The immunofluorescent antibody and ELISA Lyme titer tests do not differentiate between antibodies due to natural exposure to the Borrelia burgdorferi organisms versus antibodies directed against antigens from Lyme vaccines. In the past, in a vaccinated animal with a positive Lyme titer, we needed to follow up with the Western blot test, whose banding pattern helped differentiate between antibodies due to natural exposure and/or Lyme vaccination. Although the banding pattern seen after OspA subunit vaccination is simple (a lone band at p31), patterns seen with natural infection are complex, especially over time, and can be confused with that seen after vaccination with bacterin.

1. A NEWSLETTER OF PRACTICAL MEDICINE FOR VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS
JUNE 2004 VOLUME 2, NUMBER 2
Update on Frequently Asked
Questions About Canine Lyme
Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment
Meryl P. Littman, VMD, DACVIM
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Which diagnostic test for Lyme when the organism was in the tick or would indicate only recently acquired
disease do you recommend? cultured in vitro for bacterin production, infection, studies have revealed that IgM
The immunofluorescent antibody we now know that during antigenic levels may rise periodically during chronic
and ELISA Lyme titer tests do not variation in chronic infection, OspA is infection as new antigens are expressed
differentiate between antibodies due eventually expressed in the mammal and due to antigenic variation by the
to natural exposure to the Borrelia anti-OspA antibodies can be detected in organism. The new antigens stimulate
burgdorferi organisms versus antibodies non-vaccinates. Luckily, we now have IgM antibody production.
directed against antigens from Lyme SNAP®-3® (Idexx Laboratories), which Positive titers in an endemic area are
vaccines. In the past, in a vaccinated tests for antibody directed against the C6 not predictive of illness. After exposure,
animal with a positive Lyme titer, we peptide of the VlsE antigen. This test is
needed to follow up with the Western specific for natural exposure because the IN THIS ISSUE:
blot test, whose banding pattern helped VlsE antigen is only expressed when B. Update on Frequently Asked
differentiate between antibodies due burgdorferi is in the mammal, and is not Questions About Canine
to natural exposure and/or Lyme present in any of the vaccine types, so Lyme Disease: Diagnosis
vaccination. Although the banding pattern vaccinated dogs will not show a positive and Treatment ............................ 1
seen after OspA subunit vaccination is test unless they are also naturally infected.
Vitamins: Are They “Vital”
simple (a lone band at p31), patterns seen Therefore, the two-tiered ELISA and
with natural infection are complex, Western blot testing is no longer
Nutrients for Pets? ..................... 4
especially over time, and can be confused necessary. Ask the Vet ................................ 7
with that seen after vaccination with Testing for IgG and IgM titers is not Hartz Announces its 2003
bacterin. Although we previously thought helpful and may be confusing. Although “Veterinarian of the Year” ......... 8
OspA was only expressed by B. burgdorferi we used to think that IgM antibody

2. most cases will seroconvert and have putatively associated with exposure to A NEWSLETTER OF PRACTICAL MEDICINE FOR VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS
positive titers for many years but will not Lyme antigens. If the dog has
JUNE 2004 VOLUME 2, NUMBER 2
be ill in any way. These dogs are likely proteinuria, I would follow up with a full
infected carriers in a premunitive state, urinalysis (if not already done). If there is
Consulting Editors
such as asymptomatic cats, which carry an active sediment, I would do urine
Albert Ahn, DVM
Mycoplasma hemofelis (previously culture and sensitivity testing. If there is
Corporate Vice President
hemobartonellosis) after doxycycline an inactive sediment and I am concerned Chief Scientific Officer
treatment. Recovered cats are about glomerular disease–causing The Hartz Mountain Corporation
asymptomatic but continue to show proteinuria, I would do a Chemscreen,
Bruce Truman
positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) complete blood count (CBC), urine
Divisional Vice President
testing for M. hemofelis. Likewise, dogs protein–creatinine ratio, blood pressure
Animal Health and Nutrition
usually carry B. burgdorferi for many years measurement, other tick serology, etc. I The Hartz Mountain Corporation
without any illness. would probably treat a proteinuric Lyme-
The high seroprevalence for Lyme positive dog with doxycycline and an HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM
is produced for The Hartz Mountain
infection makes it very difficult to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) Corporation by Veterinary Learning
diagnose when symptomatology is due inhibitor to decrease glomerular filtration Systems, 780 Township Line Rd.,
to Lyme disease. If there is 40% pressure and urinary protein loss. If the Yardley, PA 19067.
