Helping Two Birds With One Stone

Photo Courtesy of World Vets

One can easily be consumed with despair by the shear amount of suffering witnessed around the world.  Starvation, disease, natural disasters, war and mass shootings seem to create a gauntlet of potential miseries we desperately try to avoid while knowing one day we all will face defeat in the losing struggle into which we are born.  The gloominess of the situation can overwhelm or it can force one to look for consolation and happiness in other places and it is only then that we notice the enormous amount of goodness that is present in our tiny corner of the universe.  When natural disasters strike, volunteer efforts will arise quickly with men and women giving freely of their time and resources for other men and women with whom they have never met and most likely never will.  Where war exists, efforts are continually made to bring relief to the suffering and innocent who are the recipients of the consequence of nothing more than being a member of the species that yearly wins the award for the most intraspecies violence within the animal kingdom.  Friedrich Nietzsche made no mistake when he stated that man is the cruelest animal.

Yet, everywhere we find suffering we seem to be able to find the altruistic deeds of others flourishing in a tireless effort to alleviate the affliction.  And looking for it, we will find that it exists in greater quantities than we imagined giving great hope and encouragement for our own survival.  One will also notice that our altruism transcends the borders of our own species as the helping of other animals has become just as important as the helping of our own and for many good reasons.  A great number of people sacrifice physically and financially to help animals, especially in regards to over-population and neglect.  Upon learning of my impending trip to Nicaragua to help provide surgical and medical services to animals in poor areas lacking in veterinary care, many have stated it never occurred to them that in these types of areas animals need help as well.  It is the purpose of this writing to bring awareness to this need and to show the human population the value in caring for our animal population, not only for their well-being but for our own as well.

Photo Courtesy of World Vets

Since animals were first domesticated, man has had an intimate relationship with animals relying upon them for hunting, farming, guarding and food.  From hunter-gatherer, to agrarian, to industrialization, a healthy relationship between man and animals has always been important to the health and well-being of a nation.  Realizing this, our own country established the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the mid-nineteenth century to ensure a safe and healthy food supply that depended greatly upon a healthy animal population and maintaining the delicate balance within the ecosystem.  Soon, developing nations saw the importance of veterinary medicine in regards to maintaining a healthy animal population causing a large investment into veterinary schools and programs that continues until this day.  It has been proven beyond a doubt that a healthy animal population is necessary for a healthy human population.  So one of the many ways to help the poor is to provide medical services directly to their own animal population and to teach them how to create and maintain a healthy animal population.

Another way to decrease human suffering by the helping of animals is to decrease the potential for zoonotic diseases.  A zoonotic disease is a disease that is transmissible from animals to humans.  Many animals harbor organisms that are not only harmful to themselves but harmful and transmissible to humans.  If these organisms can be eradicated or at least minimized in the animal population, then it would follow that
their presence would be eradicated or at least minimized in the human population therefore leading to less suffering for all species involved.  This is accomplished by many means including medical treatment, vaccination and educational programs.  Due to the high quality and availability of medical and veterinary doctors, many diseases once commonplace are virtually unknown to most in America.  But easily preventable and treatable diseases such as hookworm infections have the ability to cause an immense amount of suffering not only in the animal host but the human host as well.  Even rabies infection, which in America is very rare to be diagnosed in the human population, still kills on average 55,000 people worldwide every year.  By preventing, eradicating and minimizing zoonotic diseases, both humans and animals will see a significant improvement in their quality of life.

Finally, although a bit on the subjective and putative side, where animals are treated humanely, humans are found to treat other humans more humanely as well.  History quickly reminds us our treatment of other species is nothing to be proud of.  From basic disregard to pain and suffering to superstitious nonsense, animals have been dealt a heavy blow by human indifference and sometimes just plain ignorance.  But throughout history, voices of reason have permeated the surface recognizing the need and might I say the necessity of humane treatment of animals to the maintaining of peaceful societies.  Immanual Kant thoughtfully stated, "He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men.  We can judge the heart of man by his treatment of animals."  Any psychologist will confirm one of the frequent common denominators of serial killers is that of the abuse of animals.  Mahatma Gandhi posited, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."  Wherever people insist upon humane treatment of animals one will find the treatment of other humans to be of the highest standard as well.

