The end of 2014 is quickly approaching and we’re all left wondering when the whole year flew by. We are also wondering what promises we’ll make ourselves for the new year. New Year’s resolutions are a time for us to reflect on the past year and come up with ways to better ourselves in the coming year. These resolutions come in a variety of forms for people across the world. But, have you ever thought about your pet’s thoughts for the future.

Is Sparky feeling a little heavy following all those holiday meals? Has Lucky been a little lazy the past couple months? And is Daisy needing to get out of that toxic relationship? We have a feeling that dog and cat resolutions may look more similar to our’s than we may have originally thought. Here are eight New Year’s resolutions your pet may have this year.

1. Lose Those Extra Ounces
The number one New Year’s resolution for people and animals alike is to get back in shape. Everyone has that goal weight in their mind, so now is the time to achieve it! Losing those last couple ounces is the hardest. In order to lose that extra weight, exercise is key. A dog park membership is a great way to find motivation to get back in shape. Your pup will have the opportunity to make friends while getting in shape. Maybe your local dog park has classes and exercise groups that will make this New Year’s resolution the easiest to keep on top of. If a dog park seems unfeasible, why not take up running with your canine companion. This new bonding activity will fulfill both of your New Year’s resolutions at once.

2. Get Out of That Terrible Relationship
Is your furry friend stuck in a relationship that is going nowhere? Do they get bullied by other dogs at the dog park. Perhaps the pretty dog next door they’ve been pining over just isn’t interested. A New Year’s resolution to get out of that dead-end relationship may be just the motivation they need to stand up for themselves as move on. It’s not always easy breaking up with your significant other or moving on, but if sometimes is it necessary to make advances in your personal life. A pup’s gotta do what a pup’s gotta do.

3. Find the Dream Job
Having a job you really love can make all the difference in your life. When you feel accomplished at work, you feel accomplished in life. Finding the dream job, however, isn’t always easy. Maybe your dog has always dreamed of using their talented nose for good. Is it time for them to find a job in search and rescue? Would your cat like to finally break into the pest control field? It takes perfecting your resume and acing the interview to land that dream job. Luckily, for most pups and kittens, their adorable face is all the material they need to land the position they were born to do.

4. Eat Healthier
A resolution that goes paw-in-paw with the goal of losing some weight and getting back into shape,eating healthier is an important goal to set in 2015. A bad diet can not only add to obesity in many animals, but to dental problems and other health issues. Our suggestion to those motivated furry friends out there: eat more fruits and veggies and cut back on the fatty foods. In no time you’ll see that your coat is more shiny and you’ll have more energy (to your parent’s dismay).

5. Go Back to School
Continuing your education is a nobel pursuit. It takes time and energy. If you are willing to put forth the effort, it can help make strides in your personal and professional life. Every dog and cat wants to learn more, whether they know it or not. Dog’s aren’t only interested in eating your homework, they often want to complete their own. Going back to school is a fantastic resolution to have for this new year. Perhaps they want to try their paw at an agility class, or finally buckle down and complete the old obedience school degree. If your furry friend follows through (doesn’t sleep through class) and gets their degree, their future will be bright!

6. See More of the World
Getting out and experiencing the world is not only exciting, but it can help you grow. Being immersed in other cultures and in uncomfortable situations will broaden your idea of the world, and hopefully, help you to become more grounded. Every animal should see new areas and aim to experience new things. Having a goal of seeing a new place each year is a great idea! So, dogs (and yes, even you cats) make it a point to travel somewhere. It doesn’t even have to be too far from your normal hangouts.

7. Spend More Time With Family
The most important part of any person or animal’s life is their family. We often get caught up in daily responsibilities and working to improve ourselves, as the previous resolutions indicate. Spending more tie with your family is a sure way to increase happiness in your life. No matter what your family looks or acts like, make extra time to do fun things together. You’ll appreciate this time when you look back.

When cats feel poorly, they stop eating. When they stop eating, they feel worse and are even less likely to eat. This is a vicious cycle that needs to be stopped as soon as possible if a cat is to heal.

The first step in the process is determining why a cat is no longer eating. Sometimes you can figure this out by remembering that most cats hate change. Anything different in the home could be responsible. Visitors, new pets, different foods, a new food bowl, an altered schedule, a different feeding location — you name it and it might be to blame. As much as is possible, return your cat’s diet and environment back to what is “normal” for him or her and see what happens.

If this doesn’t work or you are noticing other worrisome symptoms, it is time for a check-up with your veterinarian. Virtually every disease that cats can get has the potential to turn them off their food.

The fix may be straightforward. For example, a cat with dental disease will usually start eating again once doing so isn’t painful anymore. Sometimes, however, we need to encourage a cat to eat while we figure out what is wrong or wait for treatment to take effect.

While I have just said that cats hate change, it is possible to tempt them into trying something new so long as that something is darn near irresistible (from a cat’s point of view). Try buying a few types of canned food (pate-style, flaked, etc.) in different flavors. Place some on a small plate and warm it slightly. If your cat shows no interest, try adding a little fish oil, chicken broth, tuna juice, or cooked egg.

