The Protector magazine

MERIAL REWARDS PLUS PROGRAM PUBLICATION | VOLUME 13, 2014
TAKING A
plus…
PET TREAT RECIPES
PET FUN FACTS
Life Stage
Approach
TO VETERINARY CARE
MINIMIZE
BURNOUT AND
COMPASSION FATIGUE
BUG OFF, TICKS!
protector | A
healthy pets healthy lives | from merial rewards plus | volume 13, 2014
meet the
labrador
retriever
PAGE 8
FEATURED ARTICLES
2
Life Stage Approach to Veterinary Care
10 | CLIENT HANDOUT
+
Bug Off, Ticks!
Shifting to Lifelong Pet Care
8
Focus on The Breed
The Labrador Retriever
12
Keeping Burnout and Compassion Fatigue at Bay
Dealing with the Emotional Toll of the Job
14
Merial’s Commitment:
To Help Drive Pet Owners into Your Practice
16
Tidbits of Pet Trivia
Fun Facts You or Your Clients May Not Know
18,20 | PET SPOTLIGHTS
+
+
Rescued by a Good Samaritan
Logan Runs the Distance
21 | ACTIVITIES: FUN & GAMES
+
+
Solve the Word Scramble
Pet Treat Recipes
NexGard™ (afoxolaner): The First and Only Beef-Flavored Chew
that Kills Fleas and Ticks
Spring is in The Air!
NexGard is Available Nationwide
Flea and tick season is here! To help
In January, 2014, Merial, the maker of FRONTLINE® Plus Brand Products and
HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel), introduced NexGard™ (afoxolaner) Chewables,
the first-and-only, soft, beef-flavored chew for dogs that kills fleas and ticks. NexGard is
available across the United States — only with a veterinarian’s prescription. According
to studies, NexGard is highly palatable, with approximately 90 percent of dogs readily
accepting the chew.1, 2
you protect your clients’ pets, make
Building on Merial’s experience and technical parasiticide knowledge,
NexGard combines a novel active ingredient with an innovative form,
providing protection that kills fleas before they can lay eggs and
continues to kill new fleas all month long. It is approved to prevent
flea infestations and kill ticks.
product in the News section.
sure they leave your clinic with flea
and tick control products. Merial has
recently launched a once-a-month,
beef-flavored chew that kills fleas
and ticks. Read more about this
Check out other important topics
included in this issue:
• Best practices on how to help
your clients make the shift to
“Explosive growth has taken place in flea and tick populations, and
ticks continue to migrate into new parts of the country, so recommending a preventive
program that includes flea and tick control is clearly a component of responsible pet
care,” said Dr. Michael Dryden, Distinguished Professor of Veterinary Parasitology at
Kansas State University.
NexGard contains afoxolaner, which was developed specifically for the treatment of fleas
and ticks. Afoxolaner works by disrupting the nervous systems of fleas and ticks, causing
hyperexcitation and death.2
According to Dr. Hal Little, Director of Field Veterinary Services at Merial, pet owners
should consult their veterinarians on which product is right for their pets. “Flea and tick
control is a serious health issue for pets, and no one knows what’s right for them better
than their veterinarians,” said Dr. Little. “The introduction of NexGard demonstrates how
Merial continues to place the veterinarian at the center of pet care.”
NexGard is approved for use in dogs and puppies eight weeks of age or older that weigh
four pounds or greater.1
In both laboratory studies and real-world field studies, NexGard was shown to be safe
and effective when used according to the label. NexGard is a vegetable-based, meatless,
beef-flavored chew that may be a suitable option for dogs with beef allergies. There is no
need to give NexGard with food.2
To learn more about NexGard, please visit NexGardForDogs.com.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
NexGard is for use in dogs only. The most frequently reported adverse reactions
include vomiting, dry/flaky skin, diarrhea, lethargy, and anorexia. The safe use of
NexGard in pregnant, breeding or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. Use with
caution in dogs with a history of seizures. (see page 6 for full details).
Sources
1
Data on file at Merial.
2
Nexgard (afoxolaner) Chewables Prescribing Information.
lifelong pet care
• Educate your clients about the
importance of tick control by
sharing the Client Handout
located on page 10
• T ips on how you can overcome
burnout and compassion fatigue
Thank you for your membership
in MERIAL® Rewards. We’re here to
support you and your entire team.
Best regards,
MERIAL Rewards Team
LIFE STAGE
APPROACH TO
VETERINARY
CARE
HELPS PATIENTS AND CLINICS
Taking a life-stage approach to veterinary care that focuses
on wellness helps patients live longer, better quality lives
and strengthens the veterinarian-client relationship, which
can foster loyalty among owners.
BY MARIE ROSENTHAL, MS
2 | protector
“One of our most important jobs is to make
sure owners know how to keep pets healthy,
not just treat them when they are sick.”
– Wendy Mandese, DVM
protector | 3
LIFE STAGE APPROACH TO VETERINARY CARE
The proverb “Prevention is better than
cure” should be the motto of everyone in
the veterinary staff, according to Wendy
Mandese, DVM, and this idea can be
achieved by developing a wellness care
program that addresses the animal’s
health and well being throughout its life.1
“Having a life-stage program for clients
means that the practice focuses on
preventive care topics and potential health
concerns for each life stage of a dog or cat,”1
said Mandese, Clinical Assistant Professor,
Primary Care and Dentistry at the University
of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.
“There should always be a huge focus on
wellness!” She added. “As primary care
veterinarians, one of our most important
jobs is to make sure owners know how to
keep pets healthy, not just treat them when
they are sick.”1
And the entire veterinary staff should
play a role in helping clients understand the
importance of wellness and life-stage care,1
added Mandese.
“Veterinary staff can help by supporting
the concept of wellness and creating a
strong program to support it,”2 added Tony
Buffington, DVM, PhD, DACVN, Professor
of Veterinary Clinical Science at The Ohio
State University Veterinary Medicine Center
and creator of the Indoor Pet Initiative
(http://indoorpet.osu.edu).
The idea that education and understanding
should be important components of overall
patient care was emphasized in a recent
report published in the Journal of the
American Veterinary Medical Association.3
A recent survey of pet owners showed
that many don’t understand the need for
so-called “routine” veterinary visits.
