Karen Gadke, Ph.D. (Health Science) is a retired clinical study specialist, medical writer, and lecturer. She has been training and racing sled dogs, many of them rescued huskies, for 30 years. She owns both Siberians and Alaskans. Karen is an internationally published author on animal issues, awareness and education and a welcome addition to AFSBC.

 Have a question for Karen? Contact her at:

info@animalfriendsbc.org

January-February 2014 

It’s a cold January day, and while you and your house pets are keeping warm, please keep in mind that outside pets need extra care now.  Make sure they have access to water at least 3 times per day if you don’t have a way to keep the water from freezing.  Do know, however, that most outside dogs and cats would rather let themselves become dehydrated – a dangerous condition – than drink plain water.  To keep them hydrated, give them warm water flavored with something meaty, i.e., mashed-up canned dog or cat food, some meat from your table, cut up, or well soaked dry dog food.  Food rations must be increased because their bodies need more calories to fight the cold.  Of course, common sense dictates that, if they are already overweight, don’t add too much.  Make sure there is ample bedding.  Straw (not hay) is best. Fluff up the bedding twice every day. Feed stores can help you find straw. 

        When providing winter care, please don’t forget the poorest of all, the feral cats.  They didn’t want to be there.  They are there because someone didn’t have their pet cat spayed or neutered.  These innocent creatures suffer terribly in this weather.  Please have some compassion and feed and water them, and if you want to have them removed from your property, there is help available.  Among the go-to numbers to contact, here is one more:   815-494-3198.           

         Reminder:  Emergency numbers are archived in the April 2012 “Corner.”  Please post them in a place where you can quickly find them.  Remember, with the best care, an emergency can still happen.

         Once again, the pet overpopulation should be on everyone’s mind, especially when looking for a new addition to your household.  Please don’t support the greed of puppy mill and many pet shop operators.  The cruelty in these places is unspeakable.  If you want a purebred, buy only from a respectable breeder, but if you are looking merely for a family pet, let yourself be guided by compassion.  Adopt one of the many that otherwise must be put to death.  Call a local shelter or go to www.petfinder.com.  

            Here is a quote from the late actress Gilda Radner:

            “Dogs are the most amazing creatures.  They give unconditional love.  For me, they are the role model for being alive.”

           To me, both dogs and cats are our kindred spirits.  They add so much joy  to our lives and ask so little in return.

           Now to my mini-feature:  SHEDDING LIGHT ON AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

            When the system so marvelously designed to protect the body turns against that same body – like an army turning against the country it’s supposed to protect – the experience can be both puzzling and devastating.  That’s autoimmune disease:  The body turning against itself, attempting to self-destruct. 

         The immune system – in humans and animals alike – consists of a complex array of special defense cells such as white blood cells, antibodies and other molecules designed to protect against invaders, i.e., viruses, bacteria and fungi.  When functioning properly, these cells distinguish self-cells from non-self-cells by markers on the surface of every cell.  This, by the way, is also the defense force that, in addition to foreign invaders, leads to rejection of skin grafts and organ transplants. 

            So, in other words, failure of the immune system occurs when it either does not do its job, letting foreign invaders in, or it does it too well, failing to recognize the self- markers and thus rejecting the body’s own tissue as foreign, hence fighting against it.

          Manifestation of autoimmune disease may come as general illness, i.e., systemic lupus, or it may affect one organ or cell type, i.e., red blood cells, such as occurs in autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA).  Any organ can be affected.  The disease can develop slowly, or it may come on suddenly and may cause major organ damage before it is even diagnosed. 

        A tragic case occurred in my Siberian husky sled dog kennel more than a decade ago.  I had purchased a 5-year-old lead dog to replace a lead dog I had just lost to cancer.  This dog seemed healthy upon arrival, but several months later suddenly manifested a set of symptoms that led to the diagnosis of an autoimmune condition called idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (low platelet count of unknown origin).  He was treated with high doses of the steroid prednisone subsequently tapered down to a maintenance dose.  The dog went into remission and appeared completely normal until almost eight months later when he suddenly vomited blood and had bloody diarrhea, plus a high fever.  The crisis manifested itself late one evening, and I ended up euthanizing him during the night.  Only massive blood transfusions could have saved his life, but with a hopeless prognosis. I knew I had to end his suffering right then.   

            Many well-known diseases, such as hypothyroidism or diabetes mellitus may be caused by immune rejection of hormone-producing cells.  Some of the factors believed to be responsible for the development of autoimmune diseases in pets are the over-stimulation of the immune system by multivalent (i.e., 5-in-one) modified live virus vaccines, environmental pollutants, food preservatives, and heredity.  W. Jean Dodds, VMD, an immunology expert, believes that overstimulation of the immune system with these vaccines is to blame for the development of some autoimmune diseases. 

