Tuesday, December 11, 2007
BLOOD PARASITE SCREENING
The staff at Veterinarian Associates Stonefield has taken another step
forward to assure the health of your pet. Every year we recommend testing
your dog for Heartworm disease which is caused by the common mosquito and
can be deadly if not caught in the early stages of the infection. Now we
are also testing for two more infectious agents that can harm your beloved
pet which are both caused by common ticks that live and thrive in our
region.
Borreliosis, also known as Lyme disease, is an organism (Borrelia
burgdorferi) carried by the very common deer tick (Ixodes dammini). This
tiny little organism can cause big problems in your dog. Lameness,
Anorexia, high fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and severe weight loss are some
of the clinical signs seen with this infection. Borrelia can also
infiltrate the kidneys, heart or neurological system. Kidney infection
with Borrelia is the second most common canine syndrome and is often fatal.
Although the topical flea and tick products widely available today help in
the prevention of ticks living on your pet they do not prevent the tick
from biting your pet (the tick will most likely die after the blood meal is
taken but the organism can be transported in that one tick bite). Now we
can test for Lyme disease in the same test we use for Heartworm screening!
Ehrlichiosis is the third disease we can now test for in one combined simple
test. This infection is caused by the organism Ehrlichia canis which is
transmitted by the common brown tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus).
Ehrlichia causes very similiar clinical signs as Lyme disease, however,
Ehrlichia causes a significant decrease in platelets (the blood cell that
helps slow down bleeding). Without sufficient amount of platelets the
body can not stop a bleeding incident. Ehrlichia also causes problems in
the bone marrow, which results in the inability to fight simple infections.
Now we can detect Ehrlichia early before these detrimental infections occur.
Therefore, when you bring your dog into Veterinarian Associates Stonefield
for a heartworm test, on your receipt you will see the phrase Blood Parasite
Screen reflecting the improved testing to keep your dog healthy.
Dr. Karen Lazas, DVM Veterinary Associates Stonefield
The staff at Veterinarian Associates Stonefield has taken another step
forward to assure the health of your pet. Every year we recommend testing
your dog for Heartworm disease which is caused by the common mosquito and
can be deadly if not caught in the early stages of the infection. Now we
are also testing for two more infectious agents that can harm your beloved
pet which are both caused by common ticks that live and thrive in our
region.
Borreliosis, also known as Lyme disease, is an organism (Borrelia
burgdorferi) carried by the very common deer tick (Ixodes dammini). This
tiny little organism can cause big problems in your dog. Lameness,
Anorexia, high fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and severe weight loss are some
of the clinical signs seen with this infection. Borrelia can also
infiltrate the kidneys, heart or neurological system. Kidney infection
with Borrelia is the second most common canine syndrome and is often fatal.
Although the topical flea and tick products widely available today help in
the prevention of ticks living on your pet they do not prevent the tick
from biting your pet (the tick will most likely die after the blood meal is
taken but the organism can be transported in that one tick bite). Now we
can test for Lyme disease in the same test we use for Heartworm screening!
Ehrlichiosis is the third disease we can now test for in one combined simple
test. This infection is caused by the organism Ehrlichia canis which is
transmitted by the common brown tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus).
Ehrlichia causes very similiar clinical signs as Lyme disease, however,
Ehrlichia causes a significant decrease in platelets (the blood cell that
helps slow down bleeding). Without sufficient amount of platelets the
body can not stop a bleeding incident. Ehrlichia also causes problems in
the bone marrow, which results in the inability to fight simple infections.
Now we can detect Ehrlichia early before these detrimental infections occur.
Therefore, when you bring your dog into Veterinarian Associates Stonefield
for a heartworm test, on your receipt you will see the phrase Blood Parasite
Screen reflecting the improved testing to keep your dog healthy.
Dr. Karen Lazas, DVM Veterinary Associates Stonefield
Friday, December 07, 2007
December 6, 2007
KEEP THE HOLIDAYS HAPPY!!
Happy holidays to all of us pet lover’s. This is a wonderful time of year not only to show our human loved ones how much we care but also to show our love to our pets.
Here we are only on December 6th and my wife has purchased new warm, holiday theme sweaters for 4 of our 10 dogs!
Just like human children our pet children must be protected from toys or other gifts we buy them. This of course is important twelve months a year, but we must be especially vigilant this time of year.
If the label says made in China, I do not care how cute the toy is do not buy it. Lead toxicity can be deadly and it can often build up over time. This is particularly hard to piece together sometimes. If i ask an owner if they have any “new” toys that is probably a bad question for me to ask, for it can be misleading. A pet can get a toy six months ago, responsible for the lead poisoning. This can be for several reasons; the pet ignored the new toy and decided to chew on it 3 months later. The lead containing pieces of the new toy are not present in the surfaces of the toy, thus the pet may only ingest lead once they have chewed the surface of the toy off reaching the lead containing parts months later.
Do not buy ceramic crocks for water and food bowls made in china or Mexico. Many times these ceramic items have lead incorporated in them at the time of firing in the kiln (oven).
