PetTales

MESSENGER POST MEDIA

SPRING EDITION

Advertising supplement for March 24, 2016

2 PET TALES SPRING EDITION 2016

Dr. Burgesser, Local Veterinary Ophthalmologist,

offers FREE EYE EXAMS
for service animals
Service animal owners and handlers
can register April 1-30 for a free eye
exam in May.
Kent Burgesser, a board-certified
veterinary ophthalmologist at
Veterinary Specialists & Emergency
Services, will be offering free eye
exams to service animals as part of
The 9th Annual ACVO/StokesRx
National Service Animal Eye
Exam Event.
This event takes place May 1-31,
but all active working animals
must be registered online prior to
scheduling the free examination.
Online registration
will be held April 1-30 at
www.ACVOeyeexam.org.
Exams can be scheduled once online
registration is complete. Please call
Veterinary Specialists & Emergency
Services at (585) 424-1277 to
schedule an exam.
The goal of the ACVO/StokesRx
National Service Animal Eye Exam
Event is to provide as many free
screening exams as possible to
eligible Service Animals across the
U.S. and Canada throughout the month of May.
Service Animals that may qualify include: guide, handicapped
assistance, detection, military, search and rescue, and certifiedcurrent, registered therapy animals all whom selflessly serve
the public.
Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services has been proud to
participate in this philanthropic event since its inception.
Since 2008, more than 45,000 Service Animals have received
free eye exam screenings more than 7,000 in 2015 alone. The
event started when ACVO recognized the good that was already
being done by many members; the majority of whom were
providing similar free exams across the country. By combining
and expanding these individual events, ACVO was able to create
more of an impact.

Kent Burgesser,
PhD, DVM, MS, DACVO
Veterinary Specialists
& Emergency Services
Monroe Veterinary Associates

This years event is sponsored by

ACVO and Stokes Pharmacy, as
well as several generous industry
sponsors, volunteer ophthalmologists
and staff.
Dr. Burgesser and participating
doctors across the country volunteer
their services, staff and facilities at no
charge to participate in the event.
How to register for
the 2016 event:
To qualify, Service Animals must
be active working animals that
were certified by a formal training
program or organization, or are
currently enrolled in a formal training
program. The certifying organization
could be national, regional or local in
nature.
Owners/agents for the animal(s)
must FIRST register the animal via an
online registration form beginning
April 1 at www.ACVOeyeexam.org.
Registration ends April 30.
Once registered online, the owner/
agent will receive a registration
number. Appointments with Dr.
Burgesser at Veterinary Specialists &
Emergency Services can then be booked.
Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services requires that
participants meet all event qualifications and provide the
assigned registration number over the phone.
Dr. Kent Burgesser earned his PhD in immunology from the
University of Denver in 1989. He earned his DVM degree from
Colorado State University in 1993. Dr. Burgesser completed his
residency in veterinary and comparative ophthalmology at
Colorado State University in 1998, where he also earned a Masters
degree in Clinical Sciences. He received board certification from
the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2000. Dr.
Burgesser was previously a clinical instructor in ophthalmology
at the Ontario Veterinary College, and practiced ophthalmology
in south Florida before joining Veterinary Specialists & Emergency
Services.

You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says,
Wow, youre right! I never wouldve thought of that! Dave Barry

PET TALES SPRING EDITION 2016

CHEMOTHERAPY and PETS: What you need to know

A diagnosis of cancer can be devastating for any pet owner, cancer

Many side effects are mild, and supportive medications may be
is the number one natural cause of death in senior cats and dogs.
provided to relieve these symptoms at home. It is uncommon,
However, advances in the therapeutic approach to cancer in our
although possible, for pets to require hospitalization for more
pets can prolong both the quantity, and more importantly, the
aggressive supportive care. Different chemotherapeutic drugs may
quality of life.
have unique side effects and most side effects are short lived.
When discussing options for cancer in pets, chemotherapy may be
Many owners are concerned about hair loss as a result of
used as the sole treatment, or may be used in combination with
chemotherapy. While hair loss is not a common side effect of
other treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy.
chemotherapy in dogs, non-shedding dogs such as poodles may be
more susceptible. This can be most prominent around the face and
Making a decision to pursue chemotherapy for ones pet can be
tail. Cats may lose all or some of their whiskers. Hair will regrow
difficult, especially for owners who have had a personal experience
once chemotherapy is stopped, but may be a different color or
with cancer. It is important to understand that chemotherapy
Mary Lester, DVM texture.
for pets differs from chemotherapy for humans. This creates
Veterinary Specialists
misconceptions regarding its use, and many owners are rightly
If a pet is experiencing side effects of chemotherapy, their treating
& Emergency Services
concerned for the quality of their pets life while undergoing Monroe Veterinary Associates veterinarian will adjust future chemotherapy doses or drug choices
treatment.
to minimize future side effects. The main goal of chemotherapy is
to help your pet maintain a good quality of life. If side effects begin
Compared to people who receive chemotherapy, pets experience fewer side
to
have
a
negative
impact, doses are adjusted or chemotherapy is discontinued.
effects. This is because chemotherapy in pets is not aimed at achieving a cure.
Instead, it is used to minimize cancer-induced discomfort and slow the progression Chemotherapy can be extremely beneficial in allowing owners to spend more
of disease. In many, but not all cases, remission may be achieved.
time with their beloved pets. Rest-assured, the aim of this treatment is to extend
Chemotherapy, however, is not without side effects. Chemotherapy drugs work by the quantity of your pets life, but not at the expense of its quality.
targeting cells in the process of growth and division. These drugs are non-specific, Dr. Mary Lester is a staff doctor at Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services.
meaning they cannot distinguish between cancer cells and normal cells in the She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Cornell University
body. The tissues in the body that are the most sensitive to chemotherapy include in 2015. She received multiple scholarships, including the Frederico Scholarship
the intestinal lining and the bone marrow. Therefore, the effects of chemotherapy which is awarded to a student with a demonstrated interest in feline medicine. Her
may include gastrointestinal symptoms (decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, professional interests include geriatric medicine, feline medicine, oncology, internal
and diarrhea) as well as bone marrow suppression, which can lead to increased medicine and surgery. Dr. Lester has two domestic short hair cats named Merlin and
susceptibility to infection.
Luna.

