January 2006
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR PATIENTS AND THEIR GUARDIANS.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our clients for the great care they have given their pets and the commitment they have made to their companions health and happiness. At this time we must say "good bye" to our friend and co worker Carol Mullan who served at Woodside as a technician for over 10 years but who has decided to retire and move to Florida Also, Kelly Canini will be leaving us after 16 years of loyal service. We will certainly miss them both; we wish them well. On a more positive note, we welcome our new technician, Karen Dunham who just recently joined our staff after spending twenty years as a licensed animal technician in the armed forces. She is very excited about her new job and is committed to providing your pets the very best in veterinary care. Finally, we welcome back Michele Shelnic our part time receptionist of over 8 years. Michele slipped and broke her knee cap back in July of 05 but has sufficiently recovered and is back making appointments and welcoming you when you come in to the clinic.
MAKE A NEW YEARS RESOLUTION NOT TO TAKE YOUR PET'S GOOD HEALTh FOR GRANTED.
Keep a close eye on your pet. Examine your pet regularly and learn his or her normal anatomy and behavior. Observe the pet's normal eating and drinking behavior as well as their urinating and defecating. Watch them walk and run and notice how they get up after lying down and how they go up and down the stairs. Periodically, watch them breathe and notice their posture while standing still. We have a step by step weekly home exam chart for any one who would care to stop by and pick one up.
Please understand that chronic diseases like arthritis, gum disease, kidney disease, and cancer do not suddenly occur out of nowhere. Our pet's bodies have tremendous organ reserves which are slowly emptied by hidden sub clinical disease which has no outward signs. If we wait for our pets to appear sick before we get worried and take action we have dug a deep hole for our pets to climb out of before they are well again. Consequently, annual to semi annual blood, urine, and stool screening becomes extremely important in discovering clues that an organ is diseased. Of course, the best preventive medicine is to never let a problem get stared in the first place. Feeding a dog or cat a high quality meat based diet, to which digestive enzymes and a vitamin, mineral, essential fatty acids supplement has been added, is a good start.
SEVERE LAMENESS CAN BE LIFE THREATENING IN LARGE DOGS.
A sad and all too common scenario is for a large dog to be carried into the clinic because he or she can no longer walk. The dog may be healthy in all other respects but due to hip arthritis, atom knee ligament or a degenerative spinal cord problem he or she can not get up to go outside to the bathroom. Small dogs can he carried outside but large dogs cannot and this is where the problem becomes one of life and death. To avoid such a terrible scenario Dr. Simon recommends supplementing the diet of large middle aged dogs with anti oxidant vitamin, mineral, and enzyme supplements. He starts this supplementation before any lameness begins. If a lameness develops in spite of the antioxidant therapy, a glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM supplement is added to support the joint cartilage, joint capsule, and ligaments. When the joint is so painful that additional care is needed injectable supplements can be given. Acupuncture, chiropractic care, laser therapy, infra red therapy, pulsed magnetic therapy, prolotherapy, VOM spinal adjustments, or Erchonia cold Laser therapy can all be considered.
Keep in mind that it is much easier to keep a dog from developing a serious lameness than it is to rehabilitate the joint once it is severely diseased. Finally, keeping a dog's weight on the slender side will go along ways in reducing stress on the hips, knees and back and ultimately in preventing musculo- skeletal disease.
DR SIMON HAS BEEN HONORED BY BEING ASKED TO SERVE ON THE ADVISORY BOARD OF THE AMERICAN COUNCIL OF VETERINARY NUTRITION (ACVM).
The council is developing a manual to help teach other veterinarians how to practice nutritional therapy. He will write at least three articles for this manual and will probably be asked to give several lectures.
THE AMERICAN ANIMAL HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION IS NOW RECOMMENDING ROUTINE SEMI ANNUAL EXAMS FOR DOGS AND CATS OVER 7 YEARS OF AGE.
Because a dog or cats entire life cycle is approximately one seventh as long as our own, diseases develop much earlier and more quickly than they do with human beings. By having your senior pet examined every 6 months, rather than yearly, we may be able to catch a developing disease approximately 42 months sooner ( when converted to the human equivalent). Because rabbits, ferrets, and rodents age even faster, it is even more important to examine them twice yearly.
WATCH FOR OUR BRAND NEW UPDATED WEBSITE.
