Petville

Kidney disease in dogs and cats

Kidney failure... kidney disease in the dog and cat is a common and difficult disorder to manage. 
Often called CRF... Chronic Renal Failure, it is seen most often in the older dog or cat. Kidney failure has it origins in a wide variety of causes.  For example, some animals are born with poorly constructed or functioning kidneys and never reach totally optimum health.  Eventually, these individuals usually fall into kidney failure at an early age.  Another type of kidney failure can occur after accidental ingestion of antifreeze that contains ethylene glycol. 

These situations cause sudden and often irreversible renal (kidney) failure. Quite commonly, kidney failure results from low grade, long term (chronic) inflammation of kidney tissues called chronic nephritis; the damage caused by this inflammation renders permanent damage to delicate renal tissues that are not able to repair themselves or heal as some other body tissues do.  Eventually, not enough normal functioning tissue remains to support the body's need for metabolic regulation and waste elimination. The dog or cat becomes UREMIC, a condition where body waste material builds up in the blood. These toxins promote vomiting, poor appetite, depression, and eventually death.  Bacterial invasion of the kidneys is a common cause of chronic nephritis and kidney failure.

The kidneys receive about 20 percent of the heart's blood output and play a vital role in keeping the dog or cat in normal metabolic balance. The glomerular blood vessels have a large endothelial surface which allows for the active and passive transport of many chemicals into and out of the kidneys.

Diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats

Diabetes in the dog and cat and the treatment for diabetes mellitus are interesting and challenging topics.  Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disorder where the body is unable to regulate blood sugar levels.  (There is another dissimilar disease called Diabetes Insipidus that is associated with the pituitary gland.)  Each case seems to be different, and regulating the diabetic dog or cat so that their blood glucose levels are as normal as possible is vitally important.  The real problem with a diabetic dog or cat is that even in the presence of sugar (glucose) in the blood stream, something interferes with the entry of that sugar into the body's cells where it is required for the life sustaining energy of those cells. With no sugar in the cells, the cell dies in a very short period of time.

A highly complicated disease entity, diabetes has been classified according to what pathway of energy metabolism has been disrupted. 

Fortunately with diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats most cases can be managed successfully with insulin injections. There are several brands of insulin available to veterinarians and your veterinarian may suggest or favor one brand rather than another.  Cats often are managed by use of a PZI (protamine zinc) insulin preparation.  Do not be bashful with your dog or cat's veterinarian if you do not understand the how, why, and when of managing diabetes in dogs and cats.

Typical signs of diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats include excess water consumption and excess urination, increased appetite but with actual weight loss, and dehydration.  Dogs also commonly develop cataracts whereas cats seldom develop cataracts secondary to diabetes mellitus.
...polyuria (PU) - frequent and more productive urination
...polydipsia (PD) - increased water intake
...polyphagia - excessive appetite
...weight loss
...lethargy
...sugar in the urine

Diabetes rising in cats and dogs

MSNBC reports that as with people, the incidence of diabetes in cats and dogs is increasing. Not so much of a problem in decades past, diabetes now affects as many as one in 50 of the animals, some statistics show, especially pudgy pets.

“There is no question from what I know that is published in the literature that obesity is on the rise, No. 1, and No. 2, diabetes is on the rise right along with it,” says veterinarian Robin Downing, hospital director of Windsor Veterinary Clinic in Windsor, Colo.

Diabetes results when the body doesn't produce enough insulin, a hormone that processes glucose (blood sugar), or properly use it. As a result, the body's tissues cannot use glucose for energy, and the sugar builds up in the blood and urine.

Veterinarians say that while obesity clearly is linked to diabetes in pets, it appears to contribute to the disease differently in cats and dogs.

Fat cats are prone to diabetes because they develop insulin resistance, meaning their bodies don't effectively use insulin. As a result, the pancreas pumps out more insulin as well as another hormone called amylin.

With dogs, obesity is associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis — an inflammation of the pancreas — which can then lead to diabetes because the body doesn't make enough insulin.

A change to a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet — nicknamed the “Catkins” diet — can promote weight loss and make diabetes more manageable in cats, often sending them into remission so that they no longer require insulin injections. At the Windsor Veterinary Clinic in Colorado, three out of every four diabetic cats have their disease controlled through diet alone.

read full story here

Study links house dust to cat illness

A new federal study suggests that household dust containing a common flame retardant may be linked to an increase in cats getting sick from overactive thyroids.

That could be a warning sign for how young children could get exposed to the chemical, said Linda S. Birnbaum, director of experimental toxicology at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and co-author of the study.

The small study looks at chemical flame retardants called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which were used in foam, plastics, furniture, electronics, fabrics and carpet padding. The sole American manufacturer in 2004 agreed to phase out the types of PBDEs included in the study because of concern about toxicity in animals. But PBDEs remain in American homes.

The study of 23 cats found the older felines with high levels of certain types of PBDEs tended to have overactive thyroids, the researchers reported online Wednesday in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Science and Technology.

Hyperthyroidism is treatable in both cats and humans. In cats, the disease started soaring in America in the late 1970s and 1980s, soon after PBDEs became common, according to the researchers.

full story

Cushing's Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)

Cushing's disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, is caused by an excess of cortisol in the body. It is relatively rare in people, affecting between 10 and 15 of every million people each year. The problem occurs more commonly in the dog than in the cat.

A thorough patient work-up is needed to reach a diagnosis."Cushing's disease commonly affects middle-aged to older dogs," says Dr. Jennifer Brinson, a veterinarian specializing in internal medicine at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital at Urbana. "It is most commonly seen in poodles, dachshunds, terriers, German shepherds, and golden retrievers.

"These animals typically present with symmetrical hair loss; excessive eating, drinking, and urination; lethargy; and a distended abdomen," she says. "They commonly have other skin abnormalities and secondary urinary tract infections as well."

There are three types of Cushing's disease: adrenal cortical tumor, pituitary tumor, and iatrogenic (veterinarian-induced).

An adrenal cortical tumor--a tumor of the cortisol-producing cells of the adrenal gland--causes excess production of cortisol. Although there are two adrenal glands, these tumors generally develop in one gland and will lead to one abnormally large adrenal gland and one abnormally small gland.

 

Hot Spots! Just What Are These, Anyway?

