After six years in the top spot, the dog name Max has been taken down a notch by the name of a teen vampire lover.
Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) searched its database for the most popular dog and cat names registered with the company in 2009, and revealed the results. Out of more than 475,000 insured pets, the name Bella beat out Max by over 400 dogs. Among cats, however, Max was still No. 1.
The list:
Dogs
1. Bella
2. Max
3. Bailey
4. Lucy
5. Molly
6. Buddy
7. Maggie
8. Daisy
9. Chloe
10. Sophie
Cats
1. Max
2. Chloe
3. Bella
4. Oliver
5. Tiger
6. Smokey
7. Tigger
8. Lucy
9. Shadow
10. Angel
The same dog names appeared on 2008′s top 10 list, just in slightly different order. The cat list saw more changes. Tigger dropped four spots to No. 7, and Bella climbed to No. 3. Angel knocked Charlie off the 2009 list to claim the bottom spot.
From AAHA NewStat January 6, 2010, Volume 8, Issue 1
Happy New Year to all our Pet Care friends. For many of us this is traditionally a time of renewal, with setting goals and intentions for the New Year. Since our pets cannot tell us what their New Year’s resolutions might be, I would like to make some suggestions with a focus on health and wellness which tends to be a common focus for us humans. Paying a little more attention to the following health care needs will go a long way in keeping our animal friends both happy and healthy while at the same time improving their longevity.
• Maintain oral hygiene. The number one thing you can do to keep tartar, gingivitis and periodontal disease at bay is to brush your pet’s teeth. This under utilized tool is the gold standard in dental disease prevention. Not possible on all pets but worth revisiting and giving it another go, as it makes such a difference. See our dental section on this web site for pointers.
• Maintain an appropriate body weight. It is estimated that the percentage of overweight household pets is 40%. Just like us, extra pounds are detrimental to the body’s long term maintenance of joints, liver and pancreas function and also put added stress on the respiratory tract. For tips on helping your pet get fit and shed some extra pounds see Dr Poutous’s article on ‘Weight Loss and Your Pet’.
• Maintain proper parasite control. Parasites do just what their name implies—they steal from their host; your dog, cat, ferret, rabbit or lizard. They steal blood (ticks, fleas and hookworms). They steal nutrition (roundworms and whipworms). And they cause tissue pathology ( heartworm, E cuniculi, giardia and coccidia). Nasty creatures, but so easy to control with today’s safe and effective parasite prevention programs, including Sentinel for dogs and Revolution for cats.
• Maintain wellness information. Annual blood work and urine analysis goes a long way in determining normal values for your pet and in early detection of disease or organ dysfunction. See our Pet Wellness section on this website or ask a Pet Care representative about some of our specially priced wellness programs.
Here’s to a fantastic 2010 and the beginning of a new decade! Let’s make a commitment to keeping our animal friends and companions care a top priority. The benefits for all of us are immeasurable.
Peter G Fisher, DVM
January 4, 2010
Survey results on fecal parasites in our pets
Intestinal parasites include worms and protozoa and are diagnosed on stool specimens primarily from dogs, cats, ferrets and reptiles. Most juvenile animals are born with intestinal parasites or acquire them soon after birth by walking in areas where infected animals have defecated. Proper treatment will prevent their potential debilitating effects (diarrhea, vomiting, anemia). This is why a yearly fecal examination is recommended throughout your pet’s life.
Our veterinary laboratory (Antech Diagnostics) to which we send many of our fecal samples for parasite assessment has provided us with an annual evaluation of the types of parasites seen in our patients here at Pet Care Veterinary Hospital, and across Hampton Roads in general for comparison. The following table summarizes this data.
OVA & PARASITE REPORT
| Type of parasite | Percent infection in Pet Care Veterinary Hospital patients | Percent seen in Hampton Roads patients |
| Hookworm | 3.0% | 1.9% |
| Roundworm | 0.2 % | 2.1% |
| Whipworm | 0.7% | 1.0% |
| Tapeworm | 0.0% | 0.1% |
| Giardia | 1.6% | 2.1% |
| Coccidia | 3.5% | 3.0% |
Why are Pet Care’s numbers lower than most of Hampton Roads?
I think part of the reason is that Pet Care’s clients, in general, take very good care of their animal friends and limit their exposure to dirty environments where they may pick up these parasites. As well, most of our clients are good about giving monthly heartworm preventative to our pet dogs, cats and ferrets. These heartworm preventatives not only prevent heartworm, but also prevent most of the more common parasites listed on the above table. Why are coccidia more prevalent at Pet Care? My theory is that it is because we work with a large rescue group that brings in kittens that were originally rescued from a variety of not so savory environments.
