Early last week a 26-person team from the Humane Society of Missouri rescued more than 360 animals on an 80-acre property outside of Pleasant Hope, Mo. in Polk County in southwest Missouri.

Among the animals were 53 dogs, 43 rabbits, 11 cats, 26 ducks, 25 chickens, 21 guinea pigs, 10 goats, 7 donkeys, 2 kangaroo rats, 1 pig and more than 170 koi fish and goldfish.

Some of the rabbits are being treated for upper respiratory problems, the donkeys and goats are getting a much needed hoof trim and one of the donkeys has already had a growth removed from around its eye. The fowl are also gaining weight and are slowly growing back their feathers. The farm animals are receiving treatment and care at the Humane Society's Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.

Many of the dogs are significantly anemic due to severe flea infestations and internal hook and whipworms. Two severely malnourished dogs have died since being rescued. Their medical issues proved to be too much for their compromised immune systems. The remaining dogs have been dewormed and are being treated for severe mange which is a parasitic infection causing itching and hair loss.

Providing the proper nutrition and veterinary care in the coming weeks will rapidly improve the health of many of the animals rescued from such poor conditions. A disposition hearing will be held in Polk County on Sept. 2 to determine custody of the animals.

Read the full story.

Watch video from the scene.

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BLACK DOG OWNERS
ARE INVITED

September 18, 2008
6-8 p.m.
Throop Memorial Park
(across from HSMO at 1201 Macklind Avenue,
St. Louis MO 63110)

FREE ADMISSION

Join the Humane Society of Missouri and Y98's Jen Myers (along with her dog Abe) for a night out with your dog!

• Enjoy wine, beer & snacks while Fido licks on a Purina® Frosty Paws® treat.
• Pizza and wings courtesy of Caito's Sicilian Restaurant and Pizzeria.
• Pet Contests! Best Dressed, Best Howl and Best Stunt/trick will be awarded.
• Door prizes, raffles and professional pet photos by Lil' Pals Pet Photography.

Learn more about the Black Dog Club

Questions? Email blackdogclub@hsmo.org

These items and many more can be found at our Humane Society of Missouri gift shops.
Click here for HSMO gift shop locations.  

Remember: Each time you shop, you are helping homeless animals find new, forever, loving homes!
 

Kick back, relax and watch the Grand Prix in style with friends.  Enjoy a catered buffet, complimentary Budweiser products, a cash bar and casual seating* - all under a ringside tent.

Or …grab six of your friends and park your vehicle ringside for an up close and personal view of the Grand Prix.

Either way, please join us for an exciting afternoon watching great riders and their horses compete for $25,000 in prize money.

And it’s all for a good cause.  The St. Louis National Charity Horse Show benefits the Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch for abused and neglected horses and farm animals.

When: Sunday, September 14, 2008
Where: National Equestrian Center in Lake St. Louis, Missouri
 
Time: Buffet-1 p.m./Grand Prix-2:30 p.m.

Cost: $60 per luncheon ticket ($70 at the door)
$200 per tailgate spot

For reservations or more information, please call Maryann Meiners at 314.308.2306 or email her at ciaraMAM@aol.com.

Obesity is one of the most common medical conditions affecting dogs and cats in the U.S., according to recent studies indicating that 30 to 40 percent of U.S. pets are overweight and 25 percent of pets in the U.S. are obese. Similar to people, too much weight causes health issues in pets such as respiratory problems, diabetes, arthritis and

Pets weigh much less than people, so an extra pound or two makes a big difference. It is important to keep an eye on your pet’s diet, exercise routine and weight throughout his or her life. Average-sized cats should weigh between eight and 10 pounds, while a dog’s ideal weight varies with his breed and size. A small dog may weigh about the same as a cat, while large-breed dogs may weigh sixty pounds or more. Your veterinarian can tell you what your dog’s ideal weight should be based on his size and breed.

How do I determine if my pet is overweight?
Your veterinarian can tell you if your pet is overweight during your pet’s regular wellness exam. Your veterinarian may take a sample of your pet’s blood for laboratory tests to determine if there is a medical reason for your pet’s increased weight. If your pet is older, his weight gain may be attributed to lower activity and metabolism levels. Another cause of weight gain is giving your pet too many treats.

What should I feed my pet?
The same weight loss methods that work in humans also apply to pets. Controlling your pet's caloric intake and making sure he gets the right amount of exercise is the best way to help keep your pet at a healthy weight. Your veterinarian can help you develop a diet and exercise plan to keep your pet fit and trim.

“Treat” your pet right
If your dog gets too many treats because you just can’t resist his charm, try feeding him low-calorie treats. Your dog may enjoy fruits and raw vegetables such as apples, oranges, carrots, broccoli, potatoes and green beans. If he has trouble digesting raw vegetables and fruit or if the weather is hot, you can also give him an ice cube for a calorie-free treat!

Never give your pet table scraps. People food usually contains fat, salt and other ingredients that your pet does not need and will cause him to gain weight. People food may even cause indigestion or diarrhea in your pet. Make sure to keep all people food in a place where your pet can’t reach, such as your refrigerator or a covered trash can.

Your pet’s diet is just half the battle. Regular exercise is also important to help keep your pet in shape.

“Diet and Weight Control"
Healthypet.com. American Animal Hospital Association. 
 

It is not unusual for behavior problems to develop in older pets. Many of the problems have similar causes to those in younger pets. Changes in the household, changes in the environment and new stressors can lead to problems regardless of age. For instance moving, a change in work schedule, a family member leaving the home, or new additions to the family such as a spouse or baby, can have a dramatic impact on the pet's behavior.

How can I tell if my pet's behavior problem is age related?
Regardless of age, every behavior case must begin with a complete veterinary physical examination and a clinical and behavioral history. In addition, blood tests and a urinalysis may be needed to rule out organ disease and endocrine imbalances. Sometimes a more in depth examination of a particular organ system may be indicated. Additional laboratory tests, radiographs, ultrasound, spinal tests, brain scans, or perhaps a referral to a specialist may all be appropriate depending on the initial findings.

My pet is quite old. Is there any point in doing these tests? What can be done?
Unfortunately many pet owners do not even discuss behavior changes with their veterinarians since they feel that they are a normal part of aging and perhaps nothing can be done for the dog. This is far from the truth. Many problems have an underlying medical cause that can be treated or controlled with drugs, diet or perhaps surgery. Hormonal changes associated with an underactive or overactive thyroid gland, diabetes, diseases of the pituitary gland and testicular tumors can all lead to dramatic changes in the pet's behavior and many of these problems can be treated or controlled. Degenerative organ systems can often be aided with nutritional supplementation or dietary changes. High blood pressure, cardiac disease and respiratory diseases may be treatable with medication, which may dramatically improve the quality and even length of the pet's life. And new drugs are now available that are useful in the treatment of age related cognitive dysfunction.

What is cognitive dysfunction and how is it diagnosed?
It is generally believed that, as in people, a dog's (learning, memory, mental alertness) ability tends to decline (dysfunction) with age. This may also be true for cats. If your dog has one or more of the following behavior changes and all potential physical or medical causes have been ruled out, it may be due to cognitive dysfunction:

a) Decreased reaction to stimuli (i.e. sounds, sights, odors)
b) Confusion, disorientation, weakness
c) Decreased interaction with the owners (e.g. less affectionate)
d) Increased irritability
e) Irregular sleep-wake cycles (sleeping days, waking more at nights)
f) Increased vocalization
g) House-soiling or loss of other previously learned behaviors
h) Decreased ability to recognize commands, people, places or other animals
i) Decreased interest in food
j) Circling, repetitive and compulsive disorders
k) Decreased tolerance to being left alone

In one study of dogs that were 11-16 years of age, owners specifically questioned regarding signs of cognitive dysfunction reported that 62% of their pets exhibited at least one of the signs above.

Can geriatric behavior problems be treated?
In many cases the answer is yes. Of course if there are medical problems contributing to the behavior changes, the problem may not be treatable. The key therefore is to report changes and bring in your pet for assessment as soon as new problems arise.

Dogs that develop behavior problems due to underlying medical conditions may need alterations in their schedule or environment in order to deal with these problems. If the condition is treatable and can be controlled or resolved (e.g. Cushing's disease, infections, painful conditions) then, as discussed, you must be prepared to retrain the dog, since the new habit may persist. For example, the house-soiling pet may have less duration of control due to its medical problems. If these conditions cannot be controlled, then the pet's schedule (more frequent trips outdoors) or environment (installing a dog door, paper training) may have to be modified. With conditions that affect a cat's mobility, adjustments may be needed to the pet's environment, litter box placement, or type of litter box, (e.g. a lower sided box).

Please consult your veterinarian regarding any persistent medical or sudden behavior changes in your pet.

Copyright Denver Dumb Friends League and Humane Society of the United States. All rights reserved.

A full-service Pet Training Program is offered by the Humane Society of Missouri with flexible class schedules. Visit our website for more information.