A dog will flatter you, but you have to flatter the cat. George Mikes, author

4 PET TALES SPRING EDITION 2016

Emergency tummy ache!

Gastric Dilation Volvulus in the canine patient

Bloat or Gastric Dilatation
What to expect at the vet:
Volvulus (GDV for short) is
This is a veterinary emergency!
a rapidly progressive and
Most veterinarians will immedlife-threatening condition in
iately request placement of an
dogs in which their stomach
I.V. for fluid therapy and basic
expands and then rotates, or
blood work to evaluate any
twists, anywhere from 180 to
chemical imbalances that can
360 degrees.
be corrected. Additionally a
Although the underlying cause
quick X-ray will be performed
is unknown, it is commonly
to confirm the diagnosis of
seen following a large meal.
GDV.
The theory is that the excess
Once the diagnosis is confirmed,
of food and gas causes the
stabilization of your dog is most
stomach to dilate and expand,
important. Fluid therapy will
which can ultimately lead
be used to combat the effects
to rotation. The increased
of shock and oxygen support
pressure and size of the
will be provided as needed.
stomach can have very serious
Decompression of the stomach
consequences,
including
may need to be performed. This
rupture of the stomach wall.
can be done either by passing a
Unfortunately these consetube down the esophagus and
quences do not only affect the
into the stomach to release air
stomach. The entire body can suffer from poor oxygenation to the
and fluid, or a needle can be placed into the stomach from outside
tissues, resulting in cellular death. With the stomachs rotation,
the body to release air. [Methods performed are dependent on each
there is vital vasculature that becomes compromised when blood
patients situation.]
has trouble returning to the heart from the abdomen. In addition
Surgery is the only way to treat this disease. It involves full
to the stomach, the spleen can rotate because they are attached,
exploration of the abdomen and de-rotation of the stomach.
therefore the blood supply becomes damaged there as well.
Additionally, viability of the stomach wall, spleen and all other
There may also be a loss of blood flow to the stomach wall and
organs are determined. Removal of the damaged portions of
pressure on the diaphragm prevents the lungs from adequately
the stomach and/or spleen will be performed if needed. Once
expanding which makes normal breathing difficult.
the stomach is returned to its normal position, it is permanently
fixed to the abdominal wall in order to prevent this from occurring
Although the underlying cause is unknown, many studies have
been performed to help evaluate risk factors. It has been determined Jessica Yousif, DVM again.
Veterinary Specialists
that there is a known association in dogs that:
Prognosis:
& Emergency Services
have a deep chest
Monroe Veterinary Associates Complication rates increase as disease severity and time increases.
Factors known to be associated include:
are older
symptoms for more than six hours
are fed a single large meal once daily
removal of a portion of the stomach and/or spleen
have breed-related prepositions (Great Danes, Weimaraners,
St. Bernards, German Shepherds, Rottweilers)
heart arrhythmias prior to surgery
Signs and symptoms:
Depending on severity, pets may require several methods of additional support
No matter the illness, our canine friends tend to show they arent feeling well with during surgery, including replacement blood products. Most pets are hospitalized
symptoms from their GI tract. However, these specific symptoms can be distinct two-three days after surgery for continued care. Long-term management usually
and early veterinary attention can save your pets life. These signs can include, but includes dietary changes such as multiple small meals per day.
are not limited to:
Remember, GDV is a veterinary emergency! If your pet is exhibiting signs of
GI distress, call your veterinarian immediately.
standing and stretching (often called the prayer position)
anxious, looking at abdomen
Dr. Jessica Yousif is a staff doctor at Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services.
She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from St. Georges University
drooling
in 2015. She completed her clinical year at the University of Florida. Her professional
rounded or bloated abdomen
interests include emergency medicine. Dr. Yousif has a Greyhound named Shandy
attempting to vomit without producing anything
and a domestic short hair cat named Roti.

PET TALES SPRING EDITION 2016

SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS of DIABETES in dogs and cats

HOW DOES INSULIN WORK?

