Diamond Pet Foods is voluntarily recalling limited production codes of Premium Edge Finicky Adult Cat Formula dry cat food, Premium Edge Senior Cat Hairball Management Formula dry cat food, Premium Edge Kitten Formula dry cat food, Diamond Naturals Kitten Formula dry cat food and 4health All Life Stages Cat Formula dry cat food. Tests conducted by the company indicated the products might have a low level of thiamine (Vitamin B1).
There have been no complaints regarding thiamine levels, or any other health issues, related to these products. In association with this voluntary recall, Diamond Pet Foods has tested all other Diamond brands for thiamine deficiency to ensure the safety of the cat food it manufactures. No other product manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods is involved in this voluntary recall.
Only product with the following Best By dates and Production Codes are included in the voluntary recall. Further distribution of these affected production codes has occurred through online sales. It is best to check the production code to determine if the product has been recalled or not.
Premium Edge Finicky Adult Cat Formula. Size: 18 lb. bags. Production Codes: NGF0703, Best By: 10-Jul-2013, States: Massachusetts
Premium Edge Finicky Adult Cat Formula. Size: 6 lb. bags. Production Codes: NGF0802. Best By: 15-Aug-2013, 16-Aug-2013. States: Florida, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia
Premium Edge Senior Cat Hairball Management Formula. Size: 6 lb. and 18 lb. bags. Product Codes: NGS0101. Best By: 03-Jan-2014, 04-Jan-2014. States: Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma
Premium Edge Senior Cat Hairball Management Formula. Size: 6 lb. and 18 lb. bags. Product Codes: NGS0702. Best By: 10-Jul-2013. States: Florida, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia
Premium Edge Kitten Formula. Size: 6 oz. samples, 6 lb. and 18 lb. bags. Product Codes: MKT0901. Best By: 26-Sept-2013, 29-Sept-2013, 30-Sept-2013 and 02-Oct-2013. States: Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia
Diamond Naturals Kitten Formula. Size: 6 oz. samples and 6 lb. bags. Product Codes: MKT0901. Best By: 30-Sept-2013. States: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina
4health All Life Stages Cat Formula. Size: 5 lb. and 18 lb. bags. Product Codes: NGF0802. Best By: 14-Aug-2013, 18-Aug-2013. States: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia
“At Diamond Pet Foods, we have a process where we continuously test our products, and this process allowed us to find the undesired levels of thiamine in some of our cat formulas. Our food safety protocols are designed to provide safe food on a daily basis,” says Michele Evans, Ph.D., Diamond Pet Foods Executive Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance. “In the event an error occurs, we have the data to quickly alert pet owners, giving them the confidence they demand of a pet food manufacturer.”
Pet owners who are unsure if the product they purchased is included in the recall, or who would like replacement product or a refund, may contact the Pet Food Information Center at 1­888­965­6131, Sunday through Saturday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Consumers also may visit www.petfoodinformationcenter.com for additional information.
Cats fed product with the previously listed Production Codes and Best By dates exclusively for several weeks may be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency. Thiamine is essential for cats in maintaining normal nervous system function. Symptoms of thiamine deficiency displayed by an affected cat can be gastrointestinal or neurological in nature. Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting and weight loss. In advanced cases, neurological signs can develop, which may include ventriflexion (bending towards the floor) of the neck, wobbly walking, falling, circling and seizures. Pet owners should contact their veterinarians immediately if a cat is displaying any of these signs. If treated promptly, thiamine deficiency typically is reversible.

Heartworm is a potentially fatal disease caused by a blood-borne parasite known as Dirofilaria immitis. This parasite is transmitted through the bite of an infected female mosquito; mosquitos are infected by feeding off a dog that has heartworm.

Don’t worry, pet owners; heartworms are very rarely transmitted to humans. We are not their natural host.

Infective larvae enter the dog’s body when the mosquito bites the dog. They migrate into the bloodstream and move to the heart maturing, mating and reproducing microfilariae (heartworm babies) within six to seven months. It is the microfilariae that, in turn, are consumed by the female mosquito, making her a future inoculator. Since transmission requires the mosquito as an intermediate host, the disease is not spread directly from dog to dog. Spread of the disease therefore coincides with mosquito season, which can be year-round in many parts of the United States. Heartworm disease is diagnosed in every state.

It usually takes several years before dogs show clinical signs of infection. The worms can grow to 12 inches in length and live five to seven years! A dog can actually have hundreds of these icky worms living inside the heart at one time.

