Lessons Learned as Youth Helped Dr. Vasquez Win Prestigious Award
Dr. Vasquez and his beautiful family
By Jim Bell for SCVMA PULSE magazine 4.2023
Dr. Ronaldo (Joey) Vasquez, winner of the 2023 Cortese Lippincott Award, got lessons from his parents at an early age that would help him meet requirements for the honor.
“My parents taught me that I should give back, that we need to share,” he said in an interview. “Even if you don’t have a lot, it means a lot to people if you share. From, a young age, my parents told me that: to share, to help out.
“I remember my dad telling me, ‘Joey, if you see anyone hungry at school and they don’t have lunch, you share your lunch or buy them lunch,’” he added.
“We didn’t have a laundry machine in the house so my father and I would go to a local laundromat. And we would always see these two elderly ladies and they never had enough coins or detergent to finish their laundry. My dad always would give them quarters or share our detergent.”
The Cortese Lippincott Award is presented annually to someone who has gone “above and beyond” to make the world a better place for humans and animals, who excels in community service and education in the veterinary community and who supports the human-animal bond.
“It’s an honor to be in the same league with other winners like Jennifer Hawkins and Peter Weinstein, Dr. Vasquez said. “We got a phone call at the practice and my staff learned that I was going to get the award and they were yelling and shouting. It was one of those moments where you have to pinch yourself. Was it really happening? So I’m on cloud nine. I am just so honored to receive this award. I still think it’s unreal.”
“Veterinarians are in a unique position. Not only are they able to help pets but they also are able to positively impact humans as well. I love volunteering, giving back because it makes you feel good.”
Dr. Vasquez’ father was the late Dr. Rolando P. Vasquez, who founded North Figueroa Animal Hospital in Highland Park in 1981. His son grew up in the practice and took over as owner eight years ago when his father died.
The younger Dr. Vasquez was born in the Philippines. Shortly after his birth, his father, a practicing veterinarian, and his mother, Lucy, a veterinary technician, left him with his grandparents and immigrated to the United States.
Neither of his parents could step quickly into veterinary work in America because of licensing requirements. “They worked at various odd jobs,” Dr. Vasquez said, his mother joining the Army and working as a respiratory therapist. They sent money to the Philippines, however, to support family members. When Joey was four in 1976, there was enough money for him and his grandparents to come to California.
Young Joey had no memory of his mother and father. “When I saw them for the first time, I didn’t know they were my parents,” he said. “I was crying. I wanted to go back home.” He also met his first sibling that day, a baby girl named Patricia.
“When we opened the practice, I worked there from day one,” Dr. Vasquez recalled. “I cleaned cages, helped out with surgeries, did a lot of bathing and grooming. I did everything. I swept the parking lots, walked the dogs – I was pretty much born there.” He agrees that was part of a pretty good education for his current job of running the practice.
One problem: his dad didn’t want him to become a veterinarian. “Be like your uncle [a dentist],” he told Joey. “He works three hours a day and plays tennis the rest of the time. He makes lots of money. Veterinarians work 15 hours a day and it’s a tough job.”
After high school, Joey went to USC. “When I finished my undergrad, I really wanted to be a veterinarian. So I secretly applied to vet school. I also applied to dental school. Then I told my dad that I needed to follow my dreams and passion. And I have no regrets. This field has brought me so much happiness and it is so rewarding.”
Joey attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine at St. Kitts in the Caribbean, although he spent his last clinical year at the Kansas State University veterinary school.
And, yes, he now has some very long work days . But he loves every minute of it. For 10 years after he got his veterinary license in 2001, he worked full time at his father’s practice, then worked nights at an emergency hospital to widen his experience.
Despite some long hours, “working is just so enjoyable,” he said. “Putting a smile on the faces of clients is very rewarding. Sometimes all they have is their pets. And they can be so appreciative for what you have done for them.”
Dr. Vasquez said that his greatest accomplishment in life has been marrying his wife Jennifer and becoming the father of his 15-year-old son Tyler and nine-year-old daughter Kaylie. He said that he is working with his children the way his parents worked with him: encouraging them to give back and to volunteer.
“Sometimes my son goes with me to Downtown Dog Rescue and he will help out there. At Thanksgiving the whole family goes to help feed the homeless. I try to lead by example. I try to make a difference.”
Jennifer, who has an accounting background, works as office manager in the North Figueroa Hospital. She has worked there since her husband returned to the practice with his DVM degree. “I couldn’t do all I do without her,” Dr. Vasquez said.
Heartworm Incidence Map
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MAP at the American Heartworm Society
Catalyzing the field of canine comparative oncology, benefiting researchers far and wide
The Comparative Oncology Program at the National Institutes of Health is celebrating its 20th anniversary of advancing the study of cancer in dogs to help canine and human patients. AVMA News spoke with the founding and current directors of the program and two other veterinarians in the field of canine comparative oncology about their work and the importance of the program. This is the third article in a three-part series.
By Katie Burns
March 20, 2023
The Comparative Oncology Program at the National Institutes of Health has transformed canine comparative oncology since the program’s founding 20 years ago, according to Dr. Deborah W. Knapp at Purdue University and Dr. Steven Dow at Colorado State University, two of many veterinarians working in the field.
Helping pets and people
Dr. Knapp directs the Werling Comparative Oncology Research Center at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and serves on the steering committee for the NIH-funded Integrated Canine Data Commons. Purdue’s program in canine comparative oncology was formed back in 1979 and has participated in the Comparative Oncology Program at the NIH since the start.
Dr. Knapp began her career working in a small animal practice, where she observed anti-cancer effects in dogs on piroxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. She studied the topic during her residency in veterinary oncology at Purdue. She later joined the Purdue veterinary faculty, and her research has focused on bladder cancer in dogs—which responds strongly to piroxicam.
Furthermore, bladder cancer in dogs is similar to muscle-invasive bladder cancer in humans. Now piroxicam is widely used in canine oncology, and there have been studies in human medicine of drugs in that class.
“I love the opportunity to help people with their pets when I know how incredibly important that is, and you form those bonds with the owners, and you’re helping their animals,” Dr. Knapp said. “And then at the same time, you’re generating information that can help human cancer patients. And for me, that’s a very special opportunity to have.”
Dr. Knapp said the Comparative Oncology Program at the NIH catalyzed the whole field—giving legitimacy to it, bringing in funding, and coordinating efforts.
Recently, Dr. Knapp and her team finished a study on early detection of bladder cancer in Scottish Terriers, with the results published by Frontiers in Oncology in November 2022. She said, “By the time we see animals with cancer, which is very similar to when physicians see people with cancer, the cancer can be pretty advanced before the diagnosis is even made.”
Scottish Terriers are at high risk of bladder cancer. The team followed 120 dogs that were at least 6 years old at the start of the study, screening them every six months for three years, and found bladder cancer in 32 of the dogs before any outward evidence of cancer. Treatment with deracoxib, another NSAID, was much more effective after finding the cancer early.
Old and new
Dr. Dow, a professor of clinical sciences at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, got involved with the Comparative Oncology Program at the NIH years ago when CSU was one of the sites running immunological assays in support of several studies through the program’s Comparative Oncology Trials Consortium.
Dr. Dow’s focus is developing immunotherapies for dogs with cancer. He participated in the first round of the PRE-medical Cancer Immunotherapy Network Canine Trials. The NIH funded PRECINCT first in 2017 and again at the end of 2022. Dr. Dow’s laboratory repurposes older drugs designed for other diseases, such as medications for hypertension that have immunological properties that make them promising for cancer treatment.
A recent study out of the laboratory found that using losartan, a medication for hypertension, combined with toceranib, a cancer drug, resulted in tumor stabilization or regression in half of dogs with advanced relapsed metastatic osteosarcoma to the lungs. The results of the osteosarcoma research were published in Clinical Cancer Research in February 2022.
The laboratory also studies other drug combinations that could be used in veterinary clinics now. Dr. Dow said: “These drugs, they’ve been around for a long time. They’re generic, the cost is affordable, and they have good safety margins.”
Malignant gliomas are aggressive brain tumors that share similarities between dogs and humans. A second study from Dr. Dow’s laboratory, published in Cancer Research Communications in December 2022, found that the combination of losartan and propranolol, a beta blocker, along with a cancer vaccine induced durable tumor responses in eight of 10 dogs with gliomas.
Dr. Dow said he thinks the biggest impact of the Comparative Oncology Program over the past two decades has been to increase the visibility of dogs with cancer as a translational model for humans with cancer, benefiting researchers whether or not they work directly with the program.
The role of the program has been not only creating networks, he said, “but also stimulating these interest groups that really begin to think deeply about cancer in dogs and how it applies to similar cancers in humans.”
“Words Matter” – The Whole Dog Journal
Why the language you use makes a difference in your relationship with your dog – and perhaps even the success of your training program.
By Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
I’ve been training dogs professionally for 27 years, but I don’t use “commands” for this purpose, I use “cues.” What difference does it make? A lot!
The definition of command is “an authoritative order.” Even when we use gentle training methods, if we think “commands,” our brains connect to the authoritative definition and we are likely speak in a louder, harsher (commanding!) tone of voice. In contrast, a cue is an invitation to perform a behavior for which your dog can be reinforced with a treat, play, praise, or the opportunity to perform a behavior the dog enjoys. We are far more likely to speak softly and gently when we use “cues.”
Words to avoid
“Command” is just one of many words that we force-free trainers avoid. Here are others that interfere with the message of kindness and mutual respect we want to send to our dogs:
- “It.” This word is used to refer to non-living objects. Dogs (and other animals) are living, thinking, feeling beings. Use he, she, him, and her rather than “it” when referring to a dog. When you acknowledge the sentience of non-human animals, you’re likely to treat them better.
- “Breaking.” Breaking evokes force, and we’re not “breaking” anything, we’re “training” – so we use housetraining (not housebreaking) and say we are training desirable behaviors (not breaking bad habits).
- “Obedience.” We want a partnership with our dogs – a happy willingness to offer behaviors we ask for, not their submission to our authority. That’s why we offer good manners training or family dog training rather than “obedience classes.”
- “Make.” We don’t “make” our dogs do things. “Make” suggests force and coercion. Instead, we ask our dogs for certain behaviors, invite them, help them, and encourage them.
- “Bad.” Dogs aren’t bad and they don’t do bad things – though occasionally they may do something inappropriate. When we think of them as bad, we give ourselves tacit permission to punish them. But when we frame their behavior as “inappropriate,” we’re more likely to think in terms of management and teaching appropriate behaviors rather than punishment.
- More pejoratives. I cringe when someone refers to a dog as stupid, stubborn, disobedient, or any other negative adjectives, placing the blame for any unwanted behavior directly on the dog’s shoulders. When a dog doesn’t do what you ask, it’s because she can’t for some reason: she doesn’t understand, she’s too stressed, was distracted, didn’t hear you, is in pain or otherwise physically unable, you haven’t made the consequence of the behavior reinforcing enough, or you haven’t generalized it well (you haven’t trained her!). Figure out why she can’t do it and then help her succeed.
Respectful language
Think carefully about the words you and/or your instructor use to discuss training and your dog. Philosopher and cognitive scientist Daniel Dennett suggests that language lays down the tracks upon which thoughts can travel. Your words connect to your thoughts and influence your behavior. If your words align with your philosophy of creating a kind and nurturing relationship with your dog based on mutual trust and respect, you’re likely to behave accordingly – and you and your dog will be well on your way to achieving that pinnacle.
WDJ’s Training Editor Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, grew up in a family that was blessed with lots of animal companions: dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, goats, and more, and has maintained that model ever since. She spent the first 20 years of her professional life working at the Marin Humane Society in Marin County, California, for most of that time as a humane officer and director of operations. She continually studied the art and science of dog training and behavior during that time, and in 1996, left MHS to start her own training and behavior business, Peaceable Paws. Pat has earned a number of titles from various training organizations, including Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA) and Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). She also founded Peaceable Paws Academies for teaching and credentialing dog training and behavior professionals, who can earn “Pat Miller Certified Trainer” certifications. She and her husband Paul and an ever-changing number of dogs, horses, and other animal companions live on their 80-acre farm in Fairplay, Maryland.
How Much Food to Feed a Dog
How Much Food to Feed a Dog
Feeding guidelines for dogs—including how much to feed a puppy—are little more than a ballpark reference. Here’s how to feed your dog properly.
March is Pet Poison Prevention Month
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Marijuana (Edibles, Weed, Vape Cartridges, etc.)
The amount and type of THC-containing product consumed will determine the seriousness of this event for your dog, and dictate the level of your emergency response.
By Jennifer Bailey, DVM for WHOLE DOG JOURNAL Published: January 15, 2023
Recreational marijuana has become legalized in 21 states and medical marijuana can be prescribed in 37 states. As marijuana becomes more widely available, people are looking for ways to partake of this drug without having to smoke it. This has created a market for marijuana “edibles,” also known as cannabis edibles.
Cannabis edibles are products that contain the psychoactive component of marijuana called delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). A variety of products are available as cannabis edibles, including gummies and other candies, mints, chocolates and chocolate bars, beverages, potato chips, and baked goods such as brownies and cookies. Unfortunately, many of these sweet or savory options are also attractive to our dogs. While we may have more self-control regarding how many edibles we consume at one time, dogs are more likely to ingest an entire package of any edibles they can reach because they taste delicious.
Symptoms of THC Ingestion in Dogs
Ingestion of small to moderate amounts of THC may cause the following signs in dogs: listlessness, incoordination when walking, falling over when standing, dilated pupils, slow heart rate, dribbling urine, and an exaggerated response to light, touch, and sound. Dogs who have ingested large amounts of THC may have slow breathing, low blood pressure, and may exhibit seizures or become comatose.
What to Do If Your Dog Ate a Cannabis Product
If you observe your dog ingesting cannabis edibles, take him to your veterinarian or the closest animal emergency or urgent care facility immediately. If the ingestion occurred within 30 minutes of arrival at the hospital and your dog is not showing clinical signs of THC ingestion, then the veterinary staff may induce vomiting.
If it has been more than 30 minutes since ingestion of the edible or your dog is showing signs of listlessness, then vomiting will likely not be induced. This is because THC has an anti-emetic effect; it can suppress vomiting. If your dog is already listless, causing your dog to vomit in this depressed state can lead to aspiration pneumonia. Activated charcoal may be administered to absorb THC and minimize the effect it has on your dog’s body. If the edible contains chocolate or xylitol, then additional treatments may be necessary.
What If You Are Not Sure If Your Dog Ate a Cannabis Product?
If your dog is exhibiting signs of THC ingestion, but you did not witness or find evidence of this, have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. Be honest about what you have in the home, including any products containing THC, prescription sedatives, vape cartridges (including nicotine), and illicit drugs. Children, seniors, and roommates living in the home may not always be forthcoming about what they are storing in their bedrooms, so be firm yet gentle when inquiring about the presence of these products. The veterinary staff wants only to help your dog. They are not interested in contacting authorities about anything illegal in your home.
The clinical signs of THC ingestion look similar to the signs associated with ingestion of other sedatives, nicotine, and antifreeze. There is an antidote for antifreeze ingestion and without this intervention, this toxicity is always fatal. Your veterinarian may want to complete additional testing to rule out other causes for your dog’s clinical signs so that the appropriate treatment plan is initiated.
Although there is a urine test for THC available for use in people, this test is not always accurate in dogs. Dogs metabolize THC differently than people, so there is a high rate of false negatives with this test. However, a positive test for THC is almost always compatible with THC ingestion.
If ingestion of THC is suspected and the potential source has been identified, the veterinary team may contact animal poison control for further guidance regarding treatment. There are a number of variables that can alter how THC affects your dog. These variables include how much was ingested, your dog’s weight and concurrent medical conditions, any medications or supplements your dog may be taking, how the THC was infused into the product, and if the edible contains chocolate or xylitol.
Brownies, chocolates, and chocolate bars containing THC add another dimension to your dog’s toxicity: ingestion of theobromine and caffeine. Both of these are contained in chocolate and are toxic to your dog. Just like with THC, the type of chocolate (such as dark or milk chocolate), the amount ingested and the weight of your dog dictate the danger level and recommended treatment. (See “What to Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate.”)
Gummies, mints, other THC edible candies and even baked goods may contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Even tiny doses of xylitol are toxic to dogs, so it is important to know if any edibles your dog may have consumed contain xylitol.
Treatment for Cannabis Ingestion
Most mild cases of THC ingestion can be treated successfully at home by keeping your dog in a safe, quiet room where he cannot fall down the stairs or be exposed to excessive light or sound. Moderate cases of THC ingestion may require hospitalization with intravenous fluids, monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure, and medications to support the cardiovascular system and treat neurologic signs. Ingestion of high doses of THC will require hospitalization and may necessitate the administration of intralipids. Intralipids bind to THC so that it can be excreted safely from the body.
Ingested THC is fat soluble and is readily stored in body fat. Therefore, it can take anywhere from 12 to 36 hours for your dog’s clinical signs to resolve after ingesting a cannabis edible.
If you use cannabis products, store them in a locked drawer or cabinet. Dogs are clever and some can open drawers and cabinets, but I have yet to meet one that can insert a key in a lock!
Dr. Jennifer Bailey is a 2012 graduate of the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine. She is an emergency and urgent care veterinarian at an emergency and specialty practice in Syracuse, New York.
PURINA PRO PLAN RECALL
Nestlé Purina Petcare Company Voluntarily Recalls Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets El Elemental Dry Dog Food in the U.S. Due to Potentially Elevated Vitamin D
Nestlé Purina PetCare Company is voluntarily recalling select lots of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental (PPVD EL) prescription dry dog food due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs; however, ingestion of elevated levels can lead to health issues depending on the level of vitamin D and the length of exposure. Vitamin D toxicity may include vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, and excessive drooling to renal (kidney) dysfunction.
Purina is taking this action after receiving two contacts about two separate confirmed cases of a dog exhibiting signs of vitamin D toxicity after consuming the diet, to date. Once taken off the diet, each of these dogs recovered.
The affected dry dog food was distributed throughout the United States by prescription only through veterinary clinics, Purina Vet Direct, Purina for Professionals, and other select retailers with the ability to validate a prescription.
Bags of PPVD EL with the UPC Code and Production Code below should be immediately discarded.
| Product | UPC Code | Production Code (*First 8 characters equal to) |
|---|---|---|
| Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental (PPVD EL) 8 lb and 20 lb bags | 38100 19190 – 8 lb 38100 19192 – 20 lb | 2249 1082 2250 1082 2276 1082 2277 1082 2290 1082 2360 1082 2361 1082 |
Pet owners who purchased bags of the product listed above are asked to immediately stop feeding and throw it away in a container where no other animals, including wildlife, can get to it. If signs such as weight loss, excessive drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite or increased thirst or urination have occurred in their dog while eating this diet, pet owners should contact their veterinarian.
No other Purina pet care products are affected.
Veterinary and other retail partners should remove and destroy the affected product from their inventory.
We apologize to pet owners and veterinarians for any concerns or inconvenience this situation has caused. As pet experts and pet owners ourselves, the health and well-being of pets is our top priority.
Please contact our team directly Monday – Saturday, 8am – 5pm CST at 1-800-345-5678 or via email at https://www.purina.com/contact- usExternal Link Disclaimer for questions or assistance in getting a refund.
Company Contact Information
Consumers:Purina 1-800-345-5678
Product Photos
Stratford Care USA, Inc Recalls Omega 3 Supplements Due to Elevated Levels of Vitamin A
March 13, 2023 — Stratford Care USA, Inc is recalling multiple brands of Omega-3 supplements due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin A.
Vitamin A, while essential to a healthy diet, can cause health problems and Vitamin A toxicity if too much is ingested over a long period of time.
What’s Recalled?
Stratford Care USA, Inc Omega-3 supplements for cats and dogs. The white plastic container containing 60 soft gels has a marking on the bottom stating “lot 31133 EXP 04/13/23” and “lot 30837 EXP 10/26/22”.
Stratford Care USA, Inc is solely a distributor of supplements and the product in question was produced by a contract manufacturer and sold to Stratford Care USA, Inc.
The recalled product has been private labeled under various brand names, but you can identify it by using the labels and chart listed below.
| Brand Name | Product Name | UPC (If Applicable) |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando Vets | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| All Creatures Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| All Veterinary Supply, INC | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Jungle Pet | Skin+Coat Omega-3 Soft Gels | 85000395223 |
| Animal Medical Clinic | Omega V3 Softgels | 169682510808 |
| Animal Medical Clinic Melbourne Beach | Omega V3 Softgels | |
| Animal Care Hospital | Omega-3 Fatty Acid Max Strength Soft Gels | NA |
| Animal Medical Center | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Barnes Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Brentwood Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Cherokee Trail Veterinary Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Clinton Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Clyde’s Animal Clinic | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Coastal Animal Clinic | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Columbia Hospital For Animals | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Compassion Veterinary Clinic | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Doc Ladue’s | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Dogwood Veterinary Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Doral Centre Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Eagles Landing Veterinary Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Pet Health Solutions | Omega Caps | 814087005489 |
| SPCA of North Brevard | Omega-V3 Soft Gels | |
| LaVale Veterinary Hospital | Omega-V3 Soft Gels | NA |
| Twin Maples | Omega-V3 Soft Gels | NA |
| University Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Soft Gels | NA |
| Venice Pines Veterinary Clinic | Omega-V3 Soft Gels | NA |
| Lake Dow Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Soft Gels | NA |
| MVH Mann Veterinary Hospital | Omega-V3 Soft Gels | NA |
| All Paws Animal Clinic Royal Palm Beach | Omega-V3 Soft Gels | NA |
| Bottle Tree Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Soft Gels | NA |
| Brookwood Veterinary Clinic | Omega-V3 Soft Gels | NA |
| Cleveland Park Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Soft Gels | NA |
| Crown Heights Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Eagle’s Landing Veterinary Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| LVH Veterinary | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Mt Orab Veterinary Clinic | Dr. Hayes’s Omega-V3 Soft Gels | NA |
| Oak Tree Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Patterson Veterinary Hospital – Mason | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Prospect Heights Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Smyth County Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Stateline Animal Clinic | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| The Pet Clinic of Urbana, LLC | Omega-V3 Softgel | NA |
| Valdosta Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Viking Community Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Westbrook Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| My Pet Hospital | Omega-3 Soft Gels | NA |
| North Shore Animal League America | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| NPC Northgate Pet Clinic | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Northwest Tennessee Veterinary Services | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Pawstruck.com | Omega-V3 Soft Gels | 850005963080 |
| Perry Animal Clinic | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Pleasant Plains Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Seiler Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Stratford Animal Health | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Summerfields Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| SensoVet Animal Health Wellness | Advanced Omega-3 Softgel | NA |
| University Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels\ | NA |
| Vet4Bulldog | V4B Bully Fish oil omega-3 EFA | 603981565911 |
| Waggin’ Wheel Vet Clinic | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Wellsboro Small Animal Hospital Veterinary Medical Center | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Wickham Road Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
| Wilton Manors Animal Hospital | Omega-V3 Softgels | NA |
No other Stratford USA, Inc products are impacted by this voluntary recall.
What Caused the Recall?
The recall has come after Stratford Care USA, Inc received a single Serious Adverse Event from a sole consumer whose dogs were exhibiting signs of vitamin A toxicity after consuming the product. This is the only Adverse Event to date.
Stratford Care USA, Inc is collaborating with the FDA and taking all necessary steps to remove all products with these lot numbers from the market.
What to do?
The FDA recommends that pet parents immediately stop feeding the affected product to their dogs and discard any remainder in a way that no wildlife or other animals can get to it.
It also recommends that veterinary and other retail partners should remove and discard the recalled product from their inventory.
Consumers are invited to reach out to Stratford Care USA, Inc with any questions or for refunds. You may call 877-498-2002, Monday-Friday, 9 am to 5 pm EST or via email at Adversevents@stratfordrx.com.
Customers who purchased this product directly from Stratford Care USA Inc, can receive a full refund by emailing their information to refunds@stratfordrx.com
Reporting Pet Food Problems
U.S. citizens can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.
Or go to the FDA’s “Report a Pet Food Complaint” page.
Consenting Cats Are Happier Cats
Cats must agree with how you choose to treat them.
By Marc Bekoff, Ph.D., and Steve Dale. for Phycology Today
KEY POINTS
- Allowing cats to have their say supports their need for safety, security, and trust and enhances the bonds you form with each other.
- It’s easier to get your cat to a veterinarian or get them to enjoy something else like being petted or playing when your cat agrees with you.
- Consent underlies the development and maintenance of friendly relationships within and between species, and across a wide variety of activities.
The latest buzzword in the dog training world is referred to as consent training or cooperative care. Cats may benefit from this practice even more than dogs.1
Source: Natalie Bond/Pexels
These are less productive approaches: “Just get it done.” “I’m the boss and you will do what I say when I say it.” However, the concept of consent training allows a companion animal to partake in decisions and make choices. This practice recognizes that these animals have agency, or are able to make choices about what they want to do. The dog or cat and their caretaker are partners—they both have to consent about something that is going to be done. For example, teach a cat that if you ask them to lift a paw before clipping their nails, in return they will receive a big payoff.
Getting your cat to the veterinarian
While dogs and humans benefit by feeling a sense of control, arguably this is true 10-fold in cats who are control freaks, to begin with. Think about it; being in control is synonymous with a sense of safety, which cats must have to feel secure. One reason cats like high vantage points is because they feel safe and in control of their world. And that’s one reason why cats are especially panicked at veterinary visits. They are suddenly kidnapped, forcibly removed from their safety zone, and whisked off to a place where they can sense the terror of others because of the pheromones that remain. They also are forcibly poked and prodded without their consent.
Imagine if you could merely ask a cat to simply hop into a carrier. There would be no chasing them all over the house to attempt to stuff a screaming cat into the carrier where a ladder to terror is then ascended with a car ride. By the time the exam begins, the cat may be struggling for dear life, actually thinking, “I am going to die.”
Rather than taking an unhappy, freaked-out cat to the veterinarian, carrier training can be conducted in a method consistent with consent. Here are some practical tips.
- Leave the carrier out 24/7. If the cat was previously afraid of a carrier because of the negative association made with the veterinary visit, purchase a new carrier that looks different.
- Randomly drop treats into the carrier so it becomes an automatic treat dispenser.
- Once comfortable inside the carrier, begin to feed the cat in the carrier. Most cats may now hop inside, expecting a treat for doing so. Cats do train people—and now you comply.
- Now, ask your cat to hop into the carrier on cue—and always offer high-value award for doing so.
- Ask your cat to leap into the carrier, close it, and walk to another part of the house. Once there, open the carrier and feed. Good things happen after being inside the carrier.
- Finally, teach the cat that car rides aren’t bad—before going to the vet, just drive around the block, and when returning home give them a meal. And when you do go to the veterinarian, go for a happy visit—no exam, only treats.
Of course, you can use force to get the job done, but we know there are deleterious psychological impacts, not to mention an erosion of trust.
Petting is okay as long as the cat consents
Another good example of how to use consent in cats is the issue of petting-induced over-stimulation. Some cats can be petted all day long, but others manage only a minute or two at a time before lashing out. Several reasons may help to explain why some cats barely have any petting patience. For some, it actually may begin to feel uncomfortable when touched for too long. The same goes for dogs, some of whom like to be petted or hugged, and others who don’t.
For cats who typically allow only a minute or two of petting, stop petting after around 30 seconds. Quit while you’re ahead, leaving the cat to decide, “I want more.” If so the cat asks to be petted more, offer only a few seconds, continuing to leave the cat wanting still more. At some point, the cat will likely say, “Okay, that’s enough.” You can increase the time you spend petting your cat while still allowing the cat to maintain control.
Likewise, if you want to play with your cat, be sure your cat tells you it’s okay. Cats, dogs, and other animals clearly express their intentions and have to consent for fair play to continue; it’s best to be sure they want to play with you.
All of this is consistent with the Fear Free initiative, which is designed to minimize fear, anxiety, and stress.2
The ubiquity of consent
Consent underlies the development and maintenance of friendly and happy relationships within and between many species, including animal-human relationships, and across a wide variety of activities. When you want a cat or other animal to do something, why force the issue when you don’t need to? The most significant explanation given by cat parents whose cat doesn’t like to go to the veterinarian is transit. Getting them into a carrier and the way cats respond in the clinic also are deterrents. Obviously, being able to see a veterinarian regularly benefits the welfare of our cats. Petting a cat who likes to be petted can be good for them and for us. A consenting cat is a happier cat.
Giving cats control by granting them agency and asking for their consent supports their need for safety, security, and trust, makes them happier, and enhances the social bonds you form with each other.
References
1) This essay was co-authored by Steve Dale, a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant (CABC) who hosts several pet radio shows and has contributed to and authored several books.
2) For more details about how to make cats happy, see Dr. Zazie Todd’s Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy.