Otterkill Animal Hospital
Newsletter Volume 16, January 2008

New Year Resolutions
This is the time of year when many people resolve to turn over a new leaf and improve their quality of life in the New Year. We thought we'd help with some resolutions, modified from Mary Esparra's column in the Times Herald Record, to help improve the quality of life for your animal companions too.

Being a dedicated animal lover, I resolve to:

• Provide secure, visible and preferably permanent identification for my animal. We recommend microchipping. Ask us about this simple injection procedure at your next visit.
• Provide the best diet I can afford my animal. The higher quality foods are indeed better.
• Provide regular exercise for my animal. It's good for both of you!
• Keep my animal up-to-date on Rabies vaccinations and others as indicated.
• Provide a yearly health examination with our veterinarians. We recommend twice yearly examinations for animals over seven years of age.
• Plan and budget for the financial means to provide proper health care for my animal. I understand that taking care of an animal is a serious responsibility.
• Abide by local ordinances (leash laws, barking, etc) and state law by licensing my dog annually.
• Provide proper outdoor shelter (insulated, waterproof roof, adequate size) and fresh, unfrozen water at all times.
• Provide positive reinforcement obedience training with a certified trainer for my dog. We maintain a listing of recommended classes and trainers.
• Provide for my pet's future should something happen to me.
• Have my animal spayed or neutered at the appropriate age and not contribute to my community's pet overpopulation.
• Not support puppy mills by purchasing a puppy from a pet store or from an online source. Ask us when you're ready for a new companion. We can offer expert opinions on the right animal for you.
• Enjoy every day with my companion animal, to return its unconditional love, attention and affection.

Sharing your life with a companion animal is truly a wonderful gift. We're proud and pleased to be able to do all we can to keep you both healthy and happy.

What's in a mutt?
Ever wonder just what breeds are in the heritage of that mixed breed dog of yours? Modern science can now provide an answer. A dna analysis can be performed on a blood sample from your dog to determine some of the breeds in its background. Over 130 AKC registered breeds have been tested and their dna can be matched against your dog's dna to determine just what breeds and what percentage of which breeds are in your dog's heritage. The Wisdom Panel MX can be performed on a simple blood sample. The fee for this test is $120. Learn more about this exciting technology at www.WISDOMPANEL.com. Now we can tell you with a high degree of certainty what breeds are in your mixed breed dog. This can help predict possible expected behavior traits as well as some breed specific health issues which we can address.

Genetic Health Predispositions in Purebred Dogs
We've known for a long time that many breeds of purebred dogs are prone to certain health issues and common breed specific problems. Some of these health problems can even become life threatening. Responsible breeeders screen for some of these diseases and try to breed them out of their lines. Many times it still amounts to a "roll of the dice" and some adverse traits still get passed on. Again, modern science is beginning to provide tools to help eliminate these conditions and diseases. Dna based gene tests are becoming available to see if a dog may be carrying the genes for serious conditions. It's hoped that genetic testing will improve the health and lives of our companions just as it someday will for us too.

You can learn more about the risk of genetic based diseases common in your purebred dog at: www.upei.ca/cidd/intro.htm.

Dr. Zgoda Elected to Board
Dr. Zgoda has been elected to serve as treasurer for the Hudson Valley Veterinary Medical Society. This is a regional branch of the New York State Veterinary Medical Society serving Orange, Sullivan, Ulster and Dutchess Counties. Its primary purpose is to provide local continuing education seminars for area veterinarians. It's one of the many ways we keep up to date. Dr. Z is pleased to return to the board after a previous five year stint which included a year serving as the group's president.

Calicivirus in Cats
A new variety of this serious upper respiratory disease is appearing in regions of the country. Luckily, it hasn't appeared in this area yet. But we're keeping a vigilant eye on its spread and will keep you informed.

Happy New Year!
Wishing you and your entire family a new year filled with peace, health and happiness. As always, we pledge to provide the very best veterinary care attainable for you and your animal companions. We'll do our best to make this a healthier year for all of you.