Check out this video for another idea. Those wiggling things are bonito flakes — thin shavings of tuna — that move when placed on top of warm, wet food. I think a cat would have to feel really awful not to be intrigued by that!

Make feeding time a social and pleasant experience. Take your cat to a quiet part of your home, ideally with a diffuser emitting feline facial hormone, a natural signal to cats that everything is “okay.” Try hand feeding him or put a small amount of pate-style food on your finger and touch it to his lips. Pet your cat and praise him. If your cat is willing, try dribbling a thin slurry of food into his mouth using a syringe. Do not force the issue, however. Force-feeding is stressful for cats and potentially dangerous for you.

If none of these tricks are successful, your veterinarian may prescribe an appetite stimulant (e.g., mirtazapine or cyproheptadine) or even recommend placement of a feeding tube. While owners sometimes balk at the thought of a feeding tube, most who have agreed to the procedure are thrilled with the results. Feeding tubes make giving cats all the food, water, and medications they need incredibly simple.

One of the biggest mistakes owners make is waiting too long to make a veterinary appointment for a cat that has stopped eating. The adverse effects of poor nutrition start within just a few days, and the longer you wait the harder it will be to get your cat eating again.

Known as the world's largest breed, the Irish Wolfhound is a strong and sturdy giant whose temperament is gentle and noble. The Irish Wolfhound makes an excellent addition to any family that can offer plenty of space to accommodate this breed's size.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
A large size is highly preferred in this breed. However, the dog should also have a graceful build, with an active and easy gait, while proudly keeping its head high. Resembling the rough-coated Greyhound, the Irish Wolfhound is the tallest sighthound with a strong build. The dog’s rough coat is effective in providing protection from cold and damp weather and even from the teeth of the opponents. The coat can also be wiry and long, under the jaw and over the eyes.

PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT
Although the hound is huge, it is very gentle, easygoing, and soft natured. The dog remains calm indoors and is sensitive, easygoing, patient, and lovable. This breed is very friendly with unknown people, gentle with pets, other dogs and children and is brave when required.

CARE
When it comes to the dog’s care, its coat requires to be combed or brushed two times in a week and at times it is a good idea to trim its stray hair. Dead hair needs to be stripped twice a year. The hound loves stretching its legs and long walks, thus daily exercise is a must. Indoors the dog requires a lot of good space to stretch its body on a soft surface. Lying frequently on hard areas can cause the development of calluses.

HEALTH
The Irish Wolfhound, which has a lifespan of five to seven years, may suffer from von Willebrand's Disease (vWD), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and megaesophagus. It is also prone to minor health problems like cardiomyopathy, canine hip dysplasia (CHD), osteosarcoma, and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run hip and cardiac exams on this breed of dog. In addition, Irish Wolfhounds are known to be suscetible to tail-tip injuries and do not tolerate barbiturate anesthesia.

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
The Irish Wolfhound was mentioned for the first time in Rome in 391 A.D. The dog gained a great deal of reputation for its ability to fight with wild animals during sports and also for its noble stature. It is said that big dogs were transported from Greece to Ireland by 1500 B.C. The dogs’ stature became more imposing in Ireland and they were offered as gifts to Rome. The breed was so famous in Ireland that many legends were spun about the dog’s bravery in chasing and battle.

In Irish the breed is known as Cu Faoil and there was a time when every big hound was referred to as Cu, which spoke of bravery. Irish chieftains regarded the breed as exceedingly good hunters of Irish elk and wolves. Pictures of these dogs date back to the 17th century, bearing much resemblance to modern day Irish Wolfhounds.

For better or for worse, the holidays often bring new pets into our households.Your addition may have been well-planned and thoughtfully implemented, which is always the recommended course. However, many new pets end up in our homes either as gifts or as our own impulsive purchases or adoptions.

While most veterinarians never recommend giving a pet as an unexpected (i.e., surprise) gift, it happens. And when it does, it often places a pet into a household where it may not be all that welcome. As a result, that pet often ends up surrendered to a shelter or rescue shortly after the holidays conclude.

Impulsive purchases are a bit different but the result is often the same. When the addition of a pet is unplanned, new pet owners may find themselves in a position where they are financially or physically unable to care for the new pet. Or they may simply have second thoughts about having the pet in the household.

Whatever the reason, the period immediately following the holidays unfortunately finds a lot of puppies, kittens, dogs, cats, and other pets being surrendered to shelters and rescues. For some shelters and rescues, this happens less frequently than for others. Shelters and rescues that screen adopters carefully and prohibit the adoption of a pet as a gift for someone else are probably less likely to see as many returns. However, not all shelters have the luxury of being so discerning.

What happens when a pet is returned to a shelter or surrendered to a rescue after the holidays? That animal, which may have already had time to begin to bond with its new family, is now placed back into a cage. He certainly does not understand what he did to deserve to be abandoned again. He does not understand that his "new people" did not plan adequately for him or never wanted him to begin with. For that animal, the situation becomes stressful, depressing, and frightening.

