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SPRING EDITION Advertising supplement for March 22, 2018

2 PET TALES • SPRING EDITION 2018
 PET TALES • SPRING EDITION 2018 3

CHOCOLATE TOXICITY and your pet

Hippity Hoppity, Easter is on Increased contraction
the way and so is the risk of muscles in the body
of exposure of your dogs can result in an elevated
to toxins becomes a real heart rate, or abnormal
concern. rhythm and elevated blood
Easter candy poses risks pressures. In severe cases,
of exposure of your furry heart attacks, coma and
friends to the danger of death can result from toxic
chocolate ingestion and doses of theobromide.
toxicity. What do I do if my dog
How can something like has ingested chocolate?
chocolate be so toxic to In most cases, you will
my dog and why is it not notice missing chocolate or
toxic to humans? may find wrappers strewn
Chocolate and caffeine around the house. At that
contain a compound referred time, it is important to try to
to as methylxanthines determine how much your
theobromide. This dog has eaten and to call
compound is actually toxic your local veterinarian who
to all species, with the can provide you with the
toxic dose depending on next steps in your pet’s care.
extraneous factors such What can my
as the type of chocolate, veterinarian do?
whether or not the Clinical signs are often
chocolate is ingested on an seen within six to 12
empty stomach, the volume hours following chocolate
of chocolate ingested and ingestion. Depending
the size of the dog ingesting on how recently your
the chocolate. pet has eaten chocolate,
Theobromides are present your veterinarian may
in different concentrations in different types of chocolate, with recommend that you induce vomiting in your animal or bring
darker chocolate being more toxic than milk or white chocolate. your pet in so they can induce vomiting. After decontamination,
Humans are able to metabolize the theobromides contained in your veterinarian may recommend hospitalization with fluid
chocolate relatively quickly whereas, animals take much longer to therapy, activated charcoal to reduce toxin recirculation,
metabolize the compound which can easily result in clinical signs. cardiovascular medications and anti-convulsants to control your
How does theobromine cause toxicity? pet’s clinical signs depending on their severity of the clinical
signs.
The toxin theobromide in chocolate is rapidly absorbed from
the gastrointestinal tract and is processed by the liver, where it Be sure to keep a close eye on your furry friends this Easter.
is only partly metabolized. It will often undergo re-circulation in Remember, that chocolate, while a delicious treat for people,
the body resulting in the accumulation of active theobromide in can quickly become a dangerous toxin in your pets!
the body. DANIELA VOZNER, DVM If you are concerned that your pet has ingested chocolate, please
Veterinary Specialists contact your veterinarian as soon as possible!
What are the clinical signs of chocolate toxicity? & Emergency Services
Circulating theobromides can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal Monroe Veterinary Associates Dr. Daniela Vozner is originally from Toronto, Ontario. She
tract and once in circulation, will bind receptors in the central graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an honors
nervous system, in the blood vessels and in the muscle (such as the heart). This specialization in animal physiology and a minor in visual art. Dr. Vozner received her
results in clinical signs such as gastrointestinal upset, which can manifest with doctorate of veterinary medicine from the University of Melbourne. Her professional
nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Stimulation of the central nervous system can interests include emergency medicine, soft tissue surgery, oncology and exotic
result in restlessness, hyperactivity, wobbly gait, tremors and seizure activity. animal medicine, particularly avian medicine.

“The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never
deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog.” — George Graham
4 PET TALES • SPRING EDITION 2018
11 dangerous plants
for your pets to avoid
BY JOSHUA PIETZOLD| MONROE VETERINARY ASSOCIATES
When you’re out walking your dog, the kind of
plants you walk past are probably not at the
top of your mind. Your main priority is enjoying
the time outside with your furry friend — and
it should be! However, there are some plants
and flowers that you should be on the lookout
for. These common plants could be in your
neighbor’s garden or grow at the park, but
your pet can become very sick if these plants
are ingested.
Autumn Crocus
Autumn Crocus is highly toxic and can cause
severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding,
liver and kidney damage, and respiratory
failure. Bring your pet to their veterinarian
immediately for care. Signs may be seen
immediately but could be delayed for days.
Azalea
Azaleas can have a serious effect on pets.
Eating even a few leaves can result in vomiting,
diarrhea and excessive drooling. Without
immediate veterinary attention, the pet could
fall into a coma and possibly die.
Cyclamen
The roots of this seasonal flowering plant are
especially dangerous. If ingested, cyclamen
can cause severe vomiting or even death.
Kalanchoe
This popular flowering plant can cause
vomiting, diarrhea and heart arrhythmias if
ingested.
Lilies
There are dangerous and benign lilies, and it’s
important to know the difference. The more
dangerous, potentially fatal lilies are true
lilies, these include Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter
and Japanese Show lilies — all of which are
highly toxic to cats! Even small ingestions (such
as 2-3 petals or leaves) can result in severe
kidney failure. If your cat is seen consuming
any part of a lily, bring your cat and the plant,
immediately to a veterinarian for medical care.
More benign lilies are Peace, Peruvian and Calla
lilies which contain oxalate crystals that cause
minor symptoms, such as tissue irritation to
the mouth, tongue, pharynx and esophagus,
which usually only leads to minor drooling.
Oleander
Oleander is an popular outdoor shrub. However,
the leaves and flowers are extremely toxic if
ingested and can cause severe vomiting, slow
the heart rate and possibly even cause death.
Dieffenbachia
Popular in many homes and offices,
dieffenbachia can cause intense oral irritation,
drooling, nausea, vomiting and difficulty
swallowing.
Azalea Daffodils Daffodils
Ingestion of the bulb, plant or flower can
cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal
pain and even possible cardiac arrhythmias
or respiratory depression. Crystals are found
in the outer layer of the bulbs, similar to
hyacinths, which cause severe tissue irritation
and secondary drooling. Daffodil ingestions
can result in more severe symptoms. If an
exposure is witnessed or symptoms are seen,
we recommend seeking veterinary care for
further supportive care.
Cyclamen Tulips Lily of the Valley
The Convallaria majalis plant contains cardiac
glycosides which will cause symptoms
similar to digitalis (foxglove) ingestion. These
symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, a drop
in heart rate, severe cardiac arrhythmias
and possibly seizures. Pets with any known
exposure to this plant should be examined
and evaluated by a veterinarian and treated
symptomatically.
Tulips and Hyacinths
Tulips contain allergenic lactones while
Kalanchoe Hyacinths
hyacinths contain similar alkaloids. The toxic
principle of these plants is very concentrated
in the bulbs (versus the leaf or flower), so
make sure your dog isn’t digging up the bulbs
in the garden. When the plant parts or bulbs
are chewed or ingested, it can result in tissue
irritation to the mouth and esophagus. Typical
signs include profuse drooling, vomiting, or
even diarrhea, depending on the amount
consumed. With large ingestions of the bulb,
more severe symptoms such as an increase in
heart rate and changes in respiration can be
Lilies Lily of the Valley seen, and should be treated by a veterinarian.
 PET TALES • SPRING EDITION 2018 5

