Welcome To Our Newsletter
The staff at Burlington Veterinary Hospital is pleased to announce the latest edition of their "Online Newsletter." This fun and fact-filled Newsletter is updated on a regular basis by the veterinarians and staff at Burlington Veterinary Hospital.
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Current Newsletter Topics
Dogs targeted with breed-specific legislation
Across the country, more towns, cities and even states are targeting pit bulls, Rottweilers and other dog breeds under increasingly restrictive "dangerous dog" laws. In Minnesota, state lawmakers are hearing a number of proposals that would ban certain breeds in the state, including one bill that would make it illegal for residents to own a Rottweiler, Pit Bull, Chow Chow, Akita or wolf hybrid. Meanwhile, members of the Forsyth County Commission in North Carolina are studying possible regulations for "aggressive" breeds such as German shepherds, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinchers and pit bulls. Similar legislation has been proposed at the state level in Tennessee and Mississippi, and at the local and county level in Oregon, Alabama, Arkansas and other states, according to the American Dog Owners Association.
 Breed-specific legislation (also known as BSL) proposals are becoming a common presence in statehouses and city halls across America. Such legislation usually follows on the heels of a much publicized dog attack, and lawmakers claim that targeting specific dog-breeds will help remove dangerous animals from the community. But the effectiveness of BSL in curbing attacks by dangerous dogs is unclear, and the policies that determine what happens to pet owners who share their homes with a "dangerous" breed" vary in each community.
According to an article by Linda S. Weiss with the Animal Legal and Historical Center, BSL "is not an effective approach for regulating dogs' behavior in communities." Weiss goes on to write that bans on specific breeds are little more than comfort legislation and "do not act to effectively regulate the behavior of any breed or of dogs and their owners collectively." Additionally, breed-specific bans routinely face constitutional challenges, with decisions varying from state to state. A 1989 decision by the Kansas Supreme Court upheld a ordinance regulating ownership of pit bulls within a municipality, while a Massachusetts court in 1989 found that a law targeting pit bull ownership was unconstitutionally vague, according to Weiss.
What happens to happens to pet owners who care for pit bulls and other targeted breeds once legislation is passed also varies. Most breed-specific ordinances and legislation have some sort of grandfather clause, allowing owners to keep their dogs, but preventing the purchase or breeding of other dogs in the targeted breed. However, enforcing these laws is difficult, costly and time consuming: according to Weiss, a breed-specific ordinance in Cincinnati, Ohio was overturned after the city began enforcing the ordinance, which lead to "gridlock in the animal control and court systems."
 Meanwhile, organizations like the American Kennel Club and the American Dog Owners Association are vocally opposed to BSL. According to the AKC's position paper on BSL, "We support laws that establish a fair process by which specific dogs are identified as ‘dangerous' based on stated, measurable actions—The American Kennel Club strongly opposes any legislation that determines a dog to be 'dangerous' based on specific breeds or phenotypic classes of dogs." The AKC and the ADOA also maintain "legislation watch" web sites, where dog owners can track pet-related legislation. Click here to view the ACK legislative alert page. Click here to view the ADOA legislative update page.
Conversely, many states are proposing legislation that would prohibit insurance companies from denying home owners insurance coverage or unfairly increasing rates based on the breeds of dogs living at the home. In New Jersey, state Assemblyman Niel Cohen is sponsoring legislation that would prohibit insurers from basing policy coverage and costs on the basis of the breed of dog kept on the property.
"In most cases involving a 'dangerous breed,' the owner is the one responsible for teaching the dog its aggressive or dangerous behavior," Cohen said in a statement regarding the legislation.
Advantages Of Spays and Neuters
Health Benefits Associated With Spays & Neuters Spaying or neutering pets is a common procedure, and most pet owners have probably had some experience with having the procedure done on animals they have owned. Aside from the inconvenience of heat cycles and/or roaming tom cats, there are medical benefits associated to having your pet spayed or neutered. The direct health benefits of spaying or neutering are significant for the pet. If female pets are spayed before their first heat cycle, the risk of developing mammary tumors (breast cancer) is significantly reduced. Spaying female pets eliminates the risk of pyometra, an infection of the uterus. This disease can be very serious, even fatal, in female pets. Male pets can also benefit. Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostate disease.  Spay and Neuter Stamps Issued by the U.S. Postal Service Spaying or neutering can indirectly help prolong a pet’s life as well. When pets are spayed or neutered, their tendencies to roam or fight are greatly reduced. This prevents the pets from getting lost, stolen, hit by cars, or contracting a contagious disease. Cats that fight are at risk of contracting a serious disease called feline leukemia. This disease, which affects the immune system of the cat, can be passed from feline to feline through saliva or blood. Cats also run the risk of contracting feline immune deficiency virus when they fight. This disease is very similar to human HIV. It can lie dormant in the cat for quite a while, and when activated, can cause the cat’s immune system to function improperly. Spaying or neutering dogs can help keep them under control. Dogs that have not been spayed or neutered are more likely to wander away from home. While running loose, they have a chance of being hit by a car, getting lost, stolen, or taken to the animal shelter. Even though spays and neuters are considered routine surgery, there is nothing routine about any abdominal surgery performed under general anesthesia. Most veterinarians consider spays and neuters to be major surgery, especially when spaying older animals that have had several heat cycles or have had litters. Veterinarians and humane societies advise pet owners to have their pets spayed or neutered. The medical advantages have been proven. Complications resulting from these procedures are rare and pets recover from surgery very quickly. Often the day after surgery, animals are bright and alert, sometimes seeming as if nothing had ever happened. The cost of the procedure varies depending upon the species, sex, size, and age of the pet.
