Family Pet Hospital Privacy Policy

This privacy policy sets out how the Family Pet Hospital uses and protects any information that you give to the Family Pet Hospital when you visit our hospital or use the website.

The Family Pet Hospital is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified, you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement.

The Family Pet Hospital may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes. This policy is effective from October 1, 2008.

What we collect

We may collect the following information:

· Name and address
· Contact information including phone numbers and email address
· Social security number and/or driver licenses number
· Other information relevant to customer surveys and/or offers

What we do with the information we gather

We require this information to understand your needs and provide you with a better service and in particular for the following reasons:

· Internal record keeping
· We may use the information to improve our products and services.
· We may periodically send information, which we think you may find interesting (i.e. surveys, newsletters, service reminders, etc) using the email address, which you have provided.
· From time to time, we may also use your information to contact you directly by email, phone, fax or mail.
· We may use the information to customize the website according to your feedback given by surveys and/or suggestions.



Security

We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect.

Links to other websites

Our website may contain links to enable you to visit other websites of interest easily. However, once you have used these links to leave our site, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.

Controlling your personal information

We will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so. We may use your personal information to send you promotional information about third parties, which we think you may find interesting if you tell us that you wish this to happen.

You may request details of personal information whish we hold about you under the Date Protection Act 1998.

If you believe that any information we are holding on you is incorrect or incomplete, please call or email us as soon as possible. We will promptly correct any information found to be incorrect.

Should Pit Bulls be Banned?

Mapleton City recently considered legislation specifically targeting and banning pit bulls as pets. Springville has ordinances that single out pit bull type breeds. Provo and Orem are currently debating instituting similar laws. Across the nation, isolated incidents of vicious dog attacks are sparking a wildfire of fear-induced laws banning entire breeds of dogs, especially those that comprise the group known as Pit Bulls. Is this fair? Is it right? We all want our children and pets to be safe from unprovoked maliciousness, but how is this best accomplished? Here is how I responded to our city council, trying to share my professional experience in dealing with agressive dog behaviors.


Mapleton City Council Members,

As your local veterinarian, I am concerned about the recent proposal to ban specific breeds of dogs from our communities, specifically pit bulls. I am also glad that the city has elected not to pursue that course of reasoning. Such legislation often arises out of fear and is promoted under the guise of public safety, but in reality is an indication of misinformation and uneducated decision-making. It is also questionable in constitutionality and enforceability. Please allow me, as an animal health and welfare professional working daily with a wide variety of breeds, to share my expertise should you choose to formulate a comprehensive plan that will be both fair to those pet owners that demonstrate reponsible ownership and their well-behaved dogs, as well as providing proper identification and recourse in situations where irresponsiblity and vicious behaviors truly exist.

I am freqently asked by clients as they ponder the type of new dog to get for their family "What is your favorite kind of dog ?" My answer has developed over the past couple decades of dealing with dogs of various demeanors as such: "I like the nice ones." I have found that it is not the breed, per se, that determines a dog’s demeanor toward other people, although genetics certainly play an important role. Behavior is primarily determined by proper and timely socialization and training, as well as attitudes of the dog owners themselves.

Statistics show that there are over 68 millions dogs owned as pets in the United States. There are approximately 350,000 people treated (although actual number of unreported bites could be much higher) for dog bite-related injuries annually, with only 12-15 resulting in fatalities. According to a Denver study, biting dogs are 6-8 times more likely to be male than female, 2.6 times more likely to be intact than neutered, 2.8 times as likely to be chained as unchained, with 20% of fatalities involving dogs that were chained at the time of the incident. According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) records, approximately half of the people bitten are children <14>
The reasons that Pit bull-type breeds are being targeted in breed-specific legislative bans is because they currently account for >60% of bite-related injuries and insurance company claims related to dog bites have quadrupled in recent years. However, the frequency of pit bulls being involved is simply due to their increased popularity. In the 1970’s, Doberman Pinscers were the dog to fear. In the 1980’s, it became the Rottweilers. It wasn’t until the mid-1990’s that pit bull-type breeds gained popularity as increased prejudice and fear built against the other breeds. It reflects the breed of choice among people who want to own an aggressive dog. Unfortunately, it has become "cool" to own a "bad" dog.

Data in a report published in the Sept 15, 2000 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) indicate that breed-specific legislation is not the solution to dog bite prevention. The report revealed that, during the previous 20 years, at least 25 breeds of dog have been involved in 238 human fatalities. Pit bull-type dogs and Rottweilers were identified as being involved in 66 and 39 fatalities, respectively, over that 20-year period; however, other purebreds and crossbreds caused the remainder of fatalities. Over time, the breeds involved in human fatalites have varied, and include Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and even a Yorkshire Terrier and a Pomeranian, with a different mix represented every year. Not long ago, Dalmations were listed as the number one breed for human bite wounds.

Thus, as CDC epidemiologist Dr. Jeffrey Sacks indicates, "a dog of any breed can become dangerous when bred or trained to be aggressive. Fatal attacks represent only a very small proportion of dog bite injuries and shouldn't be the primary factor driving public policy regarding dangerous dogs." In my own professional experience, and confirmed in discussions with colleagues across the nation, veterinarians and their staff are more likely to be bitten by Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Amerikan Eskimos, Akitas, Chow Chows, Cocker Spaniels and German Shepherds because of aggressive tendencies. In general, the majority of the pit bull breeds tend to be very docile and loving toward people. It is recognized, however, that the wounds inflicted by breeds bred with dog-fighting in mind do tend to be more extensive that those by the miniature breeds.

