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Posted 11/3/2005

Canine Influenza

Please feel free to pass Canine Cadre e~Newsletters and Announcements to your friends and family.

In the past few weeks several articles and news stories have been circulating regarding a newly emerging disease known as Contagious Dog Flu. This note is being sent to you to provide additional information on the disease as well as precautions that you should take to prevent the introduction of this virus into your home.
 

Canine Influenza Virus, also known as Canine Flu:
 

▪ First Reported in Florida greyhounds in 2004, the H3N8 influenza virus causes a respiratory infection that has morbidity (-100%) and low mortality (I-5%).
▪ The mild form of this disease occurs in most dogs where the dogs develop either a soft, moist cough or a dry cough similar to “kennel cough” lasting for 10-21 days. Most dogs also develop a purulent nasal discharge and respond well to broad-spectrum antibiotics and supportive care.
▪ The severe form of this disease, although less common, results in a high fever (104 – 106 degrees F) and includes broad spectrum antibiotics and supportive care (IV Fluid therapy, etc.).
▪ This disease appears to be confined to dogs and has most likely been mistaken for “kennel cough” in the past.
 

The incubation period is 2 –5 days before clinical signs appear. The virus is shed for 7 to 10 days and is spread through aerosolized respiratory excretions. Virtually 100 percent of exposed dogs become infected.
 

Diagnosis relies on detection of antibodies to canine influenza virus, which may occur as early as 7 days post infection. PCR of the lung and trachea can also be used to detect the influenza virus.
 

There is no vaccine available. Preventative measures focus on minimizing the spread of this virus.
 

Precautions: What you can do to prevent the introduction of this virus into your home?
 

1. This disease is primarily found at boarding facilities, shelters and pet stores. It is spread by aerosolized respiratory secretions, contaminated inanimate objects, and even by people moving back and forth between infected and uninfected dogs. If you work with dogs, please minimize your contact with these types of facilities.
 

If you cannot avoid coming in contact with these facilities, you may want to consider the following practices after leaving these facilities:
 

- If you have visited one of these facilities, you can change your clothes, shower and change your shoes before interacting with your pet.
- Since the virus is enveloped, it is likely killed by most disinfectants such as bleach and quaternary ammonium compounds. These disinfectants should be used to clean any items that have come into contact with dogs at boarding facilities, shelters and pet stores.
 

Posted 8/17/2004

Don't buy Iams Pet Food

Note: I do not have the same beliefs as PETA and am aware that they take issues to the extreme, so I investigated this issue myself and came across the HSUS website where they too are concerned about this issue and have a different approach to deal with the situation.  Please read about the Humane Society of the United States' approach to this problem:  HSUS Believes in Working With, Not Against, Groups to Foster Change after you've read PETA's report below.  FYI - We do not feed our dogs IAMS, we make their dinner every night and mix in a cup of Purina Beneful or One Lamb & Rice.

PETA's  (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) Report

Why Iams?
 
For nearly 10 months in 2002 and early 2003, a PETA investigator went undercover at an Iams contract testing laboratory and discovered a dark and sordid secret beneath the wholesome image of the dog- and cat-food  manufacturer: dogs gone crazy from intense confinement to barren steel cages and cement cells, dogs left piled on a filthy paint-chipped floor after having chunks of muscle hacked from their thighs; dogs surgically debarked;  horribly sick dogs and cats languishing in their cages, neglected and left to suffer with no veterinary care.
 

Iams lied to PETA with promises to improve the conditions for animals in its contract laboratories, even assuring us that enrichment programs were already in place, but our undercover investigator saw otherwise. She fought for six months to have a single cheap, rubber toy placed in each cold, lonely kennel. This is Iams'  idea of enrichment.
 
Our video footage shows Iams representatives touring the facility and witnessing dogs' endless circling in barren cells, sweltering in the summer heat. Iams knew the truth yet did nothing to protect the animals.

 
The dogs and cats in Iams' tests are no different from our dogs and cats at home when it comes to deserving companionship, play, a stimulating environment, and the right not to be tormented in painful experiments.
 
Luckily, caring consumers know that advances in nutrition don't have to come at the expense of animals in labs. Help PETA force Iams to end these painful and unnecessary tests, as many compassionate companies have already done.
 
