Airs Wed February 29, 2012, 9PM EST. Listen to this podcast directly from my show page by CLICKING HERE.
Dear Listeners, Viewers, and Readers:
Tonight I will be tackling the ever so
controversial raw diet movement.I will
present you with the history of who started this movement, what the theory
behind it was, whether or not it is as effective as its proponents say it is,
whether or not it is as dangerous as its opponents say it is.
This is one of the most polarizing
topics in the animal care industry, so I am looking foreward to listener
feedback.As always, I invite you to
post comments right here at the blog or submit e-mail comments/questions to be
addressed by me on the air, by sending them to comments@web-dvm.net.
Thank
you as always for caring about what I have to say!
Sincerely,
Roger Welton, DVM
Dr. Roger Welton is the President and chief veterinarian at Maybeck Animal Hospital in West Melbourne Florida, as well as CEO of the veterinary advice and health management website Web-DVM.net.
Transcript from this week's episode of The Web-DVM:
Secondhand smoke has
been implicated in the illnesses and even deaths of non-smokers. What’s even
more disturbing is that smokers may have unknowingly contributed to severe
disease in pets.
Most people understand that secondhand smoke from cigarettes contains an
incredible number of hazardous substances and many of them are carcinogenic.
These chemicals are found in high concentrations in carpets and on furniture
around the home. Pets sharing this environment will get these toxins on their
fur and then ingest them during normal grooming.
Dr. Ann Hohenhaus, a board certified specialist in veterinary internal medicine
and certified veterinary journalist, has written that increased numbers of
smokers and smoking in households corresponds with higher levels of the
by-products of nicotine metabolism in pets sharing that home.
Research is now showing that our pets’ health is affected in ways similar to
what is seen in humans.
In the early 1990s, researchers found correlations between nasal cancers in
dogs and the presence of smokers in the home. There is also a concern that
environmental tobacco smoke may increase the incidence of lung cancer in our
canine friends as well.
Cats may actually be at higher risk for serious disease when they live in a
smoking environment. As mentioned above, many cigarette smoke toxins settle to
low levels in the home and cats will pick up these substances on their fur.
Because of their fastidious grooming habits, cats end up ingesting a higher
level of chemicals and this leads to a greater chance of several types of
cancer.
Lymphoma is a cancer of white blood cells and is one of the most common cancers
seen in our pet cats. When smokers are present in the cat’s household, the risk
for this killer is increased by two or three times over cats living in
non-smoking homes. Sadly, when our feline friends are diagnosed with lymphoma,
the prognosis is very poor and many won’t survive another six months.
Another serious cancer with links to secondhand smoke is a cancer of the mouth
known as squamous cell carcinoma, or SCC. Studies have linked a higher risk for
SCC in cats living in smoking homes. Again, the prognosis is very grave and
most pets won’t survive another year.
Of course, the best course of action is to give up the tobacco habit entirely.
It’s not only best for the health of the smoker, it will also greatly reduce risks
for pets. Understanding that it’s not easy to quit this addictive habit, people
who smoke and have pets should attempt to minimize their pets’ exposure by
smoking outdoors.
Another important thing to remember is that smoking in the car with pets can create
a toxic environment, even with the windows open. If you must smoke when you
drive, leave your pets and kids at home!
Pets who are developing illnesses from secondhand smoke may exhibit symptoms
ranging from lethargy to coughing to the appearance of masses in the mouth.
It’s important to have your pet seen by a veterinarian if any of these signs
are noted.
This is Roger Welton reporting, forThe Web-DVM.
Dr. Roger Welton is the President and chief veterinarian at Maybeck Animal Hospital in West Melbourne Florida, as well as CEO of the veterinary advice and health management website Web-DVM.net.
Airs Wed February 15, 2012, 9PM EST. Listen to this podcast directly from my show page by CLICKING HERE.
Dear Readers, Viewers, and Listeners:
Tonight I will be taking about the rise of a very dangerous strain of bacteria called MRSA (Methicllin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). We are seeing increasing cases of this type of infection, and the scary part is that it has a unique ability to mutate and gain resistance against our best antibiotics, as well as jump species and even put the human family at risk. Don't miss this one, as I highlight how you can protect you and your family from MRSA. Plus, I will be addressing 3 listener submitted e-mail questions throughout the podcast.
As always, I invite you to post comments right here at the blog or submit e-mail comments/questions to be addressed by me on the air, by sending them to comments@web-dvm.net.
Thanks as always for caring about what I have to say!
Sincerely,
Roger Welton, DVM
Dr. Roger Welton is the President and chief veterinarian at Maybeck Animal Hospital in West Melbourne Florida, as well as CEO of the veterinary advice and health management website Web-DVM.net.
Transcript from this week's episode of The Web-DVM:
Pets have become integral and beloved members of millions of families across North America. We provide them with special diets, unique toys and even grieve heavily when they pass away. Unfortunately, many dedicated owners fail to consider what might happen to their pets if they are suddenly unable to care for them.
Historically, this was never much of a concern. Pets have always been considered “property” by state and national governments and so when a person died, their possessions, along with the animals they owned, were disposed of as directed by the person’s will or by the probate court handling the estate.
Over the ages, many people have tried to incorporate special provisions into their wills for their pets. English Common Law actually began to recognize pet trusts as far back as 1842. But it’s only been in recent years that true strides have been accomplished.
The first problem to overcome was that of the legal hurdle that “property cannot legally own property”. This means that the animal (property) cannot receive money (more property) in a will for its continued care. In a similar manner, a pet cannot be named a beneficiary of a trust. But, in the 1990s, the Uniform Probate Code changed to actually permit pet trusts. To date, 45 of the 50 U.S. states allow an owner to create a trust for their animals.
The next, and probably bigger issue, is to educate pet owners about their options. Failing to consider what to do with your pet in the event you are unable to care for him or her could lead to your dog, cat or other pet ending up in a shelter or with a new pet owner.
Pet trusts actually provide many benefits. First, since trusts are valid even while the owner is still alive, even if he or she is disabled or incapacitated. This simple fact allows the pet’s care to continue without the necessity of going through probate.
In addition, if the owner needs to move to an assisted care facility or nursing home, a pet trust is valuable in helping to keep the pet and owner together.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, a pet trust is administered by a trustee (separate from the pet’s caretaker) who has a legal obligation to follow the guidelines set forth by the owner. This helps insure that your wishes for your pet are carried out and helps minimize the potential for fraud. You will want to make sure you have selected a willing and trusted person as the caretaker before the time for one is needed.
As with any legal matter, you should discuss the potential for creating a pet trust with your attorney. Also, your veterinarian may know of attorneys who specialize in these sorts of trusts or even other resources that will help you provide for your pet after you are gone.
This is Roger Welton reporting, for The Web-DVM.
Dr. Roger Welton is the President and chief veterinarian at Maybeck Animal Hospital in West Melbourne Florida, as well as CEO of the veterinary advice and health management website Web-DVM.net.
Dr. Roger Welton is an experienced ER and general practice veterinarian, and reporter for the Veterinary News Network (VNN). He is a published author and expert in his field, offering advice, pertinent veterinary information and news to the general pet owning public through his YouTube and BlogTalkRadio shows, which are embedded weekly here for your viewing and listening convenience. Dr. Welton is a reporter for the Veterinary News Network (VNN), enabling him to offer the most up to date, interesting, and cutting edge pet related information. Dr. Welton is happily married with 2 small children, and in his spare time competes in triathlons and coaches youth league lacrosse.