In order to understand the problems

involved in diabetes mellitus, it is
Insulin
Glucose
Insulin is
Glucose
necessary to understand the role of insulin
the key that
channel
in the body. When the body eats, it turns
unlocks the
open,
the food into sugar, or glucose. The cells
glucose
glucose
of the body need glucose for energy, but
to enter
Glucose channel
Insulin
the cells can only absorb glucose with
the cell
channel
receptor
the help of insulin, which is produced by
(closed)
the pancreas. In diabetes mellitus, either
the pancreas makes too little insulin or
the insulin is not recognized by the cells
throughout the body. If the cells are unable
to absorb insulin, the following symptoms
begin to occur:
glucose is not absorbed by the body
causing
high blood glucose levels
the cells of the body starve, which
results in
weight loss despite a good appetite
muscles do not have energy, causing
Diabetic Ketosis and Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, causes pain
weakness
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
and local irritation of the GI tract, decreased appetite and
excess glucose in the blood enters the
urine causing
Diabetic ketosis (DK) and occasionally vomiting or diarrhea. In cats, the symptoms
frequent urination and increased thirst
diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) may be very subtle, and the only change may be that the
occur when illnesses cause cat hides more than usual or eats a little less. Pancreatitis
excess glucose in the urine can cause
further deregulation of usually resolves on its own without a specific treatment,
increased risk of urinary tract infections
blood glucose. If the cells so management for it is largely supportive. In the
excess glucose may cause cataracts to
are unable to absorb insulin hospital, treatment involves addressing pain and nausea
form in the lenses of the eyes
and become starved, the with medications and sometimes the use of an appetite
(not common in cats)
body begins to burn fat for stimulant. Many animals that present for DK or DKA have
Treatment of diabetes is focused on
energy, which produces frequent pancreatitis. As mentioned previously, abdominal
injecting insulin in order to resolve or
Kyle Elias, DVM
chemicals called ketones. ultrasound can help determine if pancreatitis is present in
Veterinary Specialists
improve the symptoms listed above, and
The presence of ketones is an animal that has DK or DKA; however, ultrasounds are
& Emergency Services
usually requires treatment for the rest of
called ketosis, but if present unable to determine the severity of the inflammation.
an animals life. Finding an appropriate Monroe Veterinary Associates for long enough, the blood Will my pet recover from this?
dose may take time and involve frequent
acidity may also change
veterinary visits. Additionally, any illness resulting in ketoacidosis. The acidity causes animals to Approximately 70 percent of dogs and cats are discharged
can cause a disruption of previously good feel very sick, and they may develop vomiting, nausea, from the hospital after five to six days of hospitalization.
control, so monitoring at home is an lethargy and exhibit other behavioral changes. Treatment Up to seven percent of dogs and up to 40 percent of cats
will experience recurring episodes of DKA. However even
important component of treatment.
of DK and DKA involves supportive care while the acidity with a guarded prognosis, many animals do well when
It is very important to carefully follow imbalance is fixed, and the underlying cause is treated.
aggressive veterinary therapy is initiated.
instructions for administering insulin. Illnesses that commonly cause DK and DKA include
Dr. Kyle Elias is a staff doctor at Veterinary Specialists &
Inappropriate handling can inactivate pancreatitis, urinary tract infections and cancer.
Emergency Services. He received his Doctor of Veterinary
insulin and make diabetes harder to
Abdominal
ultrasound
examination
is
a
very
good
Medicine degree from the Ontario Veterinary College in
control. Always follow the treatment and
monitoring guidelines established by your diagnostic tool to rule out any illnesses contributing to 2015, where he received the Richard & Sophia Hungerford
Travel Scholarship and the James & Marjorie Pinkney
veterinarian, and do not hesitate to contact the disease.
Student Research Scholarship. Dr. Elias professional
Pancreatitis
them with any questions or concerns.
interests include zoo and wildlife medicine. He has a brown
If your pet has unregulated diabetes, The pancreas is an organ involved in digestion that sits tabby cat named Lilly.
near the stomach, colon, and part of the small intestine.
several complications can occur, such as:

Some of my best leading men have been dogs and horses. Elizabeth Taylor

6 PET TALES SPRING EDITION 2016

SAVE THE DATE:

Rochester Hope for Pets

Dog Walk & Pet Education Expo
June 18, 2016
9 am to 1 pm
Highland Park

Pet activities
Kids activities
Food Fun Music
Bring the
whole family for a
day of fun with HOPE!
All proceeds benefit ...

Rochester Hope for Pets is a not-for-prot organization that was founded in 2008 with the mission to improve the quality of life for companion animals in the greater
Rochester area. Through our award process, we oer nancial assistance toward veterinary care costs to pet owners during times of need. Through Duncans Fund for
Education, we provide continuing education courses, upgraded equipment and technology, and the most current reference literature for veterinary health professionals
who practice in Monroe and surrounding counties. This training and knowledge serves to enhance the care and treatment of pets at facilities in our region. We also
partner with other local nonprots to improve the welfare of animals.

Rochester Hope for Pets 524 White Spruce Blvd. Rochester, NY 14623 585-271-2733 x189 RochesterHopeForPets@gmail.com