You make an appointment with your veterinarian because your dog is chewing incessantly at some wet, raw looking skin lesion.   And it seems to be noticeably bigger than it was just hours ago.  This is getting to look nasty.   You show it to your neighbor and they say your dog has a "Hot Spot".  What the heck is that, you ask?

Also known as Summer Sores or Moist Eczema, Hot Spots can seemingly appear spontaneously anywhere on a dog's body and the area involved can rapidly spread.  This moist, raw skin disorder has a variety of causes but the most consistent factor is bacteria. There are a number of kinds of bacteria that can be cultured from a "hot spot" and fortunately most respond to oral and topical antibiotics. Anything that irritates or breaks the skin can create the environment for bacterial contamination if the skin surface has just a bit of moisture on it.  That moisture can be present from a recently given bath, from swimming or being out in the rain, from rolling in wet grass or even from a slightly oozing sore that provides nutrients for bacteria.  For some reason, cats rarely acquire Hot Spots; dermatological problems in our feline friends are far less common than in the dog.

Cats Are Different

Find Out How A Cat's Nutritional Needs Are Different From A Dog's

Our wonderful life-supporting planet is home to a remarkably diverse and complex spectrum of living organisms. And although all living things do share some common traits and similar biochemical pathways and cellular functions, there are many notable differences that make each creature stand out from the crowd. So even with the thread of sameness joining all the planets’ life forms, diversity and difference makes us take note of each creature’s uniqueness. Maybe that’s why the cat is America’s favorite housepet . . .cats are different!

This extraordinary four-legged feline has, for all of recorded time, evoked wonder and surprise, superstition and affection, damnation and deification. From pharaohs to philosophers to paupers, the companionship of and affection for cats has been a result of the cat’s unique ability to make us humans gaze in awe and admiration.

Eons of special environmental circumstances have forced the cat to evolve some interesting and individualized biochemical activities. Let’s take a peek at how unique the cat is inside, in that mysterious universe of liver and kidneys and glands and fluids where a million chemical reactions are going about their biological business in silent obscurity. And to make our little peek at the inner workings of the cat more interesting, let’s contrast a few of the cat’s biological activities to those of our next most favorite companion the dog.

In so many obvious ways, cats look, act, react, and respond differently than dogs. You never see a cat happily wag its tail; a dog’s reflexes are quick, a cat’s reflexes are incredible; dogs are doers, cats are watchers. These differences are easily noted by simple observation. Now let’s explore some of the unseen microscopic world of the cat – the invisible world of metabolism and chemistry that is just as real as those traits we can see with our eyes.

To begin with we must get a good grip on two terms . . . carnivore and omnivore. The cat is considered by scientists to be a strict carnivore and the dog is considered to be an omnivore. Both species are in the Class Mammalia and the Order Carnivora, but here’s the difference: The cat cannot sustain its life unless it consumes meat in some form. Dogs, however, are able to survive on plant material alone; they do not have to consume meat. But always keep in mind that dogs do best and by nature are primarily meat-eaters. Just because by definition they are omnivores (can digest and utilize plant and animal food sources) does not mean that plant material alone makes a good source of nutrition for the dog. Far too many dogs have been undernourished by those cheap grain-based dog foods. And grain-based cat foods are even worse!

So a good way to think of it is that cats are carnivores, dogs are omnivores, but they both have evolved as hunters of other animals in keeping with their nature as meat-eaters.

A dog food that leaves almost no waste

A Dutch firm claims to have eliminated the problem of dog poo by creating a dog food that leaves almost no waste.

Developers Jos van der Linden and Nanette Waldorp say 90% of the food, called Energique, is absorbed into the dog's body.

They claim remaining 10% comes out the other end as a smell-free dry pellet that can be picked up by hand in a tissue.

According to research by the University of Utrecht, a dog will normally need to go three times a day, but with Energique it only needs to go once a week.

The pair are now selling Energique, which is totally meat based, as fast as they can, producing it at their pet food factory in Friesland.

Regular dog food only consists of about 15% meat, chicken leftovers, cereal crops and water.

Jos van der Linden said: "The food comes out as it came in, the problem is that a dog's bowel is not made for cereal crops.

"The whole secret behind the success of Energique is the simple approach that dogs, were they not pets, would only eat meat."

The new product is being hailed as a major boost in the fight to cut down on the problem of dog mess on city streets.

The only drawback is the price, Energique costs twice the price of regular dog food, but it has not stopped the company getting orders from as far as the US, Canada and Israel.

Pet First Aid: CPR

In light of the recent dog CPR story with a happy end, we thought to post pet CPR instructions:

If the animal is not breathing and the airway and mouth are free of objects, lay it down on its right side. Check for a heartbeat by listening to the chest where the elbow touches the ribs. If there is no heartbeat, you can start chest compressions with the flat of your hand as well. To breathe for the animal extend the neck so that there is a straight airway, close its mouth; place your mouth around its muzzle and blow air into the nose until the chest expands. Be sure to keep the neck out straight, not flexed. You should be able to see the chest expand with each breath... don't over-do forcing air into the lungs. This should be performed every 5 seconds. If chest compressions are required to stimulate heart contractions, place one hand on each side of the chest in the area of the heart about 5 to 7 ribs back from the base of the neck. Compress every second and stop occasionally to force air into the lungs. Compressions with the thumb and forefinger of one hand may be all that is needed for cardiac stimulation in very small dogs or in cats.

Pet First Aid: Vomiting

With the weather finally warming here in the Northeast, the grass is looking tastier for the dogs to nibble on during a walk. Any pet that eats grass will probably vomit the grass and stomach contents... this is generally of no consequence.  Grass has no food or medicinal value whatsoever to a dog or cat and can cause gastrointestinal tract irritation and bleeding.   

First aid remedies for "vomiting" can be helpful or can be your pet's worst enemy depending upon the cause of the vomiting.  Using Kaopectate, Pepto Bismol herbal remedies for vomiting due to a foreign object penetration of the stomach or intestine can be disastrous!  Your judgment regarding the seriousness of the vomiting is critical.  If the vomit contains any blood at all, call the veterinarian immediately.