Within the next month Woodside will launch its new website which will be much more informative, maneuverable, and attractive than the old one. There will be a section which will have past articles Dr. Simon has written for the Mirror and Tribune and another section which will have past Woodside Animal Clinic newsletters. The new site will feature a picture album with unusual photos of our patients. We will also have a section with testimonials from our clients. General information on pet health care will be continually updated. There will be a section on conventional medicine and another on alternative medicine. So in approximately 1 month check out www.doc4pets.com. And please invite any of your friends who have animals to visit our site.
LEPTOSPIROSIS IS AN EMERGING CANINE DISEASE IN MICHIGAN AND CAN BE CONTRACTED BY HUMANS.
Leptospirosis is a very serious bacterial infection that damages primarily the liver and kidneys of dogs and humans. Dogs and humans contract the disease by coming in contact with the urine of an infected dog or wildlife. Therefore, I am recommending that dogs that frequent "dog parks" or those go into the woods and drink from stagnant puddles be vaccinated against this contagious disease.
WHAT LOOKS LIKE A FATTY TUMOR MAY NOT ALWAYS BE SO BENIGN.
Most dog owners know what a "lipoma" or "fatty" tumor is. They usually appear as ill defined soft bulges just under the skin that often grow rapidly and can become very unsightly. Unless they grow so large that they obstruct limb movement they usually cause few problems. Unfortunately, it is impossible to know for sure that what appears to be a lipoma really is one. In the past Dr. Simon has recommended aspirating these lipoma like lumps to see if they contained only fat or if cells were present. He now recommends at least a partial biopsy rather than an aspiration biopsy. He has changed his recommendation because a large mass which he had aspirated and declared to be a lipoma turned out to be a malignant myxosarcoma" when completely biopsied. Furthermore, pet owners should also be made aware that "mast cell tumors" closely resemble lipomas to the naked eye. Mast cell tumors are malignant and can only be identified with a biopsy.
IN ORDER TO STAY IN CLOSER COMMUNICATION WITH OUR CLIENTS WE ARE ASKING YOU TO PROVIDE US WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS.
Our plan is to send out e-mail newsletters several times a year rather than just once. With out your E-mail, this will be impossible,
NO MATTER HOW GOOD A FOOD YOU ARE FEEDING A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF SUPPLEMENTATION IS STILL NECESSARY.
Even if you are feeding your pet an organic raw meat and vegetable diet a certain amount of supplementation is strongly advised to make the meal more complete. We recommend you add our very potent digestive enzyme called "V1" which will help break down any grain in the diet and make nutrients more available and less allergenic. V1 is 40 times more effective than a pet store enzyme called Prozyme. A trace mineral supplement is also important because the soil on which our food supply is grown has become depleted of minerals due to poor farming practices. Finally, an omega 3 fatty acid supplement is important to counter balance the high level of omega 6 fatty acids found in our American food supply.
DR SIMON HAS RECENTLY TAKEN AN ADVANCED VETERINARY CHIROPRACTIC COURSE IN CALIFORNIA.
The course is called "Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation" (aka. as VOM) and was developed by a veterinarian, Dr. William Inman, The technique uses an electric instrument called a "veterinary adjuster" to test and adjust each vertebra segment It is a gentle and rapid technique which can do no harm and is very likely to do a lot of good. This same course also taught soft tissue manipulation using an instrument called the "Vetrostim" to treat such problems as myofascitis. Both techniques work through the stimulation of mechanoreceptor nerve endings which ultimately eliminates muscle spasms.
WOODSIDE HAS PURCHASED AN "ERCHONIA SOFT LASER".
This very unique, high tech. piece of equipment is a "therapeutic" laser not a "surgical cutting" laser. It is the first and only cold laser to receive certification from the FDA. It has been used to treat pain' paralysis, incontinence, seizures, degenerative spinal cord disease, and intervertebral disk disease to name just a few of its uses. Each treatment takes only a few minutes and is virtually pain free. It can be used to treat birds and exotics as well as dogs and cats.