Adult heartworms cause disease by clogging the heart and major blood vessels leading from the heart. By clogging the main blood vessel, the blood supply to other organs of the body is reduced, causing them to malfunction.

The most obvious clinical signs of heartworm disease are a soft, dry cough, shortness of breath, weakness, exercise intolerance and fainting. All of these signs are most noticeable following exercise. In advanced cases, congestive heart failure occurs and dogs have a difficult time breathing from fluid accumulation in their lungs.

A simple blood test can detect the presence of heartworm far in advance of them showing clinical signs of disease. This blood test can easily be performed by your veterinarian. If your dog tests positive, your vet will recommend some additional tests to assess the stage of disease, and from there, a recommended course of treatment can be suggested.

Treatment is aimed at killing the adult heartworms and microfilaria. It is done in stages to minimize reactions. Treatment consists of injections to kill the adults, oral meds to kill the microfilaria and a combination of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications aimed at controlling secondary problems. In addition, if the dog exhibits signs of advanced disease, medications may be given to control or ameliorate those symptoms.

During treatment, it is imperative that the dogs be strictly rested, as the death of the adult worms and microfilaria can cause bad reactions.

With this disease, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. Treatment for heartworm is very expensive ($1,000 and up) and can have side effects that are just as dangerous as the disease itself. Preventing infection is the best course of action and can be done with a prescription for a monthly medication from your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will require a blood test first before prescribing the preventative medication, as putting your dog on preventatives without knowing its heartworm infection status can be dangerous.

The monthly cost of this oral or topical medication is less than a burger and fries at your favorite fast-food restaurant. Prevention should be maintained year-round, as these medications also protect your dog from intestinal parasites. Some topical preparations also contain mosquito repellent to further diminish exposure.

Most people don’t realize that heartworm disease affects cats as well, but their infection rates are much lower. They are an atypical host and often only have one or two worms living in their heart.

Symptoms in cats are not due to worm burden but rather an allergic reaction when the worms naturally die off. Cats manifest the infection with symptoms similar to asthma (coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath). Some cats will have nondescript symptoms of malaise or vomiting. However infection can cause sudden death in otherwise healthy-appearing cats. Interestingly, a recent study from North Carolina University found that 25 percent of cats infected with heartworms were totally indoor cats.

There is monthly preventative medication for cats and, recently, a blood test has been introduced that can be performed by your veterinarian. Treatment options are very limited at this time, but knowing the infection status of your cat can be helpful.

Robin Brennen is chief of veterinary services and vice president of operations at the Animal Hospitals at Bideawee.

Proper dental hygene is important for your pet's s health

Why do two-thirds of well-meaning pet owners often ignore their veterinarian’s recommendations for proper dental care? I suppose we all hate going to the dentist, so maybe there is a bit of anthropomorphizing going on. But the fact is the American Veterinary Dental Society reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3. That’s nothing to smile about.

Fido’s and Fifi’s funky breath can be an early sign that something is afoul; halitosis is often a consequence of periodontal disease. Just as in humans, bacteria in the mouth helps form plaque. Left to accumulate, tartar forms and plaque and tartar can infect the gums and cause gingivitis. The gums appear red and swollen and can bleed easily. Once plaque takes hold below the gum line, the structure of the tooth can be affected. Infection can form around the root and spread into the surrounding bone. This can result in tooth and bone loss.

Sound painful? It is. However, dogs and cats often suffer silently and will continue to eat despite considerable discomfort. Pain isn’t the only issue. Bacteria that overcolonize in the mouth can enter the blood stream through the diseased and bleeding gum tissue. The bacteria are then free to lodge in the heart, liver and kidneys, resulting in damage to those organs and serious health problems. Signs of oral disease can include bad breath, red gums, drooling, difficulty chewing, food bowl avoidance, dropping of food and facial swelling.

In the wild, the canine and feline species rip and tear apart their prey, which actually helps keep their teeth and gums healthy. Domestication and manufactured diets have removed nature’s built-in dental care. Therefore, your pet needs human intervention to ensure proper oral health. Regular dental checkups should be part of your pet’s annual maintenance program. Routine dental cleanings may be suggested by your veterinarian as a prophylactic measure, or your pet may be in serious need of a deep cleaning that may include tooth extractions.

Owner reluctance often stems from the fact that animals need to be put under anesthesia in order to perform the dentistry properly and safely. When I think about it, I wish I had that option! I would probably visit the dentist more often.