A very informative article appeared in The New Yorker, that can be found online at http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/articles/060206fa_fact, identifies the problems with generalizations against a specific breed (or group of people for that matter). One of these problems is that pit bulls are not a single breed, but include an number of related breeds, including the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Bulldog, and the American Pit Bull Terrier, all of which share physical characteristics of a square and muscular body, a short snout and a sleek, short-haired coat. Banning "pit bulls" then becomes a challenge in identifying what actually constitutes a pit bull. Then introduce the reaction of people to circumvent the law by breeding pit bull breeds to other breeds. Is a cross between an American Pit Bull Terrier with a Golden Retriever a pit bull or a Golden Retreiver-type dog? This line of reasoning often results in making generalizations about generalizations and eventually ends up with something totally undefineable and unenforceable. Furthermore, ostracizing a given breed will simply result in another shift toward other aggressive breeds for those who want the "bad dog" image.

The New Yorker article cites that the American Temperament Test Society has put 25,000+ dogs through a 10-part stardardized set of drills designed to assess a dog’s emotional stability, shyness, aggressiveness and friendliness in the company of people. They are judged on reactions to such stimuli as gunshots, someone opening an umbrella unexpectedly near them, and the approach of a weirdly-dressed stranger that acts threatening. In these tests, 84% of pit bull-type dogs have passed, ranking higher than Beagles, Airedale Terriers, Bearded Collies and all but one variety of Dachshunds.

A description of pit bull breeds often refer to them as having a "strong desire to please, good-natured, amusing, affectionate, extremely loyal, good family pets, and intelligent." Pit bulls were bred for the dog fighting and bull baiting sports. Thus, their "natural" aggressions are toward other animals, and not towards people. So then, which are the ones that have gotten into trouble and ellicited so much emotion over any other breed in history? The ones that have aggressive tendencies "bred into them by the breeder, trained in by the trainer, or reinforced in by the owner." However, the strongest connection of all in determining a dog’s viciousness, is certain kinds of owners. The New Yorker cites that "in about a quarter of fatal dog-bite cases, the dog owners were previously involved in illegal fighting. The dogs that bite people are, in many cases, socially isolated because their owners are socially isolated, and they are vicious because they have owners who want a vicious dog." This includes the owner of the junk yard, the drug dealer, the abusive husband, the socially outcast teenager and anyone else with issues about their self image. The article goes on to state that cities can easily prevent recurrences of dog attacks not by making generalizations about specific breeds of dogs, but on the "known and meaningful connection between dangerous dogs and negligent owners."

Insurance companies use generalizations when they charge young men more for car insurance than the rest of us, even though many young men are perfectly good drivers (teen drivers represent 8% of all licensed drivers in Utah, but they account for 28% of all crashes). Doctors use generalizations when they tell overweight middle-aged men to get their cholesterol checked, even though many overweight middle-aged men won’t experience heart problems. The problem becomes making the right generalization. Defining a handful of certain breeds as "dogs that bite" results in the assumption or generalization that all the rest are "dogs that don’t bite." Of course, we all know that anything with teeth can bite, but people who don’t deal with dogs very often may end up assuming that anything that isn’t a pit or rottie is safe to pet because they aren’t part of the banned list of breeds. It’s a little like assuming that any drug offered over-the-counter is risk-free, then becoming shocked when a dozen Tylenol tablets land someone in the hospital. You invite lawsuits when the government bans specific breeds "because they can kill you" and suddenly, a Standard Poodle attacks a child when it was thought to be a "safe" breed because it wasn’t included on the government’s list of banned breeds.

In the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the CDC states that bite prevention is best avoided primarily through programs designed to educate children in proper behaviors and interactions around dogs. Additionally, prevention efforts should include "training, socializing, and neutering family pets. Additional strategies that encourage responsible pet ownership and reduce dog bites include "regulatory measures (e.g., licensing, neutering and registration programs, and programs to control unrestrained animals) and legislation." "Dangerous dog" laws should focus on dogs of any breed that have exhibited harmful / aggressive behavior and place primary responsibility for a dog’s behavior on its owner. The report also indicates that because other factors beside genetics (e.g., medical & behavioral health, early experience and socializaiton, training and even victim behaviors), "such laws might be more effective than breed-specific legislation."

Utah has formed the Driver License Point System Administration for drivers under the age of 21 years that assesses points for violations of safe driving rules. The points are weighted based on severity of the infraction with minor, intermediate and extreme levels, as well as the precedence of prior infractions. Consideration is taken for completion of defensive driving courses. Finally, there is a set of consequences based on the accumulation of points that reflect the driver’s risk of injury to self and others.

