I am quite certain some will read this and think I have lost my mind.  Though that may be true in certain areas of my life, it is not true in regards to aromatherapy.  As in the human world, there are very valid reasons to consider the use of aromatherapy with high grade essential oils. The area I want to address today is in regards to use in animals who suffer from anxiety and stress.  I see this daily in my practice and I have been looking for ways to help these animals without having to resort to such drugs as prozac or other anti depressants.

I often use lavender for those animals who seem overly stressed or frightened. We either a very small amount on the tips of the ears and bridge of the nose or use a plug in in the rooms.  I have lavender has a calming effect and makes the animals a bit more relaxed.  It allows me to examine them and seems everyone enjoys the benefits, including the owners and myself.

I also recommend lavender for travel.  If you place a small amount on a cloth or cotton ball in the car or kennel with the animal, it seems to help them relax.  It is important to remember quality counts.  And when you have quality oils very little is needed to get good effects.  I also want to remind everyone that just because it is safe in humans, some oils may not be safe on animals, especially cats. So please consult someone who has experience with this before you apply or use.

When we talk about therapeutic nutrtion, we are recommending the use of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and phyto-nutrients to help the body’s immune system and healing systems.  What does this do?  It allows us to help the body help itself, to heal itself and possibly even change or stop a disease in it’s tracks.  Today, more and more people are seeking ways to keep their body strong and healthy and they want the same options for their pets.  And those options are available.

Therapeutic nutrition can be used as a preventative measure.  As I have stated so many times, it is better to keep the body strong than it is to try to correct  the damage once disease has taken hold.  With therapeutic nutrition we have the tools to help reduce inflammation and correct deficiencies and imbalances in the body before they create a disease process.

Many of us have heard the word “Neutaceutical” but perhaps uncertain of the definition.  As I know it, neutraceutical means nutrients which have a therapeutic effect on the body. Therapeutic nutrition action focuses on  the intracellular and intercellularspaces.  These are not meant to address symptoms or disease, rather they are meanit to feed and fuel the cells of the body, using or calling upon the cells” inherent ability to heal itself and maintain a state of homeostasis.

For years I have practiced strictly western, evidence based medicine.  And understand, I believe it is important and necessary in many instances.  But I believe there is a better way to practice medicine.  And that way is what we call integrative.  What this means is we don’t depend on one style of medicine to treat all animals.  Just like you and I, they are individuals and should have their needs met with individualized care.

Currently I have started utelizing methods such as Chinese herbals, Acupuncture, exercise and rehab therapies.  By using these tools, in conjunction with western medicine, I feel I  can better serve my patients. Integrating different methods allows me to create individual preventative or treatment plans for your pets.

Have you ever wondered if there was a better way to treat a pet or in which to keep them healthy?  Most veterinarians, as well as MD, are taught western medicine.  But we know that other forms of care exist and are effective.  It is important to realize that in order for a Veterinarian to become proficient in other styles of medicine, they must take outside classes, at their own expense.  But a doctor willing to do this is likely interested in giving your pet the best possible care available.  So if you are interested in more than one way I recommend you seek out a veterinarian who is open to multiple styles of medicine.

I think one of the most common issues  I see in my practice is that of Kitties who are no longer using the litter box in an appropriate manner.  This particular phenomenon can have many causes, but it also causes a great deal of frustration for the owner.  The first thing an owner needs to consider is the cat may have a medical issue.  Therefore it is imperative they be seen by their family physician, the veterinarian, to make certain we don’t have a medical problem which needs to be, and can be, addressed.

But other causes, one which is very common but often overlooked or denied by the owner, is the feline social system in the house.  It is important to remember that often the kitty not using the litter box, is the kitty who is being terrorized by another feline member of the household.  Often, the cat who is hissing, growling, even “attacking” other cats is NOT the aggressor, but the cat being beat up and you will notice is the one eliminating outside of the litter box.  It is important owners understand feline behaviour and not “humanize” them.  If you do not take the time to truly understand how cats socialize and interact, you will be doomed to failure in finding a solution to the problem.

How can you help correct these problems?

1.  First you have to actually identify there is a problem.  It will be important to follow your kitty and see what it chooses in terms of the area and substance on which he eliminates.  If you can’t do this consider video taping the behavior.  It will also be important to see your cat through new eyes.  To watch how the kitty interacts with the other cats, and members of the family.  This will help pinpoint the problem the kitty is having.

