By Dr. Patty Khuly, vetstreet.com
I spent four hours one day last week trying to clean motor oil off a patient whose owner had tried to use the slick substance to kill mange. It was a fundamentally bad idea - and not just because motor oil is probably more dangerous to dogs than it is to mange mites. Turns out the poor dog wasn't even infected with mange in the first place.
See Also: 10 Dangerous Human Foods for Pets
Every once in a while, I have to treat a patient whose owner's best intentions, coupled with a disregard for modern veterinary medicine, have combined to produce a spectacularly bad medical crisis - like these eight unfortunate scenarios.
1. Poison Purges
I've seen owners try lots of interesting oral "drenches" for poisonings, like pouring a mixture of olive oil and milk down the ailing pet's throat to force vomiting. In one notable instance, a patient who'd just bitten a bufo toad arrived thoroughly drenched in this concoction. Unfortunately, his lungs had been drenched, too, and he later died of aspiration pneumonia.
2. Parasite Dips
Where should I begin? The motor oil for mange was just a warm-up when it comes to homemade methods of treating parasites. Consider Pine-Sol, vinegar, Clorox, turpentine and linseed oil. One poor Maltese who I'll never forget came in tinged purple after she'd been dunked in a linseed oil/gentian violet dip for fleas. She didn't die, but I don't think the magenta hue in her snowy white fur ever quite went away.
3. Torching Ticks
Yes, really. This was perhaps the most impressively stupid example of pet remedies gone wrong that I've ever witnessed: Imagine a dog with weepy red sores all over her body. When I asked what was up with the crazy sores, I was told that the ticks had been "particularly bad" that week. Apparently, this owner's approach to removing ticks involved a bottle of rubbing alcohol and matches.
See Also: 4 Popular "Working Dogs" to Get U.S. Postage Stamps
4. NSAID No-No's
The human-only versions of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, constantly top pet poison lists - and not just because animals have a tendency to get into our stashes of candy-coated pills. Apparently, our willingness to medicate our pets with non-pet-specific drugs is killing them with "kindness."
5. Feline Acetaminophen Toxicity
It's long been known that this drug is a bad idea for cats. Yet people still think it's "safer" than other drugs for their cats. Well, nothing says really sick (or really dead) cat like a dose of acetaminophen, because felines are not able to break down the drug properly, which leads to a deadly blood disorder called methemoglobinemia.
6. Guarding Against Fleas With Garlic
Garlic - especially the raw variety - has a reputation for toxicity in pets. Pets who ingest too much of it get a nasty form of anemia. But this doesn't stop owners from believing that they can repel insects like fleas by giving animals excessive amounts of the stuff, which would presumably create an everlasting garlic odor.
See Also: Bad Pet Behavior - Training Issue or Medical Problem?
7. Parasite Cures
I recently had a client who explained to me that her pets did not need the harsh drugs that "all veterinarians" recommend for preventing parasites. A morning dose of salt, "a few days in a row every so often," was all that was needed to keep the wormy things at bay. After chatting up a vet friend on the subject, he informed me that turpentine was once employed throughout Greyhound racing kennels to deworm dogs. The product was billed as Jacksonville Jazz. Scary.
8. DIY Pesticide Applications
One of my colleagues, an oncologist, recently told me about a sad case of lymphoma in two young dogs, which was almost certainly the result of a chronic application of DDT in the owner's small yard. He'd had some of the old stuff in his shed, and he figured that it could work for his pets' tick infestation. For his sake, I hope he used gloves and a mask.
With all this in mind, let me say this one more time, please talk with your vet before treating your animal.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Holiday Hazard How to keep your pet safe
From the Willamette Valley Animal Hospital - Thank you.
Lights, decorations, good food... every year, as we celebrate the holidays, we fill our homes with seasonal cheer for ourselves and our families. However, what may seem beautiful and harmless to us may pose hidden dangers to our pets. Don't let an emergency spoil the festivities! Below are some common holiday hazards for dogs and cats and ways to prevent them.
Dangerous Foods -The following can be toxic to pets: chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, garlic, onion, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, bread dough, and sugar-free candy and gum containing the artificial sweetener xylitol.
Regular Foods -Despite tradition, bones should never be given to pets. Even beef, ham, and other "regular" foods that are not considered toxic can cause illness in pets. If your pet is a moocher, keep a saucer of his regular treats on the table to offer when he asks. He probably won't know the difference!
New Treats and Toys -Even a pet-safe treat can cause stomach upset if it is new to your pet. Offer only one of these at a time (ideally, separated by a few days). If your pet becomes ill after eating a holiday treat, it will be easier to trace the source and discontinue it. Also, check new toys for sharp edges, pieces that can be chewed off, or other potential hazards.
Plants -Hazardous plants include mistletoe, some evergreens (including some types of pine), and holly bushes and berries. Try to keep these plants away from pets, or at least supervise pets when dangerous plants are nearby.
