launch, most of the troops were asleep. Stubby recognized the gas and ran through the trench barking and biting at the soldiers, rousing them to sound the gas alarm, saving many from injury.
Stubby also had a talent for locating wounded men between the trenches of the opposing armies; he would listen for the sound of English and then go to the location, barking until paramedics arrived or leading the lost soldiers back to the safety of the trenches. He even caught a German soldier mapping out the layout of the Allied trenches. The soldier called to Stubby, but he put his ears back and began to bark. As the German ran, Stubby bit him on the legs, causing the soldier to trip and fall. He continued to attack the man until the American soldiers arrived. For capturing an enemy spy, Stubby was put in for a promotion to the rank of Sergeant by the commander of the 102nd Infantry. He became the first dog to be given rank in the United States Armed Forces.
Stubby was injured during a grenade attack, receiving a large amount of shrapnel in his chest and leg. He was rushed to a field hospital and later transferred to a Red Cross Recovery Hospital for additional surgery. When Stubby became well enough to move around at the hospital, he visited wounded soldiers, boosting their morale.
By the end of the war, Stubby had served in 17 battles. He led the American troops in a pass and review parade and later visited with President Woodrow Wilson. He visited the White House twice and met Presidents Harding and Coolidge. Stubby was awarded many medals for his heroism, including a medal from the Humane Society which was presented by General John Pershing, the Commanding General of the United States Armies. He was awarded a membership in the American Legion and the Y.M.C.A.
When his master, J. Robert Conroy, began studying law at Georgetown University, Stubby became the mascot of the Georgetown Hoyas. He died in 1926.

Military service

Sergeant Stubby wearing his uniform and medals

Stubby served with the 102nd Infantry, 26th (Yankee) Division in the trenches in France for 18 months and participated in four offensives and 17 battles. He entered combat on February 5, 1918 at Chemin des Dames, north of Soissons, and was under constant fire, day and night for over a month. In April 1918, during a raid to take Seicheprey (Meurthe-et-Moselle), Stubby was wounded in the foreleg by the retreating Germans throwing hand grenades. He was sent to the rear for convalescence and, as he had done on the front, was able to improve morale. When he recovered from his wounds, Stubby returned to the trenches. After being gassed himself, Stubby learned to warn his unit of poison gas attacks, located wounded soldiers in no man's land, and — since he could hear the whine of incoming artillery shells before humans could — became very adept at letting his unit know when to duck for cover. He was solely responsible for capturing a German spy in the Argonne. Following the retaking of Château-Thierry by the US, the thankful women of the town made Stubby a chamois coat on which were pinned his many medals. There is also a legend that while in Paris with Corporal Conroy, Stubby saved a young girl from being hit by a car. At the end of the war, Conroy smuggled Stubby home.

After the war

After returning home, Stubby became a celebrity and marched in, and normally led, many parades across the country. He met Presidents Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge. Starting in 1921, he followed Conroy to Georgetown University Law Center, and became the Georgetown Hoyas' team mascot. He would be given the football at halftime and would nudge the ball around the field to the amusement of the fans.
In 1926, Stubby died in Conroy's arms. His remains are featured in The Price of Freedom: Americans at War exhibit at the Smithsonian. Stubby was honored with a brick in the Walk of Honor at the United States World War I monument, Liberty Memorial, in Kansas City at a ceremony held on Armistice Day, November 11, 2006.

Medals and awards

Sergeant Stubby's brick at the WWI Memorial

Stubby was made a life member of the American Legion, the Red Cross, and the YMCA. In 1921, the Humane Education Society awarded him a special gold medal for service to his country. It was presented by General John Pershing.

3 Service Stripes
Yankee Division YD Patch
French Medal Battle of Verdun
1st Annual American Legion Convention Medal
New Haven World War I Veterans Medal
Republic of France Grande War Medal
St Mihiel Campaign Medal
Wound stripe, replaced with Purple Heart when introduced in 1932
Chateau Thierry Campaign Medal
6th Annual American Legion Convention
Humane Education Society Gold Medal

Stubby was also featured in the Brave Beasts exhibit at the Legermuseum in Delft, The Netherlands.^[1]

Bird Slide Show

2012-02-03T00:50:00.002-06:00

I received some photos of birds attached to an email from a friend. They were so lovely I wanted to share them. I decided the most effective way to do this was to create a slide show. The soundtrack music is by Asher Quinn and it is a wonderful instrumental piece called "Sacred Sound" and it sets a perfect mood for this slide show. I do hope you enjoy it.

Captain Hays Chevrolet Apache Project

2012-01-29T20:08:00.002-06:00

A bittersweet story about an American soldier who was killed and provided "One Last Gift" for his family.

http://bcove.me/blrez5x7

You can read more and see other videos at http://www.captainhaysapacheproject.com/

We truly should be grateful for our military who have made sacrifices to protect us and our way of life throughout our Nation's history.

Nobel Committee Bypassed Holocaust Savior for Al Gore

2012-01-22T22:53:00.000-06:00

I am in a bit of a foul mood today after viewing the video that I posted on the preceding blog. I am sure you could tell by my philosophizing in that blog the true anguish I felt after watching the horrific scenes of the abuse of God's innocent creatures.

So as I am in this mood of despair, I am going to make you aware of a story most of you do not know.

In May of 2008, a Polish woman named Irena Sendler, who was 98 years old died in Warsaw, Poland. Now what is the big deal about that you ask? This lady was absolutely amazing and was a true hero. During World War II, the Catholic Sendler, risked her life to save Jewish infants and children during the Holocaust. How many did she save you ask? Try 2,500! She was captured by the Nazis for her efforts, tortured and sentenced to death by a firing squad. She managed to escape but she suffered with disabilities due to her experience at the hands of the Nazis for the rest of her life. I will not divulge the entire story, rather read the report from Newsbusters.org from the link below and then for verification and more information I have a link to Snopes about her. Yes she was real and her story is true.

The tragedy is she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. She lost. Who could have beat her? Whose story was more compelling than hers? Try Al Gore! Yep...sad but true. It doesn't matter how you feel about Global Warming...the spin machine was out in full force and there were media outlets boycotting her story (a list at the bottom of the Newsbusters article) to grease the skids for Gore.....that is why you never heard of it. Thank God for the power of the internet....because as well read as I am about history I never heard of her until someone sent me an email about her (which I verified on Snopes). This woman should have received accolades beyond measure for the selfless sacrifices she made for these poor unfortunate Jewish children, many of whom survived because of her efforts and made a difference with their lives.

It is so unfortunate that people like this are not recognized for their true heroism. Doing such amazing feats of courage for no personal gain, but doing so because they felt it was right. Risking their very lives in taking the chances they did. I read the stories about the politicians who inflate their "war records" claiming to take part in action or winning commendations which later turn out to be false. I know there was a judge in Illinois a few years back who made a career about touting his exploits serving in Viet Nam and taking part in a horrific battle. It turned out he was never there and resigned in disgrace. There are a number of such stories that do not need telling now.

So my goal in this posting is to let you read about a true hero. Someone who did not have the media hyping her credentials so she could win a prize. She exemplified what the Nobel Peace Prize really was supposed to stand for. When I was a kid I felt that this award was so prestigious....but as I look on the series of winners as of late, it is so diminished in my eyes and really does not have the significance I believed it had. So read the stories below and I believe you will be amazed by her story and flabbergasted that you never heard of her before. But in the great scheme of things she has a special place in Heaven and has my sincere admiration as well of those who know of what she had done, as you soon will.

Nobel Committee Bypassed Holocaust Savior for Al Gore | NewsBusters.org

snopes.com: Irena Sendler

It's a Wonderful World - Two Perspectives

2012-01-22T17:52:00.002-06:00

In Ancient Greece masks were used by the actors and led to the origination of the famed dual "Comedy and Tragedy Masks" that have been widely used throughout time. That is how I feel about this upcoming blog.

Someone sent me an absolutely lovely video from the BBC (on YouTube) about the planet Earth, showing all sorts of wonderful footage. Playing over the footage was the esteemed documentarian David Attenborough performing the song "It's a Wonderful World" in a speaking fashion. It was stunning and I really enjoyed it. (The smiling mask)

As luck (or bad luck) would have it the next video began to automatically play...it was a response to the previous video. Yes, it was David Attenborough performing "It's a Wonderful World," however the footage changed. It did not show the loveliness of the world, rather the dark side. It specifically showed the disregard man has for this planet and the animals we co-exist with here. I am no tree hugger/activist but I am very sensitive to what is happening to our planet.....the rain forests, the rampant pollution and the absolute inhumanity to animals.

This video evoked a very visceral and emotional response from me. I am not ashamed to say that it made me weep. Watching what was done to the environment was ghastly enough, but I absolutely lost it as I witnessed the video proof of the cruelty to the animals.

It is very graphic, sickening and I warn you about it. But we must not turn a blind eye, rather realize that this sort of inhumanity does exist and there has to be a way to stop it. I tried to watch it a second time but could not. (The tragedy mask)

As happy as you will feel about the first video the second will bring you down. If you want to have the happy face, watch the first and ignore the second. But if you want some reality right between the eyes, watch the second. Sadly, there is so much evil in this world. This video only depicts it from the perspective of planet Earth and it's creatures. We all know of the genocides that have occurred in the past and are still occurring. There is so much cruelty all around us. We need to do the best we can in our own small way to try to make this world a better place. Even simple acts of kindness go a long way. I am a believer in Karma (you will be held accountable for your actions) so I can only hope these evil people will get their just rewards in the end. It is a shame these poor animals suffer....but I do my damndest everyday to help any animal I can. They are truly God's gift to mankind.

Now the videos......the first.....lovely one entitled "A Wonderful World"

The second, heartbreaking one entitled "A Not So Wonderful World" (watch at your own risk)

Damn, just posting this and seeing this picture even breaks my heart.

Tweeting on Twitter

2012-01-20T09:52:00.001-06:00

Well folks....I have dipped my toe into another form of social media.....Twitter. Yes, this old dog may be learning a few new tricks. I have been asked frequently if I was "tweeting" (which I thought was a bit of a personal question) until I understood what was meant. So I decided to try it out to see how it would work.

It is a work in progress. I do not really know what to "tweet" so I am making random tweets on a wide range of topics and observations. I am tweeting an "Animal Fun Fact" (AFF on the tweets to save space) every day and have also been tweeting some notable quotes about animals. I am sure my wise cracking nature will also come through. We will see where this goes.

If you want to follow the progress of a novice tweeter (who is trying hard to be interesting and clever) the twitter address is @nilesanimalhosp. Hope to see some of you as followers as the journey continues.

A Political Parrot Story

2012-01-17T21:17:00.000-06:00

Continuing about my wise-cracking nature...this anecdote was back in the days when I was a new graduate veterinarian fresh out of the University of Illinois. I had been an student intern at Niles already for three years, starting in May of 1980 and upon graduation became a staff veterinarian in May of 1983. Dr. TJ Lafeber, the noted avian veterinarian, was my mentor and I was his protege who he was grooming to eventually take over the practice. This story relates to a time I was seeing one of Dr. Lafeber's rechecks.

I was seeing appointments one afternoon at Niles Animal Hospital and my next case was a recheck of an Amazon parrot that had previously seen Dr. Lafeber. As I checked the record I saw that the bird had been diagnosed with an intestinal tract infection and was been treated with oral antibiotics at home.

I walked into the exam room and introduced myself to the owner. The bird was a big, strong yellow naped Amazon parrot who was giving me a malevolent stare. As I looked more closely at the owner I noticed he had multiple gashes on his fingers and forearms which looked relatively fresh. I asked the owner what happened to him where he got all those wounds. He mentioned they came from the bird as he was trying to medicate him.

Those of you who have worked with (or have) parrots know how aggressive some of them can be or difficult to treat, especially the strong-willed ones. Sadly, this client's parrot was one of those dominating Amazons which made catching and medicating the bird difficult.

He then continued to tell me that the biggest problem was trying to treat the bird in the fashion Dr. Lafeber recommended. I will digress to relate what Dr. Lafeber used to advocate. He was concerned that birds would become fearful when an owner tried to capture them and administer oral medications. So what he would tell people to do was to disguise themselves in some fashion so the bird would not be fearful of the owner, rather the medicator. He told people to wear a hat, glasses or something just to throw the bird's perception off enough so when the disguise was removed the bird would not recognize the owner as the one who had done the capture and treatment.

As I was speaking to this particular owner he said the treatment was difficult because the only disguise he could find was a rubber Jimmy Carter mask. He said when he put the mask on he had trouble seeing what he was doing so it was especially difficult to capture the bird and accomplish treatment. All the while as he was visually encumbered, the enraged Amazon was biting the Hell out of him.

Needless to say, I had a bemused smile as I visualized the poor parrot being tormented by a grinning Jimmy Carter approaching him with a towel.That was enough to traumatize man and beast.

I then came up with one of my notable wisecracks. After hearing his tale of woe I had an inspiration. I told the client that I knew what his problem was and how he could solve it. He expectantly looked at me waiting for pearls of wisdom to fall from my lips to aid him in his twice daily battles trying to medicate the bird. I then said that the problem is pretty obvious. I remarked that the bird freaks out when it sees the Jimmy Carter mask because the bird is a Republican and he needed to get a Ronald Reagan mask when he was medicating the bird. The owner shook his head and the technician who was helping me just groaned.

Fortunately, the bird's fecal recheck was normal and no further medicating was needed so my theory was never put to the test.

Verification Code for Technorati

2012-01-15T16:09:00.001-06:00

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The Ancient Art of Urine Tasting Revisited

2012-01-15T01:00:00.000-06:00

Continuing with another story of my veterinary related practical jokes, this one was pulled on a veterinary technician student who was interning at our hospital one summer.

Before I delve into the details of the "joke" I need to provide you with some medical background. In ancient times, diagnosis of disease problems could be accomplished through the art of "urine tasting." By actually tasting urine, one could get an idea of what condition a person was suffering from. That is also why in those days they probably did not have a whole lot of people applying to medical school to become doctors! This practice is represented in the names of two forms of diabetes, diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus. The diabetes most people (and pets) suffer from is diabetes mellitus, characterized by increased sugar in the urine....hence the word mellitus referring to sweet, the sweet taste of the urine due to the sugar content. Diabetes insipidus is caused by a hormonal problem where the body cannot reabsorb the water filtered by the kidney. It is a problem with the anti-diuretic hormone which is what prevents excessive urination. In diabetes insipidus, there is a problem with this hormone so it is not functioning like it should, so you have diuresis or excessive urination with resultant excess drinking...called polyuria (excess urination) / polydipsia (excess thirst). For a another fun fact, when imbibing with alcohol, the antidiuretic hormone is suppressed so there is a resultant increased need to urinate....and then a need to restore the fluids. Nonetheless, as there is excessive urine production, the urine is very dilute or insipid (tasteless). Whew, now that we have the long physiological description out of the way we can now talk about the poor trick I pulled on this impressionable veterinary technician student.

The Urine Prank
We frequently have student interns/externs at the practice which may spend a few weeks/days or even most of the summer at our practice. One summer, several years back, we had a veterinary technician student from Parkland College in Champaign (which has an excellent two year program for veterinary technicians leading to certification....we have a link to the Parkland program as well as other excellent programs on our nilesanimalhospital.com website, under links) and she was just finished up the final week of her externship. As the veterinary technicians learn to do laboratory work, she had spent a great deal of time working in our in house laboratory.

She enjoyed making diagnoses through the lab work. One thing she did quite often was performing urine analyses in order to detect certain disease conditions. Initially, the urine is placed into a centrifuge to settle out any cells or debris to the bottom of the test tube. There are several parts to a urinalysis, the separated liquid is examined for its appearance, concentration and a special "dipstick" is placed into the urine. On this dipstick are several different pads which change colors when certain elements are present in the urine including glucose, bile, blood, ketones and others. Then the sediment from the bottom of the test tube is placed on a slide, stained, and checked for white blood cells, red blood cells, crystals, abnormal cells and other things.

She had been telling me the last few weeks of her externship that she had not diagnosed a case of diabetes with a urinalysis since she had been at the our hospital. She was hoping to make that diagnosis before she went back to school. Well.......not being one to disappoint a dedicated student I hatched a plan in my fertile mind.

I got some apple juice from the store one night and brought it in the following day. I created a phony record and poured the "urine" into one of our containers where we place urine samples. I brought the sample to her in the lab and told her we had a dog that was drinking and urinating excessively as well as losing weight, which were potential signs of diabetes mellitus. She eagerly took a portion of the sample, spun it down in the centrifuge, poured off the spun down urine and placed a dipstick in the urine. She suddenly became very animated and excited. She was saying she finally found a case of diabetes. I asked her why and she said that this urine sample is loaded with glucose, excitedly showing me the dipstick with the glucose pad very darkened, indicating a large amount of glucose present in the sample. I then told her that I was glad she had finally achieved her goal......but then, my devious plan continued.

I picked up the container with the excess "urine" in it and "carefully" examined it. I then said very thoughtfully, "You know, in ancient Egypt there used to be urine tasters who could diagnose diseases by tasting urine. Because diabetes mellitus refers to sweet...I wonder...." I put the container to my lips and I drank the "urine" and I said " That is right, it is sweet." I looked over at the student whose mouth was agape and had a look of absolute horror on her face. I then said, "Tastes pretty good, too." Her eyes were bugging out by this time, but our staff members (who were in on this) could not hold it in any more and burst out laughing, telling her that I had tricked her with apple juice. She then placed her hand over her chest and was taking some deep breaths as she said that she was so flabbergasted that it seemed like I had actually drank urine.

Fortunately, this experience did not scar this poor student who went on to become a certified veterinary technician who is still in the field. Whenever I see her she begins to smile and shake her head saying she will never forget that experience.

One other post script. When you are a wise guy / practical joker you always have to be sure that the tables are not turned on you. I NEVER let that "urine" container out of my sight....I remained in the lab as this joke was taking place. With our staff I knew if they had the chance they would have replaced the apple juice with the real thing if I was not careful.

The Critically Ill "Guinea Pig"

2012-01-12T23:18:00.000-06:00

For those of you who know me I am always one who is quick with a quip, pun or wisecrack and on occasion does engage in some practical jokes. This was one of my favorites, which I pulled on one of our technicians who is now a practicing veterinarian in Wisconsin.

Late one afternoon a black cat had come in that was in a state of neglect with huge mats of hair all over it's body. As we were clipping the mats off, there was a particularly large one on the back that I removed pretty much in totality. After I had removed the mat, I was holding it up, admiring my handiwork and I stated to the technicians helping me that it looked just like a guinea pig. Which it did....the size and shape made it a spitting image of a guinea pig. It was then that a mischievous thought came to mind.

We had one technician who was a very happy-go-lucky type and found humor in just about everything, but was a very diligent and dedicated worker. As it was her day off I decided to make her the "mark" of my practical joke. So the next day, before she arrived, I set up my little joke. I took the hair mat, put it in a hospital cage and set it up like a hospitalized animal. I placed food and water in the cage, placed a towel under the hair mat/guinea pig and placed a heat lamp on the cage.

When the technician arrived I said, "Thank Goodness you are here. I just took in a critically ill guinea pig who is emaciated, barely responsive and severely dehydrated." I told her that the guinea pig was all set up in the ward with a heat lamp and needed warmed subcutaneous fluids as soon as possible. She had a very concerned look on her face as she went to get the warmed fluids. As she entered the ward she looked in on the "guinea pig" and her concern intensified. (All this time the rest of the staff is muffling laughter and are just out of sight) She felt the "guinea pig" and looked horrified as she realized there was nothing to it. She then uncapped the needle and plunged it (what she thought was) subcutaneously to administer the fluids. After running the fluids for a few moments she appeared shocked as she noticed that the fluids were running through the "guinea pig" and starting to soak the towel. By this time the staff could not stifle themselves any longer and came out of hiding, laughing. She turned and realized she had been bamboozled and of course held me responsible, which was correct. She mentioned she couldn't believe how dehydrated the "guinea pig" was and could not understand why the fluids were coming out like they were. Realizing now it was a hair mat it all made sense.

