Bark n Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk

Does Reiki/ Healing touch therapy work on animals?   Energy work is based on similar principles as acupuncture, believing that energy flows in the body (called Chi in acupuncture) and when this energy becomes blocked or stagnant, we experience health and emotional crisis.  Like humans, animals have a subtle body and energy field and benefit from a positive energy flow. ​ When cats and dogs are surrounded by stressful situations (including pain), energetic blockages or diminished movement can accumulate, causing imbalance and/or congestion in their energetic body that is reflected in the physical body in a wide range of symptoms. ​ Common Symptoms include: fears/phobias separation anxiety trauma response nervousness/general anxiety aggression travel anxiety and motion sickness  stress and irritability grief over the loss of a person or animal friend phobias, obsessions and compulsions depression musculoskeletal issues decreased mobility nervous system disorders ​ ​ What to expect during your pet's HTA Session: I will come to your pet's home and work with you and your pet. There is an initial assessment and then various hand placements on your pet, depending on what your pet needs the most focus on. You will be asked to hold your pet or sit near your pet during the session. Sessions are approximately 45 minutes. ​ After a review of your pet's information and specific needs, I schedule an appointment in your home where your pet is most comfortable.  ​ ​ Human Energy Sessions Available Often our pets are a mirror of ourselves. If you have anxiety, stress, depression, or suffer from physical or mental stress, your pets or other family members may be off-balance and also show symptoms of those issues. Energy work for people is very helpful to work through or overcome the same issues your pet experiences. Find out how Energy Therapy can help you be your best person each day. www.fieldofbalance.com  ​ ​Visit: https://www.naturalpetwellnessco.com/energy-healing-for-pets-and-humans- ​

Military and contract working dogs keep our soldiers and facilities safe by sniffing out bombs and tackling terrorists, and just like human veterans they may end up with health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder. Mission K9 Rescue works to bring these heroic dogs home and place them in comfortable, peaceful, loving homes for the rest of their lives. Read on for details and contact us to speak with officials of this unique nonprofit! Giving Working Dogs a Peaceful Retirement 5 Ways Mission K9 Rescue helps any retired working dog that has served mankind, including retired military dogs, contractor working dogs, and police dogs, through 5Rs: Rescue – We work to rescue any military working dog or contractor working dog that needs help, whether it be bringing them back from overseas or rescuing them from a poor environment stateside. Reunite – We work to reunite retired working dogs with any handler that wants them and has proven they can provide a good home, including transporting the dog to the handler. Re-Home – For any retired working dog that does not have a designated handler, we work to find them the perfect loving home. Rehabilitate – We work with dogs suffering PTSD and other effects of severe stress and anxiety from their former occupations to help reintegrate them into society and make them suitable for adoption. Repair – Working dogs train like professional athletes for their entire careers, and often suffer from extensive medical issues that can become quite costly. Since they don’t receive retirement benefits, Mission K9 Rescue provides all veterinary needs while in our care. “We're raising funds to take care of these dogs — to bring dogs back from all over the world where they are stuck in kennels after retirement, and to provide medical care for working dogs who have worked like athletes their entire lives and now have injuries and health issues. It can be really costly to get them ready for adoption,” explains Mission K9 president Kristen Maurer. Press Kit: MissionK9Rescue.OnlinePressKit247.com – images, more story ideas, etc. Public Website: MissionK9Rescue.org

