This month, families in Louisiana will gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. This is a wonderful holiday to share with loved ones and to enjoy great southern food and good times. We all agree that our pets are part of the family and should enjoy our festivities with us.

Although we all know not to give table scraps to our pets, Thanksgiving seems to be one of the exceptions to the rule. The problem comes when our pets actually get more than "just a little piece of turkey." From the mashed potatoes and gravy to the corn on the cob and turkey bones, our pets will eat anything they can. They don't realize what an ill effect some of these foods can have on their bodies.

After a holiday such as Thanksgiving, we see many pets that have had "too much people food." This can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea and even pancreatitis. If your pet is given bones to eat, it is possible for the bones to splinter and injure your pet's digestive tract. Bones have also been responsible for intestinal obstruction--bones can be a foreign body and require surgery to repair.

We ask our clients to be aware of the consequences of their pets eating the wrong foods. It is important, especially around the holidays to make sure foods are not left in your pets reach and be aware of foods falling to the floor. At the end of the day, be sure to remove leftovers and trash completely so that your pets can not get into them. It is much easier to prevent problems before they arise than it is to worry about your pets' recovery after a holiday.

                      Volume 5, Issue 11                               

The following article appeared in Feline Forum as prepared by the Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY.  Copyright, 2003.

1. Know which plants are poisonous.  The ingestion of some plant material by a cat could be fatal.
   
2. Never allow your cat access to cleaning agents.  Some have ingredients that can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, while others have a corrosive action and can chemically burn the sensitive mucous membranes of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach.
   
3. When using rat or mouse baits, ant or roach traps, or snail and slug baits, place in areas that are inaccessible to your cat.
   
4. Never give any medication unless under the direction of a veterinarian.  Many that are used safely in humans can be deadly to your cat.
   
5. Never leave chocolate unattended.  One half ounce of baking chocolate per pound of body weight or less can be very toxic.  One half ounce of baking chocolate per pound of body weight or less can be very toxic.
   
6. Many common household items can be lethal:  antifreeze (ethylene glycol), pennies (zinc), mothballs (naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene), potpourri oils, fabric softener sheets, automatic dish detergents, batteries (acids or alkali), homemade play dough (salt), cigarettes, coffee grounds, and alcoholic drinks.
   
7. It's best to keep your kitty inside.
   
8. Before using flea products on your cats or in your household, talk to your veterinarian about what types she/he recommends.  Always follow label instructions.  Anything labeled "for use in dogs only" should never be applied to cats.  When using a fogger or a house spray, make sure to remove all cats from the area for the period specified on the container. 
   

We Had A Howlin' Good Time...

This year we had some trick or treaters at MSAH!  Do you recognize anyone?

                      Volume 5, Issue 11                               

Chris Ashbey is our November Employee of the Month.  Chris has lived his entire life in the Metairie area, graduating from St. Paul's School in 2001.  He had actually been a client of MSAH for many years prior to becoming one of our veterinary assistants.  Chris recently joined the National Guard and continues to report monthly for drill sessions.  In addition to this, he is interested in continuing his education in fine arts.  Though he's been with us only a short time, Chris has been a hard worker and a dedicated employee.  Keep up the good work!

A five year old, neutered male cat presented for urinary tract obstruction.  Radiographs were taken to check for bladder stones.  He did not have any stones, but there was an interesting finding on his lumbar area.  Do you notice the abnormality?  What's your diagnosis?

                                         (Answer on Page 5)

Page 5

                      Volume 5, Issue 11                               

This patient has a lateral deviation of the spine, due to a congenital defect in which he only developed 5 lumbar vertebrae instead of the normal 7.  This was an incidental finding that is not causing this cat any problems at this time.