What if your veterinarian was using a recalled drug — and didn’t know it?
That’s not a hypothetical question. On Sept. 4, at least two veterinary drugs made by Teva Animal Health, Inc., a division of Israeli-based Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, were recalled by the FDA, which shut the company down in July. But few veterinarians or pet owners were aware of the recall until the end of December.

Although the reported deaths of five cats led the FDA to issue public recall notices on Dec. 22 and Dec. 29, just what products are involved, and over what time period they were manufactured and sold, remains unclear.

The recalls involve two commonly used injectable veterinary drugs:
butorphanol, a fast-acting opioid used to control pain from surgical procedures in dogs and cats, and the anesthetic agent ketamine.

Ketamine is part of a “cocktail” of drugs that induces anesthesia in animals, including dogs and cats. It can be used, usually with valium, prior to surgery, a dental cleaning and sometimes as a form of restraint for procedures such as an imaging scan. It’s not the only drug that can be used in this way, but it’s one of the most common.

The only explanation so far given as to just what’s wrong with the recalled ketamine came in a press release issued by the FDA on Dec. 22, which said, “This recall is being conducted as a result of an increased trend in serious adverse events associated with this product, including lack of effect, prolonged effect, and death.”
Timeline of a recall

Because pets are anesthetized more often than humans — for example, nearly all dogs and cats are spayed and neutered at a young age — the potential number of affected animals is huge. You’d expect, then, that veterinarians, the people who are buying and administering these drugs, would have been the first to learn that they were being recalled.
You’d be wrong.
Read the entire article here: SFGate.com

A study conducted at the Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation and published in the December, 2009 issue of Aging Cell, has found a correlation between the age at which female rottweilers are spayed and their lifespan.The study compared long-lived female rotties (those with a lifespan of 13 or more years) with a group who lived a usual lifespan of about nine years.

“Like women, female dogs in our study had a distinct survival advantage over males,” said the lead researcher David J. Waters, associate director of Purdue University’s Center on Aging and the Life Course and a professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences. “But taking away ovaries during the first four years of life completely erased the female survival advantage. We found that female rottweilers that kept their ovaries for at least six years were four times more likely to reach exceptional longevity compared to females who had the shortest lifetime ovary exposure.”

Because death from cancer is so prevalent in rottweilers, researchers conducted a subgroup analysis of only dogs that did not die of cancer. This focused research further proved the strong association between intact ovaries and longevity.

Even in dogs that did not die of cancer, the female rotties that kept their ovaries the longest were nine times more likely to achieve exceptional longevity (13+ years).

Simply put, this study’s results indicate that the removal of a female dog’s ovaries significantly increases the risk for a major lethal disease!

Interestingly, the rottweiler research lines up with findings from another recent study of women who had undergone hysterectomies. In that study, women who lost their ovaries prior to age 50 were at greater risk of death by causes other than breast, ovarian and uterine cancer than women who kept their ovaries until age 50.

Sources:

dvm360

Aging Cell, December 2009

Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation

Health Problems Associated with Gonad Removal
Common sense tells us, and research proves there are a number of health benefits associated with the sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) produced by ovaries and testicles. These advantages vary with the age, gender and breed of each animal.

Halting production of these hormones through spaying and neutering has been found to increase the risk of certain specific diseases and conditions in dogs.

Adverse reactions of Spayed Females:
- Increased aggression in altered females. (recent study)
- Increased occurrence of urinary calculi.
- Increased difficulty passing urinary calculi.
- Increased likelihood of vulvar pyoderma (urine scald)
- Increased likelihood of urinary incontinence.
- Increased likelihood of adverse reaction to vaccinations (27-38%).
- Increased risk of Hemangiosarcoma, a highly malignant form of cancer
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
- Transitional cell carcinoma (bladder cancer)
- Autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism
- Endocrine dysfunction, adrenal disease
- Notable decrease of activity/drive. (this is important to those whose animals aren’t just pets but are trained to do work or performance too)
- Increased chance of “perpetual puppy syndrome” undesirable urination.
- Inhibited social adjustment if spayed prior to complete cognitive development (usually a while AFTER sexual maturity).
- Substantial likelihood of appreciable demeanor change after spay (menopausal women know about hormone drop.. it’s not fun)
- Increased likelihood of cognitive disorders if spayed before sexual maturity.
- Increased likelihood of, or speeded progress of, degenerative osteological disorders.
- Notable decrease in muscle mass (again, not all dogs are lawn ornaments or carpet speedbumps)
- Generally live 2 (or more) years LESS than unaltered littermates in controlled studies.