Why is this information important?
Some parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can infect people as well as animals. Children, the elderly and immuno-compromised people are at highest risk. Hookworms and Roundworms are two common internal parasites that can infect people. Humans become infected with roundworms through oral contact (not washing hands after working in litter boxes or soil contaminated with dog feces). Roundworms can migrate to a child’s eye and cause blindness (visceral larval migrans). Hookworms can penetrate through the skin from contact with contaminated soil, whether through gardening or walking barefoot in the yard, beach, or park and cause a severe rash.
The following describes the intestinal parasites outlined above
Roundworms
Long, “spaghetti-like” worms which can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Occasionally, the worms are seen in the vomit or stool. The worms steal nutrients from the kitten and can lead to a “pot-belly” appearance and an unhealthy hair coat. Roundworms are potentially zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to humans.
Hookworms
Thread-like worms which attach themselves to the intestinal wall and suck blood from the intestine. Hookworms are also potentially zoonotic.
Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum)
Long segmented worms which steal nutrients. Tapeworm infection is caused by the cat ingesting a flea carrying a tapeworm egg. Once ingested, the tapeworm egg is released inside of the cat and the tapeworm life cycle begins. These parasites may be seen in a stool specimen as small ivory colored rice-like segments.
Whipworms
Microscopic worms which attach to the wall of the large intestine and steal nutrients. These worms can cause chronic diarrhea and debilitation.
Giardia
Protozoa that invade the intestinal lining– creating pathology and causing diarrhea.
Coccidia
A one-celled protozoa which destroys the intestinal lining and can cause diarrhea.
Peter G. Fisher, DVM
December 17, 2009
Investigation Announcement: Outbreak of Human Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Associated with Contact with Water Frogs
Update for December 07, 2009
CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states to investigate a multistate outbreak of human Salmonella serotype Typhimurium infections due to contact with water frogs including African Dwarf Frogs. Water frogs commonly live in aquariums or fish tanks. Amphibians such as frogs and reptiles such as turtles, are recognized as a source of human Salmonella infections. In the course of routine assessment, a number of cases with the same strain have been identified over many months.
As of 12pm EST on December 7, 2009, 48 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from 25 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Arizona (1), California (2), Colorado (2), Florida (1), Georgia (1), Idaho (1), Illinois (5), Kentucky (1), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (2), Maryland (2), Michigan (3), Minnesota (1), Missouri (2), Mississippi (1), New Jersey (2), New Mexico (1), New York (1), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (3), Tennessee (2), Texas (3), Utah (6), Virginia (1), and Washington (1).
Among the persons with reported dates available, illnesses began between June 24, 2009 and November 14, 2009. Infected individuals range in age from <1 year old to 54 years old. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of patients are younger than 10 years old and the median age is 4 years. Fifty-five percent (55%) of patients are female. No deaths have been reported.
Investigation of the Outbreak
In an epidemiologic study, ill persons answered questions about contact with animals and foods consumed during the days before becoming ill and investigators compared their responses to those of persons of similar age and gender previously reported to State Health Departments with other illnesses. Preliminary analysis of this study suggests contact with frogs, including water frogs such as African Dwarf Frogs, is a likely source of the infections. In addition, environmental samples taken from aquariums containing aquatic frogs in three homes of ill persons have yielded isolates of Salmonella Typhimurium matching the outbreak strain.
Advice to Consumers
· Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching any amphibian (e.g., frog) or reptile (e.g, turtle), their housing, or anything (for example, food) that comes in contact with them or their housing. Adults should assist young children with hand washing.
· Watch for symptoms of Salmonella infection, such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Call your health care provider if you or a family member have any of these symptoms.
Persons who should avoid contact with amphibians and reptiles and their habitats (e.g., aquarium, fish tank, or terrarium)
· Persons at increased risk for serious infection from salmonellosis are children < 5 years old, elderly persons, and persons with weakened immune systems.
· These persons should avoid contact with amphibians (e.g., frogs) and reptiles (e.g., turtles) and anything that comes in contact with them (e.g., aquarium, habitat, and water).
· Keep amphibians and reptiles out of homes with children < 5 years old or people with weakened immune systems.
Placement and maintenance of habitats
· Amphibians (e.g., frogs) and reptiles (e.g., turtles) should not be kept in child-care centers.
· Habitats containing amphibians or reptiles should not be kept in a child’s bedroom, especially children aged < 5 years.