What you need to know about KENNEL COUGH

A particularly brutal winter has had covers for canine distemper,
many people daydreaming about canine adenovirus, parainfluenza
spring and summer vacations for a and parvovirus (another deadly
while now. As you make travel plans, virus that causes gastrointestinal
don’t forget to make a boarding signs). An additional vaccination
reservation for Fido. While making a specifically for bordetella is also
reservation, you may be asked if your available.
pet is up to date on the kennel cough There are three forms of the
vaccine. You may ask yourself, what bordetella vaccination available,
the kennel cough vaccine is and why oral, nasal and injectable. The oral
it is necessary for your pet. and nasal forms of the vaccination
What is kennel cough? are much more effective at
Canine Infectius Tracheobronchitis preventing kennel cough. Dogs who
is the medical term for kennel are vaccinated are much less likely
cough. Kennel cough is an umbrella to get kennel cough and if they do,
term used to describe a number of they are less affected and recover
different infectious diseases that faster.
can be caused by a virus, bacteria or Most boarding facilities require
both. It causes a persistent cough in dogs to be vaccinated to help
dogs which can last anywhere from prevent the spread of kennel cough.
one to three weeks. The most common agent is a bacterium Will my dog be ok?
called Bordetella bronchiseptica but there are many other agents
that can cause kennel cough. The majority of dogs that get kennel cough will be just fine. Dogs
who get kennel cough will often have a honking cough, which is
How do dogs get kennel cough? a common symptom of the illness.
Dogs can pick up kennel cough anywhere there is close contact They will have a cough for a couple of weeks but will continue
with other dogs such as dog parks, boarding kennels or pet stores. to eat, drink and otherwise act pretty normal. The cough can be
A cough from a dog with kennel cough will spread the bacteria or violent and they may or may not bring up some white foam or
virus in the air and other dogs can inhale them. The organism can mucous. Similar to if you or I were to get a cough and cold, it is
also be transmitted on toys, food bowl or other objects. This is annoying but runs its course without any major complications.
why we see it more frequently where there are lots of dogs, such
AMANDA For an uncomplicated case of kennel cough, your veterinarian
as at the park or kennel.
SALDIVIA-WOO, DVM may prescribe some cough tablets to suppress the cough so your
Dogs will start showing signs of kennel cough between two to 14 Veterinary Specialists dog is able to rest. Often no further care or medication is needed
days after being exposed to it. Dogs that are immunocompromised & Emergency Services and improvement is seen within the first week.
such as puppies, geriatrics or dogs that are sick are more at risk for Monroe Veterinary Associates
getting kennel cough or have difficulty clearing kennel cough. Sometimes kennel cough can turn into something more sinister
and your dog may develop pneumonia. If this occurs, they are often not feeling
Is there anything I can do to prevent kennel cough? well. They may have a fever and will not eat or drink. They start acting lethargic
There are vaccinations available against the most common causes of kennel and may or may not have trouble breathing. If this occurs your veterinarian may
cough. Vaccinations are typically inexpensive and will protect your dog for a year. recommend x-rays to determine if pneumonia is present and treat your dog with
Your dog is protected against some common viral causes of kennel cough through additional medications such as antibiotics. In severe cases of kennel cough with
the standard recommended vaccination known as DA2PP. This vaccination pneumonia, your dog may need to be hospitalized. Continued on page 14...

