 |
|
September 2003
|
| Through the Eyes of Your Dog |
|
Owners who want to better understand their canine companions must recognize that dogs see the world from a different visual perspective. The differences begin with the structure of the eye. We have a good idea what dogs see because we know the make-up of the retina of a dog's eye.
The retina is the light sensitive portion of the eye. This structure is located in the back of the inside of the eyeball. The retina contains two types of light sensitive cells; rods and cones. Cones provide color perception and detailed sight, while rods detect motion and vision in dim light. Dogs have rod-dominated retinas that allow them to see well in the dark. Along with superior night vision, dogs have better motion visibility than humans have. However, because their retinas' contain only about one-tenth the concentration of cones (that humans have), dogs do not see colors as humans do.
Dogs see like a color-blind human. Many people think that a person who is red / green color blind cannot see any color, but there are variations of color blindness. Most people have vision that is trichromatic (three-color variations). People who are red / green color blind are dichromatic (two color variations). Dogs' retinas can distinguish two colors. These colors are blue-violet and yellow. Dogs can also differentiate between shades of gray. Dogs are unable to recognize green, yellow, orange, and red.
Colors that humans see
Colors that dogs see
Dogs use other cues (such as smell, texture, brightness, and position) rather than relying solely on color. Seeing-eye dogs, for example, may not distinguish between a green or red stoplight; they look at the brightness and position of the light. This, along with the flow and noise of traffic, tell the dog that it is the right time to cross the street.
How a dog's eyes are set determines the field of view as well as depth perception. Prey species tend to have eyes located on the sides of their head. This gives the animals an increased field of view and allows them to see approaching predators. Predator species, like humans and dogs, have eyes set close together. Human eyes are set straight forward while dog eyes, depending on the breed, are usually set at a 20 degree angle. This angle increases the field of view and therefore increases the peripheral vision of the dog.
Increased peripheral vision compromises the amount of binocular vision. Binocular vision occurs where the field of view of each eye overlaps. Binocular vision is necessary for depth perception. The wider-set eyes of dogs have less overlap and less binocular vision (thus less depth perception). Dogs' depth perception is best when they look straight ahead. This is not an ideal situation as their nose often interferes. Predators need binocular vision as a survival tool. Binocular vision aids in jumping, leaping, catching, and many other activities fundamental to predators.
In addition to having less binocular vision than humans have, dogs also have less visual acuity. Humans with perfect eyesight are said to have 20/20 vision. This means that we can distinguish letters or objects at a distance of 20 feet. Dogs typically have 20/75 vision. What this means is that they must be 20 feet from an object to see it as well as a human standing 75 feet away. Certain breeds have better visual acuity. Labradors, commonly used as seeing-eye dogs, are bred for better eyesight and may have vision that is closer to 20/20.
If you're silently standing across the field from your dog, don't expect him (her) to recognize you. He'll recognize you when you do some sort of motion particular to yourself. He (she) may also recognize your presence by his outstanding sense of smell and / or hearing. Because of the large number of rods in the retina, dogs see moving objects much better than they see stationary objects. Motion sensitivity has been noted as the critical aspect of canine vision. Much of dog behavior deals with posture and appropriateness. Small changes in your body posture mean a lot to your dog. Dog owners need to modify training based on this fact. If you want your dog to perform an action based on a silent cue, we suggest using a wide sweeping hand and arm motion in order to cue your dog.
When dogs go blind, owners often wonder if the dogs' quality of life has diminished to the point where they are no longer happy. Humans deal well with being blind, and humans are much more dependent on their eyes than are dogs. Blind dogs lead happy lives as long as they are comfortable. The owner may need to make some adjustments in the pet's environment. Some of these adjustments include fencing the yard, taking leashed walks, and not leaving unusual objects in the dog's normal pathways. Obviously, most blind dogs cannot navigate stairs very well. When blind dogs are in their normal environment, most people don't know they are blind.
|
| Normal Cat Behavior |
|
Domestic cats are descendants of the African wildcat, and many of the characteristic behaviors of these ancestors are still exhibited by cats today. An understanding of the origin and purpose of such behaviors can help cat owners appreciate their feline companions more fully and lead to an enhanced human-animal relationship.
Social Behavior: Once thought to be asocial animals, it is now recognized that domestic cats can form complex social groupings. Studies have repeatedly shown that they form territories or ranges in which they live and defend these from intruders. In stable situations, cat territories can overlap without overt antagonistic interactions.
Communication: The cat has three primary methods of communication: vocal, visual, and olfactory. Vocal communication involves a variety of sounds that convey different messages. Visual communication involves the body posture and facial expressions. Visual communication involves the body posture and facial expressions. For example, the position of the ears, hair, and tail can offer important information about the emotional state of the cat. Olfactory communication plays a very important role in communication. The deposition of scents via facial marking, anal secretions, and urine marking is an important communication tool for the feline.
This cat is exhibiting signs of fright.
Notice the erect fur on the base
of the tail and back.
Sexual Behavior: Female cats are seasonally polyestrus, that is they go into heat multiple times during the season, with peaks in the Northern Hemisphere occurring from January to March and again from May to June. If they are not bred, estrus will last about 10 days and the female will cycle every 3 weeks for several months. During estrus the female will engage in increased activity, vocalizations, and marking with urine and other glandular secretions. Crouching with rear end elevated and rolling are common body postures that a female may exhibit during estrus. Learn more about estrus in cats on our website.
Eating Behavior: In the wild the cat developed as a solitary hunter that targeted various small prey. This led to an eating pattern of multiple small meals with considerable variety in the diet. Many domesticated cats fed ad libitum continue this pattern and exhibit a preference for a variety of foods.
Elimination Behavior: Kittens start to eliminate independently at about 4 weeks of age. They instinctively prefer to eliminate in fine particulate material with good drainage. Most cats will investigate a potential spot, dig a hole, and pass urine or feces in the squatting position. Cats usually will then cover the elimination.
Through exploration, kittens generally find the
litter box on their own. Burying is an innate behavior
used to hide their waste from predators.
Sleeping Patterns: Although cats have traditionally been described as nocturnal creatures, they are actually crepuscular by nature, which means that they are more active in the twilight and evening hours. The average adult cat spends 10 hours per day sleeping and an additional 5 hours resting.