If your pet seems alert, active and seems unconcerned about the vomiting, then you may try cautious observation at home. Withhold food for 12-24 hours and allow water in small amounts.  Keep in mind that many small breeds of dogs can suffer severe consequences from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if food is unavailable for longer than 18 to 24 hours.  After the vomiting has ceased for 4 hours, you may give ice chips or small amounts of water for 12 hours.  If vomiting has not resumed, slowly increase the amount of water and food again over the next 24 hours.  If the animal is not interested in food, vomits repeatedly, or seems cramped or in pain, it's definitely time to call the veterinarian. 

A new drug for your motion-sick dog

Does your dog get car sickness? Well here's a shocker - there's now a drug for your motion-sick dog. Pfizer has been busy... It was just last month we reported on their pill for fat dogs. The FDA said this drug, called Cerenia (also by Pfizer), is the first to prevent and treat vomiting in dogs.

When used in tablet form, Cerenia can prevent vomiting associated with motion sickness.
There's also an injectable form of the drug, known generically as maropitant citrate, that can prevent and treat acute vomiting due to chemotherapy, parvovirus, kidney disease, pancreatitis and other causes.

The FDA notes that severe vomiting can lead to dehydration and death in dogs.

Saipan dog problems

We received this email earlier today. I figure it's best to put it out there in public for your suggestions.

"We are living in Saipan, a US trust territory, and as in many third-world countries there is a problem with dog and cat population. we are seeking information as to any type of medical prophylaxis that can be given to wild animals to deter the reproductive urge...if you can provide information it would be greatly appreciated.
thank you for any assistance"
Michael B.
Turning Point Learning Center
michael96950@gmail.com

I even Googled around a bit to see if there really was a stray animal problem in Saipan, and I found a group named Beautify CNMI! which looks to be doing great community service to help clean up Saipan - even its dog problems. Can anyone help this guy?

Lick Granuloma... a dermatology nightmare

Everyone who has had a dog with a lick granuloma will tell the same story. The skin lesion started as a tiny sore spot on the skin and the dog kept licking at it. Applying medications didn't seem to help much and  the darn thing kept spreading outward while thickening.  It often would be wet and oozing from the dog licking and chewing incessantly at it.  Finally a trip to the veterinarian revealed a name for this patch of thickened, scarred and irritated skin: Acral Lick Granuloma.   "Well, OK", the owner would say, "so what do we do about it?"

The problem is that we veterinarians cannot give the owner a specific recipe for a cure for acral lick granuloma.  The skin is so deeply affected that even down to the base layer of the skin there can be found under the microscope little pockets of bacteria, broken hair follicles, plugged and scarred oil glands and dilated and inflamed capillaries.  And if these skin lesions are removed surgically, the dog simply licks at the sutures or incision line after the surgery heals, thus creating a brand new granuloma right where the original one was!

The photo here is of an Airedale with a classic case of Lick Granuloma. The dog is perfectly healthy, is on an excellent diet, does not suffer from allergies but does have slight separation anxiety when his owner leaves for work. In this case the "cause" of the licking specifically at the affected area of skin may be self stimulation to help allay the anxiety of separation from the owner. The skin lesions will heal slightly, almost seem like they are going to heal, and overnight (or during the day while left alone) the lick granuloma is activated, licked raw from continuous passes of the tongue. Also with this dog, when one of the attempts to break the cycle of licking involved wrapping the lower leg with a cast to keep the dog away from the lesion, he began to make a new one in the same location on the opposite leg. Now there are TWO LICK GRANULOMAS!

A pill for fat dogs

FDA OKs Pfizer drug for obese dogs
The Food and Drug Administration said today it approved a Pfizer drug to help manage the weight of obese dogs.

Pfizer will market Slentrol, a liquid formula, to the estimated 5 percent of U.S. dogs that are 20 percent over their ideal weight.

In a statement issued Friday the FDA says the drug's "mechanism for producing weight loss is not completely understood," but seems to cause less fat absorption. Overweight pets are more likely to develop heart disease, diabetes and joint problems, according to the government agency.

According to Slentrol's labeling, a veterinarian must monitor the monthly weight change of a dog on the drug and adjust the dosage accordingly.

Don't like the thought of doggie diet pills?
Read our article on what to do about an overweight dog.

Types of Lumps and Bumps

How are you to know which lumps and bumps are dangerous and which can be left alone?  Truthfully, you are really only guessing without getting the pathologist involved.  Most veterinarians take a conservative approach to the common lipomas and remove them if they are growing rapidly or are located in a sensitive area.  But caution needs to be observed because even the common lipoma has an invasive form called an infiltrative lipoma.  However, when a nasty looking, reddened, rapidly growing mass is detected growing on the gum, for example, aggressive action is indicated.  Keep in mind that not all lumps and bumps are cancerous, and some are fairly innocent and do not warrant immediate surgery.

Non-cancerous lumps:
Cysts, warts, infected hair follicles, hematomas (blood blisters) and others do cause concern and can create discomfort for the dog.  Non-cancerous lumps, though, have less health impact than cancerous growths.

Cancerous lumps:
Cancerous growths can be either malignant or benign, and occasionally even share characteristics of both.  Malignant lumps tend to spread rapidly and can metastasize to other areas of the body.  Benign growths tend to stay in the place of origin and do not metastasize; however they can grow to huge proportions.

Lumps and Bumps

My greyhound, Rocky, is in his senior years but acts young. Because he is over 11 years old, every little skin irritation, bump, stutter in his walk - anything - gets a lot of attention from me. Last week I noticed a skin rash that looked to be bacterial, so off to the vet we went. While examining Rocky, the vet noticed a tumor on the base of his tail, about the size of a large grape and very vascular. His first guess was an adenoma. It would have to be surgically removed, meaning poor Rocky was going back to the vet for an operation the day after Christmas. Anesthesia is tough on a greyhound to begin with, never mind the fact he's 11. Plus that meant no Christmas table scraps after 7pm. :(

Well the results were back today and I'm happy to report that it was a benign adenoma and the prognosis is good. But of course I had to read more on the subject, and picked an article for my readers to get more information...

There are very few surprises that will startle you more than discovering a lump or bump on your dog. As your hand wanders over your canine pal in affectionate scratching or petting, your fingers just may chance upon a lump that “was not there before”. Guaranteed… it will scare the biscuits out of you. With that nagging “C” word drifting about the back of your mind, your first fear is that your dog might have cancer. Setting in motion your search for an answer as to what this lump is you make a quick trip to the veterinarian for an exam.