The Investigation
 
Our investigator videotaped Iams representatives touring the facility. They saw the sad, distressed dogs. They felt the sweltering heat and humidity in the kennels. Then they walked out. But the animals couldn't.

 
An Iams veterinarian inspecting a group of dogs purchased from a USDA Class B dealer did nothing when he saw that a mother dog who had just given birth in a cement kennel had been provided with no bedding to rest on. A puppy and an adult dog from that group died during our investigation, most likely the result of neglect and temperatures that fell below 34 degrees in the building.
 
An Iams "behaviorist" saw dogs spinning in their cages out of madness and yet said nothing. An Iams cat dental researcher even overheard two employees talking about animals who were treated inhumanely at the facility yet Iams continued to conduct business there as usual.  
 

Despite assurances in the Iams research policy that no animal would ever be killed, our investigator documented the destruction of 27 out of 60 dogs who underwent an invasive procedure that involved having huge chunks of muscle cut out of their legs.
 

Two more of those dogs were found dead in their cages after the surgery; one had been suffering for 11 days prior to her death.
 
When our investigator reported that Humbug, an Iams dog, was limping, she was told by a vet tech that the laboratory had an x-ray machine that dated back to the 1960s but no film for it and that the director of the laboratory preferred to kill, rather than treat, animals with broken bones. In addition, Fifi and the other dogs used in Iams' metabolic studies were bled by the laboratory in order to sell their blood to other companies even though the studies do not call for blood draws.
 
Finally, shortly before our investigator left, the lab director told the vet techs to debark all the Iams dogs as he was being disturbed by their desperate cries for attention. Our investigator e-mailed Iams researchers in Dayton with this information, hoping that Iams would intervene. But all she got was the sickening sight of a lab technician covered in blood after a day of performing the debarking surgery.
 
When our investigator resigned, she told the Iams representative and the lab director that she was leaving because despite her best efforts, nothing was being done to enhance the desperately boring, lonely, harsh lives of the animals. The Iams representative admitted that both he and the lab director were from the "old school."
 
What Our Investigator Found: Iams' Den of Horrors
 
 *      Iams dogs dumped on cold concrete flooring after having huge chunks of muscle cut out of their thighs
 *      dogs and cats gone stir-crazy from confinement; dogs and cats in windowless, dungeon-like buildings
 *      a coworker who instructed her to hit the dogs on the chest if they quit breathing; another coworker who talked about an Iams dog found dead in his cage, bleeding from his mouth 
 *      a dog who limped in pain from Lyme disease
 *      cruel studies done by Iams involving sticking tubes down dogs' throats to force them to ingest vegetable oil
 *      Iams dogs with such severe tartar buildup on their teeth that it was painful for them to eat
 *      vet technicians with inadequate training and experience performing invasive procedures
 *      coworkers who talked about a live kitten who was washed down a drain 
 *      coworkers who talked about how they had to go home because the ammonia fumes in the animal trailers were so overpowering that it made their eyes burn (try being one of the animals in those cages!)
 *      cats kept in a cinderblock room with crude wooden "resting" boards that had nails sticking out of them; one of the boards fell on a cat, crushing her to death, while our investigator was there yet the lab director did not remove the boards when the cat was crushed-he removed them when he was told that the lab was going to be inspected because he knew they were illegal

Posted 6/25/2004

Bill To Remove 94 Species From Migratory Bird Treaty Act Moving Forward in Congress

http://www.hsus.org/ace/21009

As we told you last week (see Issue 293), the U.S. House of Representatives is considering legislation that would end federal protection of 94 species of migratory birds, including certain species of storks, pelicans, swans, cardinals, and cranes. H.R. 4114 would deny long-standing protections for so-called "non-native" migratory birds. These protections have existed since 1916, when the United States entered into the first of four international treaties to protect migratory birds.

H.R. 4114 would undermine all of the migratory bird conventions the U.S. is currently party to, and would remove federal protection for these species—allowing the wholesale slaughter of migratory birds.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: If you haven't already done so, contact your U.S. representative today and urge him or her to oppose H.R. 4114. Remind your legislator that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act was meant to protect all species of migratory birds. Birds cannot recognize international borders, so we should not allow them to be slaughtered as they fly into the U.S.

