Working Dogs Part #1 (The Police K-9)

By Tracy Frost

Meet Hugo a K-9 officer and his partner Jeremy Nettles

Hugo is not just a K-9 officer for the Scott County Sheriff’s department, he is a partner, friend and hero. Hugo was injured last year protecting

Have you every wondered what your pets New Year's resolution would be?

By:  Erin St. Charles

Most of us make New Years resolutions and try very hard to keep them!  But this year instead of making a resolution I may or may not keep, I began to wonder what my animals' resolutions would be.  So here they are New Years Resolutions according to my dogs and cats!

 

 

 

Jake the Dog:

I will continue to be awesome by waking my mom up every morning with a staring contest!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lenny the Dog:

I will not hurt myself this year and freak my mom out!

 

 

 

 

Sewer Sally the Kitten:

I will eat only my food and not steal my brother's.

 Cleopatra the Cat:

I am perfect, I have no need for such sophomoric games. 

 

 

Happy New Year Everyone!

 

 

 

Has your dog been diagnosed with diabetes?

By Jane Bishop

 If so, take a deep breath. With good care and monitoring, your dog can live a normal healthy lifespan. Although diabetes can’t be cured, the condition can be successfully managed with daily insulin injections, and changes in diet and lifestyle.

      Controlling diabetes often requires insulin injections every day to restore your diabetic dog’s insulin level, and manage blood glucose concentrations. Each diabetic dog’s requirements are different, so you will need to work with your veterinarian to find the correct dose and treatment regimen for your pet. It may be necessary for your dog to stay at the veterinary clinic for a few days so your Doctor can closely monitor your dog’s response to treatment.

        If your dog does need daily insulin injections, you’ll need to learn how to administer them. At first you may be nervous or even afraid of giving your dog an injection. You’re not alone! Many pet owners are anxious about giving injections. It is easier than you think, and you will quickly learn how to handle daily injections with little stress for your pet or for you.

       Monitoring your dog’s blood glucose concentration is a very important part of diabetes management. Because each diabetic pet is different, your veterinarian will need to help you determine which method of monitoring will work best for you and your dog.

         Diet plays a vital role in helping to keep your dog’s diabetes regulated. Suggested foods include W/D or G/D. These foods include a source of quality protein, in addition to complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber to help slow absorption of glucose from the digestive system. It also usually has a low fat content. Overall, a palatable and nutritious diet that minimizes fluctuations in blood glucose and helps your dog maintain a healthy weight is important for managing diabetes.

          Exercise helps keep pets active, healthy, and happy. For diabetic dogs however, exercise needs to be regulated because activity affects your dog’s blood glucose concentrations. It is best to create a consistent exercise routine for your diabetic dog to avoid sudden changes in glucose requirements. If you are concerned about the amount of exercise your diabetic pet needs, please contact the staff at Central Kentucky Veterinary Center.

           Diabetes can affect a dog differently over time. While you may feel confident in your ability to care for your diabetic dog, visiting your veterinarian regularly will help you to successfully manage the condition. With a chronic condition like diabetes, it is important to stay in close touch your veterinarian and clinic staff.

            You can rely on the staff at Central Kentucky Veterinary Center to answer all your questions and help you as you learn to manage your dog’s diabetes successfully.  You can reach us at 502-863-0868.

 

** Not all insulin and syringes are equal,  always use what your veterinarian recommends.

 

 

Feline Diabetes Management

By Tammy Washburn, LVT 

            Feline Diabetes affects ¼ million cats each year and treating them can be challenging.  Most cats will need to be on insulin twice a day and a specific food for the rest of their life. Routine  

veterinary checks are recommended.

            Diabetic cats will need to be on a low carbohydrate, high protein or high fiber diet.  This type of diet is digested slowly and helps to maintain lower blood glucose levels.  Because diabetics are prone to obesity it is important to control the portions of food given. Some of the diabetic diets available are Hills M/D, W/D or Purina DM.  In rare cases some cats can be maintained on diet alone.  

             Along with a controlled diets most cats will need to be on insulin twice a day for the rest of their life.  Insulin helps to lower blood glucose concentrations.  It is important that cats eat before giving insulin to prevent the glucose levels from dropping too low.   Feeding and insulin injections should be given at about the same time each day.  We recommend keeping Karo Syrup on hand in case their glucose level drops too low.  If this occurs you may notice you cat acting sleepy or stumbling when it walks.  Whenever there is a question as to if insulin should be given or how much never hesitate to Central Kentucky Veterinary Center 502-863-0868. 

            Glucose checks need to be done periodically throughout the year to make sure the appropriate dose of insulin is being given.  If you notice your cat is losing weight, drinking more water, or acting lethargic give us a call.  The glucose level may be too high or too low. 

 

Not all insulin or syringes are equal.  Always check with your veterinarian.

 

            For more information you can go to www.dvm360.com,  www.aahanet.org,

or www.mycathasdiabetes.com.

 

 

What is Diabetes Mellitus

By Kristi Skelton, LVT

Diabetes mellitus is a disease that can affect both cats and dogs.  The disease can cause

similar symptoms in both species including increased appetite, weight loss, increased thirst, and increased urination.  These symptoms all correspond to a lack of glucose in the body tissues. 

When an animal ingests glucose it travels from the bloodstream to the tissues and eventually to the cells of the body via a transport hormone called insulin.  If the pancreas is producing too little insulin or no insulin at all the glucose remains trapped in the bloodstream where it is filtered by the kidneys.  In a non-diabetic animal the kidneys will reabsorb the glucose found in the bloodstream.  However, in the diabetic animal there is too much glucose to reabsorb and the extra is lost in the urine along with excess water.  This causes the animal to urinate more and thus drink more. 

