Pet Arthritis News

Our cat has arthritis; all I can find are the steps or ramps that help them get up and down furniture or the ramps to get down from cars or trucks but none of these are for actual stairways. Our cat has the most trouble getting up and down the stairs from the first to second floor. I was hoping to find something that could fit the length of the stairs rather than trying to build something myself.

Thanks

Perhaps your local timber merchant could provide you with a plank of wood equal to the length of the stairs and a local carpenter or handyman could make the ramp for you.

The ramp could be based on a deckchair design with notches for the prop to allow the height of the ramp to be altered. It is best to assemble the ramp and fit the prop before carving any notches, that way they can mark out where to carve notches to give a suitable range of heights, The notches must be deep enough that the prop doesn’t slide out when the cat’s weight is on the ramp. To provide grip on the sloping surface, fit some carpet or nail a series of small battens across the ramp (i.e. ladder-style).

Hope this helps.

EDIT: Just found this Company which custom makes pet ramps who may be able to help you.

http://www.petclassics.com/Service/custom-pet-ramps-steps.14.html

Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is extending its July 2, 2010 recall of 10oz “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs (Texas Hold’Ems)” pet treat (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10084TL7 BEST BY MARCH 24, 2012) to also include 83 cases of “Texas Hold’ems” (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10127 BEST BY MAY 6, 2012) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling the treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers immediately.

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. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

The Beef Filet Squares (Texas Hold ‘Ems) were shipped to distributors and retailers throughout the US. These individuals have been notified and have activated their recall procedures.

The treats are sold in 10oz plastic bags marked with “Lot # 10127 Best By May 6, 2012” on the top of the bag and on a sticker applied to the bottom.

No illnesses have been reported to date for either lot of product. A sample tested positive for Salmonella.

Consumers who have purchased 10 ounce packages of “Texas Hold’ems” are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00 – 5:00 CDT.

Source: http://www.merrickpetcare.com/about_us/news_article.php?tid=434
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LG: What is your dog’s favorite treat?

wow thanks for the info…favorite doggie treat are peanut butter ears

Why is it not commonly known that Glucosamine sulfate works the best? Is because the pharmaceutical
industry doesn’t want people to know? Glucosamine has also been used for many years by veterinarians to treat arthritis in dogs, horses and other pets.

$$$$$$$$$

I was wondering if anyone had heard of or if they have used a product called Dr. Franks pet pain spray.It sounds to good to be true and yes I do know what that usually means but I am hoping to find that out before I get my hopes up with a purchase.Thank you if you can give me some sort of fed back .

Our vet starts with glucosamine and baby aspirins. Next is Rimadyl. Then DMSO applied to the skin, then steroids, finally more powerful pain killers like Metacam.

My rat Milly, has been a wonderful pet. She is so caring and fun to play with. She has me all figured out as well I have her figured out. She can cheep me up when sad, or make me annoyed when she wants to tease me. She knows all my ticklish spots, and she knows what I say when I talk to her. I call her name and she comes, she steals off my plate and hides it for me to find…ugh!. lol So cute. She hate water but giving her a bath is the only way I can annoy her back. She cuddles with me and likes to wake me up at 3 in the morning if I didn’t find her in her new hiding spot that night. And she even made herself a rat door in my bedroom screen so she can go out into the garden and eat all our bugs. What a great rat!

