The Seriousness of Stomach Aches

It may seem like Sparky has a cast-iron stomach, but even he could be susceptible to “bloat.”

The technical term is gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), an extremely serious condition that can result in death.

“Gastric dilatation-volvulus, also known as ‘bloat’, primarily occurs in deep-chested, large breed dogs,” said Dr. Michael Willard, professor at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

Willard explained that bloating of the stomach is sometimes also associated with twisting (volvulus) of the stomach. Signs may include unproductive gagging and retching, abdominal discomfort and/or distention, shock, difficulty breathing, and in some cases even death.

Diet, exercise, and the size and depth of a dog’s chest may be predisposing factors. While GDV is less common in pets than many other emergency conditions, owners of large breed dogs should be aware of the rapid and often fatal effects of GDV.

GDV is a significant cause of death in large breed dogs. Animals with GDV that are diagnosed and treated early have a survival rate of about 70 percent, whereas survival for those that are diagnosed and treated late is less than 30 percent.

Willard advises any dog owners who believe that their dog has developed this condition to take it to a veterinarian immediately. He or she will decompress the stomach and treat the animal for shock by administering fluids.

When the patient has been stabilized, the veterinarian may need to perform surgery to untwist the gut, if twisting has occurred.

“GDV cannot reliably be prevented. In some cases, the twisting of the gut can be avoided by a surgical procedure (called gastropexy), in which the stomach is sutured (stitched) to the abdominal wall,” said Willard. “Prophylactic gastroplexy may greatly lessen the risk of recurrence, but it is does not completely eliminate it.”

Unfortunately, there are no medications that will cure GDV. It can become fatal in as little as four to six hours, and it is costly to treat. Willard estimates the average cost of treating a GDV case with surgery to be between $2,000 and $5,000, but if there are complications, the cost could be much higher.

Dogs that have had GDV in the past are at a higher risk of developing it again. Given the rapid and fatal effects of GDV, owners should not wait to see if the ailing dog improves on its own. If the dog is gagging unproductively, Willard advises taking the dog to a veterinarian immediately. Early detection and treatment just might save Sparky from this often-fatal tummy ache.

- By Gillian Nicol

The Year of the Veterinarian

Veterinary medicine as a profession was born 250 years ago with the founding of the first school of veterinary medicine in Lyon, France. The World Veterinary Association, along with other leading veterinary organizations, have designated 2011 as the “Year of the Veterinarian”, and the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences is taking part in the effort to help promote the global spread of knowledge in veterinary medicine.

“The Year of the Veterinarian is recognizing the first veterinary school in Lyon, France, but it is also about encouraging the advancement of the education of veterinarians and sharing knowledge so that we can raise the bar for veterinary medicine throughout the world,” said Dr. Leon Russell, professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

During the late 18th century, Europe was facing a cattle plague that eventually led to the death of approximately 200 million cattle because of a disease referred to as Rinderpest. This began to significantly affect the food supply, and the Pope ordered a decree for a method to be developed to eliminate the spread of the disease. King Louis the XV of France assembled a team in 1761, led by noted horseman Claude Bourgelat, in order to form a veterinary school in Lyon. The new school successfully stopped the spread of Rinderpest which eventually spurred the development of another veterinary school three years later in Alfort, France, whose original building still stands intact today.

Today, veterinarians play vital roles all over the world concerning people and animals alike.

“Almost three-fourths of diseases that have emerged within the last 20 years are zoonoses, or diseases transmitted between animals and humans,” explained Russell, whose teachings focus mainly on topics in public health and epidemiology.

Many diseases, such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), are believed to have originated in wild animals and then transmitted to humans.

“A potential source of new diseases may arise due to the tremendous amount of international trading of animals, illegal trading in many cases, that usually involve wild animals,” said Russell.

Russell noted an example of a small breed of rats that were being shipped to a company in Texas via West Africa. While in Texas, the rats were housed with prairie dogs, then both animals were shipped to 17 different states to be sold as pets. Veterinarians later discovered that the animals carried a disease known as monkeypox that was being contracted by people in the United States.

“Veterinarians work hard to prevent zoonoses and are called on to work closely with physicians to help in identifying cases like these,” said Russell.

For example, in the state of Texas, when any animal bites a person there are certain public health laws that must be followed. If the animal that is believed to have inflicted the wound is captured and is a dog or a cat it must be quarantined for ten days, and a veterinarian must then okay that the animal is free of rabies before it can be released.

Rabies is a classic example of a global zoonotic disease, which is responsible for the death of about one person every ten minutes somewhere in the world. The human rabies is mostly still seen in Africa or Southeast Asia as a result of dog bites.

“Dogs are the main carrier of rabies throughout the world, although we are very fortunate in the United States to have eradicated the dog strain of rabies virus in dogs through our rabies vaccination program,” said Russell.

Russell explained that United States still has cases of rabies in wildlife however. The Eastern United States usually sees the virus in raccoons, the Southwestern states see it in foxes, and everywhere in the country will see it in the bat populations.

“In Texas we just have to worry about seeing the virus in skunks and bats, but the important thing for people to realize is that at least three-fourths of the human cases of rabies in the United States have been traced back to bat origin,” stated Russell. “Sometimes these diseases such as rabies can disguise themselves as something else and are not detected until it is too late, but we do have very effective vaccines to prevent contraction of the disease in high risk people. Also, post-exposure treatment is important in preventing the disease if one knows they have been exposed to a rabid animal and if they act quickly enough.”

Veterinarians also have public health oversight in many food industries such as beef, pork, and poultry. They also promote food security by supervising animal production hygiene.

“Veterinarians are hired by the United States military to monitor the food quality and safety that the troops consume and also provide a safe food supply for our U.S. government personnel in other countries, water included,” said Russell.

Russell noted that the United States Air Force especially is known to use veterinary assistance for their environmental safety officers.

Veterinarians are also vital in protecting the environment and the biodiversity of our planet through research efforts made in the fields of conservation and genetics.

Many of the faculty at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences have international reputations for their expertise in reproductive biology, cancer, neurology, biodefense, infectious diseases, equine and feline medicine, and cardiology to name a few. For more information about veterinary medicine, you can check the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine website for links to the World Veterinary Association Vet 2011 website, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association.

Russell, who has served in the past as president of the World Veterinary Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, noted that we are very fortunate in the United States to hold the gold standard in veterinary medicine.

- By Gillian Nicol

Ask A Trainer: My Angry Lap Dog

The Problem: I would like to know what I should do when my 4 year old Chihuahua barks & gets very protective when my fiance or another dog walks over to me.  This happens only when he’s in my lap. He’s always been very protective. Is this a habit I can break?

The Solution:

This is a very specific question and I wish that I had the opportunity to ask you many questions before giving an answer. What leads up to the barking, what exactly do you mean by protective, what do you do when it happens and what does your fiancee do. How long has he been practicing the behavior, does it happen every time your fiancee approaches and in every location. Does it happen only with your fiancee or with all people, just men, etc. As related to dogs, is it all dogs or just family dogs, in all locations or just in your home. The questions are almost endless from my point of view. But without the ability to talk to you directly, I’ll address the question in very broad terms and strongly suggest that you contact a trainer directly to work on the issue. Like most unacceptable behavior, the more the dog gets to practice, the better he gets at it and the more difficult it is to change.

While I appreciate that a Chihuahua is a small dog, prone to being a lap dog, he does need to learn to stand on his own paws. Many owners of small dogs constantly carry them or have them in their laps, treating them more like accessories than dogs. Just like a large breed dog, a small dog needs to have rules and structure in his life; they teach him to be confident, always knowing what is expected and acceptable. Some small-dog owners find their pets’ aggressive behavior cute or funny. They believe that because their dog is small and could never be a threat, it’s OK to allow him to growl, bark, or snap.

Begin by instituting a policy of nothing in life is free and a dog free zone. I can already hear you groaning and thinking that this will never work. In deed it will not work without a tremendous commitment on your part. You need to decide if you are willing to put in the time and effort to change your behavior as well as your dogs. Since much of this behavior is directed towards your fiancee, you will need help and commitment from him as well.

Nothing in life is free.