As we all know, tooth cleaning is not a pleasant experience. If the gums are inflamed, it can be downright uncomfortable. Fortunately for our pets, they are happily asleep during the procedure. This allows for all sides of the tooth to be cleaned properly with the use of an ultrasonic scaler, as well as deep cleaning below the gum line. In addition, the teeth can be polished adequately and a thorough assessment of the oral cavity performed.

Your veterinarian can take many steps to ensure that the anesthetic procedure is as safe as possible. A pre-anesthetic exam and blood work can help assess risk and allow for the proper choice of anesthetic agents tailored to the individual pet’s health status. Intra-operative patient monitoring and fluid administration enhance the safety and pain medications are often prescribe to make the recovery and post-dental period more comfortable.

Dental care should begin at a young age. Home care is an important part of overall dental health. Daily brushing should be incorporated into your routine. There are many videos on YouTube on how to get your pet acclimated to brushing. Your veterinarian may also recommend a dental diet specially formulated to help remove plaque, if your pet is prone to periodontal disease. There are chew toys on the market that also help massage the gums and remove plaque.

Nothing beats in-home monitoring. Flip up a lip and take a peek inside your pet’s mouth. If you see something, say something! Don’t brush aside your pet’s oral health.

If you want to give your pet a dental health checkup, the animal hospitals at Bideawee have a variety of dental health care packages for dogs and cats.

Robin Brennen is chief of veterinary services & VP of operations at Bideawee.

On Sunday afternoon, the Animal League hosted the Mutt-i-grees Mania pet adoption expo at Hudson Park Pier 40. The final event of the League’s “Get Your Licks on Route 66” animal adoption tour, Mutt-i-grees Mania featured three mobile rescue units filled with puppies, kittens, dogs and cats. Joining the event were local shelters Heavenly Angels Animal Rescue of Astoria, Sean Casey Animal Rescue of Brooklyn, the Animal Center of Queens in Rego Park and Toms River, N.J.’s Puppy Love Pet Rescue.

While it was a great opportunity for the eager-to-adopt to add new members to their families, the event was also an opportunity to gather important tips on preparing and caring for a new pet. In keeping with that educational spirit, here are a few of the most important things to know and prepare for before adopting a pet.

Budgeting
First and foremost, you have to be prepared for the regular and irregular expenses that come with your new companion. Beyond the initial cost of purchasing/adopting your pet, you’ll have to pay for vaccinations, spaying/neutering and the like. While many shelters will cover these medical procedures or perform them on-site, some leave the responsibility in the hands of the owner, so be sure to check your shelter’s policy.

Remember that as soon as you and your new pet leave the shelter, he is your responsibility. If (worst-case scenario) something happens and you need to visit the vet that very week, the bill is on you (again, shelters have varying policies on this matter, but at the very least you’ll need money on hand at the time of your visit, even if it does get reimbursed). Then there’s the never-ending food budget. There’s nothing more important for your pet than a healthy diet, so be sure you’re ready for your weekly grocery bill to jump.

Pet proofing
Your home needs to be ready for its newest resident. Look around for any hazards within the animal’s snooping range, as a pet’s natural curiosity will undoubtedly lead her to investigate every nook and cranny. Watch for things like unshielded electrical cords and choking/strangulation hazards.

Toys
While you should play with your new animal as much as possible, toys are important for when you’re not around. Playing with toys is essential—not only for your pet’s physical health but also for his mental well-being. Chasing and grabbing his favorite toys helps your pet maintain his natural instincts and gives him a heightened sense of purpose.

Supplies
Food, veterinary visits and toys aside, there are still plenty of supplemental purchases to smooth a new pet’s transition into your home. Some are more essential than others, such as flea repellent for dogs, scratching posts for cats and food and water bowls for both. One great optional purchase is the pet bed, which gives the pet a safe, warm spot to call her own, making the acclimation process much easier.

Research
By far the most important way to prepare when adopting a pet is to do your research. This article may serve as a starting point to send you in the right direction, but there is limitless information to be found on the Internet on this subject. One thing most all pet owners love is talking about their pets, making it an easy subject to research. Fish around for general pet care tips and housebreaking tricks of the trade. Be sure to look for information on the shelter you’re planning to adopt from; know their adoption policies, how their animals generally end up at the shelter and, most importantly, how they care for their animals.

Most elected officials and animal rights advocates agree that New York City’s public shelter system is desperately in need of reform. Shelters are grossly overcrowded and understaffed, the city spends only 10 percent of the Humane Society’s recommended $8 per capita on its animal care, and an average of 54 animals are euthanized every day. What politicians and advocates cannot agree on, however, is how to fix this broken system.

