Monday, July 26, 2010

Another food recall

The maker of Iams-brand products said it was recalling two lots of prescription cat food because of possible salmonella contamination.

No illnesses have been reported, the company said in a statement. The affected lots include Iams Veterinary Formula Feline Renal in 5.5-pound bags, said Procter & Gamble, which owns the brand.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/26/business/26recall.html?_r=1&src=busln

Sports medicine and rehab specialty recognized

As of June 2010, the American Veterinary Medical Association has given provisional recognition as a veterinary specialty organization:  Sports medicine and rehab specialty recognized

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Patient news

Here is a picture of Max.Yes, he is very shy, but I got fast enough with the camera to get this one.
Sad news, last week, Archie's parent did put him to sleep. I did several acupuncture treatments, which made him feel good, but his cancer just rapidly got worse. He will be missed.

Elisha is doing really good. He is walking more and more with the help of Cindy.


Daisy, 15 1/2 yrs old and still going!

Tiki receiving an acupuncture treatment

Monday, July 12, 2010

Elisha, again

I checked my calendar, it's been 6 weeks since I started therapy with Elisha. We're now taking longer walks and getting in the park where he used to take his daily "promenade". We are a far cry from the first day I have seen him too. I remember that first time: cold feet, could not get up, scared of being touch, painful neck, sad face. Elisha is so much calmer and a more willing participant to his healing.

We are doing so many things to get him better, and it is working for him. Not all cases do that well and it is only a delight to see him walk, be a happy dog smelling the grass (and munching it!). And the smile and happiness I see on Cindy's face is priceless.







Latest video is up in the Paws Back In Motion video library.

Friday, July 9, 2010

New poll

Look on the right end side of the blog under practice videos. New poll on medications used in pain management in pets. Next month will go through each right answer and explain where each is helpful. Try your knowledge, or luck :-)
And yes, the hint is that you have several right answers....

Pain in pets

Ouch, pain. Not fun, but unfortunately a big part of life. Did you know some people are born not able to feel pain? This leads to auto mutilation since they do not feel pain, and also shortens their life. Pain is necessary so you do not burn yourself, crush body parts, freeze yourself, etc, etc. Pain tells you also, do not move that sprained ankle and wait until you feel better to get going again. If you are in a state of fight and fly, your body may override those adaptation mechanisms to permit you to run away on the worse of injury (mountain lion attack, etc). These are mechanisms to help you survive.

It was believed, not long ago, that animals since they cannot tell you if they are painful, that we could not tell when they were. We’re much better now and we even have pain scale for dogs and cats. Since pain in pets can be subtle, it is our job as veterinarian to inform you how to detect subtle changes of pain. This can be, not as active, not jumping as high, moving more slowly, shorter walks then before, etc. A pet in pain will not necessarily vocalize. If you have mild to moderate arthritis (and a lot of us have it), we do not complain all day long and so do pets.

Now, pain becomes a real problem (a pain in the ….), when it becomes “maladaptive”. Meaning, your body has changed the perception of pain to one that does not serve any purpose. Chronic pain triggers changes in the nervous system, which can make you feel pain around the site of injury with a non painful light touch (allodynia), feel exaggerated pain (hyperalgesia) and feel pain at other places then the original injury site (secondary hyperalgesia). Actually, it makes me think of acupuncture where you can treat the opposite knee to get pain relief on the painful one.

As you can see, pain is not an on-off button. Changes in the nervous system do make it challenging to control pain sometimes. As we learn more about pain, we realize a combination of drugs can help our chronic painful patients. Also, we are learning more about choosing the right medication(s)/modality(ies) for the right type of pain (nerve pain, inflammation, combination, etc).

Want more information? Check the following website: http://www.ivapm.org/

I feel no pain, mmmm

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Merrick recall

Product Recalls: dog treats
By The Associated Press (AP) – 3 days ago
The following recall has been announced:

_ Merrick Pet Care Inc. is recalling one lot of 10-ounce bags of Beef Filet Squares for Dogs because the dog treats could be contaminated with salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals, and people who handle contaminated pet food can become infected with salmonella, especially if they haven't thoroughly washed their hands. No illnesses have been reported in people or pets, according to the Amarillo, Texas, company. The recalled Beef Filet Squares were shipped to distributors and retailers throughout the U.S. The treats were sold in 10-ounce plastic bags marked with the best by date of March 24, 2012, and the lot number 10084TL7. For more information, consumers can call 800-664-7387.

Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Latest news

Well, Elisha is still getting better. Walking longer amounts and having more desire to be outdoors. We are not arguing about going through the kitchen door anymore. He just wants to go. After we're done our physical rehabilitation session, he is so tired, but he is so relaxed and looks so proud of himself.
I posted a video on vimeo. If you check the right end side of the blog, you will see the link to Paws Back In motion videos.

Elisha taking a break on the front lawn of the park where he lives.

It's been a busy week and let's welcome Mooshi, Archie and Duke.

BoyBoy
You can needle me anytime as long as I eat (BoyBoy).

Feline's Pride recall

Contact:

Shelby Gomas,
Tel: 1-716-580-3096
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 1, 2010 - Buffalo, NY – Feline’s Pride is announcing a voluntary recall of Feline’s Pride Raw food with ground bone for cats and kittens, Natural Chicken Formula, Net Wt. 2.5 lbs. (1.13 kg., 40 oz.) produced on 6/10/10, because it may be contaminated with Salmonella. People handling raw pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the raw pet food or any surfaces exposed to the product.