Back
to Top |
| About Cataracts and Lenticular Sclerosis |
|
CATARACTS
The lens of the eye is responsible for directing and focusing light onto the retina in the back of the eye. This light is then detected and results in vision. A cataract is the loss of transparency (opacity) of the lens of the eye due to changes in the structure of the lens proteins. A cataract within the lens may block the transmission of light to the retina. Cataracts occur with aging but may also be caused by other factors.
Eye with Cataract
Cataracts are common in dogs, particularly in purebreds. There are many causes of cataracts. Inherited cataracts are the most common types. These cataracts are usually bilateral (occur in both eyes) and appear early in life. Many breeds are predisposed to cataracts; however they are most commonly encountered in miniature schnauzers. Traumatic injury to the eye is another important cause of cataracts. This type of cataract occurs secondary to intraocular inflammation or lens luxation.
Cataracts are not as common in cats as they are in dogs. The finding of a cataract in a cat’s eye should lead to a search for an underlying problem. Rarely, cataracts in the cat may be inherited, may arise with abnormal development of the lens, or may occur in association with nutritional abnormalities in the young cat.
In dogs, acquired cataracts that appear later in life are often the result of metabolic problems. Dogs with diabetes mellitus typically develop bilateral (both eyes) rapidly progressing cataracts. These cataracts appear quickly and often lead to complete blindness. Once the cataracts form, there is no medical treatment to reverse the process.
Kittens and puppies that are fed exclusively formula often develop cataracts. Some milk replacement formulas are deficient in required amino acids. These amino acids are necessary for the development of a normal lens.
Inflammation of the eye is the most important cause of cataracts in cats.
What to Watch For
Bluish, gray or white color change inside of the eye
Tendency to bump into things
Reluctance to use stairs or jump up onto objects
Hesitancy in unfamiliar environments
Other signs of blindness
Redness and inflammation
Pain and squinting due to the underlying cause
Diagnosis
Diagnostic tests are necessary to recognize cataracts and exclude other diseases. Tests may include:
A complete medical history and physical examination.
A complete eye examination. Most veterinarians have the tools with which to confirm the presence of a cataract in the lens, but it is often necessary to visit a veterinary ophthalmologist to have a more thorough examination performed using an indirect ophthalmoscope and a slit lamp biomicroscope.
Blood tests to determine underlying causes.
An ultrasound examination of the eye if the cataract is too opaque to allow examination of the retina.
Possibly an electroretinogram to evaluate the function of the retina, especially if the cataract blocks visualization of the retina.
Treatment
Treatment must be aimed at correcting the underlying cause of the cataract.
When cataracts are caused by inflammation (uveitis) within the eye, the inflammation may be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and certain antibiotics.
There is no medical treatment available to reverse cataracts, to prevent cataracts or to shrink cataracts.
Cataracts that are inherited or appear to arise spontaneously may be surgically removed. Cataracts associated with inflammation in the eye cannot be removed surgically unless the inflammation is brought under control. Many pets with cataracts are poor candidates for surgery because they have inflammation within the eye. Whether a dog or cat is a candidate for cataract surgery can be determined by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Surgery is the only available option for severe cataracts.
Surgery
Three Procedures Exist:
- Extracapsular extraction - An incision is made and the lens is removed. This procedure often causes intense postoperative inflammation.
- Phacofragmentation - This technique uses ultrasonic energy to disrupt and liquefy the cataract. A needle is used to emulsify and aspirate the lens material. The advantage of this technique is that it requires a smaller incision. Phacofrogmentation causes less postoperative inflammation than extracapsular extraction.
- Lens removal with intraocular lens implant - This technique is becoming more popular in veterinary medicine. It is similar to the technique employed in human medicine.
Prevention
Animals with inherited cataracts should not be used for breeding. Breeding animals should be examined yearly by a veterinary ophthalmologist for the presence of cataracts and other inherited eye diseases (retinal problems). Puppies and kittens fed exclusively formula should receive a more balanced and complete diet. Injuries to the eye should be treated as medical emergencies. If treated early, many inflammatory and traumatic injuries will not result in cataracts.
LENTICULAR SCLEROSIS
 Cataracts are not the same as nuclear or lenticular sclerosis, an aging change that often occurs in the lens and does not cause blindness. As the animal ages the nucleus (inner area) of the lens becomes denser, harder and somewhat cloudy in appearance. The nucleus may have a blue-gray tint to it, while the cortex (outer area) remains completely clear and transparent. This aging change of the lens is known as lenticular or nuclear sclerosis. Typically, lenticular sclerosis begins around 8 years of age in dogs and about 9 to10 years of age in the cat and slowly becomes more obvious as the pet gets older.
In the geriatric pet, lenticular sclerosis can be so cloudy that the condition is easily mistaken for a cataract of the lens. Cataracts can also result in a gray-white appearance to the eye due to cloudiness within the lens. Fortunately, vision is not significantly affected in lenticular sclerosis until the last stages of the pet's life.
There is no prevention for this condition. Every animal develops lenticular sclerosis to some degree as they get older.
There is no treatment required for lenticular sclerosis. The condition does not bother the interior of the eye and does not often affect vision until the animal is quite aged.
It is important to differentiate lenticular sclerosis from cataracts because cataracts are often treated by surgical removal of the lens.
Lenticular sclerosis can be diagnosed by a veterinarian on an eye examination. Dilation of the pupil is often necessary to distinguish this condition from a cataract of the lens.
Your veterinarian may refer your pet to a veterinary ophthalmologist for further evaluation using specialized instrumentation, such as slit lamp biomicroscopy.
By the time vision is affected in older animals, other degenerative changes are often contributing, such as senile retinal degeneration. It is important also to assess other structures in the eye for aging or degenerative changes.
Home care for pets with vision problems
As the animal ages it is important to try and keep their environment consistent and predictable. Leave furniture in the same place, make sure that toys are not left in their path, keep stairs and decks cordoned off, and closely supervise the animal when they are outside.
As animals age they may also develop a significant decrease in their senses of hearing and smell. This can make it difficult for them to adjust to new environments, and they can become lost and confused.
Another eye condition that can cause blindiness is glaucoma. Learn more about glaucoma.
Back
to Top |
| The Most Important Visit For Your Pet's Health
|
|
Wellness examinations are an integral part of responsible pet ownership.