All U.S. representatives can be reached through the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202 224-3121. You can identify your representative at action.fund.org/directory, by sending an e-mail to humanelines@hsus.org, or by calling The HSUS at 202-955-3668.

Posted 5/10/2004

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Responds to Swiffer Wet Jet Rumor
Friday May 7, 2004

Veterinary Toxicologists regard allegations of liver failure and death
from household cleaner as unfounded.

      Media Contact: Ruth Goldstein
      (212) 876-7700 ext. 4661

      Dana Farbman, CVT
      (217)-337-5030 ext. 751

      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Urbana, IL) May 6, 2004 -- Veterinary toxicologists at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center have reviewed the claim described in a widely distributed email alleging a relationship between the use of Swiffer Wet Jet and liver failure in a dog.  The email alleges that exposure to the ingredients in Swiffer Wet Jet caused a dog's death.

The Swiffer Wet Jet system contains water (90-100%), propylene glycol n-propyl ether or propylene glycol n-butyl ether and isopropyl alcohol (1-4%).  These ingredients are safe to use around pets when used according to label directions and would not cause liver damage at product concentrations.  Propylene glycol n-butyl/propyl ether differs significantly from ethylene glycol, the potentially toxic ingredient present in most antifreeze products.  Ethylene glycol is frequently implicated in causing renal failure in dogs following antifreeze ingestion.  Propylene glycol n-propyl ether and propylene glycol n-butyl ether are very safe ingredients at levels used in cleaning products and do not cause kidney or liver failure.

The ASPCA will continue to monitor this situation and will post any additional information as it becomes available.  Please call 1-888-426-4435 if you have any questions or have a pet that you suspect is experiencing problems, or visit us at www.apcc.aspca.org.

Original Culprit e-mail

Warning for your animal's health:
I recently had a neighbor who had to have their 5-year old German Shepherd dog put down due to liver failure.  The dog was completely healthy until a few weeks ago, so they had a necropsy done to
see what the cause was.  The liver levels were unbelievable, as if the dog had ingested poison of some kind.  The dog is kept inside, and when he's outside, someone's with him, so the idea of him getting into something unknown was hard to believe. My neighbor started going through all the items in the house.  When he got to the Swiffer Wetjet, he noticed, in very tiny print, a warning which stated "may be harmful to small children and animals."  He called the comp any to ask what the contents of the cleaning agent are and was astounded to find out that anitfreeze is one of the ingredients.  (actually he was told it's a compound which is one molecule away from anitfreeze).  Therefore, just by the dog walking on the floor cleaned with the solution, then licking it's own paws, and the dog eating from its dishes which were kept on the kitchen floor cleaned with this product, it ingested enough of the solution to destroy its liver.  Soon after his dog's death, his housekeepers' two cats also died of liver failure.  They both used the Swiffer Wetjet for quick cleanups on their floors.  Necropsies weren't done on the cats, so they couldn't file a lawsuit, but he asked that we spread the word to as many people as possible so they don't lose their animals.

Posted 5/3/2004

Warning for All Dog Owners - No Raisins!

This week I had the first case in history of raisin toxicity ever seen at MedVet.  My patient was a 56 pound, 5 yr old male neutered lab mix who ate half a canister of raisins sometime between 7:30 AM and 4 :30 PM on Tuesday. He started with vomiting, diarrhoea and shaking about 1 AM on Wednesday but the owner didn't call my emergency service until 7 AM.  I had heard somewhere about raisins AND grapes causing acute renal failure but hadn't seen any formal paper on the subject.  We had her bring the dog in immediately.  In the meantime, I called the ER service at MedVet, and the doctor there was like me---had heard something about it, but ...  Anyway, we contacted the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Centre and they said to give I V fluids at 1 1/2 times maintenance and watch the kidney values for the next 48-72 hours.

The dog's BUN(blood urea nitrogen level) was already at 32 (normal less than 27) and creatinine over 5 (1.9 is the high end of normal).  Both are monitors of kidney function in the bloodstream.  We placed an I V catheter and started the fluids.  Rechecked the renal values at 5 PM and the BUN was over 40 and creatinine over 7 with no urine production after a liter of fluids.  At the point I felt the dog was in acute renal failure and sent him on to MedVet for a urinary catheter to monitor urine output overnight as well as overnight care.  He started vomiting again overnight at MedVet and his renal values have continued to increase daily.  He produced urine when given lasix as a diuretic.  He was on 3 different anti-vomiting medications and they still couldn't control his vomiting.  Today his urine output decreased again, his BUN was over 120, his creatinine was at 10, his phosphorus was very elevated and his blood pressure, which had been staying around 150, skyrocketed to 22!
 0.  He continued to vomit and the owners elected to euthanise.

