Adobe Veterinary Center

Free Equine Lectures

2012-01-02T15:43:00.002-07:00

We are excited to announce our 2012 schedule for our

Evenings of Education

Equine series

All lectures are free and open to the public. Please bring a friend

Tuesday January 10^th2012 - Dental Care

Thursday February 9^th, 2012 - Equine Metabolic Disease

Tuesday March 6^th, 2012 - Foaling/Pregnant mare Care

Thursday May 17^th, 2012 - Trail Emergencies

Tuesday June 12^th, 2012 - Colic

Thursday July 19^th, 2012 - Disaster Preparedness

Tuesday August 7^th, 2012 - Laminitis

Tuesday September 3^rd, 2012 - Ruminants: Goats

Tuesday October 2^nd, 2012 - Geriatric Horse

Thursday November 15^th, 2012 - Immunizations

5:30-6pm Refreshments and socializing with other horse owners.

6pm-7pm Lecture and Q&A session with Dr. Page or Dr. Staten

Lectures are held at Adobe Veterinary Center, 8300 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson

4 tips for bringing your cat to the veterinarian

2011-12-09T09:29:00.003-07:00

We know it can be tough to wrangle your cat for a trip to the veterinarian’s office. Many cats dislike the cat carrier as well as riding in the car, so heading in for an annual checkup can sometimes be a stressful proposition. Follow these four tips when you head to your next veterinary appointment to reduce your cat’s stress and make for a calmer car ride.

1 Make the carrier your cat’s second home.
Cat carriers are typically associated with many unpleasant things. Many cat owners keep the carrier in a closet or in the garage, so the cat hasn’t rubbed on it or slept inside it. Cats who haven’t transferred their scent to the carrier, therefore, see it as a foreign object. So give your cat time to mark the carrier with facial rubbing—she’ll feel like it belongs to her, and you may find it easier to place her inside. If you have room, make the carrier a part of your family room furniture. That means leaving it out all the time with the door open. Place a soft towel inside to make it a little more cozy. Pretty soon, your cat won’t think twice about entering the carrier.

2 Turn the carrier into a meal center.
Put part of your cat’s daily food in the carrier to help your cat associate something good with the carrier. Even better: Use a bit of especially yummy food, like canned food or even a little tuna. Or try tossing your cat’s favorite treat in the carrier when she wants to be left alone. This will reward her for seeking solitude in the carrier and continue to reinforce the notion that the carrier isn’t so bad after all.

3 Try a different kind of carrier.
If you have an emergency and don’t have time to let your cat adjust to the carrier, try using a pillowcase as a carrier. With the cat on your lap, slip the pillowcase over her body, head first. Knot the top of the case and support the bottom when holding your cat. Alternately, you can use any type of item your cat likes to nap in—two laundry baskets connected together could also work. These items aren’t a trigger for fear like your standard carrier might be.

4 Consider using a synthetic product.
Using a product that contains a feline facial pheromone can help calm cats during stressful events. These products can be sprayed on blankets, towels, or bandanas before you head to the veterinarian. Many cats become less agitated when their owners use these sprays, so purchasing one could make your life easier when it’s time to take your cat for a car ride.

Regular wellness exams are crucial for keeping your cat happy and healthy. Use these tips the next time you head to your veterinarian to make it much easier on both you and your cat.

Information courtesy of Dr. Sally J. Foote, Okaw Veterinary Clinic, Tuscola, Ill.

EQUINE METABOLIC SYNDROME

2011-11-04T11:53:00.001-07:00

What is Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)?

EMS is a term used to describe horses that have a cluster of physical signs and physiologic changes including;

Obesity
Regional Fat Deposition
Insulin Resistance (IR)
High Susceptibility to Laminitis
“Easy Keepers”

Other names used in the past to describe these signs were Insulin Resistance Syndrome, Peripheral Cushing’s Syndrome, Syndrome X, Omental Cushing’s Syndrome, Central Obesity, Hypothyroidism and Pre-laminitic Syndrome. Equine Metabolic Syndrome replaces these previous terms.

As of now, we do not know the eitiology of EMS but there may be a genetic predisposition to it. It is seen more commonly in Arabians, Morgans, Paso Finos, Mustangs, American Saddlebreds, Ponies, Tennessee Walking Horses and Quarter Horses. Affected animals may possess a “thrifty gene” that enabled their ancestors to survive in very harsh environments.

EMS horses respond abnormally to high carbohydrate meals with an exaggerated increase in insulin and a very slow return to baseline. EMS horses have both a resistance to the effects of insulin and an inability to metabolize carbohydrates normally. All EMS horses are Insulin Resistant but not all Insulin Resistant horses have EMS.

Why is it Important to Diagnose Equine Metabolic Syndrome in Horses?

Humans with Metabolic Syndrome have an increased risk of Coronary Artery disease which can lead to death. Horses have an increased risk of Laminitis which can lead to death. If we identify and treat EMS, we can decrease laminitis.

How Do We Diagnose Equine Metabolic Syndrome?

It is important to realize that horses can be obese due to high caloric intake and not EMS.

There is no one test to definitively diagnose EMS. The two most reliable tests are reserved for research settings and not practical in practice settings. We use a combination of physical signs like obesity (BCS 7,8,9) and fat distribution (neck, tail head) along with demonstration of Insulin Resistance with lab tests. If a horse has laminitis when we examine it, EMS is more likely.

All of the laboratory tests for IR have a lot of variability – none are perfect. There are 5 recognized tests for IR. The least expensive, easiest and least reliable is testing baseline insulin and glucose levels after a controlled overnight fast. The most expensive and most reliable is the combined glucose insulin test that involves giving insulin and glucose to the horse and running several blood tests over a couple of hours to create a graph which can then be interpreted. This test is the one recommended by the ACVIM. The other tests are the oral glucose tolerance test, the intravenous glucose tolerance test and the insulin tolerance test. These three fall, in price and reliability, between the other two tests.

What Horses Should be Tested?

Any horse with the physical signs of EMS that is getting a normal diet
Any horse with laminitis that is unexplained

How can we Treat Equine Metabolic Syndrome?

There are three very important components to treatment; exercise, diet and medication.

Exercise treatment

Muscle is the largest organ in the body with insulin-mediated uptake of glucose so it is extremely important in whole body regulation of insulin and glucose dynamics. We can not treat this disease without increasing exercise. There are many ways to accomplish this:

At least 30 minutes of daily trotting and cantering each day
Enlarge pens and paddocks
Daily turnout
Toys like balls or cones
Spread food and water around the pen
Put the horse by itself – studies with GPS on horses shows that they move more alone than with others
Treadmills
If the horse is painful and laminitic, walking or water treadmills are ideas

Diet modifications

EMS horses need a low soluble carbohydrate, low glycemic index, low fat diet. This is best accomplished with a diet of grass hay at 1-1.5% body weight per day and a calorie free vitamin and mineral supplement.

If you buy a lot of hay at a time, it is worth getting a hay sample analysis done (www.equi-analytical.com). The goal is to have less than 15% non-fiber carbohydrate and less than 10% non-structural carbohydrate on a dry matter basis.

Soaking (submerging) hay underwater for 30-60 minutes before feeding will leach out some of the soluble carbohydrates which is very helpful for EMS horses.

There are several supplements that have been shown in humans to increase cell responsiveness to insulin. Many of these have been suggested for horses including herbal preparations, chromium, cinnamon, magnesium and vitamin E. Unfortunately, there are good studies to show that they do not help IR horses. The following food items have high glycemic indexes and should not be fed to EMS or IR horses; molasses, carrots, apples, grain, corn, oats, barley. Pasture is also not good for these horses.

One way to help these horses with such a limited diet is to use a slow-feed system for feeding. There are slow-feed hay bags as well as feeders like the porta-grazer that decrease the amount of feed a horse gets in each bite which really seems to help the horse mentally and physically.

Medications

Thyroid hormone (levothyroxine sodium) has been shown to increase metabolic rate , increase insulin sensitivity, increase fat mobilization and may even increase blood flow to the feet. EMS horses are generally put on the medication for 3-4 months and then may need to stay on it longer or may be able to get off of it. This only works with diet restriction as well. If you don’t modify the diet, they will just eat more.

Various medications that improve insulin sensitivity in humans have been attempted on horses. At this time, none has provided consistent results.

Christine Staten, DVM, Adobe Veterinary Center, Tucson, AZ

This article was written with information current as of October 2011. There is a lot of EMS research at this time so information is always changing. Because EMS is not a simple disease to diagnose or treat and because all horses need management tailored to their specific situation, please consult with your own veterinarian for advice about you particular horse or situation.

4 people foods that are toxic to pets

2011-09-26T10:50:00.005-07:00

Grapes, raisins, and currants

What they’re in: Uncooked grapes, raisins, and currants are likely more toxic than cooked fruit. Don’t forget about raisins in cereals, trail mixes, baked goods, and snack boxes.

Threat to pets: These fruits can cause acute kidney failure in dogs and may cause kidney failure in cats and ferrets as well. While not all dogs and cats will develop kidney failure, it’s impossible to know which pets will be sensitive to these fruits. Therefore, all pets—especially dogs—that ingest grapes, raisins, or currants should be monitored closely and treated appropriately. If a small dog or cat eats just a small number of grapes or raisins, this is considered an emergency.

Signs: Vomiting within a few hours of ingestion is typical. Within one to four days of ingestion, pets may experience increased urination, increased thirst, lethargy, and a reduced appetite.

Treatment: Induce vomiting and then administer activated charcoal to decontaminate (adsorb and remove toxins). Follow up by administering anti-vomiting medication and aggressive intravenous fluids to protect the kidneys. Frequent monitoring of kidney laboratory values and in-hospital care are also recommended.

Caffeine

What it's in: Caffeine is most commonly found in coffee, coffee grounds, tea, tea bags, soda, energy drinks, and diet pills. Theobromine—a cousin chemical to caffeine—is also found in chocolate (see chocolate).

Threat to pets: Pets are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than people. While a couple laps of coffee, tea, or soda won’t poison most pets, the ingestion of moderate amounts of coffee grounds, tea bags, or one to two diet pills can easily be fatal in small animals.