PET TALES SPRING EDITION 2016

What to do when you find YOUNG WILDLIFE this spring

With every spring season comes litters of newborn
this virus to dogs. Canine distemper is a very
wildlife species. Accident and injuries are a common
infectious, deadly disease that affects the
occurrence and it is within our nature to want to
respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous
help in any way we can. While these animals might
systems.
look cute and helpless, handling wildlife species
Squirrels
can be dangerous, as they may carry zoonotic
There are several common species of tree squirrels
diseases which can be transferred to you or your
in our area, the gray squirrel, fox squirrel and red
pets. It is also very easy to misinterpret a young
squirrel being most common. Squirrels usually
animal on its own as an animal in need when often
nest in the trees; they will use holes in the trees or
they are in a normal, safe environment. Here is a
make a nest out of leaves high up in the branches.
list of common wildlife that you might encounter
Squirrels have litters of three to five young twice
in your own backyard.
each year. They leave the nest between 10 and 12
Rabbits
weeks of age.
The most common species of rabbit in New York
If you find a baby squirrel that has fallen out of
is the Eastern Cottontail. Eastern Cottontails have
the tree or has been displaced because of tree
three-four litters each year. Babies open their eyes
cutting, put it in a box at the base of a tree where
at six to eight days and are weaned at three weeks
the mother has been seen and wait for the mother
of age, at which point they are on their own.
to come. Mother squirrels keep at least two nests
If you come across a nest of young rabbits that
throughout the year. She will move the babies to
does not appear disturbed or in direct danger of
the other nest. Monitor for up to 48 hours for the
people or pets, do not worry. Mother rabbits only
mothers return. Keep people and animals away! If
return to the nest to feed their young twice each
the baby is cold, put a hot water bottle or jar full of
day. You may place a piece of yarn or string over the nest to see
warm water in the box with it.
if it is disturbed or moved the next day by the mothers return. If
Squirrels are diurnal (active during the day) and will be seen
you worry about the safety of the nest, you can place a secured
eating nuts and plants. Squirrels can be very aggressive and
laundry basket over the nest and remove it each night.
often bite. When handling squirrels it is recommended to use
Do not worry if you find a young, four- to five-inch long rabbit
kevlar-lined gloves to keep them from breaking the skin. Any
with its eyes open and ears pointing upward, as they are solitary
mammal that bites and breaks the skin has to be euthanized
animals that will be fine on their own.
and tested for rabies. The person that was bitten has to get
the rabies exposure vaccine from the County Public Health
If you come across an injured rabbit, there are a few things to
Department.
know before you try to help. Cottontails can have a severe stress
response and could actually die of a heart attack from loud noises
Songbirds
Anne Wyer, DVM
and even gentle handling. Cottontails will attempt to escape
Songbirds are perching birds that use songs for attracting mates
Veterinary Specialists
capture by jumping off their back legs. If improperly handled,
& Emergency Services
and establishing territories. If a songbird flies into your window
they can easily damage their spine. You should place an injured
Monroe Veterinary Associates
and does not appear to have obvious injury or fracture, place it
rabbit in a closed shoebox or container to transport them to your
in a safe, quiet place outside.
local wildlife veterinarian or rehabilitator.
The songbird may be stunned and will often recover after a short time without
Do not attempt to feed injured rabbits as an improper diet can easily lead to need for medical attention. If the bird does not appear to recover after about an
diarrhea, GI disorders and death. Cottontails can also carry tularemia bacteria hour, transport it to your local wildlife veterinarian or rehabilitator.
that can cause flu-like symptoms. Please wear light gloves and wash your hands
If you find a baby songbird without full feathering, look for its nest in the
after handling cottontails.
surrounding area. Return the baby to the nest if you can. Make a replacement nest
Raccoons
out of a plastic container filled with grass and other nest-like material. Place the
Raccoons are another common species we encounter each spring. Raccoons have replacement nest as near to the original as possible and monitor for the parent to
one litter each year of four to six young between March and August. Babies eyes return. If the baby does have full feathering, it is likely a fledgling that may spend
open in 18-24 days and they leave the nest at eight to 10 weeks. When they reach some time on the ground or low branches before it is able to fly.
16 weeks of age, they are weaned. Even though the raccoon might be weaned, it If you have any questions about injured or orphaned wildlife, please call East
can stay with its mother for up to a year.
River Veterinary Hospital at (585) 334-3110. They have licensed DEC Wildlife
You should not attempt to keep raccoons as pets because they can be infected Rehabilitators on staff.
with rabies or carry the roundwormBaylisascaris procyonis. While the raccoon Dr. Anne Wyer is a staff doctor at Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services. She
with roundworm will likely appear normal, they carry a significant risk to humans received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois in
and other animals. Once the roundworm egg is ingested by human or animal, 2015. While there, she was awarded the VOICE travel scholarship. Her professional
the larvae will migrate throughout the body often to the brain or eye. The eggs interests include zoological medicine. Dr. Wyer has a Catahoula dog named Banjo;
ofBaylisascarisare able to stick to fur and skin and are present in feces.
two painted turtles named Dr. Zoidberg and Bender; and two leopard spotted geckos
Raccoons are also often carriers of canine distemper and capable of transferring named Louis and Calamity Jane.

8 PET TALES SPRING EDITION 2016

Life is like a

box of chocolates
EASTER IS
RIGHT AROUND
THE CORNER
AND CHOCOLATE
IS A HOT TOPIC!
Chocolate is toxic and can be fatal to our pets,
with dogs being the most common offender.
Chocolate contains products such as theobromine
(a methylxanthine) and caffeine. Both of these
substances can contribute to the signs of chocolate
toxicity, but theobromine is the main contributor.
The amount of theobromine in chocolate varies
by type: white and milk chocolate contain the
least amount and dark chocolate contains the
most. When ingested, theobromine can cause
hyperactivity, agitation and gastrointestinal
determine if your
distress symptoms such as profuse salivation,
pet has consumed a
vomiting and diarrhea.
toxic or fatal dose of
At higher doses, the drug is cardiotoxic,
chocolate. Depending
meaning that it has adverse effects on the
on how long it has
cardiovascular system. Fast heart rate, high
been since your
blood pressure and potentially fatal arrhythmias
dog consumed the
(irregular pattern of heartbeats) can occur.
chocolate, your vet
If your dog ingests enough theobromine,
may instruct you
neurologic signs such as tremors, seizures,
to induce vomiting
coma and even death can occur.
at home by adminBy nature, chocolate also contains high
istering
hydrogen
Jocelyn Wichtel, DVM
amounts of fat and sugar, which may cause
Veterinary Specialists
peroxide orally. This
gastro-enteritis (inflammation of the
& Emergency Services
is the fastest, most
lining of the GI tract) or pancreatitis. If this
Monroe Veterinary Associates
convenient way to
occurs, your veterinarian may recommend
empty your dogs
longer-term management, supportive care and stomach and prevent further absorption of the candy
hospitalization.
at home. If you are unsuccessful in getting your
Signs of chocolate toxicity usually occur within dog to vomit at home, your veterinarian will likely
six to 12 hours after ingestion, depending on the be more successful with the aid of a medication
severity it can last up to 72 hours. Initial signs may called apomorphine. In many circumstances, partial
include vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, restlessness absorption of the chocolate has already occurred, so
and panting. These signs can progress to the next step in the decontamination process is to
hyperactivity, fast heart rate, trembling, seizures administer activated charcoal.
and coma or death.
Charcoal is a black, liquid, tasteless substance that helps
If you discover that your dog has consumed bind theobromine (and other toxins) and decreases
chocolate, you should call your local veterinarian absorption in the GI tract. In severe cases, multiple
and/or poison control. It is helpful if you know doses of activated charcoal are recommended. This
your pets weight as well as the type and amount can be a messy product to administer and often times
of chocolate ingested. This helps your veterinarian your pet will have a black stained charcoal beard of

shame for several days after.