Among the misperceptions many owners
share is the idea that veterinary care is
only necessary to obtain vaccinations.3
Some owners think that they don’t need
annual care anymore since guidelines no
longer recommend annual vaccinations
for many pets.3
4 | protector
So, a focus on wellness and life-stage
care that explains why it is important for
clients to bring their pets in regularly can
help grow a practice.3
In fact, wellness is so important that in
December 2010, the American Veterinary
Medical Association added “prevention of
disease” to the oath that veterinarians take.4
“It is more important than ever to
emphasize the value of routine wellness
care. Whenever possible, encourage clients
to select a primary care veterinary practice
and choose a primary care veterinarian
for each of their pets,”4 suggested the
veterinarians who wrote the AAHA
(American Animal Hospital Association)
Canine Life Stage Guidelines. “By doing so,
“It is more important
than ever to emphasize
the value of routine
wellness care.”
a strong relationship can be formed between
the veterinarian and the client. Familiarity
with the patient, the client and the family
unit and their specific needs, allows the
veterinary team to guide pet owners in
optimal preventive care and disease
prevention starting at the puppy stage.”4
Buffington, who works in the community
practice section at OSU, emphasizes that
the initial vaccination visits, far from being
“routine,” may be the most important
interactions veterinarians can have with
clients and their new pets.2 Education during
these visits can shape owners’ behaviors to
ensure that their pets live healthy, happy
lives, and avoid the greatest risks, which in
most areas, include behavior problems,
obesity and infectious diseases.2
All puppies and kittens should get a
thorough physical examination when they
are seen by the veterinarian.1 During the
puppy and kitten visits, owners should
be provided detailed information about
vaccination protocols and counseling
about sterilization,1 according to Mandese.
In addition, it is really important to
discuss behavior and training.4 Pets need to
begin being socialized and handled as early
as possible. They should become used to
grooming by their owner and desensitized
to as many stressors as possible, such as loud
noises, and unfamiliar people and animals
of all ages.2,4
Buffington added that cat owners should
be taught about the importance of feline
enrichment, especially for indoor only cats.2
An environment that satisfies the cat’s
curiosity and need to hunt and explore will
improve its quality of life.2
“Because an un-enriched environment is
a risk factor for so many health and behavior
problems with cats, I want to make sure
that the environment is enriched. I often
suggest things like food puzzles instead
of food bowls and offer other options they
(pet owners) can explore with their cats,”2
Buffington said.
“Good client education for owners of
puppies and kittens is important, including
a discussion of preventive issues, such as
diet and feeding recommendations to
promote life-long weight management,
preventive dental care and parasite
control,”1 Mandese said.
Every visit should include a discussion
about parasite control, and the staff should
make sure that each client has a sufficient
amount of flea/tick control and heartworm
preventive for each pet.1 To increase
compliance, Merial offers email reminders
to clients to help them remember when to
give monthly products.
“Owners of adult pets should be
counseled regarding the same health
maintenance topics as puppies and kittens,
Every visit should
include a discussion
about parasite control.
Weight and nutrition
are very important
discussions.
A yearly examination
should include
discussion of agerelated issues.
i.e., maintaining a good body condition,
behavior and infectious disease control and
preventive care. Although many of these
topics are discussed in puppyhood and
kittenhood, yearly reminders are important,”1
Mandese said.
Weight and nutrition are very important
discussions for cat and dog owners. Owners
often equate food with love, so they need
to understand that obesity leads to all kinds
of conditions that can shorten their pets’
lives and decrease the quality of that life.
Exercise, fun activities that don’t involve
Sources:
1
W. Mandese, DVM, interview held via e-mail on January 22. 2014.
2
T. Buffington, DVM, interview held via e-mail on January 6, 2014.
food, enrichment and good nutrition are
important for every stage of a pet’s life.2
As pets age, a yearly examination should
include discussion of age-related issues,
such as arthritis, pain and cognitive function.1
“A life-stage, coupled with preventive care,
discussion with clients helps strengthen
the veterinarian-client relationship, which
automatically strengthens the practice.
Owners need to know that our main goal
is to keep their pets healthy and happy, and
that will encourage trust,“1 Mandese said.
Volk JO, et al. Executive summary of the Bayer veterinary care
usage study. JAVMA. 2011:238:1275-2082 4. AAHA Canine Life
Stage Guidelines. 2012 at JAAHA.org
3
protector | 5
CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of
a licensed veterinarian.
Description:
NEXGARD™ (afoxolaner) is available in four sizes of beef-flavored, soft chewables
for oral administration to dogs and puppies according to their weight. Each chewable
is formulated to provide a minimum afoxolaner dosage of 1.14 mg/lb (2.5 mg/kg).
Afoxolaner has the chemical composition 1-Naphthalenecarboxamide, 4-[5- [3-chloro-5(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-4, 5-dihydro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-3-isoxazolyl]-N-[2-oxo-2-[(2,2,2trifluoroethyl)amino]ethyl.
Indications:
NEXGARD kills adult fleas and is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea
infestations (Ctenocephalides felis), and the treatment and control of Black-legged
tick (Ixodes scapularis), American Dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), and Lone Star tick
(Amblyomma americanum) infestations in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older,
weighing 4 pounds of body weight or greater, for one month.
Dosage and Administration:
NEXGARD is given orally once a month, at the minimum dosage of 1.14 mg/lb (2.5 mg/kg).
Dosing Schedule:
Body
Weight
4.0 to 10.0 lbs.
10.1 to 24.0 lbs.
24.1 to 60.0 lbs.
60.1 to 121.0 lbs.
Over 121.0 lbs.
Afoxolaner Per
Chewable (mg)
Chewables
Administered
11.3
One
28.3
One
68
One
136
One
Administer the appropriate combination of chewables
NEXGARD can be administered with or without food. Care should be taken that the dog
consumes the complete dose, and treated animals should be observed for a few minutes to
ensure that part of the dose is not lost or refused. If it is suspected that any of the dose has
been lost or if vomiting occurs within two hours of administration, redose with another full
dose. If a dose is missed, administer NEXGARD and resume a monthly dosing schedule.
Flea Treatment and Prevention:
Treatment with NEXGARD may begin at any time of the year. In areas where fleas are
common year-round, monthly treatment with NEXGARD should continue the entire year
without interruption.
To minimize the likelihood of flea reinfestation, it is important to treat all animals within a
household with an approved flea control product.
Tick Treatment and Control:
Treatment with NEXGARD may begin at any time of the year (see Effectiveness).
Contraindications:
There are no known contraindications for the use of NEXGARD.
Warnings:
Not for use in humans. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. In case of
accidental ingestion, contact a physician immediately.
Precautions:
The safe use of NEXGARD in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs has not been evaluated.
Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures (see Adverse Reactions).
Adverse Reactions:
In a well-controlled US field study, which included a total of 333 households and 615
treated dogs (415 administered afoxolaner; 200 administered active control), no serious
adverse reactions were observed with NEXGARD.
Over the 90-day study period, all observations of potential adverse reactions were
recorded. The most frequent reactions reported at an incidence of > 1% within any of the
three months of observations are presented in the following table. The most frequently
reported adverse reaction was vomiting. The occurrence of vomiting was generally selflimiting and of short duration and tended to decrease with subsequent doses in both
groups. Five treated dogs experienced anorexia during the study, and two of those dogs
experienced anorexia with the first dose but not subsequent doses.