Signs: Within two hours of exposure, pets may experience mild to severe hyperactivity, restlessness, vomiting, tachycardia (elevated heart rate), hypertension (elevated blood pressure), abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), seizures, and could collapse.

Treatment: Induce vomiting and then administer multiple doses of activated charcoal to decontaminate (adsorb and remove toxins). Administer aggressive intravenous fluids to help with excretion, sedatives to calm the pet, specific heart medications to reduce heart rate and blood pressure, anti-convulsants for seizures, and antacids for stomach discomfort and diarrhea. Because caffeine may be reabsorbed across the bladder wall, a urinary catheter or frequent walks are needed to keep the bladder empty.

Prognosis: Excellent in pets with mild signs, such as slight restlessness or a minimally elevated heart rate. Poor in those with severe signs, such as collapsing and seizures.

Chocolate

What it's in: When it comes to chocolate, dark equals dangerous. That’s because the darker the chocolate, the larger the amount of theobromine—a cousin chemical to caffeine—it contains. Thus, baker’s chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, cocoa powder, and gourmet dark chocolates are more toxic than milk chocolate. White chocolate has very little theobromine and will not cause poisoning in pets.

Threat to pets: The dose ingested determines the danger. Pets that ingest a few M&Ms or a bite of a chocolate chip cookie are unlikely to develop chocolate poisoning.

For milk chocolate, any ingestion of more than 0.5 ounces per pound of body weight may put dogs and cats at risk. Ingestions of more than 0.13 ounces per pound of body weight of dark or semi-sweet chocolate may cause poisoning. Almost all ingestions of baker’s chocolate can result in poisoning and are considered emergencies.

Very young pets, geriatric pets, and animals with underlying disease are at a higher risk for poisoning than healthy, adult dogs and cats. Due to the large amount of fat in chocolate, some pets may develop pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) after eating chocolate or baked goods containing chocolate (see fatty foods).

Signs: Small amounts of chocolate may cause mild vomiting and diarrhea. Larger amounts can cause severe agitation, tachycardia (elevated heart rate), abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, and collapse.

Treatment: Induce vomiting and then administer multiple doses of activated charcoal to decontaminate (adsorb and remove toxins). Administer aggressive intravenous fluids to help with excretion, sedatives to calm the pet, specific heart medications to reduce heart rate and blood pressure, anti- convulsants for seizures, and antacids for stomach discomfort and diarrhea. Theobromine may be reabsorbed across the bladder wall so a urinary catheter or frequent walks are needed to keep the bladder empty.

Prognosis: Excellent in pets with mild signs, such as mild stomach upset or slight restlessness. Poor in those with severe signs, such as collapsing and seizures.

Xylitol

What it's in: Xylitol is a common sugar-substitute used in sugar-free chewing gum, breath mints, candies, and baked goods. It’s also found in some smoking-cessation products like nicotine gum. Xylitol can be purchased in bulk for cooking at home, and because of its dental plaque fighting properties, nontoxic amounts can be found in some pet oral-care products.

Threat to pets: Xylitol may cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar and can cause liver damage to dogs. Cats and people do not experience this problem. The typical dose needed to cause poisoning is at least 0.05 grams per pound of body weight.

The average piece of chewing gum or breath mint contains between 0.22 to 1.0 gram of xylitol. Thus, a 10-pound dog would only have to eat one piece of gum to achieve a potentially toxic dose.

The amount of xylitol typically found in most pet oral-care products is very small and, when used properly, these products aren’t expected to cause poisoning unless a dog ingests a very large amount.

Signs: Within 10 to 15 minutes of ingestion, dogs may develop hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), lose coordination, and start vomiting. Collapse and seizures may quickly follow. In rare cases, these signs won’t appear until hours after ingestion.

Treatment: Promptly induce vomiting or perform a gastric lavage. Administer intravenous dextrose (sugar) and fluids and frequently monitor blood sugar levels and liver values.

Prognosis: Excellent when the ingestion is caught early and blood sugars are monitored frequently. Guarded if the pet has already begun to develop liver failure.

You know you're a horse person when …

2011-08-18T08:59:00.002-07:00

1. Your horse gets new shoes more often than you do.

2. Every time you drive past a road construction site, you think what nice jumps the barricades would make.

3. You consider a golf course a waste of good pasture land.

4. You pull a $17,000 horse trailer with a $1,000 pickup truck.

5. Someone does something nice for you and you pat him or her on the neck and say, "Good boy."

6. You try to squeeze past someone, and instead of saying "excuse me," you cluck instead.

7. You say "Whoa!" to the dog.

8. Someone asks for a screwdriver and you hand over a hoof pick.

9. You are unreasonably pleased to get a horse item—ANY horse item—as a gift.

10. You actually get to a point when flies don't bother you that much anymore. (Yeah. You know, after a while, that buzzing can be pleasantly hypnotic.

10 signs of illness in cats

2011-07-29T15:05:00.006-07:00

Sometimes it’s difficult to identify when your cat’s not feeling well. Watch for these signs of illness, and consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible if your pet begins to show any of them.