One of the most difficult behaviors for dogs to master is the “Stay.” This is a command that must be well-defined for your dog. This includes teaching the stay in several stages, as well as teaching the behavior in reverse, starting with the end and working backward for longer and more reliable stays. Create a Definite Beginning and a Definite Ending The first and most important rule of the stay is to have a definite beginning and a definite ending. This means pairing your stay command with a release word that signals that the stay is finished. Common release words include “OK,” “Free,” Release,” and “All Done.” Choose one word as your release word and use only that word consistently when the “stay” is finished. To teach the release word, position your dog as you wish, in either a sit, down or stand. Then give your dog a stay command, followed almost immediately by your release word and reward. Don’t worry if your dog does not move following the release word. You can step back, clap your hands, or otherwise engage in positive interaction to cue them that it is OK to move. Do watch out for these common pitfalls when teaching stay: Do not give your stay command with food in your hand. This will only lure your dog to follow you.Do not always call your dog to come to you from a stay. This will cause him to anticipate a recall. Practice by leaving your dog and returning to him before giving the release word. Three D’s: Duration, Distance, and Distractions Once you have successfully paired a release word with your stay command, you are ready to move to the next step. Dog trainers refer to these as the Three D’s: Duration, Distance, and Distractions. Duration is the amount of time your dog is in a stay. Distance is how far from your dog you go. Distractions are anything that happens during your dog’s stay. Duration – The amount of time your dog remains in his stay is called duration. To begin, position your dog as you wish, in a sit, down, or stand. Give your stay command, without moving count to three, and then release your dog using his release word. Increase the time you ask your dog to stay by two to three second intervals. If your dog breaks his stay, just reset him and ask him to stay for a lesser time in which he was successful.Distance – Moving away from your dog is referred to as distance, and it is common for owners to rush this phase of training. Teaching distance stays happen literally a half step at a time. Position your dog as you wish and give your dog his stay command. Step back with one foot, lean back, then step back to your dog and release him. Next, take one full step back then return to your dog for the release and a reward. Continue slowly, adding only one step at a time. Remember, do not have food in the hand in which you give your dog the stay command. Also, return to your dog before you release him, and do not always call him out of a stay.Distractions – Distractions are anything, big or small, that happens during your dog’s stay. It is important to have a strong foundation with your release word, stay duration, and distance before you try and add distractions. Once distractions are to be added, start with something easy at home or in the back yard, and work your way up to more distractions in various environments. One good technique is to use higher value treat rewards when introducing and increasing distractions. Proofing People love their dogs because they help us remain in the present moment. Dogs live very much in the here and now. This means anything, everything or even nothing at all can cause a dog to break his stay. Proofing is an important part of training the stay for reliability in a variety of situations. Always start simple and gradually increase what you are asking of your dog. Proofing for duration from the science of canine cognition we know that dogs understand if we are paying attention to them or not, no matter what the proximity. Practice this by asking your dog to stay while you sit, lie down, read, watch television, or cook. Be sure to reward at various intervals for the stay, but do not allow them to get up until you have given the release word.Proofing for distance is moving away from your dog and includes going out of sight. Practice this by moving away from your dog at various angles, either leaving to the side, diagonally and/or going behind your dog. When working out of sight, use a mirror to see your dog around corners. You can either set him up angling a wall mirror or, as inconspicuously as possible, use a hand mirror.Proofing for distractions is one of the more difficult tasks. Ideas include bouncing or rolling a ball while your dog is on a stay, jumping up and down, or running past your dog. Remember, you must start slowly and build up to things more interesting to your dog. One helpful hint is to use “leave it” during the stay. Often with distractions, dogs are more likely to succeed with additional information such as reminding them to stay or to “leave” distractions like toys. Additional Tips: If you think your dog is going to move, repeat your stay command.Set your dog up for success. Do what you feel you need to do to help your dog be successful. The more successful they are, the more reliable the stay behavior will be.

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How Can Dog Massage Therapy Benefit Your Pet? “Massage does wonders for dogs,” says Becky Brandenburg, B.A. ED., ESMT, CMT, an Ohio-based certified animal massage therapist and owner of Brandenburg Massage Therapy. “Full-body massage keeps the muscles moving and conditioned—touch can truly be healing.” In addition to the physical benefits of dog massage therapy, it can also promote bonding between you and your pet. “Not only is massaging your pet of benefit to them, but it is also of benefit to you,” says Dr. Rachel Barrack, a New York City-based veterinarian and founder of Animal Acupuncture. “Studies have shown that petting a dog or cat can lower heart rate and blood pressure. Touching your pet will also cause your body to release oxytocin, a hormone that causes sensations of bonding and love,” says Dr. Barrack. Dog Massage Therapy: What You Should Know From puppies to seniors, all dogs can benefit from dog massage therapy, says Dr. Barrack. However, it’s not quite as simple as giving your dog a shoulder rub. Dog massage therapy uses strategic, often intense pressure to manipulate the soft tissues of the body, so it’s important to have your dog seen by a professional. “When you’re getting in and working with muscles, you want to work with someone who is trained and understands the anatomy and how much pressure is safe,” says Brandenburg. If you’d like to try therapeutic massage for your pet, ask your veterinarian to refer you to a certified animal massage therapist. Simpler Dog Massage Techniques to Try at Home While full-body, deep tissue massage should be left to the professionals, here are some simpler, less intense dog massage therapy techniques that are safe to try at home. Backstroke   To introduce your dog to canine massages, Brandenburg recommends a simple, gentle backstroke. “You can do this sitting with your dog, watching TV,” she says. Starting at the back of the head, stroke up and down either side of your dog’s spine using very gentle pressure. Be sure to stay off the bone. This type of back rub is calming and relaxing for dogs, says Brandenburg. It can be a good dog massage for anxiety, particularly for dogs who are fearful of human touch. “For rescue dogs, touch can be healing,” she says. “Massage helps them trust again—it’s wonderful to watch.” Forehead Rub For another calming massage technique, try giving your best bud a head rub. “Calming points are primarily located on your pet’s head,” says Dr. Barrack. Start at the top of your dog’s nose, where there’s an acupressure point associated with calming and healing, says Dr. Barrack. Using gentle pressure, run your thumb from the top of the nose and over the head, going back and forth slowly. Thigh and Glute Rub Many of Brandenburg’s clients are senior dogs suffering from age-related mobility issues. “Dogs are like us—they’re living longer,” she says. “There are certain inevitabilities with age, but we can make our dogs more comfortable.” Dog massage for arthritis should be done by a professional under the medical guidance of a veterinarian, says Brandenburg. However, some gentle compression can be done at home to keep muscles loose and flexible. This dog massage therapy technique is intended for your dog’s back legs and glutes. Using gentle pressure, press both thumbs into the thigh or glute muscle, and make a backwards “c.” Slowly work your way across the entire muscle, making these clockwise thumb circles. This thumb-circle technique can also be used to massage the base of the neck, says Brandenburg. “Dogs absolutely love it because they can’t reach their necks,” she says. Ear Rub Most dogs love even the most basic ear rub. But with a little know-how, you can offer your pet a calming, therapeutic ear massage, says Brandenburg. For this simple massage, start with your thumb on the inner side of your dog’s ear, at the base of the ear flap; your index finger should be outside the ear. Using gentle pressure, slowly stroke out towards the end of the ear and conclude with a gentle pull. Stay Calm and Monitor Your Dog’s Reaction to the Massage When massaging your dog, it’s important to have a calm, relaxed demeanor, as animals are quick to pick up on human energy, says Brandenburg. “You want to use a low, calming voice,” she instructs. “You have to bring the animal into your quiet space.” It’s also important to monitor your dog’s body language. A dog who is enjoying the massage will stretch, lean into your hands and be calm to the point of falling asleep, says Brandenburg. Conversely, a dog who is uncomfortable will watch you closely or try to escape and may even growl, says Brandenburg. If this is the case, stop the massage and give your pet some space. Over time, you’ll be able to communicate with your dog through your hands. “With massage, eventually your hands do the talking,” says Brandenburg. “It’s a very cool thing when that starts to happen, and that trust builds.” By: John Plichter Featured Image: iStock.com/stphillips