Decorations Tinsel, tree ornaments, ribbons, string, and garlands are some items that can be dangerous if eaten by pets. Keep these items away from pets — especially when pets are unattended. Don't forget to cover any electrical cords or keep them out of reach.
Fire and Carbon Monoxide -Monitor pets near fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, candles, and portable heaters. Also, don't forget to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are functioning properly. Space heaters, furnaces, and idling cars (in a garage) can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in pets and humans.
Christmas Trees - Monitor your pets when they are around your holiday tree. Pets may eat the needles (even from artificial trees) or drink water from the base of the tree, which can be toxic (especially if there are preservatives in it). Keep electrical cords and decorative lights out of reach, too.
In many cases, if your pet has eaten or drunk something toxic, warning signs will include gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Other signs may include tiredness and lack of appetite, especially in cats that have eaten lilies. If your pet shows any of these signs, or if you think he or she has eaten something dangerous but is not showing any signs yet, please call us right away. Treating your pet as soon as possible is essential!
We will be glad to answer any questions you have about your pet's health. Let's work together to make sure your entire family has a happy, healthy holiday season!
Lights, decorations, good food... every year, as we celebrate the holidays, we fill our homes with seasonal cheer for ourselves and our families. However, what may seem beautiful and harmless to us may pose hidden dangers to our pets. Don't let an emergency spoil the festivities! Below are some common holiday hazards for dogs and cats and ways to prevent them.
Dangerous Foods -The following can be toxic to pets: chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, garlic, onion, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, bread dough, and sugar-free candy and gum containing the artificial sweetener xylitol.
Regular Foods -Despite tradition, bones should never be given to pets. Even beef, ham, and other "regular" foods that are not considered toxic can cause illness in pets. If your pet is a moocher, keep a saucer of his regular treats on the table to offer when he asks. He probably won't know the difference!
New Treats and Toys -Even a pet-safe treat can cause stomach upset if it is new to your pet. Offer only one of these at a time (ideally, separated by a few days). If your pet becomes ill after eating a holiday treat, it will be easier to trace the source and discontinue it. Also, check new toys for sharp edges, pieces that can be chewed off, or other potential hazards.
Plants -Hazardous plants include mistletoe, some evergreens (including some types of pine), and holly bushes and berries. Try to keep these plants away from pets, or at least supervise pets when dangerous plants are nearby.
Decorations Tinsel, tree ornaments, ribbons, string, and garlands are some items that can be dangerous if eaten by pets. Keep these items away from pets — especially when pets are unattended. Don't forget to cover any electrical cords or keep them out of reach.
Fire and Carbon Monoxide -Monitor pets near fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, candles, and portable heaters. Also, don't forget to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are functioning properly. Space heaters, furnaces, and idling cars (in a garage) can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in pets and humans.
Christmas Trees - Monitor your pets when they are around your holiday tree. Pets may eat the needles (even from artificial trees) or drink water from the base of the tree, which can be toxic (especially if there are preservatives in it). Keep electrical cords and decorative lights out of reach, too.
In many cases, if your pet has eaten or drunk something toxic, warning signs will include gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Other signs may include tiredness and lack of appetite, especially in cats that have eaten lilies. If your pet shows any of these signs, or if you think he or she has eaten something dangerous but is not showing any signs yet, please call us right away. Treating your pet as soon as possible is essential!
We will be glad to answer any questions you have about your pet's health. Let's work together to make sure your entire family has a happy, healthy holiday season!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Kitty needs home
If you or someone you know, is interested, please call Patricia Clark (503-310-1020) for more information. Thank you for looking.
--Marcia
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Hurricane Irene and Animals
Dear Friend,
As Hurricane Irene struck the East Coast, the Animal League deployed Emergency Rescue units and ensured the safety of over 800 animals. We were able to pull animals in need out of harm's way and provide support to shelter partners and evacuees during the storm.
•Before the hurricane, we deployed 5 Mobile Emergency Rescue units throughout Long Island, NY to take animals out of shelters in areas where the storm’s impact was expected to be most severe. We sheltered and cared for these animals at our Port Washington, NY headquarters during the storm.
•We deployed our largest Mobile Rescue unit to an emergency shelter for people and families that were forced to evacuate. When that first unit was quickly filled with animals, a second Mobile Rescue unit was quickly deployed to that location to care for close to 100 animals.
•Since the storm passed, we have safely reunited every pet we housed, at the emergency evacuation shelter, with their families.
•Through the tireless work of our staff and volunteers, the 650 homeless animals in our care, along with those rescued from our shelter partners, are safe and doing very well.
Our Emergency Rescue Teams continue to be ready to assist shelter partners impacted by Hurricane Irene.
Only through your vital support can we continue to act at a moment's notice to help save animals' lives.
Please donate today so we can continue to respond natural disasters,
national emergencies or whenever animals are at risk.
As Hurricane Irene struck the East Coast, the Animal League deployed Emergency Rescue units and ensured the safety of over 800 animals. We were able to pull animals in need out of harm's way and provide support to shelter partners and evacuees during the storm.
