Cats vs. Dogs, a non-partisan blog by Mitch Potter, DVM, DACVECC

Being in the veterinary profession one must develop an appreciation for all the patients we are called upon to care for. Although there are certain pets I might not choose to have in my own home (snakes come to mind), professionally I recognize that others do find pleasure in the habits of these creatures and find having them as pets quite rewarding. Therefore I welcome the opportunity to apply my training to help any and all animals I am given the chance to treat. This thought process brought me to the age old debate of cats vs dogs. I have no professional opinion on the merits of one over the other; however, there seem to be certain individuals that will staunchly defend the domesticated animal they prefer. It is my belief that much of the debate centers on a lack of understanding from each side, so in an effort to shed light on each of the species I offer the following small nuggets of insight and wisdom.

On Cats

• A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way. -- Mark Twain
• Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a function. -- Garrison Keillor
• Cats know how we feel. They don't care, but they know.
• How important is freshness in a dry cat food? To a cat, it's very important.
• Never try to outstubborn a cat. - Lazarus Long, Time Enough for Love
• The world is a cat toy.
• To the cat, the experimenter is problematic.
• You can't look at a sleeping cat and be tense. -- Jane Pauley

On Cats and Dogs

• Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through the snow. -- Jeff Valdez
• You own a dog, but you can only feed a cat.
• Dogs come when called. Cats take a message and get back to you.
• The dog needs the high grass so he can hide from the neighborhood cats. -- Men's Health, on how to get out of mowing the lawn
• Women and cats do as they dammed well please, and men and dogs had best learn to live with it.

Pet Therapy by Dr. Mitch Potter

How do they do it? For those of us with pets we often wonder how our fellow non-pet owning neighbors can live in a home that lacks the love and companionship that comes from sharing our lives with our pets. Of course there are valid reasons that some people cannot have pets - health issues, allergies, and financial considerations are a few. That said, for the rest of the folks… they just don’t know what they are missing.

What’s amazing though is that the benefit of pet ownership for some extends beyond the joy of a knowing the unconditional love of a pet. Research has shown time and again that pets can provide measurable benefits during times of illness, physical and emotional stress, and chronic disease, and that during these times, animals can provide an improved quality of life.

Some of the reported benefits include reduced anxiety, increased sense of well being both physically and mentally, and increased mental capabilities. In other words, having a pet present can really make a difference in your day to day life. They are a source of comfort and love, a constant companion, and can provide a true sense of security during difficult times. Also, attending to the needs of a pet offers some who are often being cared for the ability to be a caregiver themselves.

These benefits are not only recognized by pet owners, in fact the use of animals for therapeutic benefit is an accepted and welcome practice in many hospitals and long term medical care facilities. A number of different animals are used in therapy, including dogs, cats, elephants, birds, dolphins, rabbits, lizards, and other small animals. Right here in Sarasota we are blessed to have an active pet therapy community. I was given the opportunity just last weekend to meet a few of the Humane Society of Sarasota’s own therapy llamas! We also are home to a very active group known as Pet Therapy, Inc. Visit their websites to learn more about pet therapy, or how you can get involved with these outstanding groups.

Pet Therapy Inc: http://pet-therapy.org/

Humane society of Sarasota County: http://www.hssc.org/education.html

Household Toxins in Pets

Most everybody is aware that chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. It’s a fairly well known fact that antifreeze can be extremely toxic to pets as well. However, there are a few toxins that might surprise you residing in and around most people’s homes.

Indoors some of the most concerning products include prescription and over the counter medications designed for human use. While many of the medications your dog and cat are prescribed are the same as those used in humans the dosage may be very different. In addition, there are a number of medications in your cabinet that, while very safe for people, can be very toxic to your pets. Best advice - store all your medications out of reach of dogs and cats, and never attempt to treat your pet with human medications unless it is directly advised by your veterinarian. We see too many pets that suffer toxicity from medications administered by well meaning owners that were unaware of the potential risks.

If you have any questions about any medications your pet has ingested or if a particular medication can be used in your dog or cat – call your veterinarian or CCVSS and ask!

Other helpful information regarding toxicities can be found at the animal poison control website found here: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/. Also be on the lookout for an expanded article regarding pet toxins in an upcoming publication from CCVSS!

Disease processes commonly managed by an emergency and critical care specialist

A critical care facility like ours operates somewhat like a hospital intensive care unit for humans. Your pet is monitored continually and given necessary treatments for his or her health and recovery. Here is a short list of some of the conditions we manage:

• Severe pneumonia or other pulmonary disease
• Systemic infection (sepsis)
• Severe anemia
• Acute kidney injury/failure
• Acute liver failure
• Intoxications
• Continuous seizures (status epilepticus)
• Complicated diabetes (diabetic ketoacidosis)

It is important to consult your veterinarian and discuss the clinical signs at the time of a physical exam. Early referral leads to early diagnosis and early treatment!

Routine Testing for High Blood Pressure in Pets

For some time now, we have been telling people about the importance of routinely checking blood pressure in pets. Dr. Chauvet has been routinely monitoring the blood pressure of her neurology patients because—just like for us—high blood pressure can lead to strokes, seizures or sudden blindness.

High blood pressure in our pets can be caused by the same things that make our blood pressure soar. Various diseases, poor diet and lack of exercise are among the causes. Correcting the problem in our pets often involves a change in lifestyle just like it does with us. Weight loss, increased exercise and, often, faithfully taking medication all help keep blood pressure at healthy levels, and keep us, and our pets, feeling good and enjoying life.

We have more information about this important topic in our Guide to Hypertension in Pets

Sarasota will soon be home to TWO board credentialed Critical Care Specilaists

We are so please, excited, and just plain old thrilled to announce that both of our Critical Care specialists have attained diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care!

Dr Melissa Claus is already working at the clinic, and Dr Mitch Potter will arrive within the next two weeks! This is truly and exciting time for the people and pets of the Greater Sarasota area. We are truly lucky to have these doctors joining our community.

When should your pet visit an emergency and critical care specialist?

Emergencies happen, but since our pets can’t explain to us what is going on with them, it is important to know what symptoms require that you get your pet to an emergency and critical care specialist immediately. See our Pet First Aid Guide for more information on how to help your pet and what first aid items you need to keep on hand for emergencies.
• Difficulty breathing
• Physically traumatic event (hit by a car, falling a distance)
• Distended (swollen) abdomen
• Collapse
• Pale gums
• Fever/high body temperature
• Acute pain anywhere on the body
• Bleeding
• Bruising easily
• Uncontrollable vomiting and inability to hold down water
• Continual seizures
• Severe diarrhea, with or without blood
• Inability to urinate
• Ingestion of a toxin or overdose of a medication
• Severe lacerations or bite wounds

VETERINARY NEURO SERVICES ADDS 24-HOUR CRITICAL CARE SERVICES

Veterinary neurology and neurosurgery services will continue to be offered, but the name will change to Critical Care & Veterinary Specialists of Sarasota to reflect the additional monitored care for critically ill dogs and cats.


SARASOTA, Fla., Sept. 30, 2010 – With the addition of a board-eligible  emergency and critical care specialist to its staff, Veterinary Neuro Services now will offer 24-hour critical care services and is changing its name to Critical Care & Veterinary Specialists of Sarasota LLC (CCVSS) effective Oct. 15.           

            Joining the staff is Dr. Melissa Anne Claus, a board-eligible veterinary specialist in the areas of emergency and critical care, said Dr. Anne Chauvet, founder of Veterinary Neuro Services LLC.  Claus joins the practice after finishing a three-year residency at the University of California Davis.  CCVSS will continue to offer veterinary neurology and neurosurgery services.

            Effective Oct. 15, CCVSS will offer 24-hour care under Claus’ direction and supervision for patients that are critically ill, have suffered a trauma or need monitored medical treatments like feeding tubes or mechanical ventilation, Chauvet said.  The clinic is located at 4937 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

            “Critical care goes beyond basic emergency care,” she said.  “It is the same as a human patient who is transferred to the intensive care unit for continuous monitoring after being treated in the emergency room following a heart attack or car accident.”

            Claus is a diplomate candidate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care with 10 years of experience in critical and emergency care, small animal medicine and surgery.  She began her veterinary career at age 17 working as a veterinary technician.  After graduation from the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, she completed post graduate training in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital and in small animal emergency and critical care at the University of California Davis. 

About Veterinary Neuro Services:
            Dr. Anne Chauvet, one of fewer than 200 veterinary neurologists and neurosurgeons in North America, is the founder of Veterinary Neuro Services in Sarasota, Fla.  Veterinary Neuro Services treats brain, spinal cord and neuromuscular conditions in animals.  It is located at 4937 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Fla.  More information is available by calling 941-929-1818 or online at www.PetNeuro.com.