1. Inappropriate elimination
A cat that urinates inappropriately could have any number of conditions associated with the behavior, including lower urinary tract disease, kidney disease, urinary tract infection, and diabetes mellitus. It can also be a sign of arthritis, which makes it difficult for cats to get into the litter box.
2. Changes in interaction
Cats are social animals, so changes in interactions with humans or pets can signal disease, fear, anxiety, or pain.
3. Changes in activity
A decrease in activity is often a sign of arthritis or systemic illness, while an increase in activity can be caused by hyperthyroidism.
4. Changes in sleeping habits
If your cat is sleeping more than normal (keep in mind that average adult cats may sleep 16 to 18 hours a day—though much of that is “catnapping”), it could be a sign of an underlying disease.
5. Changes in food and water consumption
Most cats are not finicky eaters. Decreased food intake can be a sign of several disorders, ranging from poor dental health to cancer. Increased food consumption can be caused by diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, or other health problems.
6. Unexplained weight loss or gain
Sudden weight loss can be a sign of hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, or a host of other diseases. Obesity, on the other hand, can cause an increased risk of diabetes mellitus, joint
disease, and other problems.7. Changes in grooming
Patches of hair loss or a greasy or matted appearance can signal an underlying disease. Cats who have difficulty grooming often suffer from fear, anxiety, obesity, or other illnesses. An increase in grooming may signal a skin problem.
8. Signs of stress
Stressed cats may exhibit signs of depression, hide more, or spend more time awake and scanning their environment. These signs may indicate a medical condition, so it’s important to rule out physical ailments before addressing the stress behaviorally.
9. Changes in vocalization
An increase in vocalization or howling is often seen with an underlying condition like hyperthyroidism or high blood pressure. Many cats also vocalize more if they’re in pain or anxious.
10. Bad breath
Bad breath is an early indicator of an oral problem—studies have shown that 70 percent of cats have gum disease as early as age 3.

Please feel free to call us at (520) 546-8387 with any questions you may have about your kitty.

Adapted from healthycatsforlife.com and Dr. Susan Little, DABVP (feline), Bytown Cat Hospital in Ottawa, Ontario

It's Colorado River Toad Season! Do you know where your dog is?

2011-07-22T15:57:00.004-07:00

When it rains in the desert, life springs from the ground… literally. The Colorado River Toad (Bufo alvarius) spends the majority of its life waiting for the rain. This large toad waits buried in the ground or hiding in rodent burrows. Because the toad is an amphibian, it requires water in which to lay and fertilize its eggs. When the summer rains arrive, the toads emerge and hop off, with driven purpose, in search of a mate and a pool of water. They mostly travel in the cooler night temperatures, and it is then that they are most apt to cross paths with your curious and playful dog.
As might be expected, it is the young dog that is most likely to have an encounter with a Colorado River Toad. Alive, or even dead, the toad is covered in deadly toxins—heart-stopping digitalis-like compounds and LSD-like hallucinogenic chemicals. The more the toad is stressed by fear, such as when your canine turns it into a living dog toy, the more of the toxins it secretes. When the toad is mouthed, those toxins are absorbed into the dog’s system through the mucus membranes.

The onset of the symptoms—sudden profuse drooling, disorientation, difficulty walking, dilated pupils, seizures, and/or dark-red mucus membranes-- of Colorado River Toad poisoning occur within minutes of oral contact. Very prompt intervention is the only course that will save the life of the poisoned dog.

Because there is no antidote for the toxins secreted by the Colorado River Toad, a rapid reduction of the toxins ingested is essential to saving the life of the poisoned dog. The very first measure taken, before absolutely anything else is done, is to flush the exposed dog’s mouth with copious amounts of water for 10 to 15 minutes. A garden hose works well for this purpose. For smaller dogs, the water sprayer on the kitchen sink will suffice. This step is extremely critical. In the brief time it takes to rush to an emergency veterinary facility, too much toxin can be absorbed resulting in an irreversible and fatal condition.

Once the mouth is well-flushed, the dog should be taken immediately to an emergency veterinary facility. It is then that further intervention with toxin-absorbing activated charcoal can reduce toxin exposure still more. In addition, many symptoms of poisoning—irregular heartbeat, seizures and shock-- may be controlled with carefully administered medications. Well controlled and with the toxins naturally clearing from the system, most patients can respond within one to two hours of the onset of treatment.

Most dogs learn their lesson and do not repeat the Colorado River Toad mouthing experience. With age comes experience. Exposure to the toad toxins does not confer any immunity for future exposures. Vigilance during summer rains for any backyard toads is the best course of preventative medicine for this dangerous condition. Toad Avoidance Training is available as well. Our clinic partners with a local trainer for both rattlesnake and toad avoidance training. Please call our office with any questions or for more information (520) 546-8387.

Equine herpesvirus outbreak is officially over, USDA veterinarians say

2011-07-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

National Report — An outbreak of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) that raced through 12 Western states in late spring officially came to an end.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) released its final report on the outbreak June 23, saying the outbreak has been contained and no new premises are affected.

The final tally for the outbreak, according to APHIS, was 90 cases. Two late-breaking cases reported in Montana and Wyoming by animal-health officials did not make APHIS’ final tally.

