How to help physically challenged pets adjust and thrive

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Savanna was born to run. The retired racing greyhound loved going on daily walks ... until the day she fell over for no apparent reason. A veterinary exam, X-rays and an MRI brought home the awful truth: Savanna had osteosarcoma, or bone cancer. The recommended treatment was amputation of her right hind leg and chemotherapy.

Savanna was my dog, and choosing amputation for a 10 1/2-year-old former racer was one of the most difficult decisions my husband and I ever made.

Have you ever faced the decision to have a pet's limb amputated or eye removed, or wondered whether it was the right thing to keep a pet alive who had suffered a paralyzing injury? Pet owners who have faced these quandaries, myself included, are often surprised and delighted at how well their animals adjust to their new physical circumstances. Young or old, they usually adapt remarkably well to getting around on three legs, life without sight or rolling on wheels.

While people may flinch at the thought of amputation or enucleation (eye removal), that's because we compare it to how we would feel about losing a limb or an eye. Our pets, fortunately, don't have any preconceived notions about their ability to get around on fewer than four legs or how they'll manage without one or both eyes. They adapt rapidly, shifting their center of gravity, making greater use of their senses of smell and hearing (not to mention those sensitive whiskers) and just generally getting on with life.

You can, however, take steps to help your pet recover and learn how to get around. The key is to see him not as damaged goods, but as a regular dog or cat who simply needs a little help from his friends.

-- Amputation. Young dogs or cats may be up and around the same day or the next day following surgery, but older animals, such as my Savanna, may have a longer recovery time. Talk to your veterinarian about the best medications for pain relief. He'll recover more quickly if he's not hurting. For a large dog, get a body harness with a handle that will allow you to help him stand up and move around until he gets his groove back. If you have uncarpeted floors, lay down nonskid rugs for ease of walking. Keep his weight down to avoid putting stress on his joints. Visit tripawds.com for more information.

-- Blindness. The main factor in adjustment is how quickly vision is lost. A pet who loses vision slowly or at a very early age generally copes well, but one who loses vision rapidly or later in life may take two or three weeks to adjust. Walk blind dogs on leash and talk to them as you go so they always know where you are. Keep to the same route so they can use their sense of smell to recognize where they are. At home, feed blind pets in the same place every day. If they get disoriented, take them to the food bowl. It's a landmark that can help them regain their orientation.

-- Paralysis. When a dog becomes paralyzed, consider whether the condition is painful and whether the pain can be relieved. If the dog is not in pain, he can likely adapt well to life on wheels. Make household changes such as blocking stairs so he doesn't tumble down them as he's racing around. You may need to learn how to express his bladder so he is at less risk for urinary tract infections.

Confidence is probably the common denominator in any animal's ability to live a normal life with a disability. Veterinarian Robin Downing fondly recalls Frankie, a pug-mix she adopted who had been paralyzed after breaking his back. She anticipated that he would need several weeks to adapt to his wheelchair. "We put him in the chair the very first time, and he wouldn't let me get him out of it," she says.

Q&A

Potty problems can

have several causes

Q: My silky terrier will use the outdoors to potty unless she gets upset with me, like when I go out of town or have to run a lot of errands during the day; then she will urinate in the house. What can I do about that? -- via email

A: We talked to silky expert Sandy Mesmer, and she says the breed can be difficult to housetrain. They are creatures of habit, so if you "let" them mark a spot in the house, they will almost always want to go back there.

The first thing you need to do is to take your dog to the veterinarian to make sure there is no physical reason for the peeing, because silkys can be susceptible to bladder stones. If she gets a clean bill of health, it's time to go back to potty training 101. To do this, maintain a strict potty schedule, just as you would with a puppy. Go outside with her to make sure she actually urinates. If she doesn't perform, put her in her crate for half an hour and then try again.

Here are some additional suggestions.

-- Film your dog while you're gone to see if she is suffering from separation anxiety. Pacing, whining, drooling, stress panting and, yes, peeing in the house are signs that she is distressed or depressed during your absence.

-- If the problem is anxiety-related, play calming music, use calming scents such as lavender or dog-appeasing pheromones, and make sure she has brainteasers such as food puzzles to keep her occupied while you're gone.

-- Have a pet sitter or dog walker take her out. They can help ensure that she potties outdoors as well as ease her loneliness.