Can these animals be re-homed a second time? Yes, many of them will adjust to another home, which hopefully will be better prepared for the arrival of the new pet. Some of these animals may still need training, especially in the case of young or adolescent puppies, which may not have received adequate house training guidance and/or socialization in their previous, short-lived home. But they can still make good pets for someone willing to take the time.

Many of these pets will become loving and loyal companions. That is assuming, though, that a new home can be located. Unfortunately, that is often easier said than done, and too many pets end up meeting an unpleasant end when there are no new homes for them.

What is the moral of the story? If you did not adopt a pet this holiday season, hopefully you already know that the holidays are perhaps not the best time of year to adopt a new pet and, likewise, hopefully you will never make the mistake of adopting a pet you are not prepared to care for.

If you did adopt a pet, for yourself or for someone else, and now find yourself in a position where surrendering that pet is inevitable, accept that you made a serious mistake in judgment. Learn from that mistake and vow never to repeat it. After all, it is not really you that suffers for this transgression. It is the pet that pays the ultimate price!

he Worcester Telegram reported the death of Frank and Louie the cat (yes, the cat is “singular”) in North Grafton, Massachusetts, at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. The Tufts veterinarians diagnosed Frank and Louie with advanced cancer and he was humanely euthanized.

Why Did Frank and Louie Have Two Faces?
Frank and Louie was born with a congenital condition called Diprosopia, which technically means that he was a “two-faced conjoined twin (an incompletely separated conjoined twin). Louie lacked an esophagus, so the Frank side was responsible for all the eating and drinking and was the primary supporter of life.

According to Guinness World Records life sciences consultant Dr. Karl Shuker, “Cats such as Frank and Louie, born with two faces, suffer from a developmental abnormality known as diprosopia, in which the face widens and partially duplicates during embryogeny due to the excessive production of a specific protein called SHH.”

Frank and Louie attained quite the celebrity status in his time and was inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records in 2006 for being the longest surviving two-faced cat.

Two-faced cats are also known as Janus cats. Dr. Shuker reportedly coined the term Janus cat after the Roman god Janus, who is commonly portrayed as having two faces.

It’s notable that Frank and Louie was born alive, as most Diprosopus humans are stillborn. Also extraordinary is that he successfully thrived from a kitten into an adult cat, as many don’t make it past the first few hours or days of life.

Martha “Marty” Stevens was Frank and Louie’s owner; she became aware of him in 1999 during her employment as a veterinary nurse at Tufts when he was brought in for euthanasia back when he was just one day old. Although veterinarians warned Stevens of the likelihood that Frank and Louie wouldn’t survive longer than a few days, she persevered and “tube-fed him until he was 3 months old because I was afraid he wouldn't be able to eat.” 

Was Frank and Louie Able to Function Like a Normal Cat?
Yes, Frank and Louie was eventually able to eat and drink on his own, though only from the Frank side of the head. The Louie side lacked a mandible (lower jaw) and couldn't do the work of chewing and swallowing like Frank, so Louie had some of his teeth surgically removed. Being tube fed for three months is a long time for any cat, especially considering most kittens are only tube fed for the first few days to weeks, pending their ability to nurse from their mother (or a suitable surrogate) and to eventually consume solid foods.

Stevens reports Frank and Louie “grew up in a shoebox” and “went to work with me every day for the first three months of his life.” Diprosopus newborns are commonly born with cleft palate and other facial and jaw deformities that affect their ability to consume water and nutrients, which results in a failure to thrive. Tube feeding can help, but there exists the risk for potentially fatal problems like aspiration pneumonia associated with inhalation of food or liquid through the palate defect or by improper tube feeding.

Frank and Louie reportedly became friendly with his household companions, which included a dog, and even was tolerant of an opera-singing parrot. He enjoyed activity, including going outside for excursions and dexterously playing with toys, as seen in this Worcester Telegram YouTube video, Frank and Louie, two-faced cat.

Did Frank and Louie Face Health Challenges Throughout His Life?
Frank and Louie had two visual outer eyes and a non-functional (blind) inner eye, so there were three eyes shared by the two heads. Additionally, he had two mouths and two noses, but only one brain.

Frank and Louie also was neutered, as passing on his genes to a new generation of cats that could be born with similar defects isn’t a good ethical practice.

Yet, his development of cancer is an occurrence quite common to both cats and dogs these days. According to PetCancerAwareness.org:

• Cancer accounts for nearly 50% of all disease-related pet deaths each year (via The Veterinary Cancer Center)

• Dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans (via the American Veterinary Medical Association)

• Approximately 1 in 4 dogs develops a tumor of some kind during his lifetime (via theAmerican Veterinary Medical Association)

FIP is a viral disease of cats that can affect many systems of the body. It is a progressive disease and almost always fatal. It is found worldwide and affects not only domestic cats, but many wild ones as well, including cougars, bobcats, lynx, lions, and cheetahs.

What causes FIP?