2.  It is so important to clean the area where the cat has eliminated.  They have an incredible sense of smell and if you do not remove all traces the kitty will continue to be attracted to this area.  First cleaning should involve soaking the area with plain water and blotting. Repeat this until you can no longer smell anything on the towels.  Once you feel you have gotten all of it up, use a black light.  Urine fluoresces, if you see residual, continue cleaning until it no longer fluoresces.

3.  Clean all areas with an odor eliminator, ideally an enzyme based product.

4.  Cover the affected areas with heavy plastic.  This will create an unpleasant surface for the cat to walk on and deter them from going there again.  Also it will prevent urine from penetrating.

5.  Make the kitties toilets (Litter boxes) appealing.  You need to have one more litter box than you have number of cats.  Place them in a variety of locations. Choose a litter box style you kitty likes, you may need to try several. Throw out the old litter box and replace with a new one as soon as there are scratches in the plastic on the bottom, they allow odor to be trapped.  Wash the litter boxes at least once a week in hot water.  Choose a litter your cat likes. Mimic the texture of the item your kitty is choosing to urinate on.  If they are choosing soft materials like a blanket use a soft litter like potting soil.   In the wild cats like to eliminate in open, well drained reflective surfaces such as clear sand, and they may not cover their feces or urine.  This is often a normal behavior.

6.  Scoop the litter daily (at least).  Most litters need to be dumped totally at least every other day.

7.  Learn what your cat likes as far as litter depth.  Some like deep others don’t.  Accomodate them.

8.  Remember cats are not truly trained (as dogs are  to go outside) to use a litter box. They naturally seek out substrate to utelize as their bathroom.  So we have to understand that we can encourage them to use the litter box by taking them to it frequently, but they cannot be forced to use it.

10.  Do not punish the cat for eliminating inappropriately because this will only serve to make them more secretive about where they do eliminate.  Use a gentl interruption as they are beginning to eliminate and it may stop them from doing so in this undesirable area.  Then take them to their litter box and have them use it while praising the kitty.

11.  consider confining your kitty to a restricted area such as a bathroom or laundry room.  Often this will give them the opportunity to realize they are ok with the litter box, but be certain to follow the above steps.

As I stated before, it is very important we rule out any medical problems first.  So please, if you notice a change in your kitties elimination habits, bring them in for an evaluation, and then we can discuss where we need to go from there.

Ok, I know I harp on this particular issue, and it is my divine hope you will finally read what I am posting and realize it truly is that important.  The oral cavity is likely the area of the body with the most disease and is the area of the body that is the most ignored. I realize the mouth seems less than romantic, not nearly as awe inspiring as a broken leg or a hit by car injury, but it can be just as devastating as either of these.

Not only do we need to worry about infection in the mouth caused by poor gum health, or the disease processes which can occur as a result of nasty teeth, but there is definitely other pathology that can occur.  Recently, I had a 12 year old cat present to me with a swollen mouth, foul breath and not eating.  When I attempted to look in his mouth, it was obvious he was in pain and his teeth were very infected.  What I did not know at the time was he also had a large mass under the tongue, extending into the throat.  The teeth alone would have been bad enough, but at least that is a problem we can address and make better with extractions and antibiotics.  But this mass was a different story.  Not only was it obvious this had been going on a while, was painful and likely the cause of the decreased appetite, but it was not operable.  And the likely diagnosis was an aggressive cancer.

I proceded to remove all of the affected teeth, treat the pain and remove as much of the mass as possible. I then sent a sample of the tissue to the pathologist so I would have a true diagnosis.  48 hours later my worst fears were confirmed, this kitty has a mouth cancer called Squamous cell Carcinoma and the long term prognosis is poor.  The owners are heartbroken and there is little I can do to help them, which breaks my heart.

What I am trying to emphasize is that just because an animal does not act as if they are in pain, if we do not perform routine exams and hopefully find some of these problems early, the end result can be very sad.  Please do not let this be your pet. I promise you, a little preventative maintenance will go a long way.

Facing the loss of a pet is one of the hardest things we do.  Trying to make the best decision for them and for you and your family can be emotionally exhausting.  Many of us believe we are playing god, or making decisions that are not ours to make.  Or we may feel we are being selfish and making a decision based on convenience.  I am here to tell you there is no easy answer to this dilemma, but myself and my staff feel it is our duty and even privilage to be here for you and help you make this transition as pain and stressfree as reasonbly possible.