Table 1: Dogs With Adverse Reactions.
Oral active control
N2
% (n=200)
Vomiting (with and without blood)
17
4.1
25
12.5
Dry/Flaky Skin
13
3.1
2
1.0
Diarrhea (with and without blood)
13
3.1
7
3.5
Lethargy
7
1.7
4
2.0
Anorexia
5
1.2
9
4.5
Number of dogs in the afoxolaner treatment group with the identified abnormality.
2
Number of dogs in the control group with the identified abnormality.
1
xng222320_LaunchTradeAd-Protector-PI-8.5x11_Rsg.indd 1
6 | protector
To report suspected adverse events, for technical assistance or to obtain a copy of the
MSDS, contact Merial at 1-888-637-4251 or www.merial.com/nexgard. For additional
information about adverse drug experience reporting for animal drugs, contact FDA at
1-888-FDA-VETS or online at http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth.
Mode of Action:
Afoxolaner is a member of the isoxazoline family, shown to bind at a binding site to
inhibit insect and acarine ligand-gated chloride channels, in particular those gated
by the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), thereby blocking pre- and
post-synaptic transfer of chloride ions across cell membranes. Prolonged afoxolanerinduced hyperexcitation results in uncontrolled activity of the central nervous system
and death of insects and acarines. The selective toxicity of afoxolaner between insects
and acarines and mammals may be inferred by the differential sensitivity of the insects
and acarines’ GABA receptors versus mammalian GABA receptors.
Effectiveness:
In a well-controlled laboratory study, NEXGARD began to kill fleas four hours
after initial administration and demonstrated >99% effectiveness at eight hours.
In a separate well-controlled laboratory study, NEXGARD demonstrated 100%
effectiveness against adult fleas 24 hours post-infestation for 35 days, and was ≥
93% effective at 12 hours post-infestation through Day 21, and on Day 35. On Day 28,
NEXGARD was 81.1% effective 12 hours post-infestation. Dogs in both the treated
and control groups that were infested with fleas on Day -1 generated flea eggs at 12and 24-hours post-treatment (0-11 eggs and 1-17 eggs in the NEXGARD treated dogs,
and 4-90 eggs and 0-118 eggs in the control dogs, at 12- and 24-hours, respectively).
At subsequent evaluations post-infestation, fleas from dogs in the treated group were
essentially unable to produce any eggs (0-1 eggs) while fleas from dogs in the control
group continued to produce eggs (1-141 eggs).
In a 90-day US field study conducted in households with existing flea infestations of
varying severity, the effectiveness of NEXGARD against fleas on the Day 30, 60 and 90
visits compared with baseline was 98.0%, 99.7%, and 99.9%, respectively.
Collectively, the data from the three studies (two laboratory and one field) demonstrate
that NEXGARD kills fleas before they can lay eggs, thus preventing subsequent flea
infestations after the start of treatment of existing flea infestations.
In well-controlled laboratory studies, NEXGARD demonstrated >94% effectiveness against
Dermacentor variabilis and Ixodes scapularis, 48 hours post-infestation, and against
Amblyomma americanum 72 hours post-infestation, for 30 days.
Animal Safety:
In a margin of safety study, NEXGARD was administered orally to 8- to 9-week-old
Beagle puppies at 1, 3, and 5 times the maximum exposure dose (6.3 mg/kg) for three
treatments every 28 days, followed by three treatments every 14 days, for a total of
six treatments. Dogs in the control group were sham-dosed. There were no clinicallyrelevant effects related to treatment on physical examination, body weight, food
consumption, clinical pathology (hematology, clinical chemistries, or coagulation tests),
gross pathology, histopathology or organ weights. Vomiting occurred throughout the
study, with a similar incidence in the treated and control groups, including one dog in
the 5x group that vomited four hours after treatment.
In a well-controlled field study, NEXGARD was used concomitantly with other
medications, such as vaccines, anthelmintics, antibiotics (including topicals), steroids,
NSAIDS, anesthetics, and antihistamines. No adverse reactions were observed from
the concomitant use of NEXGARD with other medications.
Storage Information:
Store at or below 30°C (86°F) with excursions permitted up to 40°C (104°F).
How Supplied:
NEXGARD is available in four sizes of beef-flavored soft chewables: 11.3, 28.3, 68 or
136 mg afoxolaner. Each chewable size is available in color-coded packages of 1, 3 or
6 beef-flavored chewables.
NADA 141-406, Approved by FDA
Treatment Group
Afoxolaner
N1
% (n=415)
In the US field study, one dog with a history of seizures experienced a seizure on the
same day after receiving the first dose and on the same day after receiving the second
dose of NEXGARD. This dog experienced a third seizure one week after receiving the
third dose. The dog remained enrolled and completed the study. Another dog with a
history of seizures had a seizure 19 days after the third dose of NEXGARD. The dog
remained enrolled and completed the study. A third dog with a history of seizures
received NEXGARD and experienced no seizures throughout the study.
Marketed by: Frontline Vet Labs™, a Division of Merial Limited.
Duluth, GA 30096-4640 USA
Made in Brazil.
1050-4493-02
Rev. 4/2014
™NexGard and FRONTLINE VET LABS
are trademarks of Merial.
©2014 Merial. All rights reserved.
6/6/14 4:41 PM
It’s a soft chew.
Kills both fleas and ticks.
It’s prescription only.
Now a
pprov
to kill m ed
ore
ticks!
NexGardTM (afoxolaner) is the protection you
asked for, and patients will beg for.
NexGard is FDA-approved to kill fleas, prevent flea infestations, and kill Black-Legged (deer) ticks,
Lone Star ticks and American Dog ticks. NexGard is available only with a veterinarian’s prescription,
and features anti-diversion technology monitored by Pinkerton® Consulting & Investigations.
NexGard and FRONTLINE VET LABS are trademarks
of Merial. ®PINKERTON is a registered trademark of
Pinkerton Service Corporation. ©2014 Merial Limited,
Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. NEX14TTRADEAD (06/14).
TM
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: For use in dogs only. The most
common adverse reaction is vomiting. Other adverse reactions
reported are dry/flaky skin, diarrhea, lethargy, and anorexia. The
safe use of NexGard in pregnant, breeding, or lactating dogs has not
been evaluated. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures.
protector | 7
FOC U S O N T H E B REED
THE LABRADOR
RETRIEVER
8 | protector
WHETHER A FAMILY PET, HUNTING COMPANION OR WORKING DOG, THE
LABRADOR RETRIEVER IS A FINE DOG, WHICH IS WHY YOU SEE SO MANY
IN YOUR CLINIC.
The Labrador retriever is the most popular
dog breed in the United States1, according to
the American Kennel Club, which registers
more than 100,000 per year.2 And they have
held the title for more than 10 years.2,3
Labrador Retrievers, first described in
Newfoundland, Canada, were originally
called the lesser Newfoundland, St. John’s
dogs, or St. John’s water dogs. These dogs
were known for their sense of smell, ability
to retrieve, and athleticism.
There are three recognized colors of
Labrador Retrievers - black, yellow, or
chocolate; and they have a characteristic
short, dense coat that is water-resistant.1
Many Lab-owners note that their dogs tend
to shed a lot (usually seasonally), but this can
be helped by regular brushing. A hallmark of
this breed is its characteristic “otter tail.”1
As a member of the veterinary clinic team,
you likely have a favorite Labrador Retriever
that frequents your clinic. This patient may
be smart, eager to please, and outgoing.
These are some of the traits that also make
Labradors great as family pets. Families with
playful, strong Labs often note that dogs of
this breed are kind and gentle around
children and other pets. They are also
intelligent and easy-to-train, which likely
explains why these dogs are often used as
working dogs. Labradors are utilized in a
number of roles including as police, military,
rescue, and detection dogs. They also are
used as therapy dogs for numerous
individuals with special needs. And of
course, they love to retrieve and are still
commonly used as hunting dogs.
As puppies, training is important, as is
patience and persistence.2 As long as they
receive adequate exercise, Labradors can
share a home with a family in about any
environment from a city apartment to a
farm. However, it is important to remember,
that these dogs really want to be a part of the
family and need to receive plenty of attention
from their owners.
Labrador Retrievers love to eat. Sometimes
this can be a problem – it is important for
the veterinary staff to help pet owners
understand the importance of maintaining
a good body condition. Obesity is a common
problem for many breeds, including
Labradors. This is one condition that can
be easily prevented with proper education
regarding nutrition and the importance of
regular exercise. Encourage your clients to
take their dogs with them on walks and let
the kids throw a ball around for the dogs
to catch. Sometimes a puppy’s appetite
can cause problems other than obesity. For
certain dogs that are indiscriminant eaters,
pet owners may need to restrict access to
concerning items. Foreign body ingestion
can be a very serious problem,
requiring surgery.2
Working in a clinic, you know that many
pet owners are aware of the possibility of
joint problems in Labradors – especially hip
and elbow dysplasia.2,3 These can be serious
conditions that often require lifelong
management. Large breed dogs, including
Labradors, are also at increased risk for
injury to the cranial cruciate ligament2,3
LABRADORS’ AVERAGE HEIGHT
MEASURED FROM THE WITHERS (THE
RIDGE BETWEEN THE SHOULDER
BLADES) ARE: MALES 22½” TO 24½”
FEMALES 21½” TO 23½” 1
A MALE IN GOOD BODY
CONDITION SHOULD WEIGH
BETWEEN 65 AND 80 LBS
AND A FEMALE BETWEEN
55 TO 70 POUNDS.1
THEY LOVE THE WATER, A
LABRADOR IS MORE LIKELY TO
ROLL IN A MUD PUDDLE THAN
PASS IT BY.2
Sources:
American Kennel Club website. Labrador Retriever. Accessed
at http://www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_Retriever/index.cfm on
January 12, 2014.
1
Vetstreet. The Labrador. Accessed at http://www.vetstreet.com/
dogs/labrador-Retriever#overview on January 12, 2014.
2
(in the dog’s knee).
Labradors are commonly diagnosed with
skin allergies.2 You have likely experienced
a few Labs visiting your clinic that were
diagnosed with a skin or ear condition likely
related to an underlying allergy.
There are a number of other medical
conditions that have been recognized in the
Labrador retriever including, certain types
of eye disease, epilepsy, and an uncommonly
diagnosed condition known as `exercise
induced collapse.’ As with many breeds,
certain types of cancer can be seen in
Labradors3 – usually in older dogs.
Given all that we know about the Labrador,
it is easy to see why this big, social dog is so
popular. They are smart, friendly, and love
people. Labradors were bred to be
companions and have been America’s
favorite for over a decade.
Petplan Pet Insurance Company. The Labrador. Accessed at
http://www.gopetplan.com/condition-check/labrador-Retriever
on January 12. 2014.
3
protector | 9
BUG OFF, TICKS!
HOW TO HELP PROTECT YOUR BEST FRIENDS
A number of factors, including increased numbers of tick hosts (deer, turkeys, etc.),
changes in climate, and growing suburbs have caused an increase in tick numbers
in many areas of the country. Here’s important information to help protect your pet.
01
Know your pet’s risk.
• Have you seen ticks on your pet or a member
of your family?
• Do you let your pet romp in areas where there
may be ticks?
• Do you ever travel with your pet to areas that
have ticks?
If you are not sure about the risk of ticks in your area,
you should ask your veterinarian about the types of
ticks and tick-borne diseases that your pet may be
exposed to where you live and travel. You can also
check resources like the CAPC (Companion Animal
10 | protector
Parasite Counsel) website, www.capcvet.org,
where you can find a lot of useful information,
including tick-borne disease incidence maps that
can show you which tick-borne diseases have been
reported in your area.
Even if you have never seen a tick before, that
doesn’t mean that they are not quietly waiting in the
bushes to latch onto your dog or cat. Your pet may
have already been exposed to ticks without you even
knowing it. Some life stages of certain ticks are only
a few millimeters in length making it difficult to see
them, even if you have been looking for ticks on your
pet. Not to mention the fact that most dogs have
hair-coats that could easily conceal these parasites.
Ticks may also attach in areas that are not easily
visible and feed silently.
In addition to causing skin irritation, tick bites
can lead to more serious consequences for your dog.
Some species of ticks can cause tick paralysis, an
acute flaccid paralysis that is caused by a neurotoxin
produced by female ticks of certain species. Ticks
also serve as vectors for a number of serious diseases
including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis
and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
SHARE THIS CLIENT HANDOUT BY MAKING COPIES
OF THE FACING PAGE OR DOWNLOADING IT FROM
WWW.MERIALREWARDSPROGRAM.COM.
client handout
02
What can you do?
REDUCE YOUR PET’S RISK.
Whenever possible, limit your pets’ exposure to ticks
by limiting their access to areas with high tick
burdens. It would be ideal to
prevent free roaming of dogs and
to keep cats indoors. For pets that
do go outdoors, check them daily
for ticks and remove any that are
found on your pet – you should
consult with your veterinarian
about the proper way to remove ticks from your dog
or cat. You can also do a number of things in your pet’s
environment to make these areas unsuitable for tick
development and make them unattractive for other
tick hosts (such as deer, feral cats, raccoons and
opossum). Such measures include: keeping the
lawn closely cut, removing any leaf litter or debris
and limiting ground cover around the home. You can
also eliminate items that attract other tick hosts.
For example, you can remove any plants that attract
deer, eliminate access to trash cans which can attract
urban wildlife, etc.
MONITOR YOUR PET’S HEALTH.
outine wellness visits to your
R
veterinarian are essential for your
pet’s overall health. During a
wellness exam, your veterinarian
may recommend screening your dog
for common tick-borne diseases
such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis and
Anaplasmosis. This simple test can be performed
in conjunction with your dog’s annual heartworm
test on the same blood sample and can provide useful
information regarding your dog’s exposure to one
of these tick-borne diseases. The diseases that are
transmitted by ticks can cause a number of signs, but
some of the more common signs described include
lethargy, loss of appetite, joint pain or changes in
water consumption. Talk to your veterinarian if you
have any concerns about your pet’s exposure to ticks
and/or tick-borne diseases. If your dog is at risk of
being exposed to Lyme disease, you can also ask your
veterinarian if you should have your dog vaccinated to
help protect against this disease.
USE A TICK CONTROL PRODUCT.
There are a number of tick control products
available for dogs and numerous factors (severity
of tick exposure, frequent
swimming or bathing, exposure
to other family members such
as cats or children, and owner
preference) that may impact
the decision regarding which
products would be suitable
choices for your dog. There
are fewer options for tick control in cats. It is very
important that flea and tick control products are
used according to their labeling – never use a product
designed for a dog on your cat. Your veterinarian is
the best person to help you understand the differences
in these products and to guide you in choosing the
appropriate product for your pet.
©2014 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved.
MKT14VOL13PROTECTCH (04/14)
protector | 11
MINIMIZE
BURNOUT AND
COMPASSION FATIGUE
I N T H E WOR K PL AC E
BY MARIE ROSENTHAL, MS
It’s pretty obvious that working in a veterinary hospital will be physically
demanding; however, members of the veterinary staff face many challenges
on a daily basis that can lead to burnout or compassion fatigue. From handling
the emotional needs of pet owners, to long hours and minimal pay, to caring
for very sick animals and euthanasia, burnout and compassion fatigue are
common challenges in veterinary medicine.1
12 | protector
“We start with the dream to help
animals, but once we get into the
workplace, we realize the job is more
difficult than we expected,”1 admitted
Katherine Dobbs, RVT, CVPM, PHR, of
interFace Veterinary HR Systems, LLC
in Wisconsin. Dobbs speaks and writes
about many practice-management issues,
including burnout and compassion
fatigue. “We begin feeling negative
emotions and question ourselves.”1
Although burnout and compassion
fatigue are different and occur for
different reasons, they have similar
characteristics. Burnout centers around
the exhaustion we feel after dealing
with the stresses of our jobs and can
even lead to diminished interest in our
careers, according to Dobbs. A number
of things contribute to it, including
long hours, unsupportive management,
faulty equipment and low pay.1
“Back when we got our first job in
animal care, we were so excited to realize
our dream that the low pay wasn’t as
much of a factor. But as we spend time
on the job, the stresses, the negative
emotions, it becomes a situation where
‘you just can’t pay me ENOUGH to do
THIS job!’ We lose the emotional
satisfaction that carried our dream.”1
While burnout evolves from external
stressors, compassion fatigue evolves
from the relationship between the
caregivers (veterinary personnel) and
their patients and clients.1 “Compassion
fatigue is the internal aspect of caring for
and about those who are suffering some
sort of trauma or difficulty,” she said.
“Everyone from the administration staff,
client service staff and medical staff can
suffer from compassion fatigue because
we all form relationships with our clients
and patients. It can be difficult to hold
back our emotions and control our
empathy [when faced with a difficult
case, such as a euthanasia] so we can
continue with the day. It is actually the
effort needed to control our empathy in
the moment that can lead to exhaustion
from caring so much for these patients
and clients.”
SIGNS OF BURNOUT &
COMPASSION FATIGUE
» LACK OF MOTIVATION
» DREADING THE WORKPLACE
» SENSE OF ALIENATION
» AGGRESSION AND ANGER
» STRESS-RELATED HEALTH
PROBLEMS, SUCH AS HEADACHES AND LOSING SLEEP
9
STEPS TO AVOID
BURNOUT
01 | Figure out what is causing
you to be stressed out.2
02 | T
hink of a way to overcome
that negative emotion and
make it part of your routine.2
03 | S
ay “no” to new commitments
and responsibilities until
you recover.2
04 | Delegate what you can.2
05 | Take breaks between big
projects.2
06 | S
ocialize outside your
professional network.2
07 | Leave the job at the job.2
08 | Find your sense of humor.1
09 | Consider a support group.2
Signs of burnout and compassion fatigue
include poor motivation, the dread of
going to work and can even affect us
physically (see sidebar).2
There are steps you can take
to overcome burnout, according to
Psychologist Sherrie Bourg Carter,
who wrote a book about burnout, High
Octane Women: How Super Achievers
Can Avoid Burnout.2
If you can overcome the stress or find
a way to deal with it, you might just
rediscover your passion, says Dr. Carter.2
Sometimes, you can’t change your
situation, said Dobbs, and in those cases,
it might help to find a new job. We don’t
always fit, and finding a new veterinary
hospital might be best for everyone. “If you
change your environment, you might be
able to find a job with less workplace
stressors (closer to home, better hours,
nicer facility),”1 Dobbs said.
“However, if what you are feeling is
compassion fatigue in animal health or
human health, you will carry compassion
fatigue with you. The only solution for
compassion fatigue is to take better care
of yourself,”1 she said. And taking better
care of yourself — by eating right, getting
enough rest and exercising — will also
help you deal with stress.1-3
Sources:
1
Interview with Katherine Dobbs held on December 16, 2013 by
telephone.
2
Bourg Carter S, Overcoming Burnout: 10 Steps to Reignite Your Flame
and Shine Brightly Once More Psychology Today. Accessed on
December 25, 2013 at http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog
/high-octane-women/201104/overcoming-burnout
3
Baili S. Overwhelmed? 8 tips to avoid burnout and balance your life.
Psychology Today, May 8, 2013. Accessed on December 25, 2013,
at http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/prescriptions-life/201305/
overwhelmed-8-tips-avoid burnout-and-balance-your-life
protector | 13
AT THE HEART OF MERIAL
HEALTHY
PETS
ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IS AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING THAT MERIAL DOES. Critical
to that philosophy are the relationships that the company builds with veterinarians and their staff.
The pet owner education that Merial provides reinforces the human-animal bond by helping pet
owners realize the importance of routine veterinary care to enable their best friends to live longer,
healthier lives. This brings them to your clinic and your clinic brings Merial to the pet owner.
TO SUPPORT PARTNERING CLINICS, MERIAL PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS:
The CLIENT CONNECTION® PLUS
POWER OF 12 is designed to support clinic
program drives pet owners to your
education that centers on the importance of
practice with coupons/information that
year-round heartworm disease prevention.
technicians who can offer advice on several
appears to come from your practice.
Power of 12 includes staff training tools, client
aspects of flea and tick control, such as flea
With targeted mailings and coupons,
education materials and a Program Overview
biology, efficacy and proper application
CLIENT CONNECTIONS Plus is designed
Guide, including monthly educational
instructions. If, for any reason, your clients are
to build relationships with clients on your
materials for staff and clients as well as
not completely satisfied with the FRONTLINE®
clinic’s behalf.
product coupons good toward HEARTGARD®
Plus Brand Products that they purchase from
The program identifies pet owners
Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) purchases.
possible care for animals.
Pet owners have access to specially trained
your practice, they may be eligible for:
most likely to benefit and act upon education
SATISFACTION PLUS GUARANTEE
about the importance of parasite control.
reinforces your recommendation for flea and
• A replacement product, or
You can then tailor your clinic’s message
tick control. Through the program, you can
• A free home inspection and in-home
and special offers to these clients.
offer clients greater access to support for
TM
their flea problem at no cost to veterinarians
allowing them to focus on providing the best
14 | protector
• A refund, or
treatment by TERMINIX®, if necessary
For complete details, visit www.frontline.com.
MERIAL® REWARDS PLUS recognizes
Giving Shelters A Leg Up
and rewards your clinic’s continued
dedication to protecting patients. It’s
To successfully re-home shelter pets,
make sure they get a healthy start. Through
the Partners in Protection® program, Merial
brings together animal shelters, pet adopters
and local veterinary clinics to provide that start.
Participating shelters commit to treating adopted pets with
FRONTLINE® Plus Brand Products, FRONTLINE Spray, HEARTGARD®
(ivermectin) for cats and HEARTGARD Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) for dogs.
Shelter staff receive training and merchandising kits to help educate pet
adopters about pet health and parasite control. The kit includes co-branded
wall and kennel clings, shelter program detailers, a new adopter booklet
with healthy pet tips and product coupons to take to their local veterinarian.
Merial’s way to show appreciation to
staff members for recommending
MERIAL products to their clients.
MERIAL Rewards Plus members
earn award points for coupon submission
activities. Once enrolled, each eligible
coupon an individual or team submits
earns points that can be used toward
rewards on their MERIAL Rewards Plus
Visa® Prepaid Card. They can buy lunch,
purchase gasoline, pay for a day at the
spa, or even use on their own pet’s care.
EFFICACY: HEARTGARD Plus Chewables, given orally using the recommended dose and regimen, are effective against the tissue larval stage of
D.immitis for a month (30 days) after infection and, as a result, prevent the development of the adult stage. HEARTGARD Plus Chewables are also
effective against canine ascarids (T. canis, T. leonina) and hookworms (A. caninum, U. stenocephala, A. braziliense).
ACCEPTABILITY: In acceptability and field trials, HEARTGARD Plus was shown to be an acceptable oral dosage form that was consumed at first
offering by the majority of dogs.
PRECAUTIONS: All dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection before starting treatment with HEARTGARD Plus which is not effective
against adult D. immitis. Infected dogs must be treated to remove adult heartworms and microfilariae before initiating a program with HEARTGARD Plus.
chewables
CAUTION: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
INDICATIONS: For use in dogs to prevent canine heartworm disease by eliminating the tissue stage of heartworm larvae (Dirofilaria immitis) for
a month (30 days) after infection and for the treatment and control of ascarids (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) and hookworms (Ancylostoma
caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala, Ancylostoma braziliense).
DOSAGE: HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) should be administered orally at monthly intervals at the recommended minimum dose level of
6 mcg of ivermectin per kilogram (2.72 mcg/lb) and 5 mg of pyrantel (as pamoate salt) per kg (2.27 mg/lb) of body weight. The recommended dosing
schedule for prevention of canine heartworm disease and for the treatment and control of ascarids and hookworms is as follows:
Dog
Weight
Chewables
Per Month
Ivermectin
Content
Up to 25 lb
26 to 50 lb
51 to 100 lb
1
1
1
68 mcg
136 mcg
272 mcg
Color Coding 0n
Pyrantel Foil Backing
Content
and Carton
57 mg
114 mg
227 mg
Blue
Green
Brown
HEARTGARD Plus is recommended for dogs 6 weeks of age and older. For dogs over 100 lb use the appropriate combination of these chewables.
ADMINISTRATION: Remove only one chewable at a time from the foil-backed blister card. Return the card with the remaining chewables to
its box to protect the product from light. Because most dogs find HEARTGARD Plus palatable, the product can be offered to the dog by hand.
Alternatively, it may be added intact to a small amount of dog food.The chewable should be administered in a manner that encourages the dog to
chew, rather than to swallow without chewing. Chewables may be broken into pieces and fed to dogs that normally swallow treats whole.
Care should be taken that the dog consumes the complete dose, and treated animals should be observed for a few minutes after administration to
ensure that part of the dose is not lost or rejected. If it is suspected that any of the dose has been lost, redosing is recommended.
HEARTGARD Plus should be given at monthly intervals during the period of the year when mosquitoes (vectors), potentially carrying infective
heartworm larvae, are active. The initial dose must be given within a month (30 days) after the dog’s first exposure to mosquitoes. The final dose
must be given within a month (30 days) after the dog’s last exposure to mosquitoes.
When replacing another heartworm preventive product in a heartworm disease preventive program, the first dose of HEARTGARD Plus must be
given within a month (30 days) of the last dose of the former medication.
While some microfilariae may be killed by the ivermectin in HEARTGARD Plus at the recommended dose level, HEARTGARD Plus is not effective for
microfilariae clearance. A mild hypersensitivity-type reaction, presumably due to dead or dying microfilariae and particularly involving a transient
diarrhea, has been observed in clinical trials with ivermectin alone after treatment of some dogs that have circulating microfilariae.
Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children.
In case of ingestion by humans, clients should be advised to contact a physician immediately. Physicians may contact a Poison Control Center for
advice concerning cases of ingestion by humans.
Store between 68°F - 77°F (20°C - 25°C). Excursions between 59°F - 86°F (15°C - 30°C) are permitted. Protect product from light.
ADVERSE REACTIONS: In clinical field trials with HEARTGARD Plus, vomiting or diarrhea within 24 hours of dosing was rarely observed (1.1%
of administered doses). The following adverse reactions have been reported following the use of HEARTGARD: Depression/lethargy, vomiting,
anorexia, diarrhea, mydriasis, ataxia, staggering, convulsions and hypersalivation.
SAFETY: HEARTGARD Plus has been shown to be bioequivalent to HEARTGARD, with respect to the bioavailability of ivermectin. The dose
regimens of HEARTGARD Plus and HEARTGARD are the same with regard to ivermectin (6 mcg/kg). Studies with ivermectin indicate that certain
dogs of the Collie breed are more sensitive to the effects of ivermectin administered at elevated dose levels (more than 16 times the target use
level) than dogs of other breeds. At elevated doses, sensitive dogs showed adverse reactions which included mydriasis, depression, ataxia, tremors,
drooling, paresis, recumbency, excitability, stupor, coma and death. HEARTGARD demonstrated no signs of toxicity at 10 times the recommended
dose (60 mcg/kg) in sensitive Collies. Results of these trials and bioequivalency studies, support the safety of HEARTGARD products in dogs,
including Collies, when used as recommended.
HEARTGARD Plus has shown a wide margin of safety at the recommended dose level in dogs, including pregnant or breeding bitches, stud dogs and
puppies aged 6 or more weeks. In clinical trials, many commonly used flea collars, dips, shampoos, anthelmintics, antibiotics, vaccines and steroid
preparations have been administered with HEARTGARD Plus in a heartworm disease prevention program.
In one trial, where some pups had parvovirus, there was a marginal reduction in efficacy against intestinal nematodes, possibly due to a change in
intestinal transit time.
HOW SUPPLIED: HEARTGARD Plus is available in three dosage strengths (See DOSAGE section) for dogs of different weights. Each strength
comes in convenient cartons of 6 and 12 chewables.
For customer service, please contact Merial at 1-888-637-4251.
If the interval between doses exceeds a month (30 days), the efficacy of ivermectin can be reduced. Therefore, for optimal performance, the chewable
must be given once a month on or about the same day of the month. If treatment is delayed, whether by a few days or many, immediate treatment with
HEARTGARD Plus and resumption of the recommended dosing regimen will minimize the opportunity for the development of adult heartworms.
Monthly treatment with HEARTGARD Plus also provides effective treatment and control of ascarids (T. canis, T. leonina) and hookworms (A.
caninum, U. stenocephala, A. braziliense). Clients should be advised of measures to be taken to prevent reinfection with intestinal parasites.
®HEARTGARD and the Dog & Hand logo are registered trademarks of Merial.
©2014 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) is well tolerated. All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection before starting a preventive program. Following the use of HEARTGARD Plus,
digestive and neurological side effects have rarely been reported. For more information, visit
www.HEARTGARD.com<http://www.HEARTGARD.com>.
xhg223403_Protector-8.625x5-PI_rsg.indd 1
5/2/14 12:21 PM
protector | 15
TRIVIA TIDBITS
&
PET FUN
FACTS
DOMESTICATED PETS ARE COMPLEX CREATURES. Have you ever wondered why they do some of
the things they do? Your cat seems smart, but how sharp is his memory? Why can your dog always
outrun you? Here are some interesting facts bound to keep you (or your client) guessing. Enjoy!
FACTS ABOUT DOGS
FACTS ABOUT CATS
• Dogs only sweat from the bottoms of their paws;
the only way they can discharge heat is by panting.
• Cats do not have sweat glands.
• Dogs have about 100 different facial expressions,
most of them made with the ears.
• Cats have five toes on each front paw, but only four
toes on each back paw.
• Dogs have about 10 vocal sounds.
• Dogs do not have an appendix.
• Cats have over one hundred vocal sounds, while dogs
only have about ten.
• There are more than 350 different breeds of
dogs worldwide.
• A pack of kittens is called a kindle, while a pack of
adult cats is called a clowder.
• Dalmatians are born spotless: at first pure white,
their spots develop as they age.
• A n adult cat can run about 12 miles per hour, and can
sprint at nearly thirty miles per hour.
• Contrary to popular belief, dogs aren’t color blind; they
can see shades of blue, yellow, green and gray. The
color red registers on a grayscale in a dog’s vision.
• A cat’s tongue is scratchy because it’s lined with
papillae — tiny elevated backwards hooks that help
to hold prey in place.
• Most domestic dogs are capable of reaching speeds up to
about nineteen miles per hour when running at full speed.
• The nose pad of each cat has ridges in a unique pattern
not unlike a person’s fingerprints.
• Using their swiveling ears like radar dishes,
experiments have shown that dogs can locate the
source of a sound in 6/100ths of a second.
• Cats’ bodies are extremely flexible; the cat skeleton
contains more than 230 bones (a human has about 206),
and the pelvis and shoulders loosely attach to the spine.
This adds to their flexibility and allows them to fit
through very small spaces.
• Domesticated for more than 10,000 years, the dog was
one of the first animals domesticated by humans.
• A cat can jump as much as seven times its height.
Up to
19
MPH
Up to
30
MPH
Article reprinted with permission from VPI Pet HealthZone® MyPetHealthZone.com
16 | protector
Give dogs all the Lyme protection they need
and none of the antigens they don’t.
It only takes a single protein, OspA, to block the transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi in the United States.1,2,3
Help protect
Protect your patients with nothing less, expose them to nothing more.
RECOMBITEK® Lyme - the only vaccine with OspA in a nonadjuvanted formula
1
2
®RECOMBITEK is a registered
trademark of Merial. ©2013
Merial Limited, Duluth, GA.
All rights reserved.
REC12NARECOMBITEKAD (12/12).
3
Straubinger RK, Chang YF, Jacobson RH, Appel MJ. Sera from OspA-vaccinated dogs,
but not those from tick-infected dogs, inhibit in vitro growth of Borrelia burgdorferi.
J Clin Microbiol. 1995;33(10):2745-2751.
Rice Conlon JA, Mather TN, Tanner P, Gallo G, Jacobson RH. Efficacy of a nonadjuvanted,
outer surface protein A, recombinant vaccine in dogs after challenge by ticks naturally
infected with Borrelia burgdorferi. Vet Ther. 2000;1(2):96-107.
Probert WS, Crawford M, Cadiz RB, LeFebvre RB. Immunization with outer surface
protein (Osp) A, but not OspC, provides cross-protection of mice challenged with
North American isolates of Borrelia burgdorferi. J Infect Dis. 1997;175(2):400-405.
protector | 17
RESCUED BY A GOOD SAMARITAN
SHARED BY: EMILY JONES | SMART VET CO. | NORMAL, IL
Photo courtesy of Emily Jones, Smart Vet Co.
18 | protector
A few months ago, a friend of mine who
works with a rescue group was called about
a Saint Bernard that had been seen along
a two-lane highway. It was mid-November
and we were experiencing occasional
scattered snow storms. The dog was a large
Saint on a very short chain and looked as if
she (or he) was near death. After numerous
calls to the local animal control, an officer
was assigned to check the property.
The animal control officer found five
chained dogs, an empty food bowl and a
particular female Saint. The officer forced
the owner to relinquish two of the five dogs
and promised to return in a day or so to
check on the others. The Saint had to be
gently pried from the ground by the officer
as to not injure her frail, almost lifeless,
body. She was lifted into the vehicle and
driven to a high kill facility in the county.
She was given a few days to see if she
would even survive — and she did! We
named her Zoe.
Animal control tested Zoe for heartworm
and found her to be positive. The shelter
was told that she was four years old and
unsure if she was spayed. Animal control
was ready to euthanize her when the Good
Samaritan, who had called the rescue
group, jumped into action. All of the calling
and persuading finally paid off when the
animal control agreed to release her to the
Illinois Saint Bernard Rescue. Within two
days of being in her temporary foster home,
this sweet gal starting urinating blood.
After three weeks of antibiotics, she was
finally transported to our Chicagoland
hospital where heartworm staging and
treatment began.
Upon arrival, she was examined thoroughly
and we discovered that she had a microchip.
The chip was tracked to the original owner
who lived one state away. The owner
identified her as the dog they had adopted
from the local Humane Society when she
was two years old. They had given her away
when she OUTGREW their house. After
many phone calls, they were able to discover
that Zoe was eight years old and had been
bounced around many times. She was not
only heartworm positive but she was severely
malnourished. We decided to continue
treating her and hope for the best.
I’m happy to share that Zoe recently
turned nine. The once malnourished,
98 pound dog is now at a healthy weight
of 165. She pretty much gets to do whatever,
whenever she wants. She is a good dog and
loves going for rides or walks, but mainly
sleeping on her couch. My friend comments
how blessed she is to have such a wonderful
Saint come into her life.
For more reasons than one.
The number one most requested flea and tick protection1 is also the only one that is backed by
the SATISFACTION PLUS GUARANTEETM* and kills fleas, flea eggs, larvae, and ticks. The guarantee
provides confidence for you and your clients and is unmatched in the industry. For complete
details visit www.FRONTLINE.com.
1
Vet-dispensed; MDI Data.
®FRONTLINE is a registered trademark, and ™SATISFACTION
PLUS GUARANTEE is a trademark, of Merial. ©2014 Merial
Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. FLE13PLTRADE1 (01/14).
* The guarantee offers your choice of a refund,
product replacement, or a FREE in-home inspection
and treatment, if necessary. Please see full details
at www.FRONTLINE.com.
protector | 19
xfl216518_PRO-5.5x7.5_rsg.indd 1
1/21/14 1:56 PM
LOGAN RUNS THE DISTANCE
SUBMITTED BY: CRYSTAL COFFIN | MEADOW POND ANIMAL HOSPITAL | MOULTONBORO, NH
It was a typical summer day in New
Hampshire and I was working at the
Moultonboro Veterinary Hospital. A client
of ours (and a ‘no complaint’ one at that!)
walked into our hospital with a sweet little
black lab puppy that was five pounds and
estimated to be about four weeks old.
The owner had the mother dog and while
she was at work, her children went to feed
the mother and the puppies that were just
learning to eat. The mother chocolate lab
attacked three of the puppies and two of
them had to be put down due to their
extensive injuries.
After looking at the puppy, he had some
wounds that were serious. The owner left
the dog with us so we could evaluate the
damage. After numerous radiographs, we
discovered that the puppy had a few fractures
on his lower jaw. We placed a bandage
around his jaw to hold it in place — it was
all we could do for him at that time.
The next day, the owner called and asked
when the little guy could be picked up. The
doctor and I agreed that we couldn’t give
the puppy back to her and feel good about
it since we both wanted him to get the best
care he could. After a conversation with the
owner, she surrendered the dog over to the
hospital. I fell in love with the black puppy
and his personality.
Because my husband had black labs as a
child and he had always wanted another
one, the little pup came home with me.
After numerous surgeries and treatments
and lots of TLC, he turned out perfect. We
named him Logan and he has no teeth on
his lower jaw and a scar to remind us of his
story. Logan is the best dog that I have ever
had since working in the field.
Our veterinarian, Dr. Kraft, worked on
Logan and made him the dog he is today.
I give her my heart for helping us and giving
him a chance. Logan is now 6 years old and
we wouldn’t trade him for the world.
Photo courtesy of Crystal Coffin
Upcoming Conferences
If you’re attending any of these conferences, be sure to check out what’s new at the Merial booth!
American Veterinary Medical Association
Denver, Colorado
Jul 25–29
www.avma.org
CVC Kansas City
Kansas City, MO
Aug 22–25
www.thecvc.com
Southwest Veterinary Symposium
Fort Worth, TX
Sep 25–28
www.swvs.org
Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference
Atlantic City, NJ
Oct 13–16
www.acvc.org
CVC San Diego
San Diego, CA
Dec 4–7
www.thecvc.com
20 | protector
PET TREAT RECIPES
Easy Healthy
Carrot Dog Cookies
Treats for Hyperthyroid Kitties
Prep time: 15-20 min
Here’s a great treat recipe for your thyroid kitty!
Directions:
Cook time: 20-25 min
Yields: 20-24 cookies
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Take 2 cups of their thyroid
food and blend into a fine powder. Add small amounts of
water while mixing until it forms a dough consistency.
Ingredients:
The next step is where you can use your imagination…
you can either:
1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice
A. Spread the dough into an even layer and use cookie
cutters to make special shapes.
OR
B. F
orm dough into small, round balls. Then, bake your
treats at 350 degrees for 30 minutes (or until crispy and
brown). Make sure to flip the treats over halfway through
the baking time.
Submitted by:
Heidi Grandeury | Capital Heights Veterinary Clinic |
Baton Rouge, LA
1 medium ripe banana
1 cup shredded carrot
1/8-1/4 cup water (more or less as needed)
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup rolled oats
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray baking sheet
with cooking spray. Mix all ingredients into large bowl;
should be a nice thick consistency for rolling dough out.
Lightly flour surface and roll out dough to about 1/4 inch
thick. Use your favorite pup-friendly cookie cutter shape
and place cookies on baking sheet.
Bake 20–25 minutes until cookies are golden brown.
Remove from oven and allow to cool.
Serve to your canine companion for a guilt-free treat!
Submitted by:
Cady Meyer | Seneca Veterinary Clinic | Seneca, MO
Word Scramble
1. DRBI
11. KDUC
Challenge your team to solve
this word scramble as quickly
as possible. The clock is ticking!
2. DGO
12. RGFO
3. OENDYK
13. TPNLEHEA
4. GFRIEFA
14. ORCDCIELO
5. GLOILARTA
15. POLNIHD
6. TAC
16. LARLIGO
7. EHSOR
17. EMSUO
8. OLIN
18. EGTRI
9. MYOEKN
19. ABRITB
10. EEB
20. ATR
Solutions available at
www.MerialRewardsProgram.com.
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/quizzes/wordscrambles/animal.html
protector | 21
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