Altered Males:
- Increased occurrence of urinary calculi.
- Increased difficulty passing urinary calculi.
- Increased chance of urinary obstruction.
- Increased likelihood of urinary incontinence.
- Increased likelihood of adverse reaction to vaccinations (27-38%).
- Increased risk of Hemangiosarcoma, a highly malignant form of cancer
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
- Transitional cell carcinoma (bladder cancer)
- Prostatic cancer
- Autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism
- Endocrine dysfunction, adrenal disease
- Notable decrease in activity/drive. (same as above in female list)
- Increased chance of “perpetual puppy syndrome” undesirable urination.
- Inhibited social adjustment if castrated prior to sexual maturity.
- Substantial likelihood of appreciable demeanor change after castration (same concept as above in female list… )
Remember, reproductive hormones affect more than just reproduction
- Increased likelihood of cognitive disorders if castrated before complete cognitive development (usually a good time AFTER sexual maturity as in females stated above).
- Notable decrease in muscle mass (yep, same as above)
- Generally live 2 (or more) years LESS than unaltered littermates in controlled studies

Sterilization decisions should be a part of an informed, holistic approach to your pet’s gealth and quality of Life and the decision to neuter or not is and should remain YOURS.

Be informed, be responsible!
Not neutering does not give you the license to breed your dog. Be responsible! Leave breeding to true breed preservationists such as Certified Natural Rearing Breeders or at the very least, breeders who keep their dogs current all health testing pertinent to their specific breed. Talk with natural rearing breeders and other experienced dog owners, and consult a veterinary naturopath or a true holistic veterinarian to understand what steps you can take to insure the overall health and longevity of your pet.

If you have a puppy or even an adult dog that is intact and you are considering a spay/neuter decision, I encourage you to please research and continue to learn all you can about surgical sterilization options and the risks associated with the procedures.

In a tubal ligation, the oviducts are cut and tied off, preventing ova from getting to the uterus or coming in contact with sperm. Tubal ligation does NOT shut off hormone production, so your dog will continue to go into heat and can mate with male dogs, but no pregnancy will result.

Dogs having had a vasectomy are still able to breed with a female but will not produce sperm to get her pregnant.

If you should decide for a tubal ligation, vasectomy, spaying or casteration is best for you and your dog, make sure that your dog is mature and healthy enough to be considered balanced both physically and mentally. Generally speaking, maturity is not achieved until a dog has reached at least one year of age. Keep in mind that giant breed dogs are still developing at 2 years of age and should not be considered canidates for the loss of hormones until at least two.

Links to learn more:
Spay-Neuter References
Companion Animals as Targets of Impolite Human Comments
Spay-Neuter
Long-Term Health Effects of Spay-Neuter in Dogs
Determining the Best Age At Which to Spay or Neuter: An Evidence-Based Analysis
Spay/Neuter question
Spaying/Neutering Being Promoted As A Replacement For Training & Responsibility

Looking for a great gift for your special canine companion this holiday season? This one is made by Simply Fido Organics and makes a great gift for your own dog or for a friend who will be getting a new puppy in the new year.

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Each blanket is 20″ x 20″ and comes with an adorable stuffed animal attached at the corner.

These wonderful toxin free blankets are on sale now until December 16th!

To order or for more information, just click HERE

From England comes a report on the preliminary results of a well structured survey concerning possible health problems resulting from vaccination of dogs.

Although this is an ongoing survey the early tabulation on approximately 2,700 dogs appears to confirm our concerns with the potential for adverse effects from vaccination.

For the purposes of the survey they asked all participants to list their dogs’ illnesses and tell them how soon they started after the date of vaccination. In theory, if vaccination has no adverse effect or even a bearing on subsequent illness, then illnesses will occur in equal numbers at any time during the twelve months following vaccination.

One aim of the survey was to test whether there was a timeframe bias between illnesses that developed that might be vaccine-linked. In fact, the results indicate a distinct statistical skew within the first three months. During this short time span one would expect to see no more than 25% of illnesses based on a one year time frame.

Overall, some 55% of all illnesses reported, occurred within the first three months after vaccination!