City Council is expected to vote this week on Intro Bill 655, sponsored by Speaker Christine Quinn and Upper East Side Council Member Jessica Lappin and supported by the mayor and a cadre of prominent groups like the ASPCA, the Humane Society and the Mayor’s Alliance for Animals. Council Member Dan Garodnick is also one of the bill’s 15 sponsors.

The bill would infuse Animal Care and Control (ACC), a division of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, with a $10 million budget bump to fund expanded hours and staff at existing shelters and receiving centers, create a field service division and regulations for Trap-Neuter-Return programs. It would also repeal a law passed in 2000 that requires the ACC to build and maintain a full-service shelter in every borough, a requirement the city never fulfilled, and would negate the city’s obligation to operate shelters in Queens and the Bronx, where there are currently no city-run shelters.

Because of this provision, some animal rights organizations are crying foul on behalf of their four-legged charges, claiming that City Council is trying to abrogate its responsibility by throwing cash at a broken system. They are supporting an alternate plan put forth by Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer—a viable rival of Quinn’s for the 2013 mayor’s race—that would spin off the ACC into a quasi-independent not-for-profit organization, much like the Central Park Conservancy.

“We are currently in an emergency situation,” said Lappin. “If we can get this money now, if we can hire staff for this now, let’s do it. That does not mean that we can’t get more in the future.” She is pushing hard to get the bill passed on the basis that she’d rather take whatever resources the city can offer and put them into the system now than wait to perfect it. “I do think we would like to find a way to reform the system. We are looking at ways to do that,” she said. “That’s not what this bill is focused on—it’s about improving service and putting more money into our ACC system.”

Opponents have seized on just that fact, alleging that putting more money into ACC is exactly the wrong prescription to fix an ailing shelter system that can barely handle the animals it takes in.

“There are inhumane conditions. There are healthy animals being put down, animals sleeping in their own waste,” said Stringer. “We have members of the board who have absolutely no experience in fundraising and no experience in animal control. It’s a disgrace.”

“My view is that New York City can become a national leader in humane animal care through sensible reform. The root of the problem is that ACC lacks the funding and expertise to live up to its name,” Stringer said. He has put forward a proposal to take the ACC out of city control and require the city to comply with the existing laws mandating a full-service shelter in every borough.

So far, a petition supporting Stringer’s plan has garnered 8,165 signatures and the backing of many animal welfare groups, like Stray from the Heart, the nonprofit that sued the city for its breach of the shelter law, claiming they incurred financial injury as a result of picking up the city’s slack. The court originally agreed and ordered the city to set up a timetable to build additional shelters, but the city appealed on the grounds that Stray from the Heart had no standing on which to sue, and won. In a rare move, the appellate court ruled in favor of a motion from Stray from the Heart to reconsider the appeal based on legal errors in the interpretation of standing.

Toni Bodon, executive director and founder of Stray from the Heart, has worked on the lawsuit for three years. She is confident that their case will ultimately triumph in the court system and is dismayed that it may be voided by the passage of Intro 655.

“They’re running scared, so now they’ve fast-tracked the bill,” said Bodon. “Let the court of appeals decide this very important decision.” She said they had already won on the merits of the case, and that all the city had to fall back on were technicalities. “They called minivans that are parked in depressed neighborhoods receiving centers,” she said. “We said no, and the judge agreed.”

Assembly Member Micah Kellner, who has sponsored state legislation that would set minimum standards of care for shelters, said the Department of Health should be taken out of the equation entirely.

“Over the last decade, you’ve seen the private sector step up to the plate when it comes to saving animals,” said Kellner. For example, “There’s the ASPCA, which has provided free and low-cost spaying and neuters for people’s pets, particularly ones coming from rescue groups. So you’ve had all of this private investment in saving animals’ lives so we can have a no-kill city—all you’ve seen is the city under the Bloomberg administration take a step back.”

Fellow Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, who also has a legislative history of working to protect animals, has been urging City Council to vote no on Intro 655 and supports Stringer’s alternative.

“This current bill to put more money into ACC, while it’s commendable,” said Rosenthal, “doesn’t address some of the essential problems of homeless dogs and cats out there.”

Some of those problems include a lack of capacity and high rates of euthanization at shelters. Richard Gentles, director of development and communications at ACC, said they will euthanize sick animals at the requests of owners, if they have severe behavior problems and can’t be placed in adoptive homes and for simple illnesses they can’t afford to let spread.

“Our isolation wards are very limited,” said Gentles, an animal lover who is about to add a rabbit to his roster of adopted pets that at one point included goats. “We don’t have a lot of extra space for animals, so if they’re sick and contagious,” even with just an upper respiratory infection like a cold, “they’ll have to be put down.”

Rosenthal said the problem of space is her main objection to any bill that allows the city to get out of building new shelters.

“This might increase the number of staff people,” said Rosenthal. “[But] there will be no room. This is sentencing thousands of animals to death by not following up with building new shelters.”

With major support from the council, Intro 655 is likely to pass this week.

“In reality, if the mayor and the speaker support this, the only thing we can do is wait for a new mayor and speaker,” said Queens Council Member Peter Vallone Jr., whose father passed the original bill to mandate the shelters.

“The bill does good things, I’m aware of that, but there’s not reason to let the city out of its legal responsibility to build a shelter in Queens and the Bronx,” Vallone said.

Lappin and other groups supportive of the measure say they’re doing the best they can and would prefer not to let animals languish in shelters for lack of staff and funding while the city fights over how to restructure the ACC.

“There are people who would say, ‘Until we completely dismantle it and start from scratch, it’s not worth it,’” said Lappin. “I don’t agree with that.”

A recent visit to the Manhattan shelter showed the ACC doing its best with scant resources. Volunteers and staff members worked to clean the cages of the hundreds of dogs, cats, rabbits and other miscellaneous abandoned pets—recently, a pigeon and a pig—but many sit in small cages with their own waste precariously close to their food, waiting. What the ACC needs more of, said Gentles, are adopters, volunteers and money.

“We need to supplement our contract money from the city,” said Gentles, noting that the ACC is able to raise its own funds as a nonprofit but still relies heavily on the city, which appoints its board. He couldn’t say whether Intro 655 or an alternate plan would best serve ACC at the moment. “We’re all wanting to do the same thing, to help the animals,” he said, voice raised slightly above the din of howling pit bulls in cages a few yards away.

By Dr. Babette Gladstein

Q. Are there any natural remedies I can use for common pet ailments?

A. Natural remedies are a great way to help your pet. In fact, some of what you need you can find in your kitchen!

Sugar can be used on an open wound to help it heal. Aloe vera is great for wounds and sores and burns as well. Molasses are great to coat pills and get your animal to take medication.

Outside your pantry, you’ll also find several terrific yet natural remedies. A proper acidophilus, such as Vetri-Science’s Fast-Fix GI, is a good way to treat nausea, vomit and diarrhea. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can quickly help with allergies. Lysine can be used, particularly in cats, to heal upper respiratory viral infections. Pepsid AC can be used to stop nausea in a sick cat or dog. Child’s Benadryl should be kept on hand for a bug or bee sting reaction.

Products like Zinotic help to quiet mild ear infections and fungus and eliminate the need to use fungicides in the ear. Propolis (aka bee pollen) is a natural mild antibiotic.

Acupuncture works very well for pain associated with arthritis. Prolotherapy, a non-surgical orthopedic procedure, can also help to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and help your pet avoid a hip or knee surgery.

Q. Is it true pets can have a positive effect on the cholesterol of their owners?

A. Yes! Pets can positively affect their owner’s cholesterol and overall health. Several studies show that heart attack patients who have pets live longer than those without pets. Researchers also say male pet owners also tend to have less sign of heart disease, lower triglyceride and lower cholesterol levels than non-owners.

If you don’t have a dog, you may want to pet your neighbor’s. A past study by the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions found that a 12-minute visit with a dog helped to lower blood pressure, reduce the release of harmful hormones and decrease anxiety among patients hospitalized for heart failure. Benefits of those patients exceeded those whom received a visit from a human volunteer or whom were left alone. Other studies show that having a dog boosts the survival rates in patients who have suffered cardiac arrest. Walking a dog, playing with a pet, grooming or even petting can increase physical activity, which helps to strengthen the heart, improve blood circulation and slow the loss of bone tissue.

Researchers also suspect low cholesterol levels and low serotonin levels may be linked. Serotonin is often referred to as the “feel good” chemical found in the brain. People with low levels of serotonin are those who have problems with depression and anxiety. Abnormally low cholesterol levels have been linked with depression. It seems a pet, like a dog, can stick a paw in the cycle.

Q. I’ve heard about massages for pets. Do they really help?

A. A pet massage is similar to a massage for a person. The body’s tissue is manipulated to reduce tension, promote circulation and restore range of motion.

During a pet massage session, your pet will lie on a soft yet sturdy surface, like a rug on a floor. The veterinarian or a certified practitioner will then use his or her hands to rub and stroke your pet from head to tail. After an initial rubdown, the practitioner will use his or her fingers to “walk” your dog’s spine. A session takes about an hour, depending on the size of your pet.