seroprevalence in healthy dogs in your dog is also hypoalbuminemic, azotemic, Copyright © 2004 The Hartz Mountain
area, you will also be seeing roughly 40% hyperphosphatemic, or hypertensive, I Corporation. All rights reserved.
of the sick dogs with positive titers as an might also treat with low-dose aspirin, Hartz® and other marks are owned by The Hartz
incidental finding. A positive titer must omega-3 fatty acids, and diet Mountain Corporation.
be interpreted along with the rest of the modifications as needed. Printed in U.S.A. No part of this publication may
workup for a sick patient. Even when I recommend testing all Lyme-positive be reproduced in any form without the express
symptomatology is classic for Lyme dogs for proteinuria. If we can find early written permission of the publisher.
disease (fever, inappetence, lameness), the warnings of PLN, we can intervene For more information on The Hartz Mountain
clinician needs an index of suspicion for before progression and complications of Corporation, visit www.hartz.com.
other possibilities, including other tick- nephrotic syndrome, thromboembolic
borne infections. events, hypertension, and/or renal failure
become evident. PCR testing on whole blood before the
What do you do with an dog is exposed to antibiotic treatment.
asymptomatic Lyme-positive Consider Lyme positivity as a We do not know what, if any, clinical
dog? marker for exposure to ticks and disease may be caused by Babesia microti
Most dogs exposed to Lyme antigens their agents in exposed dogs. B. microti antibodies do
will have positive Lyme tests and be If the dog is Lyme positive, it has been not cross-react with B. canis antigens, and
asymptomatic. In some areas in New exposed to Ixodes ticks. Ixodes ticks in Babesia PCR is expensive. Studies are
Jersey and New York, up to 90% of Lyme-endemic areas may also be carrying needed to help determine if dogs
asymptomatic normal dogs have other infectious agents. In some Lyme- exposed to B. microti have any
positive titers. You will get a sense of endemic areas, almost half the dogs with clinicopathologic changes such as
the seroprevalence in your area by using positive Lyme titers are also positive for anemia, thrombocytopenia, proteinuria,
the SNAP®-3® test. In my opinion, antibodies against Ehrlichia equi etc. The same holds true for exposure to
asymptomatic positive dogs do not (Anaplasma phagocytophilum). E. equi Bartonella spp.
need to be treated. Overuse of antibiotics may be a cause of signs attributed to Dogs exposed to field ticks such as
may cause side effects in some dogs Lyme disease, such as arthritis and PLN. Ixodes may also be exposed to other field
and resistance of organisms in our As a doxycycline-responsive disease, ticks such as Dermacentor, which may
environment. Finding an asymptomatic ehrlichiosis may have been a missed carry Rickettsia rickettsii, the agent of
positive dog alerts me to do the diagnosis in the past. Antibodies directed Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Luckily,
following: against E. equi are not picked up on the this is another doxycycline-responsive
SNAP®-3® Ehrlichia canis test or on disease.
