In The News

Maple Veterinary Hospital

Putting Your Pet's Healthcare First!!!

NEWS TOPIC	BRIEF OVERVIEW

NATIONAL PET DENTAL HEALTH MONTH Dental Health Information	February is National Pet Dental Health Month At Maple Veterinary Hospital, our veterinarians think every month should be Pet Dental Health Month

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009 SWINE INFLUENZA CONFIRMED IN CATS & DOGS 12/21/09 New York Dog confirmed with 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus 12/8/09 Oregon cat confirmed with 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus 13-Year old cat in Iowa confirmed with 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus Frequently Asked Questions About 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus Swine Flu - CDC Website Swine Influenza & You	The American Veterinary Medical Association has announced that the H1N1 influenza virus has been confirmed in cats, dogs, and ferrets. Maple Veterinary Hospital doctors want to remind our pet owners that it is very important to watch your pet for signs of upper respiratory illness, especially if anyone in the household has been sick with flu-like symptoms or recently diagnosed with the H1N1 Influenza Virus. Early diagnosis and treatment of upper respiratory illnesses are important to your cat's health and recovery. To date, animals infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus have shown the following clinical signs: lethargy, decreased appetite/anorexia, coughing and difficulty breathing. Some of the animals have developed pneumonia. Any animals showing these signs of disease should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. There is no evidence to suggest that pets have or will spread the virus to humans or other animals. To date, all of the sick pets became ill after a person in the household was ill with flu-like symptoms. For more information please click on the American Veterinary Medical Assocation (AVMA) and Center For Disease Control (CDC) links provided.

JANUARY 2009 - PEANUT BUTTER RECALL FDA Investigation into the source of the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak FDA Peanut Butter Recall List Pet Food - Peanut Butter Related Recalls Jiff Peanut Butter Safety Statement Skippy Peanut Butter Safety Statement	From time-to-time, our veterinarians will advise clients that peanut butter is an affective way of camouflaging medications. The FDA is investigating peanut butter as the source of a Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak that has been reported in the news. The links provided here will take you to websites that Explain the FDA's investigation in detail Provide a list of all recalled products Provide a list of pet food-specific recalled products Provide safety statements from the makers of Jiff and Skippy peanut butter. If you are accustomed to using peanut butter as a delivery method for your pet's medication, the manufacturers of Jiff and Skippy peanut butters are reporting that their products are safe for consumption. If you prefer an alternate delivery method until the peanut butter recall is resolved, you can use the following food products: cheese liverwurst bread lunch meat

Meet our new Veterinarian DR. THOMAS WATSON	Dr. Watson joined the professional staff of Maple Veterinary Hospital in December 2008. He is a 1992 graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He has practiced in Southeast Michigan since graduation. Most recently, he practiced at Mound Road Veterinary Hospital, in Sterling Heights, that closed in October 2008. Dr. Watson has established himself as a well-loved, accomplished veterinarian. Dr. Watson's clients are delighted that he has relocated close to their homes and we have receive many nice comments from his faithful clients. One e-mail sums up how his long-term clients feel about him. The staff of Maple Veterinary Hospital welcomes Dr. Watson and his clients to our practice!!!!!!!!!!!

SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 PET FOOD RECALL 2008 LIST OF RECALLED PET FOOD	Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary recall of products manufactured at its Everson, Pennsylvania facility. The pet food is being voluntarily recalled because of potential contamination with Salmonella. This voluntary recall only affects the United States. Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms. Maple Veterinary Hospital patients who are on prescription diets are not at risk. Clients who feed their pets store food products should check to see if their pet's food is on the recalled pet food list by clicking on the link to the left.

2008 PROHEART 6 HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE REINTRODUCED PROHEART 6 IS BACK	P r o H e a r t 6 i s b a c k ! ! ! Clients who liked the injectable heartworm preventative will be glad to know that ProHeart 6 is now available for their dogs. ProHeart 6 is the only option for heartworm prevention in the United States that helps ensure dogs are continuously protected against this potentially fatal disease for six months following a single dose.

SEASONAL TIPS Cold Weather Checklist Flea Tips Halloween Safety Tips Tips for Spring Thanksgiving & Christmas Safety Tips	Helpful tips and newsletters to keep your pet safe and healthy all year long.

2008 PET FOOD LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT PET FOOD LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT	A group of about 30 companies sued over contaminated pet food linked to the deaths of perhaps thousands of dogs and cats have agreed to pay $24 million to pet owners in the U.S. and Canada. Under the terms of the deal, pet owners could be reimbursed for all reasonable expenditures, including veterinarian bills. For more information link to http://www.petfoodsettlement.com/

ZOONOSIS CDC RAISES ZOONOSIS AWARENESS	The Center for Disease Control (CDC) discusses how pets provide many benefits to humans. They comfort us and they give us companionship. However, some animals can also pass diseases to people. These diseases are called zoonoses.

RABIES HEALTH RISKS History of Rabies In Michigan About Rabies How To Reduce Your Pet's Risk of Exposure to a Rabid Animal Maps of Rabies Positive Animals in Michigan	Michigan Department of Natural - Information about rabies: History of rabies In Michigan General information about rabies What pet owner's should know about keeping their pets protected from rabies 2006 and 2007 Rabies incidence maps of reported cases in Michigan; plus more

DISTEMPER VIRUS MICHIGAN Dept. of Natural Resources - discusses Canine & Feline Distemper	Canine and feline distemper are diseases affecting many wild and domestic carnivores. Although both these diseases can cause acute illness and death, canine and feline distemper should not be confused, as they are caused by two distinctly different viruses.

WEST NILES VIRUS MICHIGAN Dept. of Natural Resources - discusses West Nile Virus	West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and/or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). There is no vaccine available for mammals and birds. Keeping pets indoors around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active can help them avoid being bitten.

SWIFFER PRODUCT SAFETY REPORT ASPCA Poison Control Center	Veterinary Toxicologists regard allegations of liver failure and death from household cleaner as unfounded. May 6, 2004—Veterinary toxicologists at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center have reviewed the claim described in a widely distributed email alleging a relationship between the use of Swiffer Wet Jet and liver failure in a dog. The email alleges that exposure to the ingredients in Swiffer Wet Jet caused a dog's death.