A total of 57 horses—28 with primary infections and 29 with secondary infections—were confirmed infected with EHV-1 by APHIS. Another 33—26 primary cases and seven secondary cases—of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) also were confirmed by the agency. Thirteen more horses were euthanized or died during the outbreak.

The outbreak began at a National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) competition in Ogden, Utah, between April 29 to May 8. More than 400 horses in 19 states were exposed to the virus, and another 1,685 have been exposed by association, APHIS says.

Equine Emergency Care Lecture

2011-07-06T10:29:00.001-07:00

Adobe Veterinary Center is excited to offer another lecture in the
Evenings of Education - Equine Series
This Month's Topic - Emergency Care

Friday, July 8, 2011
5:30pm -6:00pm - snacks and socializing with other horse owners
6:00pm - Lecture by an equine veterinarian

All lectures are free and open to the public.
Lectures are held at the clinic - 8300 E Tanque Verde Road on the NE side of Tucson.

Feel free to call or visit our website for more information.
(520) 546-8387
www.adobevetcenter.com

Valley Fever Information for Visitors to Arizona

2011-06-30T14:27:00.003-07:00

Valley Fever is a local fungal infection that is usually acquired by inhaling spores from the soil.
It may cause a respiratory illness or systemic disease.

The most common symptom is coughing.
Other symptoms include lack of appetite, lethargy, weight loss, fever or lameness.

Treatment is generally with oral medications administered for months to years.Monitoring of progress involves veterinary rechecks of your pet's health, blood tests and sometimes x-rays.

If your pet is known or suspected to have Valley Fever after you return home, you and your vet can get more information by contacting your vet in Arizona.

Free Colic Lecture

2011-06-13T14:16:00.001-07:00

Adobe Veterinary Center is excited to offer another lecture in the
Evenings of Education - Equine Series
This Month's Topic - Colic

Tuesday, June 14, 2011
5:30pm -6:00pm - snacks and socializing with other horse owners
6:00pm - Equine Colic lecture given by Dr. Christine Staten

All lectures are free and open to the public.
Lectures are held at the clinic - 8300 E Tanque Verde Road on the NE side of Tucson.

Feel free to call or visit our website for more information.
(520) 546-8387
www.adobevetcenter.com

Equine Herpes Updats for Arizona - 6/9/11

2011-06-09T17:00:00.002-07:00

I spoke with the Arizona State Veterinarian this afternoon and here are the latest updates for our state.

All of the Arizona horses with primary, secondary and tertiary EHV cases appear to be located within 13 different facilities throughout the state of Arizona. Those 13 facilities are under volunteer quarantines. Other than those 13 facilities, there are no cases or suspect cases known to the state vet. The locations of these facilities is not known by anyone other than the state vet who can not disclose that information.

Update on Equine Herpes - 6/4/2011

2011-06-04T15:00:00.005-07:00

Many people are asking us, "Is the voluntary quarantine over?" or "Can we take our horses off of our property yet?"

The answer is not a simple yes or no.

We, as veterinarians, are not being told exactly where the positive horses are. We do know that, in the state of Arizona, there are 2 horses positive for EHV-1 and 1 horse positive for EHM (neurologic form of herpes) from direct exposure (being at the Utah show).

Updated numbers show that 33 horses that were at the show in Utah are in Arizona.

We also know that 60 horses were exposed to EHV-1 from secondary/tertiary exposure. Those horses were not at the show but have been with horses that were at the show. Of those horses, 10 have tested positive for EHV-1 and one has tested positive for the neurologic form of EHV-1. We do not know how many additional tests are pending.

Because we are not being told the exact location or the disease status of the positive horses, we can not recommend that you expose your horse to others. The risk appears less that it seemed 2 weeks ago but that may be due to the voluntary quarantines that owners are following. Several Arizona barns are resuming activities stating that our state vet has said that, "the outbreak appears to have been contained and that it should be safe to resume events." We have not heard that from the USDA or the Arizona State Veterinarian and the words "appears" and "should be" are concerning.

The previous blog article has lots of new and good information.
We will keep the blog updated as we get new information.

Reports of new equine herpes virus cases easing, but secondary cases still rising, veterinarians report

2011-06-04T14:48:00.001-07:00

Jun 3, 2011
By: Rachael Whitcomb
DVM NEWSMAGAZINE

National Report -- Reports of new equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) cases originating from a Utah cutting horse event are slowing, veterinarians report, but new cases from secondary exposures remain a concern.

Of the 84 total confirmed cases of EHV-1/equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM), 58 of the infected horses attended the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) competition in Ogden, Utah, between April 29 to May 8, as reported in DVM Newsmagazine.

In total, 13 new cases have surfaced since a government update on the outbreak last week—a slight decline from the 15 new cases reported the prior week, according to data released yesterday from the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Over the last week, EHV-1 primary exposures have increased by four cases to 32, and EHM primary cases increased by one to 26 total.

EHV-1 secondary cases increased by six to a total of 20 cases, and EHM cases increased by three to a total of six cases, APHIS reports.

More than 400 horses in 19 states were exposed to the virus at the Utah event, and another 1,672 have been exposed by association, APHIS says. In addition, 12 horses either died or were euthanized as result this outbreak.