· Do not allow amphibians or reptiles to roam freely through the house, especially in food preparation areas.
· Keep amphibians and reptiles out of kitchens and other areas where food and drink is prepared or served to prevent contamination.
· Habitats and their contents should be carefully cleaned outside of the home. Use disposable gloves when cleaning and do not dispose of water in sinks used for food preparation or for obtaining drinking water.
· Do not bathe animals or their habitats in your kitchen sink. If bathtubs are used for these purposes, they should be thoroughly cleaned afterward. Use bleach to disinfect a tub or other place where reptile or amphibian habitats are cleaned.
· Children aged <5 years should not clean habitats.
· Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after cleaning habitats.
Advice to Pet Store Owners and Others Who Sell or Display Amphibians and Reptiles
· Pet store owners and others who sell or display amphibians (e.g., frogs) and reptiles (e.g., turtles) should provide information to owners and potential purchasers of amphibians and reptiles about the risks of acquiring salmonellosis from these animals.
· More information on displaying animals in public settings can be found in the 2009 Compendium of Measures to Prevent Diseases Associated with Animals in Public Settings.
Advice to Health Care Providers
· Health care providers should question patients on pet and animal ownership and should provide education about the risks of acquiring salmonellosis from amphibians (e.g., frogs) and reptiles (e.g., turtles).
· Health care providers should advise patients on proper hand washing practices.
Advice to Veterinarians
· Veterinarians should provide education to amphibian and reptile owners about the risks of acquiring salmonellosis from these animals.
· Veterinarians should provide education to amphibian and reptile owners on how to properly clean the animal habitat.
Clinical Features/Signs and Symptoms
Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12–72 hours after infection. Infection is usually diagnosed by culture of a stool sample. The illness usually lasts from 4 to 7 days. Although most people recover without treatment, severe infections may occur. Infants, elderly persons, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe illness. When severe infection occurs, Salmonella may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.
Herbert A. Hulls
December 17, 2009
China reports two dogs with H1N1
The Chinese government reported last week that two dogs had tested positive for the H1N1 virus. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) said in a news alert that it had learned of the findings, and was investigating the validity of the reports.
“We have not been able to confirm the findings of H1N1 in dogs in China,” AVMA spokesman Michael San Filippo said. “We’ve reached out to the College of Veterinary Medicine at the China Agricultural University in Beijing, which reported that two dogs had tested positive, but have not heard anything back from them.”
The AVMA says the reports are no cause for panic, but veterinarians and pet owners should remain vigilant to flu-like symptoms in pets. The AVMA has an H1N1 resource and information page on its website, that will be updated as information becomes available.
The following are excerpts from an interview with a Ministry of Agriculture official regarding the dogs’ cases, translated from the official website of the Chinese government by NEWStat reporter Ben Williams.
China’s first reported case of Influenza A H1N1 virus in dogs
Via Xinhua News Agency in Beijing
Reporter (Dong Jun): Please describe the situation in detail, and tell us what steps the Ministry of Agriculture is taking.
Official: The Ministry of Agriculture received the report from the Agricultural University on Nov. 25. At the request of the Ministry, the school’s College of Veterinary Medicine tested samples from the noses and throats of 52 sick dogs, and two samples tested positive for Influenza A H1N1. Gene sequencing analysis showed 99 percent homology with the virus currently being transmitted among humans, which makes it the same virus. This is the first case of a dog contracting the Influenza A H1N1 virus, and it is only the second case of this virus being discovered in animals, after the recent discovery of the virus in live pigs at a slaughterhouse in Heilongjiang Province.
There is close contact between humans and their pets in large and mid-sized cities in China. In order to effectively prevent the spread of the virus between people and animals, and to protect the health and safety of humans and animals, the Ministry of Agriculture requests that everyone strengthen their efforts at disease prevention.
Risk of transmission from animals to humans cannot be ruled out.
Reporter: Could the Influenza A H1N1 virus mutate within the bodies of dogs, and is there a risk that they could spread it to other dogs or humans?
Official: First, experts from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) say that while it is normal for animals to contract H1N1, there is no evidence to show that animals have played a role in spreading the virus among humans. Due to the specific properties of this virus, if it is heated to 70 degrees Celsius it will be killed.
Second, OIE and World Health Organization (WHO) surveillance has shown that at this time the H!N1 virus has not mutated yet. That includes the H1N1 virus found by China in the live pigs and in the dogs.
Third, judging from the specific properties and transmission patterns of H1N1, although the virus has not mutated yet, we cannot rule out the risk that the virus could genetically reorganize and mutate within the bodies of animals, or that animals could transmit the virus to other animals, or even that animals could transmit the virus back to humans.
