Puppy and Kitten Issue
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August 2010
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Our theme this month is puppy and kitten care. It is so important to get off to the right start when raising a young pet. There is a great deal of information available these days, especially on the internet, it can be hard to decide which is best for you and your new friend. As always, we promote a more natural approach to caring for youngsters. I hope you find our information useful; as always, please contact us with questions or feedback.
Judy Jasek, DVM
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Ask Doctor Krause
Dear Doctor Krause,
I've seen treats at the pet store that are supposed to help my pet's teeth, do they really work? Should I be feeding treats to keep their teeth clean?
There are some dental treats that can be helpful in reduction of tartar build up. Keep in mind that the best way to prevent tartar accumulation is by daily brushing and regular cleanings under anesthesia. have more questions, please call the office at (303) 794-2008.
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| In This Issue: |
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| Ask Doctor Krause |
| Things to Consider Before Spaying or Neutering Your Pet Early |
| Raising Puppies & Kittens Holistically |
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Contact Us |
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Dr. Judy Jasek
Dr. Angie Krause
200 W. Lehow Ave.
Englewood, Colorado 80110
303-794-2008
Email
Contact Form
Website
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Things to Consider Before Spaying or Neutering Your Pet Early
Despite previous practice, there now exists evidence that spaying or neutering your pet before the age of 12 months can be detrimental to the health of your pet. For the reasons stated below based on recent studies performed, Dr. Judy Jasek now recommends waiting until around 12 months of age to spay or neuter your pet.
ORTHOPEDIC CONSIDERATIONS
Evidence shows that spaying or neutering your dog before a year of age allows the growth plates to remain open, resulting in your pet becoming taller than he or she normally would. This occurs because the sex hormones communicate with other growth-related hormones that promote the closure of the growth plates at puberty. Hence, the bones of dogs altered before puberty continue to grow. Furthermore, sex hormones are also important for achieving peak bone density. (1)
One study showed that spayed and neutered dogs had a higher incidence of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture. (2) Another recent study showed dogs neutered before 5 ½ months of age had a significantly higher incidence of hip dysplasia than those spayed or neutered after 5 ½ months of age. (3)
CANCER CONSIDERATIONS
One study shows that spayed females have a 5 times greater risk and neutered males a 2.4 times greater risk of hemangiosarcoma of the heart, one of the three most common cancers in dogs. (4) A study of over 3,200 dogs showed that dogs neutered before a year of age had a significantly increased chance of developing bone cancers, such as osteosarcoma. (5)
Despite previous thought, one study suggests that neutering does not decrease the rates of prostate cancer in dogs. (6) Although the risk of mammary cancer in female dogs is increased after one heat cycle, and more so for each subsequent heat cycle, only about 30% of mammary cancers are malignant. With regular exams by your vet, early detection and removal of such tumors leads to a very good prognosis. (7)
OTHER HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
The same study that identified a higher risk of hip dysplasia also noted increased frequency of noise phobias and undesirable sexual behaviors in spayed and neutered dogs. (3) Multiple studies have shown increased risk of female urinary incontinence of dogs spayed early and urethral sphincter incontinence in neutered males. (8, 9) mOne study of several thousand Golden Retrievers showed that altered dogs were more likely to develop hypothyroidism. (10)
References:
1. Salmeri KR, Bloomberg MS, Scruggs SL, Shille V.. Gonadectomy in immature dogs: effects on skeletal, physical, and behavioral development. JAVMA 1991;198:1193-1203
2. Slauterbeck JR, Pankratz K, Xu KT, Bozeman SC, Hardy DM. Canine ovariohysterectomy and orchiectomy increases the prevalence of ACL injury. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2004 Dec;(429):301-5.
3. Spain CV, Scarlett JM, Houpt KA. Long-term risks and benefits of early-age gonadectomy in dogs. JAVMA 2004;224:380-387.
4. Ware WA, Hopper DL. Cardiac tumors in dogs: 1982-1995. J Vet Intern Med 1999 Mar-Apr;13(2):95-103
5. Cooley DM, Beranek BC, Schlittler DL, Glickman NW, Glickman LT, Waters D, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2002 Nov;11(11):1434-40
6. Obradovich J, Walshaw R, Goullaud E. The influence of castration on the development of prostatic carcinoma in the dog. 43 cases (1978-1985). J Vet Intern Med 1987 Oct-Dec;1(4):183-7
7. Meuten DJ. Tumors in Domestic Animals. 4th Edn. Iowa State Press, Blackwell Publishing Company, Ames, Iowa, p. 575
8. Stocklin-Gautschi NM, Hassig M, Reichler IM, Hubler M, Arnold S. The relationship of urinary incontinence to early spaying in bitches. J. Reprod. Fertil. Suppl. 57:233-6, 2001
9. Aaron A, Eggleton K, Power C, Holt PE. Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in male dogs: a retrospective analysis of 54 cases. Vet Rec. 139:542-6, 1996
10. http://www.grca.org/healthsurvey.pdf
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Raising Puppies and Kittens Holistically
There is nothing more exciting and joyful than a playful puppy or kitten. Not only is this a fun time of your pet's life, it is a crucial time to set the stage for optimum health. The following are some guidelines to help raise a healthy puppy or kitten.
1. Diet
Diet is the cornerstone of health. Without a healthy diet, optimum health cannot be obtained. There are several ways to feed a high
quality diet conveniently and cost effectively. This is also a great time to introduce your pet to a variety of foods. We are happy to advise
you on the healthiest diet to meet your animal's individual needs as well as your lifestyle.
2. Teeth
Now is the time to introduce the tooth brush to both your puppy and kitten. Even though these baby teeth won't stay around long, getting
your animal accustomed to daily brushing could mean a lifetime of dental health.
3. Vaccines
Over- vaccinating puppies and kittens when they are young may lead to chronic health problems for life. It is important that vaccinations are
not started before 8 weeks of age and are spaced appropriately. At Belleview, we prefer to tailor the vaccination schedule to individual
patient needs and lifestyle.
4. Avoid Trouble
Puppies and kittens have a propensity to getting into trouble. The most common accident is ingestion of foreign or toxic substances. Puppies and kittens should be monitored at all times as they are prone to eating just about anything. If you are not able to monitor your puppy, be sure to put them in a safe place such as a kennel.
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More Puppy Resources:
Puppies are usually weaned at six or seven weeks, but are still learning important skills as their mother gradually leaves them more and more.... [Click here to read more]
2. Dealing with Normal Puppy Behavior: Nipping and Rough Play
When puppies play with each other, they use their mouths. Therefore, puppies usually want to bite or "mouth" hands during play or when being petted... [Click here to read more]
3. Crate Training your Dog
Crate training your dog may take some time and effort, but can be useful in a variety of situations. If you have a new dog or puppy, you can use the crate to limit his access to the house until he learns all the house rules.... [Click here to read more]
4. Dealing with Normal Puppy Behavior: Chewing
It is definitely true that, similar to human infants and toddlers, puppies explore their world by putting things in their mouths. In addition, puppies are teething until they're about 6 months old, which usually causes them some discomfort. Chewing not only facilitates teething, but also makes sore gums feel better... [Click here to read more]
5. Dogs Toys and How to Use Them
Many behavior problems in dogs are the result of boredom or excess energy. Toys offer mental and physical stimulation and enrichment. Directing your dog's energy into play with toys can prevent or help resolve such problems as... [Click here to read more]
For more pet tips please visit:
Denver Dumb Friends League's Info Page
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Vaccine and Vaccine Alternatives
Young animals are more susceptible to some diseases since their immune systems have not fully developed. We want to help keep your puppies and kittens as healthy as possible. Vaccinations can play a role in disease prevention, but can also cause some serious and even life-threatening side effects. We evaluate each pet individually and assess the actual risk of disease and make our recommendations from there. We give singular vaccines when possible, and recommend spreading out their administration to avoid overwhelming the immune system. Antibody titers can be measured to evaluate the actual response to a vaccination.
We also offer nosodes, which are a homeopathic form of vaccination. Nosodes are made from diseased tissue and prepared at very small dilutions. They are then given orally which is a more natural route of exposure, thus causing fewer side effects than injections. There are also no preservatives or other chemical additives which can also lead to reactions. Nosodes do not generate the same response as traditional vaccinations, so there is not a measurable antibody level if a titer is checked.
If your pet has already received multiple vaccinations, we can help its body detoxify and minimize the risk of vaccinosis; or treat symptoms if they have already become apparent. We also have specific remedies that can be given at the time of vaccination to help minimize potential side effects.
We will help you make educated decisions about the best way to protect your puppy or kitten and prevent the unwanted side effects of vaccination.
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