for-paws-blog

Experts urging equine vaccination

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:27:31 +0100

Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus rising: Animal Health Experts Warn Horse Owners About Early Danger Signs of Widespread Mosquito-Borne Diseases

NEW YORK, Sept. 7 -- Animal health experts warn that fatal cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile are being reported in numerous states, even in areas where activity has been low for several years. This follows a rise in the early warning signs of mosquito-borne diseases that include Eastern Equine Encephalitis, West Nile and Western Equine Encephalitis. This doesn't bode well for either horses or humans.

To help prevent the spread of additional cases, Pfizer Animal Health and other health organizations are strongly encouraging horse owners and veterinarians to follow the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) guidelines for vaccinations against mosquito-borne diseases.

"If horses aren't vaccinated, this situation could become much worse," says Kevin Hankins, DVM, MBA, Equine Veterinary Services at Pfizer Animal Health.

States like Florida that monitor the development of mosquito-borne diseases through sentinel chickens are seeing an upsurge in the detection of Eastern Equine Encephalitis across the state, and in many areas that are not usually affected. This is considered to be a serious warning that unvaccinated horses from across the country are at risk for contracting Eastern Equine Encephalitis as well as other mosquito-borne illnesses, particularly West Nile and Western Equine Encephalitis.

"Historically, we've seen Eastern Equine Encephalitis restricted to the south and southeast parts of the country," says Julie Wilson, DVM Diplomate ACVIM at the University of Minnesota. "But we're now seeing many cases reported in northern regions that include Michigan, Massachusetts and up into Maine." In addition, officials at the Kentucky State Veterinarian's Office have recently confirmed the first case of West Nile virus in Kentucky in 2010 in a mare with no history of immunization against the disease. California has also reported the number of West Nile cases to have more than doubled from 2009.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners says that Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Western Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus are considered core vaccinations for horses, along with tetanus and rabies. Though annual vaccinations should happen in early spring, the AAEP also recommends boosters after five or six months.

Pfizer Animal Health offers a trusted line of vaccines, including WEST NILE-INNOVATOR®, to help protect against West Nile virus. In addition, the Mosquito Shot (TM) (WEST NILE-INNOVATOR® + EWT) helps protect against Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) in a single vaccine. All Pfizer Animal Health equine vaccines are backed by an Immunization Support Guarantee. Pfizer Animal Health will support reasonable diagnostic and treatment costs up to $5,000 if a horse properly vaccinated by a veterinarian with one of its antigens contracts the corresponding equine disease (EEE, WEE, WNV, Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE), Tetanus or Influenza).

"Given the activity we're seeing in the northern states for Eastern Equine Encephalitis and for West Nile Virus across the country," says Maureen Long, DVM PhD., Fern Audette Associate Professor in Equine Studies at the University of Florida and noted West Nile Virus researcher, "all horse owners within the United States should work with their veterinarians to make sure their vaccine strategies are appropriate."

Pet wheels - the gift of mobility

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:00:47 +0100

Red is a "runt" pit that was rescued from a closet, locked there by youngsters who tried to hide him from their parents, Red still can't stand being locked up. The family that rescued Red has three other dogs all rescues, all hurt in some way; but Red doesn't mind he has brothers and sisters.

Now another situation threatens to lock Red up once again, Red has a debilitating arthritis and a cracked vertebra that may condemn Red to isolation from family walks and backyard romps; Red needs a wheel cart.

Red's owners contacted For Paws Hospice looking to our Cart Share program called Bosco's wheels for help.

Bosco's Wheels is a program that donates used carts to families like Red's who care about their animals but can't afford the $300 - $500 cost of a new cart.

For Paws pays all the expenses to refurbish used carts and fit the patient as well as the cost of rehabilitation care and shipping. The cart is free to the family to use as long as it's needed and then it's returned to For Paws Hospice and made available to another needy pet.

Bosco's list has five carts, three are in use and two available, unfortunately Red needs a cart just a little smaller than the two on hand.

If you have a cart sitting idle and could donate it to Red or any of the other dogs waiting for wheels please contact us at ForPawsHospice@hotmail.com or call 727.639.9285.

Your gift of mobility can change a life.