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Only CatGenie 120 SaniSolution Cartridges
will work with the CatGenie 120. All green
colored cartridges will not work in this unit.
$208.99 on chewy.com.
6 PET TALES • SPRING EDITION 2018

lyme disease
DIAGNOSIS, PREVENTION and MANAGEMENT
Why is it important? by your veterinarian) are available
Borrelia burgdorferi (the infectious agent of for flea/tick prevention. Please discuss
Lyme disease) is transmitted by the Ixodes with your veterinarian which product
tick. The prevalence of Lyme disease varies would work best for you and your pet.
depending on location, but is increasing in • Due to climate change and warmer
prevalence in the Rochester area. weather, year round tick prevention
What causes it? is advised!
Lyme disease is transmitted by the Ixodes tick • Lyme vaccines are also now available.
(aka the deer tick). Not all ticks can transmit Please discuss with the prospect of your
lyme disease pet receiving a lyme vaccine with your
ALLISON COLLIER, DVM • Deer ticks need to be attached for a veterinarian.
Veterinary Specialists minimum of 24 hours for transmission
& Emergency Services to occur
Monroe Veterinary Associates
• Not all deer ticks carry lyme disease
(prevalence depends on geographical location)
• Approximately 95% of infected dogs never show clinical signs
from the infection
Therefore, not all tick bites can result in lyme disease!
Possible clinical signs:
As discussed, the majority of dogs infected with Lyme disease do not show clinical
signs. However, lyme disease can result in disease in the joints and the kidneys.
It is recommended to monitor for any: 4Dx test for Lyme disease (and other pathogens carried by ticks/mosquitoes)
• Fever • Anorexia • Shifting leg lameness
• Swollen joints • Enlarged lymph nodes • Examining your pet for tick exposure after coming in from outside can also
And seek veterinary attention if this is the case! help recognize ticks before they have been attached for a significant
amount of time.
Making a diagnosis:
My pet was bitten by an engorged deer tick; now what?
The first line of diagnosis is typically with a 4Dx snap test (a blood test). This tests
for antibodies in the blood — therefore, a positive response indicates exposure, As discussed, not all ticks carry lyme disease, and not all infections result in
and not necessarily infection. clinical signs. Therefore, if your pet was bitten by an engorged (fed) deer tick, the
recommendations are to either:
• When a positive response is seen, it is typically recommended to monitor
for clinical signs and protein in the urine (a test that your veterinarian can • Monitor for clinical signs of Lyme disease for six months.
perform) because not all infections result in clinical signs. • Perform antibody testing now and again in six months
• If any clinical signs or protein in the urine develop, your veterinarian (to see if antibody levels increased to suggest infection).
would recommend treatment. • Submit the tick for analysis for Lyme disease.
Treatment Discuss with your veterinarian which option would be best for you and your pet!
Typically for animals that are Lyme positive and showing clinical signs, a course of Originally from Aurora, Ontario, Dr. Allison Collier completed her undergraduate
antibiotics is recommended for treatment. studies at the University of Guelph with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science. She
Lyme disease prevention also received her doctorate of veterinary medicine from the University of Guelph. While
in veterinary school, she was awarded the Major James Rattray Proficiency Prize. Dr.
• As Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks, preventing tick exposure is
Collier’s professional interests include internal medicine, especially endocrinology and
one of the best ways of prevention!
immune-mediated diseases, and is looking to pursue a residency in internal medicine.
• Various oral, topical and collars (provided

“It is very inconvenient habit of kittens (Alice had once made the remark) that,
whatever you say to them they always purr.” — Lewis Carroll
 PET TALES • SPRING EDITION 2018 7