According to statistics, as of Nov. 26, 15 countries or regions (Canada, Argentina, America, Chile, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, England, Ireland, Norway, Iceland, China and Indonesia) have discovered the H1N1 virus in animals, including pigs, turkeys, ferrets, cats and dogs.
If your pet has flu-like symptoms immediately take it to a veterinary hospital.
Reporter: Does China currently have a vaccine and diagnostic reagent for H1N1 in pets? What suggestions do you have to guard against the spread of H1N1 among pets?
Official: Targeting the gene sequence of the Influenza A H1N1 virus, the China National Bird Flu Reference Laboratory has constructed a vaccine and diagnostic reagent for the animal H1N1 influenza subtype. The next step will be that the Ministry of Agriculture will continue to strengthen its scientific research efforts, work on technology, strengthen its work on comparative analysis of Influenza A H1N1, follow the virus mutation situation, analyze the evolutionary trends, and stay prepared.
In order to guard pets against H1N1 infection, and to prevent the spread of the virus from humans to pets, we recommend the following:
First, strengthen disease prevention management while feeding your pets. Wash and disinfect your pet’s feeding environment daily to eliminate hidden threats. Second, reduce or avoid contact between your pets and H1N1 flu sufferers. If the pet owner becomes ill, he or she should immediately go to the doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Third, if your dog or cat starts coughing or has other flu-like symptoms, immediately take the pet to a veterinary hospital with the appropriate conditions for diagnosis and treatment, and promptly report it. Fourth, while working to prevent the spread of H1N1, we should strengthen efforts to take defensive measures against rabies, parvovirus, and other zoonotic, bacterial, and parasitic diseases.
December 11, 2009
Being thankful for the simple things we take for granted
During this season of sharing, being thankful and reflecting, it is important to remember to be appreciative of the simple things we take for granted in this great country of ours. Take rabies for example. Rabies?? You may be thinking, “ What is he talking about?” Well this came to mind as the result of two recent journal articles I read. One statistic from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) stated that the World Health Organization estimates there are about 55,000 rabies deaths across the globe each year, mostly in Asia and Africa. We’re talking human deaths here– 55,000 deaths per year from rabies! Yikes! In the United States we may read about a case or two every year or so, and most of these are from a weird source such as the 2008 case reported in a man from Missouri who was clearing bats from his rafters and one crawled up his arm and bit him in the ear. He did not seek medical attention at the time of the bite wound and four weeks later he started feeling sick. It took several visits to the emergency room before anyone suspected anything as serious as rabies and in this man’s case it was too late….he died. Why did he die? Because rabies is so rare in this country that it is not on most physician’s differential diagnosis in a sick patient showing potential symptoms associated with the disease.
The other article was in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association about two veterinarians volunteering for the non-profit organization, Veterinarians Without Borders, in the western Africa nation of Liberia. They had gone to this third world country looking for an animal health-related project that would have an impact on the country and were informed that, “rabies is considered endemic in the country and that Liberia has no way to diagnose the infection properly. A veterinary diagnostic laboratory does exist in the country, but there are no laboratory workers to staff it, nor materials for most testing.” In addition, they found out that many human rabies cases go unreported. “That’s because cases are reported only if the person dies in the hospital”, they were told, “In many cases, physicians send patients home to die, so they aren’t counted.” So these volunteer veterinarians spent two weeks analyzing the situation and held rabies vaccine clinics throughout the capital city of Monrovia, vaccinating over 100 dogs.
Both these stories had an impact on me. They made me realize how lucky we are in this country to have pets that we can love without the worry of contracting a fatal disease such as rabies. They can so easily be protected via immunization, and thus protect us as well against such a devastating disease. Hopefully these thoughts will get you thinking too– something simple, that we take for granted, to give thanks for during the Holidays.
Merry Christmas
Peter G Fisher, DVM
December 9, 2009
H1N1- infected cat dies
A cat testing positive for pandemic H1N1 influenza died, according to the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association. A week after a family member in the Oregon household exhibited influenza-like symptoms, one of the four cats in the household showed signs of labored breathing. The cat’s owner brought the 10-year-old male to a veterinarian Nov. 4. The cat presented with a 101.7 temperature and a chest radiograph consistent with pneumonia. After the cat’s respiratory rate worsened, the cat was admitted Nov. 5 and treated with oxygen and medication. The cat died Nov. 7.