Whoever, when I got her as a baby rat, I noticed she grew up into adult size twice as fast as my little sisters rat. She then acted like a normal fun loving little rat. Hyper and crazy. Then she started puberty around the time my little sisters rat started to get relaxed about the house and actually start understanding her name. Milly mastered her name and a few more words before my sisters rat even comprehended that My sister was her mommy. They are the SAME AGE!!!! Milly however is a blue rat, and my sisters rat is a mixed rat with spots. Milly is nearly smarter than I am and struts around like she owns the place. She Hates Karley’s rat, which is normal behavior for a Blue rat. But immunity to rat poison normal? We had forgotten to take out a few hunks of rat poison that were hidden in small places in my house. I found Milly eating one when she was about 5 months old and she had consumed nearly half the block. However, she didn’t die. she didn’t even get sick. No diarrhea, no throw up, no misbehaving, and now over sleeping. Shes a Magical rat. After about 9 months of play, she started to get tired more and more. She slept a bit longer and became more needy. She still got hyper, but only if she had a good nights rest. All my other rats were 18 months when this happened. She got lazy but still loved her crickets every now and then. She still stole my ice cream and fish sticks, but soon she just got annoyed. she started to nibble more and pee on people more often like an older rat would do to mark her territory. Well the next week went by and it got worse. She could barley get out of bed. Now shes just over 11 months old and her healthy pink tone on her cute little feet and rounded ears are turning white. Her hind legs are getting weak and she had arthritis pains. she squeaks at me when I hold her too tight which is hardly tight at all. And now she doesn’t steal my food. At first I thought she had a tumor or a rare sickness, but then everything added up. Shes in my lap right now not able to move and only hours from death. I just wanted to let you all know, that if your rat has these symptoms that mine has, then your rat has this.

SHE IS AGING TWICE AS FAST AS A NORMAL RAT.
They only live for about 2 years, but this one is dieing of old age at almost 1 year old.

I want to know if you have ever had this happen, or if this is the first time anyone has ever discovered this happening to a rat.

Blue rats have genetics that make them more vulnerable to diseases. Yours is probably just smarter than your sisters.

YOU NEED TO TAKE YOUR RAT TO A VET.

My cat is getting older and is starting to have many problems and is in pain from arthritis much of the time. My vet told me I may be faced with a decision within a year or maybe just a bit longer.

How do you know when it’s time and be ok with that?

You will know when the right time comes as your cat will go very quiet and sleep a lot and if he goes off his food then too, it’s a sign he has had enough of life.It’s an awful decision to have to make but if you have a good vet he/she will advise you whether to carry on with treatment or to have your cat put down.
It’s the hardest thing you ever have to do for a pet but it proves how much you love them if you let them go peacefully rather than have no quality of life.
You will know when the time is right and you will be strong because you have to be for your cat’s sake.

One of the more common domesticated house pets is the cat. If you are contemplating having one for a pet, there are certain aspects that you need to be aware of before you bring one into your household, specifically basic care issues and proper nutrition. Feline companionship brings with it a variety of responsibilities but your biggest obligation to that pet is the attention and care that you give it.

One of the elements regarding the basic care of cats is the initial preparations needed before bringing the animal home. The basic items needed immediately are a litter box and litter, separate food and water bowls, a brush designed for the type of fur the cat has (i.e. long-hair or short-hair), and a carrier to bring it home in and as well as for trips to the vet. And of most importance, cat toys since they enhance the bonding process. Eventually, you may want to consider a bed or basket for them to nap and sleep in.

Once you have determined what type of cat they will be, as in strictly indoors or indoor/outdoor, then there are additional care issues to be covered. If the cat is going to be outdoors part of the time, one of the first things you should get them is a collar. It will obviously hold the cat’s identification tag and veterinary status. Make sure that the collar has an elastic section so that if they get caught on something and start panicking that they can escape from the collar without severely choking themselves.

The tag attached to the collar should provide vital information specifically, your name, address, and phone number. Modern technology has created an identification microchip that vet’s can inject into the skin of a cat’s neck. Speaking of veterinarians, that is the other most important aspect of the cat’s health and well-being. If you want them to be around for a lot of years, every penny you spend on veterinary visits will have benefits and your pet will live a happier and healthier life that way.

Finally, unless you are looking at the cat as an investment, as in breeding them for money, once they have reached the appropriate age, get them neutered or spayed. The ideal age for this is once they are six months old. Where males are concerned, it’s an out-patient type surgery, pending any complications — bring them in first thing in the morning, and pick them up towards the end of the day. Females will vary, but usually the spaying is a 24 hour turnaround.

The first rule of thumb with feline nutrition is that cats are not vegetarians — they require meat in their diets so that they have a sparkle in their eyes and a glossy coat. They require certain dietary needs and animal derived nutrients are one of the main ingredients necessary to their good health. The cat food that you feed them should come from a reputable manufacturer and be given to your cat at room temperature. One important note here is that you should establish a routine as to the place and time of day that you feed your cat.

Another aspect of feeding is that there should always be fresh dry food and water for them to take advantage of throughout the day. If you include canned food in their diets, it is recommended that they receive two or three small feedings per day, not one big one. And remember that until they are out of the kitten stage, that they are constantly eating and drinking.

Another health issue is your cat’s weight. Avoid letting them overeat. Just like with us, a cat can develop obesity and overweight issues. Arthritis, heart problems, and a shorter lifespan are issues that can result from a cat being overweight. So take care on this matter. Based on the breed, adult cats should way between 9 and 12 pounds, and the males tend to be heavier than the females. If you feel that your cat is overweight, a trip to the vet for a check-up and some questions is a good idea. Oftentimes, the weight issue is related to a hormonal problem, so it is better to be safe than sorry.

Michael D. Rosenthal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/feline-health-basic-care-and-nutrition-683632.html

The Saint Bernard can even be kept in an apartment if walked often. They are better suited to a fenced in enclosure for exercise. They are said to be easy to train. It might be a good idea to obedience train early as this breed becomes very large and can be hard to handle even for the strongest person. They can get along well with other pets, especially if well socialized with them early on. They generally love children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Saint Bernard is 24 to 28 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 110 to 200 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Saint Bernard is no exception. Be on the look out for heart defects, bone problems, arthritis, hot spots, Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness) and bloat (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus, the second leading killer of dogs, can kill within the hour, this space is too limited for a complete explanation but you should read up on this). Feeding more then once a day and avoiding exercise right after meals may help guard against bloat. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Saint Bernard has a dense, short-haired, tough and smooth coat. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

*Life Span. The Saint Bernard can live between 8 and 10 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Saint Bernard comes from Switzerland where they were used for locating lost people. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1885.

Some Registries:
* Saint Bernard Club of America
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 6 to 8 Saint Bernard puppies

Category: Working Group

Terms To Describe: Powerful, intelligent, gentle, tolerant, faithful, kind, affectionate, mellow, lazy

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Very good watch dog.
Easy to train.
Tolerant and good with children.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Not a good guard dog.
Do not like hot weather.
Can be a drooler.

*Other Names Known By: St. Bernhardshund

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Mitch Endick
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/saint-bernard-puppy-and-dog-information-91148.html

I had my pug for over 8 years. He slowly started to have health problems as a result of arthritis in his knee joints. Despite various treatments, he never got over it and his liver and kidneys began to give. I finally asked the vet to put him out of his misery in November last year.

He was my steady companion during his short life, always following me around the house, even when it was painful for him to walk.

I miss him so much. Sometimes I still cry. I feel guilty for not being able to help him live a better life. I can accept that this pain is based on a deep love for him and that it may never go away. I wanted to ask others whose pets have died if they experienced a similar grief, or if they could share about their mourning process, too.
@ Lauren: We’ve moved to a smaller apartment where pets are not allowed. I have my dog’s ashes in an urn in our bedroom and I always pull out photos of him to remember what it was like to have him alive.
Thank you for your answers–I see that our love for our pets is so different from love for humans. I guess that’s what makes our relationships so special, because our love is beyond words. I’ll keep checking back for new answers. It makes me feel connected to other people, even if it’s through sadness.

so very sorry for you loss of your pet..been
there to..it is very very hard to get over.I myself,went looking for a replacement pet..but was looking for him and did not see him in any others..So decided to not get another.and remember the joy he gave me for 4 years.And will cherish it for the rest of my life..if tears could build a stairway to heaven? i have done that..but i know someday!! we will be re-united and happy.

1. Which one of the following chemicals does the body
generate during regular exercise?
A. Adrenaline C. Endorphins
B. Sodium chloride D. Estrogen

2. Which one of the following choices would indicate that a
person has entered the exhaustion stage of stress?
A. A cold that doesn’t seem to go away
B. Crying at a sad movie
C. Visiting with friends
D. Exercising more than usual

3. How does visualization promote relaxation and stress reduction?
A. It encourages your friends and family to stay away.
B. It enables you to make the world “go away” for awhile.
C. It produces helpful chemicals in your muscles.
D. It reminds you of other tasks you need to complete.

4. The first step in handling stress is
A. removing all stressors from your environment.
B. becoming aware of your own reaction to it.
C. trying to relax through meditation techniques.
D. catching up on missed sleep.

5. What is the purpose of breathing exercises?
A. To release endorphins
B. To release adrenaline
C. To settle the body and mind
D. To decrease your sense of awareness

6. Which one of the following choices is a mental symptom of distress?
A. Sleep disorders C. Memory loss
B. Hallucinations D. High self-esteem

7. What does the acronym HALT stand for?
A. Hungry, angry, lonely, tired
B. High-strung, anxious, labored, tense
C. Healthy, active, lean, toned
D. Help, avoid, learn, talk

8. Eustress is a form of
A. estrogen. C. positive stress.
B. negative stress. D. endorphin.

9. How often should you use deep, relaxing breathing techniques?
A. Every day
B. Only during periods of stress
C. No more than twice a day
D. Only when you’ve gotten enough sleep

10. Which one of the following symptoms indicates that a person is in the alarm stage
of stress?
A. High level of concentration C. Blurred vision
B. Hyperventilation D. Racing heartbeat

11. What is the purpose of the mantra during meditation?
A. It lets everyone know you’re meditating.
B. It allows you to concentrate on one peaceful sound.
C. It helps to relax the muscles.
D. It helps to release endorphins.

12. Which one of the following choices best represents a potential stressor?
A. A surprise gift C. A long-awaited salary raise
B. An unexpected visit D. A decrease in gas prices

13. How can doing something for someone else help to relieve stress?
A. It helps you to sleep better.
B. It helps you become numb to social issues.
C. It can get you time off from work or school.
D. It gets your mind off your own troubles.

14. How can you reduce the stress of completing a project?
A. Put off the project until the last minute.
B. Work on the project well into the night.
C. Take a break from the project when you need it.
D. Devote at least eight hours a day to the project.

15. Which of the following physiological symptoms are signs of stress?
A. Arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome
B. Hearing and vision loss
C. Dental cavities and bone loss
D. Headaches and elevated blood pressure

16. When should you suggest a client use progressive muscle relaxation?
A. Before the client begins an intense exercise routine
B. When the client is stressed while driving
C. After the client eats a large meal
D. When the client is having trouble relaxing

17. How does regular exercise improve cardiovascular function during times of stress?
A. It increases oxygen supplies and lowers triglyceride levels.
B. It reduces the amount of endorphins released in the body.
C. It reduces carbon dioxide supplies and raises triglyceride levels.
D. It increases the level of hormones circulating in the body.

18. Distress is a form of
A. disease. C. positive stress.
B. negative stress. D. expected stress.

19. Which one of the following choices might be an appropriate image for visualization?
A. The pet you had as a child
B. A picture of a favorite relative from the past
C. A car driven very fast
D. A beach at low tide

20. What nutritional supplement is recommended for helping the body handle stress?
A. Iron
B. Zinc
C. Vitamin C
D. No supplements are recommended for stress management.

really? wow!
go on google and search it, stop being so lazy.
its not even that hard :p geez!