Your veterinarian will closely monitor your dog for
any additional side effects of chocolate consumption.
Specifically, he or she will look for cardiotoxic effects
(increased heart rate, arrhythmias, high blood
pressure, etc.), where drugs such as beta-blockers
may be necessary, as well as tremors and/or seizures,
where your vet will likely recommend hospitalization
for supportive care. Fluid therapy can be beneficial
in stabilizing the patients cardiovascular system;
this also keeps the patient hydrated and increases
urination. The bladder reabsorbs theobromine from
urine, so frequent walking to encourage urination
helps promote excretion of the product more quickly.
Do not hesitate to call your veterinarian or poison
control if you believe your dog is experiencing
chocolate toxicity. In general, owners who are diligent
in inducing vomiting at home and those who bring
their dog into the veterinarian for decontamination
and supportive care have a very good prognosis.
Dr. Jocelyn Wichtel is a staff doctor at Veterinary
Specialists & Emergency Services. She received her
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Atlantic
Veterinary College in 2015. While there, she received
the Dr. Lawrence E. Heider Leadership Award and
the Roy and Margaret Crosby Memorial Award. Her
professional interests include neurology, rehabilitation
and emergency medicine. Dr. Wichtel has two shelter
rescues; a dog named Frodo and a cat named Kumara.

PET TALES SPRING EDITION 2016

catify your home

Cat guru JACKSON GALAXY advocates feline-friendly room design
bY MELISSA ERICKSON | MORE CONTENT NOW

More than 90 million pet cats are

sleeping on window sills, hiding
under beds or running to greet their
owners when they come home from
work. And while cats get a bad rap
for being aloof, these pets really
need their owners in order to live a
happy and comfortable life.
If you think feeding and sheltering
your pet cat is enough, though, you
may encounter the problems familiar
to Jackson Galaxy, the cat behaviorist
and host of Animal Planets My Cat
ability and group
From Hell.
dynamic if you
live in a multi-pet
Pee and poop, blood and guts, those
home.
are the most common problems,
Galaxy said, but there are also cats
Some of the
with behavioral issues such as the
catification projects
ones who lounge on the kitchen
shown in the book
table or act aggressively toward
are amazing examples
other pets in the house.
of design that blend a
homeowners tastes with a
Like dogs, cats are part of the family,
certain amount of practical
and the best, safest place for your
cat
fancy.
pet cat to be is in the house. Cats
Courte
sy Jack
who live off the streets and out of
Its surprising how wellson Ga
laxy
the shelters live longer, healthier
appointed rooms maintain
lives, said Galaxy, who specializes
their sophistication when
in helping individuals whose outwall-mounted cat climbers, floor-to-ceiling climbing poles and
of-control cats are turning their
cat bridges are added.
lives and homes upside down.
Simple tricks
Cat-friendly design
On the simpler side, the book is also dotted with plenty of no-excuse
Galaxys new book, Catification,
examples of catification that are both low-cost and easy to do.
is a design guide to create an
Take a pot or a planter and fill it with natural catnip and allow your
environment that takes into account the needs of both pet and pet owner. cat to graze. Its good for the digestive system and also provides the cat with a
Catification is about creating feline-friendly environments that cater to a cats personal piece of territory, Galaxy said. Another no-excuses catification is to simply
natural instincts to climb, perch, rest, play and have their own space in a way that clear the clutter to create cat-only surfaces. If you dont want cats on the kitchen
makes you both happy, he said.
countertop, cover a small desk area with a sisal mat with nonstick
Why catify your home? Because it can help reduce or
backing to give your cat an option of where to go. If your cat likes
eliminate behavior problems, Galaxy said.
it on top of the fridge, incorporate the sisal mat treatment there,
too.
When you bring a child into a home, you childproof the home. The
same is often true for dogs. Most people dont try to hide the dog
If you really want to make your cat happy, create a cat
bed or bowl, but theres resistance to changing the home for the cat,
superhighway that will allow your pet to navigate around an
Galaxy said.
entire room without touching the ground. Cats are natural
climbers and will be happy if you provide them with the
The catification projects in the book can really affect life for the better
ability to go from the cat tree, to the mantel, to the back of
without looking like a crazy cat lady, Galaxy said. Its meant to spark
the couch to a window perch.
ideas and remove excuses.
You dont have to buy a bunch of cat trees. Instead
The first step is to get to know your cat as a client, Galaxy said. Where
think about what your cat wants, what gives your cat
does she feel confident? Where does she hide or hang out? What does she
confidence, and try and accommodate, Galaxy said.
do when a stranger enters the room? Then add in traits like age, physical