Although vaccine reactions are admitted by the manufacturers (all be it at an exceptionally low rate of perhaps 5 in one million) I don’t know of any company that is admitting to a relationship of disease to vaccination. The survey indicates a strong statistical probability that such a link does in fact exist! Some examples after vaccination are:

•Diarrhea– 4.9% of dogs surveyed had diarrhea (68% of these within the first three months).
•Allergies– 3.8% had allergies (55.6% within the first three months).
•Colitis– 2.7% had colitis (56.9% first three months).
•Dry Eye/conjunctivitis– 2.5% of dogs surveyed (56.9% within first three months)
•Epilepsy– 2.1% had epilepsy (65.5% in first three months).
•Loss of appetite– 3.4% suffered a loss of appetite (79.8% within first three months).
•Nasal discharges– 1.7% showed nasal discharges (84.1% within three months of vaccination).
•Nervous/worrying disposition– 2.8% suffered from this complaint (54.8% began to do so within three months).
•Skin problems– 5.4% of dogs surveyed had skin problems after vaccination (46.2% within three months).
•Vomiting– 3% were reported to have vomited (72.5% of these dogs, within three months of vaccination).
•Weight loss– 2.5% of dogs in the survey had lost weight.(63.1% were within three months after vaccination).
•Behavioral problems– 2.5% had behavioral problems (55.4% occurred within three months).
•Tumor or growth at vaccination site– 1.1% of all dogs surveyed suffered from this occurrence. (67.9% within the first three months after vaccination).
To increase statistical confidence they still need more completed questionnaires to study the patterns of each of the following diseases (although the interim figures do give rise for concern):

•Cancer–31% within 3 months
•Chorea–63.2% within 3 months
•Encephalitis–75% within 3 months
•Heart conditions–26.8% within 3 months
•Kidney damage–40.5% within three months
•Lameness–52% within three months
•Liver damage–47% within three months
•Paralysis of abdomen–64.7% within three months
•Short attention span–68.4% within three months
•Autoimmune diseases–54.8% within three months
They are also waiting for more survey returns for confirmation of early indications of dogs contracting the diseases they were vaccinated against. So far the results are:

•Hepatitis–63.6% occurred within three months
•Parainfluenza–50% within three months
•Parvovirus–68.2% within three months
•Distemper–55.6% within three months
•Leptospirosis–100% of dogs contracted leptospirosis within three months of vaccination.
These preliminary results tend to support the view that vaccines either don’t protect, or can cause the disease itself.

Another interesting observation made from the survey was that the common belief that as dogs get older, the incidence of illness increases, was not supported. There was no statistical bias between the incidence of illness and the ages of the dogs covered in the survey.

The incidence of illness in dogs treated with more than one vaccine at the same time is significantly higher than when only a single vaccine is administered. The “cocktail” effect appears more hazardous (confidence level of higher than 99.9%). They also reported that dogs that were annually boosted were more likely to become ill than those that were not boosted annually.

From the preliminary results I have seen so far, I believe that this particular survey is one that we could all benefit from. The more dog owners that participate the better. Your contribution of a little time to fill out the questionnaire would certainly be of value. There is no charge. You can obtain the form from:

The Canine Health Census
P.O. Box 1, Longer, Derbyshire SK17 OJD
England

Or you can contact John Watt:
Phone: 44 1298 74737
Fax: 44 1298 84739
Email: john@dogcensus.win-uk.net

John does urge all veterinarians interested in this work to participate and study their own patient records to see whether a similar pattern can be established.

Major kudos to John Watt of England for this project!!

Diffusing Essential Oils For Pets
By Dr Jeannie (Jeanette) Thomason

Diffusion of *essential oils into the air of an enclosed space (such as a house, kennel or aviary) is popularly called aromatherapy.
* The only essential oils I recommend and use personally for myself and my own animals are Young Living Essential Oils. Please go read WHY – HERE

Because the highly aromatic, sweet-smelling molecules of the essential oils are literally breathed into the body, at which point they trigger numerous immune boosting, healing, relaxation or stimulation responses depending upon the specific oils being inhaled.

Dr. Valnet points out that “whether applied directly, or inhaled, essentials oils have virtually the same therapeutic impact on the body”. Dr. Gary Young points out that “the body’s response time to inhalation of essential oils can be as quick as one to three seconds!” This is why, for many people and the treating of household pets, inhalation is the preferred method of use of the essential oils.

Inhalation of essential oils allows the oil to enter the bloodstream via the lungs, (The lungs govern the immune system) and they then enter the blood stream and are then metabolized in the liver.