Dr. David Cox, Medical Director at Harmony Animal Hospital encourages pet owners to schedule their pet's checkup on a yearly basis for your pet under the age of seven, and every 6 months for dogs and cats seven and above. All of the veterinarians at Harmony do a thorough nose, or beak, to tail exam including 12 body systems, such as listening to your pet's heart and lungs, checking his or her teeth, ears, eyes, and skin, and informing you of the results as the exam progresses. Normal findings as well as abnormals will be documented and discussed. We will weigh your pet, discuss diet and heartworm prevention, listen to your concerns and questions, and administer the appropriate vaccinations as needed (our vaccine protocol has changed; read on for more information).
There are economic advantages to taking your pet in for regular checkups too. It's less expensive to catch a serious problem early, when it can be treated with medication, a change in diet or restriction in activity, than when it becomes advanced.
Heartworms are easier to prevent than to treat in both dogs and cats. In dogs there are very convenient and effective ways to prevent this potentially fatal disease and we recommend testing your dog on a yearly basis (testing in cats is often not helpful in determining their true heartworm status). Catching this mosquito-borne disease early means a better and faster chance at recovery. Heartworm disease can be diagnosed from a blood sample. Prevention, of course, is the best and least costly method of control.
You should also have your pet checked for internal parasites. Intestinal worms, which are found in both dogs and cats, can be diagnosed by examining a fecal sample. We recommend bringing one with you when you come; a fresh, thimble-size portion is all that's required.
Wellness blood testing and urinalysis will be discussed at this visit and are very important to include in your pet's health plan. These lab tests are like a window into the health of the organ systems of your pet (please see the article, Translating Lab Tests). If the results are normal, they provide us with a baseline with which to compare future results and allow us to notice any trends in the changes that may occur in future tests. Up to 20% of lab results from seemingly healthy pets examined at their annual wellness visit have shown at least one abnormal finding. In many cases, since the problem was found early and before it exhibited itself with physical symptoms, these pets can often be started on medication or a change of diet to head off a more serious future problem. Ask us for your $10 rebate coupon towards blood work in partnership with Hill's Pet Food.
Here are some questions you'll want to ask on your pet's next veterinary visit and discuss the answers with your veterinarian.
- Is my pet overweight? (Extra weight affects your dog's quality of life. It exerts extra stress on your pet's joints, heart and lungs.)
- How can I tell if my pet has tooth or gum problems? (Dental disease is the number one health problem in pets and can cause tooth loss, difficulty eating, and possible heart and kidney problems.)
- Can I do anything to prevent kidney disease? Many pets over the age of 10 (or even before) start to suffer from renal insufficiency. All senior pets need to routinely be screened for this problem before it becomes chronic and more serious. Always remember to have a urinalysis done with blood work during wellness visits. In pets over the age of 7 (five for giant breeds) we recommend wellness check ups every six months.
- Are there any specific blood tests my pet should be getting? (Examinations are extremely important for the health of your pet, but to do a complete and thorough job, blood tests and urinalysis, even in a seemingly healthy pet, are imperative.)
- What should I watch for in my older pet, and is there something I can do if my pet has behavior changes or brain aging? (What used to be accepted as the natural changes associated with aging, can now be changed with medical intervention and dietary changes. It's important to know the signs.)
By visiting a veterinarian on a routine basis, he or she becomes more familiar with your pet; recognizing the animal's individual features and special needs. So if and when a illness occurs, it's easier to detect and manage. Preventive health care is just as important in our pets as it is in ourselves.
Back
to Top |
| The Vaccine Controversy: Our Recommendations
|
|
One of the reasons our clients use Harmony Animal Hospital is because they expect the best and most up-to-date veterinary care for their pets. Based on the concern that annual vaccination of small animals for many, but not all, infectious agents is probably no longer scientifically justified, and our desire to avoid vaccine-associated adverse events, we are recommending a change to giving the distemper vaccine (with adenovirus 2, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis) and parvo vaccine every three years to adult dogs, similar to the change we made for the cat distemper vaccine last year. We will stagger the distemper and parvo vaccines so that they are not given in the same year. None of our other vaccination recommendations have changed, including those for bordetella (kennel cough), which we still advise every 6 months when risk factors are evident, and rabies which is best done on an annual basis. Of course, the health status and infectious disease risks of your individual pet should always be considered in the selection of a vaccination program.
There were many things to consider before adopting this new protocol.
Some have asked about doing titers to see if the pet is still immune to the diseases. A titer is a test which measures the presence and amount of antibodies in blood against a particular type of tissue, cell, or substance. The antibody level in the blood is a reflection of the body's past experience or exposure to an antigen, or something that the body does not recognize as belonging to itself. The body uses antibodies to attack and eliminate the foreign matter, in this case a virus. The major problem with using titers to evaluate when to give vaccines, other than expense, is that there isn't much agreement at the present time on what represents a protective titer against the various viral illnesses. High titers are not necessarily a sure sign of protection. Low (or even
absent) titers, do not mean that there is inadequate protection remaining due to
the presence of active memory cells still programmed to recognize the virus the vaccine is supposed to protect against. The only
reliable way to tell how long a vaccine will provide protection is to do
challenge studies -- to vaccinate a group of dogs and then expose them to
the virus after specified intervals, to determine how long the vaccine will
provide protection but no one would want to use
this standard to determine the protection for their individual pet.
At the present time, the best approach to deciding how frequently to
vaccinate is to evaluate the potential risks to the patient of the disease
versus the vaccine risk, and then to balance those
against the need for protection. We think that it is usually safe to go to
longer vaccine intervals and that three years is a reasonable interval to consider at this time. This new vaccine protocol was recently published after extensive research by the American Animal Hospital Association.
This vaccination program recommends the standard three shot series for puppies (parvovirus, adenovirus 2, parainfluenza, distemper). There seems to be no justification for vaccination of dogs for corona virus so we have dropped that entirely) and kittens (panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and feline leukemia) and to include rabies at around 16 weeks of age. Following the initial puppy and kitten immunization series, cats and dogs will be boostered one year later and then every three years thereafter for all the above diseases except for rabies. Similar small animal vaccination programs have been recently adopted by other university teaching hospitals and the American Association of Feline Practitioners.
We do not routinely recommend vaccinating for Lyme Borreliosis (unless your dog has a high risk of exposure because of living or traveling to affected areas of the country), corona, or giardia in dogs, or ringworm, chlamydia, or FIP in cats. The use of the leptospirosis vaccine for dogs is decided on a case-by-case basis.