INFLUENZA VIRUS in pets

We have been hearing about the flu in humans for
months, but did you know that your pet can also get
the flu?
What is Influenza Virus?
Flu is a viral respiratory disease that causes
fevers, headaches, coughs, muscle pains, nasal
congestions and discharges. In the United States,
influenza causes 9 to 35 million illnesses, up to
700,000 hospitalizations and 12,000 to 56,000
deaths each year since 2010 (CDC). This season has
been bad especially because the majority of the
circulating virus involves H3N2.
There are four types of influenza viruses (A, B, C and
D). Influenza type A and B are the ones that cause
annual or “seasonal” flu.
Influenza type A is further categorized into
subtypes based on two unique proteins present
on the surface of the virus. The proteins are a
hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). Each
protein family has their subtype.
There are 18 known types of hemagglutinin and
The symptoms of influenza virus infection vary greatly, but the most
11 types of neuraminidase. For example, H3N2
common clinical symptom is a cough that may persist for 10 to 21 days.
virus means that it is an influenza type A that has
Other clinical signs include sneezing, nasal or eye discharge, fever,
a type 3 hemagglutinin and type 2 neuraminidase.
decreased appetite and energy. Secondary bacterial infections can also
Depending on the combinations of these proteins,
develop and may result in a more serious illness such as pneumonia.
the influenza variants or “strain” are endemic or
adapted to specific host species. Diagnosis
This is why we sometimes see H5N1 avian Flu-like symptoms in a physical examination will raise a suspicion for
influenza virus or H1N1 swine influenza in news influenza virus. The presence of the similar symptoms in any member
stories. While some of these influenza strains are of the household can also increase the likelihood of the infection.
host-specific (meaning it only affects the animal), However, due to many other causes of respiratory diseases in our pets,
some can quickly change and give rise to new SANGSOO (DANIEL) KIM, DVM a definitive diagnosis can only be made through molecular testing on
strains that can infect different species. Veterinary Specialists samples collected from the upper airway or from fluid collected from
& Emergency Services the trachea. Initial diagnostic workup should also include bloodwork
Historically, influenza virus in our pets has not been Monroe Veterinary Associates and chest X-rays to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.
a significant concern as it has been a relatively
uncommon disease. However, the number of Treatments and recovery
influenza outbreaks has been on the rise. It is highly contagious and easily spread As similar to a human, there is no specific treatment to cure influenza infection.
among our pets by direct contact, nasal secretions, handling (from people) and The treatment is largely symptomatic and supportive therapy. However, more
contaminated objects. intensive care with hospitalization and medications may be needed for severe
Influenza virus in dogs and cats cases and secondary bacterial infections. Good husbandry, nutrition and a stress-
Canine influenza is a type A influenza virus and H3N8 and H3N2 have been free environment will also help pets mount an effective immune response.
identified to date. As the influenza virus is not yet common in our pets, morbidity rate (the number
Canine H3N8 influenza was first identified in Florida in 2004 in racing greyhounds, of exposed animals that develop the disease) is estimated to be high at 80
which appears to be originated from a horse. Canine H3N2 influenza, however, percent, but the mortality rate is less than 10 percent. Most pets recover within
was first identified in Asia in 2006-2007, which is likely originated from the avian two-three weeks.
influenza virus. The first case in the U.S. was reported in March 2015 in Chicago Prevention
area. Since then, there has been an increasing number of cases in the states. In There are few ways we can minimize the risk of infection and prevent disease in
cats, the influenza virus infection appears to be less common, but is also on the our pets.
rise. An H1N1 virus outbreak in a cat colony in Italy was reported in 2009. Shelter
1. Talk to your veterinarian and keep your pets up to date on vaccines. Vaccines are
cats were diagnosed with H3N2 in early 2016. Most recently, during December
available for both H3N8 and H3N2 in dogs. There are no specific vaccines available
2016 through February 2017 the avian influenza A viruses H7N2 infected about
for cats, but owners should vaccinate their cats for core vaccines to prevent feline
500 cats in animal shelters in New York.
herpes and calicivirus.
What happens when my pet gets infected?
Continued on page 14...
8 PET TALES • SPRING EDITION 2018

low stress feline vet visits and their experiences as kittens can
shape how they react to situations
throughout their lives. Creating positive
experiences at the vet hospital for your
kitten will help teach him or her to feel
more comfortable during visits in the
future.
You may want to ask the veterinary staff
if you could spend a few minutes before
or after your appointment allowing your
kitten to explore, play and eat treats in
MARISA QUINLAN, DVM the exam room. Your veterinarian may
Veterinary Specialists even have suggestions for things to
& Emergency Services practice such as holding them a certain
Monroe Veterinary Associates way or standing still to be examined.
Why is it so hard to bring a cat Your goal is for your kitten to learn to
to the vet? love going to the vet so it remains a
positive experience for everyone.
Have you ever noticed how much
more challenging it can be for a cat Counter conditioning and
to go to the veterinarian than for desensitization
some dogs? When most dogs go to For many cats, there was never an
the vet, it starts out by putting on a leash, going outside and getting in the car. opportunity to learn to love the veterinary clinic as a kitten and they are already
These are all activities that tend to be fairly normal for a dog. nervous or fearful of some or all of the components of a veterinary visit. The best
It is far less common for a cat to be scooped up from their perching spot, placed into way to change how our cats feel about these things is with a technique called
a small carrier and shuttled into a fast moving vehicle. For most cats, this series counter conditioning and desensitization.
of events typically leads to one result, a visit to their primary care veterinarian. Counter conditioning is a process in which the goal is to change the underlying
For cats and dogs alike, the veterinary hospital can become a frightening place emotional response to a previously frightening stimulus. For example, if your cat
where they have to interact with strangers, get injections, have blood drawn and is afraid of going in the carrier, you can feed your cat near the carrier until he or she
any number of new and unfamiliar experiences. learns to associate the carrier with the pleasant experience of food.
For some cats and their families, this can become such a stressful event that they Desensitization is the process of gradually increasing the intensity of the
begin to dread or even avoid their appointments and our cats miss out on the vital previously frightening stimulus. For example, in the previous scenario, when your
care that they need to stay healthy. cat becomes comfortable eating 20 feet away from the carrier, you can gradually
move the carrier closer each time you feed your cat. The most important thing to
Starting when they’re young remember with this process is to take it slow and to go at your cat’s pace. If your
Cats begin to form an understanding of their environment at a very young age Continued on page 10...

“You really should advertise in the next issue of Pet Tales...”

