Pet Diabetes - Dr Jennifer Fry - Newsletters Issue 2

Antietam Valley Animal Hospital’s

Monthly Newsletter, ISSUE # 2, October 2000

In this issue….

Thyroid Disease

National Dog Week

Biscuit Recipe

Did you know?

Pet Vitamins

Featured Website

National Animal Poison Hotline

Fun Facts

**Thyroid DISEASE**

Thyroid hormone regulates metabolism, and therefore, affects almost every system in the body.
Hyperthyroidism results from excessive circulating thyroid hormone whereas hypothyroidism results from too
little thyroid hormone.Hyperthyroidism affects cats over 8 years of age while hypothyroidism affects middle-aged dogs.Genetics can play a role in the development of hypothyroidism and certain breeds such as Golden
Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Irish Setters, Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, Miniature Schnauzers, Dachshunds
and Poodles are more predisposed to the condition.

The most common signs of hyperthyroidism in cats are weight loss despite a good appetite, hyperactivity,
increased appetite, increased thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, unkempt hair-coat, increased heart rate,
abnormal heart beat and/or heart murmur. The most common signs of hypothyroidism in dogs are weight gain
despite limited food intake, lethargy, weakness, poor skin coat (dull or dry coat, oily skin, scales), hair loss or
slow hair re-growth, ear and skin infections, diarrhea, constipation, fatty deposits in the eye, and occasionally seizures.

Increased production of thyroid hormone is associated with an enlarged thyroid gland whereas decreased
production of thyroid hormone is associated with immune-mediated destruction or degeneration of the thyroid
gland.Thyroid cancer is rare and only accounts for only 1-2% of all cases.

Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are both diagnosed by a blood test to measure the level of thyroid
hormone.Other blood tests may be performed at the same time to evaluate other body systems to rule out
other disease conditions.

Both thyroid problems can be managed with daily medication to regulate the amount of circulating thyroid
hormone. After the correct dosage is achieved, yearly blood tests are used for monitoring the condition.
If your pet is not treated, she/he will continue to exhibit the signs of hyperthyroidism or hyothyroidism. Spontaneous remission does not occur; however, with the proper veterinary treatment your cat or dog
can resume a normal life.

National Dog Week…September 24-30…”Friends for Life: Companions Forever”

September marks the 72^nd annual celebration of National Dog Week.The annual event promotes the benefits of responsible dog ownership and commemorates the dog’s historical and current positive contributions to mankind.Check out the American Dog Owner’s Association’s website www.adoa.org to find out some of the ways dogs serve mankind.

Peanut Butter Biscuits

1½ cups Water
½ cup Safflower oil
2 Eggs
3 tblsp. Peanut Butter (no sugar)
2 tsp. Vanilla
1½ cup Whole wheat flour
1¼ cup Unbleached white flour
½ cup Cornmeal
½ Cup Rolled oats
Egg Wash—1 egg beaten with 1 tblsp. water

Whisk water, oil, eggs, peanut butter, and vanilla. Add in flours, cornmeal, and oats using a mixer.
Place dough on a floured surface and knead. Add more flour as necessary to form pliable dough.
Roll out to ½ inch thickness and cut into shapes. Place on an ungreased baking sheet and baste with the egg wash.
Bake at 400^oF for 20-25 minutes. Turn off the oven and leave biscuits in for an additional 20 minutes or until crisp.
Store airtight.

**DID YOU KNOW?**

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 for short) is used in the prevention and treatment of heart disease as well as gum disease.CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage. It is also called ubiquinone, a name that signifies its ubiquitous (widespread) distribution in virtually every cell of the body. It is important for cell health as well as essential to the production of energy. Coenzyme Q10 is primarily found in fish and meat. Studies have found that levels of Coenzyme Q10 are low in people with heart disease as well as those with gingivitis. CoQ10 helps strengthen heart contractions, modulate blood pressure and improve breathing as well as reduce gum inflammation.

The dose is 10 mg for cats and small dogs,

20 mg for medium dogs,

30-40 mg for large dogs

and 50 mg for giant breed dogs.

Give once or twice daily.

**PET VITAMINS NOW AVAILABLE AT AVAH**

Pet-Form – Geriform – Feloform Multivitamins

These tasty vitamin-mineral supplements for your canine and feline friends are only available from your veterinarian.This new prescription strength vitamin provides eleven vitamins and eight minerals plus protein, essential fatty acids and the all-important Choline, a precursor of the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which helps the body transmit messages from the brain to nerve cells.Available in 50 or 150 count bottles ranging in price from $5.00 to $17.50.

http://www.felinecompanions.org/

This site celebrates one of the most wonderful creatures in the world: the domestic cat. You'll find graphics, a huge

library of articles, games, free software, and much more…. Helpful hints and tips for you, trivia, folklore, cat behavior,

age chart, stories, humor, cat-related coloring books, puzzles, word search, cat screensavers and the list goes on and on.

PLUS the Cat Chat Message Board where you can talk about your cats or ask someone why your cat does something that.

**National Animal Poison Hotline**

Pet owners who fear their pets may have consumed poison can get help 24-hours a day by calling the Animal Poison Hotline (APH) at (888) 232-8870.The hotline is sponsored by the North Shore Animal League America and Prosar International Animal Poison Center.APH is staffed by veterinary professionals, toxicologists and pharmacologists who are dedicated to the healthcare need of animals exposed to potentially hazardous substances.An APH professional receives a call and immediately accesses information about the suspected substance. The caller is informed about the steps necessary either to resolve and/or mitigate the toxic effect of the substance.If the situation calls for special treatment, the caller will be referred to the nearest emergency animal treatment center.Callers must pay a $35 consultation fee.

Fun Facts:

When a domestic cat goes after mice, about one pounce in three results in a catch.

According to tests made at the Institute for the Study of Animal Problems in Washington, D.C., dogs and cats, like people, are either right-handed or left-handed—that is, they favor either their right or left paws.

The common belief that dogs are colorblind is false. Dogs can see color but it is not as vivid a color scheme as we see. It is much like our vision at twilight.

The color of the points in Siamese cats is heat related. Cool areas are darker. In fact, Siamese kittens are born white because of the heat inside the mother's uterus keeps the kittens hair from darkening on the points.