Upon our first meeting with Dr. Royal I was impressed with not only her immense knowledge but her intense compassion, not only for Madison but for myself as well. She examined Madison on the floor instead of the table, which I immediately loved. And she took the time to really get to know both Madison and myself. We were not just a number or appointment in her book. Madison proceeded with 2-3 acupuncture sessions and had good results, but not good enough for Dr. Royal. At that point Dr. Royal decided to x-ray her knees as our previous vet hadnʼt thought to do that at the same time they did her hips. Sure enough both of Maddieʼs ACLʼs were torn or near tearing completely. Dr. Royal advised me on surgeons and helped lead me to get the best recovery for Maddie.

And boy did she. The surgery was tough, but Maddie was a trooper and was up and going in no time. The acupuncture which continued during her healing was a huge part of her successful recovery and allowed her to continue to lead the joyful, active lifestyle we both desired. Swimming, hiking and running after any squeaky toy could resume as if nothing had happened.

Then the spring of 2009 Madison broke her leg while playing at the dog park. She was in a cast for a few weeks and taking Rimadyl to help with the healing. After taking for a week our Primary vet wanted to run a blood panel to make sure that the Rimadyl was not causing any problems to her liver or kidneys. This was the first mark that something was wrong. Her liver enzymes were extremely high. We took her off the Rimadyl and retested a week later. Still elevated. Ran several other test could not find the cause.

After many tests and finally an ultrasound, it was discovered that Madison had a mass on her liver about (6-9cm). Needle biopsy at this point showed it was benign. However, surgeons advised removing it due to its location and size. Maddie went in for surgery and they were unable to remove the mass as there were too many blood vessels connected. And a larger biopsy now showed that this was a Heptocellular Carcinoma (CANCER). At this point the surgeons were recommending Chemo-embolization. Not much studies done on this treatment and at the age of 12 wasnʼt sure I wanted to put Maddie through that. She had just been through a huge surgery and I just didnʼt want to take any chances. I reached out to Dr. Royal again.

Dr. Royal looked over the history and notes from the surgeon. And devised a treatment plan to help slow down the growth of the mass and hopefully negate the cancer cells through diet and herbs.

This is more my style of treatment so I felt much more comfortable with this rather than injecting my beloved friend with toxins. Again, Dr.
Royal turned a horrific diagnosis into something that was workable. We changed Maddieʼs diet slightly removing all carbs and high protein. Added some herbs and tinctures and resumed our acupuncture sessions. Dr. Royal, Madison and I kicked this highly deadly and fast growing cancer butt for a whole year. Maddie fought so hard and every time we entered Dr. Royalʼs office was always her energetic self. Searching for the treat jar, no matter where Dr. Royal had moved it. Even at our last appointment with Dr. Royal she commented on how “alert and energetic” she was. This was in large part due to the terrific care that we received from Dr. Royal and her staff. No one could have expected Maddie to live for a whole year with this terminal cancer diagnosis.

On August 9, 2010, Madison went into liver failure for the second time within 72 hours. Her little body just couldnʼt fight anymore and I gave her the peace she so deserved. She was such a bright, energetic, sweet soul. I am honored that she shared her spirit with me for over 13 years.

Thank you Dr. Royal for your knowledge, dedication, and compassion. You allowed Madison to live a long, happy, and healthy life and beat all the odds.

Dear Delta Society,

While checking Google to investigate your claims of raw protein causing a significant shed of pathogens in the dog’s stool, I found the largest amount of information on an internet search shows that dry dog food is the biggest offender of carrying salmonella contamination:

http://www.webmd.com/news/20080915/salmonella-risk-prompts-pet-food-recall

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/digestive-disorders/articles/2008/11/06/salmonella-outbreak-tied-to-dry-dog-food-continues.html

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19076207/

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,356203,00.html

http://pet-nutrition.suite101.com/article.cfm/salmonella_pet_food_recall_expanded

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/15/AR2008051502363.html

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1/117/24691.html

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/dog-food-recalled-for-possible-salmonella-problem

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/articles/2008/05/15/salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-dry-dog-food.html?PageNr=2

One expert thinks contamination of pet food is likely to become more commonplace.