It’s easy, call 585.394.0770 today!


some bunny’s hungry
SARAH GEBBIE, DVM
Bayview Animal Hospital
Monroe Veterinary Associates
In veterinary school there was a phrase
that was used many times in our “pocket
pets” and exotic species classes: “Proper
husbandry accounts for 90 percent of a
(rabbit/guinea pig/turtle/etc.)’s good health.”
Husbandry is a word that means the appropriate management and raising of
animals — so essentially how they are fed, housed and cared for in general.
As a veterinarian who enjoys helping our smaller furry friends, especially rabbits,
I can say without a doubt that this statement is true. Too many times I see rabbits
brought in with health problems that were actually caused by their well- meaning,
but poorly informed owners.
Unfortunately, there is too much inaccurate information on the internet, at
pet stores or from others who have never learned the proper way to care for
rabbits. The most common mistake that is made is feeding an unsuitable diet,
which can easily lead to health problems such as overgrown teeth, obesity and
gastrointestinal disease.
The following list is a detailed description of what to feed your family rabbit to
ensure she has a well-balanced, satisfying diet and in turn a long and happy life!
Hay
The single most important part of a rabbit’s diet is Timothy hay. Rabbits are so
efficient at processing their food that they can easily survive on this hay alone,
although we enjoy supplementing with other food items for more balance and
variety. The biggest feeding error we see owners making with their rabbits is not
providing any (or not providing enough) Timothy hay. This hay should ALWAYS be
provided free-choice to rabbits — they should have access to it at all times and it
should comprise the majority of their diet. It can be offered in a trough hung from
the side of the cage (this keeps it up off of the floor where things can sometimes
get messy), inside of boxes, wicker baskets, paper towel rolls within the cage or
just piled in clumps around their habitat.
Rabbits were made for foraging — in the wild they would be spending hours
a day searching out nutritious food to eat, so they will appreciate as many
challenges that you can provide them by hiding their food in different places!
Timothy hay serves the very important purpose of helping to keep your rabbit’s
““If you don’t own a dog, at least one, there is not necessarily anything wrong with you,
but there may be something wrong with your life.” — Roger A. Caras
PET TALES • SPRING EDITION 2018 9
ever-growing teeth short and in good working order, as well as providing the
essential fiber that your rabbits’s gastrointestinal tract needs to keep moving!
Always make sure the hay is Timothy hay and not Alfalfa hay, which has too much
calcium for a rabbit’s system. So remember, hay, hay, HAY!
Pellets
The second biggest diet-related mistake we see being made with bunnies is not
providing them with the correct type and amount of pellets. Rabbits should only
be fed what we call a uniformly pelleted diet — one in which all of the food
pieces look exactly the same (usually small cylindrical pellets). Regrettably, there
are many mixed seed and pellet diets on the market for rabbits that look much
more interesting to the human eye (colorful and with lots of variety), but with
these diets your rabbit will almost certainly only pick out and eat the fatty, less
nutritious pieces. This results in an unbalanced diet that is too high in fat and
calories for our rabbits, and too low in that essential fiber. Justlike us, when given
the choice between wholesome food and junk food, a bunny will tend to go for
the bad stuff, which is unhealthy.
It is up to us to make sure they have those uniform pellets so they don’t have
the opportunity to eat only the “junk” food. While this may sound boring to us,
remember that it is our responsibility to take care of them properly (and there
will be plenty of opportunity to provide them with variety in the next section!).
A rabbit should only be fed between 1/8 and 1/4 cup of pellets a day, depending
on their size. Overfeeding pellets can lead to a lack of appetite for the essential
Timothy hay that rabbits so desperately need, and is almost ALWAYS the reason
for a rabbit not showing interest in their hay.
Vegetables and fruits
In addition to hay and pellets, all rabbits should be offered a variety of vegetables
and some fruit on a daily basis. Leafy greens are the best choice, as they are very
nutritious and provide for extra water intake. You can provide one packed cup of
fresh, washed greens for every two pounds of body weight per day. Examples
Continued on next page...
10 PET TALES • SPRING EDITION 2018
Continued from page 8...
cat seems to be nervous or uncomfortable at all, take a break and try again with
an easier task the next day.
Start out right at home
The best way to start a veterinary visit in a positive way is to help your cat feel safe
and calm before and on the way to the clinic. Getting into a crate and riding in a
car can be very stressful for a lot of cats, so it is best to decrease this stress well
before the day of your appointment.
You can start by keeping your cat carrier out in the open so that your cat becomes
accustomed to its presence. Counterconditioning and desensitization as described
above can help your cat learn to enjoy eating, playing and napping around and
eventually in the carrier.
You can also practice bringing your cat into the car for short periods of time
without even turning it on. Bring a favorite treat, toy or brush so that your cat
begins to associate being in the car with a fun bonding time. Next, you can
increase the difficulty by turning the car on, backing up a few feet, pulling out of
the driveway and driving around the block. Each of these separate steps should
be added at your cat’s pace and you should go back to an earlier step if your cat
becomes fearful at any time.
Your goal should be to be able to load your cat into the carrier, get into the car
and drive to the veterinary hospital without your cat ever showing any signs of
fear, anxiety or stress.
During the veterinary appointment
Once you arrive at your appointment, it is important to have a plan established
with the veterinary team as to how to make the visit go as smoothly as possible.
It is important to communicate with your veterinarian to decide what works
best for you, your cat and the veterinary team. Everyone can work together to
minimize the stress that your cat may feel in this new and different environment.
Medications and behavior supplements
Many cats that feel fearful or stressed during a veterinary visit benefit greatly
from supplements and medications that can help them to be calm and relaxed.
There are a wide variety of supplements available for cats that range from
calming treats to pheromone sprays. Although many of these products are
available commercially, your veterinarian is the best person to direct you to the
most beneficial options for you and your cat.
Medications can be given to some cats on a regular basis, while others benefit
from treatment only before a stressful event. If your cat shows any signs of fear,
anxiety or stress associated with vet visits, you should ask your veterinarian about
medications that could be given prior to an appointment in order to help your cat
feel comfortable throughout this process.
Conclusion
It is very common for cats to feel nervous or fearful about going to the veterinary
hospital, but there are many ways to help your cat adjust and even learn to enjoy
this experience. The ability for your cat to receive proper veterinary care is vital for
him or her to live a long and healthy life. By working with your veterinary team,
you and your cat can start to feel more relaxed and comfortable with trips to your
primary care veterinarian.
Originally from Dryden, New York, Dr. Marisa Quinlan completed her undergraduate
studies at the State University of New York at Geneseo with a bachelor’s degree in
biology and a minor in psychology. While at Geneseo, she graduated magna cum
laude and was a member of the TriBeta Honor Society. She received her doctorate of
veterinary medicine from the University of Prince Edward Island. Dr. Quinlan would
like to specialize in veterinary behavior and has earned silver level certification in
low stress handling.