I propose that a similar system be implemented for ALL cases of dog aggression that takes into account ANY vicious behaviors regardless of the breed involved. Such a system would assign points according to the ability of the dog to inflict serious harm (e.g., a pit bull-type dog would score worse than a Shih tzu), whether the aggression was directed toward a human or another animal, toward a family member versus a stranger, on the owner’s premesis or off, according to the animal being properly restrained / confined as opposed to running loose. A properly implemented system would also have points assigned according to the attitude of the owner, history of prior illegal activities (especially those involving aggression), taking into account any history of prior pet-related complaints, and compliance with existing local dog ordinances. Penalties could range from a written warning to enforced use of secure enclosures and restraint devices, to bonds or penalties / fines (including damage restitution for victims’ health and veterinary fees) to removal of an animal from city limits and even mandated euthanasia. A properly formulated system could foreseeably result in a "one-strike-and-you’re-out" ruling for particularly vicious, unprovoked attacks involving unsocialized "powerful" breeds with beligerent owners, while being lenient toward random incidents involving docile pets taunted by neighborhood bullies.

The number of fatal maulings is extremely low, but still unfortunate, especially if you or your loved ones are among them, but it pales in comparison to other really dangerous things in life. Fifty-some odd kids die every year by drowning in buckets, not to mention how many die in swimming pools. An estimated 40,000 die in motor vehicle accidents. Hundreds of kids are killed by their own parents. Too many kids die being shot by other children when playing with their parents’s gun unsupervised. We’ve all heard that "guns don’t kill people, people kill people." Well, dogs aren’t inherently bad or vicious just because of their breed, but irresponsible ownership and lack of proper training and socializing create vicous dogs, of all sizes. If pet owners aren’t willing to provide the proper care, training and socialization that tend to develop well-mannered pets, they should not be permitted to own pets, or at least the large, dominant-attitute breeds that have been historically developed for aggressive behaviors.
Unfortunately, promoting and encouraging responsible ownership and compliance with local laws and judgements involves tracking compliance and follow-up by animal control officers and applying laws more exactingly rather than rash generalizations. We cannot fall into the false security mindset of "it’s always easier just to ban the breed."

We now have GROOMING! We are taking appointments from 9a.m. - 5:30p.m. Call to set up an appointment now, our schedule is already filling up! 801-489-MEOW (6369).

DOGGY DAYCARE!

We now are offering Doggy Daycare! If you have a dog that is home alone or very energetic then doggy daycare would be great for you! Let your dog come to play all day and make several new friends. We have 5 large exercise runs with shade canopies and wading pools. Our hours are from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. We are also offering discount punch passes for those of you who would like to become frequent flyer's. It is a ton of fun for all the dogs! If you want to come and see our facility and our exercise runs, please stop by any time for a tour. Remember a tired dog is a happy dog, so let your pet come and play with us today!

HEARTWORM CLINIC

We are hosting a Heartworm Clinic for the months of May and June! Our Clinic runs every Wednesday afternoon from 2:00 - 5:oopm. Spring is here and the Mosquito's are coming out so make sure you're pet is protected from this deadly disease! We have tons of information about Heartworm disease and Intestinal parasites, as well as a highly trained staff to answer all your questions. Did you know that some internal parasites can be transmitted to you and your family. These parasites are very easy for you're pet to pick up and spread to other pets. To make sure you're pet does not transmit parasites to you, you're family, or other pets make sure they are on a monthly preventative. We will be offering Health Exams, heartworm testing, monthly preventative, and a discounted blood screen, so come down and take advantage of this great deal! To set up and appointment please call (801) 489-MEOW.

Kennel Cough

What is Kennel Cough?
Tracheobronchitis, more commonly known as Kennel Cough, is a highly contagious canine disease that infects the upper respiratory system. This disease can be caused by viral infections such as canine distemper, canine adenovirus, canine parainfluenza virus, or canine respiratory coronavirus, or can be caused by bacterial infections such as Bordetella bronchiseptica. Kennel Cough is so named because the infection is spread quickly among dogs in close quarters, such as in kennels.
How is it transmitted?
Both the viral and bacterial causes of kennel cough are spread through the air by infected dogs as they sneeze and cough. The virus can also be transmitted through exposure with contaminated surfaces and objects. Exposure mainly occurs in environments where there are multiple dogs in close proximity, such as in pet store, animal shelters, boarding facilities, and grooming facilities.
What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of Kennel Cough include a harsh, dry hacking or coughing, retching, sneezing, snorting, gagging, and discharge, either watery or thick, from the nose. Symptoms usually begin within 3-5 days after exposure and can last up to 20 days. Most often the dog will recover from these symptoms and medical prevention is unnecessary. However, because of the infection to the respiratory system, Kennel Cough can lead to a severe form of pneumonia.
Are treatments available for Kennel Cough?
Antibiotics are given to treat any bacterial infection present, and to prevent the development of pneumonia. Cough suppressants can be used if the cough is continuous through the night. It is not recommended to use cough suppressants unless the cough is continuous because the cough suppressants can decrease the productivity of the cough, not allowing the dog to cough up the phlegm lodged in the throat.
How do I prevent Kennel Cough?
Prevention is by vaccination with the Bordetella vaccination. Most kennels and groomers will not accept your pet unless there is proof of current vaccination. If you dog is being groomed or boarded on a regular basis, it is recommended that you update this vaccination every six months.

Preparation For Whelping

When a female dog is pregnant there are several things you should do in your home to help the whelping process. Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare for the big day.



1. A whelping box should be constructed using either plywood or sturdy cardboard. For a medium sized dog, the box should 4 feet square. Line the box with newspapers and blankets to provide some soft bedding for the puppies. The box should be built a few weeks before whelping so that the mother can become comfortable in the box. It should also be placed in a quite place where there is not a lot of traffic.



