I really had no idea that toads were so deadly. This story comes from Australia, via News.com.au. In case you're wondering, Cane Toads are native to Central and South America and were introduced to Australia in the 1930s as a means of pest control — it has a voracious appetite and eats a prodigious number of cane beetles and other pests. In the United States, the Cane Toad is found in Texas, Florida and Hawaii, where it has been introduced. However, there are other poisonous toads in other parts of the U.S. so please be mindful if you see your dog near toads. They're not to be played with.

Cane toads kill five dogs in a single week
By Rebekah Cavanagh
April 19, 2008 07:42am

PETS are increasingly falling victim to the beastly cane toad.

The Northern Territory News has learnt at least five dogs have died after chomping on one of the ugly creatures in the Top End this week.

One was a small Jack Russell whose owner says died "within five minutes".

And vets have said they are seeing an influx of dogs - and some cats - that have been affected by a toad's lethal toxin.

At the University Ave Vet Hospital in Palmerston two dogs suffering toad poisoning have been treated in a matter of a few days.

Vet Veronica Monaghan said the problem was "getting worse" with at least one dog taken to the surgery each week and many more phone calls from owners fearing their pets have eaten a toad.

Mike and Vicki Milton's west highland terrier Wallace was rushed to the clinic after he was found with a toad in his mouth at their Knuckey Lagoon home on Sunday night.

Dr Monaghan said when the five-year-old arrived he was in a "bad way" and they did not hold much hope of him surviving.

She said his mouth was clamped shut, he was having seizures and his eyes were flickering.

"He was completely out of it and we did not think it was going to be a very good outcome," she said.

"But his owners love him and were prepared to pay whatever it would cost to try and save him."

Wallace was put in intensive care for three days where he was in a coma and on medication to combat swelling on the brain.

When he woke he had his sight and hearing, but had lost all function in his legs and could not stand or walk.

But Dr Monaghan said he is on the road to recovery with physio therapy and she is hopeful he will be back on his feet in about six weeks.

She warned other pet owners to be wary of toads.

"I don't think people realise how lethal the toxin can be - it can kill an animal … in minutes," she said.

Mr Milton, 52, praised the vet clinic for its "fantastic" effort in saving Wallace, who was a Valentine's Day gift for his wife in 2003.

The Defence project director said Wallace, who was "a part of the family", was simply "lucky".

"I didn't know a cane toad could knock a dog down in 20 minutes and kill it," he said.

I think this clinic has better facilities for dogs than we have for humans here in my small town!

From the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun. Video on the Web site.

Plump pups become water dogs for health
By Stacy Wiedmaier • The Desert Sun • April 17, 2008

Morgan, a 13- year-old labrador shepherd mix, walks along an enclosed underwater treadmill on March 28 at Aqua Paws, a canine rehabilitation and weight clinic located in the cove area of La Quinta. The dog, owned by Shelley Thode, does the hydro exercise to help with muscle movement and strength to combat the effects of chronic arthritis. Crystal Chatham, The Desert Sun

A weight loss clinic in La Quinta is prescribing more than walks around the neighborhood for its clients — clients of the four-legged variety.

An underwater therapy for dogs is the featured workout at Aquapaws, part of La Quinta's Village Park Animal Hospital.

"A client cannot walk their dog long or far enough to get these type of results," said veterinarian Kathryn Carlson.

The clinic offers the sole underwater treadmill therapy in the valley, Carlson said. The nearest treatment centers are in San Diego.

The underwater treadmill therapy is so new, Carlson said, pet insurance does not accept the costs, which range from $30 to $45 per session.

"Many vets are old fashioned and don't believe in the water therapy, while others give referrals after they complete surgeries," she said.

The therapy also can be used for dogs after surgery since it's easier on their bodies, Carlson said.

The treadmill's 82-degree water is adjusted according to the dog's height. Staff uses a gradual buildup of walking routines for the low-impact exercise. Weights or "floaties" also can be used to increase or decrease the dog's range of motion to make exercise more difficult and target specific muscles.

Canine clients

Pino Tarantino, a 16-month-old shih tzu from Indian Wells, walked the underwater treadmill recently.

He gazed through the tank's front glass window at his owner, Carole Tarantino, who was cheering him on.

"This is the best he's ever done," Carlson said. "It's good to have his mother here."

Pino had surgery on his back right kneecap before coming to Aquapaws for rehabilitation, which included three sessions a week for three months.

Carole Tarantino said her "baby" was accustomed to the program by his third week, and has stopped shaking with fear. She said she thinks he finds it helpful and relaxing.

After some of the employees clapped for Pino's good behavior and dried him off, it was time for a brief back massage inside the 100-degree spa.

One customer brings her 17-year-old Yorkshire terrier once a week for the spa fun time, Carlson said. The terrier's owner teaches Pilates and she hopes to offer a dual Pilates class for dogs with their humans in the future.

La Quinta resident Shelley Thode brought her 13-year-old mutt Morgan to Aquapaws therapy after the dog was diagnosed with chronic arthritis and a degenerating spine.

She said she was skeptical, but became a believer in the therapy after she saw Morgan's improvement.

"She doesn't like pools and I thought she would freak out, but she took to it right away," Thode said as Morgan drank the water. "I'm just thankful this is offered in town. I love that it's a holistic option so she's not drowned on drugs."

Tbe biggest loser

In addition to the exercise, the business has created a "Biggest Loser" challenge, playing off the hit TV show.

The first Canine Biggest Loser will be crowned May 30 and receive a gift certificate and their photo on the wall of fame.

"The challengers weigh in once a month while their parents (owners) receive nutrition advice where we discuss how many calories are needed a day," said Emily Blackwood, wellness coordinator. "We basically provide weight management advice and support."

The clinic also offers physical therapy, acupuncture, heat and cold therapy, wheelchair fittings and neuromuscular stimulation.

Want to help your plump pup?

AquaPaws is at 51230 Avenida Montezuma, at Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta. More information: 564-3833

Wow. Love the comments from the chemical industry that the public should not be unnecessarily alarmed and that it's hard to understand these things without proper context. I just have a hard time believing that it's good for my dogs to have fire retardants, mercury and stain-proof coatings in their bodies. If I had a sofa that wagged its tail those chemicals would be great. But not for my dog. I don't think so.

From the Silican Valley Mercury News.

Toxic chemicals found in dogs, cats, study finds
By Doug Oakley
East Bay Daily News
Article Launched: 04/17/2008 10:31:13 PM PDT

Fire retardants, mercury and stain-proof coatings are just some of the chemicals found in the bodies of live dogs and cats in a new study by an environmental group pushing for more regulation.

The chemicals could point to an increase in cancer and hyperthyroidism in cats and dogs, according to the Environmental Working Group, which released the study at a news conference in Berkeley on Thursday.

The group tested blood and urine from 20 dogs and 37 cats in a Virginia veterinary clinic. It found 48 industrial chemicals were present.

The pets likely ingested the chemicals because they live close to floors and lick the ground and their paws, the group said. Infants and toddlers also are close to the ground and put things in their mouths, which puts them at the same kind of risk as cats and dogs, the group said.

That scenario underscores the need for state and federal legislation requiring proof that chemicals are safe before putting them in consumer products, said Bill Walker, vice president of the group's West Coast operations.

"We need a better system of regulating toxic chemicals in this country," Walker said. "We need to test the chemicals before they are allowed on the market. Our animals are trying to tell us something here."

Gary Richter, a veterinarian at Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland who attended the news conference, said he is worried about household chemicals and their effects on pets.

Richter said the high number of cases of cancer and hyperthyroidism in pets can be attributed to better diagnosing of the illnesses. The fact that cats and dogs are living longer means they get more diseases as a result, he added.

Kendra Borja, a spokeswoman for the American Chemistry Council, which represents chemical manufacturers, said she had not seen the animal study, but said tests of chemicals in humans can be misleading without some context.

She said if you don't consider the source of a chemical exposure, or how long a substance has been in a body, "unnecessary fears can arise."

"The public should not be led do believe that the products of chemistry are inherently dangerous," Borja said in an e-mailed statement. "In fact, Americans are living longer, safer and healthier lives through the essential benefits provided by the chemistry industry."

But Arlene Blum of Berkeley, a visiting scholar in the UC Berkeley chemistry department, said chemicals are killing our pets and our people.

About 18 months ago, she noticed her cat Midnight dropped about half of his 14 pounds in six months. Midnight was later diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and now she must give the feline fluids through a needle because his kidneys are failing. The cat also gets daily medicine for the hyperthyroidism, medicine for urinary tract infections and anti-vomiting medicine. All that costs about $200 a month.

"In lab animals, fire retardant was shown to cause hyperthyroidism, and quite likely that is the cause of Midnight's problems — the fire retardant in the furniture," Blum said.

Blum tested her cat, furniture and household dust and found high levels of fire retardant.

"What goes into our furniture goes into our dust, cats and our children," Blum said. "These unnecessary toxic chemicals were banned in children's clothes but not furniture."

Blum also is pushing for more regulation of toxic chemicals.

"Right now, it's regulation by lawsuit," Blum said. "We need to test chemicals before they enter the environment. And companies have no incentive to do that."

Reach Doug Oakley at doakley@bayareanewsgroup.com.

The Dawning of Veterinary “Wellness Renaissance”
By Julia H. Schuster

On May 12th, 2008, over 100 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) nationwide will provide free eye exams to the service dogs that dedicate their lives to our national security and assist disabled Americans with the basic tasks most people take for granted each day (www.ACVOeyeexam.org). Using the Pet Health Systems “Pet Wellness Report,” a wellness assessment tool endorsed by the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association, among others, that assists veterinarians in the early detection of diseases that can adversely affect pet health, and in conjunction with primary care veterinarians nationwide, ACVO veterinary specialists will provide complimentary eye exams, while Pet Health Systems donates the lifestyle assessments, biochemical profiles, and complete blood counts to service dogs to assure that these animals are in the best health possible in which to do their jobs.

Each year, thousands of pet illnesses go undetected in general wellness check-ups because animals lack the ability to communicate health issues, and because animals inherently mask health problems with their “survival of the fittest” mentalities. As disturbing and frustrating as this might be to the average pet owner, the ramifications of hidden illnesses to service dogs is compounded exponentially. Our nation can’t afford for service dogs to lose valuable time on the job due to illness; and a sick dog cannot perform to its greatest potential. Plus, the training and expense of replacing these dogs is both emotionally and financially taxing to their owners and the government departments and agencies that depend on them in so many ways. Not to mention the emotional turmoil a first responder or a disabled service dog’s owner experiences when their pet, their partner, their life companion, becomes ill.

The startling success of a similar and much smaller service dog eye exam event held in Memphis, Tennessee last December, where 87 service dogs from the Memphis area were examined, tested, and in some cases, treated for unsuspected and often life altering medical problems that were discovered that day, precipitated the creation of the national event. Spearheading the event was Memphis veterinary ophthalmologist Dr. Bill Miller, who says, “These dogs need and deserve superlative care. While most dogs examined that fine December day left happily with no detectable abnormalities,” Miller says, “several dogs were treated, and one very special service dog named Quest, a seeingeye dog owned by blind veteran, Ron McKenney, solidified my commitment to this cause. In May, thousands of dogs will be screened. The potential for helping and healing is staggering.”

Unfortunately and fortunately, Dr. Miller discovered an ocular tumor in Quest’s right eye, a tumor that could threaten his eyesight, his ability to serve his owner as he has done for so many years, and ultimately, his life, a tumor that would have gone undetected in a traditional medical workup. Yes, on that fine December day, Quest needed Dr. Miller’s veterinary ophthalmologic expertise; Quest needed urgent care, Quest needed the Pet Wellness Report and the physician teamwork that linked his primary care veterinarian with Dr. Miller.

Although Quest is doing better, he’s not out of the woods yet. An experimental cancer vaccine is an option as his caring veterinary team struggle to save this dog that no one realized had this debilitating disease. Ron McKenney, Quest’s owner, is so thankful for the ACVO Eye Exam Event, and for the Pet Health Systems Pet Wellness Report that helped to diagnose his dog’s problem long before it would have ever been discovered otherwise. McKenney believes, “If the ACVO Eye Exam Event can help my dog, and give him a chance at beating this disease before it gets too advanced, just think what it can do for the hundreds, if not thousands of service dogs that will be able to participate in the nationwide event. I can’t imagine living without my best friend, Quest. I depend on him for everything, but more important, I love him. I don’t want to lose him. He’s my life. I thank Dr. Bill Miller for the Eye Exam Event, Dr. Chuck Halford, my primary care vet, and Pet Health Systems for all they’ve done to help my beloved Quest.”

Now, service dogs across the country will have the opportunity of this free offering of early detection and preventive care. (See December event video here: http://www.acvo.org/diplomates/ExamDay/Eye_Exam_Day.wmv) How many will be saved? How many hidden illnesses will be diagnosed and treated, allowing the service dogs to go on about their business of keeping our country safe? And how many will receive the gratifying assurance based on medical science that their dog is healthy and ready to continue serving with a clean bill of health? Thousands, that’s how many. Thousands will be examined, and all will benefit from this unprecedented dog wellness event.

On May 12 th, the ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam Event will grant these dogs a voice, an advocate, a way to even their odds of continued good health through early detection of illnesses. Service dogs will take advantage of the “wellness renaissance” veterinary medicine is experiencing, thanks to the dedication of caring veterinary professionals whose life mission is the care and treatment of “man’s best friend,” and with the support of the Pet Health Systems “Pet Wellness Report,” which offers scientific data and lab results which enhance the traditional “Standard of Care.”