Continued from page 9...
include romaine, escarole, red and green lettuce, herbs and dandelion greens and
flowers from outside.
You may also offer a total of one tablespoon per two pounds of body weight per
day of other types of veggies or fruit, such as carrots, squash, tomatoes, apples,
pears, peaches or berries.
Make sure to stay away from starchy foods such as corn, beans and potatoes
(which can cause stomach upset) and cereal products such as bread, crackers or
cookies (which will cause obesity and stool problems).
Unused veggies from your fridge, peels and vegetable tops from appropriate
foods are a welcome treat and need not be discarded.
In general, offering commercial treats such as “yogurt drops” is not recommended
as they are often full of sugar and lack nutrition.
Rabbits can be a wonderful choice of pet for your family. They are gentle creatures,
entertaining to observe and interact with, and are quite easy to care for (and there
really is nothing cuter than watching a bunny munching away at something he
loves!) All that is needed is the knowledge of their proper husbandry to provide
them with a healthy and fulfilling life in your home.
Dr. Sarah A. Gebbie is an associate veterinarian at Bayview Animal Hospital. She
has cared for pets as a general practitioner since 2006, previously working at both
Suburban Animal Hospital and East River Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Gebbie completed
her undergraduate education at the University of California, Los Angeles and
received her Bachelor’s Degree in Ecology, Behavior and Evolution, with a minor
in Classical Civilization. She went on to attend the University of Minnesota College
of Veterinary Medicine and was awarded her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in
2006. Soft tissue surgery is just one of her many professional interests. She also
enjoys working with small mammals and exotics, including rabbits, guinea pigs,
chinchillas, rats, mice, hamsters and gerbils.

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 PET TALES • SPRING EDITION 2018 11

essential oils
As essential oils are being used more every day for humans, some may ask about
AND YOUR PET
the impact they have or can have on their furry family members. I was introduced
to essential oils just over three years ago, when my wife and I were struggling to
find a safe way to manage her chronic pain. There were claims that essential oils
could help in more ways than just making us smell good. In our research, reading
the scientific literature and then through experimentation, we found that essential
oils helped not only manage pain but also helped with digestive issues, allergies,
alertness and calming.
As a veterinarian, I like to understand why things work or do not work and how
I can apply insights of human medicine into veterinary medicine. In our own use
of oils we discovered that lavender and cedarwood helped to calm our dog. This
is done by diluting the essential oils and applying them to our hands and then
rubbing them on her paws and behind her ears. We found that our dog loved to
lick oils off of us when we applied them to ourselves, which led me to look into
which oils are not safe for pets.
In my research, I have found that certain oils can be harmful or even deadly when
used on our pets, especially if not used in an appropriate manner. Be cautious with
these essential oils:
• Camphor • Cinnamon • Clove • Melaleuca/Tea Tree oil out that one drop of oil can be equivalent in
• Oregano • Thyme • Wintergreen potency to 26 bags of tea. Essential oils can
be very concentrated. The smaller the pet, the
These oils an cause upset stomach and skin irritation to difficulty breathing and more the essential oil needs to be diluted.
kidney disease if used inappropriately.
As with anything, do not always believe
It is also important to use oils from a trusted company. I choose to use a company what you read on Dr. Google or blogs. Instead
that has all of their oils sent out for independent testing by the FDA and states go to the research and trusted sources for
on the label that the oil is safe for oral ingestion. Purity is a common concern of information. This article is not designed to be
over-the-counter supplements and medicines that are often not regulated by the an instructional on how to use these essential
FDA such as essential oils. With my food allergies, if I get into something that I oils, but rather a suggestion that if you do use
am not supposed to, I ingest a handy a mixture of lavender, peppermint, lemon them, do so with caution.
and an orange/clove blend to settle my symptoms within minutes. Due to the ANDY YESTREBI, DVM
independent testing by the FDA, I know that these oils are what they claim to be Companion Animal Hospital
Dr. Andy Yestrebi is the veterinarian in charge
without impurities that could cause harm. Monroe Veterinary Associates at Companion Animal Hospital. Born and raised
in Rochester, NY, Dr. Yestrebi attended Medaille
Many people, myself included, diffuse essential oils for their effects. Dogs, cats and College where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Technology from in
especially birds are much more sensitive to aerosolized particles than humans. Even 2009. His veterinary education then took him to Canada, where he attended the
though you do not apply an essential oil to your pet, they are still receiving the University of Guelph and was awarded his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in
effects if they are in the same room as the diffuser. These effects can be helpful or 2013. Prior to joining the Companion Animal Hospital team, Dr. Yestrebi practiced
harmful. When using a diffuser, I never shut the door to the room I am in so that veterinary medicine in North Carolina at the Academy Animal Hospital of Laurinburg
my dog can leave if she wants. and Startown Veterinary Hospital. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical
When applying essential oils to my pets, I use oil to dilute them. Good options Association and has a number of professional interests including ultrasonography,
are coconut oil, olive oil or lotions that are approved for pets. Some studies point dentistry, radiology, surgery, behavior, acupuncture and physiotherapy.

