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FA L L 2 012 A publication made especially for the clients of Hudson Road Animal Hospital. Hudson Road Animal Hospital 8154 Hudson Road Woodbury, Minnesota, 55125 www.hrah-pa.com 651-739-0117 HOSPITAL HOURS: Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm Friday 8am-6pm Saturday 8am-2pm Early drop-off available every morning at 7:30am Dr. Ronald Clappier Dr. Michael Westfall Dr. Jodene Beck Dr. Carolyn Fletcher Dr. John Clappier Hudson Road Animal Hospital is committed to providing compassionate veterinary care, emphasizing exceptional client service and the finest in patient care, while providing opportunities to team members for desirable and fulfilling careers. Hudson Road Animal Hospital Receives AAHA Accreditation Hudson Road Animal Hospital has again received accreditation following a comprehensive evaluation by the American Animal Hospital Association. The evaluation includes a quality assessment review of Hudson Road Animal Hospital, its facilities, medical equipment, practice methods and pet health care management. Only 15 percent of all small animal veterinary practices in the U.S. have achieved accreditation by the continued on pg. 4 Kennel Cough Dog parks, obedience classes and trips to your local dog-friendly pet food store all provide opportunities to socialize your dog, but they might also expose him to kennel cough. Infectious tracheobronchitis, commonly known as “kennel cough,” is the general name for an inflammation of the upper respiratory system in dogs that results in a dry, hacking cough that may be followed by retching. Most dogs with kennel cough have no other symptoms, although their appetite may be diminished, and will recover with no treatment. In puppies, kennel cough can progress to fatal bronchopneumonia, and in older or immunecompromised dogs, it can lead to chronic bronchitis. Kennel cough is highly contagious, and is easily spread when dogs are in close confinement, such as in kennels, at a groomer’s or playing in dog parks. It becomes airborne when dogs sneeze or cough, and will infect other dogs when they inhale the virus. It can also be spread via direct contact or contact with contaminated surfaces, such as toys or water bowls. There are a number of viral pathogens that may lead to kennel cough, including distemper, canine adenovirus 2 and canine parainfluenza virus. The bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common bacterial agent. In most cases, multiple infectious agents are involved. Signs of kennel cough typically appear three to ten days after exposure. Your dog may appear better after a week or so, but the disease persists for 10 to 20 days and the Bordetella bacterium can be shed for up to three months after infection. Dogs with kennel cough should be quarantined; you should not allow your infected dog to come in contact with others. If you think your dog may have kennel cough, be sure to call your veterinarian prior to your visit, as infected dogs should not sit in the waiting room where they may spread the disease to other susceptible dogs. Treatment in an otherwise healthy dog consists of supportive care such as good nutrition, hygiene and rest. Antibiotics and cough suppressants may not be required unless symptoms become severe—but your veterinarian will determine the best course of action for your pet’s condition and circumstances. The Bordetella vaccine is sometimes called the “kennel-cough” vaccine, even though as noted above, other agents are often involved in this illness. The vaccine should be administered at least a week prior to potential exposure. Vaccinations are not effective in a dog that already has kennel cough. Coughing is a symptom associated with a number of conditions, including canine influenza, so be sure to contact your veterinarian if your dog starts coughing. BOAS Presidential Pets “If you want a friend in Washington,” said President Harry S. Truman, “get a dog.” George Washington started the long tradition of presidents keeping pets in the White House. His wife had a parrot named Polly, and he kept many hounds and horses. In fact, most of the presidents had pets, and some were rather unusual. James Buchanan kept a herd of elephants and a pair of bald eagles, and John Quincy Adams had an alligator that was given to him by the Marquis de Lafayette. Other pets have ranged from silk worms and mice to lions, tigers and bears! Many of the presidents and first ladies are said to have been extremely fond of their pets. First Lady Grace Coolidge included her beloved white collie “Rob Roy” in her official portrait, which now hangs in the China Room at the White House. President Warren Harding’s dog “Laddie Boy” sat in his own hand-carved chair at Cabinet meetings. Millard Fillmore was one of the few presidents not known to have any pets at the White House, yet he is credited with being the founding member and president of the Buffalo chapter of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Bulldogs, Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Pekingese are all very popular breeds of dogs, as are Himalayan and Persian cats. What do they have in common? They are all “brachycephalic” breeds, meaning they have shorter noses and broader, “pushed in” faces. The facial structure in these breeds doesn’t always give the soft tissue (such as tendons and muscles) adequate space to develop, and can lead to deformities and breathing problems. These abnormalities are known as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Signs of BOAS include noisy or labored breathing, snoring (sometimes even while awake), gagging, choking, and difficulty breathing during exercise, which can cause the animal to overheat very easily. These breathing problems can impact the quality of animals’ lives. Left untreated, the signs usually get worse over time. It is important to note that BOAS is not “normal,” even for these breeds. A study published by the Royal Veterinary College in London in May 2012 found that 58% of owners of dogs with classic clinical symptoms of BOAS nonetheless reported that the dogs did not have breathing problems. This suggests that owners of these animals consider the signs to be “normal” for their breed, and therefore do not seek out the advice of their veterinarian about the symptoms. The lead researcher, Dr. Charlotte