Moreover, when oils are diffused in a home, kennel or aviary, they purify the air itself by removing toxins, metallic particles and other harmful microscopic debris. They also increase the atmospheric oxygen of the air, and boost levels of beneficial ozone and negative ions which, dramatically inhibit the growth and reproduction of airborne pathogens. Further, as the odorous molecules drift to the various surfaces of each room (ie., ceilings, floors, walls, tiling etc.), they rapidly kill virtually all pathogenic bacteria, rifles, molds and fungi they come into contact with. And lastly, they completely destroy odors from mold, cigarettes, and more.

Essential oils can be diffused into the air in a number of ways.

During summer months when you have a fan or air conditioner running, one of the simplest ways to diffuse is to put a few drops of your favorite oil onto a tissue and secure the tissue next to the air vent or the fan cage so that the air blows across it. The blowing air then circulates the aromatic molecules of the essential oil throughout your house or kennel, and your pets (and yourself)breathe them in as you go about your normal daily activities.

Some find a favorite method of diffusing, (if only because of its simplicity and being inexpensive) is to take a 4 oz. or 6 oz. “mister” or spray bottle such as you’d use to mist house plants. Fill the mister with distilled or spring water, add 15 or 20 drops of essential oil, shake well, and then walk through your home and/or kennel briefly “misting” each room or area with the solution as you go.

Cold Air Diffusion
Perhaps the most popular and effective method of diffusing oils is to buy a product called a Cold Air Diffuser, which sprays an ultra-fine mist of the essential oil of your choice into the air. The millions of misted particles sprayed from a diffuser are so fine they can hang in the air of your space (home, etc.) literally for hours, spreading from room to room via the normal air circulation that occurs as you walk through your house and/or kennel.

*** NOTE: Always use cold diffusion.

NEVER HEAT ESSENTIAL OILS.
Heat will alter the chemistry, rendering them therapeutically useless.

When essential oils are diffused, the molecules are broken up into micro-fine mist particles. These mist particles stay suspended in the air for long periods of time. Not only does this reduce bacteria, mold and odors in the air, but these micro-mist particles also benefit those who inhale them.

Diffused oils don’t just mask odors; they actually alter the structure of the molecules that create odors – rendering them harmless! They also increase the available oxygen in the room and produce negative ions.

Research at Weber State University shows that diffusing essential oils destroys airborne micro-organisms. Diffusing is so effective that many hospitals in England and France diffuse essential oils daily to keep incidences of drug-resistant bacteria low and to keep the air free from micro-organisms.

Research also shows that cold-air diffusing certain oils may:

Reduce bacteria, fungus, mold, and unpleasant odors.
Relax the mind and body, relieve tension, and clear the mind.
Improve concentration, alertness, and mental clarity.
Dispel odors.
With all these benefits, it makes sense to start using a diffuser today.

With the threat of super bugs growing ever more resistant to vaccines and antibiotics, our pets becoming infected as well as us humans, diffusing essential oils makes more and more sense. It simply is the ultimate home health care defense against life-threatening organisms.

Click Here to read how Therapeutic grade essential oils are being shown through recent research to act as a natural antibiotics. With all of the news about MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) incidents increasing, here’s some food for thought about the alternatives offered by nature since the garden of Eden days.

While diffusing essential oils will not stop an animal or even a person from being infected outside of the home, it does create an infectious free zone of air within the home you can use to protect your loved ones. Breathing air diffused with essential oils attacks any virus or bacteria lining the respiratory tract which may have been inhaled outside of the infectious free zone. It also keeps the infection from spreading to other family members

Diffusing oils into a room with a sick pet or human family member with a cold or flu can actually cut their downtime by half or more! According to the experts, recovery can be accelerated by as much as 70%! And regular diffusion of essential oils can practically eliminate the normal change-of-season bouts with colds or flu. According to Dr.Valnet, “Many essences (e.g. cinnamon, pine, thyme, lemon) have marked effects on influenza, and human patients that have been treated with these essences seem to get through the winter without trouble.”

By way of personal experience with these amazing essential oils, we have found them to offer much in the way of additional therapeutic benefits, going way beyond their powerful immune boosting and anti-microbial properties. For example, simply letting my dogs smell the essential oil of lavender right out of the bottle can almost instantly relax them and I have been able to knock out a stubborn sinus headache within 60 to 90 seconds inhaling the lavender and some peppermint.

