Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital Newsletters

Newsletter for September 2003

In this issue:

* Sad news from the local animal shelter
* New product for itchy pets
* West Nile information
* Dog Trivia
* Best new websites of the month

SAD NEWS FROM THE LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER
(reported in the Tennessean):


More unwanted animals are being taken to shelters this summer, with many
being euthanized. Staff members are feeling the emotional toll.
Metro Animal Services took in more animals last month than ever before, and
August is on track to be another record-breaker. Because arrivals far
outpace adoptions, animals are being put to death at record levels, too.

Contributing to the high numbers are irresponsible pet owners who refuse to
spay and neuter their animals and a flagging economy that is making it
difficult for some to care for their pets, said Metro Animal Services
director Judy Ladebauche. Of the 1,605 animals that the shelter took in
last month, 115 were adopted, 81 were returned to their owners and 1,299
were euthanized, she said. The previous monthly record was set in July
2002, when 1,427 animals came in. More than 800 animals have entered the
shelter so far this month, she said.

Ladebauche said she has heard parents tell their children that bringing a
litter of kittens or puppies to the shelter is like taking cans to the
recycling center. Other parents said they simply wanted their children to
witness ''the miracle of life.'' ''I wish some of these parents could come
in here and witness the tragedy of death,'' Ladebauche said. ''Allowing
pets to reproduce and then dumping them here teaches children the wrong
message, that animals are disposable.''

Although the animals are killed painlessly with a lethal injection of
sodium pentobarbital, the volume of animals that must be put to death is
taking an emotional toll on the staff, she said. ''It can be a
gut-wrenching, heartbreaking job, and the staff is exhausted and stressed
out,'' Ladebauche said. ''But I'm crazy enough to think that we can make a
difference. When you see a lost animal returned to its owner or an
abandoned animal get a second chance in a new home, it makes it all worth it.''

Many animal shelters throughout the area report a higher-than-usual number
of animals this summer. In the city of Lebanon in Wilson County, 79
animals were taken in last month, more than half the total number taken in
by the animal services department there last year, said animal control
officer Josh Greer. All but three of the animals brought to the shelter
last month were euthanized, he said.

''I don't know why we've been so busy, but people are throwing animals over
the fence and tying them up out front,'' Greer said. ''It's just
awful.'' Williamson County took in 1,011 animals last month, about 100
more than July 2002, department records show. Of those, 302 were adopted,
648 were euthanized and 61 were returned to their owners or to the wild.

In Rutherford County, 946 animals were accepted by the animal services
shelter last month, 116 were adopted and 729 were euthanized - roughly the
same figures as a year ago. Sumner, Robertson and Cheatham counties do not
have animal services departments.

The Nashville Humane Association is also receiving more than twice as many
calls as usual - about 75 per day - from people who want to get rid of
their animals, said Mary Pat Boatfield, executive director of the
association. ''The three main reasons we hear from people are they're
moving, they have too many animals and can't afford them or they acquired
the pet as a puppy, it's larger than they wanted and they want to dispose
of it,'' Boatfield said.

Martha Bickley, who has worked at the Metro Animal Services shelter for
more than four years, said all of the staff members ''accept animals from
the public with a smile'' because they understand that it is better than
the alternative - dumping animals along the roadside.
''When you see the shape animals come in here in after they've been
abandoned - emaciated, burned, with mange so bad they don't have any hair -
you understand that providing them with a peaceful death is the most humane
thing we can do,'' Bickley said. ''It's hard because every animal has a
heart, a face and paws, and it doesn't take long to form a bond with them.
But this problem isn't going to go away until the community becomes more
responsible about spaying and neutering.''

Many animals are brought to the shelter after their owners undergo a major
life change, such as a move or a divorce.
Walter Cherry of Nashville said he felt ''horrible'' about bringing a
yellow Labrador mix to the Metro shelter over the weekend but simply
couldn't care for the dog in his apartment. Cherry said the dog was given
to a friend of his girlfriend after a divorce, that friend gave it to his
girlfriend and she finally gave the dog to him. ''I've been trying to find
a home for her, but she's tearing up my carpet when I'm not home,'' he
said. ''She's a very sweet dog, but there's no way I can keep her.''