Check the dog for proteinuria other tests for E. canis antibodies. In
Although Koch’s postulates have not order to find the seroprevalence of E. equi Educate owners
been proven for “Lyme nephropathy,” in your area, you need to request separate If a dog is Lyme positive, Ixodes ticks
protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) is E. equi serology tests or do Ehrlichia in the area are carrying B. burgdorferi and
2 HARTZ COMPANION ANIMAL
® SM
• JUNE 2004 • VOL. 2, NO. 2

3. possibly other agents. We would like to legged nymphs that are active in the For Lyme nephropathy, we usually
decrease the risk of transmission of these spring/summer, and about the larger adults treat with doxycycline for many months,
agents by using good tick control. I seen in the summer/fall. Let them know along with the ACE inhibitor, low doses
highly recommend using an amitraz tick that the tiny six-legged larva, active in the of baby aspirin, and other therapies for
collar (Preventic® Tick Collars [Virbac]) summer, does not transmit Lyme disease. renal failure and hypertension as
because it has been proven to protect Educate them about how to check for necessary. Many dogs succumb in the first
dogs against seroconversion and B. ticks and about tick removal. Explain the few months due to renal failure and/or
burgdorferi infection when they are difference between clinical signs in thromboembolic events. Previous Lyme
exposed to Lyme-carrying Ixodes ticks. humans and dogs. Although one dose of tests often remained positive for years
These collars prevent tick attachment; doxycycline was shown to prevent Lyme after treatment and were not helpful in
without the blood meal, there is no risk disease in humans if taken within 72 hours deciding whether we could stop
of transmission of infectious agents. The of pulling off an engorged Ixodes tick, no antibiotics. Finding a marked decline
collar needs to be put on tightly in such study has been done yet in dogs. when comparing pre- and 6-month
order to have contact with the skin. I posttreatment values using the new Lyme
recommend hiding the amitraz collar How long do you treat a Quantitative C6 Antibody Test (Idexx
underneath a wider cloth or nylon collar. symptomatic Lyme-positive dog? Laboratories) may help us feel more
Amitraz collars should not be used No one really knows how long is confident about choosing to stop
if the dog is taking certain behavior long enough. In experimental studies, antibiotics. We continue the other
medications. The antidote yohimbine adult beagles exposed to B. burgdorferi medications indicated for PLN and of
must be given if the collar is ingested. If seroconverted but did not become ill. course continue using good tick control.
the dog swims, amitraz washes off the Exposed puppies showed self-limiting
skin, and other tick control measures are lameness, anorexia, and fever for 4 days What steps should be taken to
needed. Fipronil (Frontline® Top Spot® (after a 2- to 5-month incubation period) reduce or prevent Lyme
[Merial]) applied monthly does not and did not require treatment. Some of the exposure?
wash off, but it does not prevent tick puppies had similar intermittent episodes Usually, exposure to Lyme organisms
attachment. Although B. burgdorferi is but recovered without antibiotics and did causes no clinical illness in dogs. Classic
not transmitted until ticks have fed for not show chronic lameness or Lyme signs of fever, lameness, and anorexia,
about 2 days, other tick-borne agents may nephropathy for more than a year. These seen in less than 5% of those exposed,
be transmitted much earlier during tick studies indicate that most of the time are usually self-limiting or responsive
feeding. Thus products that kill ticks Lyme disease is asymptomatic or self- to a short course of oral antibiotics.
hours after they attach may not prevent limiting and needs little or no treatment. The most serious forms of Lyme
these diseases. Products that repel as On the flip side, some experimentally disease in dogs are not easily treated
well as kill ticks include those with infected dogs treated with high doses of with antibiotics and appear to be
permethrins (K9 Advantix® [Bayer antibiotics for 4 weeks still showed positive immune-mediated sequelae triggered
Animal Health]), phenothrin (Hartz® cultures and/or PCR testing, showing they by Lyme antigens.
ADVANCED CARE Brand® Flea & had not been cleared. In dogs, we worry about immune-
Tick Drops Plus+ [Hartz Mountain In the past, many veterinarians treated mediated glomerulonephritis triggered
Corp.]), or chrysanthemum products. acute classic Lyme arthritis with about 2 by Lyme antigens. OspA was found in
Before applying any flea and tick weeks of either doxycycline or a sick dog’s kidney cortex with a mouse
treatment, be sure to read the entire label amoxicillin. We would see fast and full monoclonal anti-OspA antibody stain.
and instructions and follow them exactly. recovery. Now we know that some OspA is injected whenever we use a
Veterinarians can also take this experimental dogs remain infected Lyme bacterin or OspA subunit
opportunity to educate owners about despite high doses given for longer times, vaccine.
public health. A Lyme-positive pet dog is and we worry that in some dogs Lyme For the prevention of Lyme disease,
a sentinel for Lyme-carrying ticks in the disease might cause more serious I primarily advocate good tick control.
owner’s environment. Talk to owners about polyarthropathy or even Lyme Since we live in an area with ticks
wildlife, mowing back the brush where nephropathy, although Koch’s postulates carrying Ehrlichia, Babesia, Rickettsia,
questing ticks are, and about the 2-year are not satisfied. More veterinarians today and Bartonella spp, we need good tick
ixodid tick life cycle. Discuss how birds treat Lyme arthritis with 4 weeks of control anyway.
can bring ticks to their backyard even doxycycline (10 mg/kg/day), although
For more information and for the references used for
though it is fenced off from deer. Educate some experimental dogs appear to remain this article, see Littman MP: Canine borreliosis. Vet
them about the small size of the eight- infected despite double that daily dose. Clin Small Anim Pract 33(4):827–862, 2003.
HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • JUNE 2004 • VOL. 2, NO. 2 3

4. Vitamins: Are They “Vital”
Nutrients for Pets?
Korinn E. Saker, MS, DVM, PhD, DACVN
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia
The pet food industry has lightened lipids (fat) or water. Specifically, vitamins and organelles but are not used as energy
our burden of ensuring nutritional A, D, E, and K are in the “fat soluble” sources by the body. Conversely, the
adequacy for our pets by formulating cat category, whereas B vitamins (thiamin water-soluble, B-complex vitamins are
and dog diets that are nutritionally [B1], riboflavin [B2], pyridoxine [B6], intimately involved in the use of food and
balanced and complete. If this is indeed niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, the production of energy in the body.
how pet feeding programs are designed to cobalamin [B12], biotin, choline) and
work, why are there so many pet vitamin vitamin C are recognized as “water Evaluating Necessity
supplements on the market? soluble.” Vitamins within a category share Stating that vitamins are the metabolic
Understanding the necessity and common functions but also have specific glue behind virtually all anabolic and
potential benefits of vitamins will help physiologic roles associated with clinical catabolic processes in animals certainly
you be a more informed pet feeder. abnormalities in states of deficiency or hints at their necessity. The major role of
excess. Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed B-complex vitamins is as co-enzymes for
What is a Vitamin? from the small intestine and stored specific cellular enzymes involved in
The two main categories of vitamins primarily in the liver. They support energy metabolism and tissue synthesis.
are defined by their miscibility in either growth and maintenance of cells, tissues, Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine,
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RE® Hartz®
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Enteric-Coated
Aspirin
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• For the temporary relief of .
everyday aches and pains. p y ne
• Specifically formulated to to help support healthy joint function. • Available for Dogs and
Puppies and Cats and Kittens
reduce stomach upset, •A ilable for both d s and cats.
a common side effect • Highly palatable liver flavor
of aspirin.
• An excellent source of vitamins
and minerals that help maintain
healthy skin and a shiny coat
www.hartz.com AD-192
If you would like to receive a copy of the Hartz® Veterinary Catalog, please call (800) 999-3000 x5118

5. pantothenic acid, and biotin are involved adequate supply in the diet. Therefore, flounder. Normal cooking denatures
in food use and are part of the complex serious vitamin deficiencies are highly thiaminase. Polyunsaturated fatty acids
physiologic functions of nutrient uncommon in companion pets. From this (PUFAs) have been touted as having
digestion, absorption, and utilization. perspective, it would not be necessary to beneficial effects on inflammatory skin
Folic acid, cobalamin, and choline are provide a daily vitamin supplement to and gastrointestinal disorders, immune
vitally important for cell synthesis, pets fed a nutritionally complete function, and haircoat. Yellow fat disease
maintenance, and growth. A common commercial life-stage diet. It is important occurs in cats fed diets containing high
clinical example is anemia, or insufficient to remember, however, that there are PUFA and marginal to low vitamin E
red blood cells, associated with folic acid always possible exceptions to generalized levels. These examples suggest that
deficiency reported in both animals and recommendations. Improper feeding vitamin supplementation above the
humans. B vitamins play a pivotal role in practices, select genetic vitamin general recommended level for uncooked
the production of energy because they are deficiencies, and extremely high stress homemade diets might be warranted.
required at approximately 24 specific situations are exceptions that could
metabolic sites to keep the energy warrant vitamin supplementation. Health Status Influences Necessity
production cycle functioning. Ascorbic It is absolutely necessary to include a An entirely separate aspect is the
acid (vitamin C) is synthesized in the vitamin supplement in homemade diet vitamin requirements of a pet during
body by most mammals and promotes recipes. There are a variety of homemade acute and chronic disease states. Reports
collagen formation. Collagen is the recipes available for healthy adult and abound in the human literature indicating
primary component of dentin (teeth), growing dogs or cats. Despite the the benefits of select vitamin (A, D, E, C,
osteoid (bone), and connective tissue, so variability in suggested protein, grain, and and K) supplementation in intensive care
it is paramount for normal bone fat sources, every homemade recipe, settings, chronic disease, and illnesses
formation. whether cooked or raw, should have a associated with altered vitamin intake,
Specific functions of the fat-soluble multiple vitamin–mineral supplement in absorption, and loss. Anorexia,
vitamins are in the mode of antioxidants, the ingredient list. Veterinary supplements malabsorptive–maldigestive disorders,
especially vitamin E, a vitamer, and β- can contribute 0% to 300% of the daily vomiting, and diarrhea are clinical
carotene, a provitamin. A vitamer has the vitamin requirements of cats and dogs, manifestations of illness that will inhibit
same chemical make-up as a vitamin but suggesting enormous variability between daily vitamin intake or increase daily
can exert varying physiologic effects commercial veterinary vitamin products. losses. Vitamin supplementation in these
depending on its isomeric form. A great Raw food diets have become popular types of clinical scenarios is often
example is tocopherol (vitamin E): α- in recent years. It is wise to keep in mind delivered at extra-label doses and would
tocopherol has potent antioxidant that raw foodstuffs can cause select be used more for short-term benefit
properties in animals; conversely, the vitamin deficiencies. A few common rather than daily supplementation for
potency of γ-tocopherol is recognized in examples include egg whites, which healthy pets.
the food product. A provitamin requires contain avidin, a secretory protein
an activation step to become biologically produced by the hen. When consumed, Measurable Benefit to Vitamin
active. A well-identified provitamin is β- this protein combines with biotin in the Supplementation
carotene, and once enzymatically split intestine and prevents biotin absorption. Are there situations in which vitamin
into two retinol (vitamin A) molecules, it Egg yolk is biotin-rich and offsets the supplementation can be beneficial to pets
can become functional in a biologic potential risk of a biotin deficiency. that are fed an appropriate life-stage,
system. Vitamin A is also a component of Additionally, cooking denatures avidin commercially formulated diet?
visual proteins and epithelial cell and destroys its biotin-binding ability. Consideration should be given to
development. Vitamin K is necessary to Eggs should be cooked when included in situations of chronic or extensive stress.
control bleeding problems. The necessity a homemade recipe; if cooking is not an Tissue damage associated with excessive
of vitamin D is primarily linked to its option, the whole egg should be used production of oxidative products
relationship with calcium, phosphorus, rather than just the egg white.2 Thiamine produced during stress can be minimized
and skeletal development and health. deficiency can result from feeding a diet by vitamin antioxidant supplementation.
consisting of raw fish. Not all fish contain Common oxidative stress-associated
Diet Type Constitutes Necessity thiaminase, the enzyme that destroys factors include high-performance
Commercially formulated pet foods thiamin, but several have been shown to endurance dog work, excessive
are nutritionally balanced based on have high enzyme activity, including carp, reproductive demands, aging, rapid
published AAFCO1 recommendations. salt-water herring, whitefish, pike, cod, weight loss, extended anesthesia, and
This implies that vitamins are in clam, goldfish, mullet, shark, and disease and trauma states. Vitamins E
HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • JUNE 2004 • VOL. 2, NO. 2 5

6. (α-tocopherol and α-/γ-mixtures), C commonly via the parenteral (injectable) enhancement of immunocompetence in
(ascorbic acid), and β-carotene have been route for dogs and cats; therefore, it older pets with vitamin E dosed from 250
the major focus of investigation in cat should be under the supervision of a to 500 IU/kg of diet.5 Oral vitamin
and dog nutrition. Cobalamin deficiency veterinarian. More recently, vitamin supplements also commonly supply water-
has been reported in both dogs and cats premixes have become available for pets. soluble vitamins. B vitamins have minimal
with gastrointestinal disease.3 Weekly Supplementation with both these types of to no toxicity concerns. Vitamin C is not
subcutaneous injections of B12 (500 products is relatively short-term to commonly included in multiple
µg/dose) for 4 to 5 weeks have manage a specific clinical problem. vitamin–mineral supplements because
demonstrated benefit.4 Daily oral vitamin supplementation is dogs and cats synthesize it endogenously.
often unsupervised and/or not initiated by Specific products addressing joint health
Consumer Report for Pet Vitamins a veterinarian. These are generally will often contain vitamin C at levels
Vitamin source and level in multiple-vitamin products supplying both between 25 and 250 mg/tablet.
commercial, over-the-counter pet vitamin fat- and water-soluble vitamins in a
products can vary. Published palatable form. Macro- and microminerals, References
recommendations for minimum and and occasionally a protein source, are 1. Association of American Feed Control Officials
(AAFCO), 2003.
maximum levels of vitamins in pet foods commonly included. The guaranteed
2. Case LP, Carey DP, Hirakawa DA, et al: Canine and
are higher than what is supplied in a analysis should list the vitamins supplied Feline Nutrition. St. Louis, Mosby, 2000.
vitamin supplement product. The actual in the product and the level of vitamin per 3. Simpson K: Feline inflammatory disease: Beyond
content of vitamin in a product labeled as tablet or per ounce. Vitamins A, E, and qualitative histopathology. Compend Contin Educ
Pract Vet 26(2A):46–50, 2004.
a specific vitamin supplement is outlined (less commonly) D are included. Vitamin
4. Cave NJ, Marks SL: Mechanisms and clinical
based on the form of the vitamin. When A toxicity does occur, and levels below applications of nutrition in inflammatory bowel
choosing a specific single vitamin source, 1,600 IU/tablet appear safe for healthy disease. Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet
26(2A):51–57, 2004.
compare the product label with available dogs and cats. Vitamin E has a minimal
5. Meydani SN, Hayek MG, Wu D, et al: Vitamin E
published recommendations1 to ensure the toxicity concern. Over-the-counter and immune response in aged dogs, in Reinhart GA,
product you choose is supplying the levels supplements contain a wide range of Carey DP (eds): Recent Advances in Canine and Feline
Nutrition: Proceedings of Iams 1998 Nutrition
needed for the desired effect. This type of vitamins A (450 to 1,500 IU) and E (3 Symposium. Wilmington, OH, Orange Frazer Press,
supplementation is administered more to 200 IU). Studies indicate a potential 2000, pp 295–303.
™
dental K-9 Cleaner ™
Chew 'n Clean ®
Strong and durable polyurethane and nylon construction.
Chewing with raised tips helps massage gums and
remove tartar. Bacon flavor attracts dogs for longer play time.
Flash'n Teether ™
Twist 'n
Lite ™
Chew ™
• CHEWING K-9 CLEANER ™
HAS BEEN CLINICALLY
PROVEN TO REDUCE PLAQUE
AND TARTAR BY 56%!
• Developed with Veterinarians
• Chewing with rubber tips and
• Lights up! • Excellent for puppies • Twists & turns rotating rings helps massage gums
Combines Dental Cleaning with Fun! www.hartz.com AD-193

7. Albert Ahn, DVM, is a veterinarian, Corporate Vice President and
Chief Scientific Officer at The Hartz Mountain Corporation.
ASK TH E VET
Q Could you compare the spectrum of flea and tick spot-on products?
Comparison of Active Ingredients of Topical Spot-on Products
A Phenothrin Methoprene Combo
Kills
Fleas
Yes
Inhibits Flea
Eggs and
Larvae
Yes
Stops Flea
Development
Yes
Repels
Fleas
Yes
Kills and
Repels
Ticks
Yes
Kills and
Repels
Mosquitoes
Yes
Dosage
Monthly
Usage
Dogs and Cats
Fipronil Methoprene Combo Yes Yes Yes No Kills No Monthly Dogs and Cats
Imidacloprid Yes No No No No No Monthly Dogs and Cats
Lufenuron No Yes Yes No No No Monthly Dogs and Cats
Imidacloprid Permethrin Combo Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Monthly Dogs only
Permethrin Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Monthly Dogs only
Methoprene No Yes Yes No No No Monthly Dogs and Cats
Q In reference to Dr. Paster’s December
2003 article “Senior Pets and Joint
Health,” could you please give a dosing
aspirin, their combination theoretically should
provide enhanced COX-2 inhibition with risk of
COX-1–mediated side effects remaining
rate for meloxicam in felines when used unchanged. However, the studies of meloxicam as
in combination with aspirin? compared with other NSAIDs in COX selectivity
do not prove, undoubtedly, that meloxicam is
A Author Responds:
Because both are nonsteroidal antiinflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs), I would not advise giving both;
give one or the other. Cats are extremely sensitive
entirely COX-2 selective. My advice would be to
choose one or the other based on what suits the
patient best, which has the best activity you are
seeking (analgesic, antiinflammatory or decreased
to NSAIDs and can potentially have severe side
platelet aggregation), and which is best tolerated
effects, and I would not advise giving cats or even
by the patient. Specific questions regarding the
dogs a combination. Also keep in mind that
pharmacology of meloxicam should be addressed
meloxicam is not approved for use in the United
to the manufacturer.
States, so to avoid potential litigation the client
must be made fully aware of this prior to use. Erin Paster, DVM
School of Veterinary Medicine
You may argue that since meloxicam is a COX-2– University of Pennsylvania
selective NSAID, versus the COX non-selectivity of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Articles found in the Hartz Companion Animal sm newsletter can be copied and distributed to your colleagues, staff, and clients.
Additional newsletters may also be obtained by contacting us at feedback@hartz.com or by phone at 800-275-1414.
We want to hear from you!
• Have questions or comments? Call our Consumer Relations Department at 800-275-1414 and ask to speak to a Hartz staff
veterinarian or email us at feedback@hartz.com.
• To obtain a Hartz Veterinary Catalog of products, please call 800-999-3000 x5118 or email us at feedback@hartz.com.
HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • JUNE 2004 • VOL. 2, NO. 2 7

8. Hartz Announces its 2003
“Veterinarian of the Year”
Dr. Tami Shearer (Grand Prize Winner)
with Dr. Albert Ahn (Corporate V.P. and
Chief Scientific Officer)
The Hartz Mountain Corporation announces the Following is an excerpt from the Grand Prize
winner of the 2003 Hartz “Veterinarian of the Year” Winning essay:
Contest. Dr. Tami Shearer of the Shearer Pet Hospital
Tami Shearer, DVM, does not wear a cape or flash a magic
in Columbus, Ohio, was nominated by one of her wand, but she does not need to. One visit to Shearer Pet Hospital
patients and selected by Hartz to be the recipient of in Columbus, Ohio is all it takes to understand that Dr. Shearer
the 2003 Hartz Veterinarian of the Year award. is a hero at heart. Dr. Shearer’s intelligence and compassion are
“Dr. Shearer has shown exceptional compassion and evident every time my silky terrier, Agnes, and I see her. Agnes
dedication to her patients as well as their owners. She experiences anxiety when she needs to have a surgical procedure.
not only devotes her time to her patients at the Due to Agnes’ anxiety, Dr. Shearer tries to schedule her as the
hospital, but also teaches the veterinarians of first patient of the day so Agnes can be reunited with me sooner.
tomorrow,” stated Bob Devine, President and CEO of Dr. Shearer has a special interest in learning noninvasive
The Hartz Mountain Corporation. “Hartz is proud to techniques to improve animal care. She offers laser surgery and
sponsor an award that recognizes a veterinarian’s therapy, endoscopy and ultrasound. She has a gift for explaining
important role in pet health care.” technical information in simple terms and schedules long
Pet owners were asked to nominate vets who have appointments so she can take her time with pets and owners.
excelled in the medical field as well as in their passion Her goal is to educate adults and children to be compassionate
for nurturing animals. Pet owners were asked to caregivers. She has been teaching classes to the public for 10 years
describe how their veterinarians exemplify the and offers a two-day Vet Camp for kids. At this camp, kids
human–animal bond with vet service and community/ observe and assist Dr. Shearer at the hospital. She is founder of
volunteer programs. Approximately 300 heartfelt essays the Pet Education Center and the Pet Hospice and Education
from pet owners across the country illustrated the Center, one of the Midwest hospice centers for pets.
continuous dedication of this group of professionals. Nominated by Lisa Farina, Columbus, Ohio
Veterinary Learning Systems PRESORTED STANDARD
780 Township Line Road U.S. POSTAGE
Yardley, PA 19067
PAID
BENSALEM, PA
PERMIT #118
400414