This is a great life program for teaching your pup that you are the leader of the household. Being a good and fair leader is not being cruel, unkind or unfair to your dog. It is accomplished by controlling access to the resources important to him. Simply put, the resources belong to you and your dog needs to “say please” to gain access to them. Resources include: food, access to the outdoors, going for a walk, playing, petting and in your particular case, you. It sounds as if you may be his most prized possession

If your dog knows to sit on cue, have him sit for his dinner, before going outside, before going for a walk or ride in the car. Always have him sit before you give him attention or pet him. If at any point he refuses to sit, simply say “oops” or some other negative marker to let him know he made a mistake and walk away. This does not mean that you need to yell at or berate him for his actions or lack of. Wait for 10 or 15 seconds, go back and repeat the process. As soon as he sits, say “yes” and give him a reward, whether it is dinner or the door opening for a walk. In this way, you are beginning to use real life rewards for his good choice in deferring to your wishes instead of constantly using food. Real life rewards are the most powerful tools we have.

Now for the suggestion that will probably be met with the most resistance — keep the dog off of the furniture and out of your lap, at least in the short run. If he is sitting in your lap barking and growling, you are reinforcing the behavior, without meaning to. You are, in essence, a resource that he is guarding. Allowing him to sit in your lap while practicing this behavior will make him bolder and more insistent that your fiancee stay away. Eventually, he may become bold enough to start snapping or nipping at people for being close to you.

Provide him with a nice, comfortable bed near the sofa and encourage him to stay there. Make sure that he has something wonderful to chew on such as a stuffed Kong or bully stick, which he only gets when on his place. Begin to teach place by leading him to the bed and dropping yummy treats onto the bed while he is standing on it. Gradually begin to ask for a sit and eventually a down while on his place. You will reward him handsomely for being on the bed — good things happen when he is there and the good things stop the instant he gets off of the bed. You will slowly begin to extend the amount of time he remains on the bed without getting up. Practice this in real time: while watching a movie, working on the computer or having a conversation with friends. This is a behavior that will become part of his everyday life.

Teach him touch.

This is a great game that allows him to decide whether he interacts with other people or not. Start by offering him the back of your hand held just a few inches from his nose. Most dogs will sniff your outstretched hand out of curiosity. If he isn’t interested, you can rub a little peanut butter on your hand or hold a small treat between your fingers. As soon as he touches your hand, say “yes” and give him a tasty treat. After he is reliably touching your hand while held close to his nose, begin to move your hand so that he has to move around to reach it.

When he happily touches his nose to your hand it is time to bring your fiancee into the picture. Have your fiancee place his hand behind yours; you cue the pup to touch your hand and treat him. Practice this until he is comfortable with the fiancees’ hand behind yours.

The next step is to have your fiancee place his hand in front of yours, you will still cue the pup to touch and reward him. If he isn’t able to touch your fiancees hand, back up to the previous step and practice until he is more confident.

The final step is for your fiancee to offer his hand without the benefit of your hand. You will still cue the touch and deliver the reward.

At no time, should your fiancee reach for or grab at the pup.

You can also use classical conditioning to help change the pups opinion of your fiancee. Each time your fiancee enters a space occupied by the pup have him toss (underhand) a tasty treat to the dog. Therefore, the appearance of the fiancee becomes the predictor of good things, like chicken. Always start from a great distance and gradually decrease the distance at a rate that the dog can tolerate. Do not have him hold the food in his hand and lure the dog to him — what happens when the dog runs out of treats and discovers that he is too close for comfort?

One more very important thing — DO NOT punish him for growling. This is an early warning signal that he is uncomfortable with the situation; you need to recognize it and work to change the situation. If you punish him for growling, he no longer has the ability to let you know when he is worried about something. Eventually he may stop growling all together and go straight to a snap or bite.

While this type of behavior may not seem serious in a small dog, it truly is and needs to be treated as such. Again, these are very broad suggestions without the benefit of having met your dog or seen the situation first hand. I strongly encourage you to get help from a trainer to assess the situation and help you develop a plan of action and management that will keep everyone safe and happy.

Happy Training!

- By Cindy Carter

A Doctor’s Diagnosis: What A Vet Sees

Disclaimer: Please remember that these case studies are written more for members of the veterinary community & are very scientific. The CVRC newsletter is not your typical “client based” newsletter; it is geared more specifically to the “referring veterinarian” client. Think of it as an episode of House, but for your dog!