What is Mange? Mange is a skin disease which is caused by several species of mites. Some mites are naturally found in our dog’s skin and hair; however, others may not. All mites, regardless of if they are naturally found or not, have the potential to cause mild to severe skin infections. The most common type of mange, Demodex, lives on dogs naturally and even lives on humans naturally. The Demodex mite is not rare and the majority of healthy pets possess a certain number of demodex without problems. If your pet has a weakened immune system, the mites multiply quickly as the dog’s body is not able to maintain the mite population properly. The increased number of mites will results in a severe health condition which leaves the skin bald and leathery. Breeds Prone to Developing Mange Dogs less than 18 months of age are prone to localized demodectic mange which often clears on its own. Generalized demodectic mange is more serious and has been found to be hereditary most often affecting: Old English SheepdogCollieDachshundPointerPugShar-PeiGerman ShepherdDoberman PinscherChow ChowChihuahuaAfghan HoundBeagleGreat Dane Senior dogs who have an underlying medical condition, regardless of breed, are also more prone to developing mange. Other factors which affect mange include: AnxietyPregnancyHeartwormsIntestinal wormsCancerDiabetesHypothyroidismMedications Symptoms of Mange The symptoms of mange depend upon the type of mite causing the condition. Demodectic mange often leads to hair loss, scabbing and sores. Sarcoptic mange causes extreme itching and results in restlessness, hair loss, reddened skin, scabs and sores most commonly on the ears, elbows, face and legs. The skin also becomes leathery in texture and appearance after a period of time. Causes of Mange There are several types of mange in dogs. Sarcoptic mange, also known as canine scabies, is caused by microscopic mites and is easily transferred between hosts. All dogs possess demodectic mange mites which are transferred from mother to pup during cuddling in the first few days of life. Most dogs do not have a problem with demodex mites; however, some may experience severe cases of mange from them. Treating Mange If your dog has mange, you should consult a veterinarian. The veterinarian will perform a physical examination and take skin scrapings to be analyzed under a microscope. Depending on the type of mange, medication may be prescribed to be given orally, via shampoo, topically or by injection. These treatments must be given exactly as the veterinarian prescribes them as these can be toxic to dogs in large amounts.

I realized my love for canine rehab and massage while volunteering at a canine rehab facility in 2012 when I took my own dog in for rehab.  I wasn’t able to pursue school at that time and went on to work as a veterinary assistant while being trained as a technician on the job. While learning valuable information about the veterinary field and gaining vast experience working in general practice, I felt I was missing out on a passion that I had grown to love.  I went on and graduated from New England Institute of Technology with an Associates in Science Degree in Veterinary Technology, as well as going to the University of Tennessee for Canine Rehabilitation.   My love for helping geriatric patients and other arthritic dogs lead me to go on and become certified in canine massage at the Brandenburg Massage Therapy program.  I worked in a rehab facility in Massachusetts since 2014 and continued on to do the job I love fitting in massages anywhere I can whether it be in the pool, underwater treadmill, draped over an exercise ball or on a bed.   https://www.pawsitivehealingtouch.com/about-me ​

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HT Vista by HTVET is the first non-invasive medical device that allows clinicians to rule out cancer in subcutaneous and dermal masses, through the power of Heat Diffusion Imaging (HDI) technology. This innovative imaging modality relies on unique thermal signals that differ between normal and malignant tissues, as they are recorded by the device, during a rapid heating and cooling process. https://www.ht-vet.com/