Always watch out for toys to make sure your pet is not chewing off pieces of string or cloth. Another one is the plastic eyes on the head of the stuffed toys; remove these before you give them to your pet.
Strings!! String foreign bodies (anything your pet eats that is not food can be classified as a foreign body)) are particularly dangerous especially in cats and rabbits. Cats love to play with string. Some cat toys have toys with tons of strings hanging off for the cats to play with. String can cause signs like vomiting and diarrhea and often create a very dangerous condition called an intussception. These most often result a serious surgery to remove the string and repair the damaged section of intestine. Those string like aluminum colored icicles that you hang on your tree are favorites for cats. Do not hang them low enough for your cat to reach, or better yet just find another item to decorate your tree with. I will never forget a case about 15-18 years ago now where this cat had eaten a large handful of this stuff. Luckily the pet owner had identified this situation early and we did have to do surgery to remove the icicles from the stomach.
I say this was lucky for the icicles were all still in the stomach and no small intestinal damage had been done. Had this owner waited another 24-48 hours the surgery would have been much more serious.
Salt to melt ice and snow can be dangerous if ingested and the paws often become very inflamed. Actually what happens is the feet have sustained a chemical burn. This of course hurts and the pet licks the feet and ingest even more of the salt.
Antifreeze!!! Undoubtedly the most dangerous situation. If antifreeze is spilled or leaks out or your car and your pet ingest it, they will die of kidney failure unless specific steps are taken to prevent the damage to the kidneys. If you even suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze get him/her to a veterinarian right away.
Electric shock; we tend to have wires running all over the place this time of year. Puppies, kittens and most especially rabbits tend to chew on electric cords. The propensity of rabbits to chew electric cords is incredible. They can of course get enough of a shock to cause immediate heat failure. If they survive the shock you will often see black burn marks on the lips and gums.
Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) can occur, and may not be noticed by the owner until several days after the event. This can be treated successfully if recognized early enough.
Toxins toxins everywhere! Many of our decorations can contain other toxins besides lead. Some on the berries on table centerpieces can be toxic. The best way i can put this is do not allow your pet access to any of your holiday decorations, period.
I have mentioned but a few of the things we need to be aware of as dangerous to our pets. Please just be thoughtful as you buy and distribute new items in your home.
I must mention one metabolic disease common over the holidays. That is pancreatitis. This is much more common in the dog. Fatty meals can make a dog very sick due to ingesting too much fat. The problem is that during a daylong holiday dinner
Celebration at your home, there may be twenty people sneaking your dog a treat, instead of the normal number of humans in your house. So instead of getting treats from 2 people, they get treats from 20 people. The signs of this are vomiting, diarrhea and malaise (laying around, not feeling good). Pancreatitis can be life-threatening if not caught early and treated appropriately. Therefore ask your guests kindly not to feed snacks to your pet during holiday dinners or at any other time of year. Once your dog has had a documentable (bloodwork) pancreatitis they are much more likely to have future pancreatitis episodes.
Happy holidays, safe holidays, and blessed holidays to all of you and your pets.
Sammy Vaughn, DVM
Veterinary Associates-Stonefield
KEEP THE HOLIDAYS HAPPY!!
Happy holidays to all of us pet lover’s. This is a wonderful time of year not only to show our human loved ones how much we care but also to show our love to our pets.
Here we are only on December 6th and my wife has purchased new warm, holiday theme sweaters for 4 of our 10 dogs!
Just like human children our pet children must be protected from toys or other gifts we buy them. This of course is important twelve months a year, but we must be especially vigilant this time of year.
If the label says made in China, I do not care how cute the toy is do not buy it. Lead toxicity can be deadly and it can often build up over time. This is particularly hard to piece together sometimes. If i ask an owner if they have any “new” toys that is probably a bad question for me to ask, for it can be misleading. A pet can get a toy six months ago, responsible for the lead poisoning. This can be for several reasons; the pet ignored the new toy and decided to chew on it 3 months later. The lead containing pieces of the new toy are not present in the surfaces of the toy, thus the pet may only ingest lead once they have chewed the surface of the toy off reaching the lead containing parts months later.
Do not buy ceramic crocks for water and food bowls made in china or Mexico. Many times these ceramic items have lead incorporated in them at the time of firing in the kiln (oven).
Always watch out for toys to make sure your pet is not chewing off pieces of string or cloth. Another one is the plastic eyes on the head of the stuffed toys; remove these before you give them to your pet.
Strings!! String foreign bodies (anything your pet eats that is not food can be classified as a foreign body)) are particularly dangerous especially in cats and rabbits. Cats love to play with string. Some cat toys have toys with tons of strings hanging off for the cats to play with. String can cause signs like vomiting and diarrhea and often create a very dangerous condition called an intussception. These most often result a serious surgery to remove the string and repair the damaged section of intestine. Those string like aluminum colored icicles that you hang on your tree are favorites for cats. Do not hang them low enough for your cat to reach, or better yet just find another item to decorate your tree with. I will never forget a case about 15-18 years ago now where this cat had eaten a large handful of this stuff. Luckily the pet owner had identified this situation early and we did have to do surgery to remove the icicles from the stomach.