Smelling the essential oil of eucalyptus for just several minutes helps to open clogged nasal passages and clear up sinus congestion like magic. And smelling the essential oil of peppermint for several minutes will usually completely eliminate acid indigestion and heartburn.

We have also personally discovered that the essential oils of birch or helichrysum will often completely alleviate knee and joint pains when applied directly to the painful area on the dog(or yourself). I have even applied these oils to my husband’s back (he is a chronic pain patient after many back operations) and they have helped when he is in so much pain that even his prescribed pain meds are not helping. That’s because both of these oils have chemical constituents that are anti-inflammatory and analgesic, in addition to their oxygenating, immune-boosting and anti-microbial properties!

Other essential oils, such as rose, lavender, Frankincense and ylang ylang can be rubbed into the area of the back and pelvic area, up and down the spine, just before bedtime if you suffer from insomnia or have a restless dog that does not want to “wind down”. Diffuse them near your bird if it anxious, stressed or phobic. Their amazing calming and relaxing effects practically guarantee a sound nights sleep. And again, you and your pets receive these benefits on top of all of the other powerful anti-pathogenic, immune-boosting, cell-nourishing, body oxygenating and health-enhancing properties of the oils!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Aroma’s effect on the brain
The Japanese have a long tradition of using aroma, and they have much respect for it. In 1985 research into the mind-altering effects of essential oils was started in Japan by Dr Shizuo Torii who, by measuring brain waves, showed that some aromas can have a stimulating effect and some can have a relaxing effect.

Japan’s third largest construction company, the Shimizu Corporate, has specialist engineers who incorporate aroma systems into the new ‘intelligent’ building which use aroma to improve efficiency and relieve stress. In one bank, designed by the company, lavender or rosemary are diffused into the customer areas, while lemon or eucalyptus are used to keep workers alert at their VDUs. Commercial diffuser systems are capable of pumping different aromas into the atmosphere at different times of the day, to relax or stimulate as required.

Another Japanese construction company, Kajima Corporation, blend appropriate fragrances which are diffused into different areas of the building, taking into consideration the time of day and the male-female ratio of any one department. While lavender and rose combination created a calming, stress-relieving and blood-pressure reducing effect for general purposes, the after- lunch drowsiness is combated by fragrance of lemon and jasmine, which have a refreshing and reviving effect. Many combinations of aroma are possible and the effects appear similar on our pets as they do on us!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
What Are the Most Effective Oils to Diffuse?
Lemon
Melaleuca alternifolia
Eucalyptus globulus
Ravensara
Lavender
Rosewood And blends, such as:
Purification
Citrus Fresh
Thieves
ImmuPower
Peace & Calming

Other essential oils can be diffused for different effects. For example, frankincense and lavender can soothe and calm. The blend, ‘Peace & Calming’ can help settle down an excited puppy or bird with anxiety. Joy, along with Peace & Calming, or lavender are often used for their calming and emotionally balancing effects. Purification, lemon or Thieves blend purify the air and neutralize mildew, cigarette smoke, synthetic fragrances and kill airborne bacteria and viruses.

A WORD OF CAUTION IN USING EOs WITH CATS:
Cats are known to be deficient in their ability to eliminate compounds through hepatic glucuronidation (they lack enzyme glucuronyl tranferases). Glucuronidation is an important detoxification mechanism present in most animals except cats. Lack of this important detoxification mechanism in cats may result in slower elimination and thus build up of the toxic metabolites in the body causing toxicity problems. While many of the Young Living Essential Oils have been used successfully with cats; I recommend you diffuse and do not apply neat unless under the supervision of a qualified animal aromatherapist.

When diffusing oils specifically for your cat, try not to use excessive amounts of essential oil, and choose oils which have lower volatility’s as far as possible. In addition, ensure good air circulation especially during the diffusion process, so that local concentrations of essential oil vapor are not built up in non-airchanged areas inhabited by the cat. Make sure your cat can get to ‘un-diffused’ air at any time if possible, and only diffuse in an individual room if cat does not have access i.e. make it a multi-room location. Toxicology studies show that the feline liver usually needs 48 hours to process and excrete ‘terpenes’, thus allow 48 hours between end of last diffusion and starting another to avoid repeated exposure by inhalation.

Copyright 2003 -2009 This article is the sole property of Dr Jeanette (Jeannie) Thomason and The Whole Dog. It cannot be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the expressed written consent of the author.