Our veterinarians may suggest additional vaccinations. For example, for pet owners who board their pets, vaccination against bordetella (kennel cough) will be advised to be updated every six months. For cats that are at risk (have unsupervised access to the outside, or to other cats that go outside), they should also get a feline leukemia vaccination as kittens and on a yearly basis. We do NOT recommend vaccinating females during estrus, pregnancy or lactation, or any pet that is ill or has a fever.
Here is our adult dog vaccine schedule (typically beginning after two years of age):
Year A: Rabies only
Year B: Rabies and Parvo
Year C: Rabies and Distemper (including adenovirus 2, parainfluenza, and perhaps leptospirosis)
and then back to Year A.
For adult cats the schedule includes distemper and respiratory viruses (calici and rhino) with rabies one year, then rabies only the following two years, and back again to the beginning with the inclusion of the distemper combination. Depending upon risk factors, feline leukemia may be given as well.
Pet owners are required by law to have their pets vaccinated against rabies. If your unvaccinated dog or cat bites someone, it faces a lengthy period of quarantine. Not all veterinarians are following the new vaccine protocols based on the most current research and are still requiring annaul vaccination for all infectious agents. Be sure if you're boarding someplace other than Harmony Animal Hospital, that the facility will accept this three year vaccination program, otherwise, you may have a surprise when you drop your pet off. Call ahead to find out what they'll accept and let us update what's necessary.
At the time of the yearly visit, we still consider the examination and lab testing to be the most important aspects of maintaining your pet in tip top shape (see article above about our wellness recommendations).
Back
to Top |
| Why Dogs Are Better Than Women
|
|
Before anyone hollers about this article being sexist , remember two things. First of all, this is all in fun. And if you don't buy that, just remember that we compared dogs to men in the last issue (Issue February 2003). Turnabout is fair play, right?
- Dogs will listen to their masters.
- Dogs don't step on the imaginary brake.
- Dogs can make up their minds quickly.
- Dogs don't spend most of their time in the bathroom.
- Dogs don't criticize your friends.
- Dogs like to fetch the paper.
- Dogs are happy to see you when you come home late.
- Dogs don't get mad when you're seen with another dog.
- Dogs like it when you leave the toilet seat up.
- Dogs don't mind if you forget their birthday.
- Dogs don't mind being on a leash.
- Dogs like it when you come home smelling like a dog.
- You can train a dog.
- Dogs agree with everything you say.
- Dogs don't think your ideas are stupid.
- Gorgeous dogs don't know they're gorgeous.
- Dogs are less hormonal and thus more logical.
Back
to Top |
| Selecting a Pet Bird |
|
Why do you want to own a bird?
There is no correct answer to this question, but it is one you should fully examine before you purchase a bird. Often a pet bird is the answer for apartment dwellers, people desiring animal companionship with minimal time or money investment, or individuals wanting an affectionate, intelligent pet. However, a bird should never be purchased on impulse. You should approach the task of purchasing a bird already aware of the characteristics of the species of bird you are interested in, the average price of that type of bird in your region and with some knowledge of how to evaluate the health and breed characteristics of the bird you are considering. This requires a bit of research and asking round before you are ready to buy, but the investment of your time saves you much grief at a later date.
Macaw
The beautiful macaws and cockatoos are not for the neophyte! Most first-time bird owners are happier with finches, canaries, budgerigars ("parakeets") or cockatiels.
Zebra Finch
Birds can be purchased from a variety of sources, such as pet shops, breeders, private dealers, or individuals. If you are buying a bird for the first time, it is almost essential that you purchase your bird from someone who is in the bird breeding and / or selling business. These individuals usually have a reputation to protect.Ask around and find out who in your area is known to deal honestly and fairly with buyers.
Many stores today, especially those specializing in birds, have been operated by bird fanciers who have turned their hobby into a business. These individuals usually know and care about their birds. They have in stock items required for basic care and maintenance of birds, such as play toys, cages, bird feed and general health supplies. Sales personnel generally offer you more information than you ever thought necessary to get you started, so leave yourself plenty of time to shop!
Health should be a primary consideration when you are choosing a bird. Pay close attention to the health of all birds you look at. A free bird, if it is sick, is not worth the long-term monetary and emotional costs. To keep it simple, a sick bird looks sick and a healthy bird looks bright, alert, active and in good feather.
The following clues are important when considering the health of a bird:
- A sick bird may sit with its feathers puffed up, its eyes may be dull or even closed.
- The nostrils of a sick bird may be clogged or somewhat occluded. An additional clue is to check the feathers above the nostrils -- If they appear wet or matted, then the bird has a nasal discharge.
- A bird that appears to have breathing problems is often sick.
- If the feathers around the bird's vent or hindquarters are soiled or matted, this indicates diarrhea.
- The bird may be listless or inactive.
- The food cup may appear not to have been touched, indicating that the bird is off-feed.
Be on the lookout for bald spots, where feathers should be.
Pay careful attention to the following:
- swellings or sores on the feet or toes
- a protruding breastbone
- white crusts on the beak
When you are selecting your bird, you must consider its temperment. An intelligent bird with a good disposition is essential for everyone's benefit. Most birds that are for sale seem to be in a temporarily stressed condition. Do not expect too much at first, but do become aware of how different birds approach you as you make your choice. Intuition and experience are the most reliable guides someone can have in selecting a bird.
When you finally choose your bird, consider the following before money changes hands.
- If there is a problem, would you be able to locate the seller next?
- Is there a health certificate that allows for returns or exchanges within a reasonable period of time?
- Can the seller verify the bird's age and birthplace? (While this may always be possible, most reputable sellers have this information available. If not, learn how to judge the age of the bird species you want to buy.)
- Will you receive a written bill-of-sale?
- The purchase of a bird should always be contingent upon the bird being examined by a Veterinarian within a few days of purchase.
- You should be allowed to return the animal and receive a full refund if it is not in sound health..
- The bill-of-sale should include the purchase price, the guarantee, the return policy, the bird's band number (if known) and a full description of the bird (i.e. color, sex -if known, genus and species).
Additional bird articles and information
Back
to Top |
| Body Language In Dogs
|
|
One of the reasons why dogs make such good pets is the remarkable way in which they can communicate with humans. Pet dogs see us as an extension of their own canine family and are very quick to interpret our own mood and intentions. An understanding of how dogs communicate with other dogs helps the observant owner to correctly decipher the message their pet is trying to convey.