WOODSIDE HAS CREATED A STRATEGIC DETOXIFICATION PROGRAM WHICH WILL MOVE OUR PATIENTS CLOSER TO OUR GOAL OF OPTIMAL HEALTH
We and our pets live in a polluted environment that makes it difficult for us to escape the toxins coming at us from the air we breath, the water we drink and the food we eat. Our home is the most polluted environment of all. To save on heating we have made our houses air tight and so there is little outside air exchange. Airborne toxin build up as they emanate from chemicals in our carpets, from non stick cooking utensils, computer printers, copy machines, and cleaning products. Unless we are eating organic food we are eating toxins all the time in the form of insecticides, fungicides, chemical preservatives, flavoring agents, artificial coloring, hormones, parasiticides, heavy metals and antibiotics to name just a few. Even the bottled water we may drink may have chemicals in it, some of which may leech out of the plastic bottles it comes in. Our liver, the major organ of detoxification, is not capable of keeping up with the pollution our environment is throwing at us and so these toxins continue to build up with in our body and our health and the health of our pets continues to slowly deteriorate. Because our pets live their lives close to the ground, the problems they face are even more multiplied. Because our commitment is to provide optimal health for our patients we believe it is important to address the issue of pollution with a strategic detoxification program that will be divided into three steps that change every 4 months. If you are interested in such a program for your pet, please ask our receptionist to set up a consult.
DR. SIMON IS STILL WRITING AND LECTURING.
Look for Dr. Simon's monthly pet health care column in the Mirror Newspaper. Also, if you know of a group that would like to hear Dr. Simon speak on Alternative Medicine please call the clinic to check on his availability.
REMEMBER TO START YOUR DOG AND CAT ON HEARTWORM MEDICATION NO LATER THAN MAY 1.
Of course, we could always be lucky and have a warm March but the chances of that happening are next to none. Remember, unlike with dogs, there is no medically effective treatment for a heartworm infested cat. Therefore, prevention is actually more important in cats than dogs even though the incidence of the disease in cats is much lower.
BE AWARE THAT MANY ADVERTIZED "LOOK ALIKE" FLEA MEDICATIONS ARE NOT THE REAL "ADVANTAGE".
It has been discovered that flea products advertised as the real thing are often counterfeits or European versions of Advantage.
FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL PET DENTAL MONTH
70% of dogs and cats over 4 years of age have gum disease. In addition to a painful mouth, gum disease can cause heart, lung, liver and kidney damage. To reduce the likelihood of your pet developing these problems a yearly professional teeth cleanings is highly recommended.
To help celebrate "National Pet Dental Month" and to encourage you to have your pet's teeth cleaned, we offer you
15% OFF A DENTAL PROPHYLAXIS
During the month of February
Please call 248 545 6630 for an appointment
During the month of February
Please call 248 545 6630 for an appointment
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January 2003
HAPPY NEW YEAR! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT'S ALREADY 2003? I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for giving me the opportunity to make a difference in you pet's health. I also want to commend you all for your unselfish commitment to provide your pet the best in veterinary care. On behalf of me and my staff, thank you all for being such wonderful pet owners. We promise to continue to provide you and your pet with the type of veterinary care you deserve and expect. We want you to know that we truly understand how much your pet means to you. We also want you to know that at Woodside Animal Clinic "The care we give is always more than medical!"
MICHIGAN STATE SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE RECOMMENDS THAT "HIGH RISK" DOGS BE VACCINATED AGAINST LEPTOSPIROSIS: Although veterinarians have been trying to reduce the number and frequency of vaccinations they are giving to their patients, MSU veterinary school is now recommending that dogs (not cats) that are in contact with the urine of a lot of other dogs or the urine of wildlife be vaccinated annually against a bacterial infection known as Leptospirosis. This recommendation is the result of an increased number of reported cases that serve as evidence that Lepto is an emerging problem. "Lepto" is a potentially fatal bacterial infection involving primarily the kidney and liver of dogs and wildlife. The most common symptoms are fever, weight lost, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, kidney and liver failure. It is a disease transferred from one animal to another through direct contact with infected urine. Standing water is an excellent reservoir in which the bacteria can survive. Not all animals which contract the disease get sick--- some become healthy carriers and spread the disease. Raccoons, skunks, and opossums are wild life carriers of Lepto. On rare occasions humans have contracted the disease from their pets. The most recent reported cases are from strains of the bacteria that have not been found in past years. Although Dr. Simon spoke of the Leptospirosis problem in his last newsletter he did not become seriously concerned until attending a recent seminar on Leptospirosis given by a professor from MSU veterinary school. As a result of that seminar Dr. Simon is now recommending that only those dogs at high risk (i.e. those that go to dog parks or frequent areas populated by raccoons, skunks, and opossums or regularly walk paths where lots of other dogs walk) get vaccinated against this disease. He is definitely not recommending that all dogs be vaccinated, just those that are at high risk. If you think your dog is in the high risk category and has not had a recent Leptospirosis vaccine please call us for an appointment
