iPawz

Pets as family means new opportunities in veterinary medicine

As people are increasingly willing to devote resources to treating pets with serious illnesses, the lines between human and veterinary oncology are blurring, cancer treatment and other veterinary specialties are gaining prominence and drugmakers are responding. "Over the last few decades, we've seen a major emphasis on pets within the family," said veterinarian Christine Jenkins of Zoetis. "This points to the growing importance of pets within the household and of pet medicine."

full story at WSJ

Video: Microchipping Pets

The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends the use of microchip identification implants for pets to help raise the likelihood that lost pets will be returned to their owners. Dr. Melissa Feltes of the Care Animal Hospital of Arlington Heights explains the advantages of using microchip identifications for pets, how they are implanted, and what pet owners should do to keep the information linked to them current and useful to animal rescuers.

AVMA shares tips to avoid accidental pet poisonings

Common household items including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and houseplants can prove poisonous to pets, AVMA reminds owners on the 50th anniversary of Poison Prevention Week.

Houseplants are common household hazards for pets, including Cycad (Sago Palm), philodendron, dieffenbachia and lilies, which are extremely poisonous for cats. For a complete list, visit www.avma.org.

• Xylitol, a common artificial sweetener in pudding, sugarless chewing gum and baked items, is very poisonous to dogs and can result in death.
• Raisins and grapes are toxic to dogs and cats. While researchers haven't determined the cause of this toxicity, for some reason raisins seem to be far more likely to result in a serious poisoning.
• Birds are sensitive to aerosol sprays, like hair spray or fragrances, and also avocados.
• Chocolate can make a cat or dog very ill. The more concentrated the cocoa, for example in baking chocolate, the more dangerous it is for pets.
• Onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and coffee grounds are toxic to dogs and cats.
• Cleaning products, automotive chemicals, like antifreeze, batteries, pennies, moth balls and glue all present issues for pets. Keep these products in close cabinets or high off the ground.

If you suspect that your pet has gotten into a poison, immediately call your veterinarian, your local emergency veterinary clinic or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

 

KHOU-TV (Houston)/Animal Attraction blog

Veterinary nutritionist debunks pet food myths

According to veterinary nutritionist Lisa Freeman, flashy pet food marketing can often sidetrack pet owners, but the savvy shopper must look past advertising and analyze the facts. The most important pieces of information on pet food packaging are the manufacturer, the nutritional adequacy statement, and the intended life stage of the pet, she says. Dr. Freeman also explains a novel way to assess an animal's weight.

The Tufts Daily (Tufts University)

50 best veterinary blogs and resources for veterinary students

Ipawz.com is proud to be mentioned in RNCentral's 50 Best Blogs for Veterinary Students:

"Class isn't the only place students can learn-- they can also expand their knowledge through the power of the internet. These animal and veterinary care blogs are the perfect place to learn more about tending to sick or injured animals and the ins and outs of running a practice.

They list:

iPawz: Celebrate companion animals from parrots to puppies on this great blog. Recommended Post: "Ear cropping in dogs."