I say this was lucky for the icicles were all still in the stomach and no small intestinal damage had been done. Had this owner waited another 24-48 hours the surgery would have been much more serious.
Salt to melt ice and snow can be dangerous if ingested and the paws often become very inflamed. Actually what happens is the feet have sustained a chemical burn. This of course hurts and the pet licks the feet and ingest even more of the salt.
Antifreeze!!! Undoubtedly the most dangerous situation. If antifreeze is spilled or leaks out or your car and your pet ingest it, they will die of kidney failure unless specific steps are taken to prevent the damage to the kidneys. If you even suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze get him/her to a veterinarian right away.
Electric shock; we tend to have wires running all over the place this time of year. Puppies, kittens and most especially rabbits tend to chew on electric cords. The propensity of rabbits to chew electric cords is incredible. They can of course get enough of a shock to cause immediate heat failure. If they survive the shock you will often see black burn marks on the lips and gums.
Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) can occur, and may not be noticed by the owner until several days after the event. This can be treated successfully if recognized early enough.
Toxins toxins everywhere! Many of our decorations can contain other toxins besides lead. Some on the berries on table centerpieces can be toxic. The best way i can put this is do not allow your pet access to any of your holiday decorations, period.
I have mentioned but a few of the things we need to be aware of as dangerous to our pets. Please just be thoughtful as you buy and distribute new items in your home.
I must mention one metabolic disease common over the holidays. That is pancreatitis. This is much more common in the dog. Fatty meals can make a dog very sick due to ingesting too much fat. The problem is that during a daylong holiday dinner
Celebration at your home, there may be twenty people sneaking your dog a treat, instead of the normal number of humans in your house. So instead of getting treats from 2 people, they get treats from 20 people. The signs of this are vomiting, diarrhea and malaise (laying around, not feeling good). Pancreatitis can be life-threatening if not caught early and treated appropriately. Therefore ask your guests kindly not to feed snacks to your pet during holiday dinners or at any other time of year. Once your dog has had a documentable (bloodwork) pancreatitis they are much more likely to have future pancreatitis episodes.
Happy holidays, safe holidays, and blessed holidays to all of you and your pets.
Sammy Vaughn, DVM
Veterinary Associates-Stonefield
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
PRESS RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION David Kirkpatrick Phone: 847-285-6782
e-mail: dkirkpatrick@avma.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2006
Sugar Substitute May Be Dangerous to Dogs
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — If you think it's no big deal that your dog just ate some sugar-free gum or a cookie or two, think again. You may want to make an immediate trip to your veterinarian.
While veterinarians have suspected that the sugar substitute xylitol can make dogs sick, there is now further clinical evidence of an association between the product and possible liver failure in dogs. A clinical report appearing in the Oct. 1 Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) discusses the sometimes fatal conditions developed by dogs that have ingested xylitol. Xylitol, a sweetener found in many sugar-free chewing gums, candies, baked goods and toothpastes, is a naturally occurring ingredient that may have far-reaching negative health effects on dogs.
"Not all things that are natural are safe," said veterinary toxicologist Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, who along with veterinarian Eric K. Dunayer co-authored the report. "There are plenty of things in the environment that are toxic to pets."
While not all pets become ill after eating xylitol, Dr. Gwaltney-Brant said the public—and especially dog owners—needs to be aware of the potential dangers. She added that pet owners should make sure that products containing xylitol are kept away from dogs. If an owner suspects that their dog has eaten products containing xylitol, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.
"The potential for severe illness is very high," she said. "People don't think sugar-free gum can kill their dog. I didn't before I got into this. But this is something people should be aware of."
In the report, Drs. Dunayer and Gwaltney-Brant, staff members at the Animal Poison Control Center of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Urbana, Illinois, used the Control Center's data base to gather information on eight dogs that were treated between 2003 and 2005 after eating products containing xylitol. Each dog became ill, and while three of the dogs survived, five of the pets either died or had to be euthanized because of liver failure possibly stemming from xylitol ingestion.
Dr. Gwaltney-Brant said three additional dogs that ingested xylitol after the study was conducted either died or had to be euthanized after becoming ill. All three, Dr. Gwaltney-Brant said, had liver failure. Dr. Gwaltney-Brant described the potential negative xylitol effects on dogs as a "species difference." "People only absorb a certain percentage of xylitol," she said. "The human body doesn't even notice it. However, in dogs, xylitol triggers significant insulin release, which drops the blood sugar. It is definitely a species difference. People aren't in danger from sugar-free gum containing xylitol; dogs are."
The number of xylitol-related pet exposures is on the rise, according to Dr. Gwaltney-Brant, partly because of increased awareness, but more so because xylitol is being used in more products. The incidence of reported xylitol exposures climbed from 70 in 2004 to 170 in 2005. As of August, the Poison Control Center reported 114 cases of xylitol exposure this year.
"This is the tip of the iceberg now," she said. "Anything that is sugar-free could potentially have substituted xylitol for the original sweetener."
The extent of xylitol's potential effects on the liver are new—and certainly not good news—for dogs, their owners and veterinarians. "The fact that xylitol-containing products can cause problems in dogs is a relatively new find," Dr. Gwaltney-Brant said, explaining that the sweetener had already been tied to low blood sugar in dogs—but not liver failure. "Once you start looking at something, you see a lot more of it."