Photo Courtesy of World Vets

By maintaining a healthy animal population the all important bond between human and animal remains strong and can have dramatic effects upon an individuals health.  While some health benefits, such as the lowering of blood pressure, are measureable, others are not but known to many health professionals such as the decrease of anxiety and the general increase in well-being by the bonding with an animal.  Many animals serve as service animals and some serve as beloved visitors to those in nursing homes, hospitals and to the mentally challenged bringing great joy to those they come in contact with.

So when the altruistic strings start tugging at the heart and ways are searched for in which one can help their fellowman, think of possibly giving of your time and finances to helping the animal population for in doing so the human population benefits as well, thereby helping two birds by the casting of but one stone.

Dogs, Anal Glands and the Infamous Scoot

Not a day goes by that we’re not either treating impacted anal glands or answering questions about them.  Most pet owners are aware of anal glands and loathe their presence as much as we do.  To help better understand them here are some of the more common questions about anal glands that I hear from day to day.

What are the anal sacs?

Popularly called ‘anal glands’, these are two small pouches located on either side of the anus at approximately the four o’clock and eight o’clock positions. The sacs are lined with numerous specialized sebaceous glands that produce a foul smelling secretion. Each sac is connected to the outside by a small duct which opens just inside the anus.

What is their function?

The secretion acts as a territorial marker – a dog’s ‘calling card’. The sacs are present in both male and female dogs, and are normally emptied when the dog defecates. This is why dogs are so interested in smelling each others feces.

Why are the anal sacs causing a problem in my dog?

Anal sac disease is very common in dogs. The sacs frequently become impacted, usually due to blockage of the ducts. The secretion within the impacted sacs will thicken and the sacs will become swollen and distended. The secreted material within the anal sacs forms an ideal medium for bacterial growth, allowing abscesses to form. Pain increases and sometimes a red, hot swelling will appear on one or both sides of the anus at the site of abscess formation.

How will I know if my dog has anal sac problems?

The first sign is often scooting or dragging the rear along the ground. There may be excessive licking or biting, often at the root of the tail rather than the anal area. If the anal sac ruptures, you may see blood or pus draining from the rectum.

What should I do?

Problems with the anal gland are common in all dogs, but especially small breeds. Treatment for impaction involves flushing and removal of the solidified material. Since this condition is painful, many pets will require a sedative or an anesthetic for this treatment. Antibiotics are often prescribed and sometimes may need to be instilled into the sacs over a period of several days. Most dogs will receive pain relief medications for several days until the swelling and pain have subsided. In advanced cases, surgery may be required.

Debunking Common Goat Myths

If you’ve read any of my previous articles you may know that I’ve written about our Nigerian Dwarf goats.  We decided to raise Nigerian Dwarf goats for a few different reasons.  Our daughters, Ava who is nine years old and Aubrey who is five, both wanted goats.  Being small and girls of course, I wanted a smaller breed that was friendly, easy going but also a breed that was more than a pet.  I wanted a breed that gave good milk.  The Nigerian Dwarf goat fit what we were looking for.  They are small, adults average sixty-five pounds, they are very friendly and easy going, and they give excellent milk with high butter fat.

Since acquiring our first Nigerian Dwarf goats, many people have visited our herd and brought their children.  People ask a lot of questions and it has become apparent to me that there are a lot of myths about goats in general.  This article will focus on debunking the most common goat myths that exist.

Myth #1  Goats will eat anything (including tin cans).