History

Phoebe, a 14 year old female spayed English Springer Spaniel (18kg), was referred to the Cardiology Service for coughing, tachypnea, abdominal distention, and extreme lethargy with any exercise. Phoebe’s owner first noticed a dry hacking cough about 1 year ago. In the month prior to presentation, Phoebe’s coughing spells had worsened, and were occurring multiple times throughout the day and night (recently her cough was so bad that she had been keeping her owner awake during the night). For the last couple of days prior to presentation, flecks of blood were found in the mucus she expectorated. Her owner was particularly concerned about her energy level. Phoebe had always enjoyed going on walks and playing with other dogs at the dog park, but recently she was tiring more easily (activity level is 50-70% of normal). Her abdomen also became distended in the 24 hours prior to presentation.

Physical Examination

T: 101 F; P: 150 beats/min; R: 80 breaths/min

Physical examination revealed a body condition score of 3/9. Phoebe was bright but very fatigued after walking from the waiting room to the exam room. Here mucous membranes were pale pink and slightly tacky. She had a palpable right-sided precordial impulse, and a IV/VI right holosystolic murmur. She had distended jugular veins with pulsation, and a palpable fluid wave on abdominal palpation. Her femoral pulses were adequate and synchronous. She had increased bronchovesicular sounds in all lung fields, and loud expiratory and inspiratory crackles. Tracheal palpation initiated a dry, hacking cough with a terminal wretch.

Problem List

Coughing/Tachypnea – pulmonary crackles

IV/VI right-sided holosystolic murmur

Right-sided congestive heart failure – distended jugular veins, ascites

Exercise intolerance

Cardiac Work-up – ECG, Thoracic Radiography, Echocardiogram

Cardiac Work-up – ECG, Thoracic Radiography, Echocardiogram

Figure 1 – Thoracic Radiographs (See Slideshow)

Figure 1: Left lateral and dorsoventral radiographic views. Both images are expiratory in nature. There is moderate right ventricular enlargement. There is marked peripheral and hilar pulmonary artery enlargement. The main pulmonary artery is severely enlarged. There is mid- zone and peripheral unstructured interstitial and alveolar pulmonary patterns noted within the right middle lung lobe. The liver is enlarged and extends beyond the field of view. The caudal vena cava is also enlarged.

Figure 2 – Electrocardiogram

25 mm/sec; 10 mm/mv

Figure 2: Electrocardiographic tracing. The primary rhythm is sinus rhythm. There are deep S waves in leads I, II, III, and aVf. The mean electrical axis is oriented cranially and to the right (right axis deviation) because of the deep S waves. There are also deep S waves in the left chest leads. These features are consistent with right ventricular hypertrophy.

Figure 3 – Echocardiogram

Figure 3: Two-dimensional right parasternal four chamber and left apical views of Phoebe’s heart showed a normal left atrial and left ventricular size. Phoebe has a severely dilated right atrium and right ventricle with moderate to severe tricuspid valve regurgitation shown by color flow Doppler. The velocity of the tricuspid valve regurgitation (5.2 m/s) estimated Phoebe’s pulmonary artery pressure to be severely elevated (110 mmHg, normal is < 30 mmHg). Her pulmonary valve is not shown here but is normal (no pulmonic stenosis).

- By Michael F. Cocchiaro, DVM Dip ACVIM (Cardiology)

“My Dog Is Constantly Licking!”

The Problem: My dog Jake, a 9 year old lab, licks his mouth constantly.

The Solution:

Check his environment to see if there is something stressful occurring that could be a contributing factor. Possibly a neighbor’s dog barking outside of the window, a change in your living situation, noise from an upstairs or downstairs neighbor.

Give him something to do when left unattended. A personal favorite – a stuffed Kong. Feed him his meals in a Kong instead of a bowl. Simply moisten his kibble in a small amount of water or broth, freeze it overnight and breakfast is served.