Laboratory results from Oregon State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the National Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed the cat was infected with pandemic H1N1. This was the third confirmed case of H1N1 in a cat in the United States, with others surfacing in Iowa and Utah.
December 1, 2009
Pet Waste and Water Quality
Pet Waste and Water Quality, so what do the two have to do with each other? It turns out to be a lot. In the Chesapeake Bay watershed and our local estuaries and waterways pet waste is a leading source of water pollution. Untreated animal fecal matter and wastes are a source of harmful bacteria and nutrients that make their way to our rivers and estuaries through storm water runoff. Just as we don’t want human sewage in our water it is important to prevent pet waste from being carried into our waterways. Our beaches in Virginia Beach have been closed periodically due to bacterial contamination and approximately 70% of the Lynnhaven River is closed to shellfish harvest due to bacterial contamination.
I pondered this just yesterday as I picked up after my dogs. I figure that between the five of them they weigh around 225 lbs and that they produce about 2 lbs. of poop a day. Wow! Multiply that by all the dogs living in South Hampton Roads and you can see how dog waste can serve as a major source of water pollution.
So what can we, as responsible dog owners, do? Pick up after our dogs. Have plastic bags handy- use the bag like a glove and then pick up the pet waste, turn the bag inside out around the waste and then seal the bag and dispose of in a trash can. Scientists recently developed a new lab technique of fingerprinting DNA to match bacteria from specific animals, and using this forensic science, it has been determined that dogs are a significant contributor to harmful bacteria in our waterways.
So SCOOP THE POOP and do your part in keeping our waterways clean for all to enjoy! Just one way we can be ‘green’ and do our part in protecting this planet. It all begins with small, but meaningful efforts. If anyone has any other pet environmental issues you would like to discuss with me just let me know; pfisher@petcarevb.com
Peter G Fisher, DVM
November 30, 2009
2009 H1N1 flu virus and your pets
The CDC has determined that the 2009 H1N1 flu virus (swine flu) contains genetic pieces from four different virus sources, which is unusual. The virus consists of North American swine influenza viruses, North American avian influenza viruses, human influenza viruses and swine influenza viruses found in both Asia and Europe.
In general, influenza viruses commonly stick to one species when it comes to infection; for example, dogs and cats don’t get seasonal flu from their owners. However, under the right conditions, influenza viruses from different species are capable of mixing and swapping genes (this is called reassortment), resulting in a new virus.
Until recently, we had no reason to believe pets could be infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus because it is very uncommon for flu viruses to jump between species. However, on October 9, 2009, a USDA laboratory confirmed 2009/H1N1 infection in a ferret. The ferret’s owner had recently been ill with the flu. Ferrets are more susceptible to infection with influenza viruses, so this was not altogether surprising. At this time, there are no reports of the 2009 H1N1 flu virus being transmitted from a ferret to a person.
On November 4, the Iowa State Veterinarian and the Iowa Department of Public Health announced that a pet cat was confirmed infected with the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. The cat’s owners were ill and the cat developed respiratory symptoms shortly afterward. The cat has recovered and there is no evidence at this time that the cat passed the virus to any people. A second cat, this one in Utah, was confirmed infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus on November 13. Like the first cat, the cat’s owner was ill with flu-like symptoms prior to the cat’s illness. The cat had difficult breathing and was taken to a veterinarian for treatment. The cat is recovering from its illness.
Pets that live indoors, especially cats, tend to have close contact with their owners – after all, that’s why we have pets – and that increases their chances of being exposed to diseases. The best advice is to always follow common sense guidelines when dealing with animals (for example, washing your hands). In addition, it’s more important than ever that pet owners keep a good eye on their pet’s health and consult a veterinarian if their pet is showing any signs of illness. Keeping your pets healthy reduces their risk of becoming ill.
It is important to keep in mind that you are much more likely to catch the flu (any type of flu, including the 2009 H1N1 flu) from an infected person than you are from an animal. So far, all of the pets infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus became infected from being around their ill owners. The main lesson here is that if you’re feeling ill and have flu-like symptoms, you should probably limit your contact with your pets (and other people, for that matter) until you are feeling better. As always, if your pet is showing signs of illness, it should be examined by a veterinarian.
Dogs currently have their own flu virus, the H3N8 influenza (canine influenza) virus, going around. So far, this flu virus has only been spread from dog to dog. Dogs infected with the canine influenza virus show the same symptoms as dogs with kennel cough – fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, coughing, and maybe a runny nose. For more in-depth information see the article, What you should know about Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), on this web site.
Information for this blog was taken from the American Veterinary Medical Association web site
