November News Letter    
 
Watch out...get ready...get set......GO.   What is she talking about you ask?  Well, the holiday seasons are creeping up on us.  There are decorations to put up, food to buy and prepare, gifts to purchase and wrap, crowds to contend with, family and friends to entertain and enjoy.  Festive lights are in the malls and neighborhoods, carols being played in the stores and on the radio, crowds galore, traffic is terrible, sometimes the weather is a hassle and you are exhausted after a week's work.  It's a combination of hectic and heart.  Be careful, have fun, and enjoy all the things you have to be thankful for.  Thanksgiving is the time to enjoy those around you and those you see less often.  Feasts are served with smiles and love.  Don't eat too much, and don't feed your pets from the table.  Remember.....Christmas is just around the corner.
Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving
Pam

Safety Issues with Internet Pharmacies

According to the NAVC (National Association of Veterinary Colleges), the FDA has issued a consumer health information warning about the possible dangers of purchasing medications on line.  Although some web sites operate legally, there are some that do not- even ones that look sophisticated and legitimate.  Some medications sold on line are too old, too Strong, or too weak.  There have been cases in which internet pharmacies have sold the wrong drug, causing serious consequences.  Some web sites sell counterfeit drugs that may have the same appearance as FDA approved drugs, but quality and safety may not be the same.  In human medicine the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy gives a seal of approval (the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites Seal,
VIPPS seal) to internet pharmacy sites that apply and meet state licensure requirements and other criteria.

Commentary-  By Patricia Thomblison, DVM, MS
The FDA's Center of Veterinary Medicine regulates the manufacture of animal drugs and individual state pharmacy boards regulate the dispensing of veterinary products.  The FDA has found companies that sell counterfeit or outdated products and dispense prescription drugs without a prescription.  Although the VIPPS seal is available only to web sites that sell human pharmaceuticals, the American Association of State Boards is considering expansion of the program to accredit veterinary pharmacy practices.  There are some state licensed
internet pharmacies that are supportive of the veterinarian client relationship and resemble an out sourced prescription management service.

The possible dangers of buying medicine on-line:   FDA consumer health information......
www.fda.gov/consumer/features/drugsonline0707.html




Some of the new Tennessee Laws for animals-

  The penalty for the offense of being present as a spectator at an animal fight has now increased to a Class C to a Class A misdemeanor.




 
Spay and Neuter---Myths and Facts


" Just one litter and we will have her spayed" -  That has led to many pet euthanasia's in Tennessee and around the world.  Spaying and neutering your pet affects many people, you and your community.

" My cat or dog does not run loose" -  An unaltered pet is the most likely to escape and find a mate.

"I'll find homes for all the puppies or kittens in the litter." - Finding placement for your pet's litter reduces the adoption of pets from shelters, resulting in more euthanasia's.

"spaying or neutering will make my pet fat and lazy." - The main reason your pet will be come fat and lazy is too much food and not enough exercise, not the spaying and neutering.

"Spaying or neutering will alter my pet's personality." - This statement is true.  It will keep your pet more content with staying home and neutered males, less aggressive.  Although spaying and neutering prevents unwanted litters, it also eliminates some behavioral problems associated with mating instincts.  Female pets no longer have their heat cycles.

Spaying or neutering your pet early also helps in the prevention of certain forms of cancer.







A Reminder about the food toxicities.

There was another article concerning people foods that are toxic to pets. Remember earlier this year there was contaminated pet food with melamine causing kidney failure. Ordinary human foods can also be dangerous to pets. Xylitol, a sugar substitute gaining popularity in baked goods, candy and gum has been known to cause vomiting, weakness, staggering, collapse, and possibly seizures as the blood sugar drops. A small bit of it can be perilous to a small breed dog or kitten. Below are other items to watch out for:

Alcohol- It depresses brain function and can cause a coma. So no mixed drinks for your dog- not for fun or by accident.

Coffee- The caffeine in a cup of coffee is a methylxanthine compound that can increase a pet's heart rate and trigger seizures.

Chocolate- The chemical theobromine can be fatal. Just three ounces of dark or seven ounces of milk chocolate, can bring on vomiting in a 50 pound dog,

Macadamia Nuts- Experts have yet to determine why just a few of these nuts can produce tremors, even temporary paralysis, in a dog's rear legs.

Garlic- Garlic breaks down a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia and possible kidney failure from leaking hemoglobin.

Onions- Their damage to canine hemoglobin is cumulative, so small tastes over time is worse than wolfing down the whole onion once.

Grapes/Raisins- Toxicologists have found that grapes and raisins can cause renal failure. They are still investigating why.




A Dog Watches and Thinks

 Dogs may selectively imitate the actions of other dogs and not just take the easiest most instinctive path.

In a study of the on-line journal "Current Biology",  dogs were given a task of opening a box of food by pulling a rod.  Instinctively they would open the box with their teeth.  One female dog was taught to open the box with her paw.  Other dogs selectively imitated her method.  If she had a ball in her mouth and opened the box with her paw, the other dogs used their mouth, possibly thinking the female used her paw because she had a ball in her mouth.  When she dropped the ball and used her paws to open the box, the other dogs once again imitated her.

Researchers say this behavior is parallel to that of a human infant who also imitates actions to reach a goal.  The study shows a closer connection in thinking between dogs and people than people and chimpanzees as the chimps will attempt the more effective way of obtaining a goal.



Staff News

Sherri, our Licensed Veterinary Technician and Administrative Assistant, just finished her continuing education in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.   She in turn will share her experience with the rest of us.  She had beautiful weather for the trip.

Dr. Pennington and his wife, Kathleen are expecting their second child in February.  Rumor has it, it is going to be a boy.  One thing we do know, he is going to be a Vols. fan.