About one-fourth of the animals brought to the shelter are purebred,
Ladebauche said, adding that many of those animals are adopted by
breed-specific rescue groups if no one else claims them. Many of the
animals are simply victims of a family's financial woes, she said.
''If you can't afford to take care of your family, the first thing to be
disposed of is the family pet,'' she said. ''All we ask is that you bring
them to the shelter. They're not all going to get homes, but at least here
they have a chance.''

GREAT NEW PRODUCT IN STOCK FOR OUR ALLERGIC PATIENTS:

If your dog has been doing much itching, biting, and chewing lately, then he
or she might benefit from the new prescription spray GENESIS.
GENESIS comes in a large 16 oz. trigger spray bottle and is appropriate for
topical use in cases of allergic dermatitis.

Virbac's GENESIS Topical Spray is an ultra-low concentration (0.015 % triamcinolone)
topical steroid spray. According to a study published in the
American Journal of Veterinary Research (AJVR), the ultra-low dose controls
the clinical signs associated with allergic skin disease. The March 2002
AJVR study reports that GENESIS ".... is an effective treatment in many
dogs to reduce clinical signs of inflammatory skin disease associated with
allergy." In the study, the incidence of side effects was lower than those
typically associated with systemic steroids.

Dr. Reid McArthur, the veterinarian who invented GENESIS, stated, "I
created GENESIS based on my own experience, recognizing my profession's
need for an effective therapy for allergic dermatitis without the
short-term and often potentially severe long-term side effects of systemic
steroids. GENESIS is intended to replace the use of systemic steroids by
veterinarians. Virbac has the reputation as one of the leaders of
dermatology products throughout the country and the resources to
effectively market this product."

GENESIS should be used twice daily for seven days, then once daily for 7
days, then every other day for 14 days. Ask one of our doctors is this
product might benefit your pet.

FACTS ON WEST NILE VIRUS FROM THE CENTERS FROM DISEASE CONTROL:

What is West Nile virus?

West Nile virus is one of several mosquito-borne viruses in the United
States that can infect people. The virus exists in nature primarily through
a transmission cycle involving mosquitoes and birds. Mosquitoes become
infected with West Nile virus (WNV) when they feed on infected birds.

What are the symptoms of West Nile virus infection?

The vast majority of people that become infected with the West Nile virus
have no illness or experience only a mild flu-like illness that includes
fever, headache and body aches lasting only a few days. Some persons may
also have a mild rash or swollen lymph glands.

Less than one percent of those infected may develop meningitis or
encephalitis, the most severe forms of the disease, which occurs primarily
in persons over 50 years of age. Symptoms of encephalitis or meningitis may
include severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor,
disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, coma and sometimes, death.

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?

The symptoms generally appear about 3 to 6 days after exposure, but may
appear as early as 1 day after exposure or as late as 15 days.

What is the treatment for West Nile virus infection?

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection. Doctors can
treat the symptoms of encephalitis in a hospitalized patient. Most people
recover from the illness. The mild flu-like symptoms generally do not
require medical treatment.

Is there a vaccine for West Nile virus?

There is no human vaccine for West Nile virus.

What should a person do if he/she thinks they have West Nile encephalitis?

If a person has signs of encephalitis that include high fever, severe
headache, possible muscle weakness and confusion, he or she should seek
medical care as soon as possible.

How is the West Nile virus spread?

West Nile virus is spread to humans by the bite of an adult infected
mosquito. A mosquito is infected by biting a bird that carries the virus.
In areas where WNV is actively circulating, much less than 1 in 100
mosquitoes will be found to be infected. The virus is not spread by
person-to-person contact such as touching or caring for someone who is
infected.

Can you get West Nile virus directly from birds?

No. WNV cannot spread directly from birds to people. However, dead birds
still should not be handled with bare hands. Use gloves to carefully place
dead birds in a double plastic bag and then place the birds in the outdoor
trash.

Does a dead bird in my yard mean WNV is in the area?

Most birds do not become ill when infected with WNV. However, the virus is
highly fatal in crows and blue jays. Thus, an increase in deaths of these
two bird species can be an indication of WNV circulating in an area. The
Tennessee Department of Health is testing fresh samples of crows and blue
jays as part of their surveillance for WNV. Deaths of other kinds of birds
are usually not associated with WNV.

What if I notice a dead crow or blue jay?

If you notice a freshly dead crow or blue jay, you should contact your
local health department environmentalist to see about testing. To keep it
from deteriorating in the heat, you should place it in a plastic bag (hand
in bag, grasp bird, pull bag over hand), double bag and refrigerate, freeze
or keep on ice until delivered or picked up. Not every bird reported will
be submitted for testing, especially after WNV is already known to be in
the area.

What can you do to protect yourself?

The best way to protect yourself is to keep mosquitoes from biting you.
During mosquito season (generally April through October), take the
following precautions:

* Limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, if possible, since
this is the time of greatest mosquito activity

* If you are outside when mosquitoes are prevalent, wear protective
clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks.

* Use a mosquito repellant that contains DEET (the chemical
N-N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) and follow the directions on the label.


What can I do around my home to help reduce exposure to mosquitoes?

To reduce mosquito populations around your home and neighborhood, get rid
of standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Weeds, tall grass and bushes
also provide an outdoor home for mosquitoes. Any container with over ½ inch
of standing water for 5 ­ 7 days can hatch out mosquitoes. You can take the
following simple steps to reduce breeding sites for mosquitoes:

* Dispose of, regularly empty, or turn over any water holding
containers on your property such as tires, cans, flower pots, or trashcans.

* Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors.

* Make sure roof gutters drain properly and water doesn't stand in them.

* Change the water in birdbaths at least once a week.

* Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.

* Keep swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs clean and properly
chlorinated; remove standing water from pool covers.

* Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property.

* Remind or help neighbors to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

* Fix any holes in your screens and make sure they are tightly attached.

Can WNV affect my pets?

Dogs, cats and other small mammals do not generally become ill if infected
with WNV. However, horses can become ill and even die. Check with your
veterinarian about availability of a newly licensed equine vaccine for
areas where WNV is prevalent.

For more information:

The following websites contain excellent educational material about West
Nile virus and other arboviruses, mosquito control activities, steps
individuals can take to protect themselves, and West Nile virus
surveillance results throughout the United States:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm
The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) West Nile virus Homepage with a wealth of
information plus many links to other WNV sites.

http://cindi.usgs.gov/hazard/event/west_nile/west_nile.html
The site for 2001 updated West Nile virus
surveillance maps of positive bird, mosquito,
equine and human cases

http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/skeeters.htm
The EPA site with mosquito
control guidelines, fact sheets on mosquito sprays, etc.

http://npic.orst.edu
and click on "West Nile virus Resource Guide". This is
the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) with insect repellent
information and links to a multitude of other West Nile virus sites.

DOG TRIVIA:

According to ancient Greek literature, when Odysseus arrived home after an
absence of 20 years, disguised as a beggar, the only one to recognize him
was his aged dog Argos, who wagged his tail at his master, and then died.

An American Animal Hospital Association poll showed that 33 percent of dog
owners admit that they talk to their dogs on the phone or leave messages on
an answering machine while away.

Barbara Bush's book about her English Springer Spaniel, Millie's book, was
on the bestseller list for 29 weeks. Millie was the most popular "First
Dog" in history.

Before the enactment of the 1978 law that made it mandatory for dog owners
in New York City to clean up after their pets, approximately 40 million
pounds of dog excrement were deposited on the streets every year.

Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not sweat by salivating. They sweat
through the pads of their feet.

Dachshunds are the smallest breed of dog used for hunting. They are low to
the ground, which allows them to enter and maneuver through tunnels easily.

Developed in Egypt about 5,000 years ago, the greyhound breed was known
before the ninth century in England, where it was bred by aristocrats to
hunt such small game as hares.

Dogs are mentioned 14 times in the Bible.

Each day in the US, animal shelters are forced to destroy 30,000 dogs and cats.

Every known dog except the chow has a pink tongue -
the chow's tongue is jet black.

For Stephen King's "Cujo" (1983), five St. Bernards were used, one
mechanical head, and an actor in a dog costume to play the title character.

French poodles did not originate in France. Poodles were originally used as
hunting dogs in Europe. The dogs' thick coats were a hindrance in water and
thick brush, so hunters sheared the hindquarters, with cuffs left around
the ankles and hips to protect against rheumatism. Each hunter marked his
dogs' heads with a ribbon of his own color, allowing groups of hunters to
tell their dogs apart.

Korea's poshintang - dog meat soup - is a popular item on summertime menus,
despite outcry from other nations. The soup is believed to cure summer heat
ailments, improve male virility, and improve women's complexions.

Lassie was played by several male dogs, despite the female name, because
male collies were thought to look better on camera. The main "actor" was
named Pal.

Lassie, the TV collie, first appeared in a 1930s short novel titled Lassie
Come-Home written by Eric Mowbray Knight. The dog in the novel was based on
Knight's real life collie, Toots.

Marie Antoinette's dog was a spaniel named Thisbe.

Pekingese dogs were sacred to the emperors of China for more than 2,000
years. They are one of the oldest breeds of dogs in the world.

Prairie dogs are not dogs. A prairie dog is a kind of rodent.

The calories burned daily by the sled dogs running in Alaska's annual
Iditarod race average 10,000. The 1,149-mile race commemorates the 1925
"Race for Life" when 20 volunteer mushers relayed medicine from Anchorage
to Nome to battle a children's diphtheria epidemic.

The Canary Islands were not named for a bird called a canary. They were
named after a breed of large dogs. The Latin name was Canariae insulae -
"Island of Dogs."

The dachshund is one of the oldest dog breeds in history (dating back to
ancient Egypt.) The name comes from one of its earliest uses - hunting
badgers. In German, Dachs means "badger," Hund is "hound."

The English Romantic poet Lord Byron was so devastated upon the death of
his beloved Newfoundland, whose name was Boatswain, that he had inscribed
upon the dog's gravestone the following: "Beauty without vanity, strength
without insolence, courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of man
without his vices."

The expression "three dog night" originated with the Eskimos and means a
very cold night - so cold that you have to bed down with three dogs to keep
warm.

The first seeing-eye dog was presented to a blind person on April 25, 1938.

The last member of the famous Bonaparte family, Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte,
died in 1945, of injuries sustained from tripping over his dog's leash.

The name of the dog from "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" is Max.

The name of the dog on the Cracker Jack box is Bingo.

The only dog to ever appear in a Shakespearean play was Crab in The Two
Gentlemen of Verona

The phrase "raining cats and dogs" originated in 17th Century England.
During heavy downpours of rain, many of these poor animals unfortunately
drowned and their bodies would be seen floating in the rain torrents that
raced through the streets. The situation gave the appearance that it had
literally rained "cats and dogs" and led to the current expression.

The smallest of the recognized dog breeds, the Chihuahua, is also the one
that usually lives the longest. Named for the region of Mexico where they
were first discovered in the mid-19th century, the Chihuahua can live
anywhere between 11-18 years.

The term "dog days" has nothing to do with dogs. It dates back to Roman
times, when it was believed that Sirius, the Dog Star, added its heat to
that of the sun from July3 to August 11, creating exceptionally high
temperatures. The Romans called the period dies caniculares, or "days of
the dog."

The theobromine in chocolate that stimulates the cardiac and nervous
systems is too much for dogs, especially smaller pups. A chocolate bar is
poisonous to dogs and can even be lethal.

There are 701 types of pure breed dogs.

There are more than 100 million dogs and cats in the United States.
Americans spend more than 5.4 billion dollars on their pets each year.

Though human noses have an impressive 5 million olfactory cells with which
to smell, sheepdogs have 220 million, enabling them to smell 44 times
better than man.
Walt Disney's family dog was named Lady. She was a poodle.

BEST NEW WEBSITES OF THE MONTH:

REFDESK.COM
- A friend of mine mentioned this site to me last weekend while I was attending continuing education seminars in Birmingham. They bill themselves as the single best source for facts on the net...I think I believe it! Check them out.

WEATHERUNDERGROUND.COM
- An excellent weather site/great radar images/extended forecasts: bookmark this link for local Nashville weather.