Sunday, August 7, 2011
Splash!
What better way to spend a summer day than swimming with your mom--even if she is your surrogate mom! this is rescued Sea Otter #540 at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, clearly having made a great adjustment to its new environs!
Too cute!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Stay on the Ball--Owners and Dogs, Alike
Sam's absolute favorite toy is his ducky but a close second goes to the tennis ball, whiffle ball or whatever type of ball happens to be flung in his direction. News from Dayton, Ohio, however, of the recent demise of a police dog after choking on a tennis ball, has made me take inventory of Sam's collection.
The 6 year old Belgian Malinois named Badger died when the ball became lodged in her throat. Her handler was with her and rushed her to the vet, who was able to remove the tennis ball but unable to revive the dog.
The vet explained that the rubber ball had collapsed when the dog bit down on it and then expanded in her throat.
Moral of the story? Perhaps tennis balls are not the best choice of balls for big jawed, heavy biters. A larger whiffle ball that couldn't get caught in her throat might have been a better choice, but either way, the situation is so tragic.
And forget about those tricks of having a dog carry three or more balls in his/her mouth. Stick with large, hard rubber balls for your games and make sure you can always see the ball when the dogs retrieves it.
The 6 year old Belgian Malinois named Badger died when the ball became lodged in her throat. Her handler was with her and rushed her to the vet, who was able to remove the tennis ball but unable to revive the dog.
The vet explained that the rubber ball had collapsed when the dog bit down on it and then expanded in her throat.
Moral of the story? Perhaps tennis balls are not the best choice of balls for big jawed, heavy biters. A larger whiffle ball that couldn't get caught in her throat might have been a better choice, but either way, the situation is so tragic.
And forget about those tricks of having a dog carry three or more balls in his/her mouth. Stick with large, hard rubber balls for your games and make sure you can always see the ball when the dogs retrieves it.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Indoor Swimming Pool
These English bulldogs are extremely clever. They decided it was too hot outside so they brought their pool indoors where they could swim in the air conditioning! Note they even managed to empty it before they dragged it in!
While this is adorable, these English bulldogs were actually doing the right thing. Dogs like bulldogs and pugs with pushed in noses do not fare well in the heat. These guys had enough sense to move things indoors when it got too hot!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Can You Imagine This Happening with a Human Doctor?
It has always struck me as a double whammy having to pay the dentist for a root canal--in other words having to pay on top of having to experience severe pain--and so it must seem equally cruel for Nancy and Tom Stanley, whose vet keeps sending them bills and reminder notices for Baxter, their lab who passed away in February.
How cruel is that to receive a notice that its time to schedule your annual check up as well as a bill for medications (prepaid ones) that they know their beloved dog did not receive. Anyone hear of a refund?
I understand that signals do get crossed but shame on the vet for not pulling Baxter's file from the active ones. When the Stanleys finally heard from him, he admitted the file was still "active" because he was going to review it. It was, he admitted " a terrible administrative error."
Sounds like the Stanleys are due more than a refund and they do have the option of filing a formal complaint with the Pennsylvania Board of Veterinary Medicine, which almost seems like more trouble than its worth.
You can read the rest here, but I personally think a refund on that medicine and a sincere apology might be just what the doctor ordered.
How cruel is that to receive a notice that its time to schedule your annual check up as well as a bill for medications (prepaid ones) that they know their beloved dog did not receive. Anyone hear of a refund?
I understand that signals do get crossed but shame on the vet for not pulling Baxter's file from the active ones. When the Stanleys finally heard from him, he admitted the file was still "active" because he was going to review it. It was, he admitted " a terrible administrative error."
Sounds like the Stanleys are due more than a refund and they do have the option of filing a formal complaint with the Pennsylvania Board of Veterinary Medicine, which almost seems like more trouble than its worth.
You can read the rest here, but I personally think a refund on that medicine and a sincere apology might be just what the doctor ordered.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
A Vet Speaks Out on Drug Use on the Track
This post comes courtesy of Dr. Patty Khuly on Fully Vetted. She is also the author of the Introduction to The Culinary Canine and rarely writes about the subject of horses. But when she does, it's worth paying attention. Hence the following in which she actually quotes Nicholas Dodman, one of the most well known figures in the field of animal behavior. Apparently Dodman's recent letter in the JAVMA hit a nerve. Dare I say, its about time a vet took such a stand.
Here's Patty's take:
Nicholas Dodman is one of the most well known figures in animal behavior. His assessment of canine and feline behavior has been textbook fodder for decades now. So it is that when he has something to say about racehorse welfare …I’m intrigued.
But he’s not a horse vet … is he? No, not at all. But that didn’t keep him from having his say in the issue of the JAVMA (Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association) that hit my snail-mailbox yesterday.
In fact, that was his point: The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), veterinary medicine’s leading organization of horse vets, is missing the boat on some aspects of racehorse welfare reform. Here’s the lion’s share of his letter to the editor:
While the problem of drugs in horse racing has the attention of members of Congress and the public, it is time for veterinarians to speak out against drug use in American racehorses. Sadly, some organizations that purport to speak for the equine veterinary profession are not leading efforts to end the use of performance-enhancing drugs in racehorses. In fact, the president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners warned that "[t]he very broad language of the [Interstate Horseracing Improvement Act] could eliminate, as written, beneficial treatment of active equine athletes at any time — not just on the day of competition."
Horses that need drugs to compete should not be raced. Lame horses should never be loaded into the starting gate. Sore horses should be given adequate time to recuperate. Entering an unsound horse in a race puts all the horses and jockeys at greater risk of injury and even death. Putting horses at such risk for gambling purposes should not be tolerated. Veterinarians swear an oath to protect animal health and welfare, and they should be the first to condemn such practices.
There is also no excuse for permissive rules that allow administration just hours before a race of medications such as furosemide to prevent exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. As the chairman of the Association of Racing Commissioners International stated, "That just does not pass the smell test with the public or anyone else except horse trainers who think it necessary to win a race." North America stands alone in allowing the race-day use of such drugs.
Even worse, violations of existing drug rules are far too common. According to The New York Times, only two of the top 20 trainers by purses won have never had a medication violation. The Racing Medical and Testing Consortium website lists numerous violations related to anabolic steroids, corticosteroids, narcotics, and other drugs that can mask inflammation and pain. These are just some of the substances that can currently be detected through tests. Barry Irwin, the owner of this year's Kentucky Derby winner, has called for involvement of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to catch those who might cheat using new designer drugs that current tests do not detect.
Thankfully, there are prominent voices within the horse racing community who support legislation to rid the sport of performance-enhancing drugs. Roy and Gretchen Jackson, who owned the late Barbaro, and others sent an open letter calling for support of bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico and Representative Ed Whitfield of Kentucky. Many well-known breeders, owners, and trainers responded by adding their support for this effort.
As veterinarians, we swear an oath to use our scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health. We need to speak out in favor of efforts to protect horses at the track. These noble creatures deserve no less.
Wow. Interesting letter. But I do have to wonder how effective expositions like his can be, given that Dodman’s clout lies on another playing field altogether. Is calling the AAEP out enough to effect change? I don’t have the answer, but I do know I’ll be having fun watching the process.
Here's Patty's take:
Nicholas Dodman is one of the most well known figures in animal behavior. His assessment of canine and feline behavior has been textbook fodder for decades now. So it is that when he has something to say about racehorse welfare …I’m intrigued.
But he’s not a horse vet … is he? No, not at all. But that didn’t keep him from having his say in the issue of the JAVMA (Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association) that hit my snail-mailbox yesterday.
In fact, that was his point: The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), veterinary medicine’s leading organization of horse vets, is missing the boat on some aspects of racehorse welfare reform. Here’s the lion’s share of his letter to the editor:
While the problem of drugs in horse racing has the attention of members of Congress and the public, it is time for veterinarians to speak out against drug use in American racehorses. Sadly, some organizations that purport to speak for the equine veterinary profession are not leading efforts to end the use of performance-enhancing drugs in racehorses. In fact, the president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners warned that "[t]he very broad language of the [Interstate Horseracing Improvement Act] could eliminate, as written, beneficial treatment of active equine athletes at any time — not just on the day of competition."
Horses that need drugs to compete should not be raced. Lame horses should never be loaded into the starting gate. Sore horses should be given adequate time to recuperate. Entering an unsound horse in a race puts all the horses and jockeys at greater risk of injury and even death. Putting horses at such risk for gambling purposes should not be tolerated. Veterinarians swear an oath to protect animal health and welfare, and they should be the first to condemn such practices.
There is also no excuse for permissive rules that allow administration just hours before a race of medications such as furosemide to prevent exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. As the chairman of the Association of Racing Commissioners International stated, "That just does not pass the smell test with the public or anyone else except horse trainers who think it necessary to win a race." North America stands alone in allowing the race-day use of such drugs.
Even worse, violations of existing drug rules are far too common. According to The New York Times, only two of the top 20 trainers by purses won have never had a medication violation. The Racing Medical and Testing Consortium website lists numerous violations related to anabolic steroids, corticosteroids, narcotics, and other drugs that can mask inflammation and pain. These are just some of the substances that can currently be detected through tests. Barry Irwin, the owner of this year's Kentucky Derby winner, has called for involvement of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to catch those who might cheat using new designer drugs that current tests do not detect.
Thankfully, there are prominent voices within the horse racing community who support legislation to rid the sport of performance-enhancing drugs. Roy and Gretchen Jackson, who owned the late Barbaro, and others sent an open letter calling for support of bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico and Representative Ed Whitfield of Kentucky. Many well-known breeders, owners, and trainers responded by adding their support for this effort.
As veterinarians, we swear an oath to use our scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health. We need to speak out in favor of efforts to protect horses at the track. These noble creatures deserve no less.
Wow. Interesting letter. But I do have to wonder how effective expositions like his can be, given that Dodman’s clout lies on another playing field altogether. Is calling the AAEP out enough to effect change? I don’t have the answer, but I do know I’ll be having fun watching the process.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Prime Cuts
We are SOOOOOO cutting edge! Recent New York Times article confirmed the trend to feed dogs "people food," especially of the high end variety. Seems that the choicest butchers in Manhattan are discovering and tapping into the market for premium dog food with their leftover cuts.
"Our mission here is to get as much our of the animal as possible," said Jake Dickson, the owner of Dickson's Farmstand in the uber-chic Chelsea Market. "Both in terms of profitability, but also philosophically--doing honor and justice to that animal."
Dickson is speaking of the butchered animal but he might well be speaking of the ones who are lapping up those parts of the animal that humans don't want. Dickson used to throw them away. Now he grinds them up and roasts them with seasonal produce and sells them for $10/pound and a half. Pricey but premium dog food that seems to be a hit with New Yorkers.
Even Fleishers, the butcher to the stars based in Kingston, NY (and made famous in the book Cleaving by Julie and Julia author, Julie Powell) sells $4 packages of four ready to eat two ounce patties made of organic chicken and beef parts.
Chez Feldman, I will even admit that Amos, who recently turned up his nose at the chicken that the golden retrievers gobble up, has been chowing down on various cuts of beef (whatever is on sale, sorry my pocketbook can't afford strictly organic for the pups!) and feeling pretty good about himself these days! I just grill up a bunch of stuff once a week, cut it into small pieces, store in a plastic container in the fridge and add to their food (prescription diets). All seems to be well for the moment, at least until he turns up his nose at the beef.
Of course, you could just buy our book and try a few recipes yourself!
"Our mission here is to get as much our of the animal as possible," said Jake Dickson, the owner of Dickson's Farmstand in the uber-chic Chelsea Market. "Both in terms of profitability, but also philosophically--doing honor and justice to that animal."
Dickson is speaking of the butchered animal but he might well be speaking of the ones who are lapping up those parts of the animal that humans don't want. Dickson used to throw them away. Now he grinds them up and roasts them with seasonal produce and sells them for $10/pound and a half. Pricey but premium dog food that seems to be a hit with New Yorkers.
Even Fleishers, the butcher to the stars based in Kingston, NY (and made famous in the book Cleaving by Julie and Julia author, Julie Powell) sells $4 packages of four ready to eat two ounce patties made of organic chicken and beef parts.
Chez Feldman, I will even admit that Amos, who recently turned up his nose at the chicken that the golden retrievers gobble up, has been chowing down on various cuts of beef (whatever is on sale, sorry my pocketbook can't afford strictly organic for the pups!) and feeling pretty good about himself these days! I just grill up a bunch of stuff once a week, cut it into small pieces, store in a plastic container in the fridge and add to their food (prescription diets). All seems to be well for the moment, at least until he turns up his nose at the beef.
Of course, you could just buy our book and try a few recipes yourself!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Sunday Racing Results
Way to go Lentenor! He scored an impressive win on Sunday in the eighth at Parx and the replay for the race is here. Sorry no sharing capabilities until someone puts it up on youtube!
If you watch the replay you will see a very mature and muscular Lentenor, looking quite stunning. He ran a fabulous race and got a great ride when a hole along the inside opened up and he went right through. Then he went around horses down the stretch and closed impressively under a predominant hand ride. How wonderful to see the Jacksons back in the winner's circle!
Of course the questions are inevitable. Was it the new trainer, the new jockey or just a weak field? We won't know until his next start but from what I saw it looks like the new training regime is suiting him just fine. No holding him back or letting him go--just a steady hand guiding him to get around obstacles and find the wire. I think all is well with our boy and he seems in most capable hands.
A good day of racing with Coil making an equally impressive stretch run to win the Haskell for Bob Baffert, giving him his fifth Haskell winner. Talk about jockey composure. Watch that replay and see where Coil broke--in the number one hole and it seemed as if he went backwards for a few yards.
Not to worry. The jockey steadied him and put him back in gear, going five horses wide down the stretch to catch the surging Shackleford. A good race. Nice coverage by ABC and Saratoga beckons! The summer racing season is heating up!
If you watch the replay you will see a very mature and muscular Lentenor, looking quite stunning. He ran a fabulous race and got a great ride when a hole along the inside opened up and he went right through. Then he went around horses down the stretch and closed impressively under a predominant hand ride. How wonderful to see the Jacksons back in the winner's circle!
Of course the questions are inevitable. Was it the new trainer, the new jockey or just a weak field? We won't know until his next start but from what I saw it looks like the new training regime is suiting him just fine. No holding him back or letting him go--just a steady hand guiding him to get around obstacles and find the wire. I think all is well with our boy and he seems in most capable hands.
A good day of racing with Coil making an equally impressive stretch run to win the Haskell for Bob Baffert, giving him his fifth Haskell winner. Talk about jockey composure. Watch that replay and see where Coil broke--in the number one hole and it seemed as if he went backwards for a few yards.
Not to worry. The jockey steadied him and put him back in gear, going five horses wide down the stretch to catch the surging Shackleford. A good race. Nice coverage by ABC and Saratoga beckons! The summer racing season is heating up!
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