We all had a good laugh and I told her she was probably the only veterinary technician in history who had ever administered subcutaneous fluids to a hair mat. However, she did get even with me.

Many years later I was giving a lecture to the Wisconsin State Veterinary Association. By this time she had gone to veterinary school, graduated and was practicing in Wisconsin. She had the honor of introducing me to the attendees before my lecture. Well she told the story of the hair mat/guinea pig and embellished it pretty well. She finished her introduction by stating that if I could do something like that to her she doesn't know if she could believe anything I was going to say in the lecture. The audience got a big kick out of her introduction and she sat down with a satisfied look on her face.

The practice of veterinary medicine can cause you to have some of your highest highs when you are able to help a sick animal recover but also have some of your lowest lows when you have to euthanize a beloved pet that you have tried your best to save. I enjoy the interaction with both the pets and the owners (whom I feel are the finest people as they care enough to bring their pets in for veterinary care). After all these years at Niles Animal Hospital (thirty two years this May and counting) I still love what I do. I have had friends who are now retiring (I am not getting younger myself) and have stated that they are envious of me because they knew I had always wanted to be a veterinarian and I am still living my dream. It helps to ease the pressure and keep things lighthearted when we are able to have some harmless fun such as occurred with the hair mat scenario.

Next blog I will tell you about another trick I pulled on a veterinary technician extern who was at our hospital.

Choosing the Right Pet Insurance

2012-01-11T23:02:00.001-06:00

20 Questions to Help You Choose a Insurance Provider

Health costs are rising for people and pets alike. To help combat the increasing costs having a quality insurance policy is very important. Through the years pet insurance has improved and is quite an attractive option for pet owners nowadays. Many of the policies provide decent coverage for routine examinations, vaccinations and typical procedures. However, where it can be quite useful when your pet may suffer a catastrophic illness or injury. Some policies do offer reasonable reimbursements. However, if you do commit to pet health insurance I would recommend purchasing it when the pet is still young as it may be difficult or very costly to cover an older pet. In addition, there may be preexisting conditions in an older pet which may disqualify it for certain coverages.

Which insurance company should you select? There are many companies to choose from and what degree of coverage would you like? It can be quite difficult to sift through all the legal jargon included in many pet insurance informational packets. After you do some research online and find a few companies you might like to work with, it is then time to dig deeper. Use this list of questions to find the level of care that is just right for you and your pet.

Is the company licensed in your state? Which of their policies is available in your state?
Does the company have a good reputation? What do the Better Business Bureau or other independent organizations say about it? How long has the company been around?
Are the policies and information provided reasonably easy to understand? Are the people you talk to knowledgeable and helpful?
Does the company offer customer service during reasonable hours?
Can you see any veterinarian you want?
Have premiums increased over the past few years? If so, by how much?
What happens to coverage and premiums as your pet gets older?
Are there any reasons you would not be able to renew your policy?
What type of coverage and co-insurance does the policy require?
Is there a "usual and customary charges" clause? How are those limits determined?
What kinds of care are excluded or limited? Are congenital or hereditary diseases covered?What about cancer? Is dental care covered?
Are conditions diagnosed within one year excluded as preexisting conditions the next?
Are benefits available for wellness or preventative care for your pet?
Can you choose a deductible? Can you change a deductible from year to year? Is the deductible annual or is it applied to each medical incident?
Are the waiting periods before coverage begins reasonable?
Is there a maximum age for enrollment?
Are there limits per incident, per year, per lifetime, or per body system? What are those limits?
Is a physical examination required for enrollment or renewal?
How quickly are claims processed and paid?
Are there any billing fees or discounts?

Do not be reluctant to ask these questions when you are deciding which company to go with for pet insurance. You need to make the best decision for you and your pet. Ask fellow pet owners who have or have had insurance and the experiences they had, as well as any recommendations. Also ask your veterinarian for their recommendations as well.

The list of 20 questions was provided in an article in a veterinary publication.

Nemo - Viet Nam War Hero Dog

2012-01-06T15:26:00.003-06:00

Another in our series of war hero animals. This is the story of "Nemo" a dog war hero from the Viet Nam War. This story is from the "War Dog Hero Site" and the War Dogs Remembered section, where stories are told about these amazing dogs and their sacrifices made in wartime situations.

" Nemo " Remembered
Nemo
No. A534, 377th Security Police K-9
Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam. 1966

Airman 2nd.Class Bob Thorneburg and his K-9 Nemo were assigned duty near an old Vietnamese graveyard about a quarter mile from the air base's runways. No sooner had they started their patrol... Nemo alerted on something in the cemetery. But before Thorneburg could radio the CSC, that "something" opened fire.

Thorneburg released his dog and then charged firing into the enemy. Nemo was shot and wounded, the bullet entering under his right eye and exited through his mouth. Thorneburg killed one VC before he too was shot in the shoulder and knocked to the ground.

That might of been the sad end of the story. But Nemo refused to give in without a fight. Ignoring his serious head wound, the 85 pound dog threw himself at the Vietcong guerrillas who had opened fire. Nemo's ferocious attack brought Thorneburg the time he needed to call in backup forces.

A Quick Reaction Team arrived and swept the area but found no other Viet Cong. However, security forces, using additional sentry dog teams, located and killed four more Viet Cong. A second sweep with the dog teams resulted in discovery of four more Viet Cong who were hiding underground. They, too, were killed.

Although severely wounded, Nemo crawled to his master and covered him with his body. Even after help arrived Nemo would not allow anyone to touch Thorneburg. Finally separated, both were taken back to the base for medical attention. Thorneburg was wounded a second time on the return to the base.

Lt. Raymond T. Hutson, the base vet, worked diligently to save Nemo's life. It required many skin grafts to restore the animal's appearance. Nemo was blinded in one eye, After the veterinarian felt Nemo was well enough, the dog was put back on perimeter duty. But it turned out his wounds needed further treatment.

On June 23, 1967, Air Force Headquarters directed that Nemo be returned to the United States with honors, as the first sentry dog to be officially retired from active service.

Thorneburg had to be evacuated to the hospital at Tachikawa Air Base in Japan to recuperate. The handler and the dog who saved his life said their final goodbyes. Airman Thorneburg fully recovered from his wounds and also returned home with honors.

Nemo flew halfway around the world accompanied by returning airman Melvin W. Bryant. The plane touched down in Japan, Hawaii and California. At each stop, Air Force vets would examined the brave dog for signs of discomfort, stress and fatigue...after all he was a War Hero!

Finally, the C-124 Globemaster touched down at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas, on July 22, 1967. Captain Robert M. Sullivan, was the officer in charge of the sentry dog training program at Lackland, and was the head of Nemo's welcome home committee.

"I have to keep from getting involved with individual dogs in this program," Sullivan said, "but I can't help feeling a little emotional about this dog. He shows how valuable a dog is to his handler in staying alive."

After settling in Nemo and Captain Sullivan made a number of cross country tours and television appearances, as part of the Air Force's recruitment drive for more war dog candidates, until the US involvement in Vietnam started to wind down.

Nemo spent his retirement at the Department of Defense Dog Center, Lackland AFB, Texas. He was given a permanent kennel near the veterinary facility. A sign with his name, serial number, and details of his heroic exploit designated his freshly painted home.

Nemo died December 1972 at Lackland AFB, shortly before the Christmas holiday: after a failed attempt to preserve his remains, the Vietnam War hero was laid to rest on March 15, 1973, at the DoD Dog Center, at the age of 11. Until then, his presence at Lackland reminded students just how important a dog is to his handler - and to the entire unit.

Cher Ami - An Amazing Story of a War Hero Pigeon

2012-01-04T00:04:00.001-06:00

In our continued series about animal war heroes, here is the truly amazing story of a brave pigeon who was responsible for saving the lives of hundreds of United States soldiers during World War One. This bird was a celebrated hero in his time and now, as is so unfortunate nowadays, sadly forgotten. That is why I would like to share the story of brave little Cher Ami, a true and unlikely hero. I hope after reading this you will look upon the humble pigeons you see with some new found respect. (The discussion below was copied from a Wings of Valor posting)

Cher Ami (Dear Friend) A Pigeon War Hero

The ability to communicate is essential tosoldiers in the field. Without communications to their commanders or supportunits in the rear area, soldiers on the front line can't send messages abouttheir progress, request needed supplies, or call for help when things reachtheir worst.

During World War I, messages were sometimestransmitted by wire (telegraph of field phone), but two-way radio communicationshad not yet become available. Sometimes a unit was ordered to attack over abroad and often difficult terrain, making it impossible to string the wirenecessary for communications. In these situations, a field commander oftencarried with him several carrier pigeons.

Pigeons served manypurposes during the war, racing through the skies with airplanes, or even beingfitted with cameras to take pictures of enemy positions. But one of the mostimportant roles they served it was as messengers. An important message could bewritten on a piece of paper, then that paper neatly folded and secured in asmall canister attached to a pigeon's leg. Once the pigeon was released, itwould try to fly to its home back behind the lines, where the message would beread and transmitted to the proper military planners.

The United States Army is divided amongseveral different specialties, the men from each specialty trained for aparticular kind of work. Infantrymen are trained to fight on the ground,artillerymen are responsible for the big guns, armor refers to the men whofight in tanks, and the Air Service was the name for the group of soldiers whofought in the air during World War I. One of the oldest of these groups ofsoldiers was the members of the U.S.ARMY SIGNAL CORPS. Since the birth of our Nation, it was these men that wereresponsible for insuring that messages between all units, (including messagesto other branches of service like the Navy and Marines), got through. The ArmySignal Corps identifies itself by a torch with two crossed flags. Theserepresent SIGNAL FLAGS, a common way that messages were passed using code.

When the United States entered World War Iin 1917, the Army Signal Corps was given 600 pigeons for the purpose of passingmessages when it couldn't be done by signal flag or field phone. The pigeonswere donated by bird breeders in Great Britain, then trained fortheir jobs by American soldiers.

During the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the2-month battle that finally ended World War I, 442 pigeons were used in thearea of Verdunto carry hundreds of messages. This is how the system worked:

When a commander in the field needed to send amessage, he first wrote it out on paper, trying to be both brief and yet asdetailed as possible. Then he called for one of his Signal Corps officers, whowould bring one of the pigeons that went with the soldiers into battle. Themessage would be put in the capsule on the bird’s leg, and then the bird wouldbe tossed high in the air to fly home.

The carrier pigeon would fly back to his homecoop behind the lines. When he landed, the wires in the coop would sound a bellor buzzer, and another soldier of the Signal Corps would know a message hadarrived. He would go to the coop, remove the message from the canister, andthen send it by telegraph, field phone or personal messenger, to the rightpersons.

Carrier pigeons did an important job. It wasalso very dangerous. If the enemy soldiers were nearby when a pigeon wasreleased, they knew that the bird would be carrying important messages, andtried their best to shoot the pigeon down so the message couldn't be delivered.

Some of these pigeons became quite famousamong the infantrymen they worked for. One pigeon named "The Mocker,"flew 52 missions before he was wounded. Another was named "PresidentWilson." He was injured in the last week of the war and it seemedimpossible for him to reach his destination. Though he lost his foot, themessage got through to save a large group of surrounded American infantrymen.

Cher Ami

Probably the most famous of all the carrierpigeons was one named Cher Ami, two French words meaning "DearFriend." Cher Ami served several monthson the front lines during the Fall of 1918. He flew 12 important missions todeliver messages. Perhaps the most important was the message he carried onOctober 4, 1918.

Mr. Charles Whittlesey was alawyer in New York, but when the United States called for soldiers to helpFrance regain its freedom, Whittlesey joined the Army and went to Europe to help. He was made the commander of a battalionof soldiers in the 77th Infantry Division, known as "The LibertyDivision" because most of the men came from New Yorkand wore a bright blue patch on their shoulders that had on it the STATUE OF LIBERTY.

On October 3, 1918 Major Whittlesey and morethan 500 men were trapped in a small depression on the side of the hill.Surrounded by enemy soldiers, many were killed and wounded in the first day. Bythe second day only a little more than 200 men were still alive or unwounded. Major Whittlesey sent out several pigeons totell his commanders where he was, and how bad the trap was. The next afternoonhe had only one pigeon left, Cher Ami.

During the afternoon the American Artillerytried to send some protection by firing hundreds of big artillery rounds intothe ravine where the Germans surrounded Major Whittlesey and his men.Unfortunately, the American commanders didn't know exactly where the Americansoldiers were, and started dropping the big shells right on top of them. It wasa horrible situation that might have resulted in Major Whittlesey and all hismen getting killed - by their own army.

Major Whittlesey called for his last pigeon, Cher Ami. He wrote a quick and simple note, telling themen who directed the artillery guns where the Americans were located and askingthem to stop. The note that was put in the canister on CherAmi's left leg simply said:

We are along the road parallel to 276.4.
Our own artillery is dropping a barrage directly on us.
For heaven's sake, stop it.

As Cher Amitried to fly back home, the Germans saw him rising out of the brush and openedfire. For several minutes, bullets zipped through the air all around him. For aminute it looked like the little pigeon was going to fall, that he wasn't goingto make it. The doomed American infantrymen were crushed, their last hope wasplummeting to earth against a very heavy attack from German bullets.

Somehow CherAmi managed to spread his wings and start climbing again, higher and higherbeyond the range of the enemy guns. The little bird flew 25 miles in only 25 minutesto deliver his message. The shelling stopped, and more than 200 American liveswere saved...all because the little bird would never quit trying.

On his last mission, CherAmi was badly wounded. When he finally reached his coop, he could fly nolonger, and the soldier that answered the sound of the bell found the littlebird lying on his back, covered in blood. He had been blinded in one eye, and abullet had hit his breastbone, making a hole the size of a quarter. From thatawful hole, hanging by just a few tendons, was the almost severed leg of thebrave little bird. Attached to that leg was a silver canister, with theall-important message. Once again, Cher Amiwouldn't quit until he had finished his job.

CherAmi became the hero of the 77th Infantry Division and the medics worked longand hard to patch him up. When the French soldiers that the Americans werefighting to help learned the story of CherAmi's bravery and determination, they gave him one of their own country's greathonors. Cher Ami, the brave carrier pigeon was presented a medal called theFrench Croix de guerre with a palm leaf.

Though the dedicated medics saved Cher Ami's life, they couldn't save his leg. The men ofthe Division were careful to take care of the little bird that had saved 200 oftheir friends, and even carved a small wooden leg for him. When Cher Ami waswell enough to travel, the little one-legged hero was put on a boat to the United States.The commander of all of the United StatesArmy, the great General John J. Pershing, personally saw Cher Ami off as hedeparted France.

Back in the United States the story of CherAmi was told again and again. The little bird was in the newspapers, magazines,and it seemed that everyone knew his name. He became one of the most famousheroes of World War I. Yearsafter the war a man named Harry Webb Farrington decided to put together a bookof poems and short stories about the men and heroes of World War I.

When hisbook was published, it contained a special poem dedicated to CherAmi:

Cher Ami
by Harry Webb Farrington

Cher Ami, how do you do!
Listen, let me talk to you;
I'll not hurt you, don't you see?
Come a little close to me.
Little scrawny blue and white
Messenger for men who fight,
Tell me of the deep, red scar,
There, just where no feathers are.
What about your poor left leg?
Tell me, Cher Ami, I beg.
Boys and girls are at a loss,
How you won that Silver Cross.

"The finest fun that came to me
Was when I went with Whittlesey;
We marched so fast, so far ahead!
'We all are lost,' the keeper said;
'Mon Cher Ami--that's my dear friend--
You are the one we'll have to send;
The whole battalion now is lost,
And you must win at any cost.'
So with the message tied on tight;
I flew up straight with all my might,
Before I got up high enough,
Those watchfull guns began to puff.
Machine-gun bullets came like rain,
You'd think I was an aeroplane;
And when I started to the rear,
My! the shot was coming near!
But on I flew, straight as a bee;
The wind could not catch up with me,
Until I dropped out of the air,
Into our own men's camp, so there!"

But, Cher Ami, upon my word,
You modest, modest little bird;
Now don't you know that you forgot?
Tell how your breast and leg were shot.

"Oh, yes, the day we crossed the Meuse,
I flew to Rampont with the news;
Again the bullets came like hail,
I thought for sure that I should fail.
The bullets buzzed by like a bee,
So close, it almost frightened me;
One struck the feathers of this sail,
Another went right through my tail.
But when I got back to the rear,
I found they hit me, here and here;
But that is nothing, never mind;
Old Poilu, there is nearly blind.
I only care for what they said,
For when they saw the way I bled,
And found in front a swollen lump,
The message hanging from this stump;
The French and Mine said, 'Tres bien,'
Or 'Very good'--American.
'Mon Cher Ami, you brought good news;
Our Army's gone across the Meuse!
You surely had a lucky call!
And so I'm glad. I guess that's all.
I'll sit, so pardon me, I beg;
It's hard a-standing on one leg!"
"Cher Ami" and Poems From France
Rough & Brown Press, 1920

Cher Ami died of his multiple war wounds onJune 13, 1919--less than a year after he had completed his service to the United StatesArmy Signal Corps. Upon his death a taxidermist preserved the small pigeon forfuture generations, a bird with a story that became an inspiration to millionsover the years.

Today, visitors tothe National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington,D.C. can still see Cher Ami, preserved for history alongside the French Croixde Guerre with palm that was awarded to him by the French government. Inthe years following Cher Ami's death, therewere rumors the bird had also been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.Though there is ample documentation that General John J. Pershing did in fact,award a "silver medal" to the brave carrier pigeon, there is NOrecord of the DSC being awarded.

Cher Ami on display at the Smithsonian Institution

A Moving Aviation Tribute to Our Veterans

2011-12-31T07:50:00.000-06:00

I have been posting stories about animal war heroes (prompted by the release of "Warhorse") as I wanted to let people know about the real life heroes and not the fictional ones, as the real stories are even more compelling. As you can gather I am a history buff and especially interested in military history so that is why I have such a vast store of knowledge about it. I have a special fascination with the Warbirds (military aircraft) and their stories.

I was going to post a story about a hero bird who had "saved" the "Lost Battalion" during World War I, however, a friend of mine sent me a stirring video which moved me and had a wonderful message. So on this New Year's Eve as we are looking forward to the upcoming year, we should also look back and be thankful for those who have made the sacrifices so that we do have our tomorrows, those who have served in our military. As is said, "All gave some, some gave all" and we must never forget. As our "greatest generation" ages and passes on we should be appreciative of what they have done, but must not ignore the sacrifices of our current generation of military who have proved their "greatness" in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also we must honor our Vietnam veterans and those who fought in the "Forgotten War" of Korea.

On this New Year's Eve I am thankful for our military past and present for what they have done and do to keep our country safe. I hope you will feel the same emotions I felt when I watched this video.

Reckless - A True American Hero

2011-12-29T23:40:00.001-06:00

Continuing with our stories about animal war heroes we will discuss a distinguished animal hero who has been forgotten and ignored as time has passed. After reading the account and viewing the presentation after clicking the link below you will wonder why you never heard about "Reckless." We see so many fictional stories and fictional heroes it is truly a shame when real stories and heroes are ignored.

They refer to the Korean War as "The Forgotten War" and it is unfortunately true. You see or read very little about the conflict and it is not glorified in movies as other conflicts. But American soldiers fought and died in this war so it is truly a shame that so many Americans know so little about what happened in this war.