This is a very sad case--great dog, great owners who had no idea raisins could be a toxin.  Please alert everyone you know who has a dog of this very serious risk.  Poison control said as few as 7 raisins could be toxic.  Many people I know give their dogs grapes or raisins as treats.  Any exposure should give rise to immediate concern.  Feel free to  contact me if you have any questions.

Laurinda Morris, DVM
Danville Veterinary Clinic

Posted 3/31/2004

Bring Justice for Tortured Husky

The full story can be found here:  http://www.komotv.com/stories/30575.htm

It's bad enough that the penalties for animal cruelty are basically slaps on the wrist, in this case, one of the punks charged for this horrific act was not arrested because he is the son of the Mayor of the town it happened in, Wilkeson, Washington.

It is a known fact that serial killers start out by torturing innocent animals.  This is a 20 yr old kid who knows the difference between right and wrong, well....  he SHOULD at least.  It sounds that he is a troublesome kid in the community.  Could be another Bush where daddy is always there to get him out of trouble and turn the other cheek.  Let's not let that happen!

Please sign the petition:  http://www.petitiononline.com/SH32804/petition.html

Join in the discussion:  Click Here

If this trend continues, more and more of these innocent family pets will end up as UNADOPTABLE animals at shelters and will have to be euthanized because no one will be able to obtain insurance.

Insurers should practice sound underwriting practices and look to the “deed” of the dog rather than the “breed” of the dog.  HELP STOP CANINE PROFILING BY INSURANCE COMPANIES!

Posted 12/29/2003

ASPCA News Alert

MARYLAND'S DOGS NEED YOUR HELP!
Attention, Maryland humanitarians! Delegate Charles Boutin is considering introducing legislation to regulate pit bulls throughout the state. Few would disagree that local and state government must better protect their communities from dangerous dogs, but breed-specific laws DO NOT accomplish this goal. Instead of offering real, effective protection, this bill unfairly burdens responsible pit bull owners and shelters--and will ultimately harm ALL dogs. For more on the issue, and to send a letter to your delegate urging him or her to oppose Boutin's proposed bill, please visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center.

Posted 12/17/2003

Reward for boys who burned dog hits $4,500

After reading this story, I was thoroughly disgusted, as any animal lover would be.  This is for my West Coast visitors (if any).  PLEASE HELP BRING THESE LITTLE BASTARDS to justice!!!!

Posted 8/29/2003

Two Tortured Puppies Euthanized ~ Find these SOB's!!!!

Related story:  Family reunited with abducted pet poodle

This makes me so sick to my stomach, if I could only get my hands on the pathetic cowards who could torture and mutilate innocent puppies or any animal...   I WOULD MAKE THEM PAY THE SAME WRATH THEY'VE BESTOWED ON THE INNOCENT!  Sons of bitches...

FIND THESE ASSHOLES AND PROSECUTE THEM OR BRING THEM TO ME!

Posted 8/14/2003

From ASPCA News Alert Newsletter

LEGISLATIVE ALERT: HELP BAN THE SLAUGHTER OF HORSES FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
Americans do not eat horses, nor do we raise them for food. But according to the United States Department of Agriculture, more than 42,000 equines were slaughtered in the U.S. last year at foreign-owned slaughterhouses, the meat then sent abroad for human consumption. Often, the transport of these animals to their deaths is extremely inhumane--as are the slaughter methods.

ASPCA News Alert readers, you can help put an end to these cruel practices. If passed, the recently reintroduced H.R. 857 would not only ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption, but also the domestic and international transport of live horses or meat for human consumption. Please contact your Representatives today and urge them to support the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. For more information on this important bill, please visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center.

Posted 7/29/2003

Posted 7/18/2003

New Britain - Teen injures pit-bull after his own loses fight... 

Original Story:  Teen arrested for beating dog with bat