Make sure that your dog is getting plenty of exercise, both physical and mental. For most 9 year old labs a 20 minute stroll around the neighborhood is simply not enough. Engage him in play, whether it is retrieve games or find it games. Put his natural instincts to work, so that he is expending mental energy

Consider doing some massage or Tellington T-Touch therapy centered around his mouth. Like people, dogs carry a lot of tension in and around their jaws. Some forms of aroma therapy work well for dogs. DAP is a product that is sold at most pet stores, lavender essential oil is one that works for my personal dog.

Teach you dog how to relax on cue. Not as simple as it sounds, it is a good time to contact a local trainer who can teach you the protocol for relaxation.

-By Cindy Carter

“Senior” Dog Foods

The nutritional content of dog foods marketed for old dogs varies as widely as owner’s perceptions about them, according to a study published this month by veterinary nutritionists at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.

Although it is commonly accepted that nutritional needs — both for humans and pets — change with aging, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and National Research Council have not set official dietary requirements for aging dogs. As such, foods marketed for “longevity” and “maturity” or “senior,” “old” or “mature” dogs do not have to adhere to a standard nutrition profile beyond the AAFCO nutrient profile minimums for adult dogs.

In the study, Tufts researchers polled more than 1,300 people online about their perceptions about these foods. Their responses were correlated with the actual nutritional content of nearly 40 commercially available “senior” dog foods, and the study, led by resident Dana Hutchinson, DVM and Lisa Freeman, DVM, PhD, were published in the latest issue of the International Journal for Applied Research in Veterinary Medicine.

Among the key findings:

•Roughly 43 percent of respondents fed their dogs a senior diet — but only one-third of them did so on the advice of a veterinarian.

•The vast majority of respondents — 84.5 percent — felt that senior dogs have different nutritional needs compared to adult dogs.

•Most survey respondents felt that senior dog foods likely contained fewer calories. However, calories in the senior foods studied varied widely, ranging from 246 to 408 calories/cup. While some dogs gain weight as they age, others lose weight — as such, the large range in calories might prove problematic for owners of older dogs, Freeman says.

•Most respondents also said that senior dog foods likely contained less fat, protein and sodium. Among the sample senior dog diets surveyed, these, too, varied widely (Protein 4.8 to 13.1 g/100 kcal, fat 2.4 to 6.3 g/100 kcal, sodium 33 to 412 mg/100 kcal). “If an owner, for example, had a senior dog with heart disease, they might be inclined to feed them a senior food, thinking that it had less sodium,” says the study’s corresponding author, Lisa M. Freeman, DVM, PhD, a professor of clinical sciences at the Cummings School and a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. “Instead, they might replace a diet that had a perfectly acceptable amount of sodium for one that is considerably higher.”

•Respondents were unsure whether, when compared to adult dog foods, senior foods would contain more or less phosphorus — restrictions of which may be beneficial in dogs with kidney disease. The actual diets had a three-fold difference in phosphorus content, including one diet that contained three times the AAFCO minimum for the mineral.

•Sixty-three percent of the respondents said that ingredients were the most important factor when selecting a food for a senior dog. “This shows that we have much more work to do to educate the public,” said Hutchinson, Freeman’s co-author. “Factors that are equally, if not more, important are that the food is made by a well-established company — one with at least one veterinary nutritionist or qualified nutritionist on-staff — that has proven the food’s nutritional adequacy through AAFCO feeding trials, and that has rigorous quality control standards.”

The study illustrates a great deal of confusion in the marketplace, Freeman says, and it’s important for owners to be aware that every “senior diet” is different and so may or may not be appropriate for an individual dog, depending upon his or her body condition and health.

“The decision to buy a certain type of food for your aging dog is an emotional one: you want to extend her life and ensure she’s healthy well into her twilight years,” Dr. Freeman says. However, not all older dogs require a senior diet and if you do decide to change to a senior food, talk to your veterinarian, because these foods are not all the same. It’s important to select one that is right for each dog.”

Although it is anecdotally speculated that many aspects of human aging are similar in dogs and that their nutritional needs also change with age, few studies have investigated this issue. Drs. Hutchinson and Freeman are continuing their research in this important area to help determine optimal nutritional levels for aging dogs.