Many people are surprised to learn that goats are very picky eaters.  If hay falls on the ground they will not eat it.  They will eat feed off the ground simply because it is tasty but they prefer it to be in a trough.  Goats are curious and will use their mouths to pick things up to examine them just as we would pick things up with our hands.  Since goats don’t have hands, they use their mouths.  So while they may look as if they are eating things such as tin cans, they are only examining or playing with them.

Myth #2  Goats stink.

This is partially true but only for intact males (male that haven’t been castrated).  Intact male goats, or bucks, do have a certain odor about them that most people would describe as unpleasant.  This smell is much worse during breeding season especially since they urinate on their beards.  The females have no odor at all.  They like to stay clean and avoid areas that are dirty.  Wethers, or castrated males, have no odor as long as they are castrated before puberty.  If you only plan to have your goats as pets then I would suggest buying only females and wethers.

 

Myth #3  Goats need to be de-wormed every month.

This is the fastest way to develop a parasite problem.  Intestinal parasites are a very serious problem for all goats.  De-worming medications are very inexpensive and easily given.  Therefore, goat owners soon started given these medications indiscriminately to all goats whether they needed it or not.  Overuse of medication will always lead to selection of resistant organisms.  It is better to have McMaster Egg counts performed by a veterinarian to determine parasite load and only de-worm the one that need it.

Myth #4  Goat milk tastes “goaty”.

If the milking procedure is not performed with care and cleanliness, then yes, the milk will taste “goaty”.  Goat milk is very similar to cow’s milk except that it is naturally homogenized so it makes excellent cheese.  Nigerian goat milk is very high in butterfat, usually in the 6-11% range.  Whole milk from a cow is 3.25% butterfat.  This makes their milk taste very creamy.  In my opinion, there is no finer milk than Nigerian Dwarf milk.  But I am probably a little biased.

The Reason Pet Owners Love Wellness Plans!

What are wellness plans?

Wellness plans are a unique way to provide your pets with all their preventive care and wellness needs in an affordable package broken up into monthly payments.  Preventive and wellness care includes all procedures necessary to prevent disease and kept your pet healthy which includes doctor examinations, intestinal parasite screens, heartworm tests, vaccinations and laboratory tests such as annual blood work and  urinalysis.

What is the financial value to having a wellness plans?

Wellness plans save the owner significantly in two ways, through discounted services and allowing the costs of yearly wellness care to be spread out over twelve months.  Depending on the type of plan, services and medications outside of the typical wellness visit are reduced a certain percentage off the original cost.  All yearly preventive medications such and flea and heartworm preventives are discounted as well.  Several plans also include free sick visits should your pet need to be seen in between wellness visits for an unplanned illness.  The yearly recommended wellness care is not only discounted but divided over twelve months and this helps avoid a large bill at those yearly visits.

Are wellness plans the same as insurance?

While wellness plans and pet insurance are both designed to save the owner financially, they are different.  Insurance typically only pays for sickness and major medical issues.  Although not nearly as burdensome as human medical insurance and much more affordable, pet insurance usually does not pay for wellness and preventive care.  The company that manages our wellness plans, Veterinary Pet Insurance, offers a discount on their pet insurance to our clients whose pets are on wellness plans.

What types of plans are available?

There are many different plans designed to fit your and your pet’s needs.  Choices included plans for puppies and kittens that can include spaying and neutering, plans designed for young healthy pets and older pets with special medical needs, and plans with dental cleaning as well.

Will wellness plans benefit my pets overall health?

In one word, absolutely!  Many studies have been conducted proving that pets receiving yearly recommended wellness care live an average of three to four years longer.  Remember that pets age much quicker than we do increasing the importance of early disease detection through regular examinations and annual blood work. So your pet will not only live longer, the time they are with you they will be much healthier therefore enjoying a better quality of life.

 

Call Eastside Animal Hospital today at 256-232-0660 or go to our website at www.MyAthensVet.com and find out which plan is right for your pet!