VETERINARIANS TRAIN TO SAVE AMERICA'S COMMUNITY CATS

They live on our streets, in fields and barns, behind shopping centers and in our neighborhoods. They eat on back porches and in city parks, fed by dedicated cat lovers. They're the felines now called "community cats," and while many of them are feral, some are strays or abandoned former pets who have adapted to life outdoors.

Some estimates suggest there are as many unowned as owned felines in the U.S., most of them unvaccinated and never spayed or neutered. Left free to reproduce, they'll create the next generation of community cats, and the next, and the next.

Operation Catnip aims to change that, says founder Dr. Julie Levy, director of the shelter medicine program at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. The trap-neuter-return (TNR) organization has been running free high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics for community cats in Gainesville, Florida, since 1998. In 2014 alone, they helped 2,693 cats and prevented the births of an estimated 6,142 kittens just in the first year following surgery.

Now, thanks to a grant from PetSmart Charities, they're throwing open their operational model and training program to veterinarians, veterinary students and veterinary technicians from all over the country.

"Our vision is to train an army of veterinarians to spay and neuter America's community cats," said Levy. "This approach, along with vaccination, will allow us to reduce cat population, control infectious diseases and improve the lives of the cats."

Operation Catnip clinics are run MASH-style, with each cat tended by volunteer veterinarians, technicians and veterinary students. Each cat receives a medical examination and, if healthy, is spayed or neutered, treated for fleas and other parasites, and returned to the same place she or he was trapped.

It's easy to tell if a cat has been treated at the clinic, because of the distinctive "ear tip" each one receives during their surgery. This means those cats can easily be identified as having already been sterilized, so they won't be trapped again, putting them through unnecessary stress and taking the place of cats who still need care.

One graduate of the program, Dr. Amy Karls, was so inspired by her training with the Operation Catnip program that she now volunteers her services with four different community cat organizations near her North Grafton, Massachusetts, home -- all that on top of her full-time career as a veterinarian.

"I wasn't taught the high-volume, high-quality surgical techniques now commonly used in TNR programs while I was in veterinary school," she said. "We learned new surgical skills, colony management and trapping techniques, and feline medical and behavioral pearls."

America is a nation of cat lovers. One 2007 study found that 81 percent of us would prefer to see cats left where they are rather than killed, if those were the only two choices. Programs like Operation Catnip offer something better than either: reduced population over time, vaccination to help prevent infectious disease, and a chance for healthy feral cats to return to their homes in our communities without adding to the feline population.

It also offers a chance for veterinarians to become better surgeons, and for all veterinary professionals to learn innovative strategies for managing community cats in their hometowns.

"I was able to bring everything I learned back to our local rescue and TNR groups," said Karls. "It was truly wonderful to see so many people united for the common goal of improving the lives of the homeless cat population."

To learn more about Operation Catnip, or to sign up for one of their upcoming training sessions, visit operationcatnipclinic.org.

Q&A

Bladder cancer

concerns in dogs

Q: My dog keeps having urinary tract infections, and our veterinarian wants to do a biopsy to see if the cause may be transitional cell carcinoma. What can you tell me about this disease? -- via email

A: Invasive TCC is a rare disease overall, but it's the most common cancer of the urinary tract in dogs. Certain breeds are at higher risk: Scottish terriers, Shetland sheepdogs, beagles, West Highland white terriers and wirehaired fox terriers. We don't know exactly what causes the disease, but researchers suspect a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors, including exposure to lawns treated with herbicides and insecticides. At highest risk are obese female dogs.

The disease occurs when a malignant tumor develops from the transitional epithelial cells that line the bladder. It invades the deeper layers of the bladder, including muscle layers, and affects the dog's ability to urinate. Symptoms can mimic those of urinary tract infections: blood in the urine, straining to urinate and frequently recurring urinary tract infections.

The disease is diagnosed through a tissue biopsy, obtained with a fiber-optic scope inserted into the bladder. If the tissue sample is determined to be cancerous, your veterinarian or the oncologist (cancer specialist) can follow up with radiographs (X-rays), ultrasound or a CT scan to determine the location and size of the tumor and whether the disease has spread to other areas of the body.

If possible, the tumor is removed surgically. Otherwise, chemotherapy drugs and cox inhibitors may help to shrink it or prevent it from growing. With treatment, dogs have a good chance of living two years or more.

