WERC Volunteer Frank Fantozzi and Zorro the Turkey Vulture.

 By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org
 

It’s official…..the Turkey Vulture, formerly known as “No-Name, has been approved by the US Fish & Wildlife Service to become the newest member of W.E.R.C.’s educational animal team!  This is the young bird that basically admitted himself to the care of the Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Center two years ago—read his story at  http://www.morganhilltimes.com/lifestyles/249518-werc-animal-of-the-month-turkey-vulture.  He has been given the name, Zorro, an apt appellation for this magnificent bird with his outstretched wings looking like a swirling black cape.  We realize he isn’t quite as handsome as Antonio Banderas or Guy Williams, but he is an inspiring addition to W.E.R.C.’s educational animal ambassadors and will be making his debut public appearance at the Taste of Morgan Hill, Sept. 25-26.  Come visit him and the other members of W.E.R.C.’s team.

With the rapid growth of urbanization these days, people are coming into contact with wild animals more frequently than ever. This means that our domesticated animals are coming into contact with them as well, which can sometimes pose a dangerous situation.

If you own a smaller animal such as a cat or smaller breed of dog especially, it is important to stay mindful of any signs hinting to the presence of wild animals near your home.

“It happens quite frequently that domestic animals are attacked by wild animals,” said Dr. James Barr, Clinical Assistant Professor in emergency and critical care at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

“I have personally worked on several cases where coyotes have been confirmed as the culprit, but it is not always the case that it is witnessed, and the actual animal that did the attacking is sometimes unknown.”

If there are known coyotes in your area, be wary of leaving any pets outdoors, especially at night.

“Coyotes are likely the most menacing of wildlife threats to domestic animals in Texas, and are often blamed (although not confirmed) for many pet deaths in the wild,” said Barr.

Snakes are another obvious threat to your animals if you have problems with them in your area. Refer to our “Venomous Snakes of Texas” Pet Talk for more information on how to identify those more dangerous species. http://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/venomous-snakes-of-texas

In some cases, our pets do not necessarily have to be involved in a violent situation with a wild animal to be affected by them.

Wild animals can indirectly pose a threat to our domesticated friends through the transferring of their bacteria.

“One of the most common infectious causes of renal failure that we see in our ICU in domestic animals is Leptospirosis,” explained Barr.

Leptospirosis is a disease carried by mice that can be spread to other animals.

Many times with horses or livestock, if an opossum’s or a skunk’s waste comes into contact with their food source, the animal can become very ill.

When a horse consumes roughage with opossum feces or urine in it, this can severely affect their nervous system and often lead to death.

On the other hand, your pet might be the one attacking the wild animal.

A good example would be when dogs attack Cane Toads. These toads are loud, slow, abundant in Texas, and unfortunately toxic to dogs.

“Ultimately, intoxication with the Bufo toxin can result in cardiac arrhythmias, hyperthermia, seizures, coma, and death in extreme circumstances,” said Barr.

Typically though, Barr explained that the clinical signs are mild and include hypersalivation and some tremors.

“Most Bufo Toad intoxications are no worse for wear,” said Barr.

Inevitably, the line that separates us from the natural world will be crossed from time to time. To keep your animals safe and out of harm’s way try to stay as educated as possible on the types of wild animals in your area.

Here’s the problem. We took him to the vet, who heard a heart murmur and says he has an enlarged heart. They took some x-rays and ran some blood tests. Can a heart problem cause this kind of cough? They want to start some medication to help the cough, but I’m not sure if it’s the right thing to do. Help!
A:
Many dogs with heart disease develop a cough, although usually it’s not as dramatic as Bamboo’s. Your story makes me wonder if he has heart disease or perhaps another problem.
A lot of older dogs have a slightly enlarged heart. But not all of these dogs need medication for congestive heart failure. In other words, veterinarians sometimes find a slightly enlarged heart shadow on the x-ray and it isn’t always significant. The degree of enlargement and other findings are key factors.
Bamboo’s cough might be related to a different condition called collapsing trachea. Here, the windpipe literally collapses on itself when the patient inhales, and there is a reflex cough to clear the closed airway. Yorkies and some other small breeds, especially those that are overweight are susceptible to this problem. And typically, this condition causes a honking cough. So Bamboo’s symptoms suggest he should be evaluated.
A veterinary cardiologist can determine whether or not his cough is caused by a heart problem or airway disease. He may need treatment for both conditions, but both can be managed with proper medications. A definitive diagnosis is important here. Ask your regular vet for a referral and you and Bamboo will feel much better.
Q:
Our 18-month-old Newfoundland has just been diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes. Our vet suggested that there may be a genetic component to the problem. How common is this? I did some research online and see that significant complications can arise from the surgery to remove these. How safe and how successful is corrective surgery or are there any alternatives to surgery?
A:
Cataracts occur when the protein in the lens of the eye changes and becomes opaque (white). They can result from trauma, or be caused by several different medical conditions. Genetics can make a dog more likely to develop bilateral cataracts. In fact, inherited cataracts are common in certain breeds. And while Newfoundlands are not high on this list of breeds susceptible to inherited cataracts, genetic disease should be considered.
However, you didn’t mention whether or not your veterinarian ran any blood tests when your dog was evaluated. It’s important to rule out whether or not he has diabetes; cataracts are a common side effect of this disease. If he is diabetic, he’ll need immediate evaluation and treatment to control his blood sugar before other health issues arise.
Have your furry friend evaluated by a veterinary ophthalmologist. It’s critical to make sure that there are no other factors involved in his condition. The specialist can also give you the best options for treating him, whether it be surgical removal or other methods.
I’ll tell you this; the cases I’ve referred for surgery have always done well. The success rate of surgery in qualified patients (without medical complications) is very high. To be sure, there are risks with any anesthesia and surgery, and the ophthalmologist will spell these out for you during your visit.
Q:
We give our cat, Timmy, ice cream once in a while. Vanilla is his favorite. He gulps it down and I often wonder why he doesn’t get a headache from this. I have to eat mine slowly or I get what my grandchildren call a “brain freeze.” Why doesn’t Timmy?
A:
Who knows why Timmy is so lucky? I can tell you that one of my childhood cats, Stumpy, suffered from a lot of these headaches. He loved ice cream and popsicles. And if he ate too fast, he’d suddenly stop and lay down for a few moments, his eyes closed while he rubbed his face with his feet. Poor guy, he never learned to eat slowly and suffered with this many times. I don’t think he minded too much; he got to eat a lot of ice cream!

2010 has been the hottest year on record in the United States so far. The sweltering heat mixed with the wet summer days has increased mosquito activity. As mosquito season is still lurking, there are some important diseases associated with mosquitoes that can be transmitted to humans and pets that everyone needs to be aware of.

Heartworm disease most commonly affects dogs, however cats and humans are sometimes affected. Heartworm disease is caused by heartworms, which live in the blood vessel connecting the heart to the lungs. It is a life-threatening disease for dogs. Individuals are infected with the worm through the bite of a mosquito carrying the larvae of the worm. It can be prevented in dogs and cats with monthly pills or topical treatments. Once an individual is infected, treatment is very difficult and is risky.

“Treatment of heartworm disease is expensive and potentially dangerous,” explains Dr. Mark Stickney, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “There are numerous side effects to treatments, for example the patient can develop blood clots. The best option is to take preventative measures and develop a monthly heartworm preventative schedule to give to your pets.”

The West Nile virus is another disease that is common among animals. It is spread when a mosquito bites a bird infected with the virus and then in turn bites another individual to spread the disease. It first appeared in the United States in New York City in 1999. Since then, it has spread throughout the United States. Horses are the most commonly affected animals. Humans and dogs are also affected but on much rarer occasions.

“The symptoms of the West Nile virus are similar in horses and humans,” notes Stickney. “Both victims develop neurologic symptoms that include stumbling, seizures, and inability to use limbs. When dogs are exposed to the virus their body normally does not show any outward reactions because their body usually fights it off. When they do develop the disease, dogs also show neurological signs.”

At this point there is no treatment for the West Nile virus. Scientists are currently working on a vaccine for humans.

One of the most dangerous mosquito borne viruses that affects horses and humans is Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). It affects the central nervous system and causes severe complications that may lead to death. This virus also originates from mosquitoes biting an infected bird and then passing that infection on to their victim.

EEE is also known as the “sleeping sickness” because its onset is very fast and is hard to diagnose. Symptoms of EEE in horses usually break through within five days of the infected mosquito bite. Initially, horses are depressed and quiet. They experience impaired vision, inability to swallow, and aimless wandering. As the virus strengthens the horse will start to exhibit paralysis, convulsions, and ultimately death. Death normally occurs after two to three days of the infected horse showing signs. Vaccines are available for horses and it is recommended that they get them yearly.

Most people who are exposed to EEE do not have any complications. The rare few who are affected incur severe symptoms. Initially they experience headaches, fever, chills, and vomiting. The symptoms may advance to disorientation, seizures, coma, or sometimes even death.

One can take preventive measures to avoid the occurrence of mosquitoes.

“Avoid being outside from dusk until dawn during mosquito season when mosquitoes are most active,” explains Stickney. “Get rid of standing water. If you have a pond, lake, or tank on your property put mosquito dunks in the water to prevent mosquito eggs and larvae from developing. Don’t depend on flea and tick labeled repellants to ward off mosquitoes because your pet can still get bitten.”

Prior to mosquito season it is important to do a check up and mosquito proof houses. Fix or install window and door screens so that there are no leaks into the house. Make sure to remove areas or cover containers with standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs.

“Don’t assume that just because your cat or dog has long hair that mosquitoes won’t bite them because they will,” notes Stickney.  “If your pet is an inside animal they are also affected by mosquitoes because mosquitoes can force themselves inside too. The best method is to take preventative measures because with all these mosquito transmitted diseases an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure.”

The job came with some major perks: Getting to help rehabilitate some amazing animals, learning to handle the educational animals, and becoming a bobcat mom, just to name a few.

My day to day activities are typically cleaning enclosures, feeding, medicating, examining, and answering phone calls. This may seem like a pretty structured routine but everyday is filled with surprises and I love it. I never know what new animal I will encounter or situation I will have to deal with. Knowing that makes me excited to come into W.E.R.C each day because I know it will be anything but boring.

I’ll never forget my first experience as a bobcat mom with our orphaned kitten Stanley.  I first put on a full-body costume, heavy gloves, and a big furry mask, then went into the bobcat enclosure on my hands and knees.  Looking into those blue-green eyes I knew I was a part of something amazing.  My first impression of Stanley was that he was a little ball of energy and full of life. The first day I met him he jumped onto my head and back for a little piggy-back ride as I crawled around and cleaned his enclosure.  How