•Before the hurricane, we deployed 5 Mobile Emergency Rescue units throughout Long Island, NY to take animals out of shelters in areas where the storm’s impact was expected to be most severe. We sheltered and cared for these animals at our Port Washington, NY headquarters during the storm.
•We deployed our largest Mobile Rescue unit to an emergency shelter for people and families that were forced to evacuate. When that first unit was quickly filled with animals, a second Mobile Rescue unit was quickly deployed to that location to care for close to 100 animals.
•Since the storm passed, we have safely reunited every pet we housed, at the emergency evacuation shelter, with their families.
•Through the tireless work of our staff and volunteers, the 650 homeless animals in our care, along with those rescued from our shelter partners, are safe and doing very well.
Our Emergency Rescue Teams continue to be ready to assist shelter partners impacted by Hurricane Irene.
Only through your vital support can we continue to act at a moment's notice to help save animals' lives.
Please donate today so we can continue to respond natural disasters,
national emergencies or whenever animals are at risk.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Animals Rescued From Tornado Zones in Alabama
North Shore Animal League America recently deployed two Emergency Rescue Teams to assist our shelter partners in need in tornado-ravaged areas of Alabama.
One rescue team has already rescued 78 homeless animals that were already in shelters before the storm. This will help with overcrowding by opening up space for displaced animals that continue to arrive including those being sought by their owners.
Our second rescue team is still at work in Alabama to rescue even more animals that need homes.
Only through your support and donations can we be ready to help in these times of need. Together we can always be ready to save as many lives as possible.
Please support the Animal League's Emergency & Disaster Rescue Program
One rescue team has already rescued 78 homeless animals that were already in shelters before the storm. This will help with overcrowding by opening up space for displaced animals that continue to arrive including those being sought by their owners.
Our second rescue team is still at work in Alabama to rescue even more animals that need homes.
Only through your support and donations can we be ready to help in these times of need. Together we can always be ready to save as many lives as possible.
Please support the Animal League's Emergency & Disaster Rescue Program
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Happy Valley dog alerts owner to neighbor’s fire
Credit: Clackamas Fire
Happy Valley dog alerts owner to neighbor’s fire
by Jeff Thompson, kgw.com Staff
kgw.com
Posted on January 6, 2011 at 8:20 AM
Updated today at 8:21 AM
HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. – A Happy Valley dog spotted a garage fire across the street and alerted his owner, who called 911. Crews were able to stop the fire from spreading to the house.
Just before 1 p.m. Thursday, Clackamas Fire crews responded to a mini-van on fire, parked outside a Happy Valley home.
The fire had scorched the outside of the garage doors, but it was extinguished by the responding engine company before it spread to the home.
A neighbor across the street from the home had called 911 after her Labradoodle, Oscar, alerted her with his relentless barking. She came downstairs and found Oscar staring out the window at the fire.
“Because of Oscar’s actions, someone noticed the fire before it spread to the home from the mini-van,” said Steve McAdoo, with Clackamas Fire. “Many times, house fires go unnoticed during the daytime hours due to people being away at work and school.”
The damage to the house was minimal, but the mini-van was apparently a total loss.
One person who was home at the time of the fire was treated on scene for respiratory problems and transported to a local hospital.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Kroger Pet Food Recalled for Aflatoxin Poisoning, Health Risks
Kroger Pet Food Recalled for Aflatoxin Poisoning, Health Risks
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben
38 mins ago
.Kroger announced on Tuesday that it is voluntarily recalling many of its Kroger, Old Yeller and Pet Pride dry dog and cat food varieties because they could contain aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring chemical by-product that is toxic. Aflatoxin grows from the fungus Aspergillus Flavus found in corn and other crop foods used in pet food production.
Kroger stores are located in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Other stores within the Kroger food network that are affected by the pet food recall include: Dillons and Gerbes stores (Kansas and Missouri): Baker's stores (Nebraska); Food 4 Less stores (Nebraska, Illinois and Indiana and the Chicago area); and Jay C, Hilander, Owen's, Pay Less and Scott's stores located in Illinois and Indiana. Kroger affiliate stores not affected by the pet food recall include: Fred Meyer, King Soopers, Fry's, Smith's, QFC, City Market, Foods Co., Ralph's and Food 4 Less stores in California and Nevada.
Pet foods have a sell by date of Oct. 23-24, 2011. Visit the FDA website for specific UPC code details. Pet foods included in the Kroger recall are:
Pet Pride Cat Food - 3.5 # package
Pet Pride Cat Food - 18 # package
Pet Pride Tasty Blend Poultry and Seafood Cat Food - 3.5 # package
Pet Pride Tasty Blend Poultry and Seafood Cat Food - 18 # package
Pet Pride Kitten Formula - 3.5 # package
Old Yeller Chunk Dog Food - 22# and 50# packages
Kroger Value Cat Food - 3 # package
Kroger Value Chunk Dog Food - 15# and 50# packages
If you have purchased any of the Kroger pet foods included in the recall, or store brand pet food from any of the stores listed, stop feeding it to your pets. Remove and discard uneaten portions. You should contact Kroger immediately, either by phone at (800) 632-6900 or on the Kroger Pet Food recall assistance website here: http://www.kroger.com/recalls. You will need your sales receipt. You can also return unused portions of pet food to Kroger stores where you purchased the product for full refund.
Parents and children are urged to keep a close eye on pets. Look for these symptoms, especially a combination of these symptoms: lethargy, sluggishness, refusing food, yellowish color in gums or eyes and severe diarrhea, especially diarrhea with blood, this can indicate poisoning from aflatoxin. Yellow eyes and gums are a sign of liver or kidney problems. Cornell University offers information and data on Aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a potent carcinogen for humans and animals. Just as with human illnesses, the very young, very old and pregnant animals typically suffer the worst. Pets with already compromised health will be more susceptible, too. Make your pet as comfortable as possible. Contact your veterinarian immediately. Here are some helpful articles for treating a cat or dog who has been poisoned with Aflatoxin.
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben, a 10-year veteran homeschooler, has nearly three decades of experience as a special needs and general education teacher. She has created hundreds of themed units and lesson plans on everything from ancient Greece to biodiversity to personal finance to poetry. She holds a BS in psychology and a degree as Dr. Mom from the university of life. She writes about parenting for the Yahoo! Contributor Network.
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben
38 mins ago
.Kroger announced on Tuesday that it is voluntarily recalling many of its Kroger, Old Yeller and Pet Pride dry dog and cat food varieties because they could contain aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring chemical by-product that is toxic. Aflatoxin grows from the fungus Aspergillus Flavus found in corn and other crop foods used in pet food production.
Kroger stores are located in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Other stores within the Kroger food network that are affected by the pet food recall include: Dillons and Gerbes stores (Kansas and Missouri): Baker's stores (Nebraska); Food 4 Less stores (Nebraska, Illinois and Indiana and the Chicago area); and Jay C, Hilander, Owen's, Pay Less and Scott's stores located in Illinois and Indiana. Kroger affiliate stores not affected by the pet food recall include: Fred Meyer, King Soopers, Fry's, Smith's, QFC, City Market, Foods Co., Ralph's and Food 4 Less stores in California and Nevada.
Pet foods have a sell by date of Oct. 23-24, 2011. Visit the FDA website for specific UPC code details. Pet foods included in the Kroger recall are:
Pet Pride Cat Food - 3.5 # package
Pet Pride Cat Food - 18 # package
Pet Pride Tasty Blend Poultry and Seafood Cat Food - 3.5 # package
Pet Pride Tasty Blend Poultry and Seafood Cat Food - 18 # package
Pet Pride Kitten Formula - 3.5 # package
Old Yeller Chunk Dog Food - 22# and 50# packages
Kroger Value Cat Food - 3 # package
Kroger Value Chunk Dog Food - 15# and 50# packages
If you have purchased any of the Kroger pet foods included in the recall, or store brand pet food from any of the stores listed, stop feeding it to your pets. Remove and discard uneaten portions. You should contact Kroger immediately, either by phone at (800) 632-6900 or on the Kroger Pet Food recall assistance website here: http://www.kroger.com/recalls. You will need your sales receipt. You can also return unused portions of pet food to Kroger stores where you purchased the product for full refund.
Parents and children are urged to keep a close eye on pets. Look for these symptoms, especially a combination of these symptoms: lethargy, sluggishness, refusing food, yellowish color in gums or eyes and severe diarrhea, especially diarrhea with blood, this can indicate poisoning from aflatoxin. Yellow eyes and gums are a sign of liver or kidney problems. Cornell University offers information and data on Aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a potent carcinogen for humans and animals. Just as with human illnesses, the very young, very old and pregnant animals typically suffer the worst. Pets with already compromised health will be more susceptible, too. Make your pet as comfortable as possible. Contact your veterinarian immediately. Here are some helpful articles for treating a cat or dog who has been poisoned with Aflatoxin.
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben, a 10-year veteran homeschooler, has nearly three decades of experience as a special needs and general education teacher. She has created hundreds of themed units and lesson plans on everything from ancient Greece to biodiversity to personal finance to poetry. She holds a BS in psychology and a degree as Dr. Mom from the university of life. She writes about parenting for the Yahoo! Contributor Network.
Web page is up
Our web page is up and running. The basic information is on the web page. More will be coming but our advertisers are listed and linked to their web pages if they have them. Check it out. www.purplepages4pets.com
Monday, December 20, 2010
Holiday hazard How to keep your pet safe
Lights, decorations, good food…every year, as we celebrate the holidays, we fill our homes with seasonal cheer for ourselves and our families. However, what may seem beautiful and harmless to us may pose hidden dangers to our pets. Don't let an emergency spoil the festivities! Below are some common holiday hazards for dogs and cats and how to prevent them.
1. Electric cords Keep all electric cords securely taped down or out of reach of your pet. Dogs and cats may chew dangling wires and be burned or electrocuted.
2. Ornaments Hang ornaments out of reach of your pet. Dogs, especially, may eat ornaments or wire hangers, which can get caught in the stomach and intestines.
3. Chocolate Keep all holiday foods away from your pet. Chocolate contains ingredients (e.g., caffeine) that can be lethal to dogs and cats.
4. Tinsel, ribbon,
and string Make sure these are kept out of reach and properly disposed of. If swallowed, any of these can require emergency surgery to remove. Tinsel also has sharp edges that can cut the mouth.
5. Lilies, other flowers,
and houseplants Prevent your pets from eating plants or flower arrangements. Lilies are very poisonous to cats.
6. Christmas tree Put the tree in a pet-safe room or monitor your pet when he or she is around the tree. Dogs and cats may eat the needles (even from artificial trees) or drink the water at the base of the tree, which can be toxic (especially if it contains preservatives).
In many cases, if your pet has eaten or drunk something toxic, warning signs will include gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Other signs may include tiredness and lack of appetite, especially in cats that have eaten lilies. If your pet shows any of these signs, or if you think he or she has eaten something dangerous but is not showing any signs yet, please call us right away. Treating your pet as soon as possible is essential!
We will be glad to answer any questions you have about your pet's health. Let's work together to make sure your entire family has a happy, healthy holiday season!
Visit Your Pet Portal Today!
For more tips on keeping your pet safe, just visit our practice website at http://www.wvah.net and click on "Pet Portal LOG IN." We look forward to hearing from you.
Here's wishing you a happy and safe holiday season. View your holiday ecard.
Sincerely,
The Doctors and Staff of Willamette Valley Animal Hospital
Willamette Valley Animal Hospital
4975 River Road North
Keizer, OR, 97303
(503) 393-7462
1. Electric cords Keep all electric cords securely taped down or out of reach of your pet. Dogs and cats may chew dangling wires and be burned or electrocuted.
2. Ornaments Hang ornaments out of reach of your pet. Dogs, especially, may eat ornaments or wire hangers, which can get caught in the stomach and intestines.
3. Chocolate Keep all holiday foods away from your pet. Chocolate contains ingredients (e.g., caffeine) that can be lethal to dogs and cats.
4. Tinsel, ribbon,
and string Make sure these are kept out of reach and properly disposed of. If swallowed, any of these can require emergency surgery to remove. Tinsel also has sharp edges that can cut the mouth.
5. Lilies, other flowers,
and houseplants Prevent your pets from eating plants or flower arrangements. Lilies are very poisonous to cats.
6. Christmas tree Put the tree in a pet-safe room or monitor your pet when he or she is around the tree. Dogs and cats may eat the needles (even from artificial trees) or drink the water at the base of the tree, which can be toxic (especially if it contains preservatives).
In many cases, if your pet has eaten or drunk something toxic, warning signs will include gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Other signs may include tiredness and lack of appetite, especially in cats that have eaten lilies. If your pet shows any of these signs, or if you think he or she has eaten something dangerous but is not showing any signs yet, please call us right away. Treating your pet as soon as possible is essential!
We will be glad to answer any questions you have about your pet's health. Let's work together to make sure your entire family has a happy, healthy holiday season!
Visit Your Pet Portal Today!
For more tips on keeping your pet safe, just visit our practice website at http://www.wvah.net and click on "Pet Portal LOG IN." We look forward to hearing from you.
Here's wishing you a happy and safe holiday season. View your holiday ecard.
Sincerely,
The Doctors and Staff of Willamette Valley Animal Hospital
Willamette Valley Animal Hospital
4975 River Road North
Keizer, OR, 97303
(503) 393-7462
Friday, December 17, 2010
Animals of youtube sing Deck the Halls
Animals of youtube sing Deck the Halls - This is so clever and cute. Merry Christmas from Purple Pages 4 Pets.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-0WVfj76bo
Monday, December 13, 2010
Subject: Priceless
Those of you who have/had animals will probably appreciate it more. It is a story that is hilarious in itself and the person that wrote it is a good writer and made the story even better. Enjoy...
We have a fox terrier by the name of Jasper. He came to us in the summer of 2001 from the fox terrier rescue program . For those of you, who are unfamiliar with this type of adoption, imagine taking in a 10 year old child about whom you know nothing and committing to doing your best to be a good parent. Like a child, the dog came with his own idiosyncrasies. He will only sleep on the bed, on top of the covers, nuzzled as close to my face as he can get without actually performing a French kiss on me.
Lest you think this is a bad case of 'no discipline,' I should tell you that Perry and I tried every means to break him of this habit including locking him in a separate bedroom for several nights. The new door cost over $200. But I digress.
Five weeks ago we began remodeling our house. Although the cost of the project is downright obnoxious, it was 20 years overdue AND it got me out of cooking Thanksgiving for family, extended family, and a lot of friends that I like more than family most of the time. I was assigned the task of preparing 124 of my famous yeast dinner rolls for the two Thanksgiving feasts we did attend.
I am still cursing the electrician for getting the new oven hooked up so quickly. It was the only appliance in the whole darn house that worked, thus the assignment. I made the decision to cook the rolls on Wed evening to reheat Thurs am. Since the kitchen was freshly painted, you can imagine the odor. Not wanting the rolls to smell like Sherwin Williams #586, I put the rolls on baking sheets and set them in the living room to rise for a few hours. Perry and I decided to go out to eat, returning in about an hour. The rolls were ready to go in the oven.
It was 8:30 PM. When I went to the living room to retrieve the pans, much to my shock one whole pan of 12 rolls was empty. I called out to Jasper and my worst nightmare became a reality. He literally wobbled over to me. He looked like a combination of the Pillsbury dough boy and the Michelin Tire man wrapped up in fur. He groaned when he walked. I swear even his cheeks were bloated. I ran to the phone and called our vet. After a few seconds of uproarious laughter, he told me the dog would probably be OK, however, I needed to give him Pepto Bismol every 2 hours for the rest of the night.
God only knows why I thought a dog would like Pepto Bismol any more than my kids did when they were sick. Suffice it to say that by the time we went to bed the dog was black, white and pink. He was so bloated we had to lift him onto the bed for the night.
We arose at 7:30 and as we always do first thing; put the dog out to relieve himself. Well, the dog was as drunk as a sailor on his first leave. He was running into walls, falling flat on his butt and most of the time when he was walking his front half was going one direction and the other half was either dragging the grass or headed 90 degrees in another direction. He couldn't lift his leg to pee, so he would just walk and pee at the same time. When he ran down the small incline in our back yard he couldn't stop himself and nearly ended up running into the fence.
His pupils were dilated and he was as dizzy as a loon. I endured another few seconds of laughter from the vet (second call within 12 hours) before he explained that the yeast had fermented in his belly and that he was indeed drunk. He assured me that, not unlike most binges we humans go through, it would wear off after about 4 or 5 hours and to keep giving him Pepto Bismol.
Afraid to leave him by himself in the house, Perry and I loaded him up and took him with us to my sister's house for the first Thanksgiving meal of the day. My sister lives outside of Muskogee on a ranch, (10 to 15 minute drive). Rolls firmly secured in the trunk (124 less 12) and drunk dog leaning from the back seat onto the console of the car between Perry and I, we took off. Now I know you probably don't believe that dogs burp, but believe me when I say that after eating a tray of risen unbaked yeast rolls, DOGS WILL BURP. These burps were pure Old Charter. They would have matched or beat any smell in a drunk tank at the police station. But that's not the worst of it. Now he was beginning to fart and they smelled like baked rolls. God strike me dead if I am not telling the truth! We endured this for the entire trip to Karen's, thankful she didn't live any further away than she did.
Once Jasper was firmly placed in my sister's garage with the door locked, we finally sat down to enjoy our first Thanksgiving meal of the day. The dog was the topic of conversation all morning long and everyone made trips to the garage to witness my drunken dog, each returning with a tale of Jasper's latest endeavor to walk without running into something. Of course, as the old adage goes, 'what goes in must come out' and Jasper was no exception.
Granted if it had been me that had eaten 12 risen, unbaked yeast rolls, you might as well have put a concrete block up my behind, but alas a dog's digestive system is quite different from yours or mine. I discovered this was a mixed blessing when we prepared to leave Karen's house. Having discovered his 'packages' on the garage floor, we loaded him up in the car so we could hose down the floor.
This was another naive decision on our part. The blast of water from the hose hit the poop on the floor and the poop on the floor withstood the blast from the hose. It was like Portland cement beginning to set up and cure. We finally tried to remove it with a shovel. I (obviously no one else was going to offer their services) had to get on my hands and knees with a coarse brush to get the remnants off of the floor. And as if this wasn't degrading enough, the darn dog in his drunken state had walked through the poop and left paw prints all over the garage floor that had to be brushed too.
Well, by this time the dog was sobering up nicely so we took him home and dropped him off before we left for our second Thanksgiving dinner at Perry's sister's house.
I am happy to report that as of today (Monday) the dog is back to normal both in size and temperament. He has had a bath and is no longer tricolor. None the worse for wear I presume. I am also happy to report that just this evening I found 2 risen unbaked yeast rolls hidden inside my closet door.
It appears he must have come to his senses after eating 10 of them but decided hiding 2 of them for later would not be a bad idea. Now, I'm doing research on the computer as to: 'How to clean unbaked dough from the carpet.'
And how was your Thanksgiving?
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Raisin Toxicity in Dogs
If you have a dog ... PLEASE read
this and send it on. If you don't
have a dog, please pass along
to friends who do.
Written by:
Laurinda Morris, DVM
Danville Veterinary Clinic
Danville , OH
This week I had the first case in history of raisin
toxicity ever seen at MedVet. My patient was
a 56-pound, 5 yr old male neutered lab mix
that ate half a canister of raisins sometime
between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM on Tuesday. He
started with vomiting, diarrhea and shaking
about 1 AM on Wednesday but the owner didn't
call my emergency service until 7 AM.
I had heard somewhere about raisins AND
grapes causing acute Renal failure but hadn't
seen any formal paper on the subject. We
had her bring the dog in immediately. In the
meantime, I called the ER service at MedVet,
and the doctor there was like me - had heard
something about it, but... Anyway, we
contacted the ASPCA National Animal Poison
Control Center and they said to give IV fluids
at 1 & 1/2 times maintenance and watch the
kidney values for the next 48-72 hours.
The dog's BUN (blood urea nitrogen level) was
already at 32 (normal less than 27) and
creatinine over 5 (1.9 is the high end of normal).
Both are monitors of kidney function in the
bloodstream. We placed an IV catheter and
started the fluids. Rechecked the renal values
at 5 PM and the BUN was over 40 and creatinine
over 7 with no urine production after a liter of
fluids. At that point I felt the dog was in acute
renal failure and sent him on to MedVet for a
urinary catheter to monitor urine output overnight
as well as overnight care.
He started vomiting again overnight at MedVet
and his renal values continued to increase
daily. He produced urine when given lasix as a
diuretic. He was on 3 different anti-vomiting
medications and they still couldn't control his
vomiting. Today his urine output decreased
again, his BUN was over 120, his creatinine was
at 10, his phosphorus was very elevated and his
blood pressure, which had been staying around
150, skyrocketed to 220 ... He continued to vomit
and the owners elected to Euthanize.
This is a very sad case - great dog, great owners
who had no idea raisins could be a toxin. Please
alert everyone you know who has a dog of this
very serious risk.
Poison control said as few as 7 raisins or grapes could
be toxic. Many people I know give their dogs grapes
or raisins as treats including our ex-handler's. Any
exposure should give rise to immediate concern.
Onions, chocolate, cocoa, avocadoes and macadamia nuts can
be fatal, too.
Even if you don't have a dog, you might have friends
who do. This is worth passing on to them.
Confirmation from Snopes about the above ....
http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/raisins.asp
this and send it on. If you don't
have a dog, please pass along
to friends who do.
Written by:
Laurinda Morris, DVM
Danville Veterinary Clinic
Danville , OH
This week I had the first case in history of raisin
toxicity ever seen at MedVet. My patient was
a 56-pound, 5 yr old male neutered lab mix
that ate half a canister of raisins sometime
between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM on Tuesday. He
started with vomiting, diarrhea and shaking
about 1 AM on Wednesday but the owner didn't
call my emergency service until 7 AM.
I had heard somewhere about raisins AND
grapes causing acute Renal failure but hadn't
seen any formal paper on the subject. We
had her bring the dog in immediately. In the
meantime, I called the ER service at MedVet,
and the doctor there was like me - had heard
something about it, but... Anyway, we
contacted the ASPCA National Animal Poison
Control Center and they said to give IV fluids
at 1 & 1/2 times maintenance and watch the
kidney values for the next 48-72 hours.
The dog's BUN (blood urea nitrogen level) was
already at 32 (normal less than 27) and
creatinine over 5 (1.9 is the high end of normal).
Both are monitors of kidney function in the
bloodstream. We placed an IV catheter and
started the fluids. Rechecked the renal values
at 5 PM and the BUN was over 40 and creatinine
over 7 with no urine production after a liter of
fluids. At that point I felt the dog was in acute
renal failure and sent him on to MedVet for a
urinary catheter to monitor urine output overnight
as well as overnight care.
He started vomiting again overnight at MedVet
and his renal values continued to increase
daily. He produced urine when given lasix as a
diuretic. He was on 3 different anti-vomiting
medications and they still couldn't control his
vomiting. Today his urine output decreased
again, his BUN was over 120, his creatinine was
at 10, his phosphorus was very elevated and his
blood pressure, which had been staying around
150, skyrocketed to 220 ... He continued to vomit
and the owners elected to Euthanize.
This is a very sad case - great dog, great owners
who had no idea raisins could be a toxin. Please
alert everyone you know who has a dog of this
very serious risk.
Poison control said as few as 7 raisins or grapes could
be toxic. Many people I know give their dogs grapes
or raisins as treats including our ex-handler's. Any
exposure should give rise to immediate concern.
Onions, chocolate, cocoa, avocadoes and macadamia nuts can
be fatal, too.
Even if you don't have a dog, you might have friends
who do. This is worth passing on to them.
Confirmation from Snopes about the above ....
http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/raisins.asp
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The moral of this story is the best part!!!
Finnegan The Squirrel;
Debby Cantlon, who plans to release Finnegan, the young squirrel, back into the wild, bottle-fed the infant squirrel after it was brought to her house ...
When Cantlon took in the tiny creature and began caring for him, she found herself with an unlikely nurse's aide: her pregnant Papillion, Mademoiselle Giselle.
Finnegan was resting in a nest in a cage just days before Giselle was due to deliver her puppies.
Cantlon and her husband watched as the dog dragged the squirrel's cage twice to her
own bedside before she gave birth.
Cantlon was concerned, yet ultimately decided to allow the squirrel out and the inter-species bonding began.
Finnegan rides a puppy mosh pit of sorts, burrowing in for warmth after feeding, eventually working his way beneath his new litter mates.
Two days after giving birth, mama dog Giselle allowed Finnegan to nurse; family photos and a videotape show her encouraging him to suckle alongside her litter of five pups..
Now, Finnegan mostly uses a bottle, but still snuggles with his 'siblings' in a moshpit of puppies,
Rolling atop their bodies, and sinking in deeply for a nap.
Finnegan and his new litter mates, five Papillion puppies, get along together as if they were meant to.
Finnegan naps after feeding.
Finnegan makes himself at home with his new litter mates, nuzzling nose-to-nose for a nap after feeding.
Send this along to brighten someone's day!
Wouldn't it be nice if we could all get along like Finnegan and the gang?
MORAL OF THE STORY: Keep loving everyone, even the squirrelly ones ...
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Purple Pages 4 Pets Issue 1 is being distributed
Our first issue of the Purple Pages 4 Pets directory has been printed and is being distributed in Marion County and surrounding area. We are very excited with this venture and can't wait to put out an issue in a neighboring community.
Our advertisers in this issue are:
Animal Care Center Veterinary Clinic 503-371-1988
Bowsers Grooming 503-363-5410
Claws and Paws Grooming 503-749-2400
Companion Pet Clinic 503-588-1603
dogsRealdogs@aol.com
Friends of Felines 503-362-5611
Gail's Grooming 503-585-4208
Happy Tails Grooming 503-371-4500
Life Source Natural Foods 503-361-7973
Marion County Dog Shelter 503-566-6966
Mutt Hut Grooming 503-581-5657
Natures Pet Supplies 503-362-4555
Peaceful Paws Dog Massage 503-581-3375
Santiam Equine 503-763-0983
The Pet Nana Pet Sitter 503-409-8211
Whole Pet Veterinary Clinic 503-363-6465
Willamette Humane Society 503-585-5900
Your Best Friend's Best Friend pet sitter 503-580-4017
Copies of the directory are being distributed by the Willamette Humane Society, Marion County Dog Shelter, Friends of Felines, various Realtors, rental agencies, senior housing complexes, and anywhere else we can get them into the hands of pet lovers.
Our web page www.purplepages4pets.com is under construction and will soon have these and other advertisers linked on the page.
Any pet services who did not get into the directory can put an ad on the web page for six months for a one time fee of $50.
The above listed advertisers will be in the directory for one year. However, if there is enough interest by other advertisers, we may do a second printing (six month version) where those of you who missed out can advertise along side the current advertisers.
If you are interested in having a copy of the directory mailed to you, please write to us at purplepages4pets@gmail.com
Thank you and congratulations to all the advertisers.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
World's longest cat — Stewie — measures 4 feet
– Wed Oct 20, 3:27 pm ET
RENO, Nev. –
The world's longest cat measures more than 4 feet, stealing the record from another Maine Coon. The Reno Gazette-Journal reported that 5-year-old Stewie was certified as the new Guinness World Record holder after measuring 48 1/2 inches from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail bone. That's a little more than 4 feet long.
The record was previously held by another Maine Coon that measured 48 inches.
Stewie's owners, Robin Hendrickson and Erik Brandsness, say they decided to try for the record after hearing countless people say they were amazed by Stewie's length.
Hendrickson said Maine Coons are known as "the gentle giants" of the cat world.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101020/ap_on_fe_st/us_odd_world_s_longest_cat
RENO, Nev. –
The world's longest cat measures more than 4 feet, stealing the record from another Maine Coon. The Reno Gazette-Journal reported that 5-year-old Stewie was certified as the new Guinness World Record holder after measuring 48 1/2 inches from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail bone. That's a little more than 4 feet long.
The record was previously held by another Maine Coon that measured 48 inches.
Stewie's owners, Robin Hendrickson and Erik Brandsness, say they decided to try for the record after hearing countless people say they were amazed by Stewie's length.
Hendrickson said Maine Coons are known as "the gentle giants" of the cat world.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101020/ap_on_fe_st/us_odd_world_s_longest_cat
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Treats NOT Tricks - Pet Safety on Halloween
North Shore Animal League
http://www.animalleague.org/pet-tips/treats-not-tricks-pet-safety-halloween.html
For many of us, Halloween can be a ghostly good time. Candy, costumes and frights in the night can be a lot of fun. Unfortunately, our pets don't necessarily agree. For them it can be a stressful night that causes anxiety.
North Shore Animal League America would like to offer some tips and advice for treats NOT tricks on Halloween. Keeping your pets safe and secure will ensure that they don't need to go running to their mummies.
Click the link for some valuable information
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