Dr. David Gantenbein of the Antelope Valley Animal Hospital in Palmdale, California (otherwise known as "Dr. Dave" to his friends), has been kind enough to provide us with a variety of pet care articles to share with our customers. Following are links to the first couple articles we received. Additional articles will be added in the near future, as time permits.
Dr. Gantenbein grew up in small town Kansas, and attended Kansas State University Veterinary School. He graduated in 1986 and started practicing in the San Fernando Valley, in Southern California, that year. He and his wife Janice moved to the Antelope Valley in 1992, where they have lived and worked since that time. Dr. Dave was voted one of the two most progressive veterinarians in L.A. County by Pfizer in 2005.
The following articles were authored by Dr. Gantenbein, and are based on his professional experience and personal opinions. They are intended for informational and educational purposes only. If you have specific medical concerns about your pet, please see your local veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. If you have suggestions for topics of future articles, please write to us. We'll forward your e-mails to Dr. Dave for his consideration.
Due to the volume of mail we receive, we regret that Dr. Dave cannot personally answer e-mails regarding the specific care of your pets. Thanks for understanding
Recently, a good friend of my wife’s e-mailed us with regard to her beloved foxhound and some concerns that she had as the dog had awakened several times " gasping ". After a few minutes, the dog would calm down and stop gasping and everyone would go back to sleep. As they are in North Carolina, I could not personally examine the dog but, given the time of year, I suspected that the dog was actually "reverse sneezing" rather than gasping...
A recent article released by the Associated Press focused on the fact that, like human physicians, veterinarians are documenting an increased occurrence of drug resistant staph infections in animals. The article went on to say that simple hygiene measures can prevent infection. A New York veterinarian was quoted as saying that he believed this to be a rapidly expanding and under-diagnosed problem.
As mentioned in last month’s column, this month we will discuss cat vaccines. Most of the diseases that we vaccinate our cats for are upper respiratory diseases. As we know, cats rely on their sense of smell quite a bit. If they are snarfy and stuffed up, they can’t smell. If they can’t smell, they won’t eat. That can then lead to other problems.
Since the newsletter is delivered mid month, I thought I’d get a jump on things and let you know that February is Pet Dental Health Month. Now, there are those that think that this a scheme devised by veterinarians to boost revenue during the slower months but, it really isn’t. Imagine, if you will, what your teeth and gums would look like if you never had any dental care?
As stated last month, this month's article focuses on diabetes in cats. Many of the symptoms are the same as those described in dogs, especially excessive urination (polyuria) and excessive thirst (polydipsia). Oftentimes, the excessive drinking is initially missed as the cats are sharing a water dish with the family dogs, and the amount that they are drinking is difficult to monitor.
As with humans, it seems as though the incidence of diabetes in dogs is on the rise. The question is, have the diagnostics gotten better or is the disease truly on the rise? Diabetes is a disease of the endocrine system and is the most common hormonal disorder in dogs. It primarily affects dogs middle aged and older and, for some reason, affects more female dogs than males.
Although we’ve touched on the subject in the past, we felt that fire season preparedness for our pets was something that we needed to revisit. Fire season seems to be all year long these days however, October seems to be prime for us of late. Having a kit ready for your pets and livestock will make evacuating them quicker and easier should the need arise.
Minor hip dysplasia (arthritic changes) may be treated several ways. Your veterinarian may employ the use of glucosamine containing products. These are not considered to be pharmaceuticals, but rather, over the counter supplements. They contain the compound known as polysulfatedglycosaminoglycans which helps to lubricate , protect and reverse the joint damage caused by arthritis.
Warning: If you are eating, or will be eating any time soon, (especially anything containing rice), you might want to save this page for later. We all celebrate the Holiday season, changing of the seasons, wedding season and cherry season. We don’t celebrate tax season or, in our line of work , maggot season.
Feb 2008
Recently, there was an article by the Associated Press with regard to the relationship between microchips and certain cancers. This started a furor in pet owners as many states and counties now require that all dogs be microchipped. At this point, there is NO evidence to support this claim and the benefits of microchipping far outweigh any isolated issues.
Well, the holidays are over, the property taxes have (hopefully) been paid and now is the perfect time to turn your attention to your pets. Since we’ve all been busy, it is very likely that Pooky and Fluffy are in need of a little TLC.
It has long been known that Omega 3 fatty acids are necessary to promote skin and coat health in our pets. The latest research indicates that there are many more health benefits that are derived from these fatty acids.
As I’m sure many of you have noticed, it seems that rodents are out in full force. While there are certainly disease concerns with regard to rodents, the methods used to eliminate them are a concern as well. Most folks around here have pets and other animals.
As most of you are aware, it is now rattlesnake season. Every year, we hear of so and so’s dog who was bitten and it a) cost them a fortune to save it or b) the dog didn’t make it. Well, now, it appears that there is a c). There is now a rattlesnake vaccine available. The vaccine provides protection but it is not a cure all.
May 2008
By request, we are going to address the issue of snakes this month. We have thought this to be a necessary topic for awhile since we do live in a snake prone area. Some people believe that all snakes should be done away with as their fears override the knowledge that snakes are beneficial.
You probably don’t need me to tell you that allergy season has hit with a vengeance. We have a very high pollen count primarily because we have had so little rain. Usually the rain washes much of it away but, not this year. As much as we are suffering, many dogs are suffering too. Both humans and dogs have inhaled allergies, that is, they inhale the aerosolized allergens during normal respiration.
Recent evidence, and a report in the latest Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, is making it clear that Xylitol can be hazardous to dogs. Xylitol, a natural sugar substitute, is being used more extensively in human products such as gum, toothpaste, sugar free candies and baked goods, without causing issues however, a small amount can be fatal when consumed by a dog.
How can I keep my animals more comfortable now that the heat is here? I’m asked this, or related questions often this time of year. Everyone has their own way of doing things but I’m going to offer suggestions that have worked at our house and at others that we have visited.
Now that summer is officially here, I thought I’d address traveling with your pets. Whether taking your pet on vacation or traveling to a new home, taking the time to prepare your pet for the trip can mean the difference between an enjoyable experience for all or an absolute disaster.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. We all love to give, and receive, chocolates and flowers, caution must be taken. While we have all heard about dogs ingesting chocolate and not suffering any ill effects, the fact remains that dogs should not eat chocolate. There are no magic numbers with regard to "safe " amounts of chocolate, as what may not appear to harm one dog, may be deadly to another.
Now that we are in the midst of vacation season, several people have asked for some tips to help their pet sitters if need be. Most things are no brainers. Don’t change the animal’s diet right before you leave, make sure that the pet sitter knows your animal’s routine so that minimal changes are made, leave enough medication for those pets that need medication,
With all of the concerns regarding West Nile Virus, I thought I’d address the issue of West Nile and its effect on companion animals, i.e. your dogs and cats. While there is always a possibility that they will contract it, especially those that are young, old or immuno-compromised, the chance of infection is slim even in epidemic areas.