Marijuana in all forms is toxic to dogs and cats. Marijuana ingestion occurs much more commonly in dogs than in cats because dogs tend to be less scrupulous in the things they eat. After consuming marijuana, dogs typically show clinical signs within 30 to 90 minutes. Signs include wobbliness and incoordination, drowsiness, jitteriness, restlessness and hypersensitivity to touch, sound and lights, meaning they startle easily. Dogs may urinate on themselves, have low heart rates and dilated pupils. Drug Testing Veterinarians are not required to report pet marijuana ingestion to law enforcement. If there is a possibility that marijuana was in the pet’s environment, it is best to be honest and forthcoming so prompt and appropriate treatment can begin. Similarly, you should disclose any other possible drug ingestion (illicit or prescription) to your veterinarian. If there is marijuana in your pet’s environment and your pet is not acting normally, you should assume your pet has access to it. Remember, dogs can be adept in gaining access to things they would like to eat. If marijuana ingestion is suspected, a urine sample can be tested to confirm exposure and likely intoxication. Human urine drug tests can be purchased without a prescription from any drug store as well as the pharmacy section of many grocery stores. Human urine drug tests are highly accurate at detecting marijuana and other drugs in your pet’s urine. If there is a suspicion that your pet may have ingested a drug, your veterinarian may ask you to provide a urine drug test while clinic staff members obtain a urine sample for testing. Urine drug tests provide accurate results within five to 10 minutes. Treatment Options Treatment for marijuana intoxication is focused on removing the marijuana from your pet’s body. If ingestion occurred within 30 minutes of the time of presentation and your pet is alert and appears to be acting normal, your veterinarian may induce vomiting to remove as much of the material as possible prior to absorption. This greatly reduces the potential for toxicity. Owners should not attempt to make dogs vomit since serious and potentially life-threatening complications such as choking and aspiration can occur. Your veterinarian may recommend hospitalization of your pet for 12 to 24 hours for close monitoring. Additional treatments that may be administered include intravenous (IV) fluids and oral activated charcoal, which can further help absorb the marijuana in your pet’s system. IV fluids hasten the excretion of the drug in your pet’s urine while activated charcoal binds to the drug within the gastrointestinal tract to further reduce absorption and aid in excretion in subsequent stools. Close monitoring of your pet’s body temperature, heart rate and breathing are also needed until the marijuana has been cleared from your pet’s body and your pet returns to normal. Marijuana is a powerful sedative, and at high doses, it can induce a life-threatening coma. With appropriate, interventional care by a veterinarian, marijuana toxicity is almost never fatal. Long-term side effects are extremely rare.

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How do I know if my dog has an eye infection? If your dog's eyes are weeping, watering more than usual, or you notice yellow, green or white coloured discharge, they may have an eye infection. Other signs of eye infections in dogs include pawing at their eye, blinking more than usual, swelling, redness and squinting

This week on Bark & Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk podcast we will learn about Colorado Gives Day on 12/6 with Joan from Foothills Animal Shelter. When is your state non profit fundraiser? Join in on Colorado's statewide movement! On the first Tuesday of December since 2010, Coloradans have come together to support the nonprofits that make a difference in our lives. Colorado Gives Day has grown to be Colorado's largest 24-hour giving event, raising more than $362 million for nonprofits across the state since it began. ColoradoGives.org is home to Colorado Gives Day, and your one-stop shop for making good happen for our community. Time to help the animals! Please like and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, iHeartRadio and YouTube 🐾❤️