Evamist warning affects small children, pets

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:15:07 +0100

FDA Advisory: SILVER SPRING, Md., July 29 -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning that inadvertent exposure to Evamist through skin contact with patients using this product has the potential for adverse effects in children and pets.

Evamist contains estradiol, an estrogen hormone, and is used in women to reduce hot flashes during menopause. The drug is sprayed on the skin between the elbow and wrist, on the inside of the forearm.

The FDA currently is reviewing reports of adverse events in children and pets who were inadvertently exposed to this topical estrogen product. "Women using Evamist need to be aware of the potential risks to children who come in contact with the area of skin where this drug is applied," said Julie Beitz, M.D., director of the FDA's Office of Drug Evaluation III. "It is important that people know to keep both children and pets away from the product to minimize exposure."

Evamist was FDA approved in 2007. From July 2007 to June 2010, FDA received eight post-marketing cases of unintended exposure to Evamist in children ages 3 years to 5 years. Adverse events reported in unintentionally exposed children include premature puberty, nipple swelling and breast development in females, and breast enlargement in males.

Since 2007, two reports of secondary exposure to Evamist in dogs also have been received by FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine. Pets exposed to Evamist may exhibit signs such as mammary/nipple enlargement and vulvar swelling. Patients using Evamist should not allow children to make contact with the area of the arm where Evamist is sprayed and should wash the child's skin with soap and water as soon as possible if contact does occur. Pets also should not be allowed to lick or touch the arm where Evamist is sprayed as small pets may be especially sensitive to the estrogen in this product. If direct contact with the arm where Evamist was sprayed cannot be avoided, it is recommended that women wear a garment that covers the area where the drug was applied.

At this time, it is unknown whether unintended exposure can occur with other topical estrogen products. The FDA is continuing to review adverse event reports and evaluate ways to reduce unintended exposures to these products.

Consumers and health care professionals should report any side effects from Evamist by using the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program at www.fda.gov/MedWatch or by calling 800-332-1088.

For further information http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPati entsandProviders/ucm220185.htm

Veterinary Rx discount grant program

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:06:35 +0100

We published the following article earlier this year but it deserves repeating.

The National Association of Counties in partnership with Caremark, corporate owner of CVS Pharmacies has established a grant program to fund discounts on prescription medications to American Families who are either uninsured or underinsured.

The discount card automatically earns on average a 24% discount of prescription drugs at more than 6000 locations across the country.

We contacted the NACo office in Washington, DC and spoke with Jim Phillips, Media Relations, who confirmed the program was intended to benefit the whole family including pets with a valid veterinary prescription.

You can pick up a card at most CVS stores or contact your local county administration to obtain the card.

The NACo Prescription Discount Card Program also lets anyone download the discount card online http://www.rxprintacard.biz/nlc/select.aspx. The program is free and has no restrictions on the number of times it can be used or the total of the savings.

If your community is not on the list you may choose any listed city and download that discount card – there are no restrictions for residency and you do not have to show identification other than a valid prescription.

For Paws Hospice has used the card to assist pet families obtain discounts on their vet prescriptions since May, 2010. The program we found works flawlessly and when used in conjunction with discounts offered by online pharmacies may result in further savings.

One example recently illustrates the combined savings. A patient need veterinary insulin, a 3 month supply $166 from the veterinary office. We contacted CVS and were informed that the insulin could be ordered and the cost would be $144 - with the discount card $114.

We then contacted PetMedsOnline.com, their price for the same 3 month supply $91. We told them about the NACo Prescription Discount Card and although they had not heard about it, promptly reduced the price 20% to $72.

We have subsequently discovered that certain prescription diet pet foods may be subject to the discount.

We called Royal Canin manufacturers of a variety of prescription pet foods. Although Canin does not sell direct they suggested contacting their distributors both online and stores such as Pet Smart. A condition for the sale of prescription pet foods in store is that the store has a veterinary location on site.

Here again it seems in all likelihood the discount card should be applicable just as it would for any prescription medical supply; we'll let you know.

It's an event, join us Oct. 8th

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:35:06 +0100

Coping with the loss of a pet

For Paws Hospice presents An Introduction to Veterinary Hospice Oct 8th at St. Petersburg College of Veterinary Technology for this first of its kind conference for veterinary techs, and pet service providers.