          Since vaccine protection can vary between different animals and viruses, i.e., Parvo and Distemper, Dr. Dodds recommends that periodic titer tests be done in adult dogs before vaccinating.  The titer tests are expensive, but if you have one done you’ll get some idea of how long your pet is protected before giving another shot in the future. 

       Findings in recent years demonstrated that once immunity to a virus has been achieved, it lasts much longer than originally thought.  Examination of the overall risk-benefit ratio and duration of protection conferred by these multivalent vaccines led the experts to rethink vaccination protocols.  It is now believed that vaccinations can be spaced farther and farther apart as the pet ages, due to all the years of immunity buildup.  Pet owners, however, need to discuss vaccination schedules for each individual pet with their veterinarian and follow his or her advice.  Exposure to pathogens, i.e., during travel, multiple pet events/competition, and other stresses, need to be taken into consideration.

        Core vaccinations i.e., Distemper, Parvo, Rabies, Feline rhinotracheitis, should never be neglected.  However, some non-core vaccinations, i.e., Lyme disease, should only be given in endemic areas. Guidelines from the American Association of Feline Practitioners state that cats should only be vaccinated against infectious agents to which the cat has a realistic risk of exposure and to vaccinate each animal no more frequently than is necessary

        The diagnosis of autoimmune disease is based on a CBC (complete blood count), clotting profile, and a Coomb’s test.  Other tests can determine specific conditions involved, i.e., kidney disease and skin diseases such as pemphigus.  The latter requires a skin biopsy. 

        Treatment of autoimmune diseases is aimed at immune suppression.  Prednisone is usually the first of several drugs administered.  Among others are cyclosporine and azathioprine, which are usually added until remission is achieved.  In some cases blood transfusions may be of benefit. Some pets have to remain on low-dose prednisone for life.

        Prognosis:  With proper treatment and care, most pets with autoimmune disease can live another 2-3 years.  I know of one Siberian husky who lived well for 5 years and then was euthanized due to lymphoma.  Unfortunately, my Siberian lived less than a year.  These two dogs came from the same kennel.

         Since the evidence strongly points to a genetic component in many cases, it is needless to say that these animals should never be bred, and relatives should not be bred, either.

                                                                                     * *  *     

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST 

In Praise of Probiotics and Prebiotic

         Probiotics are combinations of beneficial bacteria that crowd out the “bad guys in the gut.”  It is well known that antibiotics destroy the good bacteria along with the bad ones.  So giving a probiotic along with the antibiotic helps to protect the good bacteria. 

          Since a large part of the immune system resides in the gut, it makes sense to me to give small doses of probiotics continuously.  My family, my dogs and I have been doing this for almost two decades, and we have never been sick during all those years – no colds, no flu.  Huskies are known to have very sensitive bowels.  Mine have had perfect stools all those the years I have been giving them probiotics.  

        Prebiotics (fructooligosaccharides or FOS) are fermentable fiber, a type of non-digestible carbohydrate found in legumes, whole grains, and some vegetables and fruits.  Prebiotics feed the probiotics, supporting their growth and thus helping keep bad bacteria in the gut under control.  By providing this support to the good bacteria, prebiotics improve digestion and nutrient absorption.  They help prevent diarrhea caused by overgrowth of bad bacteria.  As to prebiotics, most good quality pet foods now contain them, so there is no need to worry about them, and it certainly would not be a good idea to feed people foods for that purpose.

          Here is a word of caution about the quality of probiotics.  The number of live cultures listed on the bottle is the number present at the time of manufacture.  Quality diminishes over time.  How much, depends on the time they are stored, storage conditions, and the quality of the product to start with.  Another caveat is that the trillions of bacteria in the mammalian GI tract are made up of about 1000 or more different species, each with particular strains.  So, one never knows if the strains contained in one product are the ones that “fit” a particular gastrointestinal issue.  It’s all “hit or miss,” but in my opinion, better than nothing.  Many veterinarians are skeptical because of the lack of proof.  I say, if you are desperate for a solution, why not try a probiotic, whether there is scientific proof or not.  At recommended doses they are harmless.  I use a good human product for the dogs, one I use myself.  Since dogs require less than humans, I distribute the contents of one capsule among three dogs, every other day. 

            I have not used probiotics for my cats, so can not share any personal experience. There are few solid scientific studies reporting their effects in cats.  However, if one of my cats had diarrhea, I would certainly use them.   

           Experts warn that without FDA regulation, anybody can list anything on a label, but no one knows whether that’s what’s in it, or the amount.  Some products may have an honest listing, others may not.  I use a human product for the dogs, and even there it’s guesswork, but generally human products are subjected to better quality control. 

BITS AND PIECES

        A car-sick tea for dogs?  Yes, really.  It’s called Machu’s Blend Herbal Dog Tea (californiateahouse.com).  It’s a combination of chamomile, gingerroot, fennel seed, skullcap and calendula.  It is said to be dog taste bud friendly and help quell motion sickness.  If you want to try it on a dog who easily gets car sick, I would try the smallest possible dose (1/2 teaspoon/1 cup of boiling water).  Cool completely and offer before a car trip. 