Dogs get into things they shouldn’t. They pick up dead animals and try to eat garbage. Although you should train a solid “leave it” cue to tell your dog to leave certain things alone, you might not always notice what your dog is doing until it’s too late. Therefore, an equally important behavior to teach is “Drop It.” This cue tells your dog to immediately drop whatever they have in their mouth. Sometimes this will simply be to prevent an annoyance like your dog stealing your shoe. But at other times this cue can be lifesaving such as when your dog picks up dropped medication or toxic food like chocolate. Why You Should Teach “Drop It” “Drop It” allows you to get items away from your dog without having to run after them. In fact, as most dogs love the game of chase, this will only increase the likelihood of your dog taking forbidden things in the future. They quickly learn it’s a great way to start what they see as a fun way to play with you. Chasing your dog also increases the chance they will swallow the object to prevent you from getting it first. Even non-toxic items can pose a choking hazard or create an intestinal blockage. Nor should you ever have to pry your dog’s mouth open to retrieve an object. That puts you at risk of a bite and again may persuade your dog to swallow the object. Fighting with your dog over anything can also lead to problems with resource guarding down the road. If your dog already shows issues with guarding objects, consult a dog trainer or animal behaviorist for help before beginning any of the following exercises. Teaching your dog to drop items on cue is also a useful component of fetch as it helps your dog bring objects back to your hand rather than leaving them on the floor for you to retrieve. And finally, “drop it” is perfect for trick training. You can have your dog putting their toys in their toy box or playing dog-sized basketball in no time if they understand how to drop things on cue. How to Teach “Drop It” With a Treat The trick to training your dog to drop items is to make it all about trading – give them something else in exchange. In addition, during the training process, you will also give the original item back again. Although you would never do that with something dangerous, this teaches your dog that “drop it” is a double bonus. They get a reward for dropping the object and then they get to play with the object some more. That makes trading incredibly enticing. Here are the steps for training “drop it” with treats: Offer your dog a low-value toy. It should be something they have an interest in but don’t feel overly excited about. You want to make it easy for them to give it up.Let your dog play with the toy for a few seconds.Place a high-value treat in front of your dog’s nose. If you chose a low enough value toy and an exciting enough treat, your dog should willingly drop the toy in exchange. As soon as your dog drops the toy, praise or use a clicker to mark the behavior, then give your dog the treat.While your dog is eating the treat, pick up the toy and hide it behind your back.Once your dog is finished eating, present the toy again and repeat the process.When you know your dog will drop the item as soon as you show the treat, you can add a verbal cue like “drop it,” “trade,” or “out.”After several repetitions, give your cue without showing the treats. If your dog drops the item, click and praise and provide a jackpot reward (many treats in a row) to convince them how great it is to play this game. If your dog doesn’t drop the item without seeing the treats, try waiting one second between saying your cue and showing the treats. Then slowly increase that time across repetitions until your dog understands to drop the item before the treats come out. If you run into trouble with this technique, here are a few troubleshooting tips. First, if your dog runs away with the toy, do this training with them on leash so they have to stay with you. Second, you don’t want to race your dog to the toy after they drop it. If your dog is trying to get it back before you can get your hands on it, try tossing the treat a few feet away to buy you time to get the toy. Or throw several treats on the floor to keep your dog occupied. How to Teach “Drop It” With a Toy You can also teach your dog to trade items with toys only. Some dogs simply aren’t food motivated, but even for those that are, these games can help reinforce the lesson. You can repeat the exercise above but instead of offering a treat, offer another toy. If your dog is reluctant to trade, play with the new toy and act as if it’s the greatest thing you’ve ever seen. Your dog is sure to drop the original toy in favor of this exciting new object. Tug-of-war is another great way to teach “drop it.” Simply present the toy and start playing. After a few seconds, go still. Your dog will eventually get bored of playing alone and will drop the toy. When they do, praise them then reward them with another game of tug. Once your dog is dropping the toy as soon as you go still, you’re ready to add the verbal cue. You can do the same type of training with a flirt pole (a toy tied to a string on the end of a pole). Now that your dog understands the “drop it” cue, anytime they have something they shouldn’t, ask them to drop the item then reward them with a treat or acceptable toy or chew bone. If you practiced enough, your dog will happily drop the forbidden item to trade for something better.

The overwhelming joy of having pets is unfortunately accompanied by the inevitable sadness that comes with ending their lives. As humans, we must be witness to the death of our family member, our pet. And unlike the movies, rarely is it that they gently fall “asleep” for eternity. Instead, dog owners are in the unique position of having to decide when it’s time to say goodbye, a process called humane euthanasia. When age or illness changes a pet’s ability to function in a normal capacity, your veterinarian, as well as friends and family members, start to discuss with you “quality of life.” What is this quality of life, and whose lives are we talking about — you or your pet? As an emergency veterinarian for over thirty years, I have been there for clients needing sound advice to make that most difficult decision, a decision that they often have never been faced with before and have little or no training. Veterinary medicine is now capable of allowing our pets to live longer more “normal” lives, but there will come a time in our lives when no amount of medicine, money, hopes, or wishes will be able to keep your dog or cat alive. Signs to Look For Any time a pet starts showing signs of illness, whether visible changes in appetite or thirst, movement or behavior, it is time to consult with your veterinarian. Sometimes, after appropriate evaluation by your veterinarian, an assessment will be made regarding your dog or cat. When those signs relate to the ability of your pet to live life comfortably in their normal routine, various things need to be assessed. Some of the most worrisome signs are the inability to breathe normally and eat or drink. Another sign is the inability to get up to perform routine tasks such as getting to their food or water bowl and the failure to get up as not to soil themselves. In other words, when your pet loses the ability to live their lives in comfort and with a modicum of grace and nobility, it is a sign that something is wrong. Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian Your veterinarian is the person who has guided you and your pet throughout its life. They understand your situation, and it’s important to know that every situation is unique. Ask your veterinarian their opinion on options available. The age, breed, and condition of your pet, the financial reality of your case, such as the costs involved in any form of treatment or therapy compared with the benefits and length of time of benefit (if any) that can be offered, will all play a part in the making of your decision. It is never easy to come to that realization, but I have found it especially difficult for first-time pet owners to make that call. Ask your veterinarian to go over the process. Try to remember that this difficult decision is being made to ease your pets’ suffering rather than your own feelings is not only helpful but imperative. When the time comes, it may be useful to have a comforting friend or family member, especially one that may have previous experience with the procedure, come along for emotional support. I usually recommend that owners stay with their pets during the process, both as comfort to their pets as well as some form of closure for themselves. The Final Goodbye Various people have different ways to honor their pets: cremation is the most common choice, and the ashes can be stored in a vase in your home, on your property, or dispersed over a favorite area of your lost pet. Some choose burial at a pet cemetery or on their own property if the local laws allow it. Another way of honoring and giving tribute to them is to donate in their name to a meaningful organization, such as your breed’s rescue or health fund, or an organization devoted to research in canine health, such as the AKC Canine Health Foundation. It is never an easy decision, but as a long-time mentor once told me, “it’s better to do it one day too early than one day too late.” It took many years to understand fully that, but I have found it to be true. Nonetheless, it’s still so difficult when you experience it firsthand. Related article: How to Explain a Pets Death to Children