The one day conference features nationally know experts on coping with pet loss in veterinary hospice.

Whether you are a veterinary technician, pet sitter or groomer you are on the front line of care and communication between your client and the animal's companion. You may be the first to recognize an underlying medical circumstance that the owner will dread hearing. Your professional response is critical and must convey not just understanding and sympathy but reflect purpose and knowledge that this will be a journey not taken alone but rather shared by the patient and family and guided by you the caregiver.

The event will be held at St. Petersburg College of Veterinary Technology on Friday, October 8th beginning at 8 AM followed by an introduction to our three nationally respected speakers.

The program consists of presentations on the clinical as well as the emotional response to coping with the imminent death of a pet under veterinary care.

The speakers, all recognized professionals in the world of pets and pet care, bring with them a vast amount of experience and learned skills for easing the pain of loss for both the pet and the companion human.

If you're in the pet care field this is a must experience for your development as a practitioner that will benefit your clients and their pets in ways you can't begin to imagine.

So, please join us for this once in a lifetime chance to learn from these three dynamic speakers as they talk about preparing for the death of a beloved pet; not just surviving, but enriching life through the shared experience.

Reserve your place at the conference today.

For Paws Hospice now on GoodSearch

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:05:16 +0100

Here's a new easy, way to help For Paws Hospice care for animals in need. Just start using Yahoo! powered GoodSearch.com as your search engine and they'll donate about a penny to your favorite cause every time you do a search!

In addition, do all of your shopping through their online shopping mall, GoodShop.com, where you can shop at more than 900 top online retailers and a percentage of your purchases will go to the charity or school of your choice. You pay the same price as you normally would, bit GoodSearch donates a portion of the sale to For Paws Hospice.

Here's the web site — http://www.goodsearch.com. You can also read about GoodSearch in the NY Times, Oprah Magazine, CNN, ABC News and the Wall Street Journal.

Dixie and Buddy are just two of the animals For Paws Hospice is currently sponsoring for medical assistance; here are their stories.

Help pets stay stress-free this Fourth

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:54:02 +0100

Natural Pet Remedies help pet anxiety from fear of fireworks and other sounds associated with summer.

June 17 - The sounds of summer are in the air and for most, this means relaxation and music to our ears. But for your pet, the louder noises that accompany warm weather -- thunderstorms, fireworks, unfamiliar guests -- are often a source of pet anxiety.

Fears of fireworks and other loud noises are not uncommon for your pet. Dogs often express their fear with destructive behavior such as barking, cowering, and chewing through things. With Fourth of July around the corner, more pet owners are turning to all-natural alternative solutions to calm pet anxiety including RESCUE Remedy Pet. RESCUE Remedy Pet is a natural, and safe alternative to help your pet stay calm and enjoy the fun this Fourth of July!

RESCUE Remedy Pet contains the five flower remedies found in RESCUE Remedy, the original stress relieving remedy available for more than 70 years in an alcohol free formula, ideal for sensitive pets.

Veterinarian Dr. Margo Roman, DVM, recommends RESCUE Remedy Pet to treat pet anxiety caused by loud noises, fear of fireworks, separation, new surroundings, vet visits and more. Dr. Roman, a board member of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, explains, "If left untreated, these intense feelings can lead to negative, unwanted behaviors -- a dog with a propensity to bite, a cat who continually urinates on the carpet, a bird who pulls out his feathers each time his owner leaves the house."

Dr. Roman recommends pet owners consider flower remedies this summer should their pets experience any of the following:
  -- Fear of thunderstorms, fireworks or loud noises
  -- Travel anxiety
  -- Separation anxiety
  -- Adapting to new surroundings or people

RESCUE Remedy Pet is available in dropper format and is suitable for use on pets of all shapes and sizes, including dogs, cats, horses, fish (add to water) and birds.

RESCUE Remedy Pet is available nationally in Whole Foods and anywhere natural products are sold. It can also be purchased online at www.rescueremedy.com/pets.

Tips for buying discount pet medications online

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:31:34 +0100

By D. Thurmond, D.V.M.

Let's face it - we spend a lot of money on our pets. They deserve the best care we can provide as members of our family. Veterinary care for pets has advanced significantly in recent years as have medications to prevent disease and parasites, and to stop the pain of arthritis or surgery.