DETECTING EARLY EVIDENCE OF KIDNEY DEGENERATION IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS A DOG OWNER CAN DO. All too often veterinarians encounter the heartbreak of treating dogs with serious health problems and for whom time has run out. My challenge, as a veterinarian, is to detect disease in its early stage when the least damage has been done and when I have the greatest opportunity to either cure or, at least, slow down the disease process. Until just recently it was next to impossible for pet owner, or for that matter, their veterinarian, to discover early evidence of kidney disease. All the conventional blood and urine tests used to assess kidney health could not discover kidney damage until at least 70% of both kidneys were no longer functional. However, with the recent introduction of the "Heska micro albuminuria urine test", a relatively inexpensive method is now available for uncovering kidney damage at a much earlier stage. This innovative urine test detects very small increases in the amount of a protein fraction known as "albumin". A very small level of albumin in urine is known as "microalbuminuria". This is evidence of kidney glomerular damage. Persistent increased levels of albumin in the urine, detect dogs at risk of developing end stage kidney disease. These dogs may display absolutely no symptoms of a urinary tract problem. Microabuminuria "positive" dogs can be put on a special diet, on high levels of antioxidants, and on herbal or glandular supplements offering kidney support. Providing more frequent dental care and providing nutritional support for the gastro-intestinal tract will reduce inflammatory and infections diseases that can lead to additional kidney damage. Aggressive intravenous therapy during anesthesia would be highly recommended for dogs with elevated urine albumin levels. Dr. Simon recommends that middle aged dogs should have their urine micro albumin checked at least once yearly. Less than 1 t easpoon of urine is all that is needed for the test
WE ARE NOW ABLE TO RUN "IN HOUSE" DIAGNOSTIC BLOOD SCREENS ON BIRDS, RABBITS, FERRETS AND RODENTS. Because the Vetscan blood profile machine requires only minute amounts of blood to run a complete blood screen we are now able to run a 14 test blood panel on animals as small as cockatiel and gerbils.
UPGRADING OF ANESTHETIC MONITORING EQUIPMENT MAKES DENTAL, SURGICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC PROCEEDURES INCREASINGLY SAFER. At Woodside we are constantly looking for ways to reduce the risk inherent with any diagnostic, surgical or dental procedure that requires anesthesia. Consequently, we have just purchased a new "pulse oximeter" which not only measures the patients heart rate and blood oxygen levels but also the body temperature. The system allows us to set high and low alarm values which sound when the heart rate or blood oxygen levels move below safe values. We have also recently purchased a unique respiratory monitor which not only gives an audible sound with each breath but also allows us to hear the depth and duration of each breath.
FINALLY WE HAVE A RELATIVELY QUICK AND EASY WAY TO DETERMINE A PET'S BLOOD PRESSURE. A new computerized blood pressure instrument allow us to determine the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of dogs and cats. Elevated blood pressure measurements (hypertension) can be evidence of heart, blood vessel, kidney, eye, and brain vascular disease. Secondary causes of hypertension are hyperthyroidism, elevated adrenal gland activity, and diabetes. The use of drugs, nutrients, herbs, diuretics, low salt diets and exercise are the most common ways we treat hypertension. Because dogs and cats are usually more fearful and not as cooperative when at the clinic, obtaining a meaningful blood pressure reading is a bit more time consuming than with humans. In order to properly evaluate your pet's blood pressure we recommend starting to obtain base line normal reading when the pet is 6 years old. This base line reading will make it easier to detect true elevations that can indicate disease.
FRUCTOSAMINE TESTING MAY DETECT DIABETES BEFORE OWNERS ARE AWARE THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG. Because blood sugar tests vary drastically with the diet and time of measurement, the fructosamine blood test may be a better way of evaluating your pet's sugar metabolism. When blood sugar levels remain persistently elevated the excessive blood sugar tends to bind with protein in the body and form what is called "glycosylated protein". Glycosylation damages protein and leads to aging and chronic disease. The fructosamine test measures the amount of glycosylation which has taken place over the last 3 weeks. Elevated fructosamine levels can be lowered using various diets, herbs, nutrients in addition to insulin. Yearly fructosamine testing can help detect early problems with a pet's sugar metabolism. Through early detection we are able to take steps to lower the fructosamine thereby reducing the amount of glycosylation damage to cells and consequently help slow the accelerated aging that is so common with diabetics.
SENIOR DOGS AND CATS SHOULD HAVE THEIR EYES CHECKED YEARLY FOR GLAUCOMA. Glaucoma is a progressive degenerative disease which causes the pressure inside the eye to increase. Eventually this pressure rises to a point where it causes blindness. Glaucoma can be quite painful and is usually associated with an eye that is red and inflamed. Any time your pet's eye looks blood shot or appears painful you need to let Dr. Simon examine the eye and check the intra ocular pressure using a new "computerized tonometer" known as a "Tonopen". It is very important to catch Glaucoma soon after its onset so have your pet's "red eye" examined immediately. We recommend that pets over 7 years of age have their pet's eyes examined by tonometry once yearly. We will either detect Glaucoma early or get a normal base line value with which we can compare future testing.
HAVE YOU BEEN CONSIDERING CHANGING DOG OR CAT FOODS? --- WE RECOMMEND YOU TRY "PHD" The great majority of most dry pet foods sold at pet stores are "grain based" diets. Because dogs and cats are carnivores it is difficult for their digestive tract to break the grain protein into very small molecules. These large grain protein molecules are seen by the pet's immune system as "foreign" and therefore send white blood cell to enzymaticaly attacks them and breaks them down further. This daily immune system activation eventually damages the intestinal lining, stresses the liver and finally results in chronic organ disease. By feeding a "meat based" diet in conjunction with digestive enzymes we can prevent these chronic diseases from developing. PHD (Perfect Health Diet) provides a very fresh, all natural pet food which contains 43% meat on a dry matter basis. Most all other foods contain no more that 20% meat. Cats and dogs are carnivores and we need to feed them a meat based diet that is appropriate to their species. PHD is not available in grocery or pet stores but can be ordered and delivered to your home by calling (800) 743-1502. PHD is much fresher than most other foods because it is manufactured frequently in small amounts and therefore does not need to be stored for long periods in warehouses. Adding some rare meat and steamed raw vegetables to the PHD will further enhance its nutrition.
VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE CHANGING Leading veterinary schools and veterinary associations are now Recommending that vaccines be given less often than the manufacture recommends. They are also recommending that they not be given all at the same time. Furthermore, they recommend that veterinarians evaluate each pet's risk factor situation individually rather than making blanket vaccine policies and recommendation for all patient of a given species. Dr. Simon is very much in agreement with these recommendations and therefore will no longer be giving every vaccine every year. We will still send you yearly annual exam and vaccine reminders but not every vaccine will be given every year. For example a dog will receive a Parvo vaccine one year and a Distemper vaccine the next. Cats will be given their Distemper one year and Rhinotracheitis the next. We are also recommending that those pet owners who would like to vaccinate there pet even less often allow us to run a blood test which measures their pet's "protective antibody titer" and determine whether a vaccine need be given. If the antibody titer remains at a protective level then a booster is not necessary.
HEARTGUARD & FLEA PREVENTIVE MEDICATION WILL BE LESS EXPENSIVE THIS COMING YEAR. Both dogs and cats should be heartworm tested each year and high risk patients should be put on oral HeartGuard monthly preventive or given a semi annual injection of Proheart. Although cats are less likely than dogs to develop heartworm disease, if they do contract the disease from an infected mosquito they are much more likely to die. Therefore, veterinary cardiologist Dr. Bill Brown recommends that all cats be heartworm tested and put on HeartGuard preventive no later than May 15.
Don't be fooled by pet store flea products that attempt to imitate Advantage and Frontline professional monthly flea preventive. The only similarity is the type of dispensers they come in. Pet store look-a-like products are totally different medications which are much less effective and much more dangerous. Advantage, Frontline, and Program are the only professional monthly flea preventives to consider and they are all significantly less expensive than last year. Start flea and heartworm prevention when it becomes warm enough for fleas and mosquitoes to be out.
GOOD DENTAL HYGIENE IS SECOND ONLY TO GOOD NUTRITION IN PROVIDING YOUR PET WITH A LONGER HEALTHIER LIFE. Poor dental hygiene will results in gingivitis, periodontitis, gum infections, painful teeth, tooth loss, and bad breath. As bad as these problems seem they are minor when compared with kidney, liver, and heart disease which are often the eventual outcome of long term dental disease. If you can keep your pet's mouth healthy through regular home and professional dental care, you can prolong the life of your pet's liver and kidney and consequently provide you pet with a much longer comfortable life. We recommend your pet receive a thorough dental exam and teeth cleaning at least once yearly and that you apply "Maxigaurd Gel" daily to your pet's teeth. Because February has been designated National Pet Dental Month we will once again provide the following dental special.