A good massage can help because it raises the serotonin level in the body. In the end, aches and pains are lessened and you’re left with a healthier, happier and more relaxed pet.
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Babette Gladstein is a VMD and owner of B Glad Veterinary.

By Louise Murray

If you’re a pet lover, chances are you know someone who’s had a diabetic cat. Diabetes is a real problem for cats in this country, but the good news is that we now have a much better understanding of this condition, and even better, we can cure it in many cases. Best of all, we are learning how to prevent it, which is the ideal strategy for a healthy, happy cat.

Cause: It’s now believed that many cases of feline diabetes are caused by excess carbohydrates in the cat’s diet. Cats are nature’s true carnivores, unlike dogs and humans, who are omnivores. Cats are also uniquely unable to manufacture an amino acid called taurine, found in animal tissue. Cats have many such nutritional differences setting them apart from humans and dogs.

Many cat foods, particularly dry foods, contain carbohydrates. Cats are not designed to properly metabolize carbohydrates, and thus cats on dry food tend to become obese. Additionally, the excess of carbs forces the pancreas, the organ that makes insulin, to overwork. Over time, the pancreas can become exhausted, and lose the ability to make enough insulin. This lack of insulin causes diabetes.

Not all cases of feline diabetes are caused by carbs in the diet. For example, in some cases, the pancreas becomes inflamed and suffers damage affecting the ability to produce sufficient insulin.

Treatment: Most diabetic cats have not permanently lost the ability to produce insulin. Their pancreas is simply worn out. In order to rest the pancreas and allow it to return to normal function, cats are treated with insulin injections.

Several studies have shown that the most effective type of insulin for treating, and hopefully curing, feline diabetes is glargine insulin (Lantus®). This insulin was developed for humans, but has been revolutionary for cats. Due to its formulation, it has a slow, steady action that is safer and less likely to cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Additionally, it has a longer effect once injected, so the cat’s blood sugar does not bounce back up before the next shot is given.

For the best chance of remission, Lantus® should be given twice a day, and the cat’s diabetes closely monitored. This can be done with blood sugar levels measured at home with a drop of blood taken from the ear, using the same kinds of monitors that human diabetics use. It can also be done by measuring the urine sugar at home, using dipsticks called Ketodiastix, which are purchased at a pharmacy. It is essential to tightly regulate diabetes; only by giving sufficient insulin to truly rest the pancreas will the cat regain the ability to manufacture her own insulin.

In veterinary medicine, as in human medicine, there are many types of specialists. For diabetic cats, it may be advisable to consult with a veterinary internal medicine specialist (acvim.org). The success of initial treatment will determine whether the cat’s diabetes is cured, or whether the cat will need lifelong insulin injections.

The second essential component of treatment is the cat’s diet. For the best chance of curing diabetes, cats are fed a canned-only diet (or balanced homemade diet formulated by a veterinary nutritionist). Any dry food, even a prescription diet labeled for diabetes, may reduce the chance of getting the cat off insulin injections. Ideally, most cats should eat a canned diet formulated for diabetes, or a canned kitten food. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian regarding the best diet for your own cat.

Prevention: We all know that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Clearly, we would prefer that our cats not become diabetic in the first place. The keys are to avoid obesity and excess carbohydrates.

For diabetes prevention as well as urinary tract and digestive health, I advise feeding cats canned food in meals, rather than allowing them to graze on dry food.

When attempting to make any change in a cat’s diet, such as from dry to canned food, patience and caution are essential. Never allow a cat to “hunger strike”; this can lead to serious liver disease.
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Louise Murray, DVM DACVIM, is vice-president of ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital.

By Suzanne Reisman

Make no bones about it: kids love animals. A family pet—whether a dog, cat, bird, rabbit, lizard or even a rat—can enrich your child’s life.

However, getting a pet shouldn’t be a snap decision, and experts agree that parents must be a pet’s primary caretaker. Children don’t learn responsibility overnight by simply having a pet to care for. No matter how well-intentioned a child may be, he or she can be easily distracted by other interests and obligations, which can endanger an animal. It is also important to consider how long you will be able to care for the pet.
Proper care of a pet takes time and money, but given the benefits of animal companionship for the entire family, it is well worth the investment. Here’s what you need to know about adding an animal to your home.

Dogs

Enthusiastic friends and protectors, dogs are among the most loyal members of any family. Dogs bring families into the great outdoors during their daily walks, offering an opportunity for exercise and time outside.