Several state veterinary officials have reported that they will continue to monitor secondary exposure cases until June 5. While the incubation period for EHV-1 is two to 14 days, the virus can shed for up to 28 days, veterinarians say.

APHIS says horses known to have been exposed to the virus have been notified by state animal health officials, and suspect or confirmed cases are under voluntary or state quarantine.

As of June 2, here are USDA's totals on the outbreak:

• Arizona — 2 EHV-1 and 1 EHM from direct exposure, 8 EHV-1 from secondary/tertiary exposure;
• California — 9 EHV-1 and 6 EHM from direct exposure, 2 EHV-1 and 1 EHM from secondary/tertiary exposure;
• Colorado — 9 EHV-1 and 6 EHM from direct exposure, 1 EHV-1 from secondary/tertiary exposure;
• Idaho — 1 EHV-1 and 2 EHM from direct exposure, 4 EHV-1 and 2 EHM from secondary/tertiary exposure;
• Nevada — 1 EHV-1 from direct exposure, 2 EHM from secondary/tertiary exposure;
• New Mexico — 2 EHV-1 and 1 EHM from direct exposure, 1 EHM from secondary/tertiary exposure;
• Oregon — 2 EHV-1 and 1 EHM from direct exposure, 2 EHM from secondary/tertiary exposure;
• Utah — 1 EHV-1 and 4 EHM from direct exposure, 3 EHV-1 from secondary/tertiary exposure;
• Washington — 5 EHV-1 and 3 EHM from direct exposure.

Ten horses with confirmed cases of EHV-1/EHM through direct exposure died or were euthanized, plus another two horses with confirmed cases contracted through secondary exposure.

More than 240 horse facilities have been exposed across the Western states, with 61 reporting suspect or confirmed cases (two new this week) and 179 with no suspect or confirmed cases, says APHIS.

Horse owners are being advised to notify veterinarians if they participated in the NCHA event or if their horse suddenly comes down with a temperature above 102-degrees-F, which typically precedes clinical signs, veterinarians say.

Equine Herpes Virus in Camelids

2011-05-20T10:38:00.002-07:00

In the past, the Equine Herpes Virus has been known to spread to alpacas and llamas.

In the current outbreak, there have been no reports of camelids contracting the virus.
Luckily, they are less susceptible to the infection than horses.

We feel that is is best to keep your llamas and alpacas where they are and not move them around at this time.

Summary Report of Equine Herpes in Arizona 5-19-11

2011-05-20T10:14:00.003-07:00

In Arizona, there are 21 horses that were exposed to the EHV-I Virus at the Ogden, Utah show. The owners of these horses have been contacted by State Animal Health Officials and are under quarantine.

If your horse is not exposed to a positive horse or it's secretions, it has a very small risk of contracting this virus.

Please continue to keep your horses where they are until we know more.

Update on Equine Herpes Cases in Arizona

2011-05-18T17:36:00.002-07:00

I just spoke to the State Veterinarian who confirmed that the horse that tested positive is in Northern Arizona. We are aware of several strong suspect horses throughout the state so we will keep you updated as information becomes available to us.

Right now, all confirmed cases in the US and Canada were horses that were at the cutting horse event in Utah.

Positive Equine Herpes Case in Arizona

2011-05-18T17:35:00.001-07:00

Arizona Department of Agriculture
1688 W. Adams Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007
(602) 542‐4373 FAX (602) 542‐5420
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RELEASE DATE: May 18, 2011

Horse Virus Found in Arizona
The Arizona Department of Agriculture (ADA) received laboratory confirmation last night of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV -1) infection in an Arizona horse that showed severe neurological disease. The owners of the affected horse, under the direction of an attending veterinarian, have restricted animal movement to prevent the spread of disease to other horses. They are closely
monitoring the remaining exposed horses.

The horse may have been exposed to the neurological form of EHV-1 during the National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championships held in Ogden, Utah April 30-May 8, 2011. Utah, Idaho, Colorado, California and New Mexico animal health officials have reported suspected cases of EHV-1 infection in horses that were at the Ogden event.

ADA will notify Arizonans that had their horses entered in the Ogden event to work with their veterinarian to restrict movement and to monitor their horses. Acting State Veterinarian Dr. John Hunt recommends that isolation and monitoring continue for 28 days after any clinical signs of disease are observed.

Equine Herpes Virus is highly contagious among horses but poses no threat to humans. The symptoms in horses may include a fever, nasal discharge, wobbly gait, hind-end weakness, dribbling of urine and diminished tail tone. The virus is easily spread by airborne transmission, horse-to-horse contact and by contact with nasal secretions on equipment, tack, feed and other
surfaces. Caretakers can spread the virus to horses if their hands, clothing, shoes or vehicles are contaminated.

For more information, please contact ADA at (602) 542-4373
www.azda.gov

Equine Herpes Concerns

2011-05-17T15:45:00.007-07:00

Currently, there are reports of equine herpes virus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) affecting an unconfirmed number of horses in the U.S. and Canada. This outbreak appears related to initial cases at a cutting horse show in Ogden, Utah, which was held from April 29 - May 8. Horses at that event may have been exposed to this virus and subsequently spread the infection to other horses. While the true extent of this disease outbreak is uncertain, there is clearly a very significant elevated risk of EHM cases at this time.