As in people, the nutritional requirements cannot be universally applied to all senior pets. While some studies have suggested that aging dogs may lose weight and lean body mass, as people often do, others may gain weight as their activity levels and metabolisms slow. As a result, one senior dog may need more protein and calories than another — one more reason to check with your veterinarian to talk through which diets might work best, Freeman says.

- Courtesy of Science Daily

Operation: Heroes and Hounds

After serving in the Marines, Sonny Patrick found herself struggling with homelessness and alcoholism. But once she made friends with Sarge, a small mutt saved from “doggie death row,” she felt her life take a positive turn.

Speaking of Sarge, she told NBC Los Angeles:

“It’s great he’s here for us. We’re all just one dog, one hug away from a better world.”

Patrick participates in Operation Heroes and Hounds, a program supported by veteran-advocacy nonprofit New Directions.

The program saves dogs deemed “unadoptable” by shelters and pounds and matches them with war vets who are finding it difficult to adjust to civilian life. The veterans help acclimate the nervous or untrained dogs to become adoptable by training and nurturing them.

The organization says the dogs in turn help their trainers and reports that vets who complete the program experience a 35 percent quality-of-life increase.

- Courtesy of Huffington Post

Ask The Trainer: Concentration

The Problem: Marina is such a happy dog that when I try to train her (for example – to stay), she can’t concentrate long enough to do the trick correctly. She’ll stay but only for a few seconds. Then she wants to come to me for attention! 

The Solution:

To get Marina started on training, first make sure that you’re working in a distraction free environment. Second, have some amazing treats on hand or a great toy. Having a motivator will help her pay attention.

From the way you’ve explained the problem, it sounds like she needs to work in babysteps. If you’re working on sit stays, be close to her until she can hold the position for at least 30 seconds. Add 5 seconds a day until you reach that goal. If she often makes mistakes, she may not understand the exercise or it may be too difficult. When she has the self-control to hold her stay, then slowly begin moving out.  Be patient, and good luck!

- Courtesty of Susan Marrett

Healthy Hearts

Cats and dogs may be born with a congenital heart condition, or they may acquire a heart disease as they age. According to Dr. Crystal Hariu, cardiology resident in small animal medicine and surgery at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), both congenital and acquired heart diseases may be related to structural defects or heart rhythm problems.

“For instance, a heart valve that did not perform properly, or becomes abnormal over time, may not function adequately and could cause problems,” says Hariu. “Congenital and acquired heart diseases may also be related to a heart rhythm problem, meaning the rhythm at which the heart beats is too fast or too slow.”

One of most common heart diseases for pets is heartworm disease.

“Despite its name, heartworm disease is caused by a parasite that primarily affects the lungs,” explains Hariu. “However, it often secondarily affects the heart and can be fatal.”

Fortunately, heartworm disease is completely preventable. A veterinarian can prescribe a monthly medication that will prevent heartworm disease and its devastating effects.

As with other conditions, many of the heart diseases in cats and dogs are hereditary.

“Certain diseases have known genetic mutations that can cause the problem,” notes Hariu. “Other diseases do not have specific mutations worked out yet, but are known to be passed on through breeding.”

Hariu recommends consulting with veterinarians prior to breeding because they can help owners make an informed and responsible decision. Any pet that has a congenital heart disease should not be used for breeding.

Any dog can be born with or develop heart disease; however, certain breeds are predisposed to a heart condition.

Hariu explains that Chronic Valve Disease is one of the most common acquired heart diseases in middle aged to older small dog breeds and is prevalent in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dachshunds, Pomeranians, miniature Schnauzers, and Chihuahuas. Dilated cardiomyopathy is another acquired heart disease that develops in middle aged large breed dogs like the Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, and Irish Wolfhound. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopthay is an acquired heart disease with at least one known causative genetic mutation. It typically affects Boxers; however, Pit Bulls or English bulldogs can also be affected.

According to Hariu, the three most common congenital heart diseases seen in dogs are patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), subaortic stenosis (SAS), and pulmonic stenosis (PS). PDA tends to occur in small dog breeds, such as the Bichon Frise, Maltese, and toy Poodle; however, larger breeds like the German Shepard are also predisposed. In contrast, SAS typically occurs in larger breeds such as the Boxer, German Shepard, Golden Retriever, and Newfoundland. Both large and small dog breeds are predisposed to PS and the most commonly affected are the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Beagle, Boxer, Mastiff, and Chihuahua.

