Thursday, June 25, 2009

Most Unusual Pet Names

Common pet names are simply too dull for some people. Have you ever met a cat named Blue Man Chew or a dog named Kanye East? Veterinary Pet Insurance Company voted on the 10 most unusual cat and dog names for the second year in a row. The company searched through their database to find the 50 most unusual names for cats and dogs and then voted on the top 10 in each category.

They deem the top 10 most unusual cat and dog names as follows.

Cat Names:
1. Snag L. Tooth
2. Polly Pissypants
3. Clawed Monet
4. Dishwasher
5. Velvet Elvis
6. Yardsale
7. Eartha Kitty
8. Thurston Picklesworth III
9. Blue Man Chew
10. Catzilla

Dog Names:
1. Doogie Schnauzer MD
2. Inspector Foo Foo
3. Sargent Sausage
4. Fluffermutter
5. Mouse Meat
6. I Am Sparticus
7. Bam-Bam Noodle Butt
8. Lunchbox
9. Kanye East
10. Angus Sir Loin

All of the owners of these pets with unusual names said there was a reason for the names. For instance, Snag L. Tooth has a snaggle tooth that sticks out even when his mouth is closed.

If you are interested in seeing the 50 most unusual cat and dog names, you may visit VPI's website.

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Monday, June 22, 2009

Cat Fest!

On July 11, 2009, the Denver Dumb Friends League is holding a Cat Fest to honor our love for cats. At this Cat Fest, you can:

See/meet cats and kittens who are ready for adoption
Buy special cat merchandise
Learn about cats and why they are so lovable!
Take polls to compare your kitty to others'
See a purebred cat exhibition
Learn fun facts about cats
Play games and win prizes

Cat Fest will take place at the Denver Dumb Friends League from 10am-3pm on Saturday July 11. Denver Dumb Friends League is located at: 2080 S. Quebec St., Denver, CO,

Please support my blog by visiting my Avon store!

Monday, June 15, 2009

FDA Approves Felimazole for the Treatment of Feline Hyperthyroidism

The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved the drug Felimazole for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats.

Feline hyperthyroidism occurs when too much of the thyroid hormone T4 circulates in the body. Symptoms can range from milk to severe. Some of the most common symptoms of feline hyperthyroidism include: increased appetite, weight loss, vomiting, muscle weakness, diarrhea, nervousness, high heart rate, increased urination and drinking, heavy/labored breathing, and poor coat.

Hyperthyroidism is a very common condition in middle-aged and senior cats. Field studies were conducted in the United Kingdom and the United States in order to determine the effectiveness and safety of the drug for cats. In the United Kingdom study, 77% of cats had normal T4 levels and 81% of felines had reduced condition severity by day 42 of treatment with the medication. In the United States, cats also had significantly lower T4 levels and improved signs of the disease by day 42 of the treatment. A total of 166 cats were treated with the drug during these studies.

According to the FDA, the most common side effects of Felimazole are: diarrhea, vomiting, a change in food consumption - either a decrease or an increase - and lethargy.

If you believe your cat may be suffering from hyperthyroidism, please visit your vet in order to have your cat examined. Most of the time, vets can perform a simple blood panel to determine if your cat has hyperthyroidism or another disease with similar symptoms.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Vet Communication Differs Depending on Type of Visit

A new study conducted by the Argus Institute at Colorado State University indicates veterinarians communicate differently with clients depending on whether the visit is a problem appointment - one related to a health concern - or a wellness appointment - general check-up.

The Argus Institute found that in wellness appointments, veterinarians focus more on building a relationship with their clients. They try to engage pet owners to take part in their pet's care and to express their opinions during appointments. Vets also tend to talk in a different tone in these visits with more laughter, compliments, reassurance, and social talk.

During problem appointments, vets tend to focus mainly on medical issues. The tone of the appointment is one of stress as many clients are emotionally distressed and anxious and vets are perceived as being in a hurry.

Additionally, the Argus Institute reports that when vets use a paternal communication style in problem appointments, potential negative consequences could ensue for the pet, the client, and the veterinarian. Specifically, Jane Shaw, DMV, Ph.D., and director of the Argus Institute says, "We know that paternalism is not an effective approach in gaining results. Without engaging the client in a conversation about their pet and obtaining their opinion, they aren't as likely to follow through with home care. They also are not as likely to build a strong relationship - and subsequent loyalty - to their veterinarian."

A strong relationship between a client and a veterinarian is important because vets are more likely to get complete and accurate information from clients about their pets and be able to diagnose problems more easily. Clients are more likely to follow at-home care recommendations when vets encourage them to participate in their pet's care as well.

Dr. Shaw recommends veterinarians ask open-ended questions during appointments to encourage clients to open up about their pets.

Source:

Cat Channel: Vet Communication Depends on Visit