It is not uncommon to be at the grocery store, in church or at a friend’s house and be told stories about their pets.  Recently, I listened to story about a new puppy a friend had acquired at Christmas.  The joy of raising a new puppy or kitten to be your constant companion is one of life’s greatest experiences.  In a crazy economy, mixed up politics and stressful family lives, pets can actually bring a cohesive and loving touch.  So if you want to add a little unconditional love and lots of fun at home, a new pet may just be what the doctor ordered. 

There is no doubt that we find the little round heads and big eyes of young puppies and kittens irresistible.  Millions of new pets find their ways into our hearts and homes each year.  Studies show pets are a very positive addition to families or singles and even empty nesters!  Pets relieve stress, add joy and give us love unconditionally. 

So a new pup or kitten may be just what you need.  Whether you picked out your new friend at a breeder or you’ve rescued a pet in need of a great home, all puppies and kittens have requirements that you must know before bringing them home. 

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Yesterday, news channels aired the story concerning the unfortunate and tragic event at Sea World in Orlando, FL.  A 40 year old, female trainer was killed by a bull killer whale during a performance.  She was apparently taken off her platform by the whale and shaken to death.  This particular whale has been linked to other deaths according to reports.  There was a student who slipped and fell in the pool with the whale and there was a gatecrasher who tried to swim with the whale, both resulting in death.

In the hours after the trainer’s death, animal rights groups are already blaming organizations like SeaWorld for keeping animals in pools and requiring them to perform.  These killer whales are obviously huge animals, and cannot be forced to perform.  They perform because of the reinforcement they receive for doing so.  Although animal rights groups disapprove of shows like the ones at SeaWorld, there is no doubt that these magnificent animals have helped educate millions of people.  They have even helped to promote a greater concern for their wild cousins.

Dr. Scott Weber at UC Davis shared the following information about killer whales.  The whales are the largest members of the dolphin animals with adult males nearly 6-10 meters in length and weighing up to 10 tons.  The females are slightly smaller averaging 5-7 meters and can weigh over 7 tons.  Their life spans can be similar to humans in the wild.  They are toothed whales which have a wide variety of prey items that may include fish (schooling species, sharks, and rays), invertebrates, sea birds, and other marine mammals including other whales, walrus, sea lions, seals, and sea otters, making them one of the most formidable predators of the sea next to humans.

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This week marks the final week of Dental Month.  In veterinary medicine, dental disease is seen in almost every animal.  But, in our busy lives it’s hard to find the time to do regular preventive care.   Adding to the problem, dental cleanings under general anesthesia seems risky to many.  Recently, anesthesia-free pet dentistry has become a fad.  However, is this option good care and safe long term?

With more than 85% of pets over age three suffering from some sort of dental disease, veterinarians are constantly reminding clients to provide at home dental care for their pets.  In addition, most veterinarians encourage annual dental exams and cleanings for their patients followed by care at home.  Still, pet owners are reluctant to follow these recommendations.

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The conference is officially over and I will be catching a 11:00 pm flight tonight.

I chose pet behavior as my lecture course today.  Dr. Jacquelin Neilsen was the speaker and an alumni of the University of Florida.  GO GATORS!!  She covered the following topics throughout the lecture series:  Inappropriate urination including spraying, aggression (dominance and fear), compulsive disorders, separation anxiety, storm phobias, and anxiety.  Each behavior was covered with case examples that she has seen in her Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon.  The most important discussion for me was when to use drug therapy and what are the drugs currently being recommended.  She was an effective and entertaining lecturer.

While I was sitting and waiting for the next lecture to begin, a veterinarian sitting next to me asked if I was Brian Hurley.  The veterinarian introduced himself and explained he was in Dr. Jim Humphries lecture the night before.  He remembered Dr. Jim mentioning my name and showing our website as part of the discussion.  We had a brief conversation about our website and facebook pages.  Who would of thought I would be recognized sitting in a lecture.

It is now 6:35 pm and I have to finishing packing.  I plan on leaving in a couple of hours for the airport.  I will be back home tomorrow morning and will return to work on my normal schedule on Tuesday.  Look forward to seeing everyone back home.  I have missed my family!!!!

Well, my body is finally getting use to being in Las Vegas, and now it is almost time to go home.  I had an incredible day at the conference. 

This morning, I sat in on lectures for the gastrointestinal system (stomach and intestines) and the urinary systems (kidneys and bladder).  The best part of coming to a conference is learning information that you can take back home and immediately put into use helping our four legged friends.  This week, including today, I have been reflecting on each day and can think of cases I will be reviewing and utilizing things I have learned.

I met with Dr. Jim Humphries before lunch.  Dr. Humphries is the founder of the Veterinary News Network, PetDocsOnCall.com and the American Society of Veterinary Journalism.  As many of you know, I am an active member in each of these groups.  We were able to sit down and catch up.  The last time I saw Dr. Humphries was during this conference last year.  Tonight, he lectured on Web 2.0 and how this can be utilized by our industry.  Web 2.0 includes Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, blogging, etc.  Dr. Humphries and I spoke at length about my social networking.  I was honored to be asked to come and speak tonight during his lecture.  Our late morning chat turned into lunch.

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Good Evening.  It is currently 5:08 pm in Las Vegas.  At home, it is now 8:08 pm.  I hear we received some snow today but once again it was not as much as initially anticipated.  I am glad because I am not home to clear the driveway.  Our neighbors typically help Dawn when I am away.