FIP is caused by a virus. Cats can be infected with feline coronavirus (FCoV). There are two types of this virus which cannot be distinguished from each other in laboratory tests. One is avirulent (does not cause disease) or only mildly virulent and is called feline enteric coronavirus (FECV). Infection with this virus does not produce any signs other than maybe a very mild diarrhea. The other type is virulent (produces disease), is the cause of FIP, and is called feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). It is believed that FIP occurs when FECV mutates to FIPV in the cat and starts to replicate in the cat's cells. What causes this mutation is unknown.

How common is FCoV infection and the development of FIP in cats?

Studies have shown that approximately 25-40% of household cats, and up to 95% of cats in multi-cat households and catteries are or have been infected with FCoV. The development of fatal FIP occurs in 1 in 5000 cats in households with one or two cats. In multi-cat households and catteries 5% of cats die from FIP.

How is the virus transmitted?

Cat-to-cat contact and exposure to feces in litter boxes are the most common modes of infection.

FCoV can be found in the saliva and feces of infected cats. Therefore, cat-to-cat contact and exposure to feces in litter boxes are the most common modes of infection. Contaminated food or water dishes, bedding, and personal clothing may also serve as sources of infection.

FCoV may possibly be transmitted across the placenta. The significance of this is unknown.

FCoV can live in the environment 3-7 weeks. After 3 weeks, however, the number of virus particles present is probably too small to cause infection. Many disinfectants will kill the virus, including household bleach diluted 1:32 in water (1/2 cup of bleach per gallon of water).

How does the virus cause disease?

When a cat is exposed to FCoV, four things can happen, depending on a number of factors including age, health status, and strength of the cat's cellular immune system. The strain and dose of the virus can also influence the outcome.

Mammals' immune systems can be divided into two parts: the antibody-producing part, and the part in which cells kill invaders through direct contact or chemicals they produce. It is this second part of the immune system, the cellular immune system which plays a very important role in determining the result of exposure to FCoV.

1. If a cat's cellular immunity is very strong, the cat can usually fight off the infection.
   
   
2. If a cat's cellular immunity is moderately strong, the cat may be unable to kill all the virus, but is able to keep it in check. This results in a "latent" infection. If the cat is severely stressed or becomes ill from other diseases, the latent infection can be reactivated and the cat can develop FIP.
   
   
3. If a cat's cellular immunity is relatively weak, the virus continues to multiply slowly, FIPV becomes the predominant virus and FIP develops. In this form of disease, called "dry FIP" nodular lesions called granulomas slowly develop in one or multiple places in the body.
   
   
4. If the cellular immune system is very weak, the virus can multiply virtually uncontrolled. A "wet" form of FIP develops. In this form, large amounts of fluid accumulate in the chest and abdomen due to damage to blood vessels and subsequent leaking of fluid and protein into the surrounding tissues.
   
   

The damage to the body from FIPV is not so much due to the virus itself, but to the body's response to it. Complexes of FIPV and antibodies the cat produces against it are deposited on the walls of blood vessels. Macrophages, which are cells that eat cellular debris and foreign material, consume the virus and the virus replicates inside these cells. These macrophages are also deposited along blood vessels and in tissues. When they accumulate in large numbers they can form granulomas.

Which cats are more likely to develop FIP?

As you would imagine, the cats most likely to develop FIP are those with the weakest immune systems. This includes kittens, cats infected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and geriatric cats.

The largest number of FIP cases occurs in young cats. Kittens are often infected when they are 4 to 6 weeks old, when the antibody protection they received from their mothers through the milk is declining. Kittens usually start showing signs of FIP when they are between 3 months and 2 years of age. Most of the kittens with FIP die between 8 and 18 months of age.

When infections with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) were more common, infections with FeLV and FIPV were often seen together because FeLV suppressed the immune system. Now that FeLV is less common only 5% of cats with FIP are also infected with FeLV.

We rarely see FIP in cats between 3 and 10 years of age. However, starting at 10-12 years of age, the immune systems of these older cats apparently decline, making them more susceptible.

FIP has been shown to be more common in certain breeds and lines. It appears to be more common in Persians, for example. It is unclear whether these breeds are more susceptible because of their genetics or whether they are exposed to FCoV more often since many of them live or come from catteries.

What are the clinical signs of disease?

Although we separate FIP into 2 forms, wet and dry, there is really a gradient between the two forms, and we may often see signs of both forms.

Dry or Noneffusive Form: Dry FIP occurs in approximately ¼ of the cats with FIP. Generally, the signs of the dry form come on more slowly. Nonspecific signs such as chronic weight loss, fever, loss of appetite and lethargy appear. Other signs occur depending on which organs are damaged by the granulomas. Ten to twenty-five percent of cats will have neurological signs. When granulomas occur in the central nervous system we see paralysis, disorientation, loss of balance, tremors, convulsions, behavior changes and urinary incontinence. The liver and kidneys are often affected, and this is reflected in chemistry tests that evaluate these two organs. Granulomas can occur in the chest, as well. Sometimes the eye is the only organ affected. The pupil may appear irregular and the eye may appear discolored because of the inflammation that is present. Some cats with the dry form can live up to a year after first showing clinical signs.