Wendy Ladd, of the North Shore Animal League of America, recommends medium-size dogs for families dwelling in apartments. “Smaller dogs tend to have a lot of energy and they bounce around off the walls a lot,” she says. Something else to consider: Many purebreds have sight problems or hip dysplasia because of inbreeding.

Jacque Lynn Schultz, Companion Animal Programs advisor for the ASPCA’s National Shelter Outreach, reminds parents that dogs require a large time commitment. “If you are gone 10-12 hours a day every day, then you are better off not getting a dog,” she says. “Dogs are social creatures and they do want the families around; they need exercise; they need to get outside at least 3 times a day to go to the bathroom.”

Some dogs’ barking may bother neighbors, and some dogs require more training than others––but with the proper investment, your family will have a loyal and long-term friend.

Cats

Cats make fantastic pets for families in apartments. They seldom bother the neighbors and don’t require walks. Most cats are very clean, and love affection from kids, even if it is on their own terms. Like any pet, cats require a substantial time investment, but they are more self-sufficient than dogs.

A key to successful cat ownership is consistency. Find a spot for the litter box—bathrooms work great because it is easier to clean up spills from tile—and keep it there.

Rabbits

Rabbits are inquisitive, intelligent and very social. They can be litter box-trained just like a cat, and thus need not be confined to a cage at all times. A spayed or neutered rabbit (essential) is a gentle and quiet pet that loves affection. However, Mary Cotter, manager of the New York City chapter of the House Rabbit Society, reminds parents that rabbits are prey animals and physically delicate as well. Parents must always supervise children when they interact with the family rabbit. If a rabbit is grabbed unexpectedly, it may kick a child with its powerful back legs. When rabbits are dropped, they can break their legs or back.

Given a rabbit’s somewhat fragile constitution, families should wait until children are older before they bring a rabbit into the home.

Reptiles

Dr. Katherine Quesenberry, a veterinarian at the Animal Medical Center of the Elmer & Mamdouha Bobst Animal Hospital, says that reptiles make interesting pets: “A lot of people like turtles, snakes, iguanas, and bearded dragons.” Eddie Sutton agrees. Sutton has a six-year-old son who is allergic to cats, but really wanted a pet, so they brought home a bearded dragon. “You can develop a nice relationship with bearded dragons. You can put them on your shoulder and they don’t mind. We’ve grown quite fond of Rocky,” says Sutton.

Dr. Quesenberry emphasizes that each reptile has very specific dietary and habitat requirements.

While bearded dragons may be handled by kids (albeit with care), Dr. Quesenberry reminds parents that reptiles are not as interactive as a dog or cat.

Before obtaining any reptile, it is critical to do extensive research on the animal’s habitat and diet.

Birds

For families with fur allergies or space issues, birds can be very rewarding family pets. Dr. Quesenberry advises that smaller species like parakeets, cockatiels and love birds are better for kids than larger birds. These breeds are not only intelligent, but they possess sweet personalities. Cockatiels have been domesticated for over a century, and are particularly well-suited for family life. Parents should always supervise children while they feed and handle pet birds, and children under the age of six should not handle them at all. “You really can’t squeeze them,” Dr. Quesenberry says. Plus, it is important to train your bird to step onto your finger.

Other Small Furry Friends

Most small animals have short life-spans of no more than three years. “That might work well for parents who do not want to commit to caring for an animal for a decade or more, but also means that parents need to be prepared to help kids deal with death,” Dr. Quesenberry notes. Two small animals that make great companions for kids are guinea pigs, and— hold your breath—rats.

Dr. Quesenberry says that guinea pigs are perennially popular pets, and with a five to six year lifespan, they live longer than hamsters and mice.

As for rats, the little girl in the movie Flushed Away was on to something. Cotter at the House Rabbit Society often recommends that parents consider a pet rat for kids. “Generally, moms make a face, and say, ‘Ewww,’ and I can understand that, but they make excellent pets. Rats are intelligent—they will respond to a child calling their name and can be trained—and they are hardy. If a child drops one, there’s not too much damage.”

By Babette Gladstein

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a significant health problem among all dogs. It has been estimated by many veterinarian organizations that up to 30 percent of the canine population are afflicted with this painful hip-socket condition. As a result of the widespread nature of this problem, a non-surgical alternative solution is now available.

Babette Goldstein.

Prolotherapy has been used in human medicine successfully since the 1950s. It is comprised of a series of injections with natural substances that cause natural contraction of tendons and ligaments surrounding the hip joint.