-- If she's friendly with other dogs, consider leaving her at a doggy daycare when you're not at home. -- Mikkel Becker and Kim Campbell Thornton

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

THE BUZZ

Dog treated for

rare disease

-- Darwin the dog developed an ulcer near his tail that was first diagnosed as a bacterial infection and treated with antibiotics. When it got worse, his owner, Florida resident Efram Goldberg, did some research and became concerned that Darwin might have a rare, life-threatening tropical disease called pythiosis. He took Darwin to the University of Florida's Small Animal Hospital emergency and critical care service. After performing several biopsies, the veterinarians confirmed his suspicion. Veterinary surgeon J. Brad Case amputated Darwin's tail and removed the ulcer on his hip. Goldberg is passionate now about raising awareness about the disease among pet owners and veterinarians. "Most veterinarians see at most one case of pythiosis in their career," says UF clinical assistant professor Justin Shmalberg, DVM.

-- We knew we liked singer-songwriter Emmylou Harris, and it's not just because of her amazing pipes. Harris started a dog rescue called Bonaparte's Retreat, in honor of her late dog, who spent 10 years on the road with her. The nonprofit organization takes in dogs from Metro Nashville Animal Care and Control who are scheduled to be euthanized and finds homes for them. Find out more this month on the "Shelter Me: Partners for Life" documentary series airing on PBS.

-- You've heard of chick lit and crime lit, and now there's kitty lit. No, not litter -- literature. Students at Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children in Shoreline, Washington, practice reading aloud at the Seattle Humane animal shelter in Bellevue. Their audience? Shelter cats. The reading program, called Kitty Literature, gives the children, who range in age from 5 to 10 years, an opportunity to practice their speech to appreciative listeners. The kids also get a chance to play with the cats, which is good socialization and can help them become more adoptable. Now that's a win-win! -- Dr. Marty Becker and 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: Whether they lose a front or rear leg, animals can adapt well to life as a "tri-pawd." Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Darwin's case helped University of Florida veterinarians learn more about an unusual disease. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1

Find your perfect pup by asking the right questions

By Kim Campbell Thornton

If you're buying a puppy for the first time, or if it has been a few years since you last acquired one, you might be unsure of where to begin. A lot has changed in the puppy-purchasing world in the past decade. Whether you are looking for a purebred pup, a "designer" dog or one from a shelter, you are no longer limited to your local classifieds, breeders, shelters or rescue groups. You may see available pups through social media, Craigslist, Petfinder.com, online pet stores or fliers at your veterinary clinic or pet-supply store, to name just a few.

What hasn't changed is the importance of asking the right questions before you plunk down hundreds or thousands of dollars for a puppy who will, in a perfect world, live with you for the next 10-plus years. Before you fall in love with the first cute pup you see (or even better, before you look at puppies), get good answers to the following questions.

-- What are the potential genetic or developmental problems that can affect this breed or crossbreed, and what is the incidence of these problems in your lines? What are the strong and weak points of the health, temperament and conformation of the parents, grandparents and great-grandparents? A reputable breeder will answer these questions honestly and thoroughly. Be doubtful of breeders who claim their dogs don't have any problems. That may be because they don't test for them.

-- What health clearances do the puppies' parents have? Whether you're buying a purebred or a hybrid (designer) pup, the breeders should be able to show you up-to-date proof that both parents are free of hereditary ailments. Depending on the breed or cross, these may include but are not limited to Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or PennHIP hip clearances; and OFA elbow, knee, eye, thyroid or heart clearances. Check the Canine Health Information Center (caninehealthinfo.org) to find out which clearances your breed should have. If you're buying a hybrid (one breed crossed to another breed), the breeder should have appropriate clearances for each breed. Hip, elbow and knee clearances are issued only once in a dog's life, but eye, heart and thyroid exams should be performed annually.

-- How old are the parents? Health clearances are not issued to dogs younger than 2 years old because those dogs are not yet fully mature and health problems may not be apparent.

-- Do you guarantee a puppy's health? A breeder who is confident in the health of her dogs will offer a guarantee against genetic defects for up to two years after the puppy is purchased. With exceptions such as epilepsy, which usually appears later in life, genetic problems typically surface by the time a dog is 2 years old.

-- How do you socialize your puppies? Choose puppies raised in a home with plenty of human interaction. They will be more confident and adaptable throughout life.

-- What does your sales contract include? Look for the following basics: the sale price; the pup's birthdate and parents' names; details of health guarantees; return policy; and any breeding restrictions, spay/neuter requirements or other agreements related to the sale. A great sales contract states that the breeder will take the dog back at any time in his life and that the breeder has first right to the dog or will provide assistance in placement in any situation in which you cannot keep him, such as a divorce, illness or death.

Making the right match when selecting a breeder and puppy calls for strong research and interviewing skills and plenty of patience to wait for the right one, but the effort pays off in puppy love for life.

