35 th. Managing Itchiness. Anniversary

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1 Managing Itchiness Jasmine is an adorable one year old Boston terrier. She first came to Tanglewilde when her owner felt that another veterinarian s opinion might benefit their family. Jasmine s recurrent skin and ear infections had been causing her to suffer for several months. Relief only came when she was taking antibiotics. Between courses of treatment, Jasmine s skin would flare, and it was actually becoming worse and worse. After reviewing Jasmine s history, Dr. Ong performed some routine, quick tests to eliminate the most common causes of extreme itchiness. Dr. Ong treated Jasmine for scabies mites, because a reliable test is not available. Jasmine was always on effective flea control, so this plan was continued. Then, for a few months, Jasmine exclusively ate a prescription hypoallergenic diet to rule out food allergy. In spite of resolving the infections and exercising other diagnostic measures, Jasmine was still itchy. This meant that she was most likely allergic to something environmental, like dust, tree or grass pollen, mold or other antigens. An allergy test revealed that Jasmine s reactions were indeed caused by dust. Since it is impossible to entirely avoid dust, Jasmine was started on a course of immunotherapy. By administering slowly increasing doses of a serum with the dust antigen in it, Jasmine s immune system would have an opportunity to become desensitized to dust. Currently immunotherapy serums are available as an oral drop for sublingual administration in addition to the classical injectable preparation. Jasmine was amenable to the drops, but unfortunately, her immune system did not tolerate the immunotherapy well. Jasmine s owner felt it best to start medications to control the atopic dermatitis. Atopica (cyclosporine A, manufactured by Novartis), was the most effective pharmaceutical for Jasmine. Arriving at the right treatment for Jasmine s allergies did not happen in a single veterinary visit. But she is finally on a safe, effective, long-term solution to stop the itching and antibiotic-dependent cycle. Her owner is happy, and Jasmine has been recovered entirely for several months. Her skin and ears are clear of infection, and her hair has grown back beautifully. She is itch-free, and everyone in the house is sleeping easier! There are many factors contributing to recurrent and persistent itchiness. The doctors at Tanglewilde Veterinary Clinic are devoted to helping you find solutions that work to keep your pets happy, healthy and contented. 35 th Tanglewilde Veterinary Hospital Anniversary

2 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Twin Cities, MN Permit No Rockyridge Houston, TX Our pets constant love gives us strength to meet life s challenges. (713) Summer 2014 $10 off Veterinary Services of $30 or more involving a doctor please present coupon to receive these savings not valid on food, product or with any other offer expires 8/31/2014

3 HomeAgain Microchip Implantation $35 includes 1st year enrollment regular price $45 Parasite Prevention Medication Manufacturer s Rebates available on most products Inquire at the clinic Preventative Care Visit with Exam 20% off Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday Pets enrich our lives. Spay & Neuter 20% Off Wednesday & Friday Dental Cleaning 20% Off Monday, Wednesday & Friday save through August 31 st, 2014 Wellness Screen 20% Savings Monday through Saturday

4 Niles Knows chronic arthritic pain I would like to dedicate this issue to Pennie Girl. She will be missed. Happy Spring, my adoring fans! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and I am agoraphobic. Since it is springtime, more human animal servants are realizing their pets reduced mobility did not resolve with the cold weather s passing, so it must be something else! So, I m wondering, is your dog getting up and down slowly? Is your kitty just watching the lizard he would usually chase? Often pets come to see us when their owners notice changes in their pet s activity levels. Commonly, the problem is arthritis pain. Chronic pain, such as arthritis pain, is different from post-surgical pain or trauma. There are lifestyle factors owners can influence before a pet even develops signs of arthritis! Summer storms and celebrations are fun and exciting for us, but our pets may experience some anxiety in these situations. Does your dog drool, pant excessively, pace, shake or hide when he hears a storm coming? Do fireworks light your dog s anxiety fuse? Some pets are mildly affected, while others have developed severe signs of intolerance and anxiety with these stimuli. We understand this behavior is difficult for you and your pet, and we can help. The following are some possible solutions. As with other health conditions, recognizing signs early typically offers the best outcome. Issues left unaddressed year after year tend to spiral out of control. We can help you to help manage your pet s stress. The most effective training strategies take time to implement and take effect. Your pet s Solutions for Anxiety in Pets Reinforcing the happy place and the down command can help you redirect your pet to these good behaviors and good associations when a noxious, anxiety-provoking stimulus occurs. When an episode happens, as long as the dog is not over-stimulated and out of control, you can continue to practice those reinforcements, hopefully keeping your pet happy with your attention and the familiarity with the happy place. As long as your pet is calming down, you should continue offering positive reinforcement. If the dilated eyes, panting and preoccupied pacing behaviors persist, you may not be influencing the level of distress. Then, in order to avoid reinforcing unwanted behavior, it is best to kindly and quietly ignore the behaviors. There are other options to help control anxiety in your pet. Please remember, just like with behavior training, these tools are most helpful when provided well before the anxiety is ramping up. t Adaptil is a pheromone which helps a dog feel happier, and it is available in a spray, a diffuser or a long-term-wearing collar. Plug a diffuser in near your pet s happy place, to help provide more comfort for the scary situations.

5 The first target is to be sure the pet is svelte and sexy, like meow, since weighing less is easier on sore and creaky joints, and less taxing on younger, healthier joints. Exercise is always good, to keep muscles dense and strong, and joints limber and flexible. Joint-protective supplements, like Glycoflex III, and natural anti-inflammatories, like fish oils and some herbs, can be integrated into a cat or dog s daily treat and diet offerings. In fact, almost every pet that visits Tanglewilde receives some counseling about these measures for natural health maintenance. These are easy to incorporate for most pet caretakers, and they go a long way to prevent rapid decline in any pet s health. Please ask if you want to increase the level of preventive care you provide your furry friend! In spite of our humans best intentions, it seems Father Time still wins when it comes to our bodies degenerative cycles (except for mine, I m looking good for fifteen!). When a cat starts climbing up the furniture, rather than jumping onto the sofa, or a dog needs help getting in the car or slips around on the hard floors, it may be time to employ different means to help maintain and prolong strength and flexibility in the face of arthritis pain. training should take place when she is not in a fearful state of mind. Classical counter-conditioning and habituation are two training techniques with good efficacy. Another method that can be helpful is teaching a coping mechanism. As a routine, practice positive reinforcement while resting in a happy place or secure spot. This may be any place your pet prefers to rest comfortably, like his kennel, a closet or under the bed. Every day you should take the opportunity to give treats and share some happy-talk with your pet when she is calm and settled in a secure spot. Maintaining your pet s attention and obedience in a down pose, lying on his chest, is associated with a lower heart rate. Regularly ask your dog to lie down, and then give a positive reinforcement, like a treat, pat on the head or back, or some praise. Or have your pet wear the collars through the hurricane season. t Consider administering Composure Pro, a treat with calming amino acids, colostrum and B-vitamins. It can take the edge off of some anxiety, without sedation. t Some dogs will also enjoy wearing a Thundershirt on days when a storm or fireworks are expected. This special sweatshirt hugs the dog s chest, and can be calming through those stressful times. t Additionally, if your pet s episodes are progressively worse, consistent through the season or profound, the veterinarian may prescribe stronger medications. t We also day-board pets that are prone to injuring themselves or property when storms come through. Sometimes these patients cope better when they are not home alone with their fears and phobias. Noise-phobias can potentially result in serious consequences. Please schedule an appointment to consult with a veterinarian about your pet s anxieties today.

6 At this point, looking after the needs of we fur roommates really helps reduce the stress we feel in our aging bodies. The doctors tailor these treatment plans to the needs of each individual pet, so there is not a simple out-of-the-pet-carrier solution for every creature. After evaluating each patient s general health and risk factors, the veterinarians help our people decide what is best for us. They discuss reasonable expectations and outcomes for many options, including: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory prescription medications, acupuncture, therapeutic laser, and rehabilitation type exercises If your pet needs a little extra care to enjoy this spring and summer, please call one of the lovely ladies who marvel at my handsomeness from 8 to 6, Monday through Friday, and Saturday morning before noon. I look forward to your seeing me soon. Fondly, Niles Accentuating the Pawsitives... our Employees For over twenty-seven years, Peggy has been an integral member of Tanglewilde Veterinary Clinic s client services team. It may come as a surprise, but Peggy has at least forty years of veterinary reception experience! She loves helping owners provide excellent care for their pets, and she understands the joys and surprises of being a pet owner. Peggy is also a Great Dane fancier. She began exhibiting and breeding her dogs in 1968, and has finished over 15 Danes herself. In all, she has owned 24 champion Great Danes. Considering all this experience, it s safe to say when you have dog questions, she has answers. Peggy Receptionist Peggy loves Great Danes so much, but there is also room in her heart for the feline persuasion. At this time, her family includes one big, domestic short hair kitty and four Danes. Peggy and her husband Mike, also known as the Head of Kennel at their house, love looking after CH Jewel s Amethyst Asset, GCH Ruby s Jewel of Honor, GCH Danemark s Diamonds Jubilation, Thorncrest-Jewel Diamonds are Forever, and Junior the cat. Have you met any of Peggy s graceful giants on a visit to the clinic? She would love to introduce you.