Some common precursors of heart problems to look for in a pet are breathing difficulty, coughing, decreased exercise, weakness, lethargy, and episodes of collapsing. If any of these signs occur at home, a veterinarian should be contacted for a full health evaluation.

If heart problems do exist there are several procedures in modern veterinary medicine that can treat or ease the symptoms of heart disease.

“While some heart diseases can only be medically managed, some can be helped with non-invasive catheter based procedures or surgery,” explains Hariu. “For instance, PDA is a condition in which there is an abnormal connection between two heart vessels that should normally be separated. In many cases a catheter can be used to non-invasively place a device across this abnormal connection, effectively closing it.”

“Some acquired heart diseases can also be helped with procedures,” says Hariu. “For example, some heart rhythm problems in which the heart beats too slowly can be effectively managed by placement of a pacemaker.”

Receiving yearly checkups with a veterinarian, maintaining a healthy and well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, and keeping pets regular on vaccines are the best ways to promote a healthy heart and the well being of a pet.

- Courtesy of Pet Talk, Texas A&M University

The Dogs of Proud Spirit – A Book Review

Here are some reviews of The Dogs of Proud Spirit, a new book from horse rescuer Melanie Sue Bowles about the various dogs who have found their way onto her horse sanctuary, and the impact they have had on her life and the lives of others.

Reviewer #1: Jennifer Heisler and her motley (but loveable!) crew of rescues….

It’s an amazing journey the author, Melanie Sue Bowles, has been on. From not thinking she was a “dog person” to having a pack that numbered as many as 13 at one point, she tells the story from her first dog through her adventures helping as many as she could—and the heart-wrenching moments when she wished she could have done more.

I particularly connected with her because not every dog she helped stayed; many she took in on a temporary basis until she found them homes, but others came and became part of her resident pack. It was interesting to learn why some dogs stayed and some dogs moved on to new homes. And it’s not just dogs that she helps but cats, pigs, and other animals. She also shares about her main purpose in life, taking in horses to her sanctuary, “Proud Spirit,” and allowing them to live their lives as part of a herd roaming her ranch.

The book was a quick read, as she draws you in and makes you want to keep turning the pages. I had not read her previous two books about the horses of Proud Spirit so I wish she had shared more about the horse sanctuary in this book. But on the positive side, now I have two more books to add to my reading list!

Score: Four Paws!

Reviewer #2: Susie Armstrong and her pack of labs….

The Dogs of Proud Spirit is the wonderful story of Melanie Sue and Jim Bowles. Together, they own and run the Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary. The Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary has given new life to over 300 horses that have been neglected, abused or abandoned. There are 2 other books that go into more detail about the horses, but this particular book focuses on the many dogs (and a few cats) whose lives have also been enriched by Melanie Sue (a former self proclaimed “cat person”) and Jim Bowles.

The book is divided up into chapters and many are named after the dogs. Each chapter details how the dog came to Proud Spirit. The dogs come from a variety of backgrounds: from shelters, dogs who are abandoned and left to die, dogs who wandered into Proud Spirit and even dogs whose owners wanted them put down. Melanie Sue and Jim take care of each of these dogs until they find a home for the dog, an owner returns for a dog or they decide the dog will be an addition to their own family.

This book is definitely inspirational. It’s amazing that Melanie Sue and Jim continue to give unconditional love to each and every homeless animal who comes into their lives. It’s amazing how selfless they both are. The Dogs of Proud Spirit will make you laugh, cry, appreciate the animals that you have in your life and think about what YOU can do for homeless and helpless animals. The book really opened my eyes to just how many animals that there are out there who are unloved and/or abused/neglected (and I thought I was pretty knowledgeable about the situation). Upon finishing this book, the first thing I wanted to do was write a letter to the Bowles to let them know just how amazing they are! I would HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone! One of my favorite quotes that sums up the book for me is, “Once you open your heart, your mind and your home to taking in animals that no one else wants, it becomes sort of like a Field of Dreams: build it and they will come.” It should also be noted that proceeds from the sales of the books go directly back to supporting the animals!

Score: Four Paws!