Who doesn't like looking at ultrasound videos of babies....especially when the baby is an Asian Elephant!!!   

Communicating and implementing a weight management program for dogs and cats can be a challenging endeavor for veterinarians, but a rewarding one. An effective individualized weight loss program provides a consistent and healthy rate of weight loss to reduce risk of disease, prevent malnutrition, and improve quality of life. Weight loss is achieved with appropriate caloric restriction, diet selection, exercise, and strategies to help modify behavior of both the pet and client. This document offers guidelines and tools for the management of weight loss and long-term maintenance of healthy weight. These guidelines were developed by a panel of experts to help the practicing veterinarian raise awareness of the negative health consequences of excess weight, promote the prevention of excess weight, and offer suggestions and tools for the management of weight loss and long-term maintenance of healthy weight. This document is intended as a guideline only. 

Most people would have thought Scooter, a Border Collie, was a goner after he was left on streets with three gunshot wounds in 2011 — but not Thomas Jordi. He knew Scooter was destined for greatness.

A Cheatham County Animal Control Director in Tennessee, Jordi decided to adopt Scooter even after it was discovered one of the gunshots which struck the spine would leave Scooter permanently paralyzed. Jordi then fitted Scooter with a special dog wheelchair and made sure to use his unique situation to help kids and others in the same situation.

Scooter trained to become a certified therapy dog to work with the elderly and children, especially kids who also use wheelchairs to get around.

Scooter has become a fan favorite not just in his town but all around the country. More recently, Scooter was named Grand Marshall for the Cheatham County Special Olympics parade.

Jordi and Scooter have been able to turn a tragedy into a truly amazing story about perseverance and love.

Visit Scooter's Facebook Page for updates on his wild and crazy adventures.

Earlier this month, fishermen found two conjoined gray whale calves in a northwestern Mexican (La Paz) lagoon, a discovery that a government marine biologist described as "exceptionally rare.

"The four-meter (13-foot) long siamese whales were dead when they were found in the Ojo de Liebre lagoon, which opens to the Pacific Ocean in the Baja California peninsula.

Officials from the National Natural Protected Areas Commission (CONANP) verified the discovery during a visit on Monday.

The nearly half-tonne creatures were linked at the waist, with two full heads and tail fins, said Benito Bermudez, a marine biologist and CONANP's regional manager.

He described the discovery as "exceptionally rare, without any precedent" in the region.

Scientists are examining the whales and plan to look for any other cases in the gray whale's natural sanctuaries off Baja California.

Every winter, hundreds of gray whales migrate from the Bering Sea to the warmer waters of Baja California, attracting tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of the animals.

Nearly 1,200 gray whales were spotted in the region in the 2012-2013 season.

Source: AFP

It is not uncommon for an animal to ingest a poison or toxic substance. If you have witnessed your cat ingesting a toxic substance or it is behaving abnormally, you should immediately take your cat to a veterinarian for treatment, as it may have poisoned itself.

If you find the substance that was ingested, bring this to the veterinarian for examination, along with any vomit samples. This will aid in the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Symptoms: Your cat may be experiencing unexplained vomiting, diarrhea, or may appear to be weak (lethargic) to the point of being unable to move.


Causes: Poison intoxication occurs when a cat ingests a foreign material, fluid or otherwise, that causes a physical reaction. If left untreated, it can be fatal.

Diagnosis: Poisons and toxic substances come in many forms, and it is often difficult to give an exact diagnosis if the substance is not known and identified. If your veterinarian is unsure as to what was ingested, the cat's symptoms will be treated as they become obvious. When possible, a blood work-up will be ordered to determine the exact cause of the poisoning.

Treatment: The goal of treatment is to neutralize the ingested substance to prevent further absorption into the cat's body, and to provide supportive measures to your pet. When possible, an antidote based upon what was ingested will be administered.

There are several treatment options to assist in the removal of the toxic substance and the rehabilitation of your cat, including supportive behavior to alleviate pain and control body temperature.

If your cat is unable to breathe, an emergency airway must be established quickly to prevent asphyxiation. If your pet’s heart has stopped, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or massage of the heart (cardiac massage) may be required to regain a proper heartbeat.

The use of enemas and activated charcoal will help to prevent further absorption into the body, and external oils can be used to prevent absorption into the skin as the substance passes through the body.

Your veterinarian may also choose gastric lavage (internal washing). Using a tube passed into the stomach and filled with water to flush the cat's system, the substance will be washed directly from the stomach. Diuretic drugs will enhance the secretion of the substance through the urinary tract.

For serious conditions, filtering of the kidneys with a dialysis machine may be recommended to remove the substance from the cat's blood and kidneys.

Living and Management: You will need to observe your cat to track its progression. Following treatment, your veterinarian will continue to monitor your pet and determine whether its condition is improving or worsening. Fluid therapy will be recommended to keep your pet hydrated.

Prevention: The best method of prevention is to keep all harmful substances out of your cat's reach in and around the home.  However, accidents do happen so be proactive by keeping a few phone numbers readily available.  The three most important contacts for suspected animal poisonings include  your family veterinarian, your local emergency veterinary hospital, and the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680).

Life passes quickly, especially when you’re a dog. The frolicking puppy brought home from the humane society just a few short years ago matures into a mellow senior in what seems like the blink of an eye. Fortunately, as veterinary medicine has improved, so has our ability to identify and manage some of the most common health conditions associated with aging in dogs.

As veterinary medicine has improved, so has our ability to identify and manage health conditions. Here are 5 senior dog diseases you need to know.


When is my Dog a 'Senior'? Although the common wisdom tells us a dog’s age times 7 equals their equivalent age in human years, the truth is dogs age at different rates depending on their size. Giant breeds like Great Danes may have a life expectancy of less than 10 years, while an eight pound Chihuahua may live past 18. A more specific rule of thumb is that a dog can be considered a senior during the last quarter (25%) of his or her expected life span.

1. Osteoarthritis: Joint disease goes hand in hand with aging, as the cartilage that protects joint surfaces wears down with time. Although this process cannot be reversed, owners have plenty of tools at their disposal to reduce the impact of aging on joints and arthritis in dogs.

First, make sure your pet is at a healthy weight. Overweight dogs carry significantly heavier loads on their joints. This has an effect on dogs of all breeds, but is most pronounced in large breed dogs who may already have a genetic disposition to conditions such as hip dysplasia. Second, make sure your dog receives regular examinations to catch the early signs of joint disease. Familiarize with the signs of joint disease, too — reluctance to climb stairs, stiffness especially in the morning, and limping to name a few. Last but not least, ask your veterinarian about therapeutic dog food. Some diets are formulated specifically to improve mobility and joint health.

2. Dental Disease: One of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in dogs, dental disease occurs in all breeds and sizes of canines. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, and bacteria in the bloodstream that can damage internal organs.

Home care such as tooth brushing and dental treats can help reduce tartar on the teeth, as can specialized foods meant to promote dental health. Once dental disease has developed, however, a fully anesthetized dental cleaning at the veterinary clinic in needed. Start early, before severe periodontal disease develops.


3. Obesity: More than half the dogs in the United States are classified as overweight or obese, and many owners don’t even realize it. Even worse, overweight dogs are susceptible to a litany of secondary problems such as joint disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness.

Exercise and calorie control are the keys to managing a pet’s weight. Senior dogs are often less active than their younger counterparts and have different caloric needs. Diets designed for seniors can help provide nutrients in the proper balance, often with different ratios of fat and protein than you would find in a standard adult dog food. Regular gentle exercise is beneficial even for dogs with health issues. Consult with your veterinarian to come up with a diet and exercise plan that is right for your pet.

4. Hypothyroidism: Overweight dogs that are following a vet-approved weight loss plan with little to no success may be suffering from hypothyroidism, a common condition in dogs that results in a sluggish metabolism. Fortunately, hypothyroidism can be diagnosed with a simple blood test and responds readily to medication.

5. Cancer: Sadly, dogs are susceptible to many of the same cancers seen in humans. Hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, and mast cell tumors are just a few of the neoplasms commonly diagnosed in dogs via ultrasonography. Although there is a strong genetic component in some dog breeds like Golden Retrievers and Boxers, cancer can develop spontaneously in any breed. Early detection and diagnosis is the key to surviving dog cancer, so don’t skip those annual veterinary exams.

A senior cat has different health requirements than a younger cat. Here are a few tips to help you keep your senior cat healthy.

1. Don't Forget the Health Check-ups for Your Cat. Make sure your senior cat has regular visits with your veterinarian. In fact, many veterinarians recommend that senior cats should be examined twice a year, even more so if your cat has serious health issues. A thorough physical examination by your veterinarian may reveal health issues that can impact your cat’s life and comfort level, such as dental disease, arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease and more.

2. Note Any Behavior Changes in Your Cat. Watch your senior cat’s behavior carefully. This is important for all pets but doubly so for senior cats. Changes in your cat’s behavior may be a symptom of disease. Watch specifically for changes in your cat’s appetite and water consumption. Watch for changes in urinary and bowel habits and alterations in sleep routines. If your cat suddenly becomes irritable for no reason, it may be because he is in pain, having difficulty seeing, or having a hard time hearing properly. Any changes in your senior cat’s routines or behaviors should prompt a consultation with your veterinarian.

3. Make it Easier for Your Cat to Get Around. Be aware that your senior cat may have pain caused by arthritis or other health issues that make it difficult for him to get around as well as he did when he was younger. Consider providing ramps or stairs to allow your senior cat access to furniture or beds. Ramps on stairs may make it easier for your pet to get up and down the stairs, and carpeting on slippery floors may help your dog gain his footing. A litter box with lower sides can make it easer for your cat to get in and out of the box, and an extra litter box in another part of the house can help to prevent accidents.

4. Choose an Age-Appropriate Diet for Your Cat. Dietary requirements may change as your cat ages. It's important that you provide your senior cat a pet food that is age appropriate. Some older pets tend to gain weight and may need a diet for less active cats. Others may have difficulty holding their weight and may need a diet with a higher calorie content or better palatability. Older cats also may have diseases that can be manipulated and/or controlled at least partly through diet. Your veterinarian can help you choose an appropriate diet for your senior cat based on cat’s individual nutritional requirements.

5. Pimp Out Your Cat's Bed. Provide soft blankets and towels for your senior cat's bed. This will help him to rest easier and sleep better. There are even special orthopedic beds made for senior cats. In addition to having a denser form to help cushion your senior cat's aging joints, some orthopedic beds can be outfitted with a heat and/or vibration source, which increases circulation and reduces stiffness — perfect for dogs with arthritis.