I am going to post some information today that may help you understand some of the questions you may need to answer to reach a decision which is in the best  interest of everyone.  First, it is important to remember how valuable pets are to most people.  They are actually a part of the family and the thought of losing them is often very painful.  Therefor the loss of your pet can be very traumatic and mourning their loss is reasonable and understandable.

Reaching the decision

There are several questions you can answer which can help you make this decision.

1. Does my pet currently have a good quality of life?

2. Is my pet still eating and enjoying his food?  Is he playful and still showing affection?

3.  Does my pet still show interest in his environment?

4.  Does my pet seem to hide or avoid us most of the time?

5.  Is my pet in pain?

6.  Is there anything I can do to make my pet more comfortable?

7.  Is my pet suffering?

8.  Are there treatment options available and can I perform them or afford them?

9.  Do I still love my pet or am I angry due to medical problems?

10.  Has my pet lost his house training skill, feel embarassed about urinating inappropriately?

If you answered negatively to at least half of these questions, then I would council you that the best course of action for you and your beloved pet would be humane euthenasia.  No matter your stance on human medicine, I think we can all agree many suffer at the hands of debilitating and painful disease.  we have no choices where our human loved ones are concerned, but at least with our pets we can help them pass on without pain or fear, and many of us know we will see them again.

I hope this helps and brings you some comfort if the time comes that you must make this decision.

June is Adopt-A-Cat month, and thousands of kitties across the nation are waiting for a permanent home. It’s the perfect time for  clients to make new family members, so here is a cat adoption checklist, courtesy of the American Humane Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), CATalyst Council, and Petfinder.

1. Consider more than one cat. Cats require exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction. Two cats can provide this for each other.

2. Find a cat whose personality meshes with yours. In general, cats with long hair and round heads and bodies are more easygoing than lean cats with narrow heads and short hair, who are typically more active. Adoption counselors can offer advice to help you match the individual cat’s personality with your own.

3. Schedule a veterinary visit within the first few days after the adoption. Make sure to bring along any medical records you received from the adoption center. According to Dr. Larry Kornegay, president of the AVMA, getting your new cat to a veterinarian early will help make sure there are no underlying illnesses or injuries and allow you to develop a plan to help your new pet live the happiest, healthiest, longest life possible.

4. Make sure everyone in the house is prepared for a new cat. Visiting the shelter or animal control facility should be a family affair. When adopting a new cat to join your existing pets, discuss with the adoption facility or your veterinarian how to make a proper introduction.

5. Budget for both short-term and long-term costs. A cat adopted from a shelter may be a bargain, considering many shelters provide spaying or neutering, initial vaccines, and a microchip. But make sure you’re prepared for the routine expenses you’ll incur throughout the cat’s life.

6. Stock up on supplies before the cat arrives. Try to create a homelike environment for your new cat right away. You’ll need a litter box, litter, food and water bowls, food, scratching posts, safe and stimulating toys, a cushy bed, a brush for grooming, a toothbrush, and nail clippers.

7. Cat-proof your home. A new cat will quickly teach you not to leave things lying out. Food left on the kitchen counter will teach your new friend to jump on counters for a possible lunch. Get rid of loose items your cat might chew on, make sure the cat isn’t chewing on electrical cords, and pick up random items like paper clips, which kittens may swallow.

8. Go slowly when introducing your cat to new friends and family. It can take several weeks for a cat to relax in a new environment. It’s a great idea to keep the new addition secluded in a single room with all of its supplies until it’s used to the new surroundings. Socialization is important, but remember: take it slow.

9. Include your new pet in your family’s emergency plan. Add phone numbers for your veterinarian and closest 24-hour animal hospital to your “in-case-of-emergency” call list, and be sure to have a several-day supply of cat food and medications on hand.

10. Think twice before giving a cat as a gift. While it’s a nice thought, surprising someone with a cat doesn’t allow for a “get-to-know-one-another” period. Remember, adopting a cat isn’t like purchasing a household appliance or a piece of jewelry—this is a real living, breathing, and emotional being.

A better question might be do you?  Do you see the benefit to having your teeth cleaned routinely?  Do you believe brushing your teeth is in the best interest of your health and your friends and parnters?  Do you feel that by keeping your teeth and mouth healthy, you are helping to keep the rest of your body healthy?  If you answered yes to all of these questions than you will understand what I have to say regarding your pets.  If you answered no, then either you are living in a bubble (LOL) or simply need somone like me to give you important information that may change your mind.