        Pain relief for dogs. A study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association describes an unconventional option for the treatment of pain in dogs with disc disease:  Electro-acupuncture, which sends a small electric current through a needle to stimulate nerve endings to achieve pain relief.   Needed for it to start working are 5-8 weekly sessions at $75 to $100 each. 

        And for the hearts of singles, I read about a matchmaker website, leashesandlovers.com. I’m married, so don’t have a reason to go there.  I’m curious about it though, so if anyone goes there, let me know how it went.   

        Pet adoption tip.  Consider an older dog or cat.  Most of them are more trustworthy and well-behaved around the house than a can’t-sit-still puppy getting into everything or a kitten climbing your new curtains.  Plus, older pets are so grateful to trade the depressing life in a shelter, often in a cage, for a home.  Older pets have a much smaller chance of ever getting adopted and many are eventually destroyed to make room for more pets coming in.  Please have a heart for one of these gentle souls waiting for a chance to live out their natural life span instead of an early death by euthanasia.  If you nevertheless prefer a puppy or kitten, have a crate all set up waiting before you bring him home.  Cats usually present no problem in finding and using the litter box.  A puppy will quickly learn as well, because, the crate is his new den and he will avoid soiling it at all costs.  Accidents can happen, usually because he is sick or you locked him up too long.  A puppy's bladder does not yet have adult capacity. And if an accident happens, correct him kindly.  Shouting, scolding and punishment serve no purpose and only create confusion and fear. Never, ever shake him. (Results are the same as in shaking baby syndrome?)  If you catch him in the act, say “no,” take him outside, and praise him lavishly anytime he goes in his designated spot.  Some are more difficult to housebreak than others, but there is no excuse for a complete failure to housebreak a dog   A mistake was made somewhere along the way, and professional help may be needed to correct it.   

        Is dry cat food better than canned?  Dry is better for a cat’s teeth and gums because it doesn’t stick as much as canned food, which can cause plaque and tartar to form.  There are dry food products specifically formulated for cat’s dental health.  They create an abrasive action on the teeth when chewed, plus they contain ingredients that decrease plaque formation.  Although dry food is better for the teeth, most nutritionists think a combination is best.  Whatever food you feed your cat, it does not replace proper dental hygiene, i.e., brushing and regular vet checks.  However, brushing an older cat’s teeth may be impossible, unless her teeth have been brushed when she was a kitten.  An examination under sedation may be indicated.

       Indoor hazards for cats.  Before we adopted our cats, I did not know how many indoor hazards exist for these rascals to get in trouble. Watch for open washing machine and other appliance lids, open boxes, garbage cans, windows, doors, breakable objects, especially when sitting near the edge of a counter or table, boiling water or anything else hot on the stove, toxic plants, even plastic bags.  Cover food and treats.  Also, don’t leave objects small enough for a cat to swallow, i.e., ear rings, where she can reach them.  Don’t forget yarns, twisties, and electric cords.  Your cat could get electrocuted.

        Perianal fistulas in dogs, not to be confused with other anal gland diseases, represent an inflammatory condition in which ulcerated tracts spread in all directions from the anus, similar to the root system of a plant.  All breeds can be affected; German Shepherds appear to be more susceptible than other breeds.  Previously, the only treatment was surgery.  Now the treatment of choice is cyclosporine, an anti-rejection drug used in human organ transplants.  The efficacy of this treatment can be enhanced if combined with the antifungal drug ketoconazole, which allows for a reduction of the dosage of cyclosporine. 

            If you haven’t yet developed a 6^th sense regarding the health of your pets, you will gradually develop it by being vigilant.  Observe them closely all the time, and you will be able to sense health issues before they are manifested. By just taking one look at them, you will get that gut feeling that something’s not right, even if they don’t show outward signs of any problem.  Remember, pets try very hard to hide pain or disability.  It goes back to ancient times when they lived in the wild, when their instinct told them not to show weakness because an enemy could take advantage.

           If you have trouble finding a spay or neuter solution for your pets or feral cats, here is a new go-to number for Boone County residents:  815-494-3198.  Let me add two thoughts here.  Sometimes I hear complaints from people about less than friendly treatment they received from shelter volunteers when looking for a pet.  Please don’t give up.  Consider this.  These people are volunteers, generously giving their time to a noble cause, and most of them are overworked trying to balance their volunteering and their personal lives, often trying to do more than they can handle.  To my kindred spirits, all animal welfare volunteers, try to be as helpful as you can, but don’t “kill yourself” trying to do everything.  Take a little time off if you feel burnout coming on.   …….   “been there done that” …… things go better after a little “mini-vacation.” 

            Now, at the end of today’s “Corner,” I wish you and your pets radiant health and happiness.  Questions?  I’m only an e-mail away:  info@animalfriendsbc.org