Birth of Kittens (Queening)
About two weeks before the kittens are due, a nesting box (or queening box) should be introduced to the expectant mother. (see article on Gestation in Cats) This box should be made from a washable material and located in a warm and secluded area. The bottom of the box should be lined with an absorbent material that can be changed frequently. Newspapers, towels, or clean rags make excellent bed liners. The first stage of labor may last anywhere from several hours to an entire day (24 hours). The queen is restless, fidgety, and usually refuses to eat. The expectant mother may pace about the house or begin digging in the queening box. Abdominal contractions signal the end of this period and the beginning of active labor. Straining of the stomach muscles (contractions) marks the beginning of the second phase of labor. As the mother continues to strain, less time elapses between contractions. Generally within 15 minutes to one hour after contractions begin, a fluid-filled sac appears at the vaginal opening. This sac surrounds the first kitten. After several contractions, the first kitten is born. The time interval between successive kittens can range anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Some experienced mothers are able to complete the entire birthing process in 30 minutes. Generally when each kitten is born, it is enclosed in a membrane or sac. The mother usually licks the kitten’s face and breaks the sac. If this sac is not immediately broken by the mother, human intervention is required. The sac must be opened, and the kitten’s face must be rubbed. Rubbing the kitten’s face with a clean cloth is an excellent method to stimulate breathing. Sometimes the kitten is born without a membrane or sac. If this occurs, the sac will follow the kitten, arriving together with the umbilical cord. There are two normal positions for delivery. The kittens can come out "head first" or "rear first". A "rear first" delivery is generally more difficult than a "head first" delivery. Human intervention is required when a kitten is lodged in the birth canal. When this occurs (and the mother is not able to expel the kitten herself), the mother must be restrained and gentle traction applied to the kitten. The kitten is grasped with a clean dry towel and pulled in a downward position, toward the mother’s feet. When a kitten is lodged in the birth canal for a considerable amount of time, it is usually born dead. A greenish-black discharge occurs between births. This discharge is normal and is often blood-tinged. If a reddish discharge occurs at the beginning of labor, and the expectant mother strains for more than one hour without delivering kittens, immediate veterinary attention is required. After each kitten is born, the remaining portion of the sac should be removed from it’s face. Any mucus surrounding the nostrils should be cleared away. Kittens should be dried with a clean towel and rubbed in order to stimulate breathing. Using a fine-diameter thread, each umbilical cord should be tied about one inch from the kitten’s belly. The cord is cut on the far side of the knot, and the remaining stump (with the cord) is dipped into a white iodine solution. If the kittens are similar looking, it is best to number each one with a permanent marker.  Nursing Kittens When the mother is relaxed and she settles down with her kittens, it is safe to assume that the birthing process is over. A small amount of vaginal bleeding is normal and this often continues for 2 or 3 days. If bleeding seems heavy or continues beyond this period, veterinary attention is required.
AKC Recognized Breeds - Non-Sporting Group
Dogs found in the non-sporting group come in all shapes, sizes, personalities and appearance. There is no common thread among them, though some consider the non-sporting group to be a "companion group." That’s because many members of the group, like the Poodle and Lhasa Apso, have found a role in recent history as providing companionship for people and families. However, because the background of each dog is different, it is unrealistic to compare them to other groups based on companionship.  Lhasa Apso Because of the variety of breeds found in the group, though, there is something for every dog lover in the non-sporting group. Some, like the Schipperke, are regarded for their skills as vermin hunters and watchdogs; others, like the Bichone Frise, are known for their amiable temperament and loveable appearance.  Dalmatian Breeds in the Non-Sporting Group: - American Eskimo Dog
- Bichon Frise
- Boston Terrier
- Bulldog
- Chinese Shar-pei
- Chow Chow
- Dalmatian
- Finnish Spitz
- French Bulldog
- Keeshond
- Lhasa Apso
- Löwchen
- Poodle
- Schipperke
- Shiba Inu
- Tibetan Spaniel
- Tibetan Terrier
The Bichon
The Bichon is an instantly recognizable breed, with its white coat, dark eyes and tiny size. Bichons are descended from the Poodle and the Barbet, a water spaniel. The cross-breeding produced the Barbichon, a small, curly-coated water spaniel which modern-day Bichons descended from. There are many types of Bichons, all of which are characterized largely by the geographic area where they developed. The Maltese is considered a Bichon, and the breed also contains Bolognese and Havanese varieties. The Bichon Frise is the most common Bichon in North America.  The Bichon was the dog of choice for royalty in medieval Europe, and was a common site in the courts of kings and queens. That popularity continued well into the 19th century; however, by the beginning of the 20th century, the Bichon had fallen out of favor, and it has not been until recent years that they have regained the same popularity. The Bichone Frise came to America in the 1950s, and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972. Bichons are friendly and affectionate, with an even temperament and a playful demeanor. They are good with children and are very social dogs. Bichons enjoy lots of human company and require lots of attention. Potential owners should be aware that Bichons are rather stubborn and slightly difficult to train, though they are eager to please their masters. Bichons require regular brushing to maintain their distinctive coat. Owners must also clean their Bichons’ face regularly—eye discharge and mucus can collect in the dog’s hair and cause health problems.