How to Speak Cat:

A Guide to Decoding Cat Language
By Aline Alexander Newman and Gary Weitzman
We know cats are beautiful, secretive, and independent—but even the
most loyal cat owners are often baffled by their own pet’s behavior. With
veterinarian expert Dr. Gary Weitzman as guide, this fun book helps kids
understand what cats are trying to communicate by their body language and
behavior. So if you’ve ever wondered what Fluffy means when she’s purring or
moving her tail emphatically from left to right, this book is for you. It’s full of
insights, expert advice, and real-life cat scenarios, and showcases more than
30 poses, so you’ll soon learn what each meow and flick of the tail means.
$9.74 at shop.nationalgeographic.com.
12 PET TALES • SPRING EDITION 2018

The gift that lasts a lifetime

Rochester Hope for Pets invites you to take advantage of a wonderful opportunity to honor a
family member, pet, special occasion or significant event with a commemorative brick that will
be laid within the memorial garden located at the front north-east side of Veterinary Specialists
& Emergency Services.
By purchasing a personalized brick (available in two sizes and engraved using state-of-the-art
laser technology) you can honor your loved one for a lifetime. You may also display your business
or organization’s name as a way to show your support of Rochester Hope for Pets.
All proceeds from the Commemorative Brick Campaign and Memorial Garden go directly
into helping Rochester Hope for Pets continue its mission to improve the quality of life for
companion animals in the greater Rochester area. Through the award process, they offer financial
assistance toward veterinary care costs to pet owners during times of need. Through Duncan’s
Fund, they provide continuing education courses, and upgraded equipment and technology
for local veterinarians. They also partner with other local non-profits to improve the welfare of
animals in our community.

Email rochesterhopeforpets@gmail.com
or call (585) 271-2733 x189
to reserve your bricks today.
 PET TALES • SPRING EDITION 2018 13

saying goodbye
HELPING A CHILD DEAL WITH THE LOSS OF A PET
BY MELISSA ERIKSON | MORE CONTENT NOW

The joy of owning a pet goes hand in hand with the heartbreak of losing it. When a “It is clear from my research and reflection that children grieving for a pet are often
pet dies people often grieve as if losing a family member, but how that loss affects new to the experience of bereavement. They mostly spoke of learning about grief
children is “a largely ignored topic,” said Joshua J. Russell, assistant professor of and that grief is a temporally-bounded experience; that eventually they heal and
animal behavior, ecology and conservation at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York. feel better. That I think is important. We all need to learn that sadness, mourning
Russell conducted one-on-one interviews with children ages 6 to 13. His research and bereavement are temporary emotional responses and that the grieving process
examined how children understand the death of a pet and the ideas, feelings and is healthy and takes time,” Russell said.
responses they have when their pets die. Rushing into new pet relationships or bringing new pets into the home to help
Children “often see themselves as the center of their pets’ affections. They describe children cope may not be in their best interests, he said.
their pets as siblings or best friends with whom they have strong connections,” he “Likewise, some children actually spoke about getting new pets as disrespectful
said. Children, in particular, “have a distinct sense of existential fairness around to the pet that died. So, if I was giving advice it would be that children may tell
whether or not an animal lived until an appropriate age,” said Russell. their parents when they are ready to engage in a new relationship
“There was plenty that was surprising in my research, includ- and that together, you should allow yourselves to grieve and
ing children’s equating various moral/fairness elements move forward before bringing a new pet into the family,”
with the deaths of their pets. For example, there were Russell said.
mentions of ‘unfairness’ when pets died as a result of Learning and growing
an accident or when they hadn’t reached a reason- Children are capable of dealing with grief, said
able or expected age. On the other hand, children Russell, who found that “they spoke very wisely
were more comfortable with death or thought “We all need to learn that sadness,
about grief as a temporary experience that they
euthanasia was justified with pets that lived a mourning and bereavement are could handle and from which they could learn.
full life,” Russell said. temporary emotional responses and It is painful to see children grieve, but they are
Family and friends can help a child cope with the that the grieving process is healthy quite able to grow and develop through that pro-
loss of a pet through discussion and things like and takes time.” cess. Parents who tried to hide their own grief
“traditional funeral rituals like reading Scriptures — Joshua J. Russell, assistant professor often did so unsuccessfully.”
and making tombstones,” Russell said. of animal behavior, ecology and “I also think readers should know that children value
New pet? conservation at Canisius College animals’ lives and seek input on how families make deci-
The study also looked into whether a new pet would help sions about their non-human members. It is important and
lessen a child’s grief. How soon is too soon to move on to a new helps children maintain a lifelong commitment to treating non-
pet relationship? human animals ethically and with care,” he said.
14 PET TALES • SPRING EDITION 2018
Continued from page 7... (H7N2) during the outbreak in a New York shelter. However, this appears to be a
2. Avoid exposure to other sick animals, especially when there are outbreaks of rare case of transmission scenario. To date, transmission of influenza viruses from
reported respiratory diseases. dogs and cats to people have not been well established. We are more likely to get
one from another infected person than from a pet.
3. Seek veterinary attention immediately when your pets show signs of illness
and isolate them from others. Dr. Sangsoo (Daniel) Kim is originally from South Korea, but moved to Canada in
ninth grade and grew up in Toronto. He graduated from the University of Waterloo
4. Provide your pets with a proper husbandry, good nutrition and stress-free with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences. He then went on to the University
environment. of Guelph to earn his master’s degree in biomedical sciences and doctorate of
Can pets transmit the flu to humans? veterinary medicine. Dr. Kim’s professional interests include internal medicine,
No human infections with canine influenza have ever been reported, but there particularly endocrine and immune-mediated diseases.
was a recent case report about a veterinarian infected with avian influenza

