September 2002 FYI

OBEDIENCE AND PUPPY KINDERGARTEN classes are taking reservations for our fall sessions. These will be the final classes for 2002. The cost for either six-week class is an economical $60.00. Other training schools charge over $90 for the same number of classes. If you wish to learn more about the classes that start September 9 give Barb a call, 419-885-4421. There is no dog too old to benefit from obedience class.

DR. BOB SELECTS HOBBS AND BLACK to be the architects for the new hospital. Dr Esplin interviewed five local firms before he chose Hobbs and Black. "I was looking for a firm with experience in medical and veterinary design that would be good listeners and be willing to work as teammates in the design process", stated Dr Bob. John Barker will be the lead designer as the new hospital takes shape. We are still open to suggestions to incorporate into the new hospital design.

AAHA REQUIRES A DEDICATED SURGERY SUITE is used for all sterile surgeries. This room can be used for nothing else. There can be only one access door into the surgery and all surgeons and assistants must wear caps, gowns and masks. These requirements seem very basic but there are no other organizations that require a practice to meet these standards. To remind you, our hospital is the only area practice that is certified by AAHA. Learn more about AAHA standards on our web site, www.sylvaniavet.com

NEW VACCINE ANNOUNCED FOR CATS against feline immunodefecieny virus, FIV, is being advertised by the manufacturer, FT Dodge Labs. You are likely to see or hear advertising for this new product. Currently, we do not plan to recommend this FIV vaccine. All of our doctors feel that a conservative approach should be taken when recommending new products. Many authorities question the need for a FIV vaccine. Additionally, once vaccinated, your cat can no longer accurately be tested for the disease. The number of cats that successfully develop immunity is also uncertain. Most of our patients are not at risk for exposure to FIV so we do not think you should worry about this new vaccination process.

IS YOUR PET OVERWEIGHT? There is greater than a 40% chance that the answer is yes. Actually, we think that when puppies and kittens are excluded from that statistics the number of pets we care for that are overweight is much higher than 50%. Many of you have been encouraged to put your pet on a diet and have had less than terrific results. The failure can be for many reasons, but one is that the choice of food may not have helped your pet lose weight. New research has shown that some pets will not lose weight when placed on the traditional low calorie, high fiber diets. Additionally, many dogs put on these diets seem perpetually hungry and can drive you crazy with their begging. If previous diets have failed or if it's time to put your pet on a weight reduction program, we are now recommending Eukanuba Veterinary Diets Optimum Body Approach. This system incorporates three different food formulations for both dogs and cats. Maintaining or regaining a pet's optimal weight can help it live longer, healthier and less expensively. Every staff member is available to help you get your pet on a proper weight reduction program. Call the office, 419-885-4421, to schedule a weight control office visit.

ASPRIN MAY NOT BE BEST OR SAFE for the long-term treatment for your dogs arthritis. Regardless of how the aspirin is packaged, buffered, coated, enteric, it can still cause damage to a dog's stomach lining, blood platelets, and most ironically, the joint cartilage. A dog is much more sensitive to these side effects than are humans. Therefore, it is not wise to give your dog aspirin for arthritic joints. Even a short course of aspirin can cause gastric ulceration or prolong blood clotting. There are safer drugs, labeled for dogs that we recommend for treating chronic arthritic pain. Yes, Rimadyl and Etogesic are more expensive than a bottle of generic aspirin unless your dog develops a bleeding ulcer or a clotting disorder, due to platelet dysfunction. Even if your dog fails to develop these signs its arthritis will progress more rapidly when aspirin is used for a prolonged time. Aspirin is known as a chondrodestructive drug. Rimadyl is chondroprotective. Dogs on long term Rimadyl or Etogesic should have semiannual liver testing. We recommend that dogs showing early signs of arthritis - stiff joints, limping after exercise or rest, swollen joints - start treatment with Cosequin, a glycosamine-chondroitin oral medication or an Adequan injection.

SYLVANIA VETERINARY HOSPITAL WORKS WITH SEVERAL local animal rescue and humane organizations. Most of you know that we work closely with Paws and Whiskers Cat Shelter and Maumee Valley Save A Pet. In addition, we provide care for animals from PAL (Purebred Adoption League), B.R.E.W. (Beagle Rescue), Project CATS (Care About The Strays), and the Monroe Humane Society. One organization that we no longer provide any support to is Lend A Paw Foundation. If you have any information or concerns regarding animal welfare or safety, contact the Toledo Humane Society at 419-891-0705 and ask for Cruelty Investigations.

WE HAVE CATS AND A DOG AVAILABLE for adoption. Currently, we have one adult male chocolate lab that needs a home. He is an energetic but loving dog that will do well in a house willing to give him exercise and guidance. We also have two adult cats that will be great pets for someone. You can see one of the cats in its house near the reception desk. In the next month we will have several kittens available, as we are hand rearing two litters of orphaned kittens. There is an adoption fee for each kitten and dog. All the animals are current for vaccinations and parasite testing.

SUGGESTIONS FOR A DIFFICULT PROBLEM- One of the more troubling problems we confront daily is cats that stop using their litter box for urine, stool or both. There is no one simple solution for this difficult problem. Many times this 'out of box' behavior starts as a consequence of a medical problem. Therefore, the first step in finding an answer is a complete physical exam and lab work-up. Once physiological causes are ruled out, our doctors then attack the problem from a behavior perspective. You can prevent unacceptable 'out of box' voiding by being aware of factors that chase cats out of their box. A few tricks that will get you started follow. If out of box voiding is a problem with one of your cats or you know someone suffering through this emotionally wrenching problem we would suggest an office visit before the behavior becomes too well established. Prevention