Some sugar-free chewing gums, Dr. Gwaltney-Brant said, are as much as 70 percent xylitol, depending on the brand and whether the product is used as a primary sweetener.
"A 22-pound dog who consumes 1 gram of xylitol should be treated," she said. "This can equate to 3 to 4 pieces of some gum products."
One dog in the study that had to be euthanized because of its condition had eaten four large, chocolate-frosted muffins that contained about 1 pound of xylitol. "They use it like sugar," Dr. Gwaltney-Brant said. "Baked goods can easily contain a large amount of xylitol."
There is no information on whether severe xylitol poisoning has occurred in cats, Dr. Gwaltney-Brant said.
"If we get exposures, we have blood sugar checked as a precaution," she said.
Dogs, however, are potentially at risk. And while further studies need to be conducted to definitively establish a cause-and-effect relationship between xylitol ingestion by dogs and liver damage and bleeding disorders, Dr. Gwaltney-Brant hopes the message gets out.
"Liver failure is one of our main concerns when dogs get into this," she said. "The low blood sugar we can deal with. But the liver damage, even with aggressive treatment, can make it difficult to save these animals."
For more information, a copy of the study, "Acute hepatic failure and coagulopathy associated with xylitol ingestion in eight dogs," or an interview with author Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, contact David Kirkpatrick at 847-285-6782.
###
The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 74,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. AVMA members are dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine including its relationship to public health and agriculture. Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal care and to access up-to-date information on the association's issues, policies and activities.
FOR MORE INFORMATION David Kirkpatrick Phone: 847-285-6782
e-mail: dkirkpatrick@avma.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2006
Sugar Substitute May Be Dangerous to Dogs
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — If you think it's no big deal that your dog just ate some sugar-free gum or a cookie or two, think again. You may want to make an immediate trip to your veterinarian.
While veterinarians have suspected that the sugar substitute xylitol can make dogs sick, there is now further clinical evidence of an association between the product and possible liver failure in dogs. A clinical report appearing in the Oct. 1 Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) discusses the sometimes fatal conditions developed by dogs that have ingested xylitol. Xylitol, a sweetener found in many sugar-free chewing gums, candies, baked goods and toothpastes, is a naturally occurring ingredient that may have far-reaching negative health effects on dogs.
"Not all things that are natural are safe," said veterinary toxicologist Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, who along with veterinarian Eric K. Dunayer co-authored the report. "There are plenty of things in the environment that are toxic to pets."
While not all pets become ill after eating xylitol, Dr. Gwaltney-Brant said the public—and especially dog owners—needs to be aware of the potential dangers. She added that pet owners should make sure that products containing xylitol are kept away from dogs. If an owner suspects that their dog has eaten products containing xylitol, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.
"The potential for severe illness is very high," she said. "People don't think sugar-free gum can kill their dog. I didn't before I got into this. But this is something people should be aware of."
In the report, Drs. Dunayer and Gwaltney-Brant, staff members at the Animal Poison Control Center of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Urbana, Illinois, used the Control Center's data base to gather information on eight dogs that were treated between 2003 and 2005 after eating products containing xylitol. Each dog became ill, and while three of the dogs survived, five of the pets either died or had to be euthanized because of liver failure possibly stemming from xylitol ingestion.
Dr. Gwaltney-Brant said three additional dogs that ingested xylitol after the study was conducted either died or had to be euthanized after becoming ill. All three, Dr. Gwaltney-Brant said, had liver failure. Dr. Gwaltney-Brant described the potential negative xylitol effects on dogs as a "species difference." "People only absorb a certain percentage of xylitol," she said. "The human body doesn't even notice it. However, in dogs, xylitol triggers significant insulin release, which drops the blood sugar. It is definitely a species difference. People aren't in danger from sugar-free gum containing xylitol; dogs are."
The number of xylitol-related pet exposures is on the rise, according to Dr. Gwaltney-Brant, partly because of increased awareness, but more so because xylitol is being used in more products. The incidence of reported xylitol exposures climbed from 70 in 2004 to 170 in 2005. As of August, the Poison Control Center reported 114 cases of xylitol exposure this year.
"This is the tip of the iceberg now," she said. "Anything that is sugar-free could potentially have substituted xylitol for the original sweetener."
The extent of xylitol's potential effects on the liver are new—and certainly not good news—for dogs, their owners and veterinarians. "The fact that xylitol-containing products can cause problems in dogs is a relatively new find," Dr. Gwaltney-Brant said, explaining that the sweetener had already been tied to low blood sugar in dogs—but not liver failure. "Once you start looking at something, you see a lot more of it."
Some sugar-free chewing gums, Dr. Gwaltney-Brant said, are as much as 70 percent xylitol, depending on the brand and whether the product is used as a primary sweetener.
"A 22-pound dog who consumes 1 gram of xylitol should be treated," she said. "This can equate to 3 to 4 pieces of some gum products."
One dog in the study that had to be euthanized because of its condition had eaten four large, chocolate-frosted muffins that contained about 1 pound of xylitol. "They use it like sugar," Dr. Gwaltney-Brant said. "Baked goods can easily contain a large amount of xylitol."
There is no information on whether severe xylitol poisoning has occurred in cats, Dr. Gwaltney-Brant said.
"If we get exposures, we have blood sugar checked as a precaution," she said.
Dogs, however, are potentially at risk. And while further studies need to be conducted to definitively establish a cause-and-effect relationship between xylitol ingestion by dogs and liver damage and bleeding disorders, Dr. Gwaltney-Brant hopes the message gets out.
"Liver failure is one of our main concerns when dogs get into this," she said. "The low blood sugar we can deal with. But the liver damage, even with aggressive treatment, can make it difficult to save these animals."
For more information, a copy of the study, "Acute hepatic failure and coagulopathy associated with xylitol ingestion in eight dogs," or an interview with author Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, contact David Kirkpatrick at 847-285-6782.
###
The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 74,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. AVMA members are dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine including its relationship to public health and agriculture. Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal care and to access up-to-date information on the association's issues, policies and activities.
HALLOWEEN CAT NEUTER PARTY!!
On October 28th, Dr. Sam and Mrs. Kelly Vaughn donated their time and expertise to a Free Male Cat Neuter Day in Oldham County. There are many groups of dedicated individuals who contribute to programs such as these.
Woodstock Animal Foundation and the Humane Society of Oldham County are just a few of the folks who are concerned pet lovers who prefer to take action to prevent pet overpopulation.
The night before Neuter Day we had 167 cats signed up to be neutered. Of those registered, 150 arrived for surgery and were sterilized. Dr. Laurelee Rubsch, Dr. Teresa Gregory, Dr. Brad Keough and Dr. Sam Vaughn were anxious to begin this special day by preventing hundreds of spring litters.
These concerned veterinarians all helped by giving their time free of charge to prevent the needless starvation, disease and predation that occurs when homeless kittens hit the ground every spring.
Just a drop in the bucket in the big scheme of things, but all of us at Stonefield are proud that we are a part of helping animals, not only in our hospital but in the entire community as well.
If you are interested in donating or volunteering some of your special talents, please contact the Humane Society of Oldham County at 502-222-7537. This is an all-volunteer 501c3 organization that provides public assistance for residents who cannot afford veterinary care for their pets. Because the HSOC cares for several colonies of feral cats, donations of cat food are always welcome.
Sammy
On October 28th, Dr. Sam and Mrs. Kelly Vaughn donated their time and expertise to a Free Male Cat Neuter Day in Oldham County. There are many groups of dedicated individuals who contribute to programs such as these.
Woodstock Animal Foundation and the Humane Society of Oldham County are just a few of the folks who are concerned pet lovers who prefer to take action to prevent pet overpopulation.
The night before Neuter Day we had 167 cats signed up to be neutered. Of those registered, 150 arrived for surgery and were sterilized. Dr. Laurelee Rubsch, Dr. Teresa Gregory, Dr. Brad Keough and Dr. Sam Vaughn were anxious to begin this special day by preventing hundreds of spring litters.
These concerned veterinarians all helped by giving their time free of charge to prevent the needless starvation, disease and predation that occurs when homeless kittens hit the ground every spring.
Just a drop in the bucket in the big scheme of things, but all of us at Stonefield are proud that we are a part of helping animals, not only in our hospital but in the entire community as well.
If you are interested in donating or volunteering some of your special talents, please contact the Humane Society of Oldham County at 502-222-7537. This is an all-volunteer 501c3 organization that provides public assistance for residents who cannot afford veterinary care for their pets. Because the HSOC cares for several colonies of feral cats, donations of cat food are always welcome.
Sammy
Friday, January 20, 2006
God Story, about a nice human and a miracle hawk.
Yesterday a man called my practice frantic about a hawk who had just flown into the grill on the front of his car while he was driving on the interstate, down I-65 I believe. Hawks and falcons love to hunt those areas of medians and sides of the interstates as they are relatively devoid of trees (obstructions) and thus a relatively easy pllace for a meal of a mouse or other small prey.
This was what this hawk (Cooper’s) was dong when he miscalculated and struck the car. The man was frantic, somehow he got my name as the local bird freak and called wondering what it would cost to have the bird seen and returned to a state of health. He was obviously feeling guilty for having hit the hawk although it was truly not his fault, this happens all the time.
I told my staff to get the guy off the phone, and get the bird to me before he died of shock or worse, I could not believe he was not severely injured by broken bones and other such injuries. He asked again about the money, and if you know me at all, you know I then blew up and asked him to shut up about the money, I would cover the costs and get the bird to a proper rehab center, IF I could save him. Well the gentleman got over my rudeness and in about 20 minutes I was told the car with hawk in tow was in the parking lot. I walked out with a towel in hand,(my favorite bird catching tool, and extricated the hawk from the grill of the car. To my disbelief there was no bleeding the bird was simply scared darn near featherless and stuck, rather tightly between the plastic bars of the grille, I saw the UPS man pull up, his name is Shawn and I called him over to help me, he manipulated the plastic apart so I could get the bird out,
I treated the bird for shock with 3 injections and placed him in an incubator with heat and oxygen first rule of medicine, DO NO HARM!. After I was convinced the bird was no longer in shock I performed a routine rather detailed physical exam. I only found a little scrape on the birds left elbow. I performed radiographs and found no broken bones or injuries whatsoever. I treated this little guy for parasites and put him back in the incubator, He was fine!! Unbelievable. I called my friends the Hardy Lake Raptor Rehab Center in Indiana and they came and got him and plan to release him back to the wild soon!
So all I know is that a compassionate Good Samaritan, and a compassionate UPS employee saved a bird’s life who had been in a fight with a 1,500 lb automobile.
That is why I call this a GOD story.
Sam Vaughn
Yesterday a man called my practice frantic about a hawk who had just flown into the grill on the front of his car while he was driving on the interstate, down I-65 I believe. Hawks and falcons love to hunt those areas of medians and sides of the interstates as they are relatively devoid of trees (obstructions) and thus a relatively easy pllace for a meal of a mouse or other small prey.
This was what this hawk (Cooper’s) was dong when he miscalculated and struck the car. The man was frantic, somehow he got my name as the local bird freak and called wondering what it would cost to have the bird seen and returned to a state of health. He was obviously feeling guilty for having hit the hawk although it was truly not his fault, this happens all the time.
I told my staff to get the guy off the phone, and get the bird to me before he died of shock or worse, I could not believe he was not severely injured by broken bones and other such injuries. He asked again about the money, and if you know me at all, you know I then blew up and asked him to shut up about the money, I would cover the costs and get the bird to a proper rehab center, IF I could save him. Well the gentleman got over my rudeness and in about 20 minutes I was told the car with hawk in tow was in the parking lot. I walked out with a towel in hand,(my favorite bird catching tool, and extricated the hawk from the grill of the car. To my disbelief there was no bleeding the bird was simply scared darn near featherless and stuck, rather tightly between the plastic bars of the grille, I saw the UPS man pull up, his name is Shawn and I called him over to help me, he manipulated the plastic apart so I could get the bird out,
I treated the bird for shock with 3 injections and placed him in an incubator with heat and oxygen first rule of medicine, DO NO HARM!. After I was convinced the bird was no longer in shock I performed a routine rather detailed physical exam. I only found a little scrape on the birds left elbow. I performed radiographs and found no broken bones or injuries whatsoever. I treated this little guy for parasites and put him back in the incubator, He was fine!! Unbelievable. I called my friends the Hardy Lake Raptor Rehab Center in Indiana and they came and got him and plan to release him back to the wild soon!
So all I know is that a compassionate Good Samaritan, and a compassionate UPS employee saved a bird’s life who had been in a fight with a 1,500 lb automobile.
That is why I call this a GOD story.
Sam Vaughn
Friday, November 18, 2005
Converting Birds from seed to Pellet - an owners story!
Dear Dr. Karen Lazas:
My husband and I had our cockatiel, Baby in to see a couple months ago. At that time it was recommended that we try to convert Baby to a pellet diet. Baby from the very beginning would eat a few pellets, but would not eat them in her cage or truly convert to the point that we felt it safe not to include seed, which obviously Baby preferred.
The purpose of this email is to tell you how we manage the conversion, that perhaps would help other people who are trying to do the same.
One day while eating corn flakes I noticed Baby's interest in them. I offered her one dry flake which she/he loved. I eat the healthiest low/no salt flakes I can purchase. From that day forward a flake was Baby's treat. We would offer her one or two a day. Each day we would work with her/him in attempts to convert to pellets.
I don't know if you will find this to be useful information. I know it worked for Baby.
While sitting with Baby and the pellets one day I got an idea. I took a corn flake crumbled it up as fine as I could and sprinkled that over Baby's pellets. Baby immediately chowed down on the pellets. We are now at the point where she prefers pellets over seeds and we no longer crumble a flake over the pellets. We did a little test yesterday with Baby, putting a small pile of pellets on the play pen and next to it a small pile of seed. She ignored the seed and ate nearly all of the pellets! That is now her preferred diet.
We also give her plenty of fresh veggies on a daily basis. Haven't found one yet that she doesn't like! Though I believe her favorites are broccoli and celery leaves...
..I would like to take this opportunity to thank you once again for taking such wonderful care of Baby. We are doing our best to do all that you suggested.
Sincerely,
Linda Preston-Urekew
Note: This is a client’s personal experience and not necessarily Drs. Vaughn and Lazas's advice. Please consult your veterinarian before converting your bird to pellets from seed.
Dear Dr. Karen Lazas:
My husband and I had our cockatiel, Baby in to see a couple months ago. At that time it was recommended that we try to convert Baby to a pellet diet. Baby from the very beginning would eat a few pellets, but would not eat them in her cage or truly convert to the point that we felt it safe not to include seed, which obviously Baby preferred.
The purpose of this email is to tell you how we manage the conversion, that perhaps would help other people who are trying to do the same.
One day while eating corn flakes I noticed Baby's interest in them. I offered her one dry flake which she/he loved. I eat the healthiest low/no salt flakes I can purchase. From that day forward a flake was Baby's treat. We would offer her one or two a day. Each day we would work with her/him in attempts to convert to pellets.
I don't know if you will find this to be useful information. I know it worked for Baby.
While sitting with Baby and the pellets one day I got an idea. I took a corn flake crumbled it up as fine as I could and sprinkled that over Baby's pellets. Baby immediately chowed down on the pellets. We are now at the point where she prefers pellets over seeds and we no longer crumble a flake over the pellets. We did a little test yesterday with Baby, putting a small pile of pellets on the play pen and next to it a small pile of seed. She ignored the seed and ate nearly all of the pellets! That is now her preferred diet.
We also give her plenty of fresh veggies on a daily basis. Haven't found one yet that she doesn't like! Though I believe her favorites are broccoli and celery leaves...
..I would like to take this opportunity to thank you once again for taking such wonderful care of Baby. We are doing our best to do all that you suggested.
Sincerely,
Linda Preston-Urekew
Note: This is a client’s personal experience and not necessarily Drs. Vaughn and Lazas's advice. Please consult your veterinarian before converting your bird to pellets from seed.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
WESTNILE VIRUS UPDATE
Recent warning from Dr. Pat Redig, University of Minnesota.
Below is a report received today containing CDC information about West Nile activity as of August 12th. As expected it is starting to ramp up and become more prevalent and with recent rains in much of the midwest and west in the last couple of weeks, there is clearly more to come until such time as we get some good frosts. With the exception of Vermont, it would appear that the East and Northeast are inactive, but the midwest, south (Louisiana westward) and the West need to take heed. As folks are starting to work with their birds in the field now, the exposure potential increases.
Anyone flying goshawks, coopers, red-tails, merlins, and kestrels really should have them or get them vaccinated immediately using the Fort Dodge killed vaccine (1cc for birds at 700 grams - 20 oz or more, proportionately smaller amounts for smaller birds down to about 0.3 cc for kestrels) 2 doses, 3 weeks apart. Don't wait for an outbreak on your doorstep to vaccinate as it takes a couple of weeks for the immune system to develop antibodies. Previously vaccinated birds should receive a single booster shot.
Here's the report: Current for data reported to CDC through ArboNET as of 3 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time, August 9, 2005.
Twenty-two states have reported 187 cases (3 deaths) of human WNV illness in 2005 (Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Texas) 57% of the 171 cases for which such data were available occurred in males (median age 47 years (range: 4-85 years). Date of illness onset May 14 to August 4.
Fifty-four presumptive WNV blood donors (PVDs) have been reported to ArboNET during 2005: 25 from California, 18 from Texas, 5 from South Dakota, 3 from Arizona, and one each from Iowa, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Of the 54 PVDs, 11 persons subsequently had West Nile fever (median age: 50 years, range: 17-77 years) .
In addition, 1,162 dead corvids and 248 other dead birds with WNV infection have been reported from 32 states. WNV infections have been reported in horses from 21 states (Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, and Wyoming), one dog from Nebraska, and one squirrel from Arizona. WNV seroconversions have been reported in 126 sentinel chicken flocks from nine states (Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, North Dakota, New Mexico, and Utah). One seropositive sentinel horse was reported from Minnesota. A total of 2,493 WNV-positive mosquito pools have been reported from 27 states (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia).
Ragards,
Darryl A. Perkins
NAFA President
14 Union StreetBlackstone, MA 01504-1111
Recent warning from Dr. Pat Redig, University of Minnesota.
Below is a report received today containing CDC information about West Nile activity as of August 12th. As expected it is starting to ramp up and become more prevalent and with recent rains in much of the midwest and west in the last couple of weeks, there is clearly more to come until such time as we get some good frosts. With the exception of Vermont, it would appear that the East and Northeast are inactive, but the midwest, south (Louisiana westward) and the West need to take heed. As folks are starting to work with their birds in the field now, the exposure potential increases.
Anyone flying goshawks, coopers, red-tails, merlins, and kestrels really should have them or get them vaccinated immediately using the Fort Dodge killed vaccine (1cc for birds at 700 grams - 20 oz or more, proportionately smaller amounts for smaller birds down to about 0.3 cc for kestrels) 2 doses, 3 weeks apart. Don't wait for an outbreak on your doorstep to vaccinate as it takes a couple of weeks for the immune system to develop antibodies. Previously vaccinated birds should receive a single booster shot.
Here's the report: Current for data reported to CDC through ArboNET as of 3 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time, August 9, 2005.
Twenty-two states have reported 187 cases (3 deaths) of human WNV illness in 2005 (Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Texas) 57% of the 171 cases for which such data were available occurred in males (median age 47 years (range: 4-85 years). Date of illness onset May 14 to August 4.
Fifty-four presumptive WNV blood donors (PVDs) have been reported to ArboNET during 2005: 25 from California, 18 from Texas, 5 from South Dakota, 3 from Arizona, and one each from Iowa, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Of the 54 PVDs, 11 persons subsequently had West Nile fever (median age: 50 years, range: 17-77 years) .
In addition, 1,162 dead corvids and 248 other dead birds with WNV infection have been reported from 32 states. WNV infections have been reported in horses from 21 states (Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, and Wyoming), one dog from Nebraska, and one squirrel from Arizona. WNV seroconversions have been reported in 126 sentinel chicken flocks from nine states (Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, North Dakota, New Mexico, and Utah). One seropositive sentinel horse was reported from Minnesota. A total of 2,493 WNV-positive mosquito pools have been reported from 27 states (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia).
Ragards,
Darryl A. Perkins
NAFA President
14 Union StreetBlackstone, MA 01504-1111
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Parrot Behavioral Problems? Dr Vaughn recommends Liz Wilson.
If you are having behavioral problems with your parrot(s) such as excessive screaming, biting, or plucking, or you just want to know why your parrot acts so peculiarly - help is on the way!
Liz Wilson, internationally recognized expert parrot behavior consultant, is scheduled to be in Lexington, Kentucky, the second weekend of September. Many of you already know Liz from her monthly columns in Bird Talk. This is a rare opportunity for you to have a private consultation with her in person.
Liz is a certified veterinary technician who has been living and working with parrots for thirty-five years, with twenty years of experience specializing in avian and exotic animal nursing. Her current feathered companion is a 50+ year-old female blue and gold macaw named Sam, who has shared Liz's life for 30 years.
With prior training in elementary education and psychology, Liz began working with behavior in pet parrots 15 years ago. In the last several years, she has gained recognition internationally as a parrot behavior consultant, thanks to her lectures, seminars, freelance writing, and consultations with parrot owners. An experienced and entertaining speaker, she has done extensive lecturing with avian veterinary conferences, avicultural conferences, companion parrot conferences, and bird clubs both here and in Europe.
In addition to the "Parrot Psychology" column in Bird Talk, she has written or co-authored eight veterinary textbook chapters. In addition to her first book of article reprints, the Handbook of Avian Articles, <http://www3.upatsix.com/liz/book.html> she has just completed Volume II. Liz will have both books with her when she comes to Lexington.
Liz provides in-home behavior consultations in the Philadelphia area where she lives and in areas where she travels, and she also provides phone consultations with parrot owners all over the world. Until recently, when writing, lecturing, and consultations began taking too much of her time, she was an adjunct faculty member in the veterinary technician department in a local college, and she also worked extensively with wildlife rehabilitation for seven years.
You may schedule a private one-hour consultation with Liz by contacting Pennyroyal Small & Exotic Hospital at 859-277-4315 or docbzaff@aol.com. One hour consultations are $80 including a $40 non-refundable deposit, due at the time of reservation.
Reserve your time with Liz now; these one-hour appointments will be spoken for quickly.
If you are interest in doing a full consultation in-home with Liz (4 hours plus 4 months of unlimited follow-ups), please contact her directly at 215-946-5964 or at Lwilsoncvt@att.net.
If you are having behavioral problems with your parrot(s) such as excessive screaming, biting, or plucking, or you just want to know why your parrot acts so peculiarly - help is on the way!
Liz Wilson, internationally recognized expert parrot behavior consultant, is scheduled to be in Lexington, Kentucky, the second weekend of September. Many of you already know Liz from her monthly columns in Bird Talk. This is a rare opportunity for you to have a private consultation with her in person.
Liz is a certified veterinary technician who has been living and working with parrots for thirty-five years, with twenty years of experience specializing in avian and exotic animal nursing. Her current feathered companion is a 50+ year-old female blue and gold macaw named Sam, who has shared Liz's life for 30 years.
With prior training in elementary education and psychology, Liz began working with behavior in pet parrots 15 years ago. In the last several years, she has gained recognition internationally as a parrot behavior consultant, thanks to her lectures, seminars, freelance writing, and consultations with parrot owners. An experienced and entertaining speaker, she has done extensive lecturing with avian veterinary conferences, avicultural conferences, companion parrot conferences, and bird clubs both here and in Europe.
In addition to the "Parrot Psychology" column in Bird Talk, she has written or co-authored eight veterinary textbook chapters. In addition to her first book of article reprints, the Handbook of Avian Articles, <http://www3.upatsix.com/liz/book.html> she has just completed Volume II. Liz will have both books with her when she comes to Lexington.
Liz provides in-home behavior consultations in the Philadelphia area where she lives and in areas where she travels, and she also provides phone consultations with parrot owners all over the world. Until recently, when writing, lecturing, and consultations began taking too much of her time, she was an adjunct faculty member in the veterinary technician department in a local college, and she also worked extensively with wildlife rehabilitation for seven years.
You may schedule a private one-hour consultation with Liz by contacting Pennyroyal Small & Exotic Hospital at 859-277-4315 or docbzaff@aol.com. One hour consultations are $80 including a $40 non-refundable deposit, due at the time of reservation.
Reserve your time with Liz now; these one-hour appointments will be spoken for quickly.
If you are interest in doing a full consultation in-home with Liz (4 hours plus 4 months of unlimited follow-ups), please contact her directly at 215-946-5964 or at Lwilsoncvt@att.net.