What Is Pancreatitis in Dogs? The pancreas is an organ in the abdominal cavity. One of its roles is producing digestive enzymes, which helps break down food products. Pancreatitis in dogs is an inflammatory reaction within the pancreas that can result in abdominal pain, inappetence, and vomiting. The inflammation results from the inappropriate, early activation of an enzyme within the pancreas, which causes the pancreas to digest itself. What Causes Pancreatitis in Dogs? Classically, the typical history of a canine patient that is diagnosed with pancreatitis is one in which the dog ate a high-fat meal or got into the garbage. Unfortunately, this is not the most common cause of pancreatitis. In reality, 90% of the time, the inciting cause of pancreatitis in dogs is idiopathic (cannot be determined). Are Some Dogs Predisposed to Pancreatitis? Some breeds are more prone to the development of pancreatitis, as well as dogs taking certain medications. Miniature Schnauzers are considered to be a predisposed breed due their tendency to have problems with high blood triglyceride levels. Another example is the English Cocker Spaniel. Immune-mediated diseases, which result from abnormal activity of the immune system, are seen at a higher frequency in this breed in general, and the immune system attacking the pancreas is no exception. Medications that are known to cause inflammation of the pancreas include, but are not limited to, some chemotherapy medications and some antibiotics. What Are the Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Dogs? Pancreatitis can present as a sudden-onset (acute) illness or as a more long-term (chronic) illness.  A dog that has acute pancreatitis will have more serious clinical signs, such as: Severe lethargy Abdominal pain Persistent vomiting Severe dehydration Collapse and shock (sometimes) A dog with chronic pancreatitis is typically not as sick. The clinical signs may include: Lethargy Decreased appetite to not eating at all Abdominal pain and/or vomiting In general, chronic pancreatitis is not as common in dogs as acute pancreatitis. Dogs with chronic pancreatitis can suddenly develop worsening pancreatitis. This is a situation where chronic pancreatitis presents acutely.  How Do Vets Diagnose Pancreatitis in Dogs? Disease of the pancreas can be difficult to identify because, oftentimes, the signs of illness are not specific to the pancreas, and routine blood tests are often not helpful. However, there are pancreatic-specific blood tests that can be performed when the veterinarian has a high suspicion of pancreatitis. Unfortunately, even these special tests are not 100% accurate. Abdominal X-rays are also not very helpful in diagnosing pancreatitis in dogs. However, in a vomiting patient, it is important to take X-rays to rule out a potential foreign-body obstruction of the stomach and/or intestine (something your dog ate, like a squeaker out of a toy). The best method to image the pancreas is via abdominal ultrasound. However, the tissue of the pancreas has to be abnormal enough to visualize using the ultrasound, which is more common in dogs with acute, severe pancreatitis, when compared to those with chronic, mild pancreatitis. Overall, blood testing and abdominal ultrasound are better in helping to diagnose pancreatitis in dogs when it is acute and severe.     How to Treat Pancreatitis in Dogs Treatment is primarily supportive care regardless of whether the patient has acute or chronic pancreatitis.  Severe Pancreatitis in Dogs Patients with severe, acute pancreatitis often require more extensive medical intervention and treatment. These patients are often in need of several days, if not weeks, of treatment, including: Intensive intravenous (IV) fluid and electrolyte support Pain-control measures Antinausea medication(s) Stomach-protectant medications Nutritional support in the form of a feeding tube Antibiotics (sometimes) Severe pancreatitis patients are often critical and best treated in a specialist practice, such as an intensive 24-hour care facility. The cost for treatment is estimated at approximately $2000-5000 but can vary depending on where you live. Moderate to Mild Pancreatitis in Dogs Patients with moderate or mild pancreatitis may be hospitalized for one to a few days for IV fluid therapy to correct dehydration. In a dog with mild pancreatitis, your veterinarian may determine that subcutaneous (applied under the skin) fluid administration—either at the appointment or at home—will be adequate for rehydration. These patients are usually also treated with: Antinausea medication A stomach protectant(s) Pain-reliever medication A bland, low-fat diet is recommended during recovery (this may be a home-cooked and/or home-prepared diet) In general, mild to moderate pancreatitis patients recover in one to two weeks. Treatment can vary with these patients, so the cost varies. If hospitalized for a few days, the costs can approximate $1500-2500. If treated as an outpatient, the cost is around $500-1000. A permanent diet change may be recommended, especially in predisposed breeds (Schnauzers) or dogs with a previous history of pancreatitis.   What Is the Prognosis for Pancreatitis in Dogs? The prognosis for dogs with pancreatitis ultimately depends on the severity of the illness. A dog with severe pancreatitis has a poor to grave overall prognosis, thus a higher risk of death. These patients can die from a severe whole-body inflammatory condition, which results in multiple organ failure. Pancreatic abscess formation and peritonitis (abdominal cavity infection) is another complication of severe pancreatitis that increases the risk of fatality. It is important to note that a dog that has recovered from even a single episode of pancreatitis or repeated episodes of pancreatitis may develop extensive scarring within the pancreatic tissue. This can lead to the development of diabetes mellitus and/or a condition called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). EPI occurs as a result of the pancreas not being able to produce a sufficient amount of digestive enzymes.              Pancreatitis has many potential causes, and dogs can present with illness that ranges from mild to very severe. Also, the signs of illness are not specific to the pancreas, so it can be a challenge to diagnose. Ultimately, the earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the more positive the outcome.  Featured Image: iStock.com/Elen11

What is a soft tissue sarcoma? Soft tissue sarcomas are a broad category of tumors including those that arise from the connective, muscle, or nervous tissues in dogs and cats. These tumors are the result of abnormal production of these cell types in an uncontrolled manner. Connective, muscle, and nervous tissues are present throughout the entire body; therefore, these tumors can develop over the chest, back, side, legs, and facial tissues of your pet. Soft tissue sarcomas make up about 15% of cancers of the skin affecting dogs and about 7% of those affecting cats. Fibrosarcomas are common in dogs and are a type of soft tissue sarcoma (see handout "Fibrosarcoma in Dogs" for more information). "Soft tissue sarcomas make up about 15% of cancers of the skin affecting dogs and about 7% of those affecting cats." Even though soft tissue tumors arise from many different types of cells, they all behave in a similar manner and their treatment is typically the same. What causes soft tissue sarcomas? The reason why a particular pet may develop this, or any tumor or cancer, is not straightforward. Very few tumors and cancers have a single known cause. Most seem to be caused by a complex mix of risk factors, some environmental and some genetic or hereditary. For most cases of soft tissue sarcomas, no direct cause has been determined for their development. Sarcomas at injection sites occur in cats but are rare in dogs (see handout “Post-Vaccination Sarcoma in Cats” for further information on this type of sarcoma). In cats exposed to a form of the feline leukemia virus (called feline sarcoma virus), the development of sarcomas on the head and neck sometimes occurs. What are the clinical signs of soft tissue sarcomas? The clinical signs depend on where the tumor is located and the tissues that are affected. Often, pets have a noticeable mass that is growing in size. Signs associated with soft tissue sarcomas include the following: Pets that have tumors arising from muscle tissue may show signs of pain in the affected region and may have a distinct firm and growing mass (tumor).Tumors that are located on the limbs may cause changes in your pet’s ability to walk and the limbs may have obvious swelling.Pets that have tumors arising from nervous tissue may be unable to use the affected limb or may show other neurological signs.Pets with intestinal tumors may have signs of an intestinal blockage, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, weight loss, and abdominal pain.Pets with soft tissue sarcomas in the mouth often have halitosis (bad breath), difficulty eating, loss of appetite, bleeding in the mouth, or obvious tumors in the mouth.Signs of a soft tissue sarcoma affecting the reproductive system depend on the location of the tumor. For example, if the prostate is affected, difficulty with urinating or defecating may be observed. How are soft tissue sarcomas diagnosed? In some cases, a fine needle aspiration (FNA) may be performed. FNA involves taking a small needle with a syringe to suction a sample of cells directly from the tumor and placing them on a microscope slide. A veterinary pathologist then examines the slide under a microscope. If a diagnosis is not confirmed by this method, a biopsy may be needed. A biopsy is a surgical excision of a piece of the tumor. Pieces of the tumor are then examined under the microscope. This is called histopathology. A biopsy is beneficial because it gives an indication as to how aggressive the tumor is and how its treatment should be approached. Staging (searching for potential spread to other locations in the body) may be recommended. This may include blood work, urinalysis, radiographs (X-rays) of the lungs, and possibly an abdominal ultrasound. If any lymph nodes are enlarged or feel abnormal, further sampling may be pursued to determine if any spread is present. "If any lymph nodes are enlarged or feel abnormal, further sampling may be pursued to determine if any spread is present." How do these tumors typically progress? This is entirely dependent on the location and grade of the tumor. Typically, the higher the grade (these tumors are graded from I to III) the more likely that spread is possible. However, one of the biggest concerns with soft tissue sarcomas is their ability to invade the local surrounding tissues. They can almost be described as an ’octopus’, where the bulk of the tumor is the head and the microscopic cells that invade the surrounding tissue are like small tentacles. These ‘tentacles’ become challenging to treat when managing your pet’s tumor, either by surgery or radiation therapy. "...one of the biggest concerns with soft tissue sarcomas is their ability to invade the local surrounding tissues." What are the treatments for these types of tumors? The most commonly pursued treatment for all soft tissue sarcomas is surgery. Because these tumors typically produce ‘tentacles’ of abnormal cells, wide margins (the amount of tissue that needs to be removed) must be obtained for the best control of the tumor. If microscopic cells are left behind after surgery, recurrence of the tumor is much more likely. If cells are left behind (determined through histopathology), either a second surgery or a combination of surgery and radiation therapy may be pursued. Chemotherapy is not usually pursued as a primary treatment unless surgery or radiation are not options for your pet based on the tumor size or location. Chemotherapy may be an option after surgery. Metronomic chemotherapy (daily administration of lower doses of chemotherapy rather than traditional schedules) may be recommended. These therapies will be discussed with you if they are relevant to your pet’s particular type of sarcoma.