Continued from page 5...
If your dog develops a cough it is recommended to schedule an appointment with
your veterinarian. Though kennel cough is one cause of coughing in dogs, there
are many other diseases/conditions that can bring on severe coughing that may
require different treatments/interventions. Your veterinarian can determine if the
cough requires any medications or further diagnostics.
Dr. Amanda Saldivia-Woo is originally from Toronto, Ontario. She graduated from
the University of Guelph with a bachelor’s degree in animal biology and was
awarded a research grant from the National Sciences and Engineering Research
Council (NSERC) for animal behavior and welfare research in 2013. She was also
awarded the undergraduate student citizenship award from the Canadian Institute
of Health Research (CIHR). She also received her doctorate of veterinary medicine
from the University of Guelph. Dr. Saldivia-Woo’s professional interests include
emergency and critical care, neurology, surgery and anesthesia.

Ask a Vet...
I think my daughter has a pet allergy, and one of my friends told however, much more willing to be bathed and easier to bathe than
me that there are hypoallergenic breeds. Would you please tell me the average cat. Bathing them does greatly cut down on the allergenic
more about that? chemicals on their skin.
Thanks for the question. Keep in mind that I’m not a physician, so I can only Interestingly, several studies have shown that one of the most effec-
speak on this subject from a veterinarian’s point of view. That being said, your tive ways to reduce the likelihood that a male cat will trigger an al-
friend is correct that there are certain breeds of pets that we usually consider lergy is to neuter him. Spaying a female cat does not have any effect
hypoallergenic. This mostly pertains to dogs. on her ability to trigger allergies.
Most people who are allergic to dogs are allergic to the dander, or dust-like I hope this helps in your decision-making process.
secretions, that their hair and skin constantly release into the environment.
Dogs that shed a lot produce much more dander, and conversely dogs that
don’t shed very much produce very little dander.
The dog breeds that don’t shed at all are all related to Poodles. It’s a relatively
short list consisting of Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, Maltese, Bichon Frise
and a few lesser-known breeds such as Coton de Tulear and Bolognese. Some
mixtures of these dogs such as Labradoodles or Goldendoodles may also have
Cat have
decreased or non-existent shedding, though this trait is highly variable from
one breeder to another and even among individuals from the same litter. you curious?
Though terriers are generally not considered to be truly hypoallergenic dogs,
some of the more wire-haired varieties hardly shed at all, making them easier
to tolerate than other breeds. Breeds such as Soft-Coated Wheaten, Kerry Blue,
Westies and Scottish Terriers all have the reputation for very low allergenicity.
Even breeds that are not on the list will be much less likely to cause a reaction
in an allergic individual if they are bathed regularly and thoroughly. Bathing
removes much of the accumulated dander and also the pollen, mold spores
and other environmental allergens that tend to accumulate in a dog’s coat and
then be released into your home or onto your hands or clothes when you in-
teract with them. Pooch have
Enough about dogs. Cats are a totally different story. Almost everyone who is
allergic to cats is either allergic to a certain protein they secrete from their skin
or to a certain chemical in their saliva. Of course, anyone who has ever lived
you puzzled?
with a cat knows that they typically spend all day licking themselves and in
doing so spread saliva all over their coat, so the net effect is the same.
Want answers to your questions?
Because all cats contain these chemicals in their skin and in their saliva there Email your questions to
is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat. Folks frequently ask me if hairless cats marketingmva@yahoo.com!
(known as Sphynx) are hypoallergenic and the answer is no. They secrete the
same chemicals that all cats do, even if they have little or no hair. They are,
 PET TALES • SPRING EDITION 2018 15

PetTales
Pe
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16 PET TALES • SPRING EDITION 2018

Offering the best care...

for your best friend.