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February 2002
FEBRUARY IS "NATIONAL PET DENTAL MONTH" and Woodside will help promote the message of preventive dental care by offering 15% off the routine dental prophylaxis fee. Although an annual dental prophylaxis will give your pet a nice smile and good smelling breath these are not the major reasons for having your pet's teeth cleaned. Tartar accumulating in your pet's mouth serves as a breeding ground for bacteria and their toxins which are then absorbed into the blood stream and cause progressive damage to the animal's liver, kidneys, heart and lungs. Through home dental care and annual professional teeth cleaning the accumulation of tartar is slowed and, consequently, the damage done to these vital organs is reduced. Next to good nutrition, routine dental care is the most important way to prolong your pet's life. For those reluctant to have their pet's teeth cleaned because of their concerns with the danger of general anesthesia let me point out that the pet is kept under very light anesthesia and that we now use both a respiratory monitor and an ECG (electrocardiogram) to monitor both lung and heart function. Pre-anesthesia blood monitoring helps us to detect hidden kidney and liver disease. Keep in mind that putting off having your pet's teeth cleaned will eventually result in severe, painful periodontal disease and eventually tooth extractions.
CONVENTIONAL WISDOM REGARDING THE FREQUENCY AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF VACCINATION IS BEING CHALLENGED. Conventional and alternative veterinarians alike are now questioning the need for yearly vaccinations and in fact they are concerned that too frequent boostering may fact have negative health ramifications in the form of immune system disease and possible tumor formation (1in 10,000). Consequently, there is a now a grass roots movement to recommend that vaccines be bustard every 3 years rather than every year providing the pets blood antibody levels are within a protective range. Furthermore, it has been recommended that, when possible killed virus vaccines be used and that the vaccines be spread out over a period of time rather than lumped together in one visit. Different sites of administration have been proposed for each vaccine. Not everyone is in agreement and the majority of veterinary schools still teach the old protocol. If you would prefer to have your pet's blood antibody measured before and possibly in place of giving a vaccine, please let us know.
HEARTWORM DISEASE IS NOW A SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUE FOR CATS AS WELL AS DOGS. Although the occurrence of Heartworm disease in dogs is much greater than in cats, if a cat does get this disease it is a more serious problem. There are three reasons why Heartworm disease in cats is more serious than dogs: First, a single Heartworm is all that is needed to kill a cat, whereas it can take 15 to 20 to kill a dog. Secondly, Heartworm disease in cats is more difficult to detect and, therefore, a diagnosis may not be made until the disease is in a more advanced stage. Finally, even if the disease in cats is detected early, unlike dogs, there are no drugs available that can be used to safely eliminate the adult worm from the cat's heart. Consequently, because there is no medical treatment for Heartworms in cats, prevention becomes that much more important. Because Heartworm disease is transmitted by the common mosquito, even inside cats are potential victims. Heartworm testing should be performed before the onset of the mosquito season so that a monthly Heartworm preventive can be started before the mosquitoes have a chance to bite. The Heska Lab reported that over 10% of all the cat Heartworm tests they performed were positive for Heartworm diseases.
ANTIOXIDANT THERAPY IS THE KEY TO A LONGER AND HEALTHIER LIFE. The "free radical theory of aging" states that with time our body becomes less capable of neutralizing "free radicals" which are toxic charged molecules generated from normal metabolic processes. The build up of these free radicals results in, damage to the cells which make up our vital organs. As progressive organ damage occurs reserves are depleted and signs of aging begin to show. In addition to playing a role in the normal aging, free radicals play a large part in the progression of disease. Whether the disease is allergic, inflammatory, toxic, traumatic, degenerative or neoplastic (cancer), free radicals are produced in much greater numbers The body's antioxidant defense system is unable to keep up and neutralize these free radicals they will produce progressive cellular damage to our body's tissue and result in abnormal Function. In order to support the body's natural antioxidant defenses we recommend that after a dog or cat turns 6 years of age, you supplement your pets diet with antioxidant enzymes and vitamins and minerals. If your pet becomes sick, supplementation with antioxidants is even more important. If you would like to give your pet antioxidant enzymes, call the clinic and ask about "Microhydrin" or "Gerizyme", the antioxidant supplements Dr. Simon is giving to his own 12 year old Bearded Collie.