Today, I participated in a Vet-Stem “Boot Camp”  laboratory.  It was extremely useful as I continue my education on the use of adult stem cells for arthritis in our canine patients.  The instructional lab showed us injection techniques, confirmation using radiographs and ultrasound, and rehabilitation therapy techniques.  This lab went a long way in preparing me for implementing our Stem Cell Program at the Gardner Animal Care Center.  The most interesting topic covered was rehabilitation therapy.  We were exposed to a variety of tools that are available for physical therapy in our pets.  I was intrigued by the majority of the products that were demonstrated.  Upon my return home, I will be reviewing the vast amount of information, and developing a program at our hospital.  As a reminder, a future blog will discuss what stem cells are and how they are utilized in disease processes.

The afternoon was spent going through the exhibit hall.  I made sure to visit all our veterinary partners that supply us with useful products in our hospital.  I made sure to stop by the vendors that carry rehabilitation equipment.  I was most interested in looking at two pieces of equipment:  cold therapy and laser therapy delivery systems.  These will by added to my wish list.  I also made sure to look at treadmills  and a gait analysis system.  As always, it is fun getting a variety of pads, pens, stress balls, mints, samples, and books.  I even took the time to get my cholesterol checked.  Time to improve my eating habits based on the results.  Probably didn’t help I hate an hour before the test.

Tonight, Bayer is providing the entertainment.  At 8:30 pm, I will be seeing Foreigner.  This should be a good show.  Until tomorrow…….Good Night!!

It is currently 10 minutes to 8 pm in Las Vegas.  Tonight, I am heading to the Mirage to see the show “Beatle’s Love.”  My day started at 6:45 am.  I went down to McDonald’s to get my morning coffee for the walk over to Mandalay Bay. 

I began the day participating in a survey conducted by Idexx Labratories.  The purpose of the research survey primarily covered the Lab Request module in Infinity and it’s use with our outside lab, Antech.  Infinity allows our practice management software to create lab request forms, labels for the blood tubes, and automatic importing the test results into the patient’s medical records.  It was a good discussion including another doctor from Indianapolis, IN.

Following the research survey, I spent the remainder of the morning listening to the latest on Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD).  This is a common urinary tract syndrome we diagnosis in our practice.  The first lecture centered around struvites (type of crystal and stone) in the urinary bladder and the current recommendations for the medical management of Struvite Disease.  Behavior management of idiopathic cystitis was next.  Idiopathic cystitis is an inflammatory condition of the bladder of unknown cause.  Stress should be considered as a factor in idiopathic cystitis and behavior modifications may improve clinical symptoms.  Each case will be different and treatment for our feline friends will not only include possible medications but also potential changes in their environment.  The morning lectures concluded with a lecture on picking the right food in FLUTD.  As your veterinarian, we will need to discuss the underlying cause of the disease, nutritional requirements necessary in your situation, effectiveness of the diet being considered and any factors pertinent to your cat and families individual situation.

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I arrived in Las Vegas for the conference on Friday.  The trip started on a down note.  My father, Dan, typically joins me for this conference.  His flight got cancelled and they could not reschedule a flight for him to get here so he will not be joining me this year.  However, two friends, Rob and Steve, were able to make the trip.

Saturday was the adjustment day.  With the three hour time change, it takes the body a day or so to get acclimated.  The weather was beautiful and we spent the day walking Las Vegas Blvd.  By the time we walked back to the Luxor Hotel, where I am staying, it must have been at least 8 miles.

Today was the first day of the conference.  I woke up at 6 am, got ready, and walked to Mandalay Bay Convention Center to pick up my registration material.  I went back to my room to plan the afternoon lectures to attend.  I decided dermatology was the topic of the day.  If you have a pet with skin issues, you know how skin problems can be very frustrating.  As your veterinarian, we feel your frustration.  Dr. Ackerman spoke about turning frustrations into a commitment.  We need to remember, numerous skin issues will not be cured.  Instead, we need to be ready to manage long-term.  The remainder of the day was spent discussing tests, diagnostic approaches and treatment options.

I must admit, the highlight today was the opening show sponsored by Hill’s Pet Food.  Bill Engvall opened the show with his comedy and I laughed for the entire show.  What a GREAT way to end Day 1.  Tomorrow starts early.

MSNBC Report:  “When Vets Make Mistakes, Pets Pay the Price.”

Veterinarians are caring, professional people who have dedicated their lives and careers to relieving animal suffering.  As pet owners, we truly understand the power of the human-animal bond.  As you can imagine, I was surprised to read a recent report at MSNBC.com that paints a very unflattering picture of veterinary medicine as a whole by depicting a few cases where medical mistakes caused distress to pets and their owners.

While I could spend time dictating statistics and numbers, I realize if the medical mistake occurs in your pet, the statistics are meaningless and your grief understandable.  As veterinarians, we understand the deep grief and pain felt when we our pet is injured or even lost.  We also can empathize with the anger, shock and frustration felt by pet owners.

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Couples everywhere will be celebrating Valentine’s Day this weekend. We hope all of you have a WONDERFUL day!! My wife and I enjoy spoiling each other. Yet, this lover’s holiday poses a potential problem for our pets.

Candies and flowers are two staples for the romantic Valentine’s Day sweethearts. Unfortunately, what is anxiously received by us may be a problem for our four legged friends. Most people are aware that chocolates are dangerous for pets, especially our dogs that cannot seem to resist them. Candy made of milk chocolate is safer than darker and baking chocolates, but too much can be hazardous to the canine candy thief. Chocolate can cause arrhythmias, hyperactivity, vomiting and pancreatitis. If you receive chocolates this weekend, be sure to keep them in a safe place for you, not your pet, to enjoy.

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