“How long has this been here?” the doctor asks.  “Just found it yesterday, doctor,” you respond.

“Let’s see if we can find any others,” says the doctor as experienced and sensitive hands work the dog over.  Sure enough, “Here’s another one just like it!” says the doctor as she places your hand right over the small, round, moveable soft mass under the skin of the dog’s flank. 

“I think these are what we call Lipomas, just fat deposits under the skin.  They are very common and usually present no problems” says the doctor.  Your relief at hearing the good news is cut short as the doctor continues…

“However, we honestly do not know what these lumps truly are unless we examine some cells under the microscope.  So I’d suggest that we do a simple needle biopsy, place some cells on a slide and send the slides to a veterinary pathologist for a definite diagnosis.”

The doctor in this case is being thorough and careful.  How true it is that a definitive diagnosis of “what it is” simply cannot be made without microscopic examination of the lump’s cells.  A veterinary specialist in pathology is the final authority and judge when it comes to shedding light on these lumps and bumps that we too often find on our canine pals. 

What you should know about pet vaccination

Pets, like people, can be protected from some diseases by vaccination. Although this provides basic information about vaccinations for your dog or cat, your veterinarian is your best source for advice regarding your pet's vaccination needs.

What are vaccines?

Vaccines are health products that trigger protective immune responses in pets and prepare them to fight future infections from disease-causing agents. Vaccines can lessen the severity of future diseases and certain vaccines can prevent infection altogether. Today, a variety of vaccines are available for use by veterinarians.

Is it important to vaccinate?

Yes! Pets should be vaccinated to protect them from many highly contagious and deadly diseases. Experts agree that widespread use of vaccines within the last century has prevented death and disease in millions of animals. Even though some formerly common diseases have now become uncommon, vaccination is still highly recommended because these serious disease agents continue to be present in the environment.

Does vaccination ensure protection?

Top 10 reasons pets go to the vet

Urinary Tract Infections for Cats and Skin Allergies for Dogs Top the List

For the second year in a row, urinary tract infection was the top medical condition that cat owners filed medical claims for in 2005 to Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), according to a recent review of policyholder claims.  Veterinary visits for skin allergies resulted in the most claims for canines in 2005, which in 2004 ranked second for dogs.

2005 Top 10 Claims by Incident -- Dogs (ranking in 2004)

1.  Skin allergies (2)
2.  Ear infections (1) 
3.  Stomach upsets (3)
4.  Bladder infections (5)
5.  Benign tumors (4)
6.  Osteoarthritis
7.  Sprains (7)
8.  Eye infections (8)
9.  Enteritis
10. Hypothyroidism 

2005 Top 10 Claims by Incident -- Cats (ranking in 2004)

1.  Urinary tract infections (1)
2.  Stomach upsets (2)
3.  Kidney disease (10)
4.  Skin allergies (5)
5.  Respiratory infections (3)
6.  Diabetes
7.  Ear infections (4)
8.  Colitis (8)
9.  Eye infections (6)
10. Wound infections (7)

read the full report here

Choosing a veterinarian for your pet

Today's pets are living longer, healthier lives thanks to the availability of high quality medical services and pet-owners' careful monitoring of their animals for early signs of illness. With so much attention being given by owners to their pets' daily needs, doesn't it make sense to take some time in selecting the veterinarian who will become that pet's health care provider?

When choosing your family's veterinarian, use the same care and criteria that you would in selecting a physician or dentist. Think about what is important to you. Location? Convenient hours? Range of medical services? Friendliness and commitment of doctors and staff? Payment options? Your goal should be to find the veterinarian who you believe can best meet your pet's medical needs and with whom you feel comfortable in establishing a long-term relationship.

The veterinarian you select will want to maintain an ongoing history of your pet, including health records that detail immunizations, reactions to medications, surgical procedures, behavior traits, etc. He or she will also advise you on the best preventative care program available to maintain your pet's health.

Where to Look for a Veterinarian

Canine Hip Dysplasia

Most dog owners have at one time or another, gone through the process of purchasing or adopting a new puppy. We pay close attention to their personality, the color and texture of their coat, long hair or short, bold or timid etc. etc. But what about those hidden traits? What is lurking within that cute, cuddly ball of fur that's going to cause us heartache a few years down the road?

Since none of us have a crystal ball (well not one that works anyway), we have to base our decision on whatever information is available at the time. Does the pup appear healthy? What do the parents look like and are they showing any signs of a genetic disease? If there is a history of a particular disease in this breed, could it be that this playful pup now sleeping in your arms, is one day going to develop a crippling illness?

While there are no guarantees, even with all the certificates and other papers that accompany the new dog, we should all at least be aware of the most common genetic disease - Hip Dysplasia (HD).

Pet Health: Cancer in animals

What is Cancer?
Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells on or within the body. Cancer may be benign or malignant.  It may be localized or it may invade adjacent tissue and spread throughout the body.

How Common is Cancer?
Cancer is common in pet animals and the incidence increases with age. Cancer accounts for almost half of the deaths of pets over 10 years of age. Dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans, while cats get fewer cancers.

How is it Diagnosed?
Strong circumstantial evidence of cancer can be attained from x-rays, blood tests, ultrasonography, the pet's physical examination and medical history. Most cancers, however, will require a biopsy (a removal of a piece of tissue) for confirmation that cancer exists and to grade the level of severity from benign to aggressively malignant.

Is Cancer Preventable?

What is the spay / neuter process?

What you should know about spaying and neutering

The pet population problem

Every year, millions of unwanted dogs and cats, including puppies and kittens, are needlessly destroyed. The good news is that every pet owner can make a difference. By having your dog or cat surgically sterilized, you will do your part to prevent the birth of unwanted puppies and kittens and you will enhance your pet's health and quality of life.

Pet behavior and pet reproduction

Contrary to what some people believe, getting pregnant — even once — does not improve the behavior of female dogs and cats. In fact, the mating instinct may lead to undesirable behaviors and result in undue stress on both the owner and the animal. Also, while some pet-owners may have good intentions, few are prepared for the work involved in monitoring their pet's pregnancy, caring for the newborns and locating good homes for all the offspring.

What is surgical altering?