Typically, four treatments are utilized and administered by an experienced veterinarian.

The treatment protocols are determined by the physical findings as well as the response to treatments and the cessation of clinical signs. The addition of Acell is introduced at the end of the sessions and seems to accelerate the ultimate progress of the case. Typically the first session shows some progress. After the second session more progress is visible and by the third the clinical signs are mostly resolved. The fourth session is the one that proves the most significant.

Bejinos is a charming Tibetan spaniel, with the breed’s regal bearing and energy. Yet a few weeks ago, the 9-year-old spaniel was lame and clearly not his cheerful self. His case underscores the value of a combined regimen of prolotherapy and Acell.

The problem was compounded by wear and tear on his left side. The elbow and shoulder on that side were stiff and sore, problems directly related to overuse.

A week later, Bejinos underwent a second treatment. After this treatment his lameness issues resolved to a mild stiffness. The owner reported that Bejinos’ improvement was promptly apparent.

In Bejinos’ case, the results were clearly evident, with the compact dog quickly regaining his playfulness and energy.

Although Hazel, a young Saint Bernard, did not show signs of hip dysplasia, something was definitely going on with her. She was reluctant to go up or down stairs and would sometimes sit down abruptly in the middle of a walk. At just two-and-a-half years old, both of her hips were already painful.

Again, the results of the treatment were profound. Within a week, Hazel was sitting less often and was more willing to go up or down stairs. There seemed to be less tenderness in the hip joints.

Several months ago, Buddy—an 11-year-old chow mix at the New York City’s Humane Society—was presented with hip dysplasia and little hope. Palpitation showed how much pain he was in, and an inability to get up and down comfortably. He was basically walking on three legs and was using one hind leg only for balance.

Buddy’s immediate treatment included two prolotherapy sessions, given at two-week intervals and followed by a third treatment of Acell injections

In the weeks following treatment, Buddy made considerable progress. He is able to get up and down more easily and no longer needs pain medication. He now runs happily on his daily walks and the closeness of his hind legs has gradually lessened. He is bearing weight on all four limbs

But the success of his prolotherapy treatment is not the only good news for Buddy. He has recently been adopted and will go to a new home along with his long-time companion, a yellow lab mix.

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Babette Goldstein is a VMD and owner of B Glad Veterinary.

The dog days of summer can be hazardous to your dog. Be a cool owner and help your canine companion beat the heat this summer.

Humans have hundreds of sweat glands which help us cool by releasing moisture that evaporates on the skin’s surface. Dogs have only a few sweat glands, all of which are located in the pads of their feet. They cool themselves primarily by the process of panting and breathing, with the moist lining of their lungs, tongue and windpipe serving as the evaporative surface. They also dissipate heat by dilating blood vessels in the face and ears. Dilating blood vessels helps cool the dog’s blood by causing it to flow closer to the surface of the skin.

Minimizing your dog’s exposure to extreme temperatures can prevent life-threatening conditions like hyperthermia or heat stroke. Dogs with thick coats or short muzzles, or that are overweight or suffer heart problems, are at higher risk for heat stroke. Symptoms include hard and harsh panting, deep red gums, drooling, sluggishness, vomiting and diarrhea. Body temperatures over 105 or 106-degrees Fahrenheit can quickly lead to organ failure and death. These temperatures can be reached even with moderate heat and exercise.

Never leave your dog unattended in a parked car, not even for a minute. Temperatures inside a vehicle with the windows rolled up can easily reach 160 degrees in a matter of minutes. Just five minutes inside can lead to death. Consider leaving your dog at home when you run errands on a hot day.

I see many dogs being walked in public places wearing canvas muzzles, presumably because they don’t get along well with other dogs or people. While you may be trying to prevent a bite, you are also preventing your dog from panting and cooling off. Basket muzzles are a much better alternative, as it allows your dog to pant freely, but also adds the layer of protection you are looking for.

If you enjoy exercising with your dog, do so at the coolest part of the day. Noon time jogs are not a good idea.

If you think your pet may be experiencing heat stroke, take immediate steps to cool them down, and then seek veterinary attention. This usually entails hosing off with cool water or submerging in a tepid bath. It may not be enough to just bring them into air conditioning. Ice packs applied to the armpit and groin can help. Once at your vet’s, further cooling procedures can be done. Some of the consequences of prolonged, extreme elevations in body temperature can cause the irreversible process of multi-organ system failure leading to death.

On hot days, the coolest thing to do may be to leave Fido at home.

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Robin Brennen is the chief of Veterinary Services at Bideawee on the East Side.