Ask The Vet RadioShow Notes

Show #: 06-126

Show Description: "Animal Cruelty/ Pet Dermatology Hour by Novartis"

Audio Files: ATVR-06-126.mp3, ATVR-06-126.wma

This week on Ask The Vet Radio Dr. Elizabeth Strand, Director of Veterinary Social Work at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, joined us for the first hour to discuss the different types of acts categorized as animal cruelty.  Sherry Rout, Legislative Liaison for the Southern Region of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), called in to speak about current laws that are in place to protect animals, annual statistics, and how to report someone suspected of animal abuse.  For the second hour, Novartis sponsored an entire hour dedicated to pet dermatology with Dr. Keith Hnilica from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.  Dr. Hnilica specifically targeted allergic reactions to fleas, food, and pollen that can cause pets to itch and scratch.

Show Notes and Resources:

In-Studio Guest: Dr. Elizabeth Strand, Director of Veterinary Social Work at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine

  • Animal Cruelty can be a sensitive issue since the definition of animal cruelty is fairly vague and does not give a clear representation of what it entails.  Many witnesses fail to report animal cruelty because they are unclear as to which acts should go reported and which are considered owner preference.  Anyone witness to an act that is suspected as animal cruelty should notify animal control for an inspection to take place.  Usually authorities come out and give suspected owners a 72 hour period to improve the animal’s living conditions before ceasing the animal.  You can try to approach the individual yourself if the case has yet to become dangerous for the animal.
  • Some acts people consider to be humane others consider to be cruel.  One example is the declawing of cats.  Declawing ultimately eliminates any defensive abilities if the cat were to ever leave a domestic living situation.  The act can also cause behavioral and emotional issues to the cat, especially with increased age.  Scratching furniture and skin is one of the top reasons why cats are relinquished or euthanized.  While alternatives to declawing are available (such as product called Soft Claws), declawing can be used as a last resort if is saves the cat from being euthanized or relinquished!
  • Tail and ear cropping are methods that are usually performed for personal preference.  Ear cropping is a rather painful surgery that usually causes bleeding and a lengthy recovery time.  Tail cropping can be very painful if the animal has reached a certain age.  In history, some breeds like Jack Russel Terriers used to get their dewclaws removed to eliminate it from getting caught on things and ripping off causing serious injury.  Today, most alterations are considered cosmetic due to the fact that breeders have become accustomed to the “altered look” of particular breeds. 
  • Leaving animals tied up everyday and never allowing them to socialize or exercise is also considered a form of cruelty.  Animals that are not allowed to get off their chain routinely can develop behavioral problems such as excessive barking.  The most frequent case of cruelty is when a dog’s collar has grown into the animal’s neck.  Leaving an animal tied up during the day is acceptable, but leaving an animal permanently chained without any opportunity to get away from this spot is cruel and needs to be reported if witnessed. 

Call-In Guest: Sherry Rout, Legislative Liaison for the Southern Region of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

  • All 50 states under the Federal Animal Welfare Act have basic animal cruelty and neglect laws in effect, with 43 containing felony charges for aggravated acts of cruelty.  There are many laws involving animal cruelty, such as those involving the elimination of puppy mills, animal fighting, pet lemons, dangerous dogs, and neglect cases.  There are also laws that mandate the spaying and neutering of all shelter animals to reduce overpopulation and puppy mills.  Cross-reporting laws allow social services to investigate domestic violence and child abuse when residents are suspected of animal cruelty.  Statistics show that the people that are capable of committing animal cruelty are often also guilty of abuse toward human beings.  The ASPCA provides training to law enforcement officers when requested.    Though there are good laws in place, laws can only be enforced if people step up and report suspicious behavior to animal control.  To get more involved with the ASPCA and the fight against animal cruelty, join the advocacy brigade at www.aspca.org by clicking on the “Lobby for Animals” link.  Upon joining, you will receive emails and be able to track animal legislations on your state.  You can also find the guidelines and all state laws through the ASPCA website. 
  • The ASPCA was founded and based from a case of horse abuse.  The ASPCA has a long history with working hard to eliminate horse abuse and provides a wealth of information and resources for advocates about horse protection programs.  The ASPCA is also actively involved with legislation at the congressional and federal level in regard to the slaughtering of horses for consumption in other countries.  Also on the agenda for improvement is horse carriage protection. 

 
In-Studio Guest: Dr. Keith Hnilica, Pet Dermatologist from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (Dermatology Hour brought to you by Novartis)

  • Some breeds are more prone to dermatology problems than others.  For example, retrievers, labradors, and terriers are highly likely to develop allergies.  Pets begin itching as a defense mechanism to the skin’s reaction of allergies.  The more the pets scratch, the more the problem will itch due to the increased irritation of the skin.  Hot spots are usually a reaction to fleas which cause constant licking and biting, thus resulting in a bacterial infection. 
  • Fleas are a regional problem.  Products that last a month in areas like Tennessee usually only last a week or two in Florida due to resistant fleas.  Resistant fleas are then carried to other regions when pets come back from Florida on vacation.  When this occurs, multiple products need to be used to combat the problem such as a pill in addition to flea birth control and flea baths.  Never use flea collars because they only kill fleas that are living around the neck. Capstar is a good oral medication that can be used for fleas every other day for a month to see if the skin problem is flea-related.  If the skin problem is not eliminated by then, the skin problem is probably due to another type of allergy.  Inside animals are not immune to fleas.  Fleas can reproduce and maintain an entire population on a welcome mat.  Fleas can also be carried inside on your clothing.  Most owners have flea denial.  They believe that fleas are not present if they are not seen.  Fleas are usually consumed by pets before owners have a chance to recognize their presence. 
  • Pet Dermatologists usually have to investigate the skin problem and begin a treatment on a trial and error basis. Dogs usually have patterns than can aid in making a diagnosis.  If the skin problem seems to be contained to the back part of the dog, the problem is usually flea related.  If the scratching is occurring mostly in the front part of the dog, then the reaction can be due to scabies (contagious mites), pollen, or food allergies.  80 % of dogs with scabies will usually start thumping their back leg when you rub the tip of their ear.  If scabies is suspected, all dogs in the home must be treated for scabies in order to eliminate the problem.  If the cause of the problem is suspected to be food related, the animal can go on a special diet prescribed by a veterinarian that eliminates the most common forms of meat that pets are allergic to.  Owners must be aware that the diets only work when no other food or treats are given.  One tiny piece of non-specialized food can cause an allergic reaction to flare up again.  Ask your veterinarian about Atopica, a non-steroid allergy treatment by Novartis that can change the underlying immunology of the allergy.  To learn more about this product, go to www.atopica.com.
  • 80 % of skin problems in cats are due to fleas.  Revolution is a great product for cats because it aids in eliminating heartworm and intestinal parasites in addition to the elimination of fleas.  Mosquito products are usually toxic to cats; the best solution for cats with mosquito hypersensitivity is to keep them inside during mosquito season.  Only use feline-specific medications when treating cats.  Medications for dogs can cause severe damage if given to cats.  Always be sure to read labels carefully and consult a veterinarian before using any products on your pets.  Never give your pet over-the-counter medication without consulting a veterinarian first.  OTC products are an older generation of medication and can cause animals to become very sick if the product is not used exactly as directed.
  • Visit www.itchnot.com for more tips about pet dermatology.  The biggest problem with pet dermatology is finding the cause.  Once the cause has been determined, treatment can begin!
  • Flaky skin can be a cause of high humidity or heat.  A conditioner or moisturizer can help flaky dry skin (if the animal does not have a history of dry skin).   

Rescue of the Week: The Wolf Creek Weimaraner Rescue

  • The Wolf Creek Weimaraner Rescue is a non-profit organization made up of volunteers dedicated to finding homes for rescued weimaraners and teaching people about the breed.  To find more information on this rescue or view adoptable weimaraners, visit http://www.wcweimrescue.org/index.htm or our rescue page!!