If you were at this show, contact your vet right away.

Although there are no confirmed cases in Arizona, there are some strong suspects throughout our state.

At this time, control of the outbreak is critically dependent on biosecurity.
Horse shows are being cancelled to prevent the spread.

We recommend that you keep your horses where they are until we have more information. This includes trail riding.
If you own a barn, we recommend not allowing horses to move on or off your property.

The USDA encourages owners to monitor their horses for clinical signs of disease. A rectal temperature in excess of 102F commonly precedes other clinical signs and they are urging owners to take temperatures twice a day. If temperatures are above 102F, owners are urged to contact their veterinarians. Laboratory submission of nasal swabs and blood samples collected from the exposed horse can be utilized for virus detection and isolation.

The EHV-1 organism spreads quickly from horse to horse and the neurologic form of the virus can reach high morbidity and mortality rates. The incubation period of EHV-1 is typically 2-10 days. In horses infected with the neurologic strain of EHV-1, clinical signs may include: nasal discharge, incoordination, hind-end weakness, recumbency, lethargy, urine dribbling and diminished tail tone. Prognosis depends on severity of signs and the period of recumbency. There is no specific treatment for EHV-1 but it could include intravenous fluids and anti-inflammatory drugs. Currently there is no equine vaccine that has a label claim for protection against the neurological strain of the virus.

Horse-to-horse contact, aerosol transmission and contaminated hands, equipment, tack and feed all play a role in disease spread. However, horses with severe clinical signs of neurological EHV-1 illness are thought to have large viral loads in their blood and nasal secretions and, therefore, present the greatest danger for spreading the disease. Immediate separation and isolation of identified suspect cases and implementation of appropriate biosecurity measures are key elements for disease control.

10 Tips for Reducing Your Horse’s West Nile Risk

2011-05-14T08:14:00.003-07:00

Since first being recognized in the United States in 1999, West Nile virus (WNV) has posed a serious threat to horses and humans alike. In the equine population, the virus is transmitted when a mosquito takes a blood meal from a bird infected with WNV, then feeds on a horse. While many horses exposed to WNV experience no signs of illness, the virus can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. In some cases, especially in older horses, WNV can be fatal.

As a horse owner, prevention is the key to reducing your horse’s risk of contracting WNV. Follow these guidelines from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) to protect your horse against WNV:

1. Consider vaccinating your horse against the disease. In February 2003, a vaccine was licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Center for Veterinary Biologics for use in healthy horses as an aid in the prevention of the disease. Talk with your veterinarian about the most appropriate vaccination schedule for your horse.

2. Eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites. Dispose of old receptacles, tires and containers and eliminate areas of standing water.

3. Thoroughly clean livestock watering troughs at least monthly.

4. Use larvicides to control mosquito populations when it is not possible to eliminate particular breeding sites. Such action should only be taken, however, in consultation with your local mosquito control authority.

5. Keep your horse indoors during the peak mosquito activity periods of dusk to dawn.

6. Screen stalls if possible or at least install fans over your horse to help deter mosquitoes.

7. Avoid turning on lights inside the stable during the evening or overnight.

8. Using insect repellants on your horse that are designed to repel mosquitoes can help reduce the chance of being bitten.

9. Remove any birds, including chickens, located in or close to a stable.

10. Don’t forget to protect yourself as well. When outdoors in the evening, wear clothing that covers your skin and apply plenty of mosquito repellent.

Additional information about WNV can be found on the AAEP’s horse-health Web site, www.myHorseMatters.com.

Reprinted with permission from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

5 common myths about veterinary anesthesia

2011-04-23T14:16:00.004-07:00

Scheduling surgery or dental work for your pet can be a scary proposition. Every procedure carries some measure of risk, so it’s tough to think about your loved ones under anesthesia. But before you panic, talk to your veterinarian to determine what’s best for your pet and discuss your concerns. And don’t hesitate to do a little research of your own—here’s a guide to some of the most common myths about anesthesia:

Myth: Anesthesia complications are common
Fact: Don’t let horror stories prevent
your pet from receiving necessary
veterinary care. Complications
do occur, but deaths are rare. Studies
suggest that for normal, healthy
dogs and cats, the risk of death is
approximately one in 2,000. For
animals with a preexisting disease,
that number increases to about one
in 500. But a well-trained veterinary
team will take every reasonable precaution—
including having a knowledgeable
staff, appropriate patient
monitoring procedures, and proper
patient evaluation and preparation—
to minimize these risks.

Myth: Certain anesthetic drugs could harm my pet
Fact: In most cases, monitoring a
pet’s condition (for example, monitoring
anesthetic depth, blood
oxygenation, respiration, blood
pressure, body temperature, and
heart electrical activity) during a
procedure is much more important
than which drug protocol is selected.
It’s more important for your
veterinarian to tailor a protocol to
each patient’s needs and provide
an appropriate level of supportive
care—seldom is one drug better
or worse than others since they all
have benefits and risks.