2. Radiographs or Ultrasound should be done prior to whelping. This is very helpful for several reasons. Radiographs can be taken between the 51-55 day . This will help determine how many puppies to expect and how big they are. You can take measurements of the puppy or kittens skull size and compare to the mothers birth canal. This can help predict if a Cesarean Section may need to be done. Ultrasound can be done as early as 3 - 4 weeks. Ultrasound in a great way to confirm a pregnancy early. However it is hard to get a definite estimate on how many puppies or kittens may be present.



3. There may be some pre-labor signs 8 - 24 hours before whelping. The mother can become restless, getting up, lying down, and changing her position frequently. She may paw or scratch at her bedding. This is called nesting behavior. She may also have a lack of interest in her food this is normal for most dogs. The rectal temperature will drop below 99.0 degrees 12 hours or less prior to whelping. Temperature can be taken with a rectal thermometer with lubricating jelly on the end. Milk can be expressed from the nipples near or at the time of birth.



3. Provide a warm place for the puppies to lay. Things that can be used at home are a heating pad or hot water bottle. Make sure you place the heating pad close to the mother so that they can stay warm and nurse. Keep heating pads and water bottles to a lower heat. You do not want to lay them directly on them. Covering them with a thin towel or cloth would be adequate.



4. Make sure the puppies or kitten are nursing. It is important that they stay warm while nursing to digest the mothers milk properly. If the mother has any abnormal discharge from the mammary glands such as bloody milk, or greenish yellow pus, she should be seen by a Veterinarian immediately. Some puppies can be shunned by a mother and will not nurse like the others. If you notice a puppy is not growing as rapid as the rest, you may want to buy a milk replacer and bottle feed the pup. When bottle feeding, puppies and kittens should be fed every 2 hours for the first 2 weeks. They should also be stimulated to go to the bathroom by taking a warm damp cotton ball and gently rubbing their bottom. You should do this after each feeding. Once the puppy or kitten is 3 weeks old you can feed them every 3 - 4 hours until they are 6-8 weeks old. At that age you can introduce dry dog or cat food. It may be easier to moisten the food with some warm water. If a puppy or kitten every becomes weak and or cold it should be seen by a Veterinarian immediately.



5. When the mother does go into labor there are a few things you will want around. You will need plenty of clean towels and a nasal aspirator for nasal mucus removal. If the mother does not seem interested in cleaning and stimulating the pups once they are born, you will need to assist. First thing is to break the membranous sac and free the puppy from inside. Then tie the umbilical cord off with some dental floss or string and cut it. Then using your dry clean towels rub the puppy or kitten gently stimulating it to breath and move. Clear the mucus from the nostrils with the nasal aspirator. Once the puppy or kitten is moving and breathing, snuggle it up to momma to stay warm and start nursing. This rarely needs to be done as most mothers give birth very naturally with no assistance.

6. After each puppy or kitten is born the mother will usually eat the placenta. They do not have to eat this, so if you want to dispose of it you may. Most puppies or kittens are born every 1 - 2 hours. They can go as long as 3 - 4 hours in between. If there has not been a pup/kitten born after 2 hours and momma seems painful and straining you should call your Veterinarian. Any sign of straining and pain usually means a problem. If momma is contracting but does not seem to be straining then she is probably fine. Most mothers do not have a problem giving birth but every once in a while a Cesarean section may be needed.

7. Once the mother is finished giving birth let her lie down with the puppies or kittens and rest. Take her out to use the bathroom and eat if she wants. Make sure she does not leave the puppies or kittens for to long. Momma and the puppies or kittens should be seen by a Veterinarian 24 - 48 hours later. With some dog breeds the tails and or the dewclaws may need to be removed. This should be done between 3 - 5 days with your Veterinarian. If any of the puppies or kittens are not nursing or thriving very well, contact your Vet.

Pet Advocacy & Treatment Plans

by Grant Madsen
I have recently been asked: Why do we send home a Treatment Plan with clients for services that they did not request?

Let me share a few thoughts that may help the explanation.

Our pets are like small children that either cannot talk yet, or clearly explain their feelings. I have a 4 yr. old daughter that sometimes cries when upset, but I cannot get her to explain whether her sister hit her, her brother teased her, she fell down, her tummy hurts, she just woke from a scary dream, or what. She just screams. My choices are to hug her and send her on her way since she’s not bleeding, stop what I’m doing to hold her until she settles down, or get mad at her for screaming for no apparent reason and send her to her room so I don’t have to listen to her. Many a mother is driven temporarily insane with helpless worry over a baby that fusses and cries at all hours of the day or night for no explicable reason. It may be colic, insecurity, a cold draft, diaper rash, a wet / soiled diaper, constipation, an ear ache, teething pain or something more serious or not serious at all. The bottom line: she just can’t tell. Sometimes a visit to the pediatrician detects a problem that is quickly resolved with simple treatments. Sometimes finding nothing at least provides some peace of mind. But how would you feel if the doctor examined the baby, thanked you for the visit and sent you on your way without explaining a thing? Or, worse, described scenarios with potentially serious consequences and then sent you home without offering any options for further testing or treatment? I have heard many a story of these exact same things happening within our illustrious medical professions.

Now for some evolutionary theory (No, it’s not Darwinism!). Pets, particularly dogs, developed as pack animals with a very defined social order and hierarchy. Cats have packs too, just more loosely defined and harder for us humans to recognize. Just look at a pride of lions: definitely pack animals with social hierarchy. It is not in a pack animal’s best interest to manifest or display behaviors that could put his social standing within the pack at risk. Animals higher up the social ladder, even the pack leaders, will have their positions challenged by younger, stronger, healthier rivals if weakness or illness should make them appear unable to maintain their position and lead the group. If a lesser position animal acts sick, it is often left behind, avoided, pushed out of the pack, or even attacked and killed, to prevent putting the entire pack at risk of attack by other predators or rivals. So, in order to maintain their social standing, animals camouflage their illnesses and symptoms, learning to cope with underlying pain or diseases (that often develop gradually to begin with) until the condition is so far advanced that they cannot compensate any longer.

Although dogs and cats have been domesticated into family settings for millennia, they have retained several traits of their wild ancestry to preserve their position within their modern pack, our family. Do not be mistaken. Dogs do not consider themselves as part of our family, as just another child with fur and four legs. They consider the family members their pack and see themselves somewhere within the social hierarchy with an assumed role. Just ask yourself if the dog obeys certain family members and ignores others. Usually our pets recognize either or both parents as pack leaders, while realizing that certain children (often the younger ones) are not their superiors and do not need to be obeyed, while another child may be idolized and followed regardless of age.

How often have you gone on a trip, even for a couple weeks, and upon return notice how much taller the kids have gotten, or how much the grass has grown, or how dusty the house is. Yet these changes are often not noticed amid our daily activities, even though they are happening right before our eyes! Only, with our pets it is happening at a more rapid rate. You’ve heard the adage that dogs age seven years for every human year. Over the course of a lifetime that is true. Yet, a dog’s first two years are the equivalent of our first 24-30 years, and even more for a cat. Later things slow down, but the fact remains that animals age more rapidly than you and me.

So, you have a pet that cannot speak, aging unnoticeably at an accelerated rate, developing painful and/or degenerative conditions with which they learn to cope without obvious symptoms, in order to instinctively retain their standing in the family. As a veterinarian, I have taken an oath to be your pet’s advocate, recommending those treatments, tests, nutritional changes and services that will maintain optimum health and longevity in the hopes of preserving a long and healthy relationship in your home. So when I detect conditions that could be painful or that indicate the possibility of underlying diseases, or detect a condition that would benefit from a special medication, better nutrition or diagnostic testing, I am duty bound to stand as an advocate for your pet, voicing what I feel would be in their best interest. I always present first the treatments that I consider to be the optimum level of care. Anything less that that is sub-optimum and it would reflect poorly on my reputation if I were to recommend anything less than what I felt would be the best course of action. Sadly many veterinarians subconsciously x-ray a client’s pocket book before recommending treatments, judging whether the client can afford care based on how they dress, the kind of car they drive, where their address is located, or what kind of job they have (if they even know), and often limit their options without even explaining them. My job is to determine what needs to be done and then let you choose whether you want the recommended level of care. Should you elect a lesser or more conservative level of care, whether for financial or emotional reason, it then becomes my duty to assure that you get the most value for your chosen level of investment. But you must first know what would be the best course of action.

If you are personally diagnosed with a joint problem, a dental problem, a chronic illness, or a nutritional imbalance, you can choose to pursue it further or not. You can choose to treat it or not. You can select the food that ends up in your grocery cart. These choices have many influences, including personal finances, health insurance options, family health history, personal fears, and individual lifestyles. The point is, you have a choice: your pet does not. They rely entirely on your goodwill and judgement for everything.

I will do my part in keeping you informed of your options and the best course available given our current understanding and then try to fit that within your personal guidelines. I try not to leave surprises that surface only when it’s time to pay the bill, but endeavor to prepare you for the reality of what good pet care costs ahead of time. So, the next time we present a Treatment Plan for your review, rest assured that we are recommending what we truly feel is best for your pet, but we will respect your decision if you can’t do it all today. We hope you will come to trust our recommendations and trust us enough to tell us where you need to draw the line.

Pet Nutrition

By: JaAnn Johnson

During the cold season do your pets seem a little slower?

Here is a food that can help their joints become more flexible and not so sore.
We have had many clients start to use Hill’s Prescription Diet J/D dog food, and have seen a drastic change within 2 weeks.

j/d™ Canine
Hill's® Prescription Diet® j/d™ Canine is an innovative dog food that helps maintain healthy joints and improves mobility in dogs. Its unique formula contains high levels of EPA (Eicosapentanoic Acid), an omega-3 fatty acid found in high concentrations in fish oil. Research has shown that EPA can help maintain joint function. Enhanced levels of glucosamine and chondroitin provide the building blocks of healthy cartilage, and L-carnitine, which helps maintain optimum body weight. j/d™ Canine improves the quality of life by helping dogs run better, play better, and rise more easily.

What to look for if you're pet has arthritis
Be alert and know the signs to look for in your dog. Watch for changes in mobility and quality of life that might point to a joint health problem. Watch the Videos on http://www.hillspet.com/ and see for yourself. A moving experience in as few as 21 days. See the dramatic difference Chandler and Gabby experienced after being fed Prescription Diet j/d dog food.

__Dental Health and Care__

February is Dental month for your pets. Believe it or not they need to have their teeth looked at just like us.

Feline Dental Cleaning

Canine Dental Cleaning

Hill’s Prescription Diet T/D is a food that we recommend and helps keep the tarter count down on their teeth by making them really crunch down on that tarter buildup.

Andrea, one of our nurses who loves to clean your pet’s teeth finished cleaning a feline client’s teeth. When we did our follow up call the owner stated that her cat is acting like a totally different cat, playing, loving and causing a little more mischief now.

Animals hide their aches and pains very easily. It could be as simple as a chipped tooth, abscess on the tooth or just tarter buildup. By fixing these simple aches and pains you can tell a tremendous difference in your pets.

A complementary check on your pets teeth by one of our nurses is recommended. Please call and make an appointment.

Until you decide to get those teeth looked at here are some methods and information that you can use to help your furry friends at home.

t/d® Canine
For the Nutritional Management of Dogs with Dental Disease
This painful and potentially serious problem is most usually a result of plaque and tartar buildup at and under the gum line. Prescription Diet® t/d® Canine dog food is formulated specifically for the nutritional management of dogs with dental disease. It's special fiber matrix scrubs the exposed tooth surface like an edible toothbrush, reducing bacteria-laden plaque. If left unchecked, this buildup can lead to gingivitis, a dental condition that can weaken the gums and tissues that support the teeth. The nutritional formulation of Prescription Diet® t/d® may also be useful for pets with a variety of conditions.

Dental Care for Your Dog/ Cat
There are several ways you can care for your dog/ cat's teeth every day.
A complete home dental care program for your dog/ cat often will include brushing as well as a special pet food that helps care for your pet's teeth while he or she eats. Learn more about pet dental care at PetDental.com

Even if you aren't able to brush your dog/cat's teeth every day, by incorporating a special pet food into there daily routine, you can provide the dental care needed to keep them healthy. Be sure to talk with your veterinarian about the options that exist and which are right for your dog.

At the Family Pet Hospital we offer a variety of dental tools to help with the at home dental care: toothpaste/ toothbrushes formatted for canines and felines, Biotene Drinking Water Additive (helps remove Plaque and inhibit Odor Causing Bacteria) that you put in the you're pet's drinking water. Plus other accessories.

Brushing Your Dog/ Cat's Teeth
STEP 1: Introduce a brushing program gradually. Avoid over-restraining him and keep brushing sessions short and positive. A small dog/ cat can be held in your lap. Praise and reassure your pet throughout the process.
STEP 2: At first, dip a finger into beef bouillon. Rub the soaked finger gently over your dog/ cat’s mouth and teeth. Make the initial sessions short and positive.
STEP 3: Gradually, introduce gauze over the finger and gently scrub the teeth in a circular motion.
STEP 4: Finally, you can introduce a soft toothbrush designed for pets. Use a sensitive or ultra-soft brush designed for people or a brush designed for pets. Special pet toothbrushes are available from your veterinarian or specialty pet store. Don't use toothpaste designed for people because it could upset your dog's stomach.

Pet Dental Disease

What factors contribute to dental disease in pets?

Andrea Goates
Studies show that 70 to 80% of dogs and cats suffer from some form of dental disease by 3 years of age!

Why?
· Lack of routine dental care at home
· Poorly positioned teeth due to crowding, rotated teeth, or retained baby (deciduous) teeth.
· Malocclusion (over or underbite) in which the teeth do not meet properly for chewing.
· Genetics: some breeds of dogs and cats (and some individual animals) are more prone to dental problems than others.

Dental disease starts with plaque, a colorless film, composed mostly of bacteria that forms continuously on the teeth and gums. As it mixes with food particles and minerals in the saliva, it becomes a brownish paste called tartar. Over time, it hardens into a cement-like material called calculus.

STAGE ONE The gums are swollen, red and sore (gingivitis). There may be a bright red line along the edge of the gums and the beginnings of bad breath. Note the inflammation (redness) along the gum line. This stage is reversible with early intervention and professional care. Left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontal disease. Calculus advances under the gum line, breaking the attachments between the teeth and their surrounding tissues. Bacteria invade the damaged tissues, causing inflammation and further damage to the teeth and gums.

STAGE TWO includes edema, which is noticeable swelling and bleeding of the gums upon probing. The tartar is thickened and the tooth becomes discolored. You may notice the tooth looks yellow, brown, grey, green, or black.

STAGE THREE includes inflammation, edema, pus, loss of bone around the teeth. When the infection spreads to the tooth roots and jaw, abscesses form and teeth are lost. At this point your pet may have difficulty eating due to pain. You may see bleeding when your pet chews. At this stage you will notice a severe foul odor to your pet's breath.

STAGE FOUR includes exposure of roots due to gum recession and bone loss.
Once severe periodontal disease has developed, much of the damage is irreversible. We can only do our best to improve the situation as much as possible with professional periodontal treatment followed by faithful home care.
As if this is not enough, the danger of dental disease is not confined to the mouth. The chronic infection in the mouth allows harmful bacteria to be absorbed into the blood stream. The kidneys and liver, which cleanse the blood, are damaged by constant exposure to bacteria and their toxic by-products. The lungs and heart are also at risk of damage due to long-term systemic infection. It has been shown that consistent dental cleanings and home care can add 2-3 years to your pet’s life.

Please call the Family Pet Hospital at 489-MEOW (6369) to set up an appointment for a complimentary dental evaluation with a nurse.

Pet Parasites

Are Your Pets Protected?
Amberly Pearce

There are six types of intestinal parasites most commonly seen in dogs and cats. The most used way of testing for these parasites is with an intestinal parasite screen. This test requires a small amount of fecal material to look at under the microscope.
The six common types of intestinal parasites are:

Roundworms: The adults live in the small intestine and the eggs are passed in the stool. Animals are infected by ingestion of other infected animals (ex. rats), fecal-oral transmission, or, by pre-natal infection. Eggs are passed in the stool 3 weeks after infection. Infection with roundworms can cause poor hair coat, diarrhea, ill-thrift, pot-bellied appearance, and sometimes a secondary bacterial pneumonia. Worms can sometimes be vomited up or seen in the feces.

Hookworms: These worms are most commonly seen in young dogs and cats. Adult worms live in the small intestine. Animals become infected with hookworms by eating infective eggs or larvae; penetration of footpads or skin by larvae; transmission through the milk while nursing; or, transmission from the mother into the fetus while still pregnant. It takes three weeks from the time of infection until eggs are passed into the stool. Hookworm infection can cause a severe and sometimes fatal anemia in the young, weak, or malnourished animals. Clinical signs are weight loss, diarrhea, and bloody, tarry stools. Sometimes the worms are seen in the feces.

Whipworms: Adults live in the large intestine and eggs are passed in the feces. Diagnosis can sometimes be difficult because whipworms are not prolific egg-layers. Infection is via fecal-oral transmission. Eggs do not appear in the feces until 3 months after infection occurs. Clinical signs that can be seen are weight loss and diarrhea, which may or may not have blood.

Tapeworms: Adult tapeworms live in the intestine of dogs and cats. Tapeworm is obtained by eating infected fleas or can be transmitted by eating infected mammals such as rats. Diagnosis is by visualization of the small, ‘rice-like’ segments in the stool, or seeing the eggs on a parasite screen. The eggs and worm segments are inconsistently shed in the feces. A negative intestinal parasite screen does not completely rule out the possibility of tapeworm infection. Clinical signs are rare since tapeworm infection rarely causes a problem. Some clinical signs can be unthriftiness, shaggy coat, irritability, diarrhea, or lethargy.

Giardia: This parasite lives in the small intestine. Infection is via the fecal-oral route. The incubation period is 1-2 weeks. Clinical signs can be inapparent, continuous, or persistent with diarrhea and weight loss.

Coccidia: Transmission is fecal-oral and usually due to unsanitary conditions. It is commonly seen in the young and immune suppressed animals. Clinical signs can be inapparent or entail weight loss, lethargy, and a mucoid diarrhea, with or without blood present.

Not only can these parasites cause problems for our pets, but many of the larvae can penetrate human skin and can cause skin and organ problems. It is recommended that no one goes around barefoot for 5-7 days after treatment to prevent infection.

To Spay or Not to Spay.

Recently, at the Family Pet Hospital, we have performed two emergency surgeries due to pyometra. Fortunately, both dogs recovered fully. Pyometra in a dog is a very serious condition. Before we look at what pyometra is, let’s review the best way to avoid pyometra….and that is the ovariohysterectomy (spay) procedure.

The word pyometra is derived from the latin “pyo” meaning pus and “metra” meaning uterus. The pyometra is an abscessed, pus-filled uterus. Toxins and bacteria leak across the uterine walls and into the bloodstream causing life-threatening toxic effects. Without treatment death is inevitable.

Usually, the patient is an older female dog. (Pyometra can occur in cats but it’s not nearly as common.) Usually, she has finished a heat cycle in the previous 1-2 months. Symptoms include a poor appetite and she may be vomiting or drinking an excessive amount of water. In the more common “open pyometra” the cervix is open and the purulent uterine content is able to drip out thus a smelly vaginal discharge is usually apparent.

In the less common “closed pyometra” the cervix is closed. In these cases, there is no vaginal discharge and the clinical presentation is more difficult to diagnose. These patients also tend to be sicker than those with open pyometra due to retention of the toxic uterine contents.

Lab work shows a pattern typical of widespread infection, which is often helpful in narrowing down the diagnosis. Radiographs may show a gigantic distended uterus though sometimes this is not obvious and ultrasound is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

With each heat cycle, the uterine lining engorges in preparation for pregnancy. Eventually, some tissue engorgement becomes excessive or persistent. This lush glandular tissue is ripe for infection. Bacteria ascend from the vagina and the uterus becomes infected and ultimately pus filled. A patient with a uterus swollen with a foul and putrid “soup”, is simply carrying a bucket of poison that would eventually kill the cat or dog. These pyometra patients, once recovered, act like puppies once their near death experience is over!

The usual treatment for pyometra is surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries. The surgery is not a minor procedure. It is crucial that the infected uterine contents do not spill and that no excess hemorrhage occurs. The surgery is challenging especially if the patient is toxic. Many of these patients require I.V. fluid therapy, antibiotics and nutritional support post-operatively.

The pros: once the infected uterus is removed (with an hour or two of surgery) the infection resolves rapidly. No possibility of disease recurrence.
The cons: Surgery must be performed on a patient that could be unstable.

Having your pet spayed represents complete prevention for this condition. A spay procedure cannot be over-emphasized. Often an owner plans to breed their pet or is undecided, time passes, and then they fear she is too old to be spayed. The female dog or cat can benefit from the ovariohysterectomy procedure at any age. The best approach is to figure that pyometra will eventually occur if the female pet is left unsprayed; any perceived risks of surgery are very much out-weighed by the risk of pyometra.

Local Animal Shelters, Humane Society, and Rescues!

By: Staci Blackett
South Utah Valley Animal Shelter 582 W. 3000 N. Spanish Fork, UT. 84660 Phone: 801-851-4080 Fax: 801-851-4089

Payson City Animal Shelter 143 West 900 North Payson, UT 84651 Phone: 801-465-4648

Mapleton City Police Department
Emergencies: Dial 911 or Dial (801) 851-4100Other calls: (801) 491-8048Address: 125 West Community Center Way, Mapleton Utah 84664

Utah Humane Society
4242 South 300 WestMurray, UT 84107
(801) 261-2919 242 SOUTH 300 WEST http://www.utahhumane.org/Home/tabid/379/Default.aspx

Pet Finder
You can search all the local shelters with this web address:
http://www.petfinder.com/ ( Home Page )
http://search.petfinder.com/awo/index.cgi?action=state ( Utah Shelters and Rescue Groups)

Utah Labrador Retriever Rescue ( Orem )
http://www.utahlabrescue.com/index.html


Artic Breed Rescue Group ( Provo )
Email: wmvhshelter@yahoo.com
http://arcticrescue.com/http://search.petfinder.com/awo/index.cgi?action=state

DONT LET YOUR PET GO TO DOGGY JAIL!

By: Staci Blackett
Mapleton City Animal Codes

Do you know the law?
Mapleton City requires that your dog or cat is licensed each year. If your animal is not licensed then you could be violating the law and be charged a fee for your animal(s). Please make sure you take a current rabies certificate to the Mapleton City Building and register your pet today.

Mapleton City Animal Codes:
Dog owners shall at all times keep their dog on a leash or within an enclosed area on their own property or the private property of another with the permission of the owner so as to prevent them from being at large or stray, from biting or harassing any person engaged in a lawful act, from interfering with the use of public property or with the use of another person's private property and from being in violation of this chapter. The owner or person charged with responsibility for a dog found running at large shall be strictly liable for any violation(s) committed by the dog, regardless of whether or not the person knows the dog is running at large. However, dogs may be at large while participating in field trials and obedience classes organized and sanctioned by recognized dog clubs, while assisting their owner or trainer in legal hunting or in herding livestock, while assisting a peace officer engaged in law enforcement duties, or while being trained for the above purposes on private land with permission of the landowner, as such dogs are under direct and effective sound-gesture control within sight of such individuals to assure that they do not violate any other provisions of law.
No person shall allow a dog in his custody to defecate or urinate on public property or any improved private property other than that of the owner or person having control of the dog to curb such a dog in order to carry out the intent of this section. An unsighted person while relying on a guide dog shall be exempt from this section. If a violation of the above occurs, such a person shall immediately remove any feces to a proper receptacle
All dogs over four (4) months of age owned, possessed or harbored by any person in the city shall be registered with the city and a tag shall be issued upon payment of a fee approved by the city.
Every owner shall be required to provide each dog with a collar or harness to which a current year's license tag is attached.
No license or vaccination tag shall be transferable from one dog to another.
The police department and persons employed for animal regulation purposes shall attempt to capture any animal found at large in violation of this chapter and may destroy an animal at large if in their judgment, such action is required for public health and safety.
The police department and persons employed for animal regulation purposes shall attempt to capture any animal found at large in violation of this chapter and may destroy an animal at large if in their judgment, such action is required for public health and safety.
Upon receipt of a lost or stray animal bearing a current year's license tag, the department and/or agents shall immediately telephone or mail to the owner of record at the address indicated on the license form, a notice of the location of the animal. Compliance with notice requirements of this section shall be deemed met if the department shall have mailed the notice to the owner of record at his address of record, postage prepaid.
The owner of an impounded animal may claim it prior to its legal disposition by providing proper identification meeting all the legal requirements and posting the applicable redemption fees for impoundment, board, medical care and/or other costs.
Dogs: The department shall hold an impounded, lost, or stray dog for not less than three (3) working days if it was not wearing a current year's license tag when impounded and for not less than five (5) working days after notice is given pursuant to this chapter if it was wearing a current year's license tag, so that the owner or custodian may claim it prior to other dispositions.
Cats: The department shall hold an impounded, lost, or stray cat for not less than twenty four (24) hours, if it was not wearing a collar or any means of identification, and appeared to be abandoned; and for not less than three (3) working days, if the cat is wearing a collar or tag that would indicate the animal is not abandoned, so that the owner or custodian may claim it prior to other dispositions.
The department may dispose of, humanely, or may transfer to a new owner upon payment of the applicable fee, any impounded animal not claimed by its owner or custodian within the prescribed holding time. Animals relinquished by their owners may be humanely destroyed without regard to the prescribed holding time in order to alleviate suffering or to protect other impounded animals from exposure to a contagious disease.
All persons bitten and the parents or guardians of minor children bitten by a dog, cat, skunk, fox, bat, coyote, bobcat, or other animal known to constitute a serious threat of rabies shall notify the police department or county health department immediately thereafter. Physicians treating such bites shall also be required to make a notification as stated. (1986 Code) These are just some of the rules and regulations for Mapleton City, for all the codes please go to: http://66.113.195.234/UT/Mapleton%20City/index.htm