Q&A

Hormone drugs

affect pets

Q: I noticed recently that my female dog's private parts were swollen. After some detective work, my veterinarian figured out that it was a reaction to my hormone cream. How does that happen? -- via Facebook

A: If your pet loves to lick, hormone products can make him sick. There have been reports for several years now that pets (and children) are inadvertently ingesting topical hormone sprays, creams and gels. Dogs and cats are affected when they lick or rub against the treated area or get petted after the product is applied by hand. Signs include fur loss, mammary or nipple enlargement, a shrunken penis in males and bloody discharge or a swollen vulva in females.

Estrogen and testosterone aren't the only hormones that cause problems. A psoriasis cream called Dovonex, which contains a synthetic form of vitamin D (itself a hormone), can cause unusual thirst, appetite loss and severe vomiting or diarrhea if pets lick it off the skin or chew on the tube.

To protect pets, wear disposable gloves when applying gels or creams, and toss the gloves in an inaccessible trashcan when you're through. The same goes for disposing of hormone patches. Apply creams or gels to areas your dog is unable or unlikely to lick, such as the inside of the thighs. If you're using a spray, wear clothing that covers the treated area. Even if you wear gloves to apply the product, wash your hands with soap thoroughly -- for as long as it takes you to sing "Happy Birthday" twice through -- before touching pets, children or food, including pet food.

Before you apply any product, prescription or otherwise, read the label or package insert to make sure it's not toxic to pets or children if ingested. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Keep cats safe

from toxic plants

-- What's one of the times when cats beat out dogs? When they eat toxic plants. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' Animal Poison Control Center received more than 9,000 calls in 2013 about animals eating plants. That's up from almost 8,000 in 2008, and cats led dogs in the number of exposures. Nearly 1,000 plants are known to be toxic to pets, so it's important to pay attention to what you have in your home or yard. If you are a gardener or simply love potted plants or floral arrangements, remember that the more beautiful a plant is, the more likely it is to be toxic. Lilies, in particular, can cause kidney failure and death in cats.

-- Would-be veterinarians and animal lovers with an appetite for drama won't want to miss the show "Vet School," which premiered in September on Nat Geo WILD. It follows first- and fourth-year students at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine as they learn to give injections, repair bone fractures, handle squirmy patients and deal with the emotional ups and downs of their chosen profession. Look for it on Saturdays at 10 p.m. EST, or binge-watch it at channel.nationalgeographic.com/wild/vet-school/.

-- Petting reduces stress and lowers the incidence of upper respiratory disease in shelter cats. That's according to a study published in the October 2015 issue of the peer-reviewed journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine. Cats in the study were petted, played with and groomed in four 10-minute sessions daily for a 10-day period. Cats who didn't receive positive attention from people were more than twice as likely to develop upper respiratory disease over time and showed more signs of stress. Our takeaway? Shelters need more volunteers to pet cats. Who's in? -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

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: Cuteness and convenience of purchase aren't the only considerations when looking for a puppy. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Go behind the scenes at veterinary school and find out what it takes to succeed. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2

Can complementary therapies help your pet? Here's how to integrate them safely

By Kim Campbell Thornton

When pets are sick, it's often tempting to turn toward treatments that are considered "natural." Concerns about side effects of drugs, fear that a pet will die under anesthesia or worries about the cost of a procedure can all drive people toward treatments or remedies that seem safer or less expensive, even if there's not much science behind them.

We're here to remind you that modern veterinary medicine is safe and advanced. If your pet has cancer or another illness or needs surgery or treatment for an infection, conventional treatments are better. And just because something is natural doesn't mean it can't be harmful or that it's a cure-all.

That said, complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM for short) can help to support conventional treatments or improve a pet's quality of life. Such treatments include acupuncture, herbal medicine, low-level laser treatments, massage and nutraceuticals such as glucosamine-chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

Acupuncture stimulates the release of beta endorphins. It can relieve pain and nausea and has helped dogs with cancer pain. It can also be useful for the aches of arthritis or recovery after surgery when used in conjunction with pain medications.

Milk thistle is recognized for its value in helping manage liver disease. It works so well that most veterinarians consider it an accepted part of treatment.

Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements appear to reduce joint pain, with the added advantage of rarely causing side effects. High levels of fatty acid supplements may have anti-inflammatory effects and help relieve allergies.

But before you decide to try a natural medicine on your pet, examine it with the same investigative zeal you would any other medication or treatment. Start with your veterinarian.