If the tissues of the body are not supplied with glucose the body goes into starvation mode.  It begins to breakdown proteins, starches, and fats as a source of energy.  Fats are broken down into ketones which can be used as an energy source in desperate situations.  Ketones are eventually excreted in the urine.  Even though the animal is eating more than usual the body is not getting the required glucose it needs so the breakdown of other energy sources, such as fat, cause significant weight loss.   

Along with clinical symptoms the diabetic animal is diagnosed with blood tests and urine tests which can show increased glucose levels and the presence of ketones.  After a pet is diagnosed with diabetes it must be carefully regulated and maintained for the lifetime of the animal.   

If you have any question please contact Central Kentucky Veterinary Center 502-863-0868.

 

Health Treat Ideas for Your Pets

By Tracy Frost 

In today’s world our pets have become a huge part of our family and we tend to spoil them by giving them special snacks; but are we giving them the right ones?  Many times those treats are actually harming our pets.  Even those we buy at the store are high in fats and causes our pets to gain unwanted weight which can lead to many physical problems and other health issues. Table scraps can be even worse.  Oily and fatty foods, which are often found on our tables, can lead to severe dog/cat health problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Even worse, there are several people foods that are highly toxic to animals. Onions or any food prepared with them, for instance, can be unsafe for dogs/cats and should never be given to them.  Table foods also contain a higher amount of sodium, which can be harmful to our old pets, or any animal that suffers from some types of kidney, liver, or heart disease. The excess sodium can cause high blood pressure or the accumulation of excessive body fluid. So here are some easy natural and health alternative to try.

Dogs:

Brown rice: is an especially good food for dogs with upset stomachs. 

Red Peppers: are packed with vitamins and dogs love their sweet taste.

Pumpkin: is rich in carotenoids, beta-carotene, alpha carotene, fiber, zinc, iron, vitamin A, and potassium.  It can also help your dog lose weight because it’s low in fat, but filling.

Apple slices:  are a great sweet treat, but also contains calcium, vitamin K, Vitamin C and pectin.

Quinoa: is different type of grain that is great for dogs that have grain sensitivities and, like brown rice, is great at settling the stomach.

Carrots: you can feed these raw, as a crunchy snack to help reduce tartar, or you can cook them and add to your dog’s dinner.

Cauliflower/Broccoli: are great cancer-fighting cruciferous vegetables that dogs love. (Just remember too much can cause your dog to have gas).

Dehydrated Apricots: these are great for those dogs who have a sweet tooth.

 

Cats:

Fish: Most cats love fish, and it can provide some much needed nutrients for them.

Eggs: Eggs are great for cats because they're rich in protein.

Meat: animal meat is one of the safest human foods to give a cat.

Broccoli: If you notice your cat chomping on house plants, try feeding it a small portion of steamed broccoli. This could satisfy their desire for greens, and keep them away from potentially toxic house plants. Veggies, like plants and grass, can also help your cat clear up digestive troubles.

Melon: melon could be a good bite to feed cats to stop them from chewing on house plants. Cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon are fine for your cat to ingest in small quantities, as long as seeds are removed. The fruits can help your feline with digestive issues.

Spinach: Once again, if your cat is craving some green stuff, spinach can be a good way to go.  Especially when you are trying to help your pet relieve tummy troubles. Spinach should not be fed to cats with a history of urinary or kidney problems, since the calcium oxalates in the leaf can form crystals in the urinary tract.

Cheese:  Cheese is a good source of protein for felines, but since many cats are lactose intolerant, larger portions can cause digestive issues. Try feeding your feline friend cottage cheese or low-lactose cheeses before attempting anything richer.

 

Birds:

Broccoli: Vitamins A and C, plus B vitamins and calcium. Good fiber, low fat.

Kale: Vitamins A, C, and K, plus calcium and beta-carotene. Found in most grocery stores. Clip raw pieces to cage bars or wedge in toys.

Blueberries:  Vitamin C and antioxidants. Not as carbohydrate-rich as some fruits, but feed sparingly.

Sweet Potatoes: Calcium, Vitamins A, B, C, and E – serve small portions; they are high in starches and sugars.

Carrots: Beta-carotene, Vitamins B and C, and folic acid. Slice in sticks so birds can hold like foot toys.

Almonds: Lower in fat than many nuts. Feed only as an occasional treat – in shell for larger birds or in pieces for smaller birds.

Papaya: Beta-carotene and fiber without the fat. Serve dried pieces in moderation due to high carb count.

Red peppers: Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and fiber – plus mostly water, so low in calories.

Peas: Vitamins A and C, calcium, and potassium. Serve in pod for large birds.

Wheat grass:  Antioxidant vitamins and minerals – grow and serve in a pot to encourage natural preening behaviors.

 

***  Dangers foods for Dogs and Cats: ***

CHOCOLATE

SUGARLESS GUM

ALCOHOL

YEAST DOUGH

GRAPES AND RAISINS

                                                 MACADAMIA NUTS

                                                 ONIONS

                                                 GARLIC (feline)

                                                 CAFFEINE

 

 

 

Trick or Treat

By Amy Marcum, LVT

1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup oatmeal
2 cups soy flour (or whole wheat)

Preheat oven to 375
Makes 2 dozen
Prep time: 20 min  Cook Time: 40 min

  Combine pumpkin, water, oil, cinnamon, and
nutmeg in a bowl.  Stir well.
 



Gradually add oatmeal and flour.  Form a dough.

 

Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick.

 

Cut with a cookie cutter.

Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 375 for
 40 minutes.

 

Treats should be medium brown on the bottom
If bones are not bone hard then add an additional
5 minutes.  Store in an airtight container or you can
freeze them.