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Drawing upon an international database of some 16,000 dogs, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have pinpointed what's believed to be the first solid predictor of future arthritis. The scientists have found that laxity in the hip joint—several millimeters' worth of excessive play between the ball of the femur and the hip socket—correlates strongly with the advent of hip arthritis later in a dog's life.

"The relationship between hip laxity and arthritis in dogs is akin to the relationship between high cholesterol and heart disease in humans," said lead author Gail K. Smith, professor of orthopedic surgery and chair of the Philadelphia Department of Clinical Studies at Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine. "Hip laxity is no guarantee of arthritis later in life, but it is a very solid risk factor."

The finding, reported in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, could lead to new ways of averting or minimizing the occurrence of canine arthritis, which afflicts an estimated 70 to 80 percent of dogs in certain breeds. Since a canine generation is just 30 to 36 months, Smith said selective breeding to avoid high-laxity individuals could slash the incidence of canine arthritis within 10 years.

Smith, who began collecting data on arthritis in dogs in 1983, says the physiological similarities between dogs and humans make it very likely that joint laxity could similarly signal the likelihood of arthritis in people, whose laxity could be remedied in humans with medications. There is currently no such risk factor used to predict the onset of arthritis among humans.

In dogs, several larger breeds are most prone to arthritis: golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, Newfoundlands and St. Bernards. Conversely, certain breeds that have long been bred for speed or athletic prowess, such as performance borzois and racing greyhounds, almost never develop arthritis.

Golden Retriever

"This research gives dog breeders an additional tool they may use in their efforts to decrease the incidence of hip dysplasia," said Mary B. Mahaffey of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, who was not involved in the work. "The authors give good recommendations for breeders striving to decrease the incidence of hip dysplasia in their kennels, and should allow breeders to make reasonably good progress in reducing the incidence of hip dysplasia."

As in humans, canine arthritis becomes more symptomatic with age. More than half of 2-year-old golden retrievers show radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease, and more than 90 percent of susceptible dogs show signs by old age.

The current study grew out of Smith's development of a now-licensed system called the Penn Hip Improvement Program, or PennHIP. Some 1,400 veterinarians worldwide have been trained to use PennHIP to measure hip laxity among dogs; it's from these clinicians that Smith gathered data on the 15,742 dogs included in the JAVMA paper.

University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program

PennHIP positions dogs differently than traditional radiography of the hip, which images dogs with rear legs extended. With PennHIP, the veterinarian takes one image of a sedated dog's hip in the conventional position. Then, with the hips in a more neutral position, this image is supplemented with two others: one with the femoral head pushed in toward the hip socket and one with it pulled away from the socket. Comparing the latter images lets clinicians determine how many millimeters of play exist between femur and socket.

Source for this article: University of Pennsylvania, Office of University Communications

About two weeks before the puppies are due, a nesting box should be introduced to the expectant mother. The box should be made from a washable material and located in a warm and secluded area. The bottom of the box should be lined with an absorbent material that can be changed frequently. Newspapers, towels, or clean rags make excellent bed liners.

Late Stage of Pregnancy

The first stage of labor is marked by uterine contractions. The expectant mother appears restless and may pace about the house. She refuses to eat and sometimes vomits. The bitch may isolate herself and exhibit nesting behavior. (Hopefully, nesting will occur in the whelping box.) This behavior is normal and there is little that the owner can do. This stage generally lasts 8-24 hours.

The second stage of labor begins when the cervix is completely dilated. The delivery of the puppy occurs during this phase. Phase three of labor refers to the expulsion of the placenta and the afterbirth.

After several contractions, the first puppy is born. If the first puppy is not born within 45 minutes after the beginning of contractions, a veterinarian should be called. The time interval between successive puppies is extremely variable and can range anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. It is not unusual for a mother to rest between groups of puppies.

Generally when each puppy is born, it is enclosed in a membrane or sac. The mother usually licks the puppy's face and rips open the sac. If this sac is not immediately broken by the mother, human intervention is required. The sac must be opened, and the puppy's face must be rubbed. Rubbing the puppy's face with a clean cloth is an excellent method to stimulate breathing.

A placentas is usually passed within 15 minutes after the birth of a puppy. Occasionally, two placentas may follow two puppies.

There are two normal positions for delivery. The puppies may come out "head first" or "rear first". A "head first" delivery is generally easier than a "rear first" delivery.

Human intervention is required when a puppy is lodged in the birth canal. When this occurs (and the mother is not able to expel the puppy herself), the mother must be restrained and gentle traction applied to the puppy. The puppy is grasped with a clean dry towel and pulled in a downward position, toward the mother's feet. When a puppy is lodged in the birth canal for a considerable amount of time, it is usually born dead.

Following each birth, the remaining portion of the sac should be removed from the puppy's face. Any mucus surrounding the nostrils should be cleared away. Puppies should be placed on a dry clean towel and rubbed. Vigorously rubbing of the puppy stimulates breathing. Using a fine-diameter thread, each umbilical cord should be tied about one inch from the puppy's belly. The cord is cut on the far side of the knot, and the remaining stump (with the cord) is dipped into a white iodine or Betadine solution. If the puppies are similar looking, it is best to number each one with a permanent marker.

Recently Born Puppy

When the mother is relaxed and she settles down with her puppies, it is safe to assume that the birthing process is over. Within 12-18 hours after all puppies are delivered, the mother should be examined by a veterinarian.

Normal vaginal discharge is brown, green or red in color. A significant amount of discharge is present following birth. This discharge tapers off and gradually subsides in 4-8 weeks. If the discharge is abundant, foul-smelling, pussy, or extremely bloody, a veterinarian should be consulted.

Cancer is an often life-threatening disease that many people think affects only humans. So, it often comes as a shock to many pet owners when their pet is diagnosed with cancer.

Cancer in animals is unfortunately not uncommon and is very similar to cancer in humans. Like humans, the causes of cancer can either be genetic or environmental. The common types of cancer seen in companion animals are diagnosed more frequently only because we can detect them more easily. These cancers involve the lymph nodes, limbs or skin tumors. Tumors located in organs or inside body cavities are more difficult to diagnose and are often not detected until the animal develops clinical symptoms.

Know the Signs of Cancer in Pets

There are a number of indications that an animal may have cancer. The best way to detect the commonly diagnosed types of cancer is for owners to carefully feel their animals all over once a week. It is also a good idea for owners to try and look inside their pets mouths once a week. Owners should pet their animals thoroughly once a week and feel for abnormal lumps, bumps, swellings, and any area that's just plain painful. Open, ulcerated wounds that take a long time to heal (or not heal at all) might be another potential sign of cancer.

Some non-specific symptoms of cancer include a lack of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, or diarrhea. Also, certain breeds are more prone to cancer than others. Breeds such as boxers, Bernese mountain dogs, and golden retrievers are overrepresented in the development of cancer. There have even been studies that have traced the family trees of dogs. These studies have suggested a genetic predisposition in certain families.

Bernese Mountain Dog

In order to identify the exact type of cancer, aspirates and biopsies are performed. Once the cancer is identified, it is "staged". This is accomplished by performing additional diagnostic tests such as lymph node sampling, ultrasonography and / or radiology examination.

Often, the diagnosis of cancer leaves owners feeling that there is no hope for their pet. However, many types of cancer can be successfully treated and these pets can return to a normal life.

Treatment depends on the type and location of the cancer. If possible, surgical removal of the tumor is performed. Some types of cancer are responsive to chemotherapy, which include a variety of oral and intravenous medications. Dogs and cats tend to tolerate chemotherapy well and rarely develop the same side effects that are seen in humans. Prior to treatment, blood and urine tests are performed to asses the overall health of the pet to be sure they are good candidates for treatment.

Before beginning a cancer treatment, many things need to be taken into consideration. Most important is the animal's quality of life verses the aggressiveness of the treatment. The same types of drugs that are used in human cancer therapy are used in veterinary cancer therapy. The chief difference is that we tend to use lower doses at less frequent intervals.

Chemotherapy is one form of cancer therapy that is offered. The primary goal of chemotherapy is to obtain a cure. If a cure is not possible, the goal of chemotherapy is to provide a better quality of life for your pet. We recommend treatment only if it is appropriate for your pet.

Most chemotherapy protocols are designed so pets don't become terribly ill. In fact, many pet owners don't even realize that their pet has had chemotherapy. Less than 5 percent of the animals develop severe vomiting, diarrhea or a severe drop in their blood counts. Compared to the side effects of chemotherapy in humans, hair loss is very uncommon in pets.

For many people, their pets are more than just animals; they are members of their family. Usually pet owners want to do everything that they can to prolong their pets' lives and keep them feeling healthy. Chemotherapy is an excellent method for treating many types of cancer in pets.

Dental care is vital to your pet's health! If you've already established a dental care program for your pet, you're off to a great start. But if your pet hasn't received a dental exam from your veterinarian, it's time to get started. February is National Pet Dental Health Month, the perfect time to schedule a dental exam for your pet and develop a home care regimen for your best friend.

Why is dental care so important for your pet? Periodontal disease is the number one diagnosed problem in pets - by the age of two, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have periodontal disease in one form or another. The buildup of plaque and tartar on your pet's teeth leads to bacterial infections that can enter the bloodstream and infect other parts of your pet's body. Periodontal disease has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, osteoporosis and other problems.

The good news is that periodontal disease is easily prevented. Routine dental cleanings and a home dental care regimen can eliminate the plaque and tartar that lead to gum disease and oral infections. During a dental cleaning, your veterinarian also performs a complete oral examination of your pet. This includes screening for oral cancer, broken teeth and cavities. Spotting these problems early on makes them easier to treat and improves your pet's overall oral health.

Your pet's dental cleaning is more involved than the same process you go through at the dentist's office. Anesthesia is required to keep your pet still and comfortable during the procedure. Because of this, your pet undergoes a thorough physical examination before each dental cleaning. Laboratory blood tests, as well as other diagnostic procedures are also used to screen for potential problems and risks before anesthesia is administered. Using these results, we develop a safe anesthetic protocol specifically for your pet.

During a dental cleaning, tartar is removed from your pet's teeth with a hand scaler. Next, a periodontal probe is used to check for pockets under the gumline - where periodontal disease and bad breath start. An ultrasonic scaler is used to clean above the gumline and a curette is used to clean and smooth the teeth under the gumline and in the crevices. Finally, the teeth are polished and an anti-bacterial solution is used to help delay future tartar build-up.

Dental care doesn't end in your veterinarian's office. Brushing your pet's teeth at home is an added level of protection against gum disease. In order to be most effective, brushing must be done at least three times a week; however, daily brushing is ideal. Brushing your pet's teeth can be supplemented with antiseptic rinses. Some pet foods and treats are also effective in preventing plaque and tartar buildup. However, there is no substitute for regular brushing and professional dental cleanings.

Schedule a dental examination and cleaning for your pet today. Your best friend will thank you!

Leptospirosis is an old bacterial disease that is getting a lot of new attention recently. It is rarely fatal, but can seriously damage the liver, kidneys, and eyes. Additional strains of this old disease are causing an increased number of cases in both people and animals. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease - a disease that can be transmitted between people and animals. Learn what can be causing this increase of Leptospirosis - who is at risk, and what can be done to protect people and pets.

NEWS FLASH

LEPTOSPIROSIS THREAT IN HURRICANE AREAS... According to Dr. Kenneth Harkin, an expert on leptospirosis, leptospirosis could be a threat in flooded areas in the Gulf Coast that were not contaminated by sewage and chemicals. While the greater part of New Orleans will most likely not experience the threat of leptospirosis, some areas in Mississippi and Louisiana could be affected. Areas that received a large amount of rain, even without substantial flooding, would be at a higher risk. Harkin's research has found that, in Thailand, leptospirosis ranked just behind Dengue fever in one disease outbreak following flooding. In Puerto Rico in 1996, the prevalence of leptospirosis jumped four-fold in Dengue-negative patients following a Hurricane. Press Play Video Now.

1. What is the mother's first priority for her new kitten?

A. To smell it
B. To give it a bowl of food
C. To get it to feed
D. To get it breathing

2. As well as sustenance, what does a mother's milk pass on to her kittens?

A. Sense of his mother's smell
B. Immunity from diseases
C. Thicker fur
D. The substance which makes cat's tongues rough

3. There are 4 basic stages to a cat's development. The Neonatal Phase, the Socialisation Phase and the Adult Phase are three of them. What is the fourth?

A. Juvenile phase
B. Infantile phase
C. Youth phase
D. Childish phase

4. When do kittens' eyes open?

A. 2 months
B. 1st day
C. 1 to 3 weeks
D. 4 to 6 weeks

5.When does the kittens' hearing develop?

A. 5th week
B. In the womb
C. 2nd week
D. 1st day

6. Which week do the kittens' milk teeth start to appear?

A. Day 1
B. 3 months
C. Week 7
D. Week 3

7. What week does the mother begin to discourage kittens from suckling, thus starting weaning?

A. 1st day
B. 5 Weeks
C. 3 months
D. 10 weeks

8.Once kittens start interacting with other cats and humans, they begin to use body language. For example, pricked ears and tail held high mean that a cat or kitten is feeling friendly and approachable. What does it mean when a cat's or kitten's ears are flat against the head, the back is arched and the tail is completely erect?

A. The cat wants to eat
B. The cat is asleep
C. The cat is frightened
D. The cat is ready to fight

9.Kittens can purr.

A. Yes
B. No

10. What is the earliest date that a kitten should be brought home?

A. 8 Weeks
B. 4 Weeks
C. 2 Weeks
D. 6 Weeks

We’ve identified seven general reasons for barking. Each generates a different kind of bark with a unique sound.

1. Barking to induce play—Dogs will stop barking as the play proceeds. If you do not play with the dog, he (or she) will eventually give up and stop barking.
2. Barking to discipline young—This bark generally does not persist, as one or two warnings usually stop younger animals in their tracks.
3. Barking to warn of danger—This is a deep, repeated bark. The barking will generally persist until the source of danger is removed or until the dog is able to retreat to a position of safety.



4. Barking to threaten intruders—To stop such a bark, you must either remove the intruder or remove the dog from the situation. Sometimes, stepping to the dog’s side and assuring it that all is well will cause it to stop barking.
5. Curiosity barking—In general, this bark is displayed when there is some activity near a dog, but in such a place where the animal cannot have a good look. To stop the barking, all you have to do is let the dog see what it is curious about.
6. Barking for companionship—This is an incessant, repetitive bark, accompanied by a relatively motionless tail and concentration toward the area most associated with the dog’s owners. The solution to this type of bark is to spend more time with the dog and to allow the dog access to the area where humansspend their time. This bark is often displayed by dogs that are ignored, tied out alone or locked up alone.
7. Barking for reward—Dogs can be inadvertently trained to bark and will persist with remarkable persistence. Barking can become associated with almost any activity that leads to reward. For instance, a dog that barks at garbage trucks because they intrude within its territory will learn that persistent barking leads to the disappearance of the trucks. This rewards the barking behavior, and a cycle is begun that is difficult to break. To break the cycle, it is necessary to interrupt the natural system of reward.