Myth: Most complications occur during a procedure while my pet is asleep
Fact: Almost half of anesthetic
deaths occur after the delivery of
anesthetic drugs during recovery.
Ask your veterinarian for a rundown
of how your pet will be cared
for after a procedure and make
sure you’re comfortable with that
level of care. Premium care will
often cost a little more, but you can
take comfort in the fact that your
pet will be receiving an optimum
level of attention and monitoring
during a very critical period.

Myth: Most veterinarians provide a similar level of anesthetic care and monitoring
Fact: Every veterinarian has a different
way of doing things. Some
may refer cases to or consult with
a specialist for anesthetic procedures,
while others may rely on
their in-house team. If you have
any questions or concerns, ask
your veterinarian for details before
your pet undergoes any anesthetic
procedures, then make an
informed decision about what’s
best for your pet.

Myth: The Internet is the most reliable source for information about potential anethesia risks
Fact: While some sites offer reliable
and useful information, plenty
of others contain inconsistencies
or flat-out falsities. So don’t be
fooled by misinformation, which
can spread quickly from website
to website. Do your research on
anesthesia and its potential—but
rare—complications, then discuss
your findings with your veterinarian
to make sure you’re getting the
most accurate picture. This will allow
you to do what’s best for your
pet—and perhaps rid your mind of
a few unfounded fears.

A well-trained veterinary team will take every reasonable precaution to minimize the risks from anesthesia.

Based on information provided by Dr. Kurt Grimm, PhD, Veterinary Specialist Services, Conifer, Colo.

Can Pets Predict the Weather, Among Other Things?

2011-04-09T12:47:00.001-07:00

JACK SOMMARS

Summer means it is storm season. You may not have to check with the weather service to find out if lightning is about to strike, however. The answer could be curled up in your lap or resting at your feet. According to a survey by the Associated Press and Petside.com, more than two-thirds of dog and cat owners say they’ve received weather warnings from their pets. Even more surprisingly, almost half report they’ve been alerted to bad news by their animals. Do pets really have this mysterious “sixth sense”?

“It’s not that they have a sixth sense but that their senses are much more acute than those of humans,” says Dr. Nicholas Dodman, professor of animal behavior at the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.

“For example, a dog’s most highly developed sense is its ability to smell,” he explains. “We humans have something like 12 million olfactory receptors in our noses. Dogs can have up to 4 billion. So, it’s hardly surprising that they have an incredible ability to detect trace amounts of odors.”

“So, let’s suppose a storm is miles and miles away and lightning flashes. That may generate ozone molecules that travel in the breeze ahead of the storm. Your dog smells those and becomes agitated and starts to shake.”

“Then, when the storm hits, you think, ‘Oh, my goodness, my dog has a sixth sense!’”

“Storms are also preceded by pressure changes in the air,” says Dr. Ben Hart, a veterinarian at the University of California, Davis who has studied animal behavior for almost 50 years. “It’s possible that dogs and cats can pick up on these changes.”

Hart says animals that have been frightened by thunderstorms in the past will be especially attuned to all the stimuli that accompany them.

Static electricity might also play a role in an animal’s ability to “predict” the weather.

“People have reported getting shocks off their dogs during storms,” says Dodman. “That’s not unusual, considering that dogs are running around on insulated foot pads wearing the equivalent of a big furry angora sweater. They’re perfectly designed to acquire a static charge. So, when they touch their nose to something, they are shocked and will remember that painful experience.”

How do these scientists explain a dog or cat’s reported ability to foretell bad news?

“We tend to remember those things that impress us the most,” says Hart. “So, if our dog appears to warn us and something bad happens afterward, we’ll remember that. But we’ll forget the other hundred or thousand times he acted that way and we didn’t get bad news.”

How Do Pets Warn of Impending Danger?

64% hide in a safe place
56% cry
52% become hyperactive
36% bark or meow persistently

Source: AP-Petside.com survey of pet owners who believe their animals can predict bad things happening.

Dodman calls this “superstitious learning.”

He likens it to a baseball player who discovers a hole in his sock on the day of a big game. He hits a home run and wears a sock with a hole in it for the rest of his career.

“The sock didn’t cause the home run,” Dodman says. “It’s just that humans often make the wrong connection.”

If it’s any consolation, however, he says that dogs and cats make wrong connections, too.

“Your pet may be frightened by the smell of lamb cooking. That’s maybe because he once burned his nose on the stove and he associates that painful experience with the smell, not the hot burner.

“It’s easy for us to misinterpret what’s really going on,” Dodman adds. “Like when you’ve had a bad day at the office and come home and your dog puts his head on your lap. Your response is, ‘My dog knew I had a bad day at work.’ He didn’t. He just knew when you walked in the door that your posture was different and you looked sad. It’s your body language. Dogs can read you like a book.”

“It’s natural to assume more understanding and human sense than there is,” says Hart. “But when you say that to people like my sister, she’ll tell me, ‘No, Ben, you’re wrong. I know my dog really understands what I’m going through or what happened.’”

“You just can’t argue with that.”

10 Tips for Reducing Your Horse’s West Nile Risk

2011-03-26T14:01:00.003-07:00

As a horse owner, prevention is the key to reducing your horse’s risk of contracting WNV. Follow these guidelines from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) to protect your horse against WNV: