Happy Halloween From EAH!!!

Happy Halloween from EAH!

Ingemar dressed as the world's largest lobster.

Lucille the squirrel.

Jameson the (surprisngly content) construction worker.

A pumpkin and a bee, trick or treating in Fells Point.

Willie supports the Ravens.


Do you have a funny or cute Thanksgiving picture of your pet? Send them to greatwallsofbaltimore (at) yahoo (dot) com for use in a future post!

Ask The Vet: One Year Rabies Vaccines For Cats

Q: Last week, I brought in both my cat and my dog for their annual exam and vaccines. I noticed that while both my animals were vaccinated for rabies, my dog's vaccine is good for three years, while my cat's vaccine is only good for one year. They have both received rabies vaccines before, and they have always been vaccinated on time. Can you explain this?

A: The difference is due to the kind of vaccine that your cat and dog received. While it is important to make sure that your cat stays current on his vaccines, certain immunizations have the potential to cause a cancerous growth called a fibrosarcoma. A fibrosarcoma is a deeply rooted, aggressive tumor that is difficult to remove and prone to recurrence. A fibrosarcoma resembles an octopus, with a large main body and narrow tendrils that extend below the main tumor into deeper muscle and connective tissue layers.

The risk of developing a vaccine related sarcoma is rare, especially compared to the risk of contracting the diseases they protect against. However, at EAH, we try to further reduce the incidence of vaccine sarcomas by using recombinant vaccines.

In a vaccine made with a killed virus, an additional substance called an adjuvant is added to the vaccine to adequately stimulate the immune system. The IPV polio vaccine is humans is an example of a vaccine that uses a killed virus. Adjuvants have been heavily implicated as the cause of vaccine sarcomas in cats. In veterinary recombinant technology, a bird virus (which cannot replicate in non avian species) is combined with an inactive particle of the rabies virus; this does not require an adjuvant to work.

In addition, certain cat vaccines are always given in a leg, so that if a vaccine sarcoma did eventually appear, the leg could be amputated, completely removing the tumor and eliminating the risk of recurrence.

The recombinant feline rabies vaccine that we use at EAH is only labeled for one year use. That may change with further research, but for now, your cat will need to be revaccinated every twelve months.

Dogs don't get vaccine induced sarcomas, so the old killed virus vaccine that is good for three years is sufficient.

If you would like to submit a question for the Ask The Vet feature, please read the guidelines.

Related Posts:
How To Know If Optional Vaccines Are Right For Your Pet
Why Even Indoor Pets Need Rabies Vaccines

October Is Adopt-A-Dog Month--Is There Room In Your Home?

Each year, millions of dogs are euthanized at animal shelters and hospitals across the United States. Pet overpopulation has ceased to be a problem and is now a full blown crisis. Many of these dogs are happy and healthy dogs that are bursting with loyalty and joy, but sadly, there are just not enough homes for them all.

October is Adopt-A-Dog Month, and this is your chance to save a worthy dog's life.

Many years ago, a 4-month-old abandoned pitbull mix came into my family's home. We named him Howie, and for the next 15 years, he brought us an immeasurable amount of love, laughter and loyalty. He was the best kind of friend you could have. Steadfast, joyful and never judgemental, he was always ready to snap on his leash and go for a walk, and just as happy to flop at your feet in quiet companionship. He always met us at the door, and his exuberant, tail wagging welcome could erase even the worst of days. He entertained with his antics, amazed us with his intelligence, comforted us with his presence. When he died, we grieved his loss, and his passing left a large hole in our lives. That was 8 years ago, and not a day passes that I don't think of him and the gifts he gave us.

If you're ready to bring a dog in to your life, or if you are already a dog owner and would like to adopt another, this is a great month to do it. If you have a certain breed in mind, consider adopting from a breed rescue, and be sure to check out our guidelines on choosing a breed.

For those in the Baltimore area, visit the MD SPCA or the Baltimore Humane Society. On Wednesday nights, join the staff for a hike through the grounds. You can walk a shelter dog, or bring your own dog.

If you're not in the Baltimore area, check out the homepage for the Humane Society of the United States to find a local shelter, or visit Petfinder.com to find your next loving dog.

Is there room in your home and heart for another dog? Please consider adding to your family this month for Adopt-A-Dog Month.

So You Think You Want A Dog? 10 Points To Consider Before You Adopt

In his best selling novel, Marley and Me, author John Grogan freely admits that he and his wife did little to no research before adopting their lab puppy, Marley. Their choice was based on what they thought they knew about the breed, so the actual behavior of their new addition came as quite a shock and expense.

A significant percentage of dogs surrendered at shelters are there, not because they are bad dogs, but because their breed (and associated behavior) is a mismatch with the family.

If you're thinking about adopting a dog, here are ten things to keep in mind when choosing a companion.

**Your Activity Level--The best owner-dog matches are made when the owner can keep up with the dog and vice versa. If you're kind of a couch potato and hate exercise, you probably don't want to adopt a high energy breed that would be unhappy with the lack of activity. If you're an outdoorsy person who likes to hike and bike, choose a sturdy, athletic breed that won't always be dragging behind you.
**Your Finances--Even healthy dogs cost money. The biggest expense over the life of a dog is probably food, but even yearly vaccinations and flea and heartworm prevention costs can add up. Certain breeds are more prone to costly medical problems, and it's always terribly sad to euthanize an animal because the owner simply can't afford to treat the problem. If you have a specific breed in mind, ask your vet if there are any problems that the breed tends to have, and also consider buying pet insurance.
**Your Lifestyle Now And Your Lifestyle In The Future--Do you travel frequently? Work long hours? These are all things to keep in mind. Some dogs are more independent and can be left alone for longer periods of time. If your job keeps you away from home for extended periods, you probably don't want to adopt a puppy. Do you live in an apartment? What is your yard like? Do you have steps and will a dog be able to navigate them?

**Your Kids--If you have children or plan to have children, this is one of the most important aspects when it comes to harmoniously introducing a dog into your household. Dogs have a variety of responses to children. Some adore them, some tolerate them and move away when they have had enough, some shy away always, and some will react dangerously. Families with children, or who plan to add children, should attempt to avoid the last three categories and definitely the last two. It's also not true that all puppies love children. Your vet can help you weed out breeds that tend to not do well with kids, but a particular dog's temperament has more to do with it. Kids should always meet the dog or puppy before you bring it home.
**Health Of Other People In The Household--A dog can impact the health of someone who is allergic or who suffers from asthma. Some breeds are better tolerated than others, so talk to your doctor if this applies to you.
**Your Temperament--Take some time to think about what is important to you, and what triggers annoyance in you. If high-pitched noises get on your nerves, don't choose a breed with a distinctive bark. If you're a neat freak and can't stand even a speck of dust, don't choose a long-haired breed that will shed all over your house and make you feel resentful.
**Your Other Pets--Do you have cats? Some breeds are highly incompatible with cats. Do you already own a dog? Take this pet's health, activity level and behavior into account before bringing a new animal into the household.
**The Legality Of Your Breed Choice--Some states and counties have breed specific legislation, banning certain breeds, or requiring you to spay or neuter your pet. If you live in an apartment or rental home, you may be limited to a dog of a certain size. Make sure you do your research before bringing home your new dog.
**Coat care--How much time are you willing to put into caring for your pet's coat? Long-haired breeds will need to be groomed, while shorter haired breeds can get by with regular baths at home.
**Breed-specific Personalities--Each breed has characteristics that make it unique. Do some research into what you can expect from a breed before you adopt, to make sure it fits into your idea of what makes a great dog.

How To Know If Optional Vaccines Are Right For Your Pet

From the time you add your pet to your family, vaccines will remain an important factor in your pet’s health care. Puppies and kittens are vaccinated approximately every 3 weeks and adult pets receive vaccines every year to every three years, depending on the vaccine.

The core vaccines for dogs include bordetella (kennel cough), the distemper combination vaccine (which includes parvo) and rabies. Bordetella is a yearly vaccine and rabies and distemper are given every three years after the first year.

The core vaccines for cats are rabies, which is a yearly vaccine, and the feline distemper combination vaccine, which is every three years after the first year.

These vaccines are given to all animals because the diseases they prevent are either common enough or serious enough to warrant widespread vaccination. Rabies, in particular, is a public health concern and is required by law. Read more on vaccinating indoor pets for rabies here.

However, besides the core vaccines that most healthy cats and dogs receive, there are several that are given on a case by case basis. How do you know which ones are right for your pet and which ones you can skip?

Read on to learn more about the optional vaccines and which pets are at risk.

**Leptospirosis--Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is spread primarily by animals such as deer, opossums, raccoons and skunks, but also by animals found in urban areas, such as squirrels and rats. The disease often presents with mild flu-like symptoms, but can also develop into a serious infection resulting in organ failure, most commonly the liver. At EAH, we encourage vaccination of all city living dogs, due to the rat population in Baltimore City, and all rural living dogs, due to the wildlife. The need for vaccination among suburban dogs varies. Keep in mind that a rat problem can always develop in previously rat-free areas, due to construction or demolition of old buildings. In addition, as new housing developments spread into more rural areas, the wildlife doesn't always leave. If you routinely see animals like raccoons or deer in your yard, discuss the lepto vaccine with your vet at your pet's next visit.

**Lyme Disease--Lyme disease is spread by the deer tick, Ixodes scapularis. In dogs, transmission of the bacteria can develop into symptoms such as arthritis and fever. In some cases, serious kidney damage can occur. The old Lyme vaccine came with some pretty hefty cons, but the latest Lyme vaccine is recombinant technology and is very safe, not to mention effective. Dogs that are at high risk for tick exposure should be vaccinated for Lyme disease. This includes dogs that hike with their owners, that live on farms, on the Eastern Shore, etc. All other pets can control ticks with the use of a topical such as Frontline.

**Feline Leukemia--Feline Leukemia, or FeLV, is a highly contagious virus that is primarily spread by the saliva and blood of infected cats. Most infected cats fight off the virus and become immune, but in others the virus spreads to the bone marrow and can cause severe illness and death. All kittens should be tested for the virus with a simple blood test that can be run in the office. If the cat will be going outdoors, the FeLV vaccine is a must; otherwise, you can skip it. If your previously indoor cat becomes an indoor/outdoor cat, be sure to bring your cat in for the vaccine.

As always, the decision to vaccinate or not vaccinate your cat or dog for any of these diseases is one that should be made after a discussion with your vet, but these guidelines can help you along the way.

What Dog Breed Would You Be?

Have you ever wondered what sort of person your dog would make? Would your friendly, tail wagging pet be everyone's best friend? Would the dog that cowers when the doorbell rings be a shy person as well?

Each breed of dog has physical qualities and personality traits that make it unique. While we'll never know what sort of people our furry friends would make, it's a little easier to identify what sort of dog a person would be.

We asked our staff to consider their best and worst personality characteristics and guess what dog breed those characteristics mights translate to, then had them take a quiz online.

The quiz was purely for fun and not scientific, but the results were interesting!

Technician supervisor Nicole didn't agree with her test results at all. Her results identified her as a submissive and people pleaser cocker spaniel. That doesn't sound like Nicole at all; rather, she is known for her strength and independence.

Office manager Kristy wasn't initially thrilled with a test result that identified her as a Saint Bernard, but when she read the breed's description, she was more inclined to agree. Saint Bernard's are calm, friendly and dependable, traits that Kristy definitely exhibits.

Receptionist Becky loves German Shepherds, so she was pleased to test as one!

Many of our staff received German Shepherd as their test result. This breed is independent, task oriented, wary of strangers, but fiercely loyal to those they know. Maybe that's why the staff members who have been at EAH for many years are such a close knit group!

Dr. Warner-Jones figured she would be a working breed, but she wasn't sure she agreed with her result, while Dr. Molinelli was frankly surprised to hear that she would be a Jack Russell.

At least half of the staff members who took the test strongly disagreed with their results, while most other testers felt their results were spot on.

You can take the quiz here. What dog breed are you, and do you agree with the results?

Dog People Vs. Cat People--Which Are You?

The AVMA recently published a study of US Pet Ownership Statistics. The study looks at how pet owners feel about their animals, the average amount of money pet owners spend on veterinary care per year, the number of all cat households versus all dog households, and many other factors of pet ownership.

Some of the more interesting statistics concern the differences between cat owners and dog owners.

For example, cat owners are more likely to be single and dog owners tend to be married with children. Cat owners often have more than one cat, while single dog households are more common than multiple dog households.

What makes someone a cat person or a dog person? In households that have both cats and dogs as pets, what factors decide which is the preferred pet?

According to Dr. Kaufman, both cat and dog owners have great experiences with their pets. Cat owners seem to love the simplicity of cat care (no walking or housebreaking), while dog people enjoy the public interaction of walking and meeting other dog owners. Both pets provide the essentials of companionship for the owners that each crave.

I've always been a cat person. While I love dogs, I don't currently own one and have no plans to do so in the near future. With two small children at home and a busy schedule, my cat Jameson fits more easily into my life than a dog would. He's pretty easy to take care of, and most importantly for me, he's quiet. My husband, on the other hand, tolerates the cat, but would prefer a dog. He says he can't take Jameson to the park to play Frisbee.

Technician Kris also considers himself a cat person. Kris is also very social, so he likes that he doesn't have to rush home after work to let a dog outside. He also prefers the quiet companionship of his cats over the more obvious devotion of a dog.

Dr. Ward has 6 dogs and cats, but identifies herself as a dog person. "I love everything about them," she says. Dr. Molinelli, on the other hand, says she used to be a cat person but now is more of a dog person. One of the main reasons for this is because she lives in a house with no really good spot to keep a litter box. Her two Chihuahua's are also always happy to hop in the car for a ride.

Hospital manager Carol has two dogs and lots and lots of cats, and she considers herself a dog person too. "They're my babies now that I don't have kids at home." Carol's husband prefers the cats.

Are you a cat person or a dog person and what makes you that way?