PARALLELS IN AGING IN PETS AND PEOPLE

The Good, the Bad, and the Furry

Join us for a FREE talk at the Mahopac Public Library

March 13, 2010

10-11am

Dr. Julie Fixman, DVM,DABVP will discuss the similarities between pets and people in how they age, their disease conditions, and how they are treated.  Learn about treatment options for pets that are not available to people.

Registration is requested.  Register online at www.mahopaclibrary.org,

or call 845-628-2009, ext. 100

H1N1  Press Release

From the American Veterinary Medical Association

Alert: 2009 H1N1 influenza-infected dog in New York

December 22, 2009 –  

On December 21, IDEXX Laboratories confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in a dog in Bedford Hills, New York. A 13-year old dog became ill after its owner was ill with confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza. The dog was lethargic, coughing, not eating, and had a fever. Radiographs (x-rays) showed evidence of pneumonia. The dog was treated with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, nebulization and other supportive care, and was discharged from the hospital after 48 hours of care. It is currently recovering. Tests submitted to IDEXX Laboratories were negative for canine influenza (H3N8) but positive for 2009 H1N1 influenza. The results were confirmed by the Iowa State Laboratory. 

We are updating our 2009 H1N1 resources as we get information. These resources can be accessed at http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/default.asp.

At this time, the messages to pet owners remain largely the same. 

• This is not cause for panic, but underscores the importance of taking pets to a veterinarian if they are showing signs of illness. This is especially important if someone in the household has recently been ill with flu-like symptoms.  
• Pet owners should remain vigilant. 
• To date, animals infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus have shown the following clinical signs: lethargy, inappetance/anorexia, coughing and difficulty breathing. Some of the animals have developed pneumonia. Any animals showing these signs of disease should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.  
• Proper hygiene and sanitation measures should be followed to limit the spread of the influenza virus. 
• There is no evidence to suggest that pets have or will spread the virus to humans or other animals. To date, all of the sick pets became ill after a person in the household was ill with flu-like symptoms.
• Proper hygiene and sanitation measures should be followed to limit the spread of the influenza virus.
• Turkey and pork are still safe to eat. Nonetheless, proper food hygiene and preparation are very important when it comes to protecting your family from any foodborne illness.

AMERICAN BOARD OF VETERINARY PRACTITIONERS CERTIFIES

DIPLOMATE IN CANINE AND FELINE PRACTICE

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Julie Fixman has been certified as a Diplomate by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) specializing in Canine and Feline Practice.

Dr. Fixman mastered a rigorous and demanding application process and certification examination in order to obtain Diplomate status.  To qualify to sit for the extensive, two-day examination, a veterinarian must complete either a residency program or six years of clinical veterinary practice.  In addition, two case reports, references, descriptions of practice procedures, and professional education records must be submitted and pass review. 

The American Board of Veterinary Practitioners was established in 1978 and is accredited by a special committee of the American Veterinary Medical Association to recognize excellence in clinical practice through the certification of species-oriented specialists.  Over 800 veterinarians worldwide (50 veterinarians in New York State) are certified in one of ABVP’s eight practice categories: Canine and Feline, Food Animal, Equine, Dairy, Swine Health Management, Feline, Avian, and Beef Cattle. 

For more information on ABVP visit www.abvp.com.