**********************************

Young Living’s Essential Oil Diffuser gives you the benefit of diffusing essential oils throughout your home, office or kennel. Diffusing is a simple and effective way to use essential oils. With Young Living’s innovative air pump, oils are dispersed in a micro-fine vapor, allowing them to remain suspended in the air for extended periods of time. The diffuser disperses the oils without heating them so they retain their therapeutic benefits. When inhaled, the oils are easily absorbed through the lungs. Depending on the oil used, diffusing can cleanse the air of odor, remove airborne toxins, calm overactive or stressed pets, and support respiration.

Complete Diffuser Set:
Essential Oil Diffuser – Bronze Order Code #3660
Essential Oil Diffuser – Green Order Code #3662
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Wholesale: $99.75

Orders can be placed securely through this web site,by becoming a “Free” member
Click HERE to be a member of Young Living
Use Referral and Sponsor # 719671

DISCLAIMER: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. The only oils I use and refer to in ALL my posts, tips and articles is Young Living Essential Oils. I DO NOT use any others and would not state what I do in my posts and articles about any other brands. Buyer Beware!

To order any of the items above you can dial 800-763-9963 Use the Referral/Sponsor # 719671 number, or sign up as a member and order online.

If you need help ordering or becoming an member, email me & I’ll be glad to help you.
——————————————————————————–
Below are some research references documenting the therapeutic properties of essential oils

Carson CF, et al. “Antimicrobial activity of the major components of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia.” J Appl Bacteriol. 1995;78(3):264-9. Compendium of Olfactory Research. Edited by Avery N. Gilbert. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt Publishing,

Benencia F, et al. “Antiviral activity of sandalwood oil against herpes simplex viruses-1 and -2.” Phytomedicine. 1999;6(2):119-23

Bernardis LL, et al. “The lateral hypothalamic area revisited: ingestive behavior.” Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 20(2):189-287 (1996).

Bilgrami KS, et al. “Inhibition of aflatoxin production & growth of Aspergillus flavus by eugenol & onion & garlic extracts.” Indian J Med Res. 1992;96:171-5. Bradshaw RH, et al. “Effects of lavender straw on stress and travel sickness in pigs.” J Altern Complement Med. 1998;4(3):271-5.

Brodal A., “Neurological Anatomy in Relation to Clinical Medicine”. New York: Oxford University Press, 1981.

The matter of what exactly goes on in the mind of a dog is a tricky one, and until recently much of the research on canine intelligence has been met with large doses of skepticism. But over the last several years a growing body of evidence, culled from small scientific studies of dogs’ abilities to do things like detect cancer or seizures, solve complex problems (complex for a dog, anyway), and learn language suggests that they may know more than we thought they did.

Read the entire article HERE

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NOVEBER 2009

A dog receives a massage at the Chateau Poochie, the luxury hotel for dogs and cats in Pompano Beach, Fla.
Photograph by: Herald Archive, AFP-Getty Images, Calgary Herald

Announcement:

Canine Massage Exam
November 2009 …….The National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure & Massage (NBCAAM) is pleased to announce that the Canine Massage Examination is now “live” and available.

All 4 examinations are now available for applicants to take, Canine and Equine massage and Canine and Equine acupressure. This is a very important step toward supporting and promoting individuals within the profession and standardizing the profession itself through voluntary meeting of standards. Applicants are encouraged to review the Study Guides for the examinations posted on the NBCAAM website.

Mission Statement:
National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM) endeavors to provide examinations that reflect and uphold the highest professional standards of practice for animal acupressure and massage. To that end, the examinations are available to people who have completed specialized animal training programs in either or both disciplines. Upon successful completion of the examination in their chosen discipline, the practitioner will be deemed a knowledgeable and professional animal acupressure or massage practitioner and will be recognized as such by noted professionals practicing in that particular field.

Member Benefits:
As NBCAAM continues to develop member benefits will include: a directory of Nationally Certified Animal Acupressure and Massage Practitioners, listings of advanced training opportunities for the practitioner, narrative examination study guides, sample questions, listing of NBCAAM approved schools, and learning materials for continued study.

Intention:
NBCAAM provides the general pubic, the veterinary community, and other animal healthcare professionals assurance that NBCAAM Certified Practitioners meet the highest professional standards of practice. Biannual Continuing Education is required of all NBCAAM Certified Practitioners. We are taking important strides toward monitoring and increasing the level of professionalism within the animal massage and acupressure disciplines. Taking the examination is entirely voluntary and we are excited to be able to offer this option to people who are serious about enhancing the professional standing of animal massage and acupressure in the United States.

NOTE:
NBCAAM, a not-for-profit organization, was created for the purpose of establishing and upholding professional standards for animal acupressure and massage practitioners. The method by which NBCAAM certifies that a practitioner has met these standards is by developing standardized national certification examinations. Taking the examination is entirely voluntary. Information and the requirements for taking the examinations are available on the website: www.nbcaam.org
Contact: Amy Snow, 888.841.7211, amy@animalacupressure.com

For further information about NBCAAM and FAQs please visit the website. www.NBCAAM.org.

Diamond pet food has recalled cat food due to problems reported in cats in the Rochester, NY area.

Diamond Pet Foods has withdrawn from distribution the following date codes of
Premium Edge Finicky Adult Cat & Premium Edge Hairball cat:
RAF0501A22X 18lb. RAF0501A2X 6 lb.
RAH0501A22X 18 lb.
RAH0501A2X 6lb.

The calls from pet owners or veterinarians regarding this issue have been centered in the Rochester, NY area. All retail outlets shipped the above lots were contacted, asking them to pull the product from the store shelves. The retailers were also asked to contact their customers via email or telephone requesting them to check the date code of the food. However, if you or anyone you know has these date codes of Premium Edge cat food, please return them to your retailer.

Symptoms displayed by an affected cat will be neurological in nature. Any cats fed these date codes that display these symptoms should be immediately taken to a veterinarian.

Product testing proved no contaminants were discovered in the cat food; however the cat foods were deficient in thiamine. Diamond tracked the vitamin premix lot number that was utilized in these particular cat foods and have performed testing on another lot of Premium Edge cat food that used the same vitamin premix, and it was not deficient in thiamine. No other neurological signs have been reported on any other product manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods

Did you get that folks? Pet foods are cooked/processed at such high temperatures that there are NO vitamins, NO life giving enzymes, etc. left in it! Manufactures have to add back in synthetic vitamin premix before sealing the bags or cans! Is it worth the risk to feed pet food to our special animal companion? Are we doing the very best for them? I think not!

I hope this, just one more recall will wake up those still thinking that pet food is what pets were designed to eat… What happened to common sense and being pro-active in our thinking and approach to caring for the pets we claim to love as much as our own children? Please find out what cats and dogs were designed to eat as carnivores. Let’s get up off our lazy bottoms and quit now – allowing a multi-billion dollar industry only interesed in its own pocket book (face it, they could care less about our pet’s health)to dictate what to feed our pets when they in reality know NOTHING of true carnivore nutriton.
Carnivores: http://www.thewholedog.org/artcarnivores.html
Kibble: http://www.thewholedog.org/artkibble.html

From Jen
October 27, 2009 at 7:44 am

Our 3 cats were affected, we actually were the first to call Premium Edge on 8/31/09. I adamently told them I watched our cats deteriorate with this new bag we opened, our cats were big healthy cats, Dr. Rettinmaiur would not look into more b/c our cats went outside. Our one cat died, the other almost died and the third had the least symptoms but he had lost weight and was sleeping a lot. I even called the FDA so sorry to anyone who lost their cat, I tried my best to warn everyone- I am glad it all finally came out and now everyone does believe me. It is sad they don’t take into consideration that a pet owner knows their pets best, and would believe what they have to say!

Established in 1979, Wysong Corporation is one of the true pioneers of natural pet foods and holistic pet health care & nutrition.

While Wysong is a producer of “Natural and Holistic” pet food, this re-call only helps make the point in my recent article: Kibble Is Kibble Is Still Kibble

“The following batches of Wysong Canine Diets Maintenance™ and Senior™ have shown above acceptable moisture levels and may contain mold.

Wysong Maintenance™: lot #: 090617
Wysong Maintenance™: lot #: 090624
Wysong Maintenance™: lot #: 090706
Wysong Maintenance™: lot #: 090720
Wysong Senior™: lot #: 090623

We ask that if you have received any of these Wysong products to please not feed them, and contact Wysong for product replacement.

Email: Wysong@Wysong.net
Subject: Product Replacement

Alternatively, please return or exchange at the store from which you purchased the product. Credit will be issued via our Distributors to the Retailer.

We apologize for the inconvenience.” Wysong

I was told the notice was sent to distributors about a week ago. Information about the recall was just posted to their website yesterday.