10 PET TALES SPRING EDITION 2016

Top 10

household toxins
TO DOGS AND CATS

1. Chocolate, coffee and caffeine

4. Lilies (Lilium and
Hemerocallis species)
These products contain theobromine (a methylxanthine)
found in cocoa seeds, coffee beans and some nuts. Toxic side
Lily toxicity has mainly been reported in cats. The target organ
effects include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, panting,
is the kidneys, and clinical signs include vomiting, anorexia,
hyperactivity, increased thirst and urination, tremors, seizures
lethargy and acute kidney failure. All parts of the plant are toxic
and death. Dark chocolate, baking chocolate and cocoa powder
and clinical signs are usually seen between six-12 hours after
have higher levels of methylxanthines than milk or white
ingestion.
chocolate.
5. Garlic, onions and chives
2. Raisins and grapes
These plants can cause gastrointestinal upset and red blood
These fruits have the potential to cause kidney failure, but the
cell damage in dogs and especially cats. If they ingest toxic
toxic substance is unknown and not dose-related. Some dogs Ashley Forti, BVMS, MRCVS doses, they can develop a condition in which red blood cells are
Veterinary Specialists
can eat them and be just fine, but other dogs may be more
destroyed called Heinz Body Anemia.
& Emergency Services
sensitive and develop clinical signs after ingesting a small
6. Xylitol
Monroe Veterinary Associates
amount. It is best to avoid feeding these to your pets due to the
This is an artificial sweetener used in many candies, sugarpotentially lethal effects.
free gum, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release, low-blood
3. Over the counter medications (Aspirin,
sugar and leads to liver failure. Initial signs include vomiting, lethargy, loss of
Aleve, Advil, Tylenol, etc.)
coordination and seizures. Prompt treatment may be effective but liver failure can
It may be tempting to try to treat your pets pain at home; however administering be seen within days of ingestion; if this occurs prognosis is poor.
these common pain relievers can be deadly. Symptoms include gastrointestinal 7. Hops
irritation, ulceration, perforation leading to sepsis and death. They can also cause
acute kidney failure and neurological disease. There are other veterinary pain Home brewing has become very popular and veterinarians are seeing an
medications that are specifically formulated for dogs and cats, and are much safer increase in the number of dogs that have ingested hops. Hops are used in the
beer-making process and are toxic to dogs. It can cause a dangerously high
to use than the human versions.
body temperature, panting, elevated heart rate, anxiety, vomiting and even
death. Effects can be seen very quickly and death can occur after only six hours.
Continued on Page 13...

PET TALES SPRING EDITION 2016

11

Keeping your BACKYARD BIRDS HEALTHY

The popularity of backyard flocks of
chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese and
guinea hens for egg and/or meat
production is increasing in the greater
Rochester area. Many towns and cities
have begun to change laws in order to
allow these backyard flocks.
These birds can help supplement a
familys dietary protein source, be a
great learning experience or 4-H project
for children and provide endless hours
of entertainment and enjoyment for
the whole family. Poultry will also help
reduce the insect population as well as
provide a great source of fertilizer.
Housing
It is important to be sure your birds have
adequate housing. Birds require a clean,
dry, warm, and well-ventilated space
with enough room for all members of
the flock. There are many books available
at book stores, feed stores and online to
give you an idea of appropriate housing
and space requirements for the specific
species you are keeping. Adequate
housing should protect your birds from
the weather as well as predators.
Feeding
Baby birds, growing birds and adult
birds all have different nutritional
requirements depending on the age and
species. Ducklings require more niacin
(vitamin B3) than many other species
and therefore require additional niacin
to be added to their diet in order to
prevent leg deformities.
Growing waterfowl (ducks & geese) are
at risk of developing a wrist deformity
commonly known as angel wing when
fed a diet too high in protein. As soon as
signs of a wing deformity are noted, your
bird should be brought to a veterinarian
who treats poultry to correct the
deformity. The sooner veterinary care is
sought, the better the chances are that
the deformity may be corrected.
Water
All animals need access to fresh clean
water which needs to be changed daily.

Veterinary care
Your birds should receive routine veterinary care annually to ensure they are
healthy and to protect them from diseases and parasites. Your veterinarian will
provide a full beak-to-tail physical exam and screen for external and internal
parasites. Knowing and being familiar with your local poultry veterinarian
before a problem or emergency arises can help ensure your birds receive prompt
medical attention.
Safe handling
Poultry can carry the bacteria Salmonella. Young children have a tendency
to handle birds before putting their fingers in their mouths, which can lead
to illness. Children should always wash their hands well with soap and water
immediately after handling any birds. Additionally, all eggs should be washed
and meat should be handled and cooked appropriately prior to consumption.
Adding to your flock
When adding new animals to your flock, they should be quarantined to ensure
they are free of disease before mixing them with the rest of your flock.
Canandaigua Veterinary Hospital and East River Veterinary Hospital both have
verterinarians on staff that treat poultry. If you have any questions about caring
for poultry, please call Canandaigua Veterinary Hospital at (585) 394-3340 or East
Gregory R. Hoyt, DVM
River Veterinary Hospital at (585) 334-3110.
Canandaigua Veterinary Hospital
Dr. Gregory Hoyt is an associate veterinarian atCanandaiguaVeterinary Hospital.
Monroe Veterinary Associates
He attended A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine and completed his
Baby birds should be given access to Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. Preventative medicine, orthopedic
shallow water to prevent drowning. Be surgery, dentistry, exotic animal medicine and poultry medicine are among Dr.
sure that water sources are not allowed Hoyts many professional interests.
to freeze during the colder months.

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.
Josh Billings (a.k.a. Henry Wheeler Shaw; humorist and lecturer)

12 PET TALES SPRING EDITION 2016

Ask a Vet...
Q: So, whats the
scoop on my pets
poop? How come
my veterinarian
recommends
and stresses that
Chewbacca needs a
yearly fecal exam?
What are they
testing for? Is there
a trick for providing
a proper sample? I
cant tell you how
many times Ive had
to provide more
than one sample.
What am I doing
wrong?
A: Fecal exams are a very important part of your pets annual
exam. Chewbaccas stool gives clues and insights to his health.
Fecal exams include an evaluation of color, consistency and
contents. Abnormalities can indicate gastrointestinal disorders,
liver disease, diabetes and undiagnosed parasites.
Intestinal parasites are a fairly common pet health problem.
They can live and grow in the intestinal tract of your pet.
Intestinal parasites can infect puppies, kittens, cats, dogs
and many types of exotic pets. The most common intestinal
parasites are hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms and
whipworms.
Some intestinal parasites are zoonotic, which means that
humans can become infected by these parasites, especially
children and immune-compromised individuals.
There are a few ways to help prevent your pets and family from
contacting intestinal parasites:
Use monthly flea and tick prevention all year long
(fleas can carry tapeworms)
Use monthly heartworm prevention year round
Try to prevent your pet from eating feces
Avoid areas that are heavily populated by wildlife
There isnt really a trick to providing a proper stool sample, but
we have a few tips to help you collect a sample to get the most
accurate results.
1. Samples should be fresh and collected quickly after deposit.
2. Samples should be refrigerated if you are not able to drop it
off to your veterinarian quickly. Never freeze a fecal sample.