Dogs communicate with other dogs through a series of signals that include a variety of facial expressions, body postures, noises and scents. Your dog uses his mouth, eyes, ears and tail to express his emotions. By reading the combination of body signals, you should be able to work out who is top dog in any confrontation or situation.
A dog who is feeling confident or aggressive may try to convey the impression of being a larger more powerful animal. He stands tall with ears and tail erect, thrusts his chest forward and may raise the hairs around his neck and along his back (his hackles). He may also wave his tail slowly and growl.
A submissive dog, on the other hand, will try to appear small and puppy-like. Adult dogs will chastise puppies, but they do not attack them. A submissive dog approaches a more dominant dog from the side, crouching low with the tail held low and wagging enthusiastically. The submissive dog may also try to lick the hands and face of the dominant dog (or person) and if this is not sufficiently appeasing, he might roll on to his back. While on his back, he may pass a small amount of urine.
The dog's tail is often a barometer for emotions. Most people recognize the loose, free tail wagging that is indicative of friendliness. Exaggerated tail wagging is often seen in subordinate dogs. A tail waved slowly and stiffly, in line with the back, expresses anger. When the tail is clamped low over the dog's hindquarters, it is a sign that the dog is afraid. Anxious or nervous dogs' tails are often stiff and drooping.
Some dog breeds have a distinctive way of carrying their tails. The Whippet and the Italian Greyhound naturally carry their tail in the clamped down position In general; however, a tail that is held more than 45 degrees to the spine expresses interest and alertness.
The facial expression of your dog tells you a lot about his mood. He can look anxious, excited, frightened, playful or any one of a vast repertoire of emotions.
Your dog's ears are erect when he is alert or listening intently. When the ears are held back or flattened onto the head, this could signify pleasure, submission or fear. To read his mood correctly, you need to watch for other body signals as well.
The eyes may be narrowed or half-closed when your dog is showing pleasure or submission, but are wide open when aggressive. In the wild, the pack leader can maintain control simply by staring at a subordinate animal. The two animals continue to stare at each other until one challenges the other or until one lowers his head and turns away. If the staring continues after the submissive dog has looked away, he may feel confused and bite out of fear. If eye contact is not broken, the dominant dog will reinforce his threat by snarling, growling or even attacking. You should not try to outstare your dog if he has aggressive or nervous tendencies as this could provoke an attack. Nevertheless, regular, gentle eye contact with your dog is necessary as it reinforces the relationship.
Submissive dogs as well as certain dog breeds (Labradors), may appear to be 'smiling' and show their teeth in a lop-sided grin of friendliness. In the snarl of aggression; however, both lips are drawn right back to expose most of the teeth and it is often accompanied by a growl.
A dog will indicate his desire to play by raising a front paw or by performing the play bow. This gesture is often accompanied by barking in order to attract attention. Other gestures for play include offering a favorite toy or object, or bounding up to another dog in order to initiate a chase.
Back
to Top |
| Twelve Tips for a Well-Behaved Dog |
|
- Train your dog gently and humanely. Use positive rewards and motivation methods. Rewards should be the rule and reprimands should be the rare exception. Keep obedience sessions lively so that the training process is enjoyable for all parties. Training your dog should not be drudgery.
- Start training your puppy at an early age. While old dogs can be taught new tricks, what's learned earliest, is often learned quickest and easiest. Also, the older the dog, the more bad habits he may need to unlearn.
- Your dog needs to respond to you properly at home. If not, he certainly will not behave outside the home. Distractions are fairly minimal at home; however, in the outside world there are other dogs, pigeons, passersby, sidewalk food scraps (to name a few).
Does your dog listen to you and obey you at home? Does he treat you like a human gymnasium when you're sitting on the furniture? Does he beg at the table? Jump up on visitors? Demand your attention by annoying you to death? Ignore your commands?
Avoid giving your dog commands that he cannot obey. Each time you give a command that is neither complied nor enforced, your dog learns that commands are optional.
- One command should equal one response. Give your dog a command, say it once (twice max!), and then gently enforce it. Repeating commands tunes your dog out (as does nagging) and teaches your dog that the first several commands are a bluff. For instance, telling your dog to sit, sit, sit, sit is neither an efficient nor effective way to issue commands. Simply give your dog a single command, gently place or lure him into it, and give him praise or reward.
- Avoid giving your dog combined commands which are incompatible. Combined commands such as sit - down can confuse your dog. Use either sit or down.
- When giving your dog a command, avoid using a loud voice. Even if your dog is especially independent / unresponsive, your tone of voice when issuing an obedience command should be calm and authoritative, rather than harsh or loud.
Whenever possible, use your dog's name positively, rather than using it associated to reprimands, warnings or punishment. Your dog should trust that when he hears his name, good things happen. His name should always be a word he responds to with enthusiasm, never hesitancy or fear.
- Correct or prevent the unwanted behavior. Don't punish but rather try to teach him. Do not reprimand or get even with him. After-the-fact discipline does NOT work. If you're taking a "whip 'em into shape" approach, you'll undermine your relationship with him. Also, you'll be missing out on all the fun that a motivational training approach can offer.
- When training your dog, timing is everything. Take the following example: You've prepared a platter of food for a small dinner party and it is sitting on a small table in the dining room. Your dog walks into the room and smells the food. He air-sniffs, then eyes the food, and is poised to jump up. This is the best, easiest and most effective time to correct your dog's behavior - while he's thinking about jumping up to get the food. If he has already eaten the food and is resting comfortably in his bed, correcting him at this point is useless. He cannot associate something that occurred earlier with a correction that he is receiving at the present time.
- Often, dog owners inadvertently reinforce their dogs' misbehavior by giving them lots of attention (negative attention) when they misbehave. Needless to say, if your dog receives lots of attention and handling when he jumps up on you, that behavior is being reinforced, and is therefore likely to be repeated.
- Keep a lid on your anger. Never train your dog when you're feeling grouchy or impatient. Earning your dog's respect is never accomplished by yelling, hitting, or handling your dog in a harsh manner. Moreover, studies have shown that fear and stress inhibit the learning process.
We've got lots of great articles on Dog Training and Behavior.
Back
to Top |
| Anesthesia - Testing Reduces The Risks |
|
The practice of veterinary medicine often requires the use of anesthesia. Anesthesia is sometimes used in order to perform even the most routine procedures. Pets don't understand that they need to be calm and still during dental procedures or while an x-ray is being taken. Some pets are so nervous that they won't even allow a veterinarian to perform a physical examination without some type of chemical restraint (tranquilizer or anesthetic).