Wet or Effusive Form: Early in the disease we can see similar signs to the dry form including weight loss, fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Anemia with resultant pale mucous membranes (e.g., gums) is often seen. Constipation and diarrhea can also occur. The wet form of the disease progresses rapidly and soon the cat may appear pot-bellied in appearance because of the fluid accumulation in the abdomen. Generally, the cat shows no signs of abdominal pain. Fluid may also accumulate in the chest causing respiratory difficulties. Most cats with the wet form of FIP die within 2 months of showing signs of disease.

What are the laboratory findings in FIP?

Chemistry Panels: Chemistry panels are used to assess the function of the liver and kidneys. If the kidney is involved, or the cat is dehydrated, we can see elevations in creatinine and BUN. These compounds are eliminated from the body by the kidneys. If they are elevated, the kidneys are not adequately filtering the blood. Liver enzymes including alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase are elevated when liver damage has occurred, and bilirubin will increase if the liver is not functioning normally.

One of the most common abnormalities is an increase in serum protein to levels over 7.8 g/dl. Most of the increase is caused by elevations in certain proteins called globulins (the other major serum protein is albumin). Spinal fluid also has an elevated protein level.

The abdominal fluid in cats with wet FIP is high in protein (5-12g/dl), yellow, viscous, froths when shaken, and may clot when exposed to air.

Complete Blood Count: A complete blood count may help to support a diagnosis of FIP. Many cats will have a mild to moderate anemia. Initially, the white blood cell count is low, but increases later in the disease. The increase is due to an increase in the type of white blood cells called neutrophils. These are scavenger-type cells. There is actually a decrease in the type of blood cells called lymphocytes. This can be important in determining the diagnosis.

FIP Testing: A test that detects antibody to FCoV is available. This test can NOT differentiate between FECV and FIPV. The test result is reported as a "titer." A titer of 1:100 means we still get a positive reaction after diluting the serum sample 1:100. It has been found that a high titer alone does not mean a cat has FIP. A high titer could mean:

• The cat was exposed to FCoV (either FECV or FIPV) and has eliminated the virus


• The cat was exposed to FCoV and is a carrier


• The cat was recently vaccinated against FIP


• The cat was exposed to FCoV and has developed FIP

A negative test could mean:

• The cat has not been exposed to FECV or FIPV


• The cat is infected with FIPV but is so early in the disease process antibody is not yet detectable


• The cat is infected with FIPV but can no longer make antibody


• The cat is infected with FIPV but all the antibody that is made is bound in complexes to FIPV and is not detected by the test


• The test was not sensitive enough to detect the antibody present

How is FIP diagnosed?

Because we can not rely totally on the antibody test for a diagnosis, we must combine the history, clinical signs, laboratory results, FCoV test result, and possibly radiographs to come to a "probable" diagnosis. The only way to be absolutely sure of an FIPV infection is to biopsy affected tissues and have them examined by a veterinary pathologist. As a result, most often the diagnosis is made after the cat has died, a postmortem examination has been performed and tissues have been examined.

In an attempt to try to make the best diagnosis we can while the cat is still alive, we can follow these criteria for a cat with clinical signs of FIP:

1. The cat has a low number of lymphocytes: 1.5x103 cells/µl.
2. The cat has a positive FCoV test result (titer > 1:160).
3. The cat has elevated globulins in his blood > 5.1 gm/dl.

If the cat meets all three criteria, the probability the cat has FIP is 88.9%. If the cat does NOT meet all three criteria, the probability the cat does NOT have FIP is 98.8%.

In those cats who have fluid in the thorax or abdomen that can be analyzed:

• If the gamma globulin fraction in the fluid is greater than 32%, the chances that the cat has FIP are almost 100%.


• If the albumin fraction is greater than 48% or the ratio of albumin to globulin is greater than 0.81, it is almost 100% certain that the cat does NOT have FIP.

From this discussion, you can see that a certain diagnosis of FIP is not made very easily. Remember, the "gold standard" for diagnosis of FIP is through microscopic examinations of biopsies (a procedure called histopathology).

How is FIP treated?

There is no cure for FIP.

There is no cure for FIP. A survivor of FIP is very rare. We can give the cat supportive care which will make her more comfortable and possibly extend her life for a short amount of time. Because the dry form of FIP progresses more slowly, cats with this form can sometimes live longer than those with the wet form. This is especially true if the eye is the only organ affected by granulomas. Cats who have an appetite, no neurological signs, and no anemia usually respond better to the supportive care.

Supportive care includes:

• Periodic draining of abdominal or thoracic (chest) fluid in those with the wet form. If the fluid is drained too often, the cat loses large amounts of protein which can exacerbate the condition.


• Fluid therapy


• Quality nutrition


• Antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections


• Blood transfusions in cases of severe anemia

Cats with FIP are often treated with prednisone at an immunosuppressive dose of 2-4 mg/kg daily to decrease the virus-antibody complexes in the blood vessels. In cats with eye involvement, ophthalmic solutions containing corticosteroids, and injections of steroids into the inner side of the eyelid (conjunctival sac) can be used.

Research is ongoing to find other immunosuppressive drugs that may slow down the course of the disease. Attempts are also being made to find antiviral drugs that will kill or slow down the replication of the virus.

How is FIP prevented and controlled?

Managing a Cattery or Multi-cat Household:

• Litter boxes should be kept clean and located away from food and water dishes. The litter should be cleaned of feces daily and totally removed at least once weekly when the box is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.


• Cats should be divided into families with 4-5 cats per group and kept separate from each other. These groups should also be divided according to age, with cats less than 4 months old separated from older cats.


• Newly acquired cats and any cats that are suspected of being infected should be separated from the other cats.


• Caretakers of the cats must use extreme care to make sure they are not bringing contaminated clothing, dishes, or other articles from one area to another. In general, kittens should be cared for first, and any suspect animals cared for last to minimize possible transmission to those most susceptible.


• Eliminating FeLV from all cats is important.


• Using the FIP test to identify potential carriers or immune animals is NOT possible.

Managing Litters:

• Pregnant and nursing queens should be kept separate from all other cats in the cattery (only one litter per room).


• If the queen is suspected of being a carrier, kittens should be weaned and removed from the queen at 4-6 weeks. They should also be kept separate from other cats in the cattery.


• Queens who repeatedly produce litters of kittens which eventually die of FIP should be removed from a breeding cattery.

Vaccination:

There is currently only one licensed FIP vaccine available. Primucell FIP, produced by Pfizer Animal Health, is a temperature-sensitive, modified-live virus vaccine that is given as an intranasal vaccine, and is licensed for use in cats at least 16 weeks of age. The vaccine appears to be safe; however, this vaccine has minimal if any effectiveness in preventing FIP, and it is not generally recommended by the American Association of Feline Practitioners Feline Vaccine Advisory Panel. Cat owners should consult their veterinarian to help them decide if their cat should be vaccinated.

Two years ago, ELISA Technologies, Inc., a laboratory in Florida, revealed alarming mislabeling of dog food after testing 21 dog food formulas for gluten and animal protein sources. The lab then compared their test results with the ingredient labels on the dog food packages, and learned that 10 of the 21 foods were mislabeled as follows:

• 8 formulas tested positive for an animal protein not listed on the ingredient label, with 2 foods containing undeclared beef or sheep, 5 containing pork, and 1 containing deer
• 2 foods labeled as containing venison tested negative for deer, but instead contained beef, sheep, or pork
• 2 foods labeled as containing “meat and bone meal” rather than a specific protein source tested positive instead for pork, but because pork can be considered meat, these formulas were not technically mislabeled
• 12 formulas listed no gluten source on the label and 5 were labeled either gluten-free or grain-free. However, 5 of the 12 – including 2 labeled gluten- or grain-free – contained gluten at greater than 80 ppm, a level much higher than the FDA’s limit of 20 ppm to qualify for labeling as gluten-free in human foods

More recently, another pet food labeling study was conducted by Chapman University in Orange, California. The results were published in August in the journal Food Control,1 and like the study results two years ago, raise serious concerns for all of us who depend on accurate ingredient listings on pet food labels.

Over 50 Dog and Cat Diets Were Examined for Evidence of ‘Food Fraud’According to Dr. Rosalee Hellberg, co-author of the Chapman University study:
"Although regulations exist for pet foods, increase in international trade and globalization of the food supply have amplified the potential for food fraud to occur.

"With the recent discovery of horsemeat in ground meat products sold for human consumption in several European countries, finding horsemeat in U.S. consumer food and pet food products is a concern, which is one of the reasons we wanted to do this study."2

The Chapman study tested 52 commercial dog and cat foods to determine what meat species were present, and any instances of mislabeling. For each product, DNA was extracted and tested for 8 types of meat: beef, goat, lamb, chicken, goose, turkey, pork, and horse.

Of the 52 Products Tested, 20 Were Mislabeled
A majority of the pet food tested by the researchers contained chicken, followed by pork, beef, turkey, and lamb, in that order. A few of the formulas contained goose; none contained horsemeat. Of the 52 products tested, 20 were “potentially” mislabeled, and one contained a non-specific meat ingredient that could not be verified.

Of the 20 mislabeled products, 13 were dog food and 7 were cat food. Of the 20, 16 contained meat species that were not listed on the product label, with pork being the most common unlisted ingredient. In three cases, one or two meat species were substituted for other meat species.

The Chapman University researchers concluded that while pet foods are regulated by both federal and state entities, it’s clear that mislabeling is occurring, though how it’s happening, and whether or not it’s intentional is unclear.

What to Do if You’re Concerned About Misleading Pet Food Labels
In the study two years ago, 48 percent of the dog food tested was mislabeled. In the more recent Chapman University study, 38 percent of tested pet foods were mislabeled. That’s a truly disturbing amount of mislabeled pet food, and even more frustrating is that neither study revealed the names or manufacturers of the mislabeled products.

If you’re concerned about the ingredients in your pet’s food – perhaps you have a dog or cat with allergies or who requires a novel protein diet to treat food sensitivities or bowel disease – you can try contacting the pet food manufacturer to ask how, and how often, they verify the authenticity of their ingredients.

A few questions to ask:

• Do you apply hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) procedures to avoid product adulteration and contamination?
• Do you require your ingredient suppliers to verify the source, type and species content of grains and meals, including results of any testing performed?
• Do you check the quality of new suppliers by carefully examining their products and testing them as necessary?
• Do you keep records of the receipt and use of each type of grain and meal?
• What measures are in place in your production facility to prevent ingredient confusion and cross-contamination? What other foods are manufactured in the facility that makes your pet food?
• Do you randomly test product ingredients to validate the accuracy of labeling?

Another option is to feed your dog or cat species-appropriate meals from your own kitchen with fresh ingredients you select. If you decide to give it a try, remember that balanced nutrition is of utmost importance when preparing homemade pet meals.

About 10 years ago, before there was a name for West Nile virus, the mysterious disease was killing large populations of geese in South Dakota. Searching for an effective remedy, a group of researchers at the University of North Dakota discovered that antibodies contained in the yolks of goose eggs could be purified and given to birds with the virus, curing them.

Soon afterwards, a company called Avianax was formed to test the treatment beyond geese. It turned out the goose antibodies had a beneficial effect against other diseases as well, including rabies, dengue fever, avian flu, and certain cancers.

Avianax decided to focus first on using the antibodies against parvovirus in puppies, and initial trials of the company's parvoONE treatment (about 50 puppies in 7 states) resulted in an astonishing cure rate of 90 percent in as little as two days.

Parvovirus Is Hard to Control and Costly to Treat
Canine parvovirus is difficult to control -- especially in a shelter environment -- and expensive to treat.

The virus is spread through animal waste and direct dog-to-dog contact. It is highly contagious and can live on surfaces for months. Some puppies die from the virus and others are euthanized because the antibiotics and other drugs needed to treat it can be too expensive – from $500 to $2,000 -- and take about a week to work.

Parvo causes similar symptoms in all infected puppies and dogs, including vomiting, severe and often bloody diarrhea, lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite. In dogs infected with the virus, dehydration is a constant concern and can occur very quickly as a result of the vomiting and diarrhea. This is especially dangerous in very young puppies.

Most deaths from parvo occur within 48 to 72 hours after the onset of symptoms, which is why immediate treatment is crucial for survival.

Affordable Cure to Parvovirus Could Be Available in Spring 2015
The USDA issued a conditional permit to Avianax for parvoONE field trials that took place through November in Missouri, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Texas, North Carolina, and Arizona.

Avianax chief operating officer Richard Glynn hopes to start selling the parvoONE antibody-based treatment for $75 a dose by next spring. "We went from being goose herders from South Dakota to an antibody company," Glynn said. "And we're not done yet."

Vaccinating Your Dog Against Parvo
Obviously, it's best to treat a parvovirus infection by preventing it from happening in the first place. Providing baseline protection (two correctly timed puppy vaccines) against the virus will in most cases provide your pet with lifetime immunity.

Ideally, knowing when maternal antibody wears off in puppies allows for a perfectly timed immunization protocol. Dr. Ron Schultz has found that measuring titers in pregnant females allows vets to pinpoint exactly when the first vaccine will yield the best immunologic response in puppies.

If this isn't possible, then the protocol I follow is to give a parvo/distemper shot before 11 weeks of age (9 weeks is ideal), and a booster at about 14 weeks. Two to four weeks after the second shot I titer to insure the puppy is successfully immunized against those diseases. This is a core vaccine protocol that provides the minimum number of vaccines to protect against life-threatening illnesses, without over-vaccinating. Remember, vaccinating before maternal antibodies wear off will be ineffective at protecting the puppy against disease.

Keep in mind that it takes 10 to 14 days after the vaccination for adequate protection to occur. So when puppies are very young (and not immunized), it's important to keep them away from potential sources of the virus (no visits to the woods, dog parks, or shelters). Also, a small percentage of dogs will be non-responders, probably including the Great Dane puppy Sasha in the video above, who had three vaccinations against parvo and still contracted the virus. This means they will not develop immunity and will be susceptible to parvo all their lives. This is important information for dog owners to have, which is another reason I titer after the second round of shots.

Hearing the news that your pet has been diagnosed with cancer can be both devastating and terrifying at the same time. It is natural to have many questions about exactly what the diagnosis means, what might happen to your pet as the cancer progresses, and what options you have for treating the disease.

One of the most common questions owners ask veterinarians when their pet is diagnosed with cancer is "What caused my pet’s cancer?" Unfortunately, this is a very difficult question to answer accurately, as in nearly all cases cancer is typically caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences, many of which may have occurred years before the diagnosis was made.

The fact that certain types of cancers occur more often in particular breeds of dogs and cats lends much evidence to the concept of a genetic cause for the disease. We do know that the genetic mutations that cause cancer can occur in the reproductive cells of male and female animals, and these mutations can be passed on to puppies and kittens, giving rise to a heritable predisposition to different types of tumors. Most cancers, however, arise from mutations that occur to genes during a dog’s or cat’s lifetime that were not present at birth. These mutations can result from internal factors, such as exposure to naturally occurring hormones, or external factors, such as environmental tobacco smoke, chemicals, or even sunlight.

In people we know that up to one-third of all tumors are related to environmental and lifestyle factors. In veterinary oncology, we have discovered that nutrition, hormones, viruses, and carcinogens such as smoke, pesticides, UV light, asbestos, waste incinerators, polluted sites, radioactive waste, and canned cat foods can increase the risk of cancer in pets.

Some examples of known causes of cancer in companion animals include:

Increased risk of mammary cancer in un-spayed female dogs and cats.

• Dogs spayed before experiencing their first heat cycle have a 0.5% chance of developing mammary cancer during their lifetime. This increases to 8% if they are spayed after they have experienced one heat cycle, and 26% if spayed after they have experienced two heat cycles.

• Cats spayed before six months of age are seven times less likely to develop mammary tumors than cats spayed after six months of age.

• It is thought that the hormones that are released during heat cycles cause mutations within the mammary tissue, leading to the development of tumors.

There is a possible association between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and development of oral cancer in cats.

• The hypothesis is that the carcinogens present in cigarette smoke will be passively deposited on the fur of the cats, and when cats groom themselves, they inadvertently ingest these particles, which can lead to tumor development within the oral cavity.

There is an association between Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and development of lymphoma in cats.

• FeLV and FIV are retroviruses that affect cats, and can cause a variety of clinical signs in infected animals. Many cats that test positive for either virus as kittens may not show any clinical signs for several years. These viruses are known to cause cancers in cats. Cats that test positive for FeLV are 60 times more likely to develop lymphoma than cats that test negative for this virus, and cats that are FIV positive are five times more likely to develop lymphoma. Cats that test positive for both viruses concurrently are 80 times more likely to develop lymphoma.

Studies have shown conflicting information regarding the risk of exposure to herbicides and/or pesticides and the development of cancer in pets. For example, some studies have shown an increased risk for the development of lymphoma, which is a cancer of white blood cells, while other studies have refuted the risk. Because the results are inconclusive its is generally recommend that owners should strive to minimize their pets’ exposure to these chemicals and discuss any concerns they may have with their primary care veterinarian.

It is important to remember that it is often difficult to prove "cause and effect" when it comes to cancer. This is true for even well designed research studies designed to look at those exact parameters, so one has to be careful when researching this topic and not over interpret the available information. There are so many potential interactions between genes and environment influences that could lead to the development of a tumor, and ultimately, we may never be able to know exactly what caused the cancer in the first place.

The "Westie" is known for its friendly, strong-willed personality and a remarkably bright white coat. It’s a real terrier with tons of courage, confidence, determination and loyalty packed into a tiny body.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The short-coupled, small, and compact body of the Westie allows it to fit into narrow passages like the dens of foxes. In such places, it is impossible for the dog to turn as well, though its short legs allow it to move. The dog’s sharp teeth and strong jaws help it attack foxes in closed areas. The tough double coat of the Westie, particularly the straight and hard outer coat around the head, can protect it from its opponent’s teeth, while its long tail helps it to be easily pulled from holes.

PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT
The West Highland White Terrier loves a daily run in a safe place or an on-leash walk and is fond of playing indoors. This independent dog with a stubborn streak has a tendency to dig and be vocal. The happy and inquisitive West Highland White Terrier is always busy and involved in something. At the same time, it is among the friendliest and most affectionate of terriers, but can be demanding. It does not behave in an amicable way with small animals.

CARE
The Westie should be allowed to sleep inside in everything except very mild weather. The wire coat of this terrier needs occasional combing every week, plus shaping once every three months. Clipping is preferred for shaping pets and stripping is meant for show dogs. It is not easy to keep the color of the coat white in all areas.

Even though the Westie loves the outdoors, it can also become a proper indoor dog if it is given regular exercise outside. A moderate or short on-leash walk or a good game outdoors every day can meet the dog’s exercise needs.

HEALTH
The Westie, which has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, may be prone to minor health problems like Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), copper toxicosis, patellar luxation, and cataract, and major problems such as Legg-Perthes Disease, Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO), globoid cell leukodystrophy, tremors, and skin disease. Deafness is also seen in the breed occasionally. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend hip, knee, and eye tests for the dog.

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
The West Highland White Terrier, as well as other Scottish terriers, share similar roots and the former is a very good hunter of fox, vermin, and badger. There was a time when the Skye, Cairn, Scottish, and Westie Terriers were regarded as one breed that had some diversity. Selective breeding using qualities like coat color or type may have developed distinct varieties, which could have been maintained in isolation in different areas of the Scottish mainland and some western islands.

In 1907, the West Highland White Terrier was popular for the first time as the Poltalloch Terrier living with Col. E.D. Malcolm, who had bred short-legged white terriers in the past. Over the years, different names like Cairn, Roseneath, Poltalloch, Little Skye, and White Scottish have been given to this breed.

In 1908, the American Kennel Club registered the breed for the first time as the Roseneath Terrier, but in 1909, the name was altered to West Highland White Terrier. The breed has established itself as a popular house dog and a competitive show dog ever since.