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How to help animals in shelters and rescues Want to help animals in shelters? Here are a few ways you can help animal shelters and rescues that do so much for animals, people and your community SHARE   Julia Gerasina  /  iStock.com     Animal shelters and rescues are amazing! Usually with limited resources and very little publicity, they help untold numbers of animals and people. Give back by choosing one or more of the following ways to show your appreciation for the groups that do so much for animals, people and your community. 1. Adopt a pet If you’ve been thinking that it’s time to add a pet to your family, consider adopting from a local shelter or rescue group. Search for available cats and dogs near you at the Shelter Pet Project. Be sure to find out from the group you are considering adopting from what their adoption process is like and, if it doesn’t feel right to you, move on to another local group. 2. Donate Every animal shelter and rescue organization has bills to pay and your generous monetary donation will be gratefully accepted. Donations may be used to help cover the costs of daily operations, supplies, staff training, animal housing upgrades, community outreach programs, animal enrichment and much more. 3. Volunteer Even if you can’t adopt a pet just now, you can help make life better for animals in your community by volunteering with your local shelter or rescue organization. Do you have experience as a carpenter or electrician? Are you a marketing or dog walking whiz? All of these skills are valuable! Or be open to learning something new that is needed, such as trap-neuter-return for unowned cats. 4. Say thanks Take a minute to express your gratitude to the people who work at your local shelter or rescue groups. Did you adopt a pet from one of them? Did they provide affordable spay/neuter? Perhaps they helped reunite you with your lost pet or provided behavioral advice that made it possible for your pet to stay in your home. Give them a shout-out on social media, drop off lunch or cookies for the staff and/or mention to municipal leadership what a value they bring to your community. 5. Become a fan Like and follow your local animal shelters and rescue groups on Facebook, then invite your friends and family to like and follow them too. Also like and follow the Shelter Pet Project, which directs people seeking to adopt a cat or dog to their local shelters and rescues. Engage by sharing and commenting on posts. 6. Get crafty Combine fabric, recyclables and imagination to bring much needed fun into the lives of local shelter and rescue pets. You can fashion cage curtains to help shelter cats get some privacy (and stay healthy) or play matchmaker by creating attention-grabbing "Adopt-Me" vests to spotlight available pets at adoption events held by shelters and rescues. 7. Make wishes come true Shelters and rescue groups always need towels, toys and other supplies. Check their websites for wishlists; if they don’t have one, call them to find out what's in short supply and offer to create an online wishlist for them. 8. Become a foster The value of fosters can't be overrated. They can be lifesavers for pets who can't adapt to shelter life, those who need to be nursed back to health and orphaned kittens who need someone to step in for their mom (or whose needs are beyond what busy shelter staff can often provide). Foster homes are the backbone of many rescue groups—without a strong network of foster providers, rescue groups simply could not take in as many animals. Foster homes can also become adoption ambassadors to friends, family and colleagues who otherwise may not visit the shelter. If you already have pets of your own, fostering is also often very fun for the resident pet. 9. Help at your own home Make the jobs of shelters and rescues easier: Outfit your cats and dogs with collars and proper ID (a microchip and ID tags) at all times. As soon as you bring them into your family, have all of your pets spayed or neutered. Keep your cats indoors, where you can keep them safe (though it's great to take them on walks if they are comfortable on a harness and leash or provide them a catio for safe outdoor enrichment) and keep dogs on leashes when off your property. 10. Help your shelter make positive changes The work your local shelter does may be hindered by an outdated animal control ordinance or, for municipal shelters, an inadequate budget. You can help by rallying support from your elected officials and working with shelter and rescue leaders to make necessary changes. If you see or hear anything at your local shelter that concerns you, follow our guidelines for addressing that concern in the most effective way.