Researchers hope to find ways to prevent the disease or detect it earlier as well as better ways to treat it. Fascinating fact: One study showed that dogs who ate vegetables at least three days a week had a reduced risk of bladder cancer. Bring on the carrots. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Boxer makes history

in working events

-- An almost-10-year-old boxer recently became the first breed from the Working Group to earn both herding and tracking championships awarded by the American Kennel Club. The only other dogs to hold both titles are two border collies and one Australian shepherd. Handled by her owner, Reegan Ray of Encinitas, California, some of Pip's other accomplishments include two advanced titles from the American Herding Breed Association, a Companion Dog (CD) title in obedience, a Rally Advanced (RA) title in Rally, and an Excellent Agility Jumper (AXJ) title in agility, plus multiple High in Trial awards.

-- Can you purr a few bars? Cats like music that incorporates the same frequency range and tempos as their natural vocalizations, according to a new study accepted for publication in the journal Applied Animal Behavioral Science. Researchers Charles Snowdon of the University of Wisconsin, his colleague Megan Savage and composer and musician David Teie created music that was about an octave or more higher than human voices and referenced tempos of purring and suckling. While the music was on, the listening cats turned toward or approached the speaker, often rubbing against it, Snowdon told Discovery News. The researchers hope their work can benefit shelter cats by helping them feel less anxious.

-- The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine is seeking dogs with chronic gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and vomiting to participate in a clinical study. The goal is to determine the composition of the micro-biome (naturally occurring bacteria in the gut) and how it changes during and after treatment. Eligible dogs will receive standard diagnostics for canine chronic enteropathy (CCE) and standard treatment for up to eight weeks. Owners must commit to four visits to Penn Vet and to collection of stool samples at home. For more information, call 215-573-0302 or email vcic@vet.upenn.edu. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: Fluffy is one of Operation Catnip's "graduates." Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Volunteers are a key component to Operation Catnip's efforts. Position: Main Story

Caption 03: In a recent herding trial, boxer Pip earned 200 points more than the highest-scoring border collie. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1

GOT BEAGLES ON THE BRAIN AFTER WESTMINSTER? CONSIDER ADOPTING ONE FROM A RESCUE GROUP

By Kim Campbell Thornton

When a particular breed wins Westminster or stars in a popular movie or television show, fans consider the exposure a double-edged sword. Of course they're proud that their Whiffenpooch is in the news, but they also know that too much publicity can bring unwanted attention from high-volume commercial breeders (also known as puppy mills) or pet owners who decide to make a quick buck by breeding their little Missy or Max, who may be adorably cute but doesn't necessarily have proven health or temperament.

"I see it all the time," says Westminster Kennel Club spokesman David Frei. "The phone will start ringing in the home of the parent club secretary the next few days because everybody sees them on television."

Beagle breeders are currently facing this situation. They first experienced it in 2008, when Ch. K-Run's Park Me In First (Uno to his fans) became the first beagle to take Best in Show at Westminster. Now Uno's great-niece, Ch. Tashtins Lookin for Trouble, whose nickname is Peyton, or Miss P, has followed in his paw prints, taking home the coveted title. Beagle people are prepared for the onslaught.

"Uno's win was unprecedented and caught much of the beagle world by surprise," says Julie Wright, president of American Beagle Relief Network. "Many of us were not prepared for the heightened interest in the breed, but we stepped up our efforts and used it as an opportunity to educate people about the breed, which is not the easiest to raise or live with."

You heard it here first, folks. Beagles are charming and totable, but they also bark and howl, will run off in search of an interesting scent (or a bunny) in a New York nanosecond, and will find and gobble anything that might be remotely edible.

If you are interested in acquiring a beagle -- or any other breed of the minute -- look beyond the puppy lust occupying your mind and check out dogs available through your local rescue group. Choosing an adult dog can give you a better experience with a breed, especially one that's new to you.

Rescue volunteers are a great resource for people interested in a certain breed. They are familiar with the breed as a whole and have spent time with the individual dogs available for placement. It's their job to match the dogs with just the right "forever" homes so they don't end up back in rescue.

"Rescue dogs are already spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated and have been checked out by a veterinarian," Wright says. "The adoption fees are usually less than the cost to obtain these services and a fraction of the expense to purchase, raise and train a puppy."

The dogs available through breed-rescue groups are often there because owners have died or divorced, or for some other reason unrelated to the dog's behavior or health. They have usually been living with foster owners who can help you determine if the dog is a good fit for your family. They may already be trained and have a track record with kids and other pets.

Although she recognizes the problems it can bring, Wright welcomes the renewed attention to beagles.

"As a community, we are happy for those involved with Miss P and looking forward to another opportunity to showcase the breed we love," she says. "I am anticipating a positive effect for the many rescues who rely on us for funds to aid their efforts to rehome needy beagles."

Q&A

Does 'butt scoot'

mean pet has worms?