Pet owners are often concerned about the risks associated with anesthesia, particularly with an older pet. Even though the anesthesia risks are relatively minor for routine procedures performed on young and healthy pets, there is always the potential for complications.
A complete physical exam, laboratory blood tests, as well as other diagnostic procedures enable the veterinarian to screen for potential problems and risks before anesthesia is administered. This procedure is relatively inexpensive and well worth the time and money.
Studies have shown that about 10 percent of animals involved in pre-anesthetic laboratory testing have had their normal anesthesia protocol altered. In a third of these cases, the procedure was postponed until the problem was corrected.
A young healthy pet's blood work may simply consist of a short chemistry analysis and a complete blood count. Older pets are more likely to have an underlying disease, and more extensive blood analysis (serum chemistry) may be necessary. The results obtained from the serum chemistry provide the veterinarian and animal health care staff with information on the health and function of the kidneys, liver, and other organs.
Remember that preanesthesia testing is advantageous to your pet's health. Preventative medicine is the best type of medicine available today.
Back
to Top |
| Translating Lab Tests |
|
We are pleased to provide you with some information regarding blood testing. We recommend blood testing before any anesthetic procedure, and we also advise it for wellness screening on a yearly basis (see the articles in this issue, The Most Important Visit For Your Pet's Health
and Anesthesia -- Testing Reduces The Risks). Do not hesitate to call or email the hospital if you have specific questions.
Many technologies that help humans live longer, healthier lives are available to your pet. By performing some basic blood tests, your veterinarian can gather information concerning the health and well being of your pet.
COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT
This blood test actually consists of several tests that evaluate the number and type of blood cells in the circulation. Cells that are evaluated consist of white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), and platelets.
Microscopic view of dog blood. Only
red blood cells (RBC) are observed.
White blood cells are important in helping the body fight infection. Red blood cells are fundamental for carrying oxygen to the body's tissues. The measurement of these cells can indicate anemia, infection, leukemia, stress, and inflammation.
Microscopic view of dog blood.
A neutrophil (type of white blood cell) is seen.
Platelets are involved in the blood clotting process and if low (in number) can indicate a bleeding disorder.
The hematocrit (HCT) provides information pertaining to the relative number of red blood cells (RBC) in circulation. This test is used to diagnose anemia and dehydration.
BLOOD CHEMISTRY
These tests survey many of the organ systems of the body in order to make sure they are working properly.
A typical veterinary blood chemistry analyzer
Albumin (ALB) - Low levels indicates chronic liver or kidney disease, intestinal disease, or intestinal parasites (hookworm).
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) - Elevated with liver disease or injury.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALKP) - Elevated levels can indicate liver disease or Cushing's disease.
Amylase (AMYL) - Elevated blood levels can indicate pancreatic and / or kidney disease.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) - Reflects kidney and liver disease as well as dehydration.
Cholesterol (CHOL) - Elevated levels are seen in many disorders. Some include liver and kidney disease and hypothroidism.
Creatinine (CREA) - Elevated levels can be due to kidney disease or urinary tract obstruction.
Blood Glucose (GLU) - High levels can indicate diabetes. Low levels can indicate liver disease, infection or certain tumors.
Total Bilirubin (TBIL) - Levels of Bilirubin are useful in diagnosing anemia and bile duct problems.
Total Protein (TP) - This can detect many conditions. Some include liver, kidney, and gasrointestinal diseases as well as dehydration.
BLOOD ELECTROLYTES
Electrolytes refer to salts and certain other chemical compounds dissolved in the blood. For the body to function properly, proper blood levels of these chemicals must be maintained. An abnormal level of any one of these electrolytes, measured in the electrolyte blood test, can indicate a variety of different medical conditions.
Calcium (Ca) - Increased levels are seen with certain tumors and kidney and parathyroiud gland disease.
Phosphorus (PHOS) - Elevated levels can indicate kidney disease.
Sodium, Potassium, Chloride - all should be within normal levels. Vomiting, dehydration, and diarrhea can affect their levels.
BLOOD CLOTTING FUNCTION
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT)- Blood coagulation screening test to check for bleeding disorders. Important for pre-surgery screening to determine clotting time and a patient's possible need for blood components or other therapy.
Back
to Top |
| Good Reasons To Test |
We believe strongly in doing lab testing, including a blood profile and complete blood count, on a yearly basis to maintain your pet in the best possible health. We know that good medicine can sometimes seem costly to some (though now actually more affordable than ever before), we know that your pet's continued good health is worth it. You think there are good reasons not to do it. We know there are better reasons to get as much medical information as possible. Here are some objections we hear every day, and the logic and value behind our recommendations.
"I can't afford it. "
The cost of testing early is low compared with the high cost of acute care
for serious illness. It is always less expensive to treat small problems before they become more serious.
We can work out a payment plan
" My dog is fine; we just took him on a five-mile hike yesterday. "
You can't tell by looking, or by physical exam alone. A blood profile is like a window through which to view the health of the internal organ systems.
Animals still can't talk.
Animals instinctively hide their ailments until they become very advanced.
Caregivers aren't medical experts: sometimes it is difficult for a caregiver to understand
the difference between a thirsty, energetic cat and a hyperthyroid case.
"I've had cats for years. Gumdrop is only eight and most of my cats live until they are at
least seventeen. I don't think I need to start testing now. "
Recent advances in veterinary medicine will allow Gumdrop to live even longer. Proactive, preventive health care will allow your cats to live into their 20's.
By the time pets show visible symptoms of kidney disease have already lost 75% of organ
function. However, if the disease is diagnosed in its early stages, the animal could live
to his or her full life expectancy.
"The prevalence on all of those illness are so low, it's highly unlikely that my pet will get
one of those. "
While individual prevalence may be low, in total, your pet has almost a 90% chance of getting one of them.
There is no pet family history! Without knowing which illness(es) they will develop, it is important to run a full panel of diagnostics each year .
" My cat is fifteen, you never brought this up before? "
With advances in veterinary medicine, it is now apparent that preventive diagnostics coupled with proper nutrition and exercise are extremely important to the health of your pet.
Many of the illnesses that we currently treat as acute problems can be prevented if detected in the early stage. This can increase the life expectancy and quality of life for your pet.
With the accessibility of accurate, affordable diagnostics, we feel that it is now possible
to incorporate annual diagnostics at Harmony.
"My cat is an indoor cat, she's fine."