During surgical altering, a veterinarian removes certain reproductive organs. If your cat or dog is a female, the veterinarian will usually remove her ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. The medical name for this operation is an ovariohysterectomy, although it is commonly called "spaying." If your pet is a male, the testicles are removed and the operation is called an orchiectomy, commonly referred to as castration or simply "neutering."

While both spaying and neutering are major surgical procedures, they are also the most common surgeries performed by veterinarians on cats and dogs. Before the operation, your pet will be given a thorough physical examination to ensure that your pet is in good health. General anesthesia will be administered before the surgery making the procedure non-painful. You will be asked to keep your pet calm and quiet for a few days afterwards until the incision begins to heal.

Will the surgery affect my pet's disposition or metabolism?

Basic benefits of spaying and neutering

What are the benefits of spaying and neutering?

Both operations lead to improved long-term health, prevent unwanted litters, and eliminate many behavior problems associated with the mating instinct.

Benefits to your female pet

Female dogs experience a "heat" cycle approximately every six months, depending upon the breed. A female dog's heat cycle can last as long as 21 days, during which your dog will leave blood stains in the house and may become anxious, short-tempered and actively seek a mate.

Female cats can come into heat every two weeks during breeding season until they become pregnant. During this time they may engage in behaviors such as frequent yowling and urination in unacceptable places.

Both female dogs and cats benefit from spaying, which eliminates their heat cycles and generally reduces the negative behaviors that may lead to owner frustration and, ultimately, a decision to relinquish the pet to a shelter. Most importantly, early spaying of female dogs and cats helps protect them from serious health problems later in life such as uterine infections and breast cancer.

Benefits to your male pet

Sarcoptic Mange Mites

Microscopic sarcoptic mange mites cause sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies. Sarcoptic mange mites affect dogs of all ages, during any time of the year. Sarcoptic mange mites are highly contagious to other dogs and may be passed by close contact with infested animals, bedding, or grooming tools.

Risks and Consequences
Sarcoptic mange mites burrow through the top layer of the dog's skin and cause intense itching. Clinical signs include generalized hair loss, a skin rash, and crusting. Skin infections may develop secondary to the intense irritation. People who come in close contact with an affected dog may develop a rash and should see their physician.

Treatment and Control
Dogs with sarcoptic mange require medication to kill the mites and additional treatment to soothe the skin and resolve related infections. Cleaning and treatment of the dog's environment can be beneficial.

A service of the American Veterinary Medical Association

Demodectic Mange Mites

Mite Basics
Demodectic mange caused by demodectic mange mites is mainly a problem in dogs. Demodectic mange mites are microscopic, cigar-shaped, and not highly contagious. However, a dam may pass the mites to her puppies.

Risks and Consequences
Localized demodectic mange tends to appear in young dogs as patches of scaliness and redness around the eyes and mouth and, perhaps, the legs and trunk. Unlike other types of mange, demodectic mange may signal an underlying medical condition, and your pet's overall health should be carefully evaluated. Less commonly, young and old dogs experience a generalized form of demodectic mange and can exhibit widespread patches of redness, hair loss, and scaliness.

Treatment and Control
Your veterinarian will discuss treatment options with you. Treatment of dogs with localized demodectic mange generally results in favorable outcome. Generalized demodectic mange, however, may be difficult to treat, and treatment may only control the condition, rather than cure it.

A service of the American Veterinary Medical Association

Your cat's health: Feline Panleukopenia

What you should know about feline panleukopenia

Feline Panleukopenia (FP) is a highly contagious viral disease of cats caused by the feline parvovirus. Over the years FP has been known by a variety of names including feline distemper, infectious enteritis, cat fever and cat typhoid. Feline distemper should not be confused with canine distemper. Though sharing the same name, they are different diseases caused by different viruses; neither of the viruses is transmissible to man. FP virus kills rapidly dividing body cells. This cell loss makes the cat more susceptible to other complications and bacterial infections.

How Can You Tell if a Cat Has FP?

Choosing A Good Dog or Cat Food

Making the right choice starts with reading the label's list of Ingredients. By law the ingredients must be listed according to weight of the ingredient added in descending order. In other words, by weight of raw ingredient the main ingredient is listed first, second most prominent ingredient next, and so on.  The first three ingredients are the most important. It's easy to tell if the diet is vegetable based, with corn, rice, wheat, and soybean meal listed as the main ingredients; or if the diet is meat based, with meat, lamb, fish or poultry listed as the main ingredients.

I would always pick a meat-based diet over vegetable-based foods for optimum health for dogs. Now...here's the catch! I'm going to have to pay more for the meat based diet! Responsible and caring dog owners should never let the price of the food dictate the purchase decision. In almost every situation... with dog food, you get what you pay for. The higher the price the higher the quality. I'll let you consider the converse of that. And the higher the quality of the ingredients, the greater the nutritive value for the dog. Plus, you will purchase less high quality food than cheap food since dogs must eat more low quality food to meet their nutritional needs.  Immediately you will notice that when feeding a high quality, meat-based food, the dog will need to consume fewer cups of it per day than a cheap diet; the dog will also pass noticeably less stool when consuming a high quality diet than with a grain-based diet.

Corneal ulcers in dogs and cats

Ulcers of the cornea in dogs and cats is a common occurrence, and a potentially dangerous affliction. 

Any abrasion to the cornea, including an bee sting, rub from a paw, a scratch from a claw or thorn or an invasive infection can abrade the cells on the surface of the dog or cat cornea.  Once the surface cells are disrupted the smooth surface of the cornea becomes rough, infective organisms can invaded the spaces between the cells and the area becomes a source of pain and irritation to the animal.  Dogs and cats with corneal ulcers commonly will have increased tear production, will squint (called blepharospasm) and rub at their eye.  The irritated tissues often become infected.

If infection progresses into the thin cellular layers of the cornea, the ulcer may deepen and widen and eventually break through the membrane at the back of the cornea called Descemet's membrane. In these severe cases, the fluid from the anterior chamber of the eye can escape and the front of the eye collapses. When this occurs, called a descemetocele, the iris will often seal the hole in the cornea.  If the iris tissue adheres to the opening and acts as a plug, the anterior chamber may refill and eventually the ulcer may heal and seal the opening in the cornea. This could take many weeks to occur. In unfortunate cases, the interior of the eye can become infected and eventually the eye may be damaged beyond repair.

Once the cornea is abraded, the entire cornea suffers from swelling (called edema) and the cornea takes on a slight haze.  Then tiny capillaries begin to move over the cornea from the white of the eye (called the sclera) and seek out the damaged tissue. Within days of the abrasion these tiny vessels are on their way to bring healing tissues and fluid to the ulcer.  As specialized corneal cells slide into and fill the defect, the ulcer eventually heals and the surface of the cornea returns to normal.  Then the healing capillaries dry up and go away!

Raw bones or cooked bones.. are either safe?

Feeding raw foods such as meat, eggs, fish, fruit and vegetables can be tremendously beneficial to  dogs and cats.  Raw foods retain many health-enhancing benefits that cooked foods may lack.  We encourage pet owners to look into the advantages and disadvantages of feeding raw foods.  If you "do it yourself" by composing a homemade diet for your pets you must be very careful that the amounts and ratios of nutrients are correct.  The eventual effects of deficiencies, imbalances and over-supplementing a diet may not show detrimental effects in an animal for months after an improper diet has been fed.

There are people who will tell you that feeding bones is natural and healthy for dogs, and that feeding bones promotes clean teeth and aids the nutritional status of the animal.  Well, mushrooms are natural, too, and certain kinds will kill a dog if eaten.  Pine trees are alive with vital cellular nutrients of all kinds, but does that imply that we should grind up pine trees and feed them to our pets in order to provide their "vital nutrients" to our pets?   I will share with you just a few examples of many where a dog has been very seriously harmed by ingesting bones...YES, EVEN RAW BONES!

It is my belief that feeding bones to dogs is not perfectly safe to do. Many experienced and knowledgeable veterinarians feel the same.  Yes, there are some veterinarians who encourage the feeding of raw, whole bones.   Pet owners must decide for themselves what really makes sense and what just seems like a good thing to do.  Lets go right to the first x-rays, below left, and I will show you a case that was presented to Dr. Ray Goodroad in Rhinelander, Wisconsin in December, 1998.  This hound of about 75 pounds was found by his owner feeding on a dead deer carcass.  The dog became very lethargic, attempted unsuccessfully to vomit and pass stool, and was dehydrated.  This dog was feeding NATURALLY on RAW BONES and you can see the results.

Could your pet be at risk for kidney disease?

Could Your Dog or Cat Be at Risk for Kidney Disease?
Catching an Illness at an Early Stage Is Your Best Strategy

Just like people, animals are susceptible to illness and stress. And, just like people, there is a lot you can do to keep them healthy.

Julie noticed her dog, Zac, was drinking more water. Not just once, but several days in a row. She knew that excess thirst can be a sign of illness, so she took Zac to her veterinarian for tests. Blood and urine tests showed that Zac was in the early stages of acute kidney disease. But Zac was lucky. Because his problem was caught early, Julie’s veterinarian was able to treat the disease successfully and Zac made a complete recovery.

What Is Kidney Disease?

Briefly, kidneys filter and remove waste material from the blood stream. They also regulate the volume and composition of your pet’s body fluids.

There are two types of kidney disease:

Acute – a sudden loss of kidney functioning which is sometimes reversible, and
Chronic – a loss of kidney function that occurs gradually over time.  Chronic kidney disease is often progressive, but, depending on the underlying cause and with careful management, animals often live comfortable lives for many years.

The causes of kidney disease can include inherited defects, infections, toxic substances and simply aging. Although the cause of kidney disease can be difficult to determine, with careful testing by your veterinarian, the disease can often be managed. Most treatments are aimed at decreasing the workload of the kidneys, reducing the severity of symptoms, and slowing the progression of the disease.

What Are Its Symptoms?

ThePetCheckup Animal Wellness Kit

Now there is something you can do right in your own home to help your dog or cat live a longer and healthier life! 

Used in addition to routine veterinary care, ThePetCheckup helps you know when your dog or cat needs medical attention--even before symptoms appear. This urinalysis test uses the same diagnostic materials that are commonly used in veterinary clinics. ThePetCheckup specially packages these materials so that you can now take a more active role in your animal's health care. Give your pet, your veterinarian and yourself the advantage of early detection.

ThePetCheckup screens for:
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Diabetes Insipidus
• Kidney infections
• Bacterial infections
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Urinary bladder disease
• Auto-immune disease
• Cushing's disease
• Prostate diseases
• Hepatitis
•  Liver conditions

It is always better to prevent a disease, or to catch it early, than to have to treat it at a later stage.
You can get a package of 6 complete tests for only $26.99 at PetFoodDirect.com

Control your dog's bad breath

Stop apologizing to your friends for your dog's breath by trying some remedies from The Wellness Store.We've posted important information on your dog's dental health, but there are also various supplements and remedies that can help your dog's bad breath.

Here's some holistic pet care products for bad breath and tartar control:

8 in 1 Deter Coprophagia Treatment for Dogs
If your dog is displaying not-so-discriminating-taste, discourage the habit-forming tendency to consume feces. Studies have shown that using this product is up to 98% effective in stopping this disturbing behavior! These chewable tabs, formulated with natural vegetable extract, are taste-appealing, and safe to feed to dogs of all ages – including puppies!

Triple- Pet All Natural Breath Freshener
The all natural, sugar-free Breath Freshener uses organically bound zinc to kill germs, parsley seed oil to kill odors and real vanilla for fresh breath. It contains L-Lysine to help prevent viral infection. It does not contain drugs or alcohol. A little dab on the gums, using the applicator tube, provides great breath immediately, which lasts for hours and hours.

Chomp Yip Yap Breath Strips for Dogs
Yip Yap Breath Strips for Dogs freshens breath instantly and dogs love them! Made with all natural ingredients.

For more Animal Wellness Dog Breath and Tartar products, click here.

What to do about an overweight dog

Research has shown that, in general, a healthy dog can abstain from food for five days before any noticeable health effects occur. They generally don't HAVE to eat every day. (Very small breeds are an exception...but unless there's really some medical problem present, missing a day of eating isn't a major catastrophe.) Always be sure fresh water is available. So start out by feeding a very high quality, complete and balanced dog food. Look on the ingredients list...MEAT should be the first item listed, not corn. You may also want to supplement with a vitamin/mineral/fatty acid product. PetFoodDirect.com has some excellent products - follow the link at the end of this article... search for SUPPLEMENTS. Be careful about over supplementing, too!

Now record an accurate pre-diet weight. Reduce by one-third your pet’s total daily ration previously given. Include in this total all treats, snacks, or left-overs if you insist on continuing to provide these. Reweigh the pet in 2 weeks. (Remember if the pet begs for food, that's a good sign! But don’t give in.)

If you find upon weighing your pet after two weeks that it has lost even a little weight, you’re on the right track; keep up this schedule! If no weight loss is evident, again reduce by one-third the amount being fed. Weigh the pet again in two weeks. Depending upon the results either keep feeding this amount or reduce again by one-third the total amount being fed. If you persist a good outcome is certain. Many veterinarians believe you should not feed the "Reduced Calorie" or "Lite Diets" or "Senior Diets"! These diets have very restricted fat levels to reduce the calories but by necessity have increased the carbohydrate percentages. This increased carbohydrate stimulates additional Insulin secretion which tells the body to store unused calories as fat! There are a multitude of overweight dogs that have actually gained weight on those "Reduced Calorie" weight loss diets. Your dog needs a meat-based diet, high in protein (which isn't stored as fat) and fat and low in carbohydrate. Now... YOU have to adjust the quantity being fed to achieve a state where the dog takes in fewer total calories than it is using for the day's energy requirements.

Dog Neuter Procedure

The dog neuter surgery, and spaying and neutering of dogs or cats in general DOES NOT "make a pet fat and lazy". In a healthy dog or cat, free of hypothyroidism or other medical disorders, overfeeding and insufficient exercise are the sole causes of a pet being overweight. Don't blame the dog or cat spay or neuter surgery if a pet becomes overweight.

The dog neuter surgical procedure is performed under general anesthesia and employs sterile instruments and a sterile surgical field. Medical emergencies can arise if a pet becomes infected during these procedures. No surgeon approaches a spay or neuter as if it were "routine" because each surgery is different from every other because each pet is different, and although neutering might be deemed a minor surgery, a spay certainly qualifies as a major procedure.

Castration of a male dog does not "break his spirit"... it is probably the most common routine surgery done in animal hospitals all across the country. IF neutering promoted undesirable physical or emotional impact on the dog, it surely would not e performed as often as it is. Plus every veterinary hospital would be required by law and ethics to have the dog owner sign a notice that they were informed of these possible bad side effects... but there are very few reasons not to neuter a male dog.

Your Pet's Allergies: The RAST Test

Well the calendar says it's Spring - between the heavy flooding in the west, the warm, wet, almost snowless east, and all kinds of climatological mayhem in the middle of the country, I'm sure we're all looking forward to some "normal" weather.

But what has this got to do with my pet you say? In a word - ALLERGIES!

Itching, scratching, chewing, sneezing dogs and cats everywhere. All this wet, warm weather has brought the plants out of their winter snooze weeks earlier than usual, and many of our allergic pets are starting to react.

It's that thump, thump at two in the morning as your dog frantically tears at his ears, or that annoying slurping sound as he chews the fur off his rump that has you calling your veterinarian for the first available appointment.

While there are many different ways an allergy may manifest in your dog and many different treatments, one of the tests your veterinarian may recommend is a RAST test - (Radioallergosorbent test). A small vial of blood is drawn and submitted to a laboratory for analysis. Two primary screens are usually performed. The first is a regional test which checks for any sensitivity your dog may have to the common grasses, trees, shrubs, molds and fungi found in your part of the country. The second is a food allergy screen to determine sensitivity to some of the common ingredients in your dog's diet.

Since the very best way of treating an allergy is to stay away from the causative agent altogether, your veterinarian will then be able to recommend certain diets free of ingredients to which your dog tested positive.

Treating allergies to inhalants like plants and house dust is a little more complex. Various medications like corticosteroids and anti histamines may be used, or your veterinarian may decide to try hyposensitization. Here the laboratory formulates a type of vaccine based on the allergy test results, and your dog is given injections over a period of time to slowly help it develop a tolerance to the offending allergens.

Some allergies will dissipate with time and treatment while others may require continued "allergy shots". While desensitizing might not be the entire answer for your pet, you may want to consider a RAST test in addition to the other forms of treatment your veterinarian may prescribe.

Dogs: Omnivores or Carnivores?

Our feline friends are classified as true carnivores because they must consume meat in order to survive. Canines are just slightly different from cats in their conversion of foods for life maintenance; dogs are classified as omnivores. They can survive on a diet of either plant or animal origin if it is balanced and diverse. But to thrive and not merely survive, dogs should have a source of animal protein - MEAT - in their diets. There is a huge difference between survive and thrive! Nature made the rules of biochemistry and nutrition and we mortals have no power (and no business, for that matter) to try to bend those rules. For that reason there are truly no adequate vegetarian diets for cats. For that reason dogs thrive on diets based on meat.

There are so many topics to be discussed that it is difficult to select where to start. The Internet has many informative places to visit for background on how to read pet food labels, what responsibility the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has and even a web site about the Pet Food Institute. Many of these sites have factual information and are not slanted by pet food manufacturers' marketing strategy, profit margins, or advertising agencies' creative design departments. Other sources of information available to the pet owner looking for good advice may not be quite so objective. The Golden Rule you should keep in mind is "Does the advice make sense?"

For example, if some pet food "expert" tells you that eating animal fat is bad for dogs and cats and that a plant source of fatty acids is much better, your common sense should tell you that dogs and cats successfully evolved over the eons by consuming animal fat in their diets. So does it make sense to say that animal fat is bad for dogs and cats? Another example is the common notion that lots of protein in a pet's diet will cause kidney damage. Again, looking at the nature of the dog and cat as primarily a meat-eating animal and having evolved by capturing and consuming other animals, we know their diets have always been high in protein. Think about what makes sense IN NATURE. If you hear about a nutritional product that "just doesn't make sense"... be cautious about it's factual basis.

Here is the biggest and most common misconception of all... the promotion of some low priced, grain-based foods as being a Complete and Balanced diet for dogs and cats!

Otitis externa, a.k.a. Stinky Ears

Otitis externa, a.k.a. inflammation of the soft tissue of the outer ear, a.k.a. "Stinky Ears"

It's inevitable. If you own a dog, no matter what breed, sooner or later he is going to have a "bad ear". With luck it may happen once or twice in your pet's lifetime and may not inconvenience either of you too much. But, if otitis is in your pet's future, be prepared for one of the most common and frustrating problems encountered in small animal medicine.

The causes of otitis externa are so varied and complex that a definitive diagnosis and treatment may not always be possible. In many cases, those infected, red and smelly ears are just one of the signs of a more generalized skin condition. Some of the more prevalent primary causes include (i) parasites e.g. ear mites (ii) foreign bodies e.g. grass seeds and (iii) direct trauma to the ear.

There are also certain factors that predispose the ear to inflammation and infection. Some examples include the conformation of the ear canal. Breeds such as the terriers and poodles often have long deep canals with heavy growth of hair in the canal itself. This can lead to an increase in moisture and poor drainage. Another breed with frequent ear problems is the Shar Pei. Here the canals are usually narrow and twisty which results in excessive wax accumulation, irritation and eventually infection. Another unfortunate, but common predisposing factor is the over zealous pet owner. These well-intentioned individuals clean and pluck their dog's ears every few days, regardless of whether they need attention or not. The result is usually a painfully inflamed and infected ear, which requires prompt veterinary attention...

Ear mites in cats and dogs

(view of an infested ear canal of a cat - click image for more detail)

Ear mites in cats are one of the most commonly seen veterinary health care problems. Treating ear mites in cats has finally become a relatively easy experience now that veterinarians can prescribe safe and effective medications that do not require applications every other day for weeks. Caused by a little mite called Otodectes cynotis, the mites generally live along the surface of the ear canal, but can also be found on other areas of the body or in the environment. These mites can, but seldom do, infest humans. If present for long periods, hey can lead to serious ear difficulties in cats and dogs.

As ear mites move about and feed along the cat or dog's ear canal they create substantial irritation and subsequent inflammation. The mites feed on tissue debris and secretions from the ear canal lining. With repeated irritation, the ear canal thickens and debris builds up within the ear canal. This debris, caused by mite waste products, dead tissue and fluid resembles coffee grounds. In chronic (long term) cases of ear mites in cats and dogs, there often is secondary bacterial and yeast infections present that complicate the treatment and create even more stress on the animal.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Supplements

(pictured: Arthritis of the hip joint)

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate supplements are fast becoming the most widely used supplements in dogs' diets. The reason is this: Arthritis in dogs is one of the most common health problems seen by veterinarians. And quite unfortunately dog owners and veterinarians rarely notice the early warning signs of arthritis in dogs because these animals have the character to ignore soreness and discomfort until the arthritic changes in the joints have progressed significantly. Recent widespread availability of nutraceuticals such as GLUCOSAMINE and CHONDROITIN SULFATE have proven to be significant contributors to easing the discomfort of arthritis in dogs. Plus these substances actually promote healing and tissue repair.

GLUCOSAMINE
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound composed of a sugar and an amino acid and is involved with the body's production of joint lubricants and shock absorption necessary to maintain healthy cartilage and joint function. It is manufactured in the body in the joint cartilage and is one of the major components involved with the formation of the critical lubricants and shock absorbers necessary to maintain and restore healthy joint performance. Any degeneration or injury to joint cartilage can result in the failure of the joint to produce sufficient cartilage repair and maintenance substances. The net result with time is a wearing down of the joint cartilage to the point where pain and swelling can substantially reduce joint function. This is what is commonly called degenerative joint disease (DJD) and Osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine Sulfate plays a role in other body structures besides joints. It is involved in the formation of nails, tendons, skin, eyes, synovial fluid, bone, ligaments, heart valves and in mucous secretions of the digestive, respiratory and urinary tracts. It is created in the production of proteins associated with cellular growth and structure. Test tube and animal studies show glucosamine supplements help increase cartilage production and reduce inflammation. Absence of Glucosamine Sulfate in the diet can result in early aging of cells, loss of cellular function, susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infection, and cell death. Glucosamine Sulfate is one of the building blocks of the basic substance of articular cartilage. Glucosamine Sulfate may also aid in the rebuilding of damaged cartilage...

Obesity in Cats

Ever wonder what to do about your overweight cat? Obesity in cats is very common and can predispose the cat to diabetes, Hepatic Lipidosis and arthritis. Overweight and actually obese cats outnumber cats of normal weigh and are being seen more and more commonly by veterinarians for various disorders. Weight loss plans in cats needs to be approached very carefully. This page will help you determine what to do about overweight cats so that your kitty won't have to be encumbered by obesity.

There are more cats than dogs in the USA at this time. And 40 percent of those cats are considered to be obese! Only 5 to 10 percent of all cats can be classified as only slightly overweight. In recent years Feline Diabetes Mellitus (diabetes) has become almost a daily diagnosis in animal hospitals all across America. Our cats are at risk for a number of obesity related disorders. Documented research indicates obese cats are far more prone than cats of normal body weight to Diabetes, arthritis and a very serious disorder called Hepatic Lipidosis. And the 40 percent obesity figure seems to be growing.

What Really Is A "Natural" Pet Food?

Natural pet food... there is much confusion today as to just what kind of food could or should be called "natural pet food". Does NATURAL mean that absolutely nothing can be done to or added to a food? Does NATURAL mean the food product was strictly organically grown or fed? (And what exactly does "organic" really mean?) Can a NATURAL food product have other "natural" substances added such as flavor enhancers and still qualify as NATURAL? The dictionary gives us some clues when NATURAL is defined as ...Present in or produced by nature. Conforming to the usual course of nature. etc. You can see that even the dictionary has multiple connotations for the term NATURAL. So... sometimes you may have to rely on your own common sense to tell you which pet food is a NATURAL product and which falls short of your concept. There has recently been some important news for pet owners that will help to ensure some standards in the pet food industry, standards that will help us decide which foods to feed our dogs and cats.

on't be fooled by key words or gimmicks. Carefully read the label of the food you are considering.

When you see the ingredients of Animal Food Services' canine and feline diets your common sense will tell you that these products are as close to a NATURAL PET FOOD as a formulated and balanced, raw, processed food can be for dogs and cats. There are numerous pet food manufacturers in addition to Animal Food Services that strive to provide frozen, dry, or canned pet foods that meet the concept of a "natural" food for dogs and cats. Here is a list of a few, all of which are described (including ingredient lists) in detail at, and can even be ordered from, our affiliate online pet store.