There was a movie just recently released by Steven Spielberg called "Warhorse." When I heard about it I thought it was about the war hero horse "Reckless" who was real and had a "distinguished" tour of duty during the Korean War. I was disappointed when I found out it was not and so Reckless is still relegated to obscurity. That is why I felt it was essential to bring the story of Reckless to light so people could learn about a true "hero" animal. It is pretty amazing when you will find out that Reckless was named one of America's 100 greatest heroes by Life magazine. So read below and click on the link in order to be enlightened about an amazing true story that has been sadly forgotten of a heroic animal who took part in a conflict which has gotten little of the respect it deserved historically.

"Semper fi," Reckless.
(The Marine motto...short for Semper fidelis, always faithful)

Reckless - a Marine Hero

Reckless was a pack horse during the Korean war, and she carried recoilless rifles, ammunition and supplies to Marines. Nothing too unusual about that, lots of animals got pressed into doing pack chores in many wars.

But this horse did something more….during the battle for a location called Outpost Vegas, this mare made 50 trips up and down the hill, on the way up she carried ammunition, and on the way down she carried wounded soldiers…

What was so amazing? Well she made every one of those trips without anyone leading her.

I can imagine a horse carrying a wounded soldier, being smacked on the rump at the top of the hill, and heading back to the “safety” of the rear.
But to imagine the same horse, loaded with ammunition, and trudging back to the battle where artillery is going off, without anyone leading her is unbelievable. To know that she would make 50 of those trips is unheard of. Hell, how many horses would even make it back to the barn once, let alone return to you in the field one single time.

So here is a clip of her story and photos to prove where she was and what she did…. _HERE_ (http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=YIo3ZfA9da0 )

She was retired at the Marine Corps Base in Camp Pendleton where a General issued the following order…she was never to carry any more weight on her back except her own blankets. She died in 1968 at the age of 20.

P.S. How bad was the battle for Outpost Vegas…. Artillery rounds fell at the rate of 500 per hour, and only two men made it out alive without wounds. Just two. And a horse, and she was wounded twice.

Animal War Heroes Honored in England

2011-12-28T21:54:00.000-06:00

I was speaking to some clients today about a memorial in England dedicated to a hero pigeon and was going to write a piece about it, when I came across this article from the BBC about an "Animal War Hero Memorial" unveiled in London in 2004. The dedication of these brave animals is amazing and over the next few blogs I will discuss the stories of some of these hero animals. I know "War Horse" was just released, but there is an even more amazing true story about a horse in the American Army during the Korean War which I will share in the next blog. Right now I want to share this account of the memorial in London. You will be absolutely amazed to read that the type of animal to receive the largest number of PDSA Dickin Medals (the animal equivalent of the prestigious British medal "The Victoria Cross") was the pigeon, with 32 pigeons so honored! Do not look upon these birds as "flying rats" but understand and appreciate that they are truly amazing creatures.

Animal war heroes statue unveiled(from 2004)

The Princess Royal has unveiled a memorial sculpture to the animals who have served and died alongside British and allied troops. The monument, in Park Lane, central London, depicts two mules, a horse and a dog, together with lists of the numbers of animals lost in conflicts.
It honours all animals used in war, including horses, dogs, dolphins, elephants, pigeons and even glow worms
A batch of pigeons was released as part of the unveiling ceremony on Wednesday.
The monument pays special tribute to the 60 animals awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal - the animals' equivalent of the Victoria Cross - since 1943.
They include 54 animals - 32 pigeons, 18 dogs, three horses and a cat - commended for their service in World War II.Among these heroes were:

Rob, a para-dog who made more than 20 parachute drops while serving with the SAS on top-secret missions in Africa and Italy.

Ricky, a canine mine-detector who continued with his dangerous task of clearing a canal bank in Holland despite suffering head injuries.

Winkie, a pigeon that flew 129 miles with her wings clogged with oil to save a downed bomber crew.

Mary of Exeter, another pigeon, which flew back with her neck and right breast ripped open, savaged by hawks kept by the Germans at Calais.

Search and rescue dogs, Beauty, Peter, Irma and Jet, who located survivorsburied in the debris of the London Blitz.

Metropolitan Police horses, Olga, Regal and Upstart, who faced their fear offire and the hail of flying bombs. More recent recipients include Buster, a six-year-old Springer spaniel, who won it for his service in Iraq in 2003, when he discovered a hidden cache of explosives inthe southern city of Safwan.
'No choice'
The memorial, at Brook Gate, was designed by sculptor David Backhouse and carved from Portland stone, with bronze relief of different animals.
The inscription reads: "Animals In War. This monument is dedicated to all the animals that served and died alongside British and allied forces in wars and campaigns throughout time.
"They had no choice."
Mr Backhouse told BBC News: "I don't think anyone can fail to be moved by the stories of pigeons that struggled home and dogs that came through under fire and the service some of the mules in particular gave, the amount of time they served.
"Whether you can call an animal a hero I don't know but they certainly did extraordinary work for their masters."

Animals in war

Horses - Eight million killed in WWI alone, carrying men, arms and supplies into battle

Pigeons - 200,000 used as messengers in WWII. Of 17,000 parachuted into enemy territory, fewer than one in eight returned.

Dogs - used to hunt mines and search for the wounded. Still routinely used today

Mules - used as transport in the Burmese jungle, with their vocal chords slashed to keep them quiet

Camels, oxen and elephants - used for similar purposes elsewhere

Dolphins and sea lions - used today to find underwater mines and protect ships

Glow worms - used in WWI as an aid for map reading

Former mountain gunner Col John Andrews, 80, of Winchester, Hampshire, attended the unveiling in memory of mules who helped during his time in the jungle in Burma in 1944.
"My life was saved by the mules. The only way we could get the guns up to us was using them.
"There was no way we could do anything else," he said.
PDSA director general Marilyn Rydstrom said the memorial was "the nation's long-awaited and very welcome tribute" to the animals.
"It will also stand as a testament to the extraordinary bond that animals share with mankind in times of extreme adversity."
The PDSA - People's Dispensary for Sick Animals - is a charity providing free veterinary care for animals whose owners cannot afford private vets' fees.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/4037873.stm

Published: 2004/11/24 17:06:27 GMT

© BBC 2011

An Adorable Panda Slide Show

2011-12-23T09:47:00.004-06:00

Last night I had a burst of creative energy and decided to put together a slide show using some panda photos I had received through emails from various friends. Pandas are such interesting and endearing creatures so it was really enjoyable creating the show.

Selecting the music was a bit more challenging as I wanted the proper music to set the right tone. Obviously, selecting Chinese music was key and I listened to a number of pieces of music on youtube. So many were beautiful, but too meditative and slow. I suddenly had a blaze of inspiration and was thinking about movie soundtracks. Yes Kung Fu fighting (by Ceelo Green) from Kung Fu Panda was viewed, but was not the right mood I was trying to set. I then remembered the movie "The Last Emperor." I checked out selections from the film and found the perfect piece to set the mood/tone....The Main Theme from the movie.

There is no holiday theme associated with this show. It was just what turned out to be a delightful show that I wanted to share. It is truly (pardon the pun) awwwwwwwwwwwwi-inspiring. The photos are all real, however, there is one doctored photo (by a very creative person...not me) which I am sure the sharp-eyed among you will immediately identify. It is a great one.

Hope you all enjoy this.

What Will Matter - Words to Ponder

2011-12-18T17:55:00.000-06:00

My daughter just graduated from the University of Illinois this past Saturday, finishing up her BA (Psychology - Pre Med) in 3.5 years. As I was gazing at her in her cap and gown, the reality of what was happening really began to take hold. The ceremony was in the Krannert Center, where I had received my DVM degree 28.5 years ago. It seemed just like the other day I was there in the same position she was. As my wife and I were driving down to Champaign-Urbana, I remarked to her that it seems like we should be going to her pre-school Christmas pageant, not a college graduation.

Sitting in the audience I was looking over the hundreds of students who would be getting their degrees. They all had a look of excitement and eager anticipation. They had made a great achievement obtaining their degrees and they now have their careers ahead of them. As I had sat there awaiting my degree presentation so long ago my career path was firmly established as I was to begin as a veterinarian at Niles Animal Hospital after graduation. So I was confident in my future, engaging in a profession of which I would dedicate myself. Through all the ensuing years, I have realized my dreams and still love what I do at Niles as a veterinarian. Little did I realize how well it would all turn out for me as I sat there in Krannert Center in 1983.

I wondered about all the hopes and dreams of these graduating students. I realized they are our future and many of them would make a difference. I truly wished they would be as lucky as I and fulfill their dreams. My daughter has a difficult road ahead to achieve her dream, but her heart is in it, she is determined and I know she will make a difference in whatever she ends up choosing.

That being said.....I was checking my emails when I got home and there was one from a friend of mine that was so appropriate for the reflective state of mind I was in upon my return from the graduation. It really hit home and I felt I should share it with you, as she did for me.

(Thanks for sharing this with me, kenyababe.)

What Will Matter

Author: Michael Josephson

Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end.

There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.

All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass
to someone else.

Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.

It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.

Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally
disappear.

So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do lists will expire.

The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.

It won't matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you
lived on at the end.

It won't matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant.

Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.

So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?

What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what
you got, but what you gave.

What will matter is not your success, but your significance.

What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught.

What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or
sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your
example.

What will matter is not your competence, but your character.

What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will
feel a lasting loss when you're gone.

What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in
those who loved you.

What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for
what.

Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident.

It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice.

Choose to live a life that matters.

Santa Claus and the Spirit of Giving

2011-12-14T16:26:00.000-06:00

A story sent to me by a friend of mine. I sure it has been circulating on the internet and I do not know who is the actual author. It doesn't really matter if it actually "happened" or not, it puts things in perspective for this holiday season, whether you are celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah. It celebrates the spirit of giving and the helping of those who are less fortunate.

I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid.

I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"

My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.

Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted...."Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go."

"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.

I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping.

For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for.

I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church.

I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat!

I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.

"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby."

The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it.

Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.

Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going."

I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma.

Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.

Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were -- ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.

I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.

May you always have LOVE to share,

HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care...

May you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus!

And may all your wishes come true!

Protecting Your Pet in Cold Weather

2011-12-07T19:49:00.001-06:00

An article I had written, providing tips to help protect your pets in cold weather. Very topical right now as the cold weather has descending upon us!

How toProtect Your Pet in Cold Weather

Peter S. Sakas DVM

Niles AnimalHospital and Bird Medical Center

7278 N. Milwaukee Ave. Niles, IL 60714

(847)-647-9325 FAX (847)-647-8498

www.nilesanimalhospital.com

ProtectingYour Pet from the Winter Weather

Most people believe since dogs and cats have a coat of furthey can tolerate winter cold very well and that they also possess thenecessary instincts to protect themselves from the cold. Unfortunately thesebeliefs are not true. Dogs and cats are subject to the scourges of cold, windand snow/rain during the winter as we are. Their haircoat does serve asinsulation, reducing heat loss, but body heat is still lost, and throughprolonged exposure to cold they will begin to demonstrate signs of hypothermia(lowered body temperature).

Some breeds are better suited to colder temperatures thanothers. Dogs that have a fluffy type hair coat with a thick undercoat are ableto tolerate cold due to the insulative properties of this type of coat. Dogswith a short haired or smooth type coat with no undercoat cannot tolerate coldas well and will suffer its effect more rapidly. The age of the dog is a factoras a puppy will chill more rapidly than an adult dog due to its small size,thin hair coat and little or no body fat. Old dogs or dogs that are ill arealso at a greater risk for chilling. Even the size of the dog plays a role as alarge surface area to volume (as seen in toy or miniature breeds of dogs) leadsto increased heat loss. Large breeds of dogs have less surface area to volumeand thus lose heat less rapidly.

In addition to the effects of cold dogs and cats are alsosubject to the dangers of wind chill. Wind passing over the animal will rapidlydraw heat from the body despite the insulation of the haircoat. Areas notprotected by hair or with a thin covering of hair can suffer the same effectsthat exposed skin in people can during periods of severe wind chill.

The dangers of cold and wind are heightened if the dog orcat is wet. Wet hair is no longer an effective insulator so cold/wind willcause more rapid chilling. Even dogs with a thick undercoat will chill if bothcoats are wet. In addition the evaporation of water from the skin/hair leads tofurther heat loss, producing a further drop in temperature. If your pet is wetafter being in the snow or rain dry them off with a towel or a hair dryer seton low. Drying them will minimize the lowering of body temperature through theevaporation of the water.

How do we protect our pets from these dangers? Most importantly-ifit is dangerous for us to be outside, the same holds true for our pets. Theseperiodic "Arctic blasts" that we have endured are extremely hazardousfor our pets and they should remain indoors only venturing outdoors fornecessary short trips. During our "normal" winter temperatures mostdogs can do fairly well with short exposures. Dogs that are kept mainly in thehouse suffer minimal effects if they spend short periods outdoors. Dogs at arisk for chilling, such as shorthaired dogs, will do well if provided with acoat when outdoors. Sweaters provide even more complete protection as theycover the underside as well. Boots should also be used if the dog is to beoutside for an extended period of time and especially if their paws showsensitivity to the cold.

Dogs that spend a great deal of time outdoors or are keptoutside will be more adapted to the rigors of winter, but certain practicesshould be followed to insure their comfort. The biggest problem they face isexposure to the cold, wind and rain/snow. They need shelter from the elements.This shelter must be warm, out of the direct wind and raised off the ground.You can make your own shelter or buy commercially available doghouses. To helpkeep the dog warm the house should not be too large. If the house is too largethe dog will not be able to produce enough heat to keep itself and theenvironment warm. The proper size should be just large enough for the dog to beable to move around inside and lay down comfortably. Keeping the house elevateda few inches off the ground will prevent moisture from entering through thefloor. Proper positioning is important. Keeping the opening of the house awayfrom the prevailing wind is a must. Another help is to provide a covering overthe door or a "pet door" to further keep the wind and cold out.

Bedding should also be provided for the inside of thedoghouse. Straw is commonly used for bedding, but it can harbor parasites andother organisms, and with long term use, loses its insulative properties. Thetype of bedding used should be cleaned and replaced frequently. Good choicesinclude a blanket or towels. Make sure that they remain clean and dry.

A serious problem dogs kept outdoors face in the winter isdehydration. The water bowl should be constantly checked to be sure that anadequate fresh source is available. Dogs lose fluids in the winter and candehydrate; it is not just a problem during the summer heat. Frequently checkthe water bowl to be sure that the water does not freeze. Ice and snow are inadequateto provide for the daily fluid needs and a cold animal is not going to lick orchew ice anyway. A real help would be a heated water bowl, through the usage ofa special heater. Do not use metal bowls in the winter as in frigidtemperatures the tongue of a dog could stick to the bowl. If this occurs (or ifthe tongue adheres to any frozen metal surface) do not try to pull the tongueaway from the surface. Use lukewarm water to gently warm the surface until thetongue will easily separate.

Another tip is to groom your dog or cat regularly during thewinter. Matted hair is a less effective insulator. Regular brushings willremove loose hairs and prevent matting. It will also enable you to dry your petmore easily if it becomes wet.

Take care when playing with your dog on snow and ice. Theycan fall just as you can and also suffer fractures or sprains ofmuscles/ligaments. They are not indestructible. Also be careful when you andyour dog are near a frozen body of water. Dogs do not know that the ice may betoo thin to support their body weight. Avoid getting too close to the edge ofthe ice as they may fall in or even unknowingly jump in. Practice good commonsense with your pet as well as yourself.

WintertimeHazards

In the previous section we discussed techniques on how toprotect your pet from the winter weather. In this portion we will cover someparticular problems associated with winter.

Hypothermia

As mentioned earlier dogs/cats that are exposed to theelements can quite possibly develop hypothermia. Hypothermia is when the bodytemperature drops below normal. When this occurs the animal is too cold toproduce enough heat to maintain their core (internal) body temperature. Thisleads to impaired function of the internal organs, eventually the loss offunction and death.

Hypothermia may occur especially when a dog/cat is wet, coldand exposed to wind. Be careful if your dog is wet after running in the fieldwith snow/rain, placed in the back of a truck and taken on the road. If wet,dry thoroughly before engaging in that activity. Puppies, older dogs and dogssuffering from illness are also more susceptible to hypothermia. It can alsooccur when a dog that is not accustomed to the cold is left outside for anextended period of time.

As hypothermia develops, the body temperature falls andmetabolic processes (body functions) slow down. The skin and extremities arevery susceptible to frostbite and freezing. Blood vessels in the skin contractto direct blood to the internal organs to maintain their function. The heartrate slows and the pulse weakens. Breathing becomes shallow and slow. Theanimal may begin to shiver. They become mentally slow and the pupils may dilate(widen). If the skin or extremities freeze they may turn bluish or pale andshow little or no feeling. They may lapse into a coma. In the end the heartgoes into ventricular fibrillation and stops.

Treatment begins by trying to return the internaltemperature to normal. Bring the animal indoors, dry it if wet and wrap it inblankets/towels. They should be warmed slowly. A hypothermic dog may tend toburn easily if the heat is directly applied to the skin. Warming in blanketsmay help the mildly hypothermic animal but those that are more severelyaffected can be warmed with hot water bottles, placed in a tub of warm (nothot) water or on a heating pad/electric blanket. Do not place the hot waterbottles or heating pad directly on the animal, wrap them in a towel or blanketto avoid burning the skin. If on a heating pad, turn periodically to preventoverheating or burning of the skin. A hair dryer could be used for warming butset it on the lowest setting. Periodically check the rectal temperature. Normalrectal temperature for a dog/cat ranges from between 100-102 degrees F. Ahypothermic animal may have temperatures ranging from 86-90 degrees F to as lowas 60 degrees F in severe cases.

As the animal begins to warm, wrap it in blankets or towelsand go to your veterinarian for treatment. The doctor will be able to furtheraid the warming process and provide additional stabilization of the condition.

Frostbite

Frostbite occurs when the body tissue becomes so cold thatit actually freezes. Severe cold can lead to lack of circulation to an area ofthe body. If this continues the tissue is destroyed. The extremities, such asthe ears, feet, tail and in males, the scrotum, are susceptible to frostbite.Dogs are especially prone to the freezing of the pads of the feet if in longterm contact with deep snow or cold surfaces. Frozen mud, snow or ice, whichhas accumulated between the toes, can lead to frostbite as well. Long eareddogs occasionally freeze the ends of their ears. However, short-eared dogs andcats can lose portions of their ears due to frostbite.

An animal that is suffering from frostbite should receiveveterinary care immediately. Keep the animal warm and try to bring the bodytemperature back to normal. To thaw the frozen tissues wet heat, not dry heat,is preferred. Do not rub the frozen tissues as they can be easily damaged in thisstate. As the tissue thaws it will become red and swollen and blisters maydevelop on the skin. Quite often the animal will scratch or chew at thetissues. Severely damaged tissues may slough (fall) off or require surgicalremoval, leading to the loss of the tips of the ears, tail or toes. In severecases of frostbite systemic antibiotics may be needed.

If the case of frostbite is mild recovery may be completewith no after effects. In severe cases tissue may be lost and the affectedareas may not regrow hair or if it does regrow it may come in white. Previouslyfrostbitten skin will be especially sensitive to cold due to the damagesuffered to the circulatory system in that area.

Salt/Chemicals

As mentioned, snow/ice or mud adhering to the paws can leadto foot problems and frostbite. Try to keep the feet free from this material.Another hazard/irritant to the paws is salt used for clearing frozen roads andsidewalks. It is very irritating to the feet (just think what it does to yourcar!). Small grains may become embedded in the paw leading to the developmentof sores and infection. Animals may try to lick their paws in an effort toclean this material, leading to oral irritation and/or gastrointestinaldisturbances.

To prevent such problems from developing keep your pet awayfrom surfaces that have been heavily treated with salt or thawing chemicals. Ifthese materials are used in your area get in the habit of cleaning (and drying)the feet, getting between the toes to remove any salt and packed snow/mud,after your pet has been outside. Boots may be helpful if your pet is especiallysensitive to these products. Feet that have become irritated will benefit fromtopical or systemic antibiotics, if severe. Seek veterinary care if the feetdevelop sores or irritations.

Antifreeze(Ethylene Glycol) Toxicity

A serious winter danger is antifreeze poisoning. The problemis not limited only to the winter but most commonly occurs in winter, springand fall when people are draining and flushing their radiators/coolant systems.Antifreeze has a sweet odor and pleasing taste for animals. However, it isextremely toxic and can produce severe, irreversible kidney damage. Only asmall amount can be toxic. High blood levels can be reached in 1-3 hours afteringestion, illness develops within 24 hours and death can occur in less than 2days. Signs of poisoning include, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea,depression, incoordination and staggering. As the disease progresses they mayshow difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, lowered body temperature, muscletwitching, convulsions and acute renal failure. The animal becomes drowsy, cango into a coma and die.

If you believe that your pet has been exposed to antifreeze,seek veterinary care immediately. If you wait until symptoms developirreversible damage may have already occurred and it may be too late. However,this is such a severe condition, that even with proper treatment some animalsmay not survive. Your veterinarian may have to treat the poisoning with intravenousfluids for 2-3 days and hopefully the treatment will be successful.

The best way to avoid this is to take precautions when usingantifreeze and monitor your pet when outside to be sure that it is not lappingup any strange liquids. During the draining of your radiator collect theantifreeze in a container that can be sealed and follow the proper procedure inyour community for its disposal. If after changing and filling your radiatorcheck for the presence of antifreeze on the floor or street in your work area.Clean any spills that may have occurred. Such spills are a danger to your petsand any animals that come in contact with it, pet or wildlife. If your neighboris not following safe practices bring their attention to this potential riskfor animals and children. If you have partial containers of unused antifreeze,make sure that they are properly sealed and placed in an area away from petsand children. Antifreezes are now available that are non-toxic and if you areconcerned about the potential hazard of antifreeze poisoning these should beused.

Space Heaters

During the winter months we hear of numerous unfortunatefires that are started by space heaters. Space heaters can be dangerous whenused around pets. They may chew on the electrical cords causing electricalburns or fraying the cords so they pose a fire hazard. Always check the cordsfor any unusual signs of wear and tear. An even more serious danger is thepossibility that your pets may accidentally knock over the heater leading tothe development of a fire. If you are not around to monitor your pets or spaceheater do not leave it turned on.

Conclusion

Hopefully this discussion will prove helpful to you in theprevention of the unfortunate injuries and deaths that occur in pets during thewinter. The sad fact is that these occurrences can be avoided with theimplementation of proper precautions. The care of our pets is a greatresponsibility. They provide us with so much love and affection, we should takethe proper steps to insure their health and safety.

Two of the references used for this article were A Dog for All Seasons and A Cat for All Seasons by JaneLeon. If you desire further information about seasonal hazards in dogs and catsthese books are excellent sources.

Crabby Old Man

2011-12-06T20:51:00.001-06:00

Got this from a friend of mine.....thought provoking.....

CRABBY OLD MAN

When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in North Platte, Nebraska, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value.

Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital. One nurse took her copy to Missouri.

The old man's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas edition of the News Magazine of the St. Louis Assoc. for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem.

And this little old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this 'anonymous' poem winging across the Internet.

Crabby Old Man
What do you see nurses? . . . . . What do you see?
What are you thinking . . . . . when you're looking at me?
A crabby old man . . . . . not very wise,
Uncertain of habit . . . . . with faraway eyes?

Who dribbles his food . . . . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . . . . . 'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice . . . . . the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . A sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not . . . . . lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . . . The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? . . . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . . . you're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am. . . . . . As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . . . . as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . . . . . with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters . . . . . who love one another.

A young boy of Sixteen . . . . with wings on his feet.
Dreaming that soon now . . . . . a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . . . my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows . . . . . that I promised to keep.

At Twenty-Five, now . . . . . I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . . . . With ties that should last.

At Forty, my young sons . . . . . have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me . . . . . to see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . . My loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me . . . . . my wife is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . . . . . young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . . . and the love that I've known.

I'm now an old man . . . . . and nature is cruel.
'Tis jest to make old age . . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles . . . . . grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone . . . . where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass . . . . . a young guy still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys . . . . . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . . . life over again.

I think of the years, all too few . . . . . gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . . . open and see.
Not a crabby old man . . . Look closer . . . see ME!!

Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you might

brush aside without looking at the young soul within.

We will all, one day, be there, too!

PLEASE SHARE THIS POEM

The best and most beautiful things of this world can't be seen or touched.

They must be felt by the heart.

Remember that as this Holiday Season approaches.

Why a Dog is Man's Best Friend

2011-12-04T16:42:00.001-06:00

This is an edited down version of a Twilight Zone episode. It was written by a screenwriter who became very famous as the creator/screenwriter of "The Walton's." It is a fable about Heaven, and as you watch I am sure you will remember a heavily circulated email story which was based on this Twilight Zone story.

This also serves as an example of the quality of the screenwriting, stories and moral lessons we obtained from those shows back in the 50s and 60s.

To Get You in the Holiday Spirit....

2011-11-30T23:39:00.001-06:00

Here is a Holiday slide show I created for our hospital web site. It is a collection of photos, some of our clients pets mixed with other assorted Holiday photos. The music are two classics, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams and A Christmas Song by Nat King Cole.

Traveling with Your Pet

2011-11-27T11:28:00.001-06:00

As it is the holiday season and there is a great deal of traveling being done, here are some tips about traveling with your pet(s). It is best to have all your "i's" dotted and your "t's" crossed so you do not have any surprises. This information, provided by the American Veterinary medical Association (AVMA) will help make you a well-prepared traveler and help minimize any stress.

Traveling with Your Pet

What should I think about when deciding to travel withmy pet?

Make sure your pet is comfortable with travel

Some pets cannot handle travel because of illness, injury, age or temperament.
If your pet is not good with travel, you should consider a reliable pet-sitter or talk to your veterinarian about boarding facilities in your area.

Make sure your pet has identification tags with up-to-date information.
Having your pet implanted with a microchip can improve your chances of getting your pet back if it becomes lost. The microchip must be registered with your current contact information, including a cell phone number. A tag is included when you have a microchip that has the microchip number and a mobile contact of the owner, so if the pet is found, they can use the tag to determine ownership without having to contact a veterinarian. Contact the microchip company for a replacement tag if you've lost yours, and for information on how to update your personal information when traveling.
If you are taking your pet across state or international borders, a health certificate is required. The health certificate must be signed by a veterinarian after your pet has been examined and found to be free of disease. Your pet's vaccinations must be up to date in order for the health certificate to be completed.
Make sure that your pet is allowed where you are staying. Some accommodations will allow pets and some will not, so check in advance. Also, when traveling, you should bring a portable kennel with you if you have to leave your pet unattended.

Staying with Friends or Family: Inform your host that your pet will be coming along and make sure that your pet is a welcomed guest as well.
Staying in a Hotel or Motel: Stay at a pet friendly place. Some hotels and motels only accept small pets or pets under a certain weight; when making a reservation, make sure you inquire about the terms of their pet policy. Try to minimize the amount of time your pet will be alone in the room. When leaving your pet alone in the room, inform the front desk that your pet is being left alone in the room and place a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door. Make sure the hotel/motel knows how they can contact you if there are any problems.
Staying at a Park, Campground or Marina: Make sure these places are pet friendly, clean up after your pet and always keep your pet on a leash.

Whom should I contact as I amconsidering travel arrangements?

Your veterinarian
The airline or travel company
The accommodations: hotel, motel, park, camping ground or marina
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal & Plant Inspection Service, Veterinary Services: www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/sregs or 800-545-USDA (8732) and press #2 for State Regulations
Foreign Consulate or Regulatory Agency (if traveling to another country)
If you are traveling to another country (or even Hawaii), there may be quarantine or other health requirements
If traveling out of the continental United States, you should contact these agencies at least 4 weeks in advance

What should I bring with me on mytrip?

Your veterinarian's contact information
List of Veterinarians and 24 hour Emergency Hospitals along the way and close to your destination. To find a listing of Veterinarians & Pet Emergency Hospitals in the United States, contact:

· AVMA Search

· State VMA

· American Collegeof Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care

· VeterinaryEmergency & Critical Care Society

National Animal Poison Control (ASPCA Web site) 888-426-4435
Identification

Current color photo of your pet
ID tag should include:

Owner's name, current home address and home phone number

Travel ID tag should include:

Owner's local contact phone number and address
Contact information for your accommodations (hotel, campground etc)

The microchip registration should be updated with your current contact information including a cell phone number.

Medical Records

Current copies of your pet's medical records including pre-existing conditions and medications (especially when re-locating or traveling out of the country). For travel within the United States, a brief summary of medical conditions would be sufficient.

Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate)

Proof of vaccinations (Proof of rabies vaccination required) and other illnesses
Requires an examination by a licensed and accredited veterinarian to make sure the animal is not showing signs of disease.

Acclimation certificate for air travel

This is only required by some airlines, so check to see if your airline requires this.

Items for your pet

Prescribed medications (adequate supply for entire duration of trip and several days' surplus supply, just in case)
Collar, leash, harness
Crate
Bed/blankets
Toys
Food and cool, fresh water
Food and water dishes

First Aid Kit for your pet*For more information on Pet First Aid and First Aid Kits, please go to the AVMA Pet First Aid Site

Where do I get a Certificate ofVeterinary Inspection (health certificate) and acclimation certificate, ifneeded?

Manystates require an up-to-date Certificate of Veterinary Inspection from alicensed, accredited veterinarian when traveling. Your pet must be examined bya veterinarian in order for a health certificate to be issued. This certificatebasically indicates your pet is healthy to travel and is not showing signs of adisease that could be passed to other animals or to people. Certainvaccinations must be up to date for a health certificate to be issued. As partof the exam, your veterinarian may check for heartworm disease and prescribeheartworm preventative medication. When you return home, your veterinarian mayrecommend a follow-up examination to make sure that your pet did not pick upany diseases or parasites while traveling.

You will need aCertificate of Veterinary Inspection to travel and some airlines require anacclimation certificate. Both of these certificates can only be completed andsigned by a federally accredited veterinarian. If your veterinarian is notfederally accredited, you will need to find an accredited veterinarian in yourarea, by contacting your USDA Area Office.

Can I bring my pet out of the countrywith me?

Yes,but keep in mind that you have to follow both the United States regulations as wellas the regulations in the other country to which you are traveling. You shouldcontact the Consulate or Embassy in that country to find out their regulations.Talk to your veterinarian about the risks of disease to your pet and have yourpet vaccinated appropriately based on the risks. Some countries (and Hawaii) requirequarantine of your pet upon arrival, Knowing the requirements before you travelhelps you decide if you are going to take your pet or leave it at home, andprepares you for what to expect if you do take your pet with you.

Can I bring my pet camping?

Yes.The same rules apply when taking your pet camping. Talk to your veterinarianabout flea, tick and heartworm prevention as well as specific risks associatedwith camping outdoors. (such as leptospirosis and other diseases).

Keepyour pet on a leash and in your sight; and be considerate of other campers.Clean up after your pet.

Beingoutside, your pet can be exposed to many different wild animals like skunks,raccoons, snakes and other animals that can injure your pet or expose them todisease. Do not let your pet chase or come into contact with wildlife—it can bedangerous for both your pet and the wild animal.

Forms of Travel

Traveling by Plane

What can I do to prepare my pet forair travel?

Check with airlines because they may have restrictions on breed and size.
Most airlines also require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) issued within 10 days of travel.
Federal regulations require pets to be at least 8 weeks old and they should be weaned at least 5 days before flying.
Talk to your veterinarian about feeding schedules. It is usually recommended that pets fly on an empty or nearly empty stomach. The pet's age, dietary needs and size, and the time and distance of the flight should all be taken into consideration.

What is the best way to chooseflights appropriate for my pet?

Reservations should be made for you and your pet at the same time because airlines often limit how many pets are allowed on each flight.
Try to book a non-stop flight and avoid plane changes when possible.
When possible, avoid flying during busy holidays.
In warm weather, choose early morning or late evening flights.
In colder weather, choose mid-day flights.
Reconfirm flight arrangements the day before you leave to minimize the chance of unexpected changes.

What should I do on the day of theflight?

Arrive to the airport early so you have time to exercise your pet.
If your pet will be in the cabin, check in as late as possible to reduce the time your pet will have to wait in the terminal.
Place your pet in its crate and pick it up as soon as you arrive at your destination.
Notify the flight attendant that your pet is in cargo hold.

What is an acclimation certificate?

This is a form from your veterinarian that will waive the low temperature Federal regulation as stated in the Animal Welfare Act.
If the airline cannot guarantee that the animal will not be in temperatures lower than 45°F (7.2°C) for more than 45 minutes when the animal is moved between the terminal and the plane, or for more than 4 hours when the pet is in a holding facility, and you don't have an acclimation certificate, the airline will not let your pet fly.
Airlines cannot ship animals if temperatures will be higher than 85° F (29.5 C) for more than four consecutive hours while in animal holding areas of airport terminals or for more than 45 minutes while transferring the animal between the aircraft and the animal holding area, under any circumstances.

Do I need to get an acclimationcertificate?

Some airlines will require an acclimation certificate in order to let your pet travel.
Acclimation certificates are written at the discretion of the veterinarian, and are based on the veterinarian's assessment of the pet's health.
There are no acclimation certificates that allow pets to be shipped when conditions are above 85°F (29.5°C).

Should I tranquilize or sedate my petfor long flights?

Itis recommended that you DO NOT give tranquilizers to your pet when traveling byair because it can increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems. Short-noseddogs and cats sometimes have even more difficulty with travel. Airlines mayrequire a signed statement that your pet has not been tranquilized prior toflying.

What are crates approved for airtravel?

Itis best to purchase an approved crate prior to travel (at the airline or localpet store) so you have time to let your pet get used to the crate and becomfortable. If your pet is small and can fit comfortably in an airlineapproved carrier, your pet may be able to travel with you in the cabin.

Approved crates should:

Be large enough for your pet to stand (without touching the top of the cage), turn around and lie down
Be strong and free of interior protrusions, with handles or grips
Have a leak-proof bottom with plenty of absorbent material
Be ventilated on opposite sides, with exterior knobs and rims that will not block airflow
Be clearly labeled with owners name, home address and phone number, destination contact information and a sign stating "Live Animals" with arrows showing which way is upright.

Traveling by Boat

How do I prepare my pet for travelingin my boat?

For personal boats, take time to allow your pet to become familiar with your boat.
Provide a ramp for your pet to easily get on and off the boat, or carry your pet on and off the boat.
Call ahead to make sure the marina or park is pet friendly.

What items should I bring with me tokeep my pet safe?

Your pet should wear a proper-fitting personal flotation device (a life jacket) at all times to keep your pet safe in and around water, even if they know how to swim.
Applying sunscreen prevents sunburn to your pet, especially pets with light skin and short or thin haircoats. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a non-toxic, non-skin irritating sunscreen for your pets.
Provide non-slip bathroom rugs to assist your pet from sliding on the wet boat and from burning their paws.
You should have your pet in a carrier, or on a harness or leash to prevent them from jumping or falling overboard.

How will my pet go to the bathroomwhen on a boat?

Youcan train your dog to use a piece of astroturf, a box of sod or newspaper. Forcats and other small animals that use litter boxes, make sure there is acovered litterbox secured to the floor inside the boat.

What should I do to prepare whentraveling on a cruise with my pet?

For public boats, check with the boating company to find out their requirements and restrictions.
Most boating companies will require you to provide a regulation carrier and a leash for dogs.
You will also need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) and possibly a travel form, depending on the areas that you will be visiting.

What are some other things to think about whentraveling by boat?

When traveling by boat, your pet should have exercise before boarding and when you make stops.
When traveling to foreign countries, you will need an International Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate).
You may also need a permit and have to fill out a form
Some pets get motion sicknesses on boats. If your pet becomes motion sick in the car, it will likely be sick on a boat. Talk to your veterinarian about alternate traveling suggestions or medications.

Traveling by Car

What can I do to prepare my pet fortraveling in a car?

If your pet does not ride well in a car, consider leaving your pet at home, with friends or family, or in a boarding facility.
If you don't often take your pet in the car, start with short trips to "fun" destinations (such as a dog-friendly park or play area) to help your pet get used to riding in a car.
If your pet gets car sick, talk to your veterinarian about alternate traveling suggestions or medications to keep them comfortable.

What should I do to keep my pet safeand healthy?

Make frequent stops (about every 2-3 hours) to allow your pet to go to the bathroom and get some exercise.
Properly restrain your pet in the car to prevent injury to your pets, you and to other drivers.
Do not let your pet ride in the back of a truck. If your pet must ride in the truck bed, they should be confined in a protective kennel that is secured to the truck to prevent injury. Pets should not be allowed to ride with their heads outside the window. Dirt and other debris can enter their eyes, ears and nose and cause injury or infection.
Pets should not be allowed to ride on the driver's lap or near the driver's feet. Small pets should be confined in crates or in travel-safe dog beds, and larger pets should be appropriately restrained with harnesses attached to the car's seat belts.
Cats should be transported in carriers.
Providing a familiar blanket and/or safe toy can help make your pet more comfortable during the trip.

Traveling by Train orBus

Can my pet travel with me on a trainor bus?

Moststates restrict the travel of pets on trains or buses. Exceptions are made forguide or service dogs. Check with your carrier to find out if your pet can comewith you and what rules and regulations apply.

Other Resources for Pet Owners

AVMA Travel Section
AVMA Traveling with your pet brochure
Import/Export & Interstate Travel
Domestic & International Travel Requirements
FAQs about bringing animals into the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site)
USDA/APHIS information page (USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Web site)
Pets Welcome (PetsWelcome.com)
AAA PetBook for a list of more than 13,000 pet friendly properties in the US and Canada (AAA Web site)
Pet Friendly Hotels (pet-friendly-hotels.net)
Hotels Allowing Pets (HotelsAllowingPets.com)
Pet Travel (PetTravel.com)
Trips with Pets (TRIPSwithPETS.com)
Pet Friendly (PetFriendly.com)
Dog Friendly (DogFriendly.com)
Pet Air (Pet Air, Inc. Web site)
Pet Airways (Pet Airways Web site)

Thisarticle was excerpted from materials provided by the American VeterinaryMedical Association (AVMA). Visit the website for more information. www.avma.org

"You Doctor....You Fix." A Strange Experience.

2011-11-21T22:29:00.001-06:00

On Saturdays we are open from 8 AM until 2 PM, although we never get out on time as the day is usually pretty hectic with all types of emergencies. But one Saturday was very different as we had a very unusual emergency situation.

It was mid-summer, quite a few years ago and it was probably about 3 PM, after a typical grueling Saturday. We had just finished up with our last case, were in the back part of the hospital in the process of going through the end of the day shutdown, when I was paged by one of our receptionists. "Dr. Sakas, could you please come up here right now?" There was something in her voice that seemed quite unusual and the fact that she wanted me to come up to the reception area had me concerned with all kinds of thoughts running through my head.

When I got to the reception area of the hospital there were two men standing there. One man had on a tee shirt, shorts and a pair of sandals. The other man had only a pair of skimpy Speedos and a hat, the type that bicyclists would wear with the bill flipped up (now they all wear helmets). Both men had very foul body odor, to the point of being nauseating. I noticed the man in the Speedos had no shoes on his feet and that there was a gaping hole in his right foot that was bleeding. The blood was beginning to pool on the tile floor of the hospital. I was absolutely aghast and the receptionists were behind the desk horrified by the whole scene.

I then asked the men what was going on and what they wanted. In a thick Eastern European type accent, the non-bleeding man, acted as the spokesman and began to say, as he pointed to his friend's foot, "You Doctor? You fix!" I was absolutely flabbergasted and for one of the few times in my life was totally speechless. He then became more insistent, "You Doctor.....You fix." I finally found my voice and said that I was an animal doctor and that I did not take care of people. He then continued, "You Doctor, yes? Then you fix." I tried again to explain that I could not work on people as I was not trained to do so and it was also against the law for me to do so. He became agitated and said "You fix." He began to make a gesture like someone suturing a wound or so it seemed. He was not getting it and I kept trying to explain. Strangely, the more I argued with him, the more I began to sound like them, despite my thirteen years of college, saying "I animal doctor, I fix dogs, cats, birds, no people, not legal, I lose license if I fix friend." All the while the man with the hole in his foot is calmly standing there bleeding while the pool of blood is getting bigger. We got a towel for him in the hopes of stemming some of the bleeding. In my heart I wanted to help, but I knew I could not.

I then said, "There is place down street", and I pointed north on Milwaukee Ave. "It like emergency room, it for people, they fix friend there." ( I couldn't believe how I was talking). I was trying to direct them to an immediate care facility which was a few blocks north, a place I would refer to as a "Doc in the Box" (which no longer exists there). The staff was pretty amused hearing me talk in my halting English and seeing me so flummoxed by the whole situation, as I am generally cool and under control. The harder I tried to explain what the place was and how to get there, the more confused he seemed. All the while the bleeding man is silently standing there, bleeding.

I finally had a blaze of inspiration. I told them that I had an idea that could help them out. I went to one of the phones at the reception desk and began dialing the Niles Police Department. I then told them, "I am calling police, they help take you there." Suddenly the bleeding man got a look of utter horror on his face and yelled, "Police?????" They both turned to look at each other and began running out of the hospital leaving a trail of blood behind them. By this time a Niles policeman came to the phone and I began rapidly relating the story to him. As I was looking out our front windows I saw them driving out of our parking lot, onto Milwaukee Ave. and heading south. I was TOTALLY shocked because I could not believe who was driving....the man with the hole in his right foot (which obviously he was using to access the pedals)! I described the men and the car to the officer, but they were speeding away. He said he did not think they could catch them. So I never ever found out what happened to those men.

You just never know who or what will walk in the door! But every once in a while at the end of a Saturday and I am walking up front as I am leaving the hospital I visualize those two men standing there, one calmly bleeding while the other is insisting, "You Doctor....You fix!"

Keeping Your Home Safe for Your Pets During the Holidays

2011-11-17T22:19:00.001-06:00

With the holidays coming this is an article which is very pertinent.

Keeping Your Home Safe for Your Petsduring the Holidays

Peter S. Sakas DVM, MS

NilesAnimal Hospitaland Bird Medical Center

7278.N. Milwaukee Ave. Niles, IL 60714

(847)647-9325 FAX (847) 647-8498

www.nilesanimalhospital.com

Introduction

The holidays are joyous and active timesfor people and their pets. Our pets partake in many of the seasonal festivitieswith us which makes the holidays that much more special. However, many of thedecorations and objects we have around the household during the holidays may bedangerous to our pets. By taking a few precautions, we can make this wonderfultime of year a safe one for our pets.

Holiday Food/Cooking

Food is a very important aspect of ourholiday celebrations as many human waistlines can attest. Unfortunately, manyof these foods can cause serious problems in our pets and as any veterinarianwill tell you, this is the time of year that we see numerous gastrointestinalproblems in pets.

FoodPreparation -The preparation of food can be aproblem, especially for pet birds. Birds have a very effective respiratorytract and coupled with their relatively small size are susceptible to toxicelements in the air. During cooking if food burns or smoke is produced, anybirds nearby the kitchen could be at risk of fatal smoke inhalation. Ifnon-stick cookware is used there is another risk for pet birds. Under normalcooking conditions, the cookware is safe but if polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)coated products (such as Teflon, Silverstone, and Supra) are overheated (over530 degrees F), they can emit toxic fumes which are fatal to birds. PTFE coateddrip pans achieve high temperatures under normal usage so they should not beused around birds at all. If your bird has been exposed to smoke or fumes getthem to an area of good ventilation and seek veterinary care.

Holiday Food/Leftovers-Avoid the temptation to feed your pets leftovers from your holiday meals. Manyof these foods are rich; especially those that are high in fat, and can oftencause severe gastrointestinal disturbances in pets which could prove fatal.Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) is a very common disease of dogsand is frequently caused by the eating of table scraps. The pancreas plays arole in digestion of food but when an animal eats a rich or fatty meal, thepancreas is 'overstimulated' and the organ oversecretes enzymes leading toinflammation of the pancreas and surrounding tissues. Signs of pancreatitisinclude vomiting and abdominal pain, sometimes quite severe. The condition isvery uncomfortable for the pet and sometimes can be fatal. If you notice thesetype of symptoms seek veterinary care.

Becautious with any bones provided to your pet. Sharp bones, especially fromchicken or turkey, may become lodged in the mouth or throat of your pet. If thebones move further into the digestive tract, there is a risk that the bonescould perforate the stomach or intestines. This situation may require surgicalremoval and if they do not receive veterinary attention, they may die. Provideyour .pet with commercial chew toys to avoid any potential problems.

Becautious with guacamole around pet birds. Most bird owners know that avocado isextremely toxic for birds and severe reactions can lead to death. However, somepeople forget that avocado is the key ingredient in guacamole. When you arehaving holiday parties and with all kinds of appetizers available, such aschips and dips, be careful if there is guacamole around with your pet birdspresent. They may decide to sample some of the dip, or an unknowing houseguestmay innocently provide a taste of the dip to one of the birds with potentiallytragic results.

Chocolate -Providing a piece of chocolate to a pet may seem like an act of kindness butthere is a risk that this treat could have serious consequences. Chocolate maybe fatal to your pet, especially dogs, because they are sensitive totheobromine, a compound in chocolate. Dark chocolate has the highest levels oftheobromine. It may cause vomiting, diarrhea, heart irregularities, muscletremors, seizures and coma, sometimes with fatal results. Cats are rarelypoisoned due to their more 'discriminating' habits. Keep those chocolategoodies out of the reach of your dog. If your dog accidentally eats somechocolate, seek veterinary care immediately.

The Christmas Tree

Decorationsgo up once a year and for a brief period of time. Your pets will be veryinterested in new and unusual objects scattered around the house believing thatthese are special 'toys' for their own use. Often these playthings end uplodged in the intestinal tract causing a blockage. Many dangers lurk on theChristmas tree. Overzealous dogs or cats have felled numerous wonderfullydecorated trees. Support the tree securely with a sturdy stand and wires.

The Tree-There are several factors to consider with the tree. The trunk of a live treeis often coated with chemicals, such as fertilizer or insecticide. When thetree is placed in the stand and watered, the chemicals from the trunkcontaminate the water. If your bird, dog or cat drinks it, they may becomesick. The needles begin to fall out as the tree ages and dries. The needles arenot poisonous but are very sharp, can puncture the skin and produce abscesses.If your pet tries to eat them, the needles can cut the tongue, lips and gums.If swallowed they are relatively undigestible and can actually pierce thelining of the stomach and intestines or cause a blockage.

The branches from artificial trees can be easilypulled out. The artificial needles can be sharp and are always non-digestible.If you pet chews on the branches, they might take in some of the needles. Justlike the needles from the live tree, they can cause gastrointestinal problemssuch as bleeding and blockage.

Lights-The lights pose many dangers. They often getvery hot after being on for a while and could burn your pet if they aretouched. For some strange reason pets seem attracted to wires and like to chewon them. So keep a watch on your pets for this type of activity and check thelower strings of lights for evidence of chewing. You might want to ‘pet proof’the tree by keeping objects, such as lights and ornaments, at heights that yourpets cannot reach. If you want lights all over the tree, then string them onthe lower branches, but place them away from the tip of the branches. The petswill have a more difficult time reaching them if they are placed on the innerportion of the branches.

ElectricalCords -Electrical cords often seem delectable to manypets, especially cats and young puppies. Chewed cords can cause severe burnsand sometimes fatal, electrical shocks. If your pet seems overly interested inelectrical cords, string or tape them in a position that is inaccessible toyour pet. If that does not work you can cover the cords with hot pepper sauceor use bitter tasting commercial products sold in most pet stores.

Ornaments-Avoid using glass ornaments around pets. Theyare fragile, break easily and the shattered pieces are sharp. If any of thepieces are swallowed, the glass can puncture the intestines, which could leadto peritonitis and possibly death. Ornament hooks are also very sharp. They canbe picked up and swallowed, resulting in gastrointestinal problems such asobstructions and punctures.

Becautious with 'edible' type ornaments. Sometimes the store-bought varieties maynot be edible and contain hardening agents/preservatives that could be toxic.If you make your own edible ornaments, your pet may try to eat them. They mayknock over the tree trying to get a string of homemade popcorn or a gingerbreadornament.

Thesafest ornaments are one-piece, non-breakable and made of non-toxic material.They should be too big to swallow. Also, have them out of the reach of curiousbeaks, mouths and paws.

Tinsel-One of the most dangerous materials to put on aChristmas tree is tinsel. Animals are attracted to its bright finish andflexibility. Cats are especially attracted to tinsel and if you have a cat, itis recommended that you do not use tinsel on your tree. If your pet eatstinsel, there is a good chance that it will become wrapped around the tongue.As the pet struggles to remove it, the tinsel gets stretched out and wraps eventighter. It can cut sensitive tissues in the mouth and stop the circulation ofblood to the tongue. If a strand is swallowed it can bunch up and block theintestine. If this occurs, surgery is usually required to remove it. The bestadvice is, if you have pets, do not place tinsel on your tree. You may lose theaesthetics of the icicle effect, but your pets will be much safer.

Holiday Decorations/Packages

Manypeople place decorations throughout the house including lights, evergreenbranches, holiday knickknacks and other assorted objects to provide a festiveenvironment. We have discussed some of these dangers previously. Lit candlescan burn a curious pet or could be knocked over and start a fire. Centerpiecesof dangling streamers and feather fronds are enticing to the curious pet. Ifchewed and swallowed, these materials can cause an intestinal blockage. Iciclesand tinsel draped on a mantle are as dangerous as tinsel on a tree. Monitoryour pets and watch out for any evidence of chewing on these objects.

Wrappedpresents can pose a hazard to pets. They are attracted to the decorative bows,ribbons and other frills placed on the packages. If your pet would chew andswallow these materials, there is a risk of intestinal blockage. Food packageswrapped as gifts and left under a tree can entice a hungry animal. With theirkeen sense of smell they can sniff these out and decide to have a feast.Exercise caution with these types of presents around pets, especially dogs.

PoisonousPlants

Many homes are decorated each year duringthe holiday season with poinsettias and mistletoe. These plants do representthe season; unfortunately they are toxic for our pets and represent a problemfor curious dogs, cats and birds. Poinsettias produce a milky sap that isirritating to the skin and eyes on contact and to the gastrointestinal tract ifeaten. It may cause irritation and blistering of the mucous membranes of themouth and stomach. Intake of large amounts of mistletoe may cause nausea,vomiting and gastroenteritis. Make sure that these plants are kept out of thereach of your pets. If you do catch you pet eating a poinsettia or a few loosemistletoe berries, seek veterinary care immediately.

RelievePet Stress during the Holidays

The holidays are stressful times for allof us. The commotion in decorating, purchasing gifts and entertainingfriends/relatives can be overwhelming to many people. Our homes can be filledwith people, especially young children. Many pets, even if not aggressive orterritorial, are stressed by the increased numbers of strangers 'intruding' intheir domain. The high activity level of children can be a new and stressfulexperience for many pets unaccustomed to this behavior. Birds can becomeespecially upset during the holidays, particularly the larger varieties ofbirds. Routine is very important to birds and if that routine changes, they canbecome frustrated and engage in abnormal behavior. These types of behaviorinclude, aggressiveness, screaming, biting or development of vices such as thepicking off or chewing of their own feathers in frustration, which if allowedto continue can become a habit.

Ifpossible, try to provide your pets with a consistent level of interaction withyou so they do not feel left out. This is especially important with parrots.Try not to let the pandemonium of the holidays lead to stress in your pets. Ifyou feel that your pets are uncomfortable around new people, it may be best toseparate them from the holiday activity. Provide your pets with an area wherethey can 'get away from it all' and be alone. Cats may enjoy an intricate'kitty condo' set up or even a cardboard box or paper bags in which to hide.For pet birds that are nervous, you might have to place the cage in a quietroom or, if that is impossible, partially or completely cover the cage so thatthe bird has the ability to 'hide.' Make sure that your young guests understandthat they must let the animals rest when they are put in their area of 'refuge.

Conclusion

I hope that this discussion will assistyou in keeping your home safe for your pets during the holidays. During all theactivity, we must not forget the welfare of our pets and our responsibility tokeep them free of danger. If you practice the proper preventative measures, theholiday season for your pet will be as happy as it is for you and your family.

The preceding discussion was garneredfrom several excellent sources including:

YourHealthy Pet by Amy Marder, VMD

A Dog for All Seasons byJane Leon, DVM

An Eyewitness Account of the Release of Bald Eagles at Starved Rock Park Today!

2011-11-12T16:11:00.001-06:00

Just got home from the release of the juvenile bald eagles at Starved Rock. I am not much for guesstimating crowds but I would imagine there were close to seven hundred people there, plus or minus a couple hundred.

It began with some presentations by Dawn Keller (who told the whole story about the bald eagle rescue and rehabilitation), the Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Marc Miller (the top dog) and a number of education birds from Flint Creek were brought out one at a time and discussed. It was a great photo op for the assembled people as well as an education as they learned about the different birds and how they ended up at Flint Creek.

Then it was time for the release. The crowd went to the shore of the Illinois River across from Plum Island. Plum Island is an island in the middle of the Illinois River where the bald eagles congregate during the late fall/winter. This is because there is a dam just a bit further down the river and the river does not freeze in that area so they can essentially get fish all winter (or so I was told...makes sense). They picked this particular time for the release because this was when the bald eagles start congregating. (I do hope I related the details properly....you can do further fact checking at the Flint Creek web site.)

Anyway, Dawn, her husband Phil, some Flint Creek volunteers and some media people (even an AP videographer was there) took some boats to the island. There the birds were taken off the boats in their carriers and placed on the beach. Dawn took the first one out and then released him to resounding applause and cheering from the assembled multitude lining the opposite river bank. The eaglet took flight and suddenly turned and looked like he was going to fly over the river to where the people were watching and several exclaimed that he was going to do a flyover. Unfortunately, he then turned abruptly and skirted the shore of the island and landed on the riverbank several hundred yards up river. He began rooting around on the ground and then eventually walked deeper into the island and we lost sight of him.

The other male eaglet was released, took flight and immediately turned and went back over the central portion of the island and was almost instantly out of sight...a bit more modest apparently. The crowd was very excited by this amazing experience.

Following the release everyone returned and were treated to a meet and greet with the education birds. Dawn then brought out "Journey," a hawk that was caught in the front of a freight train from Canada, until it was discovered in a rail yard in Franklin Park. Journey is now an education bird for Flint Creek.

In addition to being a wonderful experience this was also a fundraiser for Flint Creek to help cover expenses (it cost $20,000) to build the flight chamber for the eagles which was 100 feet long. Feel free to donate to Flint Creek. Contact them at or for further details: visit www.flintcreekwildlife.org or call (888)FLINTCREEK

I took a video of the releases which I will edit so watch for it. But I have to let you know, Phil is a professional photographer so keep checking the Flint Creek site for his photos and the video they took. Mine will be a pale imitation of theirs but as it is from a different perspective it may turn out pretty good. I hope to have it up by Monday.

Also a great big shout out to the clients/friends of Niles Animal Hospital who turned out in large numbers for this event. It did my heart good to see such stalwart support and I know Dawn/Phil were very thankful as well. It was a outstanding experience for all who participated today!

Reminder About the Bald Eagle Release

2011-11-10T09:18:00.001-06:00

Just a reminder about the release of the two bald eaglets on Saturday. It looks like it will be a glorious day in the 50s and sunny, if the weather forecast holds. So despite the less than ideal weather over the last few days, it will break so there will be perfect weather for the release.....fittingly so.

Come experience this special event and also help support Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation and the wonderful work that they do.

Details about the event once again......

Witness the release of two bald eaglets back to the wild. These were the birds from Batavia, whose nest had blown down in high winds and although the nest was replaced the parents did not return to care for them. They were then raised in captivity at Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. This event is the culmination of a concerted effort to provide for them with a wonderful resolution. They are now ready to be set free!

The release will be held at Starved Rock State Park, Saturday, November 12th from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. It will be a once in a lifetime opportunity. There will be a minimum suggested tax-deductible donation of $10 per person, to help Flint Creek Wildlife defray the cost of raising these eaglets and building their flight chamber.

For further details:
visit www.flintcreekwildlife.org or call (888)FLINTCREEK

Bald Eagle Shot Last Week at Starved Rock Park

2011-11-06T18:06:00.000-06:00

Below is a story that ran in the Chicago Tribune last week. Some idiot took a pot shot at a immature bald eagle, supposedly mistaking it for a Red Tailed Hawk (immature bald eagles are brown as pictured to the left). That is the actual photo of the eagle which is expected to recover.

Hopefully, someone will rat on this person and turn them in for doing something so stupid. He could face a stiff fine and jail time as mentioned below.

Remember, from a previous posting on this blog (check it for details), the bald eagle release on November 12th at Starved Rock Park will be held as scheduled. Please try to come out and support the effort.

A juvenile bald eagle found shot in the wing along the Illinois River west of Starved Rock State Park may have been shot by a bored duck hunter who decided to take a "pot shot" at it, according to one theory posed by conservation police.

Investigators are hoping a $1,000 reward may lead to an arrest.
"Why anyone would shoot at an eagle is beyond me," said Illinois conservation police Sgt. Hank Frazier, adding that his department has no suspects. "They're very big birds. There'd be no way you can mistake that."
Shooting an eagle is a federal crime punishable with up to a year in jail and a $100,000 fine.
The bird, which has undergone surgery, is expected to recover.
"He's doing very well," Robert Harms, a veterinarian at Countryside Animal Clinic in nearby Streator, said Wednesday. "He's bright, strong, alert. Starting to be a little more aggressive today, which is good."
A barge captain spotted the eagle struggling to fly along the river near Hennepin on Sunday. Conservation police recovered the bird and brought it to the clinic.
Harms said shotgun pellets had fractured the ulna, a long bone in the wing, and that he'd inserted a pin in the bone.
The eagle will be transferred to the Hoo Haven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center in Durand, northwest of Rockford, possibly on Thursday.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources asks anyone with information on the shooting to call its poacher hotline at 877-236-7529.
csadovi@tribune.com rreese@tribune.com

A Halloween Story

2011-10-30T20:17:00.000-05:00

In the spirit of the Halloween season I decided to relate a story from my childhood and how assumptions about people can turn out to be unfortunately the furthest thing from the truth.

I lived in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago until I was around eight years old. Because of the close proximity to Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, which was the "anchor" of the area, the neighborhood was predominantly made up of Greeks. We lived in a three flat, on the third floor, and my grandparents lived on the first floor with my uncle. My uncle eventually married a girl a few doors down the block. Two blocks away were my other set of grandparents living in an apartment building with another aunt, uncle and cousins. Across the street from them were my godparents. In addition, there were other assorted sets of relatives in the immediate vicinity. It was a close knit neighborhood, by blood and friendships.

One of the common sights in our neighborhood were the older Greek widows who would wear black dresses (this was pretty common with many ethnic groups in that era). Recall the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and visualize Nia Vardalos' grandmother and you have the picture. Quite often you would see them walking along the alleys or vacant areas picking dandelion greens. They would boil the greens and then serve them with olive oil and lemon or vinegar (one of my favorites, although I use endive). They would save the water from boiling the greens, refrigerate it and drink it as a cure-all for whatever ailed you. ( That old Greek mentality was represented in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" by the Windex as a cure for everything....in my family it was this "horta water.")

Nonetheless, there was one of these Greek widows who was different from the rest. Our neighborhood was a hodgepodge of three flats dotted with occasional single family homes and she lived in one of these homes. It was almost directly across the street from our apartment and it was set well back off the street, partially obscured by trees and bushes. She lived alone and seemed to be perpetually annoyed with the neighborhood kids, who would be running on her lawn and just doing the typical sort of things rambunctious young kids would do. She would holler at us in heavily Greek-accented English and, being young kids, she would frighten us. We began to call her "the witch" because of her demeanor and also that she was always dressed in black. We were afraid to venture too close to her house for fear of being snatched up by the "witch" and facing a horrific fate.

I was seven years old and it was Halloween. Little did I know that it would be my last in the old neighborhood, as we would move to the suburbs the following April. We got our little band of friends together and prepared to do our typical systematic canvassing of the neighborhood for trick or treating. We worked our way down one side of the street, crossed it and were working our way back down the other side. We then realized the next house was the "witch's house." It was bad enough being around her house any other time, but with it being Halloween, we were really frightened that the danger would be heightened beyond what we could even imagine. We looked down the long driveway back to the house and we decided to skip her house. I thought I caught a glimpse of her peering through her curtains right at us. I quickened my steps and was trying to get away as fast as I could.

Suddenly her front door opened and she hurriedly moved down the driveway calling to us in her thick accent asking us to stop. She had something in her hands and we all became even more nervous, trying to move away. But there was something different in her calling to us this time and I was compelled to stop. I stood on the sidewalk as she approached me. My friends stopped, turned to watch and felt sure something bad was going to happen. As she approached me she held out her hands and she was holding a number of large Hershey's bars, much larger than the ones we would typically get for trick or treating. She said, "This candy is for you kids." She had an unusually warm smile for her but her eyes had a touch of sadness in them. My friends returned and gladly accepted the candy from her, thanking her profusely. We had a friendly conversation with her and she then returned back down the driveway to her home. From that moment on, she was no longer "the witch."

Following that experience, we would always say hello to her and if the situation would allow it we would spend some time talking to her. I learned a great deal about her life and background from the stories she would tell me. She never did yell at us anymore and seemed pretty happy whenever we were around. When we moved away, she was one little piece of our neighborhood that I would miss.

This story is an example of how we can make judgements of people and unfortunately adversely impact our relationships with them. If you take a little time to get to know someone, where you can really get to know the person inside, it will end up being beneficial for both of you. We have so much we can offer each other. In this experience from a Halloween long ago, a simple act of kindness by a "witch" blossomed into a beautiful relationship between an elderly woman and some neighborhood children from which we all learned a valuable lesson.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-22T19:08:00.000-05:00

Here are two animal/pet/children related videos I had created for our animal hospital web site, http://www.nilesanimalhospital.com/. I hope you enjoy these fun slideshows! Happy Halloween!

Release of Two Bald Eaglets

2011-10-17T09:03:00.001-05:00

Witness the release of two bald eaglets back to the wild. These were the birds from Batavia, whose nest had blown down in high winds and although the nest was replaced the parents did not return to care for them. They were then raised in captivity at Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. This event is the culmination of a concerted effort to provide for them with a wonderful resolution and now they are ready to be set free!

The release will be held at Starved Rock State Park, Saturday, November 12th from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. It will be a once in a lifetime opportunity. There will be a minimum suggested tax-deductible donation of $10 per person, to help Flint Creek Wildlife defray the cost of raising these eaglets and building their flight chamber.

For further details:
visit www.flintcreekwildlife.org or call (888)FLINTCREEK

The Importance of Cleaning Fruit and Vegetables for Your Birds (and You)

2011-10-12T21:48:00.000-05:00

With the recent Listeria outbreak caused by contaminated cantaloupes, it is a good idea to talk about the importance of cleaning fruits and vegetables. It is obviously important for you and your family, but even moreso for your pet birds. The discussion below was for a Q & A section I did for a local bird club newsletter.

The Importance of Cleaning Fruit and Vegetables for Your Birds (andYOU!)

Peter S. Sakas DVM,MS

NilesAnimal Hospitaland Bird Medical Center

7278 N. Milwaukee Ave. Niles, IL 60714

Ph 847-647-9325 FAX 847-647-8498

www.nilesanimalhospital.com

Maintaining our avian companionsin an environment that protects them from illness and potential hazards is agreat responsibility. We must be vigilant to recognize disease symptoms andstrive to keep them free from disease through good husbandry practices. Thereare disease organisms everywhere and hazards lurking in seemingly innocentplaces.

Our focus in this article is thatof fresh foods provided to your birds and the associated problems that exist.It is well recognized that a variety of nutritious foods is essential tomaintain good health and longevity. However, there are certain considerationswhen feeding a bird fresh foods. Of course, we all know the dangers of certainfoods, such as avocado, chocolate and caffeine, and their effect on pet birds.But other less obvious dangers exist as well.

I cannot emphasize enough that,when giving your bird fresh fruits and vegetables, you must clean/wash thesefoods even better than you would for yourselves. Agricultural techniques,transport, storage of these foods and display in the stores provide ampleopportunity for the introduction of disease causing organisms or dangerouschemicals. Due to their metabolism and small size, in comparison to us, birdsare much more subject to poisonings and illness from foods that werecontaminated but would have no apparent effect on a person.

One big concern, and a topic thatis regularly in the news, is bacterial contamination, particularly E. Coli.There are countless other bacteria that can be present in food that can causedisease as well, so we are not just limited to E. coli, but E. coli seems to bethe prominent organism in the news and implicated in outbreaks that havesickened people. E. coli is a Gram negative bacillus which is normal in the GItract of man and most animals, with the exception of birds. Not all strains ofE. coli are pathogenic and cause no problems in the GI tract. However, thereare strains that can cause severe disease and sicken people. E. coli or otherGram negative bacteria are abnormal in the digestive tract of pet birds.

The presence of E. coli in foodand water indicate fecal contamination. I am sure you recall when a beach hasbeen closed due to a high coliform count, indicating contamination of the waterwith sewage. E. coli can also be found on produce as manure (feces) can be usedas fertilizer in some parts of the world. There can also be contamination ofthe produce from feces of other animals on the farm. When there was the E. colioutbreak in bagged spinach in 2008, the source was believed to be cow (orpossibly swine) feces. In addition, if the workers who are harvesting theproduce do not practice proper hygiene there can be E. coli (fecal)contamination as they handle the crops. If the food is not stored properlythere can also be E. coli contamination from exposure to rodents and theirwaste products. Even in the food stores, if proper safeguards are not takencontamination can occur at this level as well.

I am sure you are all probably abit “grossed out” by this discussion, but that is my purpose. You have to considerthe potential hazards of consuming produce that is inadequately cleaned foryour own consumption, but the danger is heightened in pet birds. Always becertain to deal with quality sources of produce and be certain it is clean andfresh. Make sure you clean it thoroughly, even better for your bird than youwould for yourself and of course store it properly.

Recently, people have beensickened by bacterial contamination in cantaloupes. The culprit here was not E.coli, but rather Listeria. Numerous deaths have been reported and the fear isthat more people will become sickened as the effects of the bacteria seem totake some time to become evident. This recent outbreak shows the importance ofbeing cautious when selecting produce and the importance of cleaning itthoroughly.

Contamination with chemicals isalso a significant risk. Pesticides are more prevalent on foods than you wouldthink. The Environmental Working Group released a list of pesticide levels incommon fruits, ranking from 1 (lowest pesticide load) to 100 (highest load).These rankings were based on nearly 43,000 tests for pesticides conducted bythe USDA. Onions had the lowest level, but avocados (BAD for birds) andasparagus were also low. The highest rankings were peaches (100), apples (89)and strawberries (82). Pears (65) made the top ten dirtiest, grapes (43) andoranges (42) had still elevated levels. Low levels were in blueberries (24),bananas (16) and pineapple (7). I included this information (from Eat This, Not That. Supermarket SurvivalGuide by David Zinczenko) for your personal benefit so you can be aninformed consumer but also to alert you to the risks that exist for you andyour bird when you feed these fruits.

Other contaminants to considerinclude fertilizers that would be used, be they manure or chemical fertilizers.Certain food producers have solutions or chemical sanitizers to wash theproduce after it is harvested, which at low levels may not be harmful to aperson, but toxic to pet birds. Diligent cleaning of these foods is essential.

If you want to avoid many ofthese risks, consider feeding your birds organic produce. These foods aresupposedly raised without fertilizers, pesticides or other chemicals. However,that does not mean that you should not clean organic foods thoroughly as well.Cleaning and proper storage are still excellent practices that should befollowed with organics, as you do not really know what was involvedin the raising of the food, processing, transport and storage

After reading all this you may decideto raise your own produce to feed your family and birds. You can control allaspects and raise the food in true organic fashion and have no worries, right? Well,no. The risks are definitely reduced but contaminants can still get in thefoods as it is a “germy” world out there. There is environmental bacteria,contamination with feces from various varmints traipsing through your garden,Histoplasma (a disease organism carried in wild bird feces), parasite eggs thatmay end up in the garden, the list goes on. So even though you raise the foodorganically yourself, vigorous cleaning and proper storage is crucial. Youshould do it for yourself and your family’s safety, but even more thoroughlyfor your bird.

It is truly a shame when a birdsuffers from a disease condition which could have easily been avoided bysimple, good husbandry practices. There are many potential disease causingorganisms and chemical contaminants which may be found on fresh produce,eliminate them so your bird can enjoy the benefits of a healthy diet withoutthe risk of illness.

Yard Sale Sunday!

2011-10-11T13:10:00.001-05:00

Just a reminder that the Yard Sale to benefit Chicago Pet Rescue is this upcoming Sunday from 10 AM until 3 PM in the Niles Animal Hospital Parking Lot. There is ample parking in the surrounding parking lots and side streets. Come by and check out the "treasures" available. You may find a great bargain and at the same time be helping out a worthwhile not-for-profit pet charity.

In addition, if you want to clear out your clutter, bring it over to the Niles Animal Hospital during regular business hours so we can have your items in the yard sale. We are storing the material in the back of the hospital. It is a win-win....you clear out your house, get a tax deduction for the donated items and Chicago Pet Rescue is able to generate funds for their organization.

Halloween Hazards for Your Pets

2011-10-07T23:49:00.001-05:00

Halloween is fast approaching and associated with it are many hazards for your pets. Here is an informational handout I had created discussing some of those potential hazards for your pets.

Halloween Hazards for Your Pets

Peter S. Sakas DVM, MS

Halloween is a holiday that isgreat fun and through the years more and more people have really got involvedwith extensive decorations in and around the house. In addition, there is thecandy and trick or treating. Candy is around the house in bowls ready for the trickor treaters as well as the candy collected by your own kids as they canvas theneighborhood with their own trick or treating. If you have Halloween partiesfor kids or adults there will be food and drink around as well. With all thisfood, decorations and activities it can be a time of great danger for your pet.They will be attracted by the tempting smells and may eat what they should not.They may be intrigued by the shimmering, attractive decorations and begin tochew on objects that could cause severe medical problems. During the holidayyou must take steps to be certain that your pets will be safe from potentialharm.

Chocolate

Almost everyone knows that chocolateis toxic for pets. Theobromine, a chemical found in chocolate is the cause ofthe poisoning, which can be deadly in dogs (especially) and other pets. Theyactually have an allergic reaction to the theobromine which can be quitesevere. Some dogs may not have as severe of a response but it is not worthtaking a chance with your pets. Chocolate should be avoided, so do not think alittle bit is not going to hurt! If your pet is sensitive to the theobromine itdoes not take much to cause a toxic reaction.

Depending on the amountingested, chocolate (bakers, semi sweet, milk and dark) can be potentiallypoisonous to many animals. Theobromine levels are especially high in darkchocolates. In general, the less sweet the chocolate, the more toxic it couldbe. In fact, unsweetened baking chocolate contains almost seven times moretheobromine than milk chocolate. Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivityand increased thirst, urination and heart rate can be seen with the ingestionof as little as 1/4 ounce of baking chocolate by a 10-pound dog. Halloweentreats with chocolate are not appropriate for pets.

Artificial Sweeteners

Other chemicals found incertain candies can also be toxic to your pets. Xylitol, a sweetener found insome candies and gum can be toxic to pets if taken in large amounts. Ingestionof significant quantities can produce a fairly sudden drop in blood sugar,resulting in depression, incoordination and seizures. Foods containing Xylitolshould be kept well out of reach of your pets. Do not take any chances with youpets. As stated before, do not think that a little bit is not going to hurt.You should have plenty of treats around the house that are appropriate for yourpets and use them instead of candies.

Holiday Food
Avoid the temptation to feed your pets leftovers from your holidaymeals. Your pet should be kept on its normal diet. Any change of diet, even forone meal, may give your dog or cat severe indigestion and diarrhea. This isparticularly true for older animals that have more delicate digestive systemsand nutritional requirements. Many of these foods are rich; especially those that are high in fat,and can often cause severe gastrointestinal disturbances in pets which couldprove fatal. Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) is a very commondisease of dogs and is frequently caused by the eating of table scraps. Thepancreas plays a role in digestion of food but when an animal eats a rich orfatty meal, the pancreas is 'overstimulated' and the organ oversecretes enzymesleading to inflammation of the pancreas and surrounding tissues. Signs ofpancreatitis include vomiting and abdominal pain, sometimes quite severe. Thecondition is very uncomfortable for the pet and sometimes can be fatal. If younotice these type of symptoms seek veterinary care.

Although some people may thinkit is humorous, never offer or allow your pets to access alcoholic beverages.Due to Halloween parties there may be alcoholic drinks carelessly left in areaswhere pets may be able to reach them. Place these unattended drinks in a safelocation where pets cannot reach them. If enough alcohol is ingested, theanimal could become very ill and weak. In severe cases they may go into a coma,possibly resulting in death due to respiratory failure.

Halloween Decorations

Animals are attracted to unusualor shiny objects which may be found around the house during Halloween used fordecorations or wrapping. Dogs and cats cannot see in color so it is the shiny,shimmering or unusual appearance that attracts them. Birds can see in color, socolor may definitely be a source of attraction to them. Keep aluminum foil andcellophane candy wrappers away from pets. Pets may swallow such material,leading to gastrointestinal irritation, causing vomiting or may even pass intothe intestinal tract producing an intestinal blockage. Cats are quite oftenattracted to ribbons, bows, strings and other decorations which they may chew,swallow and develop intestinal blockage. In addition, twinkling lights or otherinteresting electrical decorations may prove attractive to your pets. They maychew on the cords which may lead to severe electrical shocks.

Keep the decorations out of thereach of your pets to avoid potential danger. If you notice that your pet isvery interested in the decorations and may be chewing on them, be certain torelocate the objects in a safe place where you pet cannot get to them.

Plants

During Halloween decorativeplants, such as pumpkins or decorative foods, such as corn and gourds areplaced around the home to provide a festive holiday setting. These plants andfoods though considered to be relatively non-toxic, can potentially causegastrointestinal upset and may even result in intestinal blockage if largepieces are ingested.

Potpourri/Scented Candles

Liquid potpourri, commonly usedto add pleasant scent to the home during certain holidays, can be hazardous topets. Potentially severe damage to the mouth, skin and eyes could result fromexposure to both heated and cool liquid product. Birds are especially sensitiveto fumes or airborne toxins and caution must be exercised whenever you areusing materials that produce fumes or odors. Use them in areas with goodventilation and keep your birds away from them. If you notice your bird is inrespiratory distress move your bird into an area away from the fumes, get goodclean air flow in the area and seek veterinary assistance. Airborne toxins canbe fatal to birds.

If you suspect your pet mayhave become exposed to a potentially toxic product or substance, contact yourlocal veterinarian, a veterinary emergency clinic (if it is after hours foryour regular veterinarian) or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Centerimmediately for assistance.

Referenced from an informational flyerprovided by the Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, IL

Stolen German Shepherd

2011-10-05T10:56:00.002-05:00

Got this from a canine police officer friend of mine. I have been trying to spread the word. Police officers and their working dogs have a tremendous bond with each other. We all owe a debt of gratitude to these dogs and their handlers who help to protect us and keep us safe.

Obviously, contact Al Govednik or local authorities if you have any information or suspect that you have seen this dog.

PLEASE HELP! The President of the American Working Dog Federation, Al Govednik, had his working German Shepherd Dog stolen out of his fenced yard yesterday morning (9/27/11).
(Yes he WAS stolen, Al saw the WHITE VAN drive away). Hex is a beloved GSD who won the USA National FH (advanced tracking) Title a couple years ago. HEX IS PICTURED HERE and on the GSD Pedigree Database page.

Hex is an 85 lb. Sable male intact German Shepherd Dog. He was stolen from an address on Illinois Highway 17, in Alpha Illinois.
Please Share, especially with law enforcement friends and everyone in Illinois and neighboring states.

PLEASE SHARE. Al's phone number: (309)351-9093, email: algovfh@yahoo.com
...See More

http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/german_shepherd_dog/dog.html?id=505482#.ToC7mD_Bqk8.facebook

Although there is no picture visible click on the empty picture box and a link will appear so you can see this beautiful animal. (I am a bit biased because we have two sable German Shepherds ourselves). I hope they find Hex.

Why Dogs Don't Live as long as Humans (A Young Boy's Perspective)

2011-10-02T07:57:00.000-05:00

This is a touching story.....I do not know who the author is as I received this in an email from a friend of mine. I personally have found children to be quite insightful and spiritual when it comes to the euthanasia of a beloved pet. For example, when my son was quite young he had asked me why little dogs live longer than big dogs but little birds do not live as long as big birds. I thought that was a keen observation and I had no explanation other than "That's the way God planned it."

I always encourage the family to be present for the procedure (unless the children are very young or too traumatized by the event). I will tranquilize the dog or cat before administering the euthanasia solution. In that way, while the pet is slipping into sedation, the family is petting and interacting helping to calm it. So by the time the pet is adequately sedate enough when I can administer the intravenous injection, all it has felt was the loving caresses of the family. I administer the injection in a vein (usually the hind leg) so the family can continue with their goodbyes uninterrupted. I find this is the best way to handle what is a very emotional and heart wrenching experience.

People always ask me how do I deal with euthanasia. It is something that still causes heartache after all the years I have been in practice as you get to know the clients and their pets quite well, so obviously I too feel the sense of loss. However, euthanasia is an advantage veterinarians have over physicians, as we are able to help an animal which is terminally ill and suffering with no hope of recovering. If I was euthanizing healthy animals that would be another issue entirely and if I was doing that I would be in therapy by now. I look upon euthanasia as the kindest act we can engage in for an animal in dire need of the easing of suffering. Although it is never easy, as you recognize the circumstances which have led to the final decision, you feel the justification in your heart and do appreciate that you can help these pets. It is also difficult for pet owners to know when it is time to make that decision. If you do know and interact with your pet you will know. When the good days are infrequent in relation to the bad days or they go off their feed and just hide all the time then euthanasia may be the choice. Speak to the family and your veterinarian to help with this decision.Some people hang on in the face of their pet truly suffering from chronic illnesses such as kidney failure, severe degenerative arthritis or cancer. As I tell our clients when they are struggling with this decision, "You have to care enough to let them go." Which essentially is saying put their needs and feelings ahead of yours.

Why Dogs Don’t Live as Long as Humans

A four year oldchild’s wisdom

(From theinternet….author unknown)

Being a veterinarian, I had beencalled to examine a ten year old Irish wolfhound, named Belker. The dog’sowners, Ron, his wife Lisa and their little boy Shane were all very attached toBelker and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he wasdying of cancer.

I told the family there were nomiracles left for Belker and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure forthe old dog. Ron and Lisa told me that they thought it would be good for thefour year old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane mightlearn something from the experience.

I felt the familiar catch in mythroat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the olddog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.Within a few moments, Belker slipped away peacefully. The little boy seemed toaccept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion.

We sat together for a while afterBelker’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives areshorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, “Iknow why.” Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth nextstunned me. I never had heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, “People are born so thatthey learn how to live a good life – like loving everybody all the time andbeing nice, right?” The four year old continued, “Well, dogs already know howto do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”

The Starfish Story

2011-09-29T23:01:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite inspirational stories. It exemplifies the way I feel about working with the wildlife cases.

We get a large number of wildlife cases and are always eager to provide the medical care, then turn them over to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for care until they can be released back into the wild. There are some kind, humane people out there who cannot walk past injured wildlife or pretend not to see them. They make the effort to seek care in an effort to save these poor unfortunates. The licensed rehabilitators make it their life's work to help these animals recover so they can be returned to the wild. Some cases are too far gone or have severe injuries which preclude them ever to recover well enough to lead a normal life and unfortunately they may need to be euthanized. But I feel it is always worth giving them a chance and I applaud the rehabilitators we work with as well as the kind hearted people who go out of their way to help these animals in need making the effort to bring them to us or the rehabilitators. Yes, it may be a daunting task, but it is truly fulfilling when you do make a difference and save one of these animals. I know we and the people we work with will always be dedicated to that goal.

The Starfish Story
(Original Story by: Loren Eisley)

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed
a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, "What are you doing?"

The youth replied, "Throwing starfish back into the ocean.
The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them back, they'll die."

"Son," the man said, "don't you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can't make a difference!"

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said,
"I made a difference for that one."

Last Yard Sale of the Year

2011-09-28T10:21:00.001-05:00

The yard sales we have been hosting at Niles Animal Hospital have been wonderful successes as we have supported a number of worthwhile charitable causes involved with animals by helping to raise much needed funds. These events are a win-win for everyone because those who donate items to the sale are clearing the clutter in their homes plus gaining a tax deduction for supporting a not-for-profit organization. In addition, donors feel good about helping a charitable group in need. Those who come to the sale are able to find various "treasures" at bargain prices and also with the added benefit of knowing that the money they spend directly supports these organizations. Of course, those who volunteer to help set up, run and clean up after the sale know that their time contribution is invaluable in helping to make these events a success.

Our last sale of this year is to benefit Chicago Pet Rescue, a charitable not-for-profit organization, which rescues pets, fosters them and finds loving homes.Needless to say, it can be quite costly to provide for their maintenance care plus any medical costs that may arise. The funds generated from this yard sale will go a long way in helping to cover these costs.

The yard sale will be held Sunday, October 16th from 10 AM until 3 PM in the Niles Animal Hospital parking lot at 7278 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Niles (just north of Touhy Ave.). Parking is available in the surrounding lots (Solar Heating just north, Marathon Gas Station across the street, Brunswick Zone across the street and on nearby side streets). There will be all sorts of items available including pet related, but many other things you could not even imagine! Check out two previous yard sales on the Niles Animal Hospital Facebook page "Niles Animal Hospital and Bird Medical Center." We have photos posted on the page from another Chicago Pet Rescue yard sale this summer and A Refuge for Saving the Wildlife bird rescue which was just recently held. As can be seen, a good time was had by all at both events with a wide variety of items available for purchase.

If you would like to donate items for the sale we will be collecting donations for the sale at Niles Animal Hospital during regular business hours up until the time of the yard sale. Donated items are tax deductible.Feel free to clear out your house and garage of clutter and bring it on by. Any questions call the hospital at 847-647-9325.

Most importantly, stop on by at the sale and make some purchases to support a worthwhile cause which provides needed care for animals. We hope to see you there!

Peter S. Sakas DVM

Allergies to Birds and Bird Keeper's Lung

2011-09-25T00:14:00.002-05:00

My previous blog about having your bird sleeping in the bedroom generated a lot of interest. I had several requests to explain a bit more about the different forms of "Bird Keeper's Lung" so I have taken an excerpt from an article I had written about Pet Bird Zoonoses (diseases you can get from your bird) which discussed allergies to birds and Bird Keeper's Lung.

Allergies to Birds

Clinical signs in people with allergies to birds includemalaise, chills, fever, shortness of breath, myalgia and coughing.Hypersensitivity pneumonitis and interstitial pneumonia in humans have beenassociated with exposure to feathers, aerosolized droppings and other agents.Inhaled avian source antigens can cause severe disease in hypersensitiveindividuals. If there are exposures to avian antigens it can severelycompromise health and quality of life. It is believed that the allergic responseis due to bacterial endotoxins in fecal extracts. The conditions subside afterno further exposure to the antigens.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (Pigeon Breeder's Lung, BirdKeeper's Lung)

Extrinsic, allergic, alveolitis ( EAA)- three forms, acute,subacute, chronic

Acute

Four to eight hours after heavy exposure to avian antigens.Dry cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills. No therapy needed. Resolves in24 hours.

Diagnosis through clinical history, serum precipitin test,intradermal skin test ( feather, feather dust "bloom", fecal extract), lung function tests, radiographs, bronchial inhalation challenge. Mostcommonly seen from exposure to pigeons. Large dose of antigen ( Cleaning loft )in a short period of time. Feathers, dust, aerosolized droppings (bacterialproteins/endotoxins) common antigens.

Wearing respirators/masks may help but dusts may still bepresent on clothes or still in the environment.

Subacute

Long term continuous exposure. Fairly constant drycough/progressive dyspnea.

Diagnosis more difficult as no "trigger event".Positive lab tests to avian antigens.

May require steroid therapy. Complete cessation of exposureto avian antigens. Prognosis is good but is a step in the progression to chronicdisease.

Chronic

Progressive exertional dyspnea. Non-productive cough, endinspiratory rales, hypoxemia at rest, worsened during exertion. Pulmonaryfibrosis with decrease in lung function - at this point it is irreversible,terminate exposure to prevent further deterioration. Low dose exposure toantigen over long periods.

Diagnosis as with other forms. Hypersensitivity skin test. Noreadily apparent acute signs to show disease developing to irreversiblepulmonary fibrosis. Early signs mimic flu or mild respiratory disease. Nocorrelation between the severity of disease and the number of birds kept (onebudgie can cause the same degree of pathology as 400 birds in home aviary of ahypersensitive individual). Chronic EAA is seen in individuals with more thantwo years exposure to birds. Older individuals have faster decline of lungfunction.

Seek medical attention for respiratory irregularities,especially non-resolving cough conditions and breathlessness upon exertion oreven mild exercise. Smokers have a lower incidence than non-smokers incomparable bird owning populations as tobacco smoke reduces exposure of antigento alveoli by contributing to airway obstruction. Impairs function of pulmonarymacrophages lining the alveoli. Problems due to smoking may mask signs ofdisease and co-exist. Treat as above. Irreversible changes occur.

We have seen an increase in this condition throughout theyears. Perhaps it is better recognized or due to an increase in birdkeeping. Ascan be garnered from the above discussion it is a very serious diseasecondition, unrelated to the number of birds kept, especially if the person isalready hypersensitive. The best advice that can be given is to reduce exposureto the aerosolized material.

1) Keep your birds restricted in one room or a couple ofrooms. You need the opportunity to get away from the antigens. If birds are inevery room of the house you cannot get away from it, heightening your risk. Thedanger is even greater if the birds are in your bedroom as you will inhale thatmaterial all night long.

2) Clean the cages regularly (daily is ideal) because if youcan prevent the feces from drying/aerosolizing your risk will be reduced. Alsoregular cleaning will reduce bacterial buildup and make the environmenthealthier for your birds.

3)Buy a quality air cleaner to reduce the disease causingmaterial in the environment. There are many excellent air cleaners availableand for a reasonable investment you can provide a safer environment for yourfamily, human and avian.

4)If you must be around the birds or during cleaning and youhave shown some sensitivity, wear a mask of some type, such as a surgical maskto reduce exposure.

I am glad many of you have read this and are concerned about the potential for this disease in hypersensitive individuals. With the implementation of the precautions listed above the risk of developing the disease condition can be minimized. If you or anyone in your family is exhibiting any of the above symptoms be sure to speak to your family physician about the possibility of this disease.

Should People Sleep in the Same Room with Their Birds?

2011-09-23T23:10:00.000-05:00

Which room where people keep their pet birds is a pretty important decision. Obviously, the kitchen is a bad choice because, although it is an area with a lot of activity, birds are very sensitive to fumes, smoke and other airborne toxins present there. Their small size coupled with a very efficient respiratory tract makes that environment dangerous for them. Another room that would be a bad choice would be in the bedroom.

I know people like to have their birds sleep in the sameroom with them as it is comforting for both, however, there is a potentialproblem. I hate to be a spoilsport but a strong consideration is the risk of“Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis,” also known as “EAA” (extrinsic allergicalveolitis) or more popularly as “Bird Keeper’s Lung.”

I have spoken to the bird clubs, aviculture groups and veterinary meetings about this in the past inreference to zoonotic diseases (diseases you can get from animals). Thiscondition develops in people who have a sensitivity to the protein inaerosolized bird fecal matter. There are various forms including acute (suddenonset), subacute (more low grade symptoms) and chronic, which is the type to fear.The chronic form develops slowly over time and can be caused by an exposure toeven just one bird if you are hypersensitive. The danger is that due to theexposure to the fecal protein material the lung tissue in allergic individualsbegins to undergo fibrosis (scarring) which is irreversible. Over time, lungcapacity decreases and people suffering from this condition show respiratoryproblems including coughing, exercise intolerance, lethargy, chest pains andbecoming easily winded. (One of our clients who had the condition said he feltlike he was having a heart attack). Testing can be conducted to verify thediagnosis and treatment can be undertaken to prevent the disease fromprogressing, but the scarring is permanent and will never go away. Scary, huh?

Right now some of you are saying…..”I don’t have anyallergies so I should be OK.” But this sneaks up on you. The people who are atrisk are people who have birds in multiple rooms in their homes and they do notreally get away from the birds. Why should the bedroom be an issue? Just thinkabout it. How many hours do you spend in there and when you are sleeping youare sucking stuff into your lungs. If a bird is in there you are inhaling fecalprotein (as gross as that seems).

A real life example….We had a client who was at the hospital for an appointment with her parakeet and her daughter was accompanying her. I noticed she was coughing a great deal. I asked her what was wrong andshe said she had been having respiratory problems and no one knew why. Myadvantage as a veterinarian is that I do know about zoonoses so I questionedher about where she kept the bird…..IN HER BEDROOM. The room where she studied,slept and spent a great deal of time. I recommended that she move the bird outof the room and have her doctor check for EAA. It was verified and sheimproved. So this is not a theoretical problem, it is real.

I hope I have your attention now. All of you with birdsshould follow these guidelines. 1) Have an area where you can get away fromyour birds or keep them in one room. DO NOT keep them in a bedroom with yousleeping with you. 2) Purchase a quality air cleaner. 3) Clean the cagepapers/cage frequently to prevent the drying out of the feces and great risk ofaerosolizing the material. 4) If you have allergies wear a mask when cleaningcages or have someone else do it for you. This disease can sneak up on you, Iknow several people who have had it and some of you probably are slowlydeveloping it now unless you take precautions.

The best spot for the cage is a family room where there is activity to keep the bird stimulated but away from any potential airborne toxins or fumes. An area with adequate space and good ventilation would be ideal.

Microchipping Your Pet

2011-09-20T23:44:00.000-05:00

WhyMicrochip?

Microchippingyour pet is a very important step to insure their safety. Pets do unfortunatelyget lost. The AKC CAR estimates that there are approximately 8 to 10 millionstray animals each year. Each year in the United States, one million pets arelost or stolen. One in three pets will get lost during their lifetimes. Catsare particularly vulnerable once lost. Shelters continue to euthanizeunidentified, owned but lost pets. Only 20% of lost dogs and 2-5% of cats arereunited with their owners.

Leashes,fences and doors may not be enough to keep pets safe and secure. Accidentshappen, and some things like natural disasters, can separate pets from theirowners.

Tagsand collars are a good start but they are not 100% dependable. Tags can fade;get scratched or damaged, rust, reducing legibility. Tags can fall off; collarscan tear, slip off or get caught on something.

Microchippingis the only identification method that is permanent and individual to eachanimal. A unique ID code matches the animal with the owner’s contactinformation in a database. Pets can be microchipped at any age, however aftersix weeks of age is preferred. At Niles Animal Hospitalwe typically will microchip puppies and kittens at the time of neutering orspaying. Birds can be microchipped at any age; however, we do not chip birdssmaller than small parrots or conures, due to their small size in relation tothe microchip (the microchip is implanted in their chest muscles).

Microchippingis so very important in the recovery process of a lost pet. Virtually allveterinarians, police department (animal control officers) and shelters havemicrochip scanners so they can check a lost pet for the presence of amicrochip. If the microchip has been registered and the information is currentthen the pet can be easily reunited with their owners. The goal ofmicrochipping is to save pets’ lives.

Anotherreason for microchipping is that it is a means of proving ownership. Withproper updated personal data registration information you will undeniable proofa pet is yours if it ever came into question. Microchipping is done extensivelyoverseas so if you travel internationally with your pet it is important to havethem identified for their own well-being. Some municipalities requiremicrochipping for a pet to receive a license. In case of a disaster, microchipsaid in reunification of owner and pet.

HowMicrochips Work

Amicrochip is technically referred to as a transponder and is not a GPS device. The energytransferred by the scanner to the transponder (microchip) generateselectricity. Then the microchip sends out a radio frequency code which is readby the transceiver (scanner). Each microchip has one unique ID code embedded init, that allows the individual animal to be specifically identified based on analphanumeric (letters and numbers) or purely numeric ID code.

Whatmakes up a microchip? The working parts are the aerial (a copper tube),capacitor and the microchip itself which contains the encoded information.These parts are all enclosed in a biocompatible glass encasement, which istypically not rejected by the animal’s body. The glass is medical quality,which is suitable for implants and FDA approved. Glass is able to withstand theharmful effects of body fluids and is strong enough to withstand the stressesand strains it experiences during the implantation process. The microchip doesnot contain a battery and need not be changed. Each implanted microchip willlast throughout the lifetime of the pet.

DifferentTypes of Microchips

Anationwide standard for microchip identification does not exist in the United States.Throughout much of the world, the International Organization forStandardization (ISO) standard of 134.2 kHz for radio frequency identificationdevices (RFID) has been adopted and implemented as the preferred or sole RFIDtechnology for companion animals. This has been endorsed also by the AmericanVeterinary Medical Association (AVMA), American Animal Hospital Association(AAHA), American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA),Society of Animal Welfare Administrators and National Standards Institute(ANSI). In the United States,however, the non-ISO 125 kHz microchip is still predominantly used. (The HomeAgain Microchips implanted at Niles Animal Hospitalare the 134.2 kHz ISO microchips).

Thecurrent situation with microchip types in the United States is that the majorityof microchips are functioning at 125 kHz; however recently, the 134.2 kHz ISOmicrochip as well as the 128 kHz microchip have been introduced, leading tothree frequencies operating. In addition, the 125 kHz microchips can beencrypted, meaning that they are read with a different protocol than 125 kHzunencrypted microchips. With the introduction of multiple microchips operatingat different frequencies as well as different communication protocols(encrypted vs. unencrypted), several universal scanners that can read all threefrequencies have been introduced. (We have a Universal Scanner that can detectall three frequencies). The obvious problem is that with the multiple types ofmicrochips with different frequencies and communication protocols,non-universal scanners may not be able to pick up the signals from somemicrochips. Based upon global dynamics and the introduction of the 134.2 kHz ISOmicrochip in the United States, many believe a move towards nationaladoption and implementation of the ISO standard is inevitable.

Asuseful as microchips are there are some problems. First of all there is a lackof standardization among all the types of microchips. There are a variety ofmicrochips and there are multiple frequencies used by the different types. Inaddition, there is no link between the various sites where the microchips areregistered. With a bit of effort it can eventually be determined who themicrochip is registered to, but it would be easier if it were centralized.

MicrochipImplantation

Microchipplacement may vary per animal as well as the country of implantation. Theaccepted implantation site in the dog and cat is under the skin(subcutaneously) between (or just in front of) the shoulder blades along themidline of the body. This is the standard implantation site in the United States, Australia,New Zealand, Canada, Japanand the United Kingdom.The typical implantation site in most of Europeis in the upper half of the left side of the neck, halfway from the ear to thetip of the shoulder. That is why it is so important to check extensively whenscanning for the presence of a microchip.

Inpet birds, the microchip is implanted in the pectoral (breast) muscles. Birdskin is paper thin and they have virtually no subcutaneous tissue so it must beembedded in the muscle. Size of the bird is a limitation to which birds can bemicrochipped. Conures and larger can be microchipped, however, in small birdsdue to the size of the chip itself, implantation would be too traumatic.

Themicrochip is already loaded in the needle of a specially designed syringe usedfor the implantation of the chip. The needle is of a larger diameter than thetypical size used to give vaccinations because it must be large enough to holdthe microchip, which is approximately the size of a grain of rice. Themicrochip is implanted in the same fashion as a vaccination or injection wouldbe given to a pet subcutaneously. The microchips are specially designed toallow incorporation in the subcutaneous tissue to allow the microchip to remainin position.

PotentialProblems with Microchips

Aminor problem can be microchip migration and can occur less than 1% of the time.To minimize the risk, the pet should not be allowed to engage in exercise for24 hours post microchipping. This allows the chip to anchor properly and reducechances of migration. Some microchips have special anti-migration devicesinherent in their structure that will allow soft tissue to grow into a porouscap structure, thus anchoring it to the subcutaneous tissues and skin.

Ifa chip does migrate, they typically move by gravity down the leg towards theelbow or to the lower chest or sternum. They will remain just below the skinand cannot penetrate into the body cavity.

Microchipsare supplied sterile so it is very rare for a pet to develop a reaction orinfection at the site of implantation. On occasion, as with vaccinations, asmall amount of swelling may develop post implantation due to localized tissueinflammation. This should disappear within a few days with no medicalintervention needed. However, if a reaction occurs or the swelling does notresolve veterinary care should be obtained.

Ifthe microchip becomes visible hours or days after implantation, seek veterinarycare. This indicates that the implantation was not done properly.

Registration

Amicrochip without registration is an ineffective means of pet reunification.Ideally registration should be completed immediately after the microchip hasbeen implanted and while at the veterinary office. Registration involveslinking the microchip number with the contact information of the ownerincluding contact numbers as well as emergency contacts. Some registrationsinclude additional perks for a charge and may have an annual renewal fee tomaintain some of these services. However, once the microchip is registered, theinformation is always on file so contact can be made and this portion of registrationdoes not require an additional annual renewal fee. Some people are under themistaken impression that the registration is an “activation fee” to make themicrochip “functional” and requires yearly fees to remain “active.” Themicrochip is already functional and will remain so, however by registering yourinformation will be placed in the database so retrieval of your lost pet ismuch more easily accomplished by readily having contact information available.

Problemsthat exist are that people do not turn in their registration information andthey do not update their registration information if there is a change ofaddress or pet ownership. Owner contact information that is entered intolifetime registries is rarely, if ever, updated by pet owners. Changes that canaffect registration information include: relocation, job change, phone servicechange, divorce, separation, email service provider change or transferring petto another owner. To further complicate issues, at this time multipleregistries exist for pet owner information due to the variety of microchipsavailable. Hopefully, one day there will be a central registry/database for allmicrochips.

Astudy was conducted by Dr. Linda Lord from The Ohio State College of VeterinaryMedicine to see how successful shelters were in finding owners for animals withmicrochips. They checked information from 53 shelters nationwide and evaluated7,704 microchips. They found that 74% of the owners of dogs were found and63.6% of cats. They also discovered that only 58% of animals had a currentregistration when the microchip registry was called and there was no differencebetween databases for finding the owners.

Conclusion

Microchippingis a valuable tool for protecting your pets if they become lost. However, unlessyou properly register and keep the information updated than the value ofmicrochipping is diminished as it may be difficult to find the owner if theircircumstances have changed. Microchipping is safe and easily performed.

Thisdiscussion is excerpted from several sources including an AAHA Webinarconducted by Dr. Linda Lord, “Microchipping Works: Best Practices” and anonline course offered by AAHA “Microchipping and Scanning of CompanionAnimals.”

The Last Will and Testament of An Extremely Distinguished Dog - Eugene O'Neill

2011-09-19T22:33:00.000-05:00

The famed playwright, Eugene O'Neill wrote a very moving piece about his aged dog Blemie. I wanted to share it on the blog for those of you who had never seen it.

THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF AN EXTREMELY DISTINGUISHED DOG
by Eugene O'Neill

I, SILVERDENE EMBLEM O'NEILL (familiarly known to my family, friends, and acquaintances as Blemie), because the burden of my years and infirmities is heavy upon me, and I realize the end of my life is near, do hereby bury my last will and testament in the mind of my Master. He will not know it is there until after I am dead. Then, remembering me in his loneliness, he will suddenly know of this testament, and I ask him then to inscribe it as a memorial to me.

I have little in the way of material things to leave. Dogs are wiser than men. They do not set great store upon things. They do not waste their days hoarding property. They do not ruin their sleep worrying about how to keep the objects they have, and to obtain the objects they have not. There is nothing of value I have to bequeath except my love and my faith. These I leave to all those who have loved me, to my Master and Mistress, who I know will mourn me most, to Freeman who has been so good to me, to Cyn and Roy and Willie and Naomi and -- But if I should list all those who have loved me, it would force my Master to write a book. Perhaps it is vain of me to boast when I am so near death, which returns all beasts and vanities to dust, but I have always been an extremely lovable dog.

I ask my Master and Mistress to remember me always, but not to grieve for me too long. In my life I have tried to be a comfort to them in time of sorrow, and a reason for added joy in their happiness. It is painful for me to think that even in death I should cause them pain. Let them remember that while no dog has ever had a happier life (and this I owe to their love and care for me), now that I have grown blind and deaf and lame, and even my sense of smell fails me so that a rabbit could be right under my nose and I might not know, my pride has sunk to a sick, bewildered humiliation. I feel life is taunting me with having over-lingered my welcome. It is time I said good-bye, before I become too sick a burden on myself and on those who love me. It will be sorrow to leave them, but not a sorrow to die. Dogs do not fear death as men do. We accept it as part of life, not as something alien and terrible which destroys life. What may come after death, who knows? I would like to believe with those my fellow Dalmatians who are devote Mohammedans, that there is a Paradise where one is always young and full-bladdered; where all the day one dillies and dallies with an amorous multitude of houris [lovely nymphs], beautifully spotted; where jack rabbits that run fast but not too fast (like the houris) are as the sands of the desert; where each blissful hour is mealtime; where in long evenings there are a million fireplaces with logs forever burning, and one curls oneself up and blinks into the flames and nods and dreams, remembering the old brave days on earth, and the love of one's Master and Mistress.

I am afraid this is too much for even such a dog as I am to expect. But peace, at least, is certain. Peace and long rest for weary old heart and head and limbs, and eternal sleep in the earth I have loved so well. Perhaps, after all, this is best.
One last request I earnestly make. I have heard my Mistress say, "When Blemie dies we must never have another dog. I love him so much I could never love another one." Now I would ask her, for love of me, to have another. It would be a poor tribute to my memory never to have a dog again. What I would like to feel is that, having once had me in the family, now she cannot live without a dog! I have never had a narrow jealous spirit. I have always held that most dogs are good (and one cat, the black one I have permitted to share the living room rug during the evenings, whose affection I have tolerated in a kindly spirit, and in rare sentimental moods, even reciprocated a trifle). Some dogs, of course, are better than others. Dalmatians, naturally, as everyone knows, are best. So I suggest a Dalmatian as my successor. He can hardly be as well bred or as well mannered or as distinguished and handsome as I was in my prime. My Master and Mistress must not ask the impossible. But he will do his best, I am sure, and even his inevitable defects will help by comparison to keep my memory green. To him I bequeath my collar and leash and my overcoat and raincoat, made to order in 1929 at Hermes in Paris. He can never wear them with the distinction I did, walking around the Place Vendome, or later along Park Avenue, all eyes fixed on me in admiration; but again I am sure he will do his utmost not to appear a mere gauche provincial dog. Here on the ranch, he may prove himself quite worthy of comparison, in some respects. He will, I presume, come closer to jack rabbits than I have been able to in recent years. And for all his faults, I hereby wish him the happiness I know will be his in my old home.

One last word of farewell, Dear Master and Mistress. Whenever you visit my grave, say to yourselves with regret but also with happiness in your hearts at the remembrance of my long happy life with you: "Here lies one who loved us and whom we loved". No matter how deep my sleep I shall hear you, and not all the power of death can keep my spirit from wagging a grateful tail.

Do Animals Have Souls? (A Veterinarian's Perspective)

2011-09-18T22:14:00.000-05:00

This was an article I had written for a pet column a couple years ago and recently posted on our website (www.nilesanimalhospital.com) I had received many comments about it so I decided to place it on the blog.

Several years ago, shortly afterwe had moved into our new home, my wife had invited the parish priest over fordinner and also to bless our house. The priest was Father Murphy who is awonderful man with a loving, compassionate and congenial nature. He and I wouldbanter back and forth over the years because my wife is Catholic and I am GreekOrthodox. We would talk about our different faiths and one of my stockwisecracks was that I did not sacrifice lambs to Zeus in the backyard anymoreso my wife was not subjected to any more of those ancient Greek traditions.

During our dinner, I came up witha question that has always haunted me for years. I had always struggled withthe notion that animals do not have souls. Being a pet owner and animal lovermy whole life there was no better therapy for me than interacting with abeloved animal companion. They sensed your moods and a warm, sloppy lick onyour face when you were down was the best cure for whatever troubled yourheart. You would look into their eyes and you could feel a special presence. Ifsouls do exist you felt that animals definitely had them. When I was attendinggraduate school in AlabamaI would engage in some fairly heated discussions as to the existence of animalsouls with some pretty intense Southern Christians. They claimed, according tothe Bible, animals were placed here solely for the benefit of Man, did not havesouls and I argued against that notion. They usually dismissed me as a hereticYankee, but I was unwavering in my contention.

Having a man of the cloth in ourhome, whom I deeply respected, I had to ask him this question that has alwaystroubled me. I told him of my internal struggle with a nagging question andsaid I had to present it to him. He looked at me quizzically imagining whatkind of strange question I could come up with in my fertile mind. I then askedFather Murphy what was the Catholic Church’s stance as to whether or not animalshad souls. He gave me a bemused smile and said that only Man has a soul,animals have “anima,” the spark of life. I smiled back, stating that havingpets my entire life and being a veterinarian, devoting my life to their medicalcare, my belief was quite a bit different. I told Father Murphy through myliving with and caring for animals all my life, that when I gaze into thosebeautiful, loving eyes I see more than just a spark of life, I truly believethey have souls and they deserve to be in Heaven. I further went on to tell himthat he probably thought that because I am a “pagan Greek” I was disagreeingwith the Catholic Church’s stance, but in my heart this is what I believeddeeply.

Father Murphy could havedismissed my remarks or reacted testily like some of my Southern friends did,but his answer demonstrated why he was so beloved by the parish. Father Murphyflashed his trademark smile and with a bit of twinkle in his eye he gave me awonderful, thoughtful and simple response, “Well, Peter, one of these days wewill both find out which one of us was right.” That response further endeared FatherMurphy to me. Yes, one of these days we will find out and if I do make it toHeaven I am hoping to see all my pets and the animals I have cared for over theyears as a veterinarian.

Will Rogersreally had it right when he said, “If there are no dogs in Heaven then, when Idie, I want to go where they went.” Even the famous author Robert LouisStevenson had commented, “You think dogs will not be in Heaven? I tell you, theywill be there long before any of us.”

For those of us who had theexperiences of loving relationships with companion animals know there is somuch more than just the spark of life. Animals make our lives whole and ask forlittle, yet give us so much. We pet people all feel that we will all meet ouranimal companions again in Heaven. And if Father Murphy is right, that it isanima, what a wonderful, loving and powerful spark of life it is indeed.

Spaying Dogs and Cats

2011-09-17T21:15:00.001-05:00

The operation to neuter a femalepet is called spaying or the more descriptive term ovariohysterectomy. When apet is spayed both ovaries as well as the uterus are removed. The reason the ovariesare also removed in pets is because they produce hormones that can lead tocomplications later in life. It is essential to spay your female pets becauseof these potential complications.

There is a great deal ofmisinformation pertaining to spaying. Some people say that a female should gothrough a heat cycle or even have a litter before they get spayed. This isabsolutely false. The female should be spayed BEFORE her first heat or no laterthan before her second heat cycle because by doing so it will virtuallyeliminate the risk of breast cancer. Veterinary research showed that catsspayed before 6 months of age had a 91% reduction in their risk of breastcancer compared to intact cats, and cats spayed before one year had an 86%reduction. Dogs spayed before their first heat cycle have a 0.5% risk ofdeveloping breast cancer, if spayed between their first and second heat therisk is 8%. After the second heat cycle the risk of breast cancer developmentis 26%. Dogs spayed after two years of age have seven times the risk ofdeveloping breast cancer compared to dogs spayed before six months.

In addition, spaying eliminatesthe risk of ovarian and uterine cancer, heat cycles, as well as unwantedpregnancies. Unspayed females run the risk of developing uterine infectionswhen they are in heat. This can be manifested by a severe and life-threateningcondition called pyometra (the uterus fills with pus). Surgical intervention isrequired to save the pet’s life but it is very risky due to the severity of thecondition.

It is best to spay your femalepet early in life; the risks of surgery are less when young and the developmentof complications from female hormone are reduced. Do not face the heartbreak ofhaving a pet suffer from a condition that could have been avoided by having asimple procedure done safely early in life.

Neutering/Castration of Your Male Dog/Cat

2011-09-17T00:05:00.000-05:00

Neutering is a word that refersto essentially making the gender of the pet “neutral,” so to speak, thus itdoes encompass both males andfemales. Popularly, however, the term has become used to designate altering themale, while spaying is the term used for altering the female, which we will discuss tomorrow.

Castration (or orchiectomy) isthe proper term used for the neutering of the male dog or cat; as in the procedure thetesticles are removed. Some people believe that a vasectomy is done, but thatis incorrect. The goal is not only to prevent sperm release, but toalso eliminate the male sex hormone, testosterone, and the effects it has on the body. Removing the testicles eliminates the risk of testicular cancer as well as sperm production and release. Byeliminating the testosterone there is a dramatic reduction in the risk of prostatedisease (cancer, infection, benign hypertrophy), perineal hernias (hernias around the anal area), perinealadenomas (growths around the anal area), reduction of the urge for urine marking,calming of aggressive tendencies and sexual behavior. It is recommended to perform the procedure when the dog is6-7 months of age, before these hormonal behaviors become ingrained in the dog.In addition, the later in life the procedure is done, the risk of developing prostate disease, perineal hernias and adenomas increases. In some instances, especially in shelters, the neutering is done at a much earlierage in puppies/kittens before they are adopted out to guarantee the procedure will be done and not neglected by the adoptive owners.

Some people believe by neuteringthe male they become fat and inactive, however, this is not the case at all, itis how they are fed and exercised. The most important reason to neuter yourmale dog is to insure that he will have the best opportunity to lead a long,healthy life without the risk of diseases or complications related to thepresence of the male hormone.

The Impact of the Economy on Pet Care

2011-09-15T23:19:00.000-05:00

I can only comment on what I see as a veterinarian in a small animal/exotics practice. I cannot give any hard numbers, rather my impressions and what I have heard from others. Generally, veterinary medicine shows reasonable growth every year, however, with the economic downturn recently, revenues are flat nationally. Client visits are down and many practices are showing slight to moderate decreases in revenue. This is what one would expect in the face of this difficult economic climate. It was thought, in the past, that veterinary medicine was recession proof, but current thinking is that it is recession resistant.

Moving from the broad view to a more personal view. The first thing I must say is that I am so heartened by the nature of people whom we see bring their pets to our practice. Although times are tough, they still manage to provide the care needed for their pets. In fact, some face major medical bills if their pet requires a visit to a specialty clinic for an advanced surgical procedure or involved medical workup. They manage to find the funds to cover these costs, as hard as it may be. That is why I love my profession and still enjoy what I do even after being at Niles Animal Hospital for over thirty years, as it is the wonderful people who care enough to bring their pets into the hospital that make what I do so pleasurable. I am so eager to help them and their pets.

Nonetheless, I have seen changes in what clients are willing to do. They are much more cost conscious and may forgo certain tests or procedures to economize. They may buy fewer preventatives at a time, six instead of twelve, picking up the remainder later. I understand perfectly. We are seeing more people obtaining shelter dogs instead of the purebred puppies, cost probably an issue, but also the desire to provide a home for a needy animal. People seem to be buying more small to mid-size birds instead of the large parrots, which can be quite costly.

As for people giving up pets; sadly it does happen. We have had animals abandoned at the hospital due to a tough economy. One person had lost her home, was living out of her car and she dropped two parrots each in their own cage with an explanatory note about her plight as well as particulars about the birds. She snuck the cages in when no one was looking and the receptionists found them near the front desk. We placed the birds in the hands of a parrot rescue organization who has found a home for one and is working on a home for the other. The former owner did call to see what was happening with the birds. She was in such dire straits she felt giving them up this way was the only hope. There are many tragic stories I am sure, especially as some people are not as concerned as this woman and just let their pets go. Thank goodness we have great animal rescue organizations that work tirelessly with no financial rewards who try to save these animals and find them loving homes.

Animal Hoarding

2011-09-15T00:45:00.000-05:00

I received a request for my views on animal hoarding and I feel that it is a topic worth exploring. I should start out by explaining that although I took some psychology electives when I was an undergraduate at Northwestern University in the early 70's I do not profess to know the reasons why people engage in such behavior, rather I can look at it from what I am best at; the animal perspective. In most cases I believe that these people are not inherently evil, but rather are goodhearted. They probably do have a genuine love of animals but unfortunately it becomes extreme and eventually an obsession leading to this true mental disorder.

I have seen cases of animal hoarders through the years and one case was particularly disturbing to me, not because of the degree of hoarding but rather seeing a highly intelligent, talented and articulate woman descend into what one might call almost madness. I had dealt with this particular woman for many years with her pet birds she would bring into the practice. She lived over an hour away from the hospital but she was always punctual for her appointments. She was a very interesting person who was an artist and author. We would engage in great conversations and she was always encouraging me to get involved in writing books for children related to veterinary medicine. I never had any inkling that she was engaged in hoarding at that time because she would bring in the same birds for their regular check ups. For whatever reason she did not bring her birds in for their checkups anymore and I did not see her for many years. When I did she her again it was on the news. Her house was being cleared out of the animals she was hoarding. The image I saw of her on television was frightening as she was not the same person I once knew. She was unkempt and disheveled. She truly appeared to be mentally unstable. How could such an intelligent woman who was providing the best in care for her pets descend to this level? I believe she initially felt that she was doing the animals a favor by providing for them but it then gets to the point where the line is crossed and the hoarding behavior begins.

The tragedy in the hoarding stories is that the animals suffer. Our pets provide us great companionship but as the number of pets increases the time one can spend with them individually is obviously limited. They deserve our attention and interaction so it is frustrating for them as it is reduced. They may then begin to engage in various types of abnormal behavior. Dogs may become aggressive, cats may engage in inappropriate elimination behavior or overgrooming, birds may become feather pickers, mutilators or screamers. These and other actions demonstrate the unhappiness they are experiencing. In addition, as we have all seen in the hoarding cases the home is usually disgustingly filthy, exposing the animals (and people) to a unhygienic environment. Another consideration is frequently these animals are poorly fed as there is a lack of funds to purchase enough food or because there is too much work involved in caring for a large number of animals their feeding is haphazardly done. Lack of cleaning leads to the development of bacterial and fungal/mold overgrowth putting man and beast at risk of contracting disease, which invariably happens. It is heartbreaking when you hear of a hoarder's home being cleared out with a number of animals found emaciated, dead or dying. These poor creatures do not deserve such a tragic fate.

As I stated earlier, the hoarders probably started out with good intentions but it eventually spirals out of control with the resultant suffering and death of the animals. Be vigilant if you know or suspect someone may be hoarding animals. Try to get them help because we all know what will result if the hoarding continues unfettered.

Yard Sale

2011-09-14T11:35:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder about our yard sale for charity. It will be on Sunday September 18th from 8AM - 2PM at the Niles Animal Hospital parking lot. There will be plenty of parking in surrounding parking lots and side streets. It will be benefiting "A Refuge for Saving the Wildlife" a parrot rescue not for profit organization. There will be all sorts of treasures there for pets and people alike. So stop on by and take a look.

If you would like to donate items drop them off at the hospital. We have been placing them in the back offices and storeroom. We are planning to do some set up Saturday between 2 PM and 4 PM so you can stop by then if you like for drop off. If you want to drop off on Sunday we will be there before 7 AM for early set up so please come before 8 AM.

Hope to see a good turn out.

Senseless Tragedy

2011-09-14T11:08:00.000-05:00

I was shocked to hear about the murder of a man on the Northwest side of Chicago, Michael Justo. He and his pets were regular clients at Niles Animal Hospital. Mr. Justo was one of the kindest people you would ever want to meet and our staff absolutely loved him. He had a warm, engaging personality, was very gregarious and treated our staff wonderfully. But one of the most endearing qualities he had was the deep abiding affection he had for his beloved pets. He put the care of his dogs above anything else and provided the utmost in care for them. He would do anything to make sure they remained healthy and not be in discomfort. Any death like this is tragic, but the loss of a loving man like Mr. Justo makes it all the more heartwrenching. He will be sorely missed.

A tragedy like this also shows what a cruel place this world can be. I had heard that there had been a rash of armed robberies in that area so as more information is learned about this incident there will be a better understanding of the circumstances. If it is indeed a robbery gone bad it just shows, how to some people, how "cheap" the life of another human being is if they can just kill someone so brutally. I hope and pray that the perpetrators are found and justice is served.

Welcome to My First Attempt at Blogging

2011-09-14T10:52:00.000-05:00

People have been remarking to me that I should publish a blog so here goes. As I am of a bit older vintage there are some technological advances I have not eagerly embraced, such as texting. However, I decided to give blogging a go as it seems intriguing ans I believe it can create meaningful dialogue as we can hopefully generate more users.

It will indeed be a work in progress so I welcome any input from those who are more experienced than I at blogging. I know as I learn more this site will continue to evolve.

My hope is that I will put up various animal related topics and engender a discussion. But I am also hoping that users will also post questions, inquiries to me, which I can then respond to/address.

I am looking forward to this new adventure.