3. Samples do not need to be large. A sample roughly the

size of a walnut is what we recommend.
4. Please do not bring in samples wrapped in tissues
or paper towels.

Cat have
you curious?

Pooch have
you puzzled?

Want answers to your questions?

Email your questions to
marketingmva@yahoo.com!

PET TALES SPRING EDITION 2016

Continued from Page 10...

8. Raw bread
dough/yeast
Yeast can cause your pets stomach to painfully
swell, bloat with gas and potentially twist,
which is a life-threatening emergency. The
yeast undergoes a reaction in the stomach
and one of the byproducts of this reaction
is ethanol. Ethanol (alcohol) created in the
stomach causes your pet to become drunk and
other symptoms of a twisted gut may become
apparent (please see Emergency Tummy
Ache on page 4 for a detailed description).
9. Albuterol inhaler
Biting or chewing these inhalers can cause
severe issues including arrhythmias, changes
in blood pressure, anxiety, restlessness,
tremors, weakness and electrolyte abnormalities. With prompt veterinary care, prognosis
is generally good.
10. Recreational
substances
These substances can be consumed by accident
and cause severe symptoms. Alcohol causes
depression, lethargy, sedation, wobbliness
and metabolic acidosis. IV fluid therapy
and other treatments may be warranted if
your pet is experiencing these symptoms.
Marijuana causes vomiting, changes in
heart rate and body temperature, vocalizing,
urinary incontinence, hyperactivity, seizures,
weakness, depression and coma. Dogs often
eat brownies or cookies that contain this
substance, but they can also eat the marijuana
by itself.
There are hundreds of other household toxins
that are toxic to our pets. For a complete list
please visit www.aspcapro.org/poison. The
most important part of treating any toxin
exposure is rapid decontamination, so it is
important to seek veterinary care as soon as
possible.
If you are at all concerned that your pet may
have ingested any of these toxins, please
contact Veterinary Specialists & Emergency
Services at (585) 424-1277 or ASPCA poison
control at (888) 426-4435.
Dr. Ashley Forti is a staff doctor at Veterinary
Specialists & Emergency Services. She graduated from the University of Glasgow School
of Veterinary Medicine in Glasgow, Scotland in
2015. Dr. Fortis professional interests include
small animal surgery and exotic pets. She has
a 10-year-old Chinese Firebelly Newt named
Gary and a four-year-old Russian Tortoise
named Boris.

13

Portraits ofLove

Each week, Lollypop Farm receives letters and emails lled with
happy endings for animals who have been adopted from our shelter.
Pictures help to tell these wonderful stories.

Billy
BiLLY was adopted
by John and Laura S.
in 2016

GuntHER
was adopted
by the Heegs
Family in 2005

Gunther
Roberto
RoBERto was
adopted by
nicole E.
in 2015

14 PET TALES SPRING EDITION 2016

Pet peeves
UNLEASH THE HELP YOU NEED!

Rebecca Lohnes, Behavior and Training Manager at Lollypop Farm,

offers some expert advice for you and your pets!
Q: My cat hates getting in his carrier whenever I
have to take him to the vet. I feel terrible that hes so
stressed out, plus I usually get scratched. What can I
do to make him more comfortable and get him in it
easier?
A: Getting a reluctant cat in their carrier is not easy! The best thing you can
do is help your cat get used to their carrier by leaving it out in your house.
Dont keep it in a closet or the basement and just have it appear when its
time to go to the vet. Start feeding your cat close to the carrier to get him
comfortable with the idea of being near it, and eventually put his food
inside it. By gradually desensitizing your cat to their carrier, youre breaking
the connection that the carrier is a scary thing. Dont forget to repeat this
process when you get home and make it a regular part of your cats routine;
not just when its time for a check-up at the vet. If your cat is still reluctant
to get in his carrier or its an emergency, use a towel to swaddle your cat
and place him in the carrier. If necessary, turn the carrier upright and lower
your cat in back feet first while holding him wrapped in the towel.
Q: I have a 2-year-old dog named Winnie. Whenever
I leave the house she whines a lot and sometimes
chews up pillows or shoes. Does she have separation
anxiety?
A: Separation anxiety in dogs is an extreme aversion to being left alone,
and is often referred to as separation phobia. It typically results in
destruction to exit points in your home such as doors, windows, blinds, etc.
If you feel your dog suffers from this, its always best to contact a behavior
professional for individualized attention to your dogs specific issues.
However, it sounds like Winnie is just bored or not ready to be out of her
crate yet when home alone.
I would suggest restricting her access to your home by leaving her in a crate.
If you choose to let her roam in the house, pick up anything she can use as a chew
toy before you leave. Give Winnie other things to do and keep rotating her toys
so she doesnt get bored. Give her empty and clean cereal boxes to shred, or a
Kong filled with frozen food so it takes her a long time to eat. Regular exercise,
playtime, and mental stimulation when you are home are just as important and
will help Winnie behave better when you are gone.
Q: My cat Suzie is so fearful of people. Shes fine when
its just me and her, but anytime someone comes over to
my house she runs and hides. Is there anything I can do
to help her become less afraid and more social with my
guests?
A: The most important thing to remember here is acceptance of your cat and their
unique personality. If Suzie is a wallflower she may always be a nervous cat and
not the social butterfly youd like her to be. You can try to help her become more
comfortable with new people by making sure her favorite things happen, such as
getting a cat treat or tuna, when guests come to your house. When new people
come to your home, go to Suzies hiding spot and bring her favorite treat to her.
Your guests should ignore her unless she initiates interaction with them and if she
does come out, they can try playing with her with her favorite toy. This helps her