Q: My dog drags his butt on the carpet like he's trying to wipe it. I always heard that means he has worms, but he takes monthly medication that is supposed to prevent them. What else could cause this behavior? -- via Facebook

A: Pets who "butt scoot" could be trying to relieve the itch caused by tapeworm segments, which can irritate the anal area as they pass out of the body. If your dog is on a good flea-control program and takes medication to prevent intestinal parasites, this likely isn't what's causing him to try to scratch that uncomfortable itch.

More often than not, dogs (and cats) who perform this behavior are trying to relieve the pressure of fluid buildup in their anal glands. The anal glands produce the scent on feces that lets your pet tell other animals "I, Smoky, own this territory, so stay away." Every time they poop, some of that scent is excreted with the feces. If the anal glands become infected or inflamed, that scent can't get out and fluid builds up. The area is sore and irritated, so they scoot.

Another possibility is that when your pet poops, maybe a little piece of stool gets stuck in the fur around his rear end. He may be scooting in an attempt to remove the clump.

If your pet scoots a lot, take him to the veterinarian. His anal glands may need to be expressed -- a stinky job that is best left to the professionals. If closer examination indicates that the cause is a fecal tag, give him a trim yourself (careful with the scissors in that sensitive area) or talk to a groomer about a sanitary cut.

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Group extends

collar campaign

-- A dog collar. It seems like such a simple thing. But in many parts of the world, collars are made from whatever is easily and cheaply at hand: chains, wire, rope and other materials that can be painful or injurious for animals to wear. A collar drive by World Vets, which provides aid for animals, has distributed more than 1,000 adjustable nylon collars to animals in need in Nicaragua. The organization wants to spread the love further and is continuing its "Every Dollar Buys a Collar" campaign for more animals around the world. New collars or financial donations can be sent to World Vets, 802 1st Ave North, Fargo, North Dakota (ND), 58102.

-- A two-year online study may help keep dogs in homes after adoption. Led by Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman at Tufts University and Dr. James A. Serpell at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, the Animal Ownership Interaction Study is designed to help reduce the risk that people will give up dogs to shelters. Any dog owner can participate by anonymously completing an initial online survey and being willing to answer additional questions every six months for the duration of the study. The goal is to help predict which owner personality types are most compatible with a particular dog they plan to adopt. Register to participate at centerforcaninebehaviorstudies.org.

-- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration still doesn't know what's behind approximately 5,000 complaints over several years of illnesses and deaths in pets (including more than 1,000 deaths of dogs) who ate jerky pet treats made primarily in China. What they do know is that the rate of complaints has decreased significantly since their update last May, from 1,800 between October 2013 and May 2014 to 270 between May 2014 and September 2014. If your pet has any signs of illness that appear to be related to jerky treats, see your veterinarian and report the problem to the FDA so it can be added to the record. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: Beagles are popular dogs, but they aren't right for every family. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Collars identify animals as owned and provide a way to attach a leash or identification. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1

EIGHT LIFESTYLE HACKS FOR DOG AND CAT OWNERS

Remember when the words "pet decor" meant a cat tree wrapped in ugly carpet or a crate with a cover thrown over it that doubled as an end table? No more. Whatever your decorating style, clever manufacturers and DIYers have come up with some amazing and amazingly attractive items and home hacks that suit both your pets' needs and your own desire to have an attractive home. We've collected eight of our favorite ideas for making a beautiful life with your cat or dog, whether you're remodeling, redecorating, crafting it yourself or buying something new.

-- Fur-niture. We've all sighed over the amount of pet hair that collects on sofas, chairs, bedspreads -- pretty much anything in the home. Of course you can throw a sheet over your sofa or purchase a cute cover decorated with paw prints, but there are other options if you want a more sophisticated look.

If you're buying a new piece of furniture, look for easy-clean fabrics such as Ultrasuede, a type of microfiber, or Crypton, a synthetic fabric that resists stains (including those made by muddy paws), odor and bacteria. Or consider skipping fabric altogether and going with leather, pleather or vinyl. All are easy to clean, and some vintage vinyl pieces look fabulous. Check Etsy, salvage shops or Craigslist for finds.

-- Re-cover. If you have sewing skills, look online for patterns and make slipcovers from the fabric of your choice. Pet-friendly and washable fabrics include denim, cotton duck and canvas. Choose something that can be thrown in the washing machine when your pet throws up on it. Other good choices are floral or tapestry prints that will help hide fur between vacuum visits.

-- Pet beds. Repurpose an old radio cabinet, console TV or suitcase to make a unique sleep spot for your pet. Another way to upcycle: Turn an old dresser drawer into a pet bed with a cushion or pillow. Look on Pinterest or HGTV.com for how-tos.