Through the years it has been shown that by keeping our human mouths clean, we are able to prevent disease and infection in other parts of the body.  The same thing holds true for our pet’s mouths.  There has been scientific evidence that if we keep the mouths of our pet’s healthy, we can gain 2 years of quality life.  Who doesn’t want their beloved animal with them as long as possible?  So I implore you, if you have questions, would like to know more, or are concerned your pet’s mouth may be infected or painful, please call me.  I am here to help you give your pet the best quality life possible.

There is a trend I have seen through the years when it comes to how owners see their cats.  Where most dog owners will bring the dog in for yearly wellness exams (And this is so important), the cat tends to get left out of this equation.  When I discuss this phenomenon with people I always hear the same thing.  “He never gets sick, and he is strictly indoors so he never get’s exposed to anything.”  First thing I want to point out is that just because an animal is “indoor only” does not mean they do not get diseases such as heart disease, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, etc.  All of which common and life threatening illnesses suffered by cats.

Most cats will never indicate to owners when they don’t feel well.  They do not cry in pain or try to get your attention.  In fact, they are incredibly stoic and suffer in silence.  And most of the time, because they are not making an issue of it, you, the owner, will not realize there is a problem until the kitty is very ill. Then the situation can become very expensive and very tragic.  My wish and my job is to help show you that the best path is the path of prevention.  Kitties need to be seen at least once a year, possibly twice if they are older.  It is truly that important.

What problems can we discover and even prevent with routine exams?  The list is much to long to write, but I will give you some of the most common troubles I see kitties face.  And know this, I can tell you without a doubt, there have been many a cat who has come to me that I feel certain I gave years of life because we discovered these problems early in the process.  And I have seen just the opposite and had to watch my dear client make heartwrenching decisions that may not have needed to be made had we seen the kitty a bit earlier.  And please know, I understand that many people don’t know what to look for, but that is why we veterinarians are here. Use us!!!!

Common ailments that may be prevented or at least managed with good preventative care:

Top 4 are as follows

Kidney disease: signs are frequent urination, increased thirst, increased or decreased appetite and weight loss (but early in the game none of these may be recognized).  Early signs may only be seen with blood chemistries and urine samples. 

Diabetes: often seen in overweight cats and a common thread noted is the cat was overweight but then suddenly lost significant weight.  Other later signs are increased thirst (significant), increased urination (significant) increased hunger with weight loss.  (Sounds a little like kidney issues doesn’t it?)

Hyperthyroid disease: Common signs are hyperactivity, increased appetite (they become voracious) and significant weight loss.  Gone untreated, significant heart disease will follow.

Cancer: signs depend on the type of cancer the kitty is suffering from, but commonly see weight loss.

And then there is heartworm disease: this is completely preventable and every cat, just like every dog, should be on a once a month prevention.  There is no treatment for this disease, it will kill your kitty overtime and there is no reason it should ever occur.

So there are some of the top problems cats suffer.  This is just the tip of the iceburg, so please, I implore all of my kitty lovers, bring them in for the care they deserve and the care they depend on you to provide.  You will thank me for it and they will thank you by having a longer, healthier life.

I know many people are seeking other options when it comes to their own health care.  Why should we be any different with our pets.  I am truly a believer in the concept of looking outside the box at times.  I think western medicine is a necessary from of therapy when used correctly.  I am trained in western medicine, I have seen the miracles it can offer, but I also realize one size does not fit all.  Therefore I make it my mission to educate myself in other styles of medicine in hopes of giving the best options to each patient, and client, who walks through my door.

Here in my office I offer options to style of medicine.  If you like the idea of performing titers rather than vaccinating (adult ) animals than I am here to help you make the best decision.  If I feel nutriceuticals are a good fit for your pet, I will discuss this with you.  I may mention acupuncture, laser therapy or electical stimulation if your fourlegged friend is in pain.  I feel we need to address the needs of each patient on an individual basis and this requires getting you know you and your pet intimately.  The only way to do this is to build a relationship.

I believe alternative medicine better addresses the needs of the individual patient.  It is not a one size fits all approach.  If this resonates with you and you feel you would like to have a different experience with your veterinarian, I encourage you to come see us.  We promise we see you as part of our extended family.  Our only desire is to help keep you and your pet together longer, and with the best quality of life we can manage.