Despite the fact that your cat is not exposed to germs from other animals, there are many diseases that can occur regardless of your cat's indoor/outdoor status.
" My dog is ten, he's going to die soon either way, why should I spend money on him?"
An older animal may have ailments such as arthritis, and we can bring back the pet you
once knew, simply by medication.
Animals are living much longer than ever before. How you spend your money is up to you. However, your dog's age is not indicative of his health.
"I did the testing for the past two years and he 's always been fine. I don 't see a need to test him this year."
You 're correct! And isn't Fluffy doing wonderfully. Remember last year when we put him on a specific diet? We chose that food based on his test results and full physical exam.
A pet ages much more quickly than we do, about seven human years for each animal year .Can you imagine if your annual physical exam was every seven years? A lot can happen in that time and remember Fluffy still can't talk.
" My dog is only 7 seven, why does she really need this? "
The reason for today's testing is preventive health care. Just as you begin to see the doctor more frequently in your 40's and 50's your pet requires the same preventive care to catch diseases in their early stages.
Without a recent diagnostic history , we do not have a current record of the health of your pet's organ systems. Baseline blood work will capture your pet's current health status and allow us to chart her progression as she matures.
Hopefully, at least one of the reasons hit home and you're now convinced that the gift of better health is yours to choose for your special pet.
Back
to Top |
| How To Give Your Dog A Pill |
|
So the veterinarian has sent you and your not-so-well dog home with a bottle of pills and some instructions.
Don't worry. Giving pills to your dog is just a matter of know-how and plenty of praise. Here are the steps to follow. Note: Giving a pill to your cat is not the same as giving a pill to your dog.
Pilling a Dog
- Gently take hold of the head from above, placing your thumb and fingers on either side of the muzzle. Squeeze firmly in and up just behind the canine teeth ("fangs"). The dog's mouth should open.
- Use your free hand to hold on to the pill while lowering the animal's jaw. With the mouth open wide, place the pill as far back on the tongue as possible, pushing it even farther with your index finger.
- Gently close and hold the muzzle while your dog swallows. You can encourage this by stroking the underside of the throat downward.
- Finally, give your dog lots of praise and reinforcement each time he swallows a pill.
Here are additional helpful tips for pilling your dog:
- The more quickly you perform the above steps, the better.
- Film-coated pills are best. They go down more easily and don't dissolve as quickly, which is important if it takes you more than one try.
- If you can't get the pill down, try disguising it in something your dog loves (example: peanut butter or cream cheese).
- Check with your veterinarian, because some medication should not be given with food.
Back
to Top |
| Facts About Cat Myths and Fables |
|
They're playful and loving, aloof and mysterious, frisky and mischievous. They're cats! And The Humane Society of the United States invites you to celebrate our feline friends in all their glory and to see these graceful creatures with new appreciation.
Cats have fascinated humans ever since the day, probably about four thousand years ago, the first domestic cat made himself at home on the hearth by the fire. From ancient times to our modern age, myths and superstitions have surrounded cats. The ancient Egyptians worshiped them as gods, but people in later centuries feared them as harbingers of witchcraft and evil.
In today's high-tech world, we may think we've outgrown such fables. Yet a surprising number of modern-day myths about cats persist.
Did you know that the following are feline fables, not facts?
- CATS ARE "NO-MAINTENANCE" PETS.Because cats are litter-trained, some people think that simply giving their cat food and water is enough. Not so. Cats also need regular veterinary care and, just as important, lots of love and attention.
- CATS ALWAYS LAND ON THEIR FEET. While cats can often land on their feet after a short fall, falling from heights is another story. Upper-level windows and porches, unless securely screened, should be off-limits to cats, particularly in high-rise buildings.
- CATS CAN'T BE TRAINED. Cats will, of course, do things their way if left to their own devices. But most cats can be taught to obey simple rules like not scratching the couch, eating plants, or jumping up on the kitchen counter. Repeated, gentle, and consistent training gets results. Also, if a cat understands the rules and has an approved outlet for her scratching impulses, such as a sturdy scratching post, there will be no need to have her declawed, a painful and unnecessary operation.
- CATS AREN'T HAPPY UNLESS THEY CAN GO OUTSIDE TO ROAM AND HUNT. Cats like to play, prowl, and pounce, and they can do all those activities indoors with you and a few toys - without being exposed to predators, disease, traps, poison, and traffic. Indoor cats are healthier, happier - and safer!
- CATS BECOME FAT AND LAZY AFTER THEY ARE SPAYED OR NEUTERED. Cats, just like people, generally become fat because they eat too much and don't get enough exercise. The fact is, cats who are spayed or neutered live longer lives and make better companions. And they don't contribute to the pet-overpopulation problem in this country, where millions of unwanted cats and dogs are destroyed every year. There's no need to wait until a female cat has had a litter to have her spayed; it can be done before her first heat cycle.
- CATS CAN SEE IN THE DARK. Cats cannot see in total darkness any better than a person can. They can see better than other animals in semidarkness, however, because of their eyes' anatomy.
- CATS DON'T NEED TO WEAR A COLLAR AND TAGS. An identification tag is a lost cat's ticket home. Every cat, even an indoor cat, should wear a collar with an ID tag to help him come home if he is lost. Many cat owners believe a collar can injure a cat. But a breakaway collar lets a cat escape if the collar becomes snagged.
- CATS WHO DISAPPEAR FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS ARE JUST OUT HUNTING; THERE'S NO NEED TO WORRY. The prolonged disappearance of any pet is cause for alarm. Cats are no exception, and as domestic animals, they cannot cope with the dangers posed by the outdoors. For their own safety and well-being, cats should always be kept indoors, but if your cat does somehow become lost, he needs to be looked for immediately - before it's too late.
- CATS WILL SUCK THE BREATH FROM SLEEPING INFANTS. Curious by nature, a cat may want to climb into the crib to see what new manner of squalling creature her family has brought home. But she won't suck the baby's breath. She may feel a little jealous, however, so introductions should be gradual. Lots of lavish attention will also help reassure her that she's still an important member of the family. Cats can suffer from sibling rivalry, too!
- CATS ARE ALOOF, INDEPENDENT ANIMALS AND DON'T REALLY WANT A LOT OF ATTENTION FROM HUMANS. Cats are domestic animals because they live in the home. They crave human companionship and establish loving bonds with their human families. They may not always show it, but that's just the feline way. If you toss the cat outdoors, or spend little time with him, you'll never know the rewarding - and very special - relationship that comes from making a cat a true member of the family.
Back
to Top |
Just For Fun--
The Top 10 Passages From the Pet Bible |
|
10. "Blessed are the pee-makers: they shall mark the Earth for
their possession."
9. "As ye chew, so shall ye rip."
8. "And in her 414th dog year, Snowball begat Fluffy, Duke and
Bowser. The descendants of Bowser were Skippy, Spot and
Rover."
7. "What shall it profit a dog should he gain the whole world
yet lose his own bowl?"
6. "Bind thy Owner's name and phone number as a sign upon thy
collar, and inscribe thy scent upon the doorposts of thine
house and on thy gates."
5>."Thou shalt covet thy master's dinner."
4. "Whine, and you shall receive; scratch, and the door shall
be opened."
3. "In the beginning was the word, and the word was, 'Who wants
to go walkies?'"
2. "Give a man a fish and he will have to buy an aquarium."
and the Number 1 Passage From the Pet Bible...
1. "Moses said, 'Let my people go' and Pharaoh's heart was
softened, but no law could be made, for his signet ring
had been hidden by the plague of ferrets."
Thanks to Chris White from the Top5 Pet List
Back
to Top |
| New Pet Spa for Your Pet's Pleasure |
|
 You give him special treats. You celebrate her birthday and special holidays with gifts. Your pet means the world to you. Here's another way to say thanks, and to keep him or her smelling sweet and looking good! Your pet will love the warm water, hydro massage in the new Pet Spa at Harmony Animal Hospital! The only one in Palm Beach County, it uses special technology to clean and refresh your pet in a climate-controlled environment. Give it a try today. Most pets don't even require an appointment, especially those that are short-haired or completely brushed out. Drop by and check it out. Now even nervous dogs or cats can be easily and safely washed. Learn more about our Pet Spa.
Back
to Top |
| Send Us Your Iams and Eukanuba UPC Codes!
|
|
The Iams Company generously provides assistance in acquiring agility equipment for training clubs and veterinary hospitals.  We want to be able to offer agility training and practice to dog owners in our area. Agility is a sport where the handler and dog work as a team through an obstacle course consisting of tunnels, jumps, an A-frame, dog walk, and weave poles off leash as fast as possible.
We would be grateful if you would send us your Iams and Eukanuba UPC codes from bags and cans.
Please mail them to:
Harmony Animal Hospital
1401 W. Indiantown Rd.
Jupiter, FL 33458
THANKS!
Back to Top |
| Paws For Last Thoughts |
We are so happy to welcome Dr. Nancy Mettee back to Harmony. She was gone for a year adding to her knowledge of avian, reptile, and exotic pet medicine. If you've never had the opportunity to meet her, go to our webiste to learn more about her. And if you have any problems with just about any type of pet, she has the expertise and skills (not to mention a great down-to-earth and friendly manner) to solve your problems.
Don't miss our special, fun event October 25th: the Howl-oween Fling! It's for pets and people, and the admission is free. Lots of fun, food, games and contests. Click here for a schedule of events.
Don't forget, we carry a large selection of pet costumes in our gift boutique. Come check them out and learn how to be safe on Halloween.
If you've every been through a tragic accident with a pet, or are concerned that something terrible will happen and you won't be prepared, we have some help for you. Our next Pet CPR/First Aid course is scheduled for Tuesday evening on November 4th. Class size is limited, so if you're interested in signing up, call the office for a registration form.
Do you have a passion for pets? We've organized some special book titles for you to browse to learn more about the care and training of your favorite friend. Each book, video, and DVD is described and rated by readers. If you like them, just click and you can purchase through Amazon.com. Browse by clicking here.
Just a reminder that the mosquito population is still quite active, at least in this part of the country. One of the things to be concerned about is West Nile Virus. Want to learn more? Click here.
Speaking of mosquitoes, don't forget to keep your dog and cat on heartworm prevention. If you're like most of us, remembering that monthly pill can be a challenge. And if you forget, the threat of heartworm disease can be very worrying. We have two solutions. The first idea is to switch to the Proheart injection that's given once every six months. Or, if all you need is a nudge to help you remember to give the preventative once a month, here's a free service from the folks who make Heartgard. You'll receive a monthly reminder by email. Go to Merial, and click on Reminder Services on the left hand side to enroll. Ok, we've now saved you the worry, interested in saving a few bucks? You can receive a $12 rebate on every 12-month supply of Heartgard purchased!
Want to quickly fetch the person or department you want when calling Harmony and don't have the patience to listen to all the choices? You'll soon be barking up the right phone tree and getting around will become a walk in the park.
It's still hurricane season, as is being made quite clear by Isabel. Learn what precautions you can take to help your pet.
One last note comes to us from an email I received from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) regarding avian health. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a not-for-profit environmental research organization dedicated to improving public health and protecting the environment by reducing pollution in air, water, and food. The are currently working on an issue known as PTFE Toxicosis or Teflon Toxicity (in humans it is called Polymer Fume Fever). Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is the synthetic polymer used in most nonstick cookware including such recognizable brand names as Teflon, Silverstone, Calphalon, All-Clad, Circulon, Emerilware, Farberware, Meyer, KitchenAid, Krups, and George Foreman as well as stain repellant products such as StainMaster and Scotchgard. When heated to high temperatures PTFE undergoes a process known as pyrolysis and releases a toxic gas. This gas has very serious effects on the sensitive respiratory system of birds. Bird deaths have also occurred from exposure to furniture coated with stain repellant.
The EWG's interest in the issue of Teflon Toxicity, or PTFE Toxicosis, is derived from their recently released report on PFC (PFTE is a PFC). This report (http://www.ewg.org/reports/pfcworld/) deals with a family of insidious chemicals that are highly toxic, extraordinarily persistent and pervasively contaminate human blood and wildlife the world over. Government scientists are especially concerned because unlike any other toxic chemicals, the most pervasive and toxic members of the PFC family never degrade in the environment. The EWG is in the process of collecting as many stories of PTFE-related (Teflon, Scotchgard, etc?) bird deaths as possible. If you have any information, or questions, contact Anne Morgan at morgan@ewg.org or 202-667-6982. For more information, go to the EWG website.
Warmest regards,
Mindy Cox,
Editor
P.S. To our Jewish friends and readers this month, wishing you all sweet things for the new year! L'Shanah Tovah.
| |