STARTING THIS APRIL, KEEP YOUR PET FREE OF FLEAS WITH ONE OF 2 MONTHLY FLEA PREVENTIVES. You have a choice of giving your pet either a tablet or an externally applied solution that spreads to the whole body via the oil layer of the skin. We prefer the solution to the tablets because it does not enter the body.. To treat a flea contaminated premises a special carpet powder can be applied just one time and will prevent flea multiplication for one year. Start applying these monthly preventives whenever it gets warm enough for fleas and mosquitoes to be out.
INTRODUCING THE ANNUAL HEART, EYE, AND RECTAL CHECK-UP FOR THE MIDDLE AGED AND SENIOR PET. Just like their owners, as a pet ages the likelihood that certain degenerative diseases may occur increases. In order to detect the onset of these diseases in their very early stages we have begun an annual testing program for pets over 6 years of age. At this annual visit we will begin by dilating your pet's pupils and checking his or her eyes for cataracts, retinal changes, eye tumors, tear film changes, "dry eye", and glaucoma . We will next evaluate your pet's heart with a stethoscope exam and by performing an electrocardiogram (ECG). A rectal exam will then be performed to check for anal gland tumors, impacted anal glands and prostate enlargement in males. A drop of blood will be obtained in order to run a "sedimentation rate" which is a screening test for hidden inflammatory disease. Finally, your pet will be weighed and his or her "abdominal girth" will be measured in order detect abdominal distension which could be caused by a tumor, fluid accumulation, adrenal disease, or simply obesity. All dogs and cats 6 years and older will receive reminders for this annual evaluation which be scheduled 6 months after the pets annual vaccine exam.
DR. SIMON RECOMMENDS SUPPLEMENTING ANY COMMERCIAL PET FOOD DIET WITH POTENT DIGESTIVE ENZYMES. Most digestive enzyme supplements are a combination of protease, amylase, lipase, and cellulase, however, the concentration of these ingredients may very tremendously from one product to another. Digestive enzyme supplements not only help break down complex nutrients and make food more utilizable but they also help support the immune and anti-oxidant defense system. The most important reason to supplement your pets commercial diet is because such diets consist of over 80% grain and plant food and it is very hard for a carnivores, with no cellulase digestive enzyme to break this grain down.
VET MALL IS HERE. You are no doubt asking:: What the heck is Vet Mall?, so I will tell you. Vetmall.com is a new web site where pet owners can order, at very competitive prices, any pet related item they might find at any pet supply super store. The company that developed and runs this site is the W.A. Butler Company, which for over 40 years has provided supplies, drugs and equipment to veterinarians. Because W.A. Butler has always been committed to providing high quality goods and service I would recommend you check out the Vetmall website www.vetmall.com
ARE YOU TIRED OF FEELING SMALL SKIN WARTS WHEN YOU PET YOUR OLDER DOG. Even though skin warts are not a serious health concern, they are not a very nice thing to feel while petting your dog. Fortunately, these small benign tumors can be removed easily with cryosurgery, which does not require general anesthesia. Cryosurgery is performed as an outpatient procedure. No cutting is required and therefore there are no sutures for the dog to chew out.
HERE'S TO EWE By John Simon
Although most everyone knows that the first mammal ever to be cloned was a sheep named "Dolly, I have so far found no one else that has noticed the unlikely coincidence that of all the species which could have been picked for cloning scientists picked a female sheep, otherwise known as a "EWE", and that the word "EWE" is unerringly similar to "EVE" the name given to the biblical mother of the human race. If you consider that placing two "V" s side by side forms the letter "W" then the word "EWE" could also be written "EVVE". Furthermore, the word "EWE" spells "EWE" when read from right to left or left to right. In other words the word "EWE" contains with in itself, a double "EWE". It is also an unlikely coincidence that of all the possible animals that could have been picked, the "EWE" which contains within it a "W,"was chosen for cloning. A "W" of course, is a letter which is formed by placing 2 identical "U"s side by side (UU).thus forming a "double U" which, of course, is also what is formed when a "EWE" is cloned. Furthermore, it should not go unnoticed that the word "EWE" when flipped over forms the word "EME". Now it just so happens that the letter "m" in "EME" can be formed by placing 2 greek lambda signs next to each other (i.e. ^^ ) . In other words the letter "m" is formed by a double lambda (a double lamb) which, of course, is what is formed when a EWE is cloned. I must also point out that the word "EWE" and its flip side "EME " contain within themselves the word "WE" and "ME". Therefore, one might say that within every "EWE" there is both a "WE" and a "ME". One might also say that "EVE" gave rise to "WE" and "ME", and maybe even "EWE"
One final observation. Have you notice how close the name "Doll" (short for Dolly) is to the word "duel" and that the name Dolly contains two L s or another "double lambda."