-- Built-ins. If you're building or remodeling your home, ask the contractor about implementing one (or more) of these pet-friendly conveniences: a pullout cabinet for storing pet food and dishes, or a sliding drawer beneath a cabinet with custom cutouts to hold pet dishes; window seats, bookshelves or cabinets with built-in pet beds; or a custom pet door that matches cabinetry or door paneling. Houzz and Pinterest have scores of examples.

-- Pet door. For a simpler way to snazz up an existing pet door, simply add trim, or molding, around the edges.

-- Cat walks. Cats like to rule their domain from on high. And what could be higher than the ceiling? You can build or purchase attractive steps that attach to the wall so your cat can climb to the highest point in the room, well away from marauding dogs or toddlers. Bridges allow him to perfect his acrobatic skills as he crosses over doorways. Cat bridges, mazes, forts and other configurations all attach to the wall so they take up little space while allowing your cat to go vertical.

-- Windows. Build a window seat so your pet can enjoy the view outdoors or even an enclosed "catio" that can be accessed from a window. You can build a window seat yourself, hire a contractor or purchase one from retailers such as Bed, Bath and Beyond or Amazon.

-- Underfoot. Hard-surface floors such as wood, bamboo or tile are easiest to clean, but if you must have carpeting, look for a low-pile style made of stain-resistant material. Another good option is Flor carpet tiles, which can be easily taken up and replaced. It will be a mood-saver when you're cleaning up cat vomit for the umpteenth time or housetraining a puppy.

Q&A

Mangy cat?

It's possible

Q: Can cats get mange? There's a stray hanging around our backyard whose fur looks kind of patchy. If that's what it is, would it be contagious to people? -- via email

A: It's rare, but cats can indeed get mange, which is caused by parasitic mites that feed on skin debris. Animals with mange are crazy itchy, often with dandruff and, as you noticed, hair loss.

Mange mites are more likely to make their home on dogs, but mites that can take up residence on a cat's skin or in the hair follicles include Demodex cati, Demodex gatoi, Notoedres cati (feline scabies) and Cheyletiella. Cats most prone to mange tend to be malnourished or have lowered immune systems, both of which could be the case with the stray cat you've seen.

Demodex gatoi, which is seen mostly in southern and Gulf Coast states, is contagious between cats, as are Cheyletiella and scabies. They are usually spread through contact with an infected cat or that cat's bedding or environment.

Feline scabies, which usually starts on the face and ears, then spreads to the rest of the body, can be transmitted to other species, including dogs and humans, although, again, it's uncommon in cats. The signs of scabies in pets are itchiness on the head and neck, hair loss, and red, raw or scabby skin. Scabies mites can cause a rash on human skin, but they don't live on human skin, so the problem is temporary.

Demodex cati lives normally on a cat's skin and rarely causes any problem. It can get out of control, though, in cats with underlying immune-suppression diseases such as feline leukemia virus or feline immunodeficiency virus.

Ask a veterinarian who is experienced with stray cats for advice on providing treatment. If you want to trap the cat for treatment, be careful about handling him unless your hands are protected with gloves. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Kim Campbell Thornton

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Border collies rule

at agility contest

-- A border collie named Tex finished first at the second-annual Westminster Kennel Club agility trial, winning over a field of 330 dogs. A husky mix named Roo successfully defended his 2014 title as the highest-scoring mixed-breed dog in the competition. Scoring highest in their height categories were Pink, a papillon, 8-inch division; Keebler, a Pembroke Welsh corgi, 12-inch division; Smart, a border collie, 16-inch division; the aforementioned Tex in the 20-inch division; and Ffynch, a border collie, 24-inch division. The canine competitors comprised 74 breeds and varieties, plus 15 mixed breeds.

-- New Jersey legislators and Gov. Chris Christie have enacted a "pet store disclosure" law that requires pet stores to provide breeder and inspection report information about puppies for sale. Described as the toughest in the country, the legislation also prohibits pet stores from selling puppies purchased from breeders found by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to have "severe violations" of care standards. The measure's sponsor, state Sen. Jim Holzapfel, says providing the information allows consumers to research breeders and make an informed decision before buying.

-- Wrong visiting hours? A miniature schnauzer named Sissy trekked 20 blocks to the hospital where her owner was undergoing chemotherapy. She had ridden there in the car previously, but had never made the journey on foot. After finding her way, the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, dog walked in through the automatic doors and was presumably in search of an elevator to take her to visit Nancy Franck. Hospital employees intercepted her and used the phone number on her tag to call Dale Franck, who had been searching frantically for the would-be canine candy striper. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: Pet hair cleanup is easier when you have leather, pleather or vinyl furniture. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: A 5-year-old border collie from Long Valley, New Jersey, took top honors at the 2015 Westminster Kennel Club agility competition. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1