associate new people with play time and something she enjoys. Dont ever drag
Suzie out of her hiding spot and force her to interact with your guests. Doing so
will reinforce that scary things happen when new people are in your home which
wont help her become more social.
Q: My dog barks at me constantly for food and attention.
Is he trying to be the alpha?
A: No, your dog is not trying to be the boss of you! The idea that your dog is
trying to be the alpha is based on antiquated, and since disproved, research of
wolves which resulted in dominance-based training methods that shouldnt be
practiced. We dont need to use force and dominance to communicate with our
best friends. The best thing you can do to get your dog to stop demand barking
is to not respond to it. Dont even say no or stop it because doing so reinforces
your dog receiving a response for their behavior. I know it can be frustrating to not
react to his barking, but its so important to him learning that barking to get what
he wants is not okay. Leave the room if you have to! What you should do is reward
him with positive attention when he sits quietly or makes silent eye contact. Make
sure you work on this with him daily or sign up for a training class to learn more
positive reward-based training methods.
For more Pet Peeves behavior and training advice from Lollypop Farm, the Humane
Society of Greater Rochester, visit www.lollypop.org/petpeeves.

PET TALES SPRING EDITION 2016

PetTales

15

MESSENGER POST MEDIA

73 Buffalo Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424

585.394.0770

Speak!

We welcome our readers letters.

Please write to:
Pet Tales c/o Darlyn Reddy
73 Buffalo Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424
email: dreddy@messengerpostmedia.com
Correspondence may be edited
for length and clarity. Please include
your name, address, daytime telephone
and e-mail address.

We provide kind,
compassionate care,
when you need it the most.

www.monroevets.com
Thank you to Pet Tales
major sponsor!
Monroe Veterinary Associates was founded
in 1969 as a single hospital and has grown to
include 14 full-service veterinary hospitals,
a 24-hour emergency and specialty practice,
and a full-service reference laboratory, all of
which are located in or around Rochester.
Monroe Veterinary Associates contributes
actively to the community in a variety of ways.
MVA provides financial support to Rochester
Hope for Pets, Rochester Animal Services, the
Seneca Park Zoo and the Humane Society at
Lollypop Farm. MVA veterinarians and staff
members volunteer countless hours toward
helping animals in the community. For
example, veterinarians donate their time to
Friends of Ferals, which works to help decrease
the feral cat population in the Rochester area.
Also, MVAs personnel are active in local
educational initiatives, including classroom
presentations, student shadow programs and
student externships.
Find out more about the many services that
Monroe Veterinary Associates offers or to find
a location near you, visit monroevets.com. You
can also follow us on Twitter @MonroeVets or
like us on Facebook.

Monroe Veterinary Associates

Business Directory
Income-Qualified
Spay/Neuter
Surgeries and
Out-Patient Clinic

ROCHESTER
COMMUNITY
ANIMAL CLINIC
985 Bay Street
Rochester, NY 14609
585.288.0600
rochestercommunity
animalclinic.com

24 Hour
Emergency
Services

VETERINARY
SPECIALISTS &
EMERGENCY
SERVICES
825 White Spruce Blvd.
Rochester, NY 14623
585.424.1277
animalemergencyservices.com

Veterinary
Hospitals
Offering
Boarding

Fairview
Veterinary
Hospital
6735 Pittsford Palmyra Road
Fairport, NY 14450
585.223.0940
fairviewvet.com

Canandaigua
Veterinary
Hospital
4410 County Road 50
Canandaigua, NY 14424
585.394.3340
canandaiguavet.com

Irondequoit
Animal Hospital
2150 Hudson Avenue
Rochester, NY 14617
585.266.8020
irondequoitanimalhospital.com

Cats & Critters

32 Somerton Street
Rochester, NY 14607
585.442.4373
catsandcritters.com

Penfield
Veterinary
Hospital
1672 Penfield Road
Rochester, NY 14625
585.381.2441
penfieldvet.com
Perinton
Veterinary
Hospital
11 LaSalle Parkway
Victor, NY 14564
585.248.5566
perintonvet.com

Animal Hospital
of Pittsford
2816 Monroe Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618
585.271.7700
pittsfordvet.com

Stone Ridge
Veterinary
Hospital
550 Center Place Drive
Rochester, NY 14615
585.227.4990
stoneridgevethosp.com

Companion
Animal Hospital
2800 West Henrietta Road
Rochester, NY 14623
585.424.2900
companionvethosp.com

Suburban
Animal Hospital
2495 East Henrietta Road
Rochester, NY 14623
585.334.4230
suburbanvet.com

Veterinary
Hospitals

Bayview
Animal Hospital
1217 Bay Road, Suite #1A
Webster, NY 14580
585.671.3120
bayviewanimalhosp.com

EAST RIVER
VETERINARY
HOSPITAL
5152 East River Road
West Henrietta, NY 14586
585.334.3110
eastrivervet.com
Greece
Animal Hospital
3180 Latta Road, Suite 800
Rochester, NY 14612
585.227.7100
greecenanimalhospital.com
PALMYRA
Animal Hospital
1215 Canandaigua Road
Palmyra, NY 14522
315.597.4567
palmyravet.com
Veterinary
Specialists &
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SERVICES
825 White Spruce Blvd.
Rochester, NY 14623
585.424.1260
vetspecialistsofrochester.com
All Monroe Veterinary
Associates hospitals
are on Facebook.
Find and
like us today!

16 PET TALES SPRING EDITION 2016

Offering the best care...

for your best friend.