The ON-LINE edition of our monthly newsletter

Anipryl Approved
for the Treatment of Senile Dogs

Every month at least once we have a situation with a fairly predictable profile.  An elderly dog is brought in for euthanasia.  He usually has not been in for a couple of years so we have no recent lab test or examination results.  The owner sadly describes that he gets confused going from room to room, does not always recognize family members, is no longer house broken and/or sleeps most of the time.  The owner is generally committed to the euthanasia decision at this point and is unwilling to attempt treatment; afterall, the euthanasia decision is one of the hardest we must endure and no one wants to go through it twice, certainly not with the same pet.

But the fact is that these are all signs of canine cognitive dysfunction (also called “doggie Alzheimer’s disease” or simply “senility.”)  There has been a medication available for treatment of this condition for some three years.  The problem seems to be lack of awareness in pet owners, as hopefully owners would be interested in treatment if they thought this was something other than “normal” for older dogs. 

DO YOU HAVE AN ELDERLY DOG? WHAT SHOULD YOU WATCH FOR?

• Loss of house-training behavior
   
• Apparent confusion (barking at nothing or at someone the dog should know, looking disoriented as if the dog has forgotten why he came into the room)
   
• Change in sleep patterns (Sleeping too deeply, sleeping all the time, waking and seeking attention in the middle of the night)
   
• Lack of interest in social behavior with other family members

A study at UC Davis found that 100% of dogs tested who were age 16 or older were affected. Owners began reporting signs of this syndrome in dogs as young as 8 years old.

The important thing is to be aware of this syndrome and that there is treatment for it.  While anipryl has been around for several years, it has only been approved by the FDA for this use in the last few months. This has brought on a reduction in price and an extensive advertisement campaign to raise public awareness. 

For more information, Pfizer Animal Health is hosting an educational web site at www.anipryl.com

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Hospital Volunteer Program

Know anyone who wants to be a veterinarian one day?  Our hospital offers a structured program where volunteers work side by side with our technicians and doctors.  The emphasis is on learning skills useful to medical care of pets including:

• Taking blood
   
• Administration of medications and fluids
   
• Performing laboratory tests
   
• Assisting with surgical procedures

For more details, click here.

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It’s Kitten Season Again

Every Spring, the feline reproductive cycle begins again. Female cats begin to come into heat when the days start getting longer.  Don’t forget that all that wailing, rolling, rubbing, and desparation to escape lasts a good 5 days each heat cycle. She will be out of heat for about 9 days and back in for 5 over and over and over until she is either bred or Winter comes. Spaying puts a stop to this behavior and prevents the arrival of unwanted kittens.

• For more information on spaying your cat click here

Or perhaps you have found some orphans on your doorstep?

• Don’t forget that a complete set of instructions is available
  either at our hospital or on line here.

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Thank-You for our New Referrals

Here are the names of our clients who have referred their family or friends to our hospital in April. All will benefit from our new Client Referral Gift program.

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NEW ON OUR WEB SITE

Two drugs for gastrointestinal problems

FAMOTIDINE

More commonly known by its brand name Pepcid AC, this drug can be very helpful  in the treatment of Helicobacter infection, inflammatory bowel disease, canine parvovirus, ingestion of a toxin that could be ulcerating (over dose of aspirin, for example), any disease involving protracted vomiting, or chronically in combination with medications which may have stomach irritating properties. Learn about it’s uses, side effects and interactions with other medications on this page in our Animal Pharmacy Center.

SUCRALFATE

This is another helpful medication for upset stomachs. It actually dissolves to form a protective covering over stomach ulcers and injuries. For more information on this unique approach to stomach ulcers on this page in our Animal Pharmacy Center, click the link above.

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Featured product of the month:
Fiber Formula Dog Biscuits

A healthy treat for dogs

Normally a 1 lb 10 oz (737 g) container sells for $8.00.
 

Print and cut out this coupon for 75 cents off!