Ask your veterinarian how conventional and complementary approaches compare when it comes to treating your pet's condition. If your veterinarian isn't familiar with a therapy, consult a holistic veterinarian. The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association has listings on its website. Even if there's no one in your area, you and your veterinarian may be able to set up a phone consultation.

Be aware that CAVM can take time to work. Don't try a treatment for a week or two and expect to see any benefit. You may not see results for several weeks or months.

Consider the potential risks and benefits of any approach, taking into account safety and quality of life. Will a complementary therapy actually help your pet, or will it simply make you feel better because you're giving something "natural"? It's better to address the problem effectively, even if that means using conventional treatments. But if the standard treatment offers little benefit, you and your veterinarian may decide that a nontraditional option offers better quality of life. Every situation is different.

Some nutritional supplements such as glucosamine and herbs such as milk thistle have been evaluated in animals, but most herbs given to pets haven't been tested for safety or effectiveness. Be sure that any therapy you are considering can be safely used in animals, especially if you have a cat. Just because something has been used safely in dogs or humans doesn't mean it will be safe to use in cats.

It's also important to avoid negative drug interactions. Like drugs, herbs work by causing biochemical reactions, and they may interfere with other medications your dog or cat is taking. Always tell your veterinarian about any supplements or herbs you are giving your pet.

Avoid any practitioner who claims that CAVM is always better than traditional veterinary medicine. That's not true, but it can have benefits and can be an important part of your pet's veterinary care when used appropriately.

Q&A

Cats at low risk

for avian flu

Q: Can cats really get bird flu? How does that happen? Is it from eating birds? -- via Facebook

A: The strange but true answer is yes, cats can become infected with avian influenza, although their risk of contracting the disease in the United States is currently considered very low, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Avian influenza infections in cats appear to be associated with outbreaks in domestic or wild birds by way of eating raw meat infected with the virus. No evidence shows that cats play a sustained role in transmitting the virus, the AVMA reports, noting, "There have been no known cases of human avian influenza [AI] resulting from exposure to sick cats, and there have been no outbreaks of AI among domestic cat populations."

If you find your cat with a dead bird or know that he has eaten a dead bird, don't worry too much. According to the international Food and Agriculture Organization, transmission of avian influenza to a cat from a dead bird is extremely rare. To be on the safe side, though, talk to your veterinarian and consider quarantining your cat for seven to 10 days if AI is known to be in your area.

To decrease your cat's potential exposure to AI, keep him indoors to prevent contact with wild birds that may be infected with the virus. If your cat is sick or becomes sick within two to five days of exposure to a dead bird, take him to the veterinarian right away. Signs of AI (and other respiratory diseases) include fever, listlessness, conjunctivitis or difficulty breathing.

Finally, even if avian influenza isn't a concern, always practice smart pet hygiene. Wash your hands after handling animals, disinfect surfaces regularly, clean and disinfect food and water dishes, and don't get up close and personal with pets who are coughing, sneezing or wheezing. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

What's your state's

pet health record?

-- The research team BARK (Banfield Applied Research and Knowledge) analyzed data from nearly 2.8 million pets seen at Banfield hospitals across the country. Here's some of what they found. In Oregon, one in 24 dogs is diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Minnesota has the highest rate of pet obesity: 41 percent of dogs and 47 percent of cats. (They must be packing on the pounds for those harsh winters.) Mississippi has the highest prevalence of heartworm disease in dogs. In Texas, the prevalence of parvovirus is two times higher than the national average. Check your state at www.stateofpethealth.com.

-- Props to the Air Canada pilot who saved the life of a 7-year-old French Bulldog named Simba by diverting a flight when a heating system malfunction would have sent temperatures plummeting in the cargo area. The Tel Aviv-to-Toronto flight landed in Frankfurt, Germany, so Simba could be placed on another flight. Approximately 200 travelers were delayed for 75 minutes to make the unscheduled landing and transfer, but Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick said the overall reaction was positive once people learned of the reason for the delay and that the dog was safe.

-- Planning a vacation? Consider Tierras Enamoradas in San Ramon, Costa Rica. Located in a cloud forest near Costa Rica's Arenal volcano, its walking paths give guests the opportunity to glimpse more than 300 species. As a bonus, people missing their own dogs can walk some of the dogs from the nearby pet hotel—known as the Dog House—which doubles as an animal rescue center. It houses more than 400 dogs and cats in need of homes, so you might bring back more than just memories or add a warm, fuzzy feeling to your vacation by contributing to their care. -- 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: Low-level laser treatments are among the therapies that may help pets with gingivitis or other painful inflammation. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: The five states with the highest prevalence of overweight and obese cats are Minnesota, Nebraska, Utah, Illinois and Colorado. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1