E-Newsletters: January 2017

Urinary problems have plagued cats and their owners for as long as I have been in veterinary medicine (29 years and counting). The problems have been named many different things FUS (Feline Urologic Syndrome), FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease), Cystitis, FIC (Feline Idiopathic Cystitis), LUTS (Lower Urinary Tract Signs). I think FIC is my favorite; the Idiopathic description always amuses and haunts me. "YEP, your pet has this problem and we have no idea why!"

Unfortunately this fits fifty-seven (57%) percent of cats with urinary problems. We don't know what triggers the condition. Over the past 20 years researchers have determined it is more than just a bladder problem. It's more than "just" a pH of the urine issue. Research has shown there is most often a complex of interactions between the bladder, the nervous system, and the adrenal glands. In cats with a lowered release of cortisol from the adrenal gland, the nervous system response often leads to neurogenic inflammation in the bladder and to signs of Lower Urinary Tract Disease. As a reaction to this inflammation the input back from the bladder to the brain is perceived as pain which causes additional stress and leads to a perpetuating condition.

BUT, there is good news! Nutrition can help break the cycle. Hill's Pet Nutrition diet c/d Multicare Stress has been clinically tested and proven to lower the reoccurrence of LUTS by 89%. The diet has been specially formulated with ingredients that help manage stress, relieve anxiety, help reduce and control inflammation, and counteract oxidative stress and free radicals.

In addition Feline c/d Multicare Stress comes in a variety of options from dry to stew to pressed canned food, and a variety of flavors for the finicky eater. Feline c/d Multicare Stress is available in our hospital and on our online store which can be found on our website at www.hurricaneanimalcare.com

Feline c/d Multicare Stress is appropriate for any cats already on Feline c/d foods or with a history of urinary conditions. The diet does require a prescription but is easy to prescribe if you have had an exam within the last 12 months. Please call our office if you have any further questions regarding nutrition and you pet. 304-757-2287

Gigi, the toy poodle, went missing over nine years ago after a home burglary. In early December, Reba Hunter found her wandering around Roseville, Calif., and decided to take her to her veterinarian at Citrus Heights Animal Hospital. Hunter knew the dog needed to be treated and hoped that she could potentially take her home as a new pet.

Eric Brickson, hospital administrator at Citrus Heights, said Gigi was in rough shape. She had matted fur everywhere, infections in both ears, and in general didn't look well cared for. In addition to getting her started on treatment, they scanned her for a microchip. Brickson said he believes that veterinary practices, as a rule, scan every animal that walks through their door. "And if they don't, they should," he added.

They found a chip and reference it through the AAHA Universal Microchip Lookup Tool, and found that the registered owner, Sally Butters, had reported her missing almost a decade earlier. Once they got ahold of her, she was at the clinic within an hour and a half, meeting with Hunter and Gigi, now thirteen years old. Butters brought pictures of Gigi when she was younger and the original poster she had made almost ten years before.

Gigi originally had belonged to Butters mother before she passed away. Brickson said he thinks that the reunion holds even more meaning for Butters for that very reason. Butters expressed shock that she had found Gigi again, "I wouldn't believe that she was alive," she said. She added that her birthday is December 20, which makes the reunion a birthday miracle.

After the reunion, the story cycled local news and someone placed a call to a local FOX affiliate saying they had purchased Gigi in front of a WalMart almost ten years before. She had lived about 20 minutes from Butters and said that Gigi had gone missing on Thanksgiving. Brickson said he wanted to share the story because of all the negative stories that have been dominating the news cycle. "I feel like people needed a win," he said.

The story is not only heartwarming, but a great reason for veterinarians to encourage their clients to get pets a microchip. "This is exactly why we microchip," Brickson said.

Canine Influenza is an infectious respiratory disease that was first discovered in the US in 2003. The original Canine flu strain called H3N8 mutated from horses to dogs. In 2015, just over 1 1/2 year ago, another strain name H3N2 emerged and made headlines around the country when outbreaks occurred in Chicago, and Grand Rapids that lead to death. The H3N2 strain is avian in origin and was first isolated in sick dogs from Asia in 2006. In March 2015 outbreaks lead to testing and isolation of this strain in an IDEXX laboratory.

Canine Influenza H3N2 causes a high death rate and exposed dogs can shed the virus for 20 days, 3-4 of those being before the first signs of the disease. Since the outbreak, there have been many accounts of the virus in kennels, doggie day cares, and veterinary hospitals around the country. Although we have not had specifically documented cases in West Virginia it is safe to bet the virus is here as well. It is not possible to test for every possible virus or disease that fits the signs a pet is exhibiting, so H3N2 may just not be tested for in cases where it is the cause of illness and death.

Infection can spread quickly in areas where dogs comingle. Clinical signs are typically seen within 24-72 hours and include coughing, tiredness, no desire to eat, fever, nasal and eye discharge, vomiting and diarrhea, and eventually pneumonia. While sanitation and isolation procedures can help stop the disease spread, they have no effect on the disease shedding. Unfortunately many pet owners are unaware that their dog is at risk for canine influenza. Our hospital recommends all dogs that spend time with other dogs, especially at dog parks, doggie day care, at a groomer or boarding facility, vaccinate their dogs for both strains of Canine Influenza. If you travel with your pet you should also vaccinate your dog.

Appointments to get these vaccinations for your dog can be made at 304-757-2287 or online at www.hurricaneanimalcare.com

We are settings goals as we move forward in 2017, and one goal that our team desires is to do more to exceed your expectations. BUT, they are your expectations, so we need to hear them! We are looking to hear from you, our valued clients about what you would like to see in 2017 from Hurricane Animal Hospital. How do we measure up to your expectations for service and medical care? Are there services or products you would like for us to add? Do you know a team member who you feel needs extra special recognition?

- Go to our website: www.hurricaneanimalcare.com
- And click on the link that says IF YOU LIKE US RATE US.
- And tell us your thoughts!

We are so excited to hear what you think, and what you need that we are offering a special gift to one lucky person who rates us. Every rating processed by January 31, 2017 will receive a chance in the drawing for a $15 gift certificate to our hospital for services, and a KONG Wobbler and bag of treats for your pet (size will be appropriate for your pet's weight). $37 value.