Question: AAHA accreditation?

Dr. Schaeberle,

I heard an advertisement on the radio about your hospital being an AAHA practice what does that mean?

Dave

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Hi Dave,

As a proud member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), I never get tired of this question! In 1987, we sought accreditation by AAHA because it was important to my practice, no matter what costs were involved. AAHA helps me make my practice better and ensures each pet is getting a high quality of care.

AAHA has approximately 3,000 hospitals that voluntarily participate in the evaluation program. Outside consultants from AAHA perform rigorous inspections to ensure we comply with the 900 different standards for service and facilities In
York County, only 3 hospitals are certified: Shiloh Veterinary Hospital in Dover, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital East and Patton Animal Hospital in
Red Lion.

An excellent example of the difference between certified AAHA hospitals and non-certified hospitals is quality of care during surgery and anesthesia. For instance, to perform a spay we utilize a surgeon, a surgical assistant, and a
technician in charge of anesthesia from the 1st injection of a sedative to your pet’s awakening.

Depending on the surgery performed, oxygen levels, heart rate, EKG, blood pressure, respiration and body temperature are monitored during the procedure. Pain medication is used before, during, and after any surgery that we perform, to keep your pet comfortable and to speed healing.

Are there national standardized protocols written for non-certified veterinary hospitals on quality of care for your pet? No.

That’s the importance of AAHA certification, visit our website at www.myshilohvet.com
to learn more.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, V.M.D.

Question: Feline Weight loss tips

Dr. Schaeberle,

How can I help my cat lose weight?

Thanks,
Missy

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Hi Missy,

Last week we began a discussion on obesity in cats. In general, feline obesity is common, and can result in a shortened life expectancy.

1. Keep up the exercise. Cats can be encouraged to play throughout their lives. Examples of exercise for cats include, playing “Find the Food”, move the food bowl upstairs or downstairs and rotate it so that the cat always has to walk to get to its food bowl. Look for cat “puzzle” toys where you can hide their entire meal inside so that they must play to release kibble to eat! Utilize feather toys, flashlights, laser pens, paper bags or balls, anything that your cat finds interesting to chase. Try to engage your cat for ten minutes twice a day.

2. Cats are true carnivores and need a higher level of protein in their diet. Dry food tends to have more carbohydrates than wet food. So feeding predominately a wet food diet which has more protein, may have an advantage (so long as you control the portion sizes).

3. Watch the calories. A typical 8 pound cat really only needs about 150 to 170 calories per day or one six oz can per day. Feed small meals frequently. Divide the total volume or calories into four to six smaller meals.

4. There are diet foods made for cats. There are now many types of “prescription” diet foods available that surpass the typical “light” formula that you may find in the pet store. At our practice, we primarily use two foods made by Hill’s Science Diet. R/D is low-calorie, high fiber food. M/D is a very high protein diet, but must be fed in fairly small portions. This food can increase your cats metabolism & the high protein levels can help a cat to feel more satisfied, despite the smaller portions.

5. Rechecks and weigh-ins. After you have put your cat on a weight loss program, it is critical that you determine if it is working for your cat. Each cat is different and may require many changes in diet or routine. In general, your cat should be weighed every month until the ideal weight is achieved. Typically your cat should lose about one pound per month. Work closely and actively with your veterinarian to ensure that your pet safely achieves his or her weight loss goals.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, V.M.D.

Question: Feline Obesity

Dr. Schaeberle,

My cat currently weighs in at 21 lbs, the same size as my small dog! What can I do? I can see that my cat’s weight is starting to effect his overall happiness.

Thanks,
Missy

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Dear Missy,

A few weeks ago I answered a question on obesity in dogs. Today I would like to discuss the growing problem of obesity in cats.

Is a feline obesity problem?

Yes! Obesity is defined as an excess of body weight of 30% or more and is the most common nutritional disease in cats today. It is estimated that about 40% of all adult cats are obese, and there are many more that are simply overweight. Obesity in cats is a known risk factor for type II diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and some forms of cancer. In general, diabetes is probably the most common disease we see in obese cats. Another health concern is a disease called hepatic lipidosis. This is a severe form of liver failure in cats. Hepatic lipidosis typically occurs in cats that are obese and have undergone a brief period of stress and anorexia.

There are many factors that contribute to obesity in cats. A cat’s family genetics can lead to obesity, while other factors are related to diet and environment. It is important for the cat owner and veterinarian to keep these factors in mind when treating feline obesity. Indoor cats are more prone to obesity perhaps because they tend to eat out of boredom. Also indoor cats have less opportunity to stay trim through exercise. An indoors cat’s exercise routine can include play with puzzle toys, feathers, laser pens and hunting games with mice.

Next week I’ll share more tips on cat weight loss and tools to conquer cat obesity.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, V.M.D.

Question: My dog is becoming overweight! Pt. 2

Dr. Schaeberle,

Over the past few months I have noticed my dog has gained quite a few pounds. What can I do to help him lose weight?

Thanks,
Paul

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Dear Paul,

In last week’s article we discussed obesity in dogs, suggesting that just as with people, the leading causes of obesity include genetics and diet. A common disease that can also result in obesity is called hypothyroidism.

The thyroid gland is one the most important glands in the body. The thyroid gland, located in the neck near the windpipe, regulates the body’s metabolic rate. If the thyroid is underactive, the metabolism slows down which may lead to weight gain. The
cause of hypothyroidism for the most part is not known. Certainly genetics play a major part in diseases as we see certain breeds like retrievers diagnosed with hypothyroidism far more frequently than other breeds.

When the metabolic rate does slow down, virtually every organ in the body is affected. Some of the symptoms that we in see hypothyroid cases include weight gain without an increase in appetite, lethargy, cold intolerance, flaking dry skin and dull hair with excessive shedding that leads to very thin to nearly bald areas in the fur.

Testing for hypothyroidism can include a simple blood test called a T4. A more indepth thyroid profile can be sent to a laboratory at Michigan State University. This profile is more likely to give a definitive diagnosis, and can include a comment from an endocrinologist, which can assist your veterinarian in treatment recommendations.

The treatment for hypothyroid disease is fairly simple and utilizes a replacement hormone in the form of a tablet. The medication comes in a chewable form and is administered twice daily. Most owners will notice changes in their pet’s condition within a month of starting treatment.

Thomas Schaeberle, VMD

Question: My dog is becoming overweight!

Dr. Schaeberle,

Over the past few months I have noticed my dog has gained quite a few pounds. What can I do to help him lose weight?

Thanks,
Paul

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Dear Paul,

Unfortunately, dogs and cats have experienced an increase in obesity in the United States recently. Today I will focus on dogs, next week hypothyroidism and in a few weeks cat obesity.

Our dog population in general is larger today versus 30 years ago. Popular breeds such as laborador and golden retrievers are also more prone to diseases like hypothyroidism, when the thyroid gland causes weight gain, and quite simply are more laid-back and using less calories than earlier generations of these breeds.

So what do you do if your dog is overweight?

First, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to begin a conversation about your pet’s weight gain. Your veterinarian may perform bloodwork to rule out any potential disease that could cause changes in your pet’s weight.

Your veterinarian may recommend the following:

1. First trying to simply cut back on treats. Place the dog on a “light” food and increase exercise. Did you know that one large milk bone has about 270 calories! Substitute a rawhide strip, or something as simple as a Stauffer’s Animal Cracker which is about 14 to 16 calories per cracker. You can also see if your dog likes vegetables such as carrots, celery, or green beans and use them as treats instead.

2. Utilize a high fiber diet under the discretion of a veterinarian. In our clinic we prescribe Hill’s Prescription R/D which has about 40% less calories and seems to satisfy most dogs. Our plan includes a biweekly weigh-in and if there is no weight loss we will cut back on the quantity of food offered.

3. A good option for the truly obese dog, or for a dog who is having great difficulty losing weight, is a drug by Pfizer called Slentrol. We have had incredible success with most dogs losing 5% or more of their body weight per month with little to no side effects.

Thomas Schaeberle, VMD