2015 Iditarod Registrations Begin

iditarod dog sled race

 

A graduate of the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, Jay Butan, DVM, is the founding owner of Canal Animal Hospital in Lake Worth, Florida. Outside of his practice, Jay Butan, DVM, draws on more than 25 years of experience to serve on the veterinary staff of the annual Iditarod dog sled race.

While Iditarod XLIII is set to begin on March 7, 2015, participants began registering only a few months following the 2014 race. On June 28, 2014, 36 mushers gathered at the Iditarod headquarters in Wasilla, Alaska, for the opening day of race registration. An additional 24 mushers submitted their entries by mail, and 15 of the day’s combined 60 registrants will be competing as rookies.

The opening day registrants also included several renowned race veterans. After winning his second Iditarod race, current champion Dallas Seavey signed up to compete once more. He was joined by Lance Mackey, Jeff King, and Martin Buser, each boasting four first-place titles, in addition to two-time winner Mitch Seavey.

Opening day was also marked by the Iditarod’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic, where mushers Jan Steve and Ben Harper won waived entry fees during the raffle drawing. Collectively, the initial entries comprised teams from Alaska, California, Washington, Minnesota, Colorado, and Montana, as well as Canada, Sweden, Norway, and France. The registration period will continue until the end of the business day on Friday, December 1, when race officials will finalize the roster.

Pain Management in Domestic Animals

Pain Management
Image: aaha.org

A practicing veterinarian with more than 30 years of experience, Jay Butan, DVM, has owned and managed Canal Animal Hospital, a full-service animal medical facility in Lake Worth, Florida, since 1989. Jay Butan, DVM, and his staff at Canal Animal Hospital offer a wide range of services, including pain management.

Pain management is important in veterinary care for not only surgical procedures such as neutering and spaying, but also day-to-day treatment of chronic pain conditions often experienced by elderly pets. There are five basic ways to treat animal pain: nutraceuticals (foods with pain relief properties), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, steroids, and holistic medications.

Depending on the complexity and invasiveness of the surgical procedure, a pet may or may not require pain management treatment beyond the anesthetic used during an operation. In the case of serious surgeries, or based on an individual assessment of the animal, post-operative pain relief may be required.

The need for continuing pain management is more difficult to assess in pets than humans, since an animal cannot express its level of pain. Therefore, following a procedure, both doctors and owners must observe the animal closely, watching for any changes in behavior that may indicate pain. These changes may include limping, difficulty getting up, or increased withdrawal or irritability. If such behaviors are noted, a course of pain-relieving medication will likely be prescribed.

Jay Butan, DVM – Parasite Prevention and Control

The recipient of a doctor of veterinary medicine from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, Jay Butan, DVM, has cared for animals for more than 25 years. As the owner of Canal Animal Hospital in Lake Worth, Florida, Jay Butan, DVM, offers his patients a myriad of treatments, including parasite prevention and control.

Parasites such as fleas, tickets, and roundworms can seriously harm dogs and cats, even causing death. Moreover, parasite-carried infections such as Lyme disease and Bartonella can spread to humans. Owners often cannot determine whether parasites are present because these tiny organisms can hide under fur or burrow into the organs. However, veterinarians can both perform tests that provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Some of the most popular preventative treatments include Revolution and Trifexis. Only available with a veterinarian’s prescription, such as from the professionals at Canal Animal Hospital, these monthly treatments prevent a number of parasites in cats and dogs.

Revolution is a topical treatment applied to pets’ skin. It controls heartworms, fleas, ear mites, and roundworms upon entering the bloodstream, both killing adult parasites and stopping eggs from hatching. Trifexis is a chewable tablet that works to kill fleas in as little as half an hour. It also controls whipworms, roundworms, and hookworms and prevents heartworm disease.

How to Reset Your Alarm Clock Cat By Jay Butan, DVM

Did you see the amusing YouTube video of Boo, the “Feline Alarm Clock,” waking his owner by repeatedly pinging the bedroom doorstop? If your cat uses similar stunts, you can readjust his alarm clock. To accomplish this, here are some techniques.

First, as an owner, you must understand that cats are wired to be active at dawn, a time for hunting prey. This knowledge will prevent you from blaming your cat and will put the responsibility on you to realign his behavior.

Next, make your cat’s sleeping area as dark as possible.

From now on, do not respond to your cat’s demands at dawn.

In addition, do not feed your cat immediately when you get up. Adhere to a twice-a-day feeding schedule. Feeding your cat before bedtime will encourage sleep, since blood rushes to his stomach.

Furthermore, ensure that your cat stays active during the day with exercise, games, and toys. Having the companionship of another cat may decrease his need for you to be the sole source of entertainment.

You may also want to consult your veterinarian about giving your cat melatonin to induce a lengthier sleep cycle.

About the Author:

Based in Lake Worth, Florida, Jay Butan, DVM, owns and operates Canal Animal Hospital. After attaining his Bachelor of Science at Cornell University, Dr. Butan graduated with distinction from the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine.

Maintenance Tips for Your Bicycle

Working alongside a professional and compassionate staff, Jay Butan, DVM, has been caring for animals for 25 years. His veterinary practice, Canal Animal Hospital, serves the Lake Worth and Palm Beach areas of Florida. When he is not busy caring for animals, Jay Butan, DVM, enjoys recreational activities such as fencing and cycling.

Cycling demands careful attention to your bicycle’s condition. Here are some easy-to-use tips for everyday maintenance.

Check to your bike’s tire pressure on a regular basis, since even the best tires slowly release air in as little as two weeks. Riding on partially inflated wheels and hitting an obstacle can ruin the tire or the wheel rim. For road biking, check the pressure before every ride; for mountain biking, check tire pressure weekly.

If you hear squeaking sounds while you ride, examine your chain to ensure it is well greased. If you can clearly see the links, it should be lubricated immediately. Failure to do so can cause rust and poor shifting.

A small repair kit helps you maintain your bike on the road. Get an air pump that fastens on to the bike and a small bag that fits under the seat. Place in the bag tire levers (for easy removal), a spare tube, and a patch kit (in case you have two flats).

Jay Butan, DVM: Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University

The only veterinary school in the 6-state New England region, the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University has trained more than 2,000 students since its creation in 1978. Located in Massachusetts, this institution offers a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, graduate programs in biomedical sciences, animals and public policy, and conservation medicine; as well as dual degree programs. Moreover, it holds affiliations with the Hospital for Large Animals, Tufts Wildlife Clinic, and the Foster Hospital for Small Animals while running Tufts Ambulatory Service and the satellite clinic Tufts VETS.

Individuals who obtain their degree from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University can apply their skills to a number of fields. Its graduates have entered into clinical practice, international medicine, public health, and biomedical research. Additionally, the school’s faculty has enhanced the study of zoonotic infectious diseases, hepatic and gastrointestinal diseases, and sustainable agriculture.

About the Author:

Since 1989, Jay Butan, DVM, has served as the owner of Canal Animal Hospital in Lake Worth, Florida. Before starting his practice, Dr. Butan earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.

New Research into Pet Medicine by Jay Butan, DVM

A recent study published by BMC Veterinary Research revealed new information about the medical problems of obese dogs. Researchers who investigated 35 obese dogs discovered that 20 percent of their subjects showed signs of metabolic syndrome. Common in obese humans, metabolic syndrome refers to a group of issues that include high cholesterol, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. The dogs that took part in the test presented similar problems, such as high levels of insulin. However, these symptoms decreased after the dogs lost weight.

Obese pets have become an issue over the past few years. An October 2012 article from Reuters indicated that approximately half of all adult dogs are obese. Additionally, the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University established an obesity clinic for companion animals in 2012.

About the Author: For nearly 25 years, Jay Butan, DVM, has applied his veterinary training to the care of animals at his Lake Worth, Florida, clinic. A graduate of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, Dr. Butan continues to learn about ways to treat his patients.

Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association

By Jay Butan

The Humane Society of the United States Promotes Animal Welfare, Even Rescuing Pets in Times of Natural Disaster.

As a longtime Lake Worth, Florida, veterinarian, I belong to numerous professional organizations including American Veterinary Medical Association, the Palm Beach County Veterinary Medical Association, and the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA). HSVMA functions as part of the Humane Society of the United States, which has advocated on behalf of animal welfare for over half a century.

A key component of HSVMA’s mission involves providing free veterinary services to underserved communities around the world. Each year, HSVMA’s Field Services provide more than $1 million in no-cost veterinary care to nearly 10,000 animals in 40 communities, ranging from Native American reservations to remote areas of Latin America.

HVSM offers numerous volunteer opportunities beyond Field Services work. A unique example of a HSVMA volunteer-led program is the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch, operated in partnership with the Fund for Animals. This Murchison, Texas, sanctuary provides refuge for a diverse group of 1,200 abused and neglected animals including bison, iguanas, kangaroos, chimpanzees, bobcats, and pigs. Established in 1979, the ranch was directly responsible for preventing the killing of nearly 600 Grand Canyon burros. Today, the ranch offers all these animals a stress-free place to live with minimal disturbance from human visitors.

I applaud HVSMA’s strong public policy and community initiatives as well. Through advocacy, the organization educates policy makers and the public alike about humane veterinarian-backed animal welfare solutions. One community-led initiative that HSVMA publicly supports is Trap-Neuter-Return. This serves to reduce feral cat populations through sterilization operations, coupled with finding homes for abandoned companion cats. HSVMA has also taken a public stand on large-scale commercial dog breeding facilities, what are commonly called puppy mills. HSVMA advocates government regulation of large-scale overbreeding, which leads to inherited negative health conditions and contributes to pet overpopulation pressures. This in turn results in the euthanasia of thousands of healthy dogs who cannot find loving homes.

HVSMA is highly committed to getting veterinary students involved in animal protection and humane treatment issues, and it has helped establish a number of student chapters at veterinary schools throughout the U.S. To get involved with the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, visit www.hsvma.org.

Vaccinating Your Pets

By Jay Butan, DVM

Inoculating animals against disease is an important part of their care, helping to keep pets safe and healthy and paying off for both owner and animal in the long term. Most vaccines are considered either core, meaning that they should be given to all animals of a given species, or noncore, meaning that they are necessary only for animals with certain risk factors. I have specifically chosen to focus on dogs and cats for the purposes of this article.

Core vaccinations for dogs include shots for canine distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and rabies. All four vaccinations are highly effective and lead to few negative side effects. The parvovirus vaccine is recommended as early as five weeks of age for some dogs. The other core vaccines are usually included in a combination vaccine administered at 6, 9, or 12 weeks of age and as a periodic booster shot thereafter. Noncore dog inoculations include vaccines for measles, respiratory disease, parainfluenza, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and other diseases. Noncore vaccinations should be provided on a case-by-case basis after consulting with a veterinarian.

Recommendations for cat vaccinations vary, but most experts have agreed upon a core regimen that includes shots for panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and rabies. Core vaccines are typically administered in combination to cats at ages ranging from 6 to 19 weeks and as booster shots for adults. Noncore cat vaccines include shots for Chlamydophila, Bordetella, feline infectious peritonitis, and feline leukemia. The feline leukemia vaccine is particularly important for outdoor cats. Like dog owners, cat owners should consult a veterinarian to learn about the proper vaccination schedules for their animals.

About the Author

Jay Butan, DVM, owns and operates Canal Animal Hospital in Lake Worth, Florida. For more than 20 years, he has offered pet care including immunization, wellness plans, surgery, internal medicine, microchipping, and dental care. Find more information about Dr. Butan and his practice online at CanalAnimalHospital.com.

Treating Your Dog`s Skin Conditions by Jay Butan

by Jay Butan

For the past three decades, Canal Animal Hospital has offered the Lake Worth, Florida, community comprehensive veterinary care. Our dedicated staff offers a wide range of services including ultrasound diagnostics, immunizations, behavioral medicine, endoscopy, and radiology. One of the more common issues dog owners face with their pets is acute moist dermatitis, or hot spots.

Hot spot are moist, localized bacterial infections initially caused by skin irritants such as flea, tick, or mosquito bites. Other causes include inadequate grooming, parasitic disease, and anal gland disease. Summer heat is another common cause of hot spots, particularly among heavy-coated and long-haired dog breeds. The original irritation is aggravated by persistent scratching, resulting in skin inflammation, hair loss, increased itchiness, and additional scratching and chewing. In many cases of acute moist dermatitis, a thorough cleaning with an antibacterial solution offers an adequate solution. In cases of repeated scratching, itchiness-reducing antibiotics or corticosteroids may be necessary. Chewing can result in oozing lesions that are easily infected and should always be treated as soon as possible.

Flea allergy dermatitis, caused by the skin’s reaction to flea saliva, aggravates the itchy effects of flea bites in dogs and cats, and it is a common factor in the development of secondary skin diseases. Flea-allergic dogs may experience intense itchiness triggered by just a few flea bites. For this reason, regularly replace your dog’s flea collar and take preventative action such as flea baths and taking your dog in for regular visits to a reliable grooming facility. Also include flea control within the home environment through frequent vacuuming and carpet cleaning if flea issues continue.

Another common cause of skin infection is bite wounds. Needless to say, pets should be immediately brought to a veterinary clinic after any bite wound that leaves a visible puncture mark. After wounds are cleaned and dressed, antibiotics medicines are prescribed, eliminating any chance of infection. Pain medication is also often administered as required. In cases of severe bites, surgery and placement of a drain may be necessary. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian immediately in cases of hot spots, flea allergies, and bite wounds, as the benefits of timely treatment can be significant. Visit Canal Animal Hospital at www.CanalAnimalHospital.vetsuite.com. for more information on our comprehensive veterinary, boarding, and grooming services.