“There have been problems with pet foods before,” said Dr. Pascal James Imperato, chairman of the department of preventive medicine and community health at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in New York City. (http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/articles/2008/05/15/salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-dry-dog-food.html?PageNr=1)

“If the food had any animal product in it, there could have been contamination, or if it was being processed in a plant where they were also processing animal product, then contamination can easily occur,” he said. “There is greater industrialization of the production of food products, both for humans and animals, and these are complex processing systems. Therefore, there is greater opportunity for contamination,” Imperato said. “We are likely to see many more of these problems.”

Secondly, a large percentage of all dogs carry salmonella, regardless of diet. This has been known for some time:
http://fsrio.nal.usda.gov/document_fsheet.php?product_id=223

Animal-to-Human — Salmonella can be acquired directly from pets (e.g. cats and dogs), reptiles, and birds. The feces of pets, especially those with diarrhea, contain Salmonella and humans can become infected if they do not wash their hands after contact with pets or pet feces.
http://fsrio.nal.usda.gov/document_fsheet.php?product_id=223#15

The pets may suffer Salmonellosis as a reverse zoonosis, with infection transmitted from human-to-pet and subsequently back to other humans. Salmonella can also be found in healthy dogs and cats at rates of up to 36 percent and 18 percent, respectively.
http://fsrio.nal.usda.gov/document_fsheet.php?product_id=223#52

http://www.bravorawdiet.com/recallinfo.html#merck

Here’s what the Merck Veterinary Manual says about Salmonella in pets:
“Many dogs and cats are asymptomatic carriers of Salmonellae. Clinical disease is uncommon, but when it is seen, it is often associated with hospitalization, another infection or debilitating condition in adults, or exposure to large numbers of the bacteria in puppies and kittens.” 2

To translate: Many dogs and cats carry Salmonella in their systems (as evidenced by the presence of Salmonella in their feces), but they rarely become ill. It is just a natural part of what lives in their GI systems.

When illness does occur it is usually associated with an already ill animal who is already immune-compromised. Illness may also occur when young animals are exposed to very high numbers of the bacteria. This might happen if a puppy finds and licks the inside of an outdoor garbage can that has never been washed and is teeming with bacteria.

Research indicates that approximately 36 percent of healthy dogs and 17 percent of healthy cats carry Salmonella in their digestive tract.3 The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) agrees with these numbers.4

It is interesting to note that these numbers are based on kibble-fed dogs — which means that Salmonella is a natural part of life for our pets regardless of what they are eating.

The resistance to illness in dogs from Salmonella is apparent in a study of raw-fed dogs in Canada. In that study 16 dogs were deliberately fed commercial raw diets contaminated with Salmonella. None of those 16 dogs became ill. Additionally, only 7 of those 16 dogs shed Salmonella in their feces.5 While it was not further studied, one might speculate that the 9 dogs who ate Salmonella-contaminated food but did not shed it in their feces effectively neutralized the bacteria.

Even the FDA, in the FDA Consumer magazine, acknowledges that healthy pets rarely become ill from Salmonella contamination.6

2. http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfle=htm/bc/20900.htm
3. Hand, M.S., Thatcher, C.D., Remillard, R.L., and Roudebush, P. (2000)
Small Animal Clinical Nutrition. Mark Morris Institute. Pg. 36-42,188.
4. http://www.avma.org/reference/zoonosis/znsalmonellosis.asp
5. Finley, R., et al. (2007) The Risk of Salmonellae Shedding by Dogs
Fed
Salmonella-contaminated Commercial Raw Food Diets. Can Vet J. Vol 48
#1. Pg.
69-75.
6. http://www.fda.gov/FDAC/departs/2000/500_upd.html#pigs

It is also interesting to note that humans can transmit salmonella to dogs:
http://www.vetmed.wisc.edu/pbs/zoonoses/GIk9fel/salmonella.html

Dogs and cats may suffer salmonellosis as a “reverse zoonosis,” with infection transmitted from human-to-dog and subsequently back to other humans. Similarly, outbreaks of Salmonella infections in large animal teaching hospitals have been linked to the introduction of bacteria from infected human personnel, with subsequent spread to animals and then back to other human workers.