For more information about the ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam Event, or Pet Health Systems’ “Pet Wellness Report,” contact:

Stacee L. Daniel, MA, Executive Director
American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
ACVO Vision for Animals Foundation
PO Box 1311
Meridian ID 83680
Ph 208-466-7624
Fax 208-466-7693
Email: office08@acvo.org
www.ACVOeyeexam.org

James R. McPeak
Pet Health Systems, LLC
833 Creekside Drive, Suite 1
Memphis, TN 38117
901- 233-7150
jmcpeak@PetHealthSystems.com

Julia H. Schuster
http://web.mac.com/jschustersaasds/iWeb/Sitepersonal/Welcome.html

If you have a dog with thunderstorm phobia there are some homeopathic things you can try to help — Rescue Remedy helps, as do Scullcap, Valerian, and other herbals. The Bach Flower Essences, in general, are very good and you should read up on them or check with a holistic veterinary practitioner. Some people like to use melatonin for their dogs which will make them drowsy or help them sleep through thunderstorms. Others will use peppermint oil on their dogs' paws — the oil and scent are soothing and they do help some dogs.

Personally, I have social anxiety disorder and I have used many of the homeopathic solutions for my own anxiety problems. They have helped me so I know they can help in dealing with anxiety problems.

However, some dogs need more help than homeopathy can offer. I have seen snug-fitting clothing recommended — I think there's a special pullover that's sold for dogs with thunderstorm phobia that is supposed to soothe dogs. I know people who use tight-fitting tube tops and t-shirts on their dogs with the same effect. The people who use them swear they work. And, if nothing else works, you may need to consult your vet. He or she can prescribe a sedative for your dog to help him through thunderstorms.

The problem with many of these solutions is that thunderstorms often spring up and frighten your dog before you have a chance to administer any medication, homeopathic or otherwise. No matter what you plan to give your dog it usually takes a little while to take effect. By that time your dog may be hiding under the bed, a total basket case. Try to pay attention to your dog's behavior. I know with my Beau, my dog with thunderstorm phobia, he will usually seek me out and start looking for reassurance several minutes before the weather turns bad. He can sense a storm coming so he gives me some warning and I can do something to help him. In his case I usually give him a couple of capsules of Valerian and put him up in bed with me. The bed is his safe place, so he feels better there, and the Valerian calms him a little. He doesn't go to sleep, but he is more relaxed. I usually do have another dog or two up on the bed with us, which seems to corroborate the findings in the story below.

From Science Daily.

Veterinarians Show Consoling Dogs Does Not Relieve Their Panic

A study shows that dogs can get very upset during thunderstorms, whether or not their owner holds them. The study measured the stress hormone cortisol to be up to three times normal levels while the dogs heard recordings of a thunderstorm. The company of other dogs did help, though vets say medications may be more effective.

PHILADELPHIA–Do thunderstorms make your dog tremble with fear with every rumble?

Thunderstorm anxiety is common among dogs, sending frightened pooches shuddering under beds or even tearing up furniture. What's really behind this pet panic?

All it takes is one rumble from a thunderstorm and Patty Nordstrom's dog, Iko, is a nervous wreck.

"Iko starts shaking and panting and pacing and is very nervous and upset," Nordstrom says. Many sympathetic owners like her try comforting pooches with thunderstorm anxiety. Now, a new study shows consoling your pet may not help.

"One thing that the study showed was their dogs got really upset whether they held them, whether they left them alone," says Nancy Dreschel, a veterinarian at Pennsylvania State University in Philadelphia, tells DBIS.

During the study, veterinarians sampled the dogs' saliva from a chewed cotton rope after they listened to a thunderstorm recording. Vets then measured the stress hormone cortisol and found its levels increased an average of 200 percent during a storm!

Dr. Dreschel says, "Physiologically, they're definitely responding — their body's responding — to this stress."

So how do you help Fido cope? Researchers say having other dogs around may help lower stress levels. "In dogs that lived in households with other dogs, their response was not as high and seemed to come back to normal more quickly," Dr. Dreschel says. But don't run out and get another dog just yet. She says talk to your vet first.

While Nordstrom figures out the best way to calm Iko, she's lucky thunderstorm season doesn't last forever. "It only really happens a few months out of the year. We try to work with him the best we can." Working to help man's best friend weather the next storm.

Researchers point out that having a multiple-dog household won't cure your pet of storm phobia. If you have a dog with severe storm phobia, discuss behavior options, like medications, with your veterinarian.