Cats and Kids
Children and cats can share a relationship that is mutually beneficial provided each is old enough to respect the other. The good-natured dog may put up with a child’s playful tousling, but the dignified cat may be less tolerant. Teaching your child the appropriate way to handle and properly treat a cat helps him/her to respect animals at a young age. From the start, the child should be taught how to properly hold the cat, providing support under the chest and under the back legs. Touching the sensitive stomach area will bring a natural reaction of "grab and bite" and the child should be made aware this. A cat does not feel comfortable with his / her stomach exposed. The child should also be taught some basic feline body language so that he/she knows to back off when the cat’s ears flatten and the tail twitches. This important lesson helps to prevent some tears later on. If you have children under 6 or 7 years of age, it is best not to adopt a kitten under four months of age. With a well-meaning hug, an overly affectionate toddler can injure a small kitten. A more mature kitten or cat can better withstand a young child’s noise and quick movements, but even an adult cat may swat at a tail-pulling child. The key to harmonious interactions between young children and cats of any age is adult supervision. Parents are always looking for ways to teach children responsibility and often try to give children cat care duties. This is usually not a good idea. Children can be forgetful and easily distracted. Eventually, it is the cat who suffers if a child forgets to put out fresh food or water or forgets to clean the litter box. Even if children are mindful of their chores, having to care for the cat can cause resentment due to constant parental reminders. Children can help when it comes to pet chores; however, It is best to make cat care a family responsibility with feedings and exercise a top priority but not the sole responsibility of the child. While growing up with pets promotes commitment, compassion and healthy habits, it is important to remember that teaching your child to properly handle and care for cats is secondary to the actual health and well-being of the cat. A mutually loving relationship is the best possible outcome for both and can be achieved if the proper measures are taken.
Anal Glands - Your Pet's Pain in the Butt
If your pet seems to be exhibiting behavioral changes such as scooting around on its butt, tail chasing, and excessively licking or biting around the tail and anus, these are signs that your cat or dog may have a problem with its anal sacs. When this occurs, a veterinarian should examine your pet. Anal sacs are structures similar to those used by skunks when they spray. These structures are present but less well developed in cats and dogs. Unlike skunks that can voluntarily control their sacs, dogs and cats cannot. Normally, the semi-liquid, smelly material is squeezed out when pets defecate, but sometimes things go wrong. Problems associated with anal sacs include impaction, infection, abscess, and tumors. Impaction occurs when the duct or tube through which an anal sac empties becomes clogged. Pressure builds in the sac and on surrounding tissue, resulting in painful defecation and, in some cases, constipation. Bacterial infections cause damage resulting in inflammation, pain and itchiness. This condition, similar to, but more painful than hemorrhoids in humans, sometimes leads to unusual levels of fear and aggression in pets. Left untreated, an anal gland infection can abscess. Pain associated with an abscess can become very intense as pressure and inflammation increase. If this stage of the disease is left untreated, the abscess could rupture and drain through the skin. When this occurs, the pain is somewhat reduced; however, the abscess usually reforms and the process starts over again. If the abscess proliferates and drains into deeper tissues, the situation gets much worse. Tumors of the anal sac appear to be more common among dachshunds, cocker spaniels, German shepherds, beagles, English bulldogs, and Samoyeds. Some tumors are benign and others are very aggressive forms of cancers. The location of the anal sac makes even a benign growth a problem because it impinges on the surrounding structures. Many impacted and some infected anal sacs can be treated by careful massage of the affected sac or sacs. Diseased sacs may be very painful and may require some level of pain relief medication or tranquilizer in order to keep the treatment from being a bad experience for the pet. For some dogs and even some cats, anal sac disease becomes a severe, repeated, and persistent experience. In these cases, the most humane, efficient, and cost-effective treatment choice is surgical removal of the anal sacs. This is called anal sacculectomy. Most of the time, both sacs are removed at the time of the surgery. Anal sacs have no known beneficial purpose for dogs and cats. As long as they are healthy, it’s best to leave them alone. If severe or repeated problems develop, dogs and cats may be better off without them.
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