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January 2000
HAPPY NEW YEAR! HAPPY NEW CENTURY!, HAPPY NEW MILLENIUM! We at Woodside Animal Clinic would like to wish all our patients and their owners the best of health during this coming year. As I am sure you all have notice change continues to come at us at an ever-increasing rate and veterinary medicine is certainly no exception to this rule. Throughout the rest of this newsletter we will be informing you about both the changes within the profession and changes unique to Woodside Animal Clinic.
NEW HOPE FOR OWNERS WITH CATS THAT HAVE BEEN SOILING THE HOUSE . There are many reasons why your cat may refuse to use the liter box and soil your house. Two of the most common causes are bladder disease and territorial boundary marking. The need for cats to mark their territory can be alleviated or greatly reduced with a preparation known as "Feliway". Feliway comes in a spray bottle consists of "pheromones" which are sprayed where the cat is most likely to urinate such as the outside walls and on protruding points of the furniture. The pheromones have a scent, which is reassuring to the cat and seems to reduce the cats need to establish a territory. Stress has also been implicated in house soiling. A new product called "Sress-away" comes as capsules containing g a mixture of mildly sedating herbs and specific amino acids. The supplement calms but does not cause drowsiness. Stress away is also great for car rides and trips to the vet. Switching cats from a grain based to a meat-based diet is very helpful. Adding some fiber to the diet is also advised. A routine yearly urinalysis is highly recommend for all cats to check for blood, crystals, and alkaline urine all of which can signal the onset of urinary tract disease.
DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE YOU ARE FEEDING YOUR PET A "MEAT BASED" DIET? You would never think of feeding a horse or cow meat so why are 99.9% of the dog and cat foods mostly grain (80% or more). The answer is obviously money. Most pet owner believe that if they buy a premium dog or cat food they are feeding a diet composed mainly of meat. The fact that chicken, beef, or lamb shows up as one of the first two items on the ingredients list misleads pet owner into assuming that the food consists mainly of meat. What most people including many veterinarians don't realize is that the meat, which goes into commercial dogs, is weighed in its wet state. It is this wet weight which is used to determine where the meat is placed on the ingredients list. Please understand that it takes 6 o of wet meat to produce 1 pound of dry meat meal. A growing number of holistically oriented veterinarians believe that these cereal based diets severely stress the carnivores gastro-intestinal tract resulting in damage to the lining of the intestinal tract known as "leaky gut syndrome" the cause of most of the chronic degenerative diseases they see. Dr. Simon is now recommending you feed your dog or cat a very fresh, all natural pet food called PHD (Perfect Health Diet) which contains more than twice as much meat (43%) as most other pet foods.
AN ANNUAL URINALYSIS GIVES US INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR PETS HEALTH NOT AVAILABLE FROM BLOOD. A complete urinalysis should be conducted during your pet's annual health check-up even if no signs of urinary tract disease are present. Including a urinalysis as a routine part of your pet's assessment will aid in the early detection and management of disease. Many pet owners may not be aware that their pets have a urinary tract disease until obvious signs occur. Consequently diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Signs of urinary tract disease include increased frequently of urination, increased thirst, house soiling, straining in the liter box, vomiting, and blood in the urine. Problem that involve the bladder, kidney, liver and diabetes can all be detected in the urine. . Although obtaining a urine sample is not always easy, it is well we worth the effort. Ask us about tricks that you can use to get a urine sample.
A NEW HOME MONITORING PRODUCT IS NOW AVAILABLE TO DETECT WHEN BLOOD IS PRESENT IN YOUR CAT"S URINE. For patients previously diagnosed with a "feline lower urinary tract disorders, FUS, or cystitis there is now an easy home method of measuring treatment efficacy and of detecting early reoccurence of the disease. Hemalert (by Purina) is mixed with the usual cat box filler and reacts with a distinct color change when a significant amount of blood is present in the urine. With Hemalert owners will have peace of mind knowing that they are closely monitoring their cat's condition. If your cat is prone to urinary obstruction, recurrent bladder infections, or idiopathic / interstitial cystitis then we recommend you ask us about Hemalert.
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