Changes in veterinary care reflect the importance we place on family pets today. For many years dogs were spayed and sent home without any provision for pain. Today, it is routine for your veterinarian to provide Rimadyl for dogs, Metacam or Deramaxx to ease pain and stiffness after surgery or from arthritis.

Pet owners can save a significant amount of money by purchasing pet supplies, supplements and medicines online. Initially, many vets were reluctant to transfer prescriptions for owners wanting to buy pet meds elsewhere. This was mainly due to a fear that the medicine received would not be the quality intended or might be a cheaper imitation that could potentially harm the pet.

Buying pet meds online is now a widely accepted practice. Sites that sell discounted pet medicines now offer to call your veterinarian to obtain your prescription or provide a number for you to fax the prescription to the site administrator. With a few basic precautions, pet owners can feel safe ordering pet meds online. The tips below will ensure you receive the exact medicine your pet needs from a seller you can trust.

Visit your veterinarian

Clearly, if you need prescriptive meds for your dog or cat, you need a checkup and diagnosis before purchasing meds. However, even some non-prescriptive supplements can have side effects so it's wise to ask your vet's advice before adding those to your pet's diet.

Don't be embarrassed to tell your vet that you will be buying pet meds online. This is a common practice today and saving money is nothing to apologize for. Once he realizes you are carefully budgeting pet costs, your veterinarian may offer alternative or generic medications that can be substituted for high cost brands. It's definitely worth asking about during your visit. Many sites offering discount pet meds carry both brand and generic versions.

Remember that your veterinarian is the expert on your pet's health. Follow his pet med recommendations. Asking for a prescription for heartworm prevention medication without testing for heartworm or requesting a prescription for pain relief before your vet diagnoses the cause of the pain is not a safe way to medicate your dog.

Coordinate the transfer of your pet's prescriptions to the online site.

It is possible that once he understands your need to buy online to save money, your vet may offer to match the online price for the medication. If not, he may be willing to call the prescription in to the site or may give you a name of someone in his office for the website to contact to get the prescription. Many vets will be willing to fax the prescription to the online site for you as well.

Choose an online pet medication site carefully

You cannot safely choose a pet meds provider based only on pricing. Not all pet meds sold online are the real product as the industry has many cheaply imported fakes and outdated products in circulation.

Your best choice is a site that is connected to a practicing veterinarian. When you choose a site owned and operated by a licensed veterinarian, you can be assured the products you buy are exactly what your vet prescribed for your dog or cat.

Provide dog pain relief after surgery and effective dog arthritis treatment with Rimadyl for dogs, Metacam or Dermaxx. Buy pet meds online at discount prices from a practicing veterinarian at http://www.petscriptsdirect.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D._Thurmond,_D.V.M.

Stamp Out Hunger the movie

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 20:07:36 +0100

Stamp Out Hunger event

Mon, 03 May 2010 22:12:40 +0100

Now normally you won't find me pump'n up the post office but this time I gotta hand to those guys and gals in blue they've come up with a good deal for all us hungry mutts out there...Stamp Out Hunger.

Designed to coincide with USPS annual food drive this Saturday May 8th the post office is releasing this year's newest stamp picturing some of us good look'n dogs and cats urging Americans to adopt a shelter pet.

Thanks to USPS' partnership with Ellen DeGeneres' whose H.A.L.O. pet food brand has pledged 1 million pet meals to shelter pets the event has raised national interest through scores of media outlets coast to coast.

Our friends from Dog Eden Rescue in Dunedin have made it a day to help in 2 ways: adopt a homeless pet and help hungry animals by sponsoring an event at the Dunedin Post Office on County Rd 1 from 9 to 12 noon.

Bring in a donation of pet food and or buy your stamps and 10% of the collected food will go to For Paws Hospice All Pets Kitchen to feed pets of the homeless in Pinellas County.

You can also buy pet food at Natural Pet, 1208 County Rd 1 Dunedin anytime this week before the event and part of the proceeds will go to All Pets Kitchen.

Those of us at the Taxi dog blog thanks all you'se guys for helping us feed homeless pets and we promise to not bite the postal guy for at least a week... honest. Taxi