Burn, said, “Just because a problem is common, that doesn't make it less of a problem for the individuals who suffer it.” There are medical options available for dogs and cats with BOAS. If you notice the signs, it’s important to discuss them with your veterinarian. Obesity exacerbates the symptoms of BOAS, so brachycephalic pets should be kept at an ideal weight. Shortterm treatment includes medications and oxygen therapy, but surgical correction of the abnormality is the long-term treatment of choice. • Autumn is the peak activity period for some tick and flea species. Be sure to remain diligent about keeping your pets parasite-free! Season al T IP • Many people change their engine coolant in the fall. Antifreeze is deadly to pets, and unfortunately has an appealing taste and smell. Consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol, or look for products that contain a bittering agent. • The holidays are rapidly approaching. Remember that many human foods pose a serious health threat to pets, including chocolate, raisins, grapes, alcohol, xylitol (an artificial sweetener), and rich, fatty foods, which can cause pancreatitis. Feline Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis, or OA, is a degenerative condition in which the cartilage that normally cushions joints breaks down and wears away. This causes the bones to rub together, leading to pain and swelling in the joints. OA is the most common joint disorder in humans, but was once thought to be far less common in cats. A recent study published in The Veterinary Journal, however, concluded that “the prevalence of OA in cats is strikingly high and increases with age.” The study involved 100 cats over the age of six that were referred to a university clinic for a variety of reasons, the majority of whom did not have suspected orthopedic issues. Radiography (x-ray) was used to objectively diagnose and grade the extent of the disease in the joints. Client questionnaires regarding the cats’ lifestyles and behaviors were obtained. The study found that 61% of cats had OA in at least one joint and 48% in more than one joint. In humans and dogs, we associate OA with lameness and gait changes. In cats, the signs of osteoarthritis are likely to be more subtle; owners are likely to observe behavior changes rather than overt lameness. These changes might include: Decreased mobility—jumping on furniture or favorite perches less frequently, not going up or down stairs as frequently Decreased grooming Inappropriate elimination, especially if the litter box has high sides Remember, cats age far more quickly than humans, so don’t skip those annual wellness exams. Observe your cat’s behavior, and be sure to inform your veterinarian of any changes. If OA is present, your veterinarian can prescribe medicine and suggest nutritional supplements that can help reduce pain and increase mobility. At home, consider adding a ramp to your cat’s favorite perch, and provide a litter box with low sides that is easy to enter and exit. Working with your veterinarian, you can help keep your cat happier and healthier well into her golden years. “I love a dog. He does nothing for political reasons.” – Will Rogers Please recycle or share with a friend. Influenza Swine flu, avian flu, equine flu, bat flu, seal flu…what’s next, dog flu? Yes. Canine influenza virus (CIV) is a highly contagious respiratory disease, often called the “dog flu.” The virus is easily spread among dogs by direct contact, airborne particles or by touching contaminated surfaces, such as toys or bowls. Dogs that have frequent contact with others at places such as boarding kennels, dog parks and dog shows are at higher risk of contracting the virus. According to the CDC, there is no evidence that this virus can be spread to humans. CIV is not a seasonal flu—dogs are at risk for this infection year round. CIV was first identified in dogs in 2004, and has now been documented in 39 states. Because it is a fairly new virus, very few dogs have a natural immunity and almost all dogs are susceptible to infection if they are exposed to the virus. Signs of infection include fever, lethargy, nasal discharge, coughing and loss of appetite. Most dogs experience only mild infections; however, some dogs may develop pneumonia or other serious complications. The disease is sometimes fatal. Call your veterinarian if you notice symptoms of respiratory infection, and be careful to isolate your dog to prevent exposure to others. There is a vaccine available for CIV which has been shown to either prevent infection or decrease the severity and duration of illness. Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s risk level to determine whether this vaccine is recommended as part of your preventive care regimen. AAHA ACCREDITATION... continued from pg. 1 American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). In order to maintain accredited status, Hudson Road Animal Hospital must be evaluated every three years by AAHA consultants. AAHA hospitals pass a stringent evaluation of almost 1,000 standards covering patient care, client service and medical protocols. By attaining accreditation, Hudson Road Animal Hospital has demonstrated its dedication to offering the best care to its patients and clients. Established in 1933, AAHA is the only organization that accredits veterinary hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada for dedication to high standards of veterinary care. Hudson Road Animal Hospital has been an accredited practice member of AAHA since 1995. Our 6th Annual Halloween Costume Contest On Saturday, October 27th from 1 - 4pm HRAH will be hosting our annual Pet Costume Contest. This will be the event’s sixth year and we would like to invite all of our clients and the community to I want to suck your blood! Nah, just kid join us. There will be refreshments ding, I prefer milk. – Jack Jack and photos with your costumed pets. Human kids are also welcome. We look forward to seeing all of you in your Halloween best! – Frankie e wagon train! Giddy up on th I'd really like to make like a ba nana and split! – No odles We are proud to be an accredited member of the American Animal Hospital Association. Hudson Road Animal Hospital 8154 Hudson Road Woodbury, Minnesota, 55125 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #375 NASHUA, NH