In one of the studies quoted on your website as part of your proof, in the first article, only ten dogs were used to test for salmonella. The authors themselves state:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC339295/

Although these results are suggestive, they are not statistically significant owing to the small number of dogs studied. Larger numbers of dogs or multiple stool samples from each dog might have allowed the results to reach statistical significance. Unfortunately, the limited funding to this private clinic for this study did not allow for the inclusion of more study animals or multiple cultures from individual subjects.

And, in another study:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1716752/

Since this study was an experimental trial with laboratory beagles, results may not be completely indicative of what would be experienced with owned dogs of various breeds. Determining that the raw food diet was the main source of salmonellae shedding in owned dogs would be more complicated, as they could be exposed to several other possible sources of salmonellae, including other animals; other food items, including treats; the environment; and their owners.

www.asph.org/vetmed/ppt/lefebvre.ppt

And information from your friends in Canada again. This is slide show that has been prepared to show the dangers of raw fed foods for therapy dogs. It was a great job of skewing the results. They show the high incidence of bacteria found in 40 raw fed dogs stools, but somehow tend to downplay the amounts found in dogs fed a dry diet. This study shows:

Raw fed dogs (40)
Dry food fed dogs (156)

0 – for Vanomycin resistant enterococci
1 – forVanomycin resistant enterococci

1 for Methicillin resistant S Aureus
8 – for Methicillin resistant S Aureus

5 for Clostridium difficile
40 for Clostridium difficile

19 for Salmonella
12 for salmonella

31 for E Coli
32 for E Coli

While this study may show more Salmonella and E Coli in raw fed dogs, it shows higher results for the bacteria Clostridium, Methicillin resistant S Aureus and has Vanomycin resistant enterococci. And the amount of Salmonella and E Coli, while not as high as raw fed dogs, is significant.

My conclusion is that, in your hurry to label the raw diet as the culprit, and eliminate its use from your volunteers in your program, you are only putting the spotlight on the issue that all dogs can carry pathogens regardless of diet . This could cause all dogs to be banned from use in any health facility. In essence, I see your new rule as ’shooting yourself in the foot’. I feel in your confidence and your bias of proving a raw diet could spread pathogens, you forgot to do a full research on the issue. Salmonella is everywhere, including dry dog food, the soil, pond water and even from humans. Understand you are looking at narrow parameters that need a more careful and extensive study on how pathogens are spread and how to use sensible and effective prevention.

I don’t see a problem with allowing dogs into nursing homes, hospitals or hospices, as long as good hygiene is applied. That would include bathing the dogs, insuring therapy dogs are flea and tick free, making sure the dogs are properly exercised (ie pottied) before a visit, and carrying sterilization equipment (bleach, bags and paper towels) in case of an accident. All research points out pathogens are spread by stool or saliva.

That would mean not allowing the dogs to lick the clients, making sure the coats and skin are recently bathed and trusting your volunteers. Your volunteers are the backbone of your organization, and they do this loving volunteer work without compensation and give the Delta group thousands of volunteer hours. I hope you take this email in the light it was written, in that sometimes, we need to look at any situation with more study and thought, and understand the healing, joy and encouragement dogs give so many people. Being a patient with serious illness and being away from home often stifles recovery. Pets, as you know, bring hope, happiness and support to begin the process of healing.

I hope you rethink your position on this matter, and continue to allow your therapy dog work to bring joy to both your clients and your volunteers. My interest in researching this and writing to you is in memory to my Ch Blackwood Dante V Lyvngwerth CD and Ch Bourbon’s Bravo of Blackwood, two Rottweilers I owned who were the recipients of the American Rottweiler Club TRUE award, for their many hours of therapy work. And yes, they both were fed a raw diet. They both worked in the intensive care units of hospitals in Tyler, Texas, for many years.

Lew Olson PhD Natural Health
http://www.b-naturals.com
Author of Raw and Natural Diets for Dogs

Please help a Rottweiler, give to the Rottweiler Rescue Foundation

National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC):
1-900-680-0000 ($20 for 5 min. & $2.95/min. thereafter) or 1-800-549-2423 ($30/case – credit card only)

Chicago Veterinary Emergency Centers
and 24 hour Facilities:

Animal Emergency and Treatment Center of Chicago
3927 W. Belmont
Chicago, IL 60618
773-516-5800
Open 24 Hours

Chicago Veterinary Emergency Services
3123 N. Clybourn
Chicago, IL 60618
773-281-7110
Open 24 Hours

Veterinary Specialty Center
1515 Busch Parkway
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
847-459-7535
Open 24 Hours

Animal 911
3735 Dempster
Skokie, IL 60076
847-673-9110
Open 24 Hours (exotic pets welcome)

Midwest Animal Emergency Hospital
7510 W. North Ave.
Elmwood Park, IL 60707
708-453-4755
Emergency services open overnights and weekends (exotic pets welcome)

Animal Emergency and Treatment Center
1810 E. Belvidere Rd.
Grayslake, IL 60030
847-548-5300
Open 24 Hours

Arboretum View Animal Hospital
2551 Warrenville Rd.
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Emergency services open 24 hours

Animal Emergency and Referral Center
1810 Skokie Blvd.
Northbrook, IL 60062
Open 24 Hours

VCA Berwyn Animal Hospital
2845 S. Harlem
Berwyn, IL 60402
Emergency services open overnights and weekends
630-963-0424
Open 24 Hours

Emergency Tips:

Q: How do I know if there’s an emergency with my pet? I recently spent about four hours in an emergency room with my labradoodle, “Hudson”, who had eaten half a box of milk chocolate.  They made him vomit it up although it wasn’t a toxic dose, because it might make him a little sick.  Then they sent us home with some Pepcid and bland food.  I felt a little foolish, though, because there were animals there in worse condition.  How do I decide what problems merit a visit to the ER and when to wait it out?

First, don’t feel foolish.  It’s never foolish to see a vet if you’re concerned about your pet.  Sometimes you can get helpful information over the phone if you call first.  Unfortunately, there are many problems that can’t be assessed over the phone and a visit to the Emergency Room (ER) is unavoidable.   Emergencies depend on both the animal’s condition and the owner’s ability to deal with the problem.  Although a bleeding tail tip may not be life threatening, if an owner can’t stop the bleeding and needs help, it becomes an emergency.

Keep the phone numbers for your vet, the closest animal emergency center and the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) in a place that’s easy to find (see below for a short list).  Also, take a drive by the ER during daylight hours, to be sure you can find it in an emergency when you may be panicked and not thinking clearly.

Problems that often mean a visit to the ER:

Bloat (stomach overfilling with air/gas and possibly twisting)

Signs: Dogs may act very uncomfortable, pacing, hypersalivating (drooling), trying to vomit/retching, or be very nauseated. Dog’s abdomens may appear distended, gums may be pale and they may collapse.

Action: Go to the ER as soon as possible. This is a real emergency where time counts.  There are some mild cases where you can get the dog to burp by getting them to stand on their rear legs (like dancing with them) and it can bring up the gas and they can recover for a while, but don’t waste time doing this if it doesn’t work right away, because this condition can become life threatening very quickly.

Male cats straining to urinate (some kind of obstruction/stone/crystals/swelling/infection in the urinary tract blocking flow of urine)

Signs: Frequent visits to the litter box with no urine production, pacing and crying (sometimes near the litterbox), small amounts of urine (sometimes bloody) in inappropriate places.  They can lose their appetite and even vomit, and become listless.

Action: Go to the ER. This is another real emergency where time counts.

Trouble breathing (can be caused by a number of illnesses)

Signs: Increased respiratory rate, increased abdominal effort to breathe (belly moving dramatically with each breath), increased respiratory noise, shallow breathing, gums pale (or any shade of blue rather than pink), breathing signs may be combined with an inability to lie down or lying down in a prone (sphinx-like) position.

Action: This is always considered an emergency.  Go to the ER

Bleeding

Signs: Any kind of bleeding may be an emergency or it could just be a temporary response to trauma – like in humans.  It is useful to pay attention to how much and how fast the blood is coming.  Ears, tongues and tails bleed and bleed (often justifying an ER visit).  Sometimes blood in the urine looks like a lot, but it’s really just diluted in the urine.  It needs to be treated, but may not be an emergency (ask a vet).  Also, although it’s not pleasant and can be a severe problem, many dogs have diarrhea with blood and it is only temporary.

Action: Use common sense. Cuts will bleed, but usually can be stopped with pressure or a bandage where possible. Try to elevate the bleeding body part above the heart and apply pressure to the bleeding area for several minutes.  Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop is an emergency.  Bleeding toenails stop bleeding when you apply a quick-stop powder, styptic pencil, bar-soap shavings, cornstarch, or tea leaves (from a used tea bag) with firm pressure to the bleeding nail.  It should stop after a minute or two.

Action: This one is a judgment call. You might ignore a mild cut and go back to sleep or race to the ER in your pajamas if blood is gushing…

Trauma from being hit by a car
Go to the ER. Even if animals appear fine after being hit by a car, it is best to have them checked at a vet as soon as possible.  Internal injuries (bruising to the heart muscle, contusions on the lungs, small hairline fractures, etc) can be missed by the untrained eye.

Prolonged vomiting (for more than a day)

Animals that cannot keep food or water down at all for more than a day will probably need a visit to the ER.  There is a difference between regurgitation and vomiting.  Regurgitation is usually shortly after eating and the food has not been altered much by digestion.  Some dogs or cats eat too quickly and regurgitate. Then they may try to re-eat that regurgitated food (gross, but not a big deal if they eat more slowly and keep it down).

It is good to note what is being vomited up. Is it early morning vomiting on an empty stomach, yellowish (bile) fluid?  This is likely to be less of an emergency and more a chronic diet/acidity issue.  Is it a few pieces of fabric or a toy or plastic pieces and you’re concerned there might be more still in them? This is more of an emergency.

Sometimes dogs just use the dog motto (“I think I’ll eat this and if it isn’t good for me I’ll vomit it up”) and they are then done. This is not an emergency, unless it’s a toxin (see below).

Note: don’t keep giving food to a vomiting animal.  If they are vomiting water also, withhold that too and call a vet or your ER.

Allergic reactions (often to insect bites or contact allergens, sometimes reactions from vaccines or other injections)

Signs: Swelling of the face or other parts of the body, rashes, painful areas of skin, itchiness, discomfort, shaking head/ears, pacing, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy

Action: It is always useful to keep Benedryl in the house for occasions like these.  A dog’s dose in milligrams is the same as its weight in pounds.  For example a 25 lb dog can take 25mg tablet of Benedryl up to every 8 hours to help with an allergic reaction (a 50 lb dog takes 50 mg or two tablets, and so on).  Give it right away.  A dose of Benedryl is usually safe for nearly all dogs, and it can really make a difference.  It can also cause sleepiness, and increases thirst.  Note: For smaller pets, keep a bottle of the children’s Benedryl around and dosing is easier (1 tsp is 12.5 mg of Benedryl).

Lethargic puppies/kittens
Go to the ER.  Often they are hypoglycemic, but need care. You can start by putting honey or syrup on the gums and get to the vet.  Make sure they are not cold – warm them up with a blanket or hot water bottle (not heating pad or anything from the microwave – they can get too hot).

Heat stroke
Heat stroke can occur if the animal is exposed to high temperatures (over 100 degrees without water or shade, or even less, depending on their health and age).  Ambient temperature can be as low as 70 degrees but the temperature in a car even with windows open can climb to over 100 very quickly (minutes!).  Be careful leaving animals in cars!

Signs: Animals can show heat stroke in many ways: panting, restlessness, vomiting, excessive salivation (thick ropey saliva), stumbling gait, seizures, collapse.

Action: If you can take a rectal temperature and it’s over 104 just due to heat stress, go to the ER.  You can cool them by using cool-ish (not ice cold) water all over, especially in groin area, on the feet and head and get to vet.  DON’T USE ALCOHOL. It can be absorbed and be toxic to the animal (old remedy, not recommended).  A veterinarian may need to give IV fluids and other treatments to stabilize the pet.  This can be life threatening very quickly – especially for cats.

Choking animals (known or unknown obstruction or foreign body obstructing airway)

Signs: depending on the cause and severity of the obstruction they may suddenly collapse from no oxygen. Or they may be partially obstructed and paw at their face/mouth, try to vomit, lie down in odd positions, run around with their neck stretched out, salivate excessively.

Action: This can be a real emergency, so trying to clear the airway may be tried before going to the ER.  Getting a clear airway is an emergency where seconds, not minutes, count.  If an animal has an object stuck in its mouth/throat, you can try to remove it if visible, but avoid getting bitten (put something in the mouth to hold it open for you, a cloth, roll of thick tape, etc). The Heimlich maneuver can be used also applying quick pressure just under the ribs.  Use a two-handed fist (one hand covering the other) and aim up and in towards the head. You can try this several times. Sometimes the obstruction is dislodged, but the dog won’t start breathing unless artificial respiration or CPR is performed. This type of action is beyond the scope of this article, but animal CPR courses are available.

Electrical cord shock  (Usually from chewing on electric cords)

Signs: Electric shock can cause anything from no injury, to a mild oral trauma at the base of the teeth, to severe life-threatening injuries (fluid in lungs from the shock can be a severe problem, etc). Signs can be difficult to assess without help of an exam and a radiograph. They can include, hypersalivation, panting, trouble breathing, dizziness, walking oddly, visible burns/lesions in the mouth, and a chewed electrical cord…

Action: If there was an electrical shock, you need a veterinarian to assess the damage, and possibly pain issues, with an exam and possibly a radiograph.  Go to your vet or an ER.

Lameness  (Not using a leg properly)

Signs: These can vary, as will the Actions: A lame animal that can bear some weight on the leg and is otherwise acting normally does not usually need a visit to the ER and may wait for a regular vet appointment.  But when an animal is not using a leg (or legs) at all, suddenly can’t get up on its own power, or if there is bleeding or any significant swelling or pain in a limb, it can be time to get to the ER.

Eye problems

Signs: Tearing, moderate discharge, the whites of the eye looking more red are all signs of moderate eye issues that usually can wait for a regular vet visit.  Any eye problem that involves any squinting/shying away from light, significant eye swelling or bleeding from the eye, or animals showing significant pain are an emergency.

Action: go to the ER if there are any of the latter signs. Otherwise, see your regular vet to check milder eye issues.

Seizures  (involuntary twitching/convulsing, sometimes accompanied by involuntary urination or defecation)

Signs: Twitching can be just local (snapping motions with just the muzzle or jaw) or it can involve the whole body – paddling and shaking etc.  The animal usually is not in pain during a seizure and is most likely not aware of the seizure. If the episode lasts more than one or two minutes or returns immediately, or they come in clusters, it is an emergency.  First-time seizures are in the emergency category because the cause may be determined to be something treatable if caught early enough (toxin, illness, etc).

Action: Generally, it is best to see a vet or go to the ER immediately if your animal has a seizure for the first time and it’s undiagnosed.  Don’t worry about them “swallowing their tongue” – you’ll only get bitten and they won’t swallow their tongue anyway.  Just try to keep them from falling or injuring themselves, and keep them cool – prolonged seizures can dramatically increase body temperatures.  Also go to a vet if the seizures are prolonged or are in clusters, or the animal’s temperature starts to rise due to the seizure. It is possible to try gentle eye pressure to help decrease the heart rate and calm a seizure, but if there’s a lot of shaking, uncontrolled poking at the eyes can cause damage, so just get to the ER.

Anorexic Cats (not eating)

Any cat that has not eaten anything in over 24 hours should be seen by a vet.  Not eating is a life-threatening situation for a cat, especially an overweight cat.   You can try offering foods that are warm, that have extra warm water added, or that have a new flavor to tempt them.

High fevers (normal temp in dogs and cats are about 101-102.5 degrees)

Anything above 103.5 should be assessed. Over 104 should go to ER for sure.

Dog/animal bites

Better to treat any punctures right away with antibiotics (go to ER) and significant lacerations may need suturing and antibiotics.  Often these animals need pain medication as well.

Ingesting Toxins

Chocolate Dark and baking chocolate are the worst (see below)

How much chocolate is really toxic?

• One ounce per lb of body weight for milk chocolate is a toxic dose.
• One ounce per three lbs of body weight for semi-sweet chocolate is a toxic dose.
• 1 ounce per nine lbs of body weight for baker’s chocolate is a toxic dose.
• lily plants (very toxic to cats),
• toads (eating or licking toads or frogs can be toxic)
• onions, raisins, grapes, alcohol, wild mushrooms (esp. Amanita sp.),
• antifreeze (one tsp can be toxic to a seven lb dog or cat)
• rodenticides, insecticides
• some cleaning agents

Unfortunately there are many other toxins that we can’t list here, so if your pet ingests anything unusual, it’s best to call a vet or the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) for information.

Action: Call your veterinarian or the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) immediately (see below). Give them the type of animal you have, its weight and as much information about what the pet has ingested as possible:  the label, when it was eaten, exactly how much, etc.
Don’t induce vomiting without consulting a veterinarian first.  Sometimes toxins or other substances do more damage on the way back up than they do on the way down.  When advised to induce vomiting, you can do so by giving fresh hydrogen peroxide orally—about one ml per pound of dog—which is about
1/8 cup for a 30 lb dog, and 1/4 cup for a 60 lb dog, etc.

‘Tis the Season…
During the holidays, pets are exposed to many toxic or dangerous seasonal items.  Even one or two mistletoe berries can be extremely toxic for a pet.  On the other hand, poinsettias are only irritating to the mouth and are not as toxic as people believe.  Decorations, electrical cords, tree ornaments, tinsel are all possible dangers to pets. Holiday candy should be kept away from pets:  chocolates, and even sugar-free candies with Xylitol are toxic.  Don’t leave wrapped gifts that are food/candy under the tree where animals can get to them.   Animals may try to drink the water for a Christmas tree, so don’t put in chemicals.    Not to mention the increase in rich, tempting foods that can cause serious illness for pets eating leftovers.  Think twice before giving something totally new and rich to your pet.  Your holidays will be much happier without a trip to the ER.

The final bit of advice; if you’re not sure, CALL the ER!  Usually they can help you decide the best course.

PET FIRST AID KIT
Here is a list of things that come in handy when you’re dealing with a pet problem or getting veterinary advice over the phone.

• Digital thermometer
• Quick-stop powder for nails
• Vet wrap or Ace bandages
• Tweezers
• Ice packs or frozen baby peas
• Artificial tears
• Triple antibiotic ointment and Cortisone cream
• Benedryl liquid (small pets) or tablets (over 25 lbs)
• Hydrogen peroxide (fresh bottle every 6-12 months)
• Pedialyte
• Cotton balls
• Animal ear cleaner
• Pet shampoo (not human)
• Exam gloves
• Feeding syringe
• Muzzle if needed
• Carrier if appropriate

Equally important when dealing with gastrointestinal problems:

• White rice (not minute rice)
• Unsweetened canned pumpkin (about one tblsp per 30 lb pet)
• A few jars of Stage II meat baby food (chicken, lamb, etc., no onion powder) are useful bland foods for GI problems and a great way to give oral medications.

Events for humans and dogs include:
• Massages
• Doga (Dog and Human Yoga)
• Palm and Paw Readings

Events just for dogs:
• Swimming

Humans will enjoy wine, cheese and chocolate!

Dogs will indulge in healthy treats!

$50 per person, including one dog, or $60 at the door.
Reservations strongly suggested. Call 773.404.6467 for details and tickets!

Visit the Canine Therapy Corps site for more information.

I have been meaning to write you guys for a  month or two now, and thank you. But I am out of town often for work, and dealing with family issues, you know, life gets busy!

The good news is that my Gustav has been off ALL drugs for four months now! Just like Dr. Royal predicted!

Every other vet thought he would be on steroids (and other drugs) the rest of his life. He has been eating Stella and Chewy’s raw food since we last saw you. He gets fish oil, and the pro-biotic you recommended twice a day. He now weighs 88lbs, and is just as happy and silly as ever.

Because I was at the end of my rope when I brought him to you. I couldn’t keep any weight on him, and was beside myself after trying numerous drug/commercial dog food combos. I had little hope, then Dr. Royal told me that after a year or so of good nutrition, sometimes the body can heal itself.
I wanted to believe so badly, because nothing was keeping him from having a monthly “blow out”. Digestively speaking. I had resorted to cooking for him, and although I didn’t mind, I was worried about meeting his nutritional needs.

Well, I stuck with the plan, and although my local vet (I love you Dr. Sherman) wasn’t so sure about weaning him off the steroid (she is great, just saw me go through trauma), at this point I can say we are drug free! I want to thank you again, for giving me hope, and also want to send a ringing endorsement for Stella and Chewy’s food.

It was time to try a different strategy. This time Emma saw Dr Royal and the staff at the clinic as a patient. Both of us were impressed and and soothed by the treatment. Emma spent a lot of time with Dr Royal and got a new lease on dog life. Eating natural carnivore food was tasty, plentiful, and made a tremendous difference. In 6months no more ear issues. Emma is now weighing in at 170lbs. With the additional help of acupuncture and acupressure massage, the paw pain is gone so running and exercise is fun again. Oh yes, the hydrotherapy was something in which Emma opted not to participate. I think it was something about the bathing suit.. Anyway there were enough treatment options to make the experience really successful.

You can see a clip from the show here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/29/oprah-celebrates-56th-bir_n_442599.html

Dr. Royal is honored to be a board member of the no-kill shelter, PAWS Chicago, as well as proud to be Oprah Winfrey’s Chicago-based veterinarian.

Spread Holiday cheer throughout the neighborhood with PAWS Chicago and friends!
Dress warm as we will be caroling with some of our favorite homeless friends. All are welcome to come. Children must be accompanied by adults. After we’ll have stories and refreshments by the fireplace. If you have any questions, please call (773) 935-PAWS (7297).

Time and Date
Sunday, December 13th 3:00 p.m.

Location
PAWS Chicago Adoption Center
1997 N Clybourn, Chicago

Please RSVP to ksiron@pawschicago.org

PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving) was founded in 1997 and is Chicago’s largest no-kill humane organization, as well as the largest no-kill animal shelter in the Midwest. They run an Adoption Center and also operate the Lurie Family Spay/Neuter Clinic. This clinic offers low-cost or free spay/neuter surgery to needy pet owners.

In addition, PAWS Chicago sponsors many events. Throughout the year, you will find Angels with Tails adoption events in area malls. Other fund-raising events include Poochapalooza, Beach Party, All Paws on Deck!, Run for Their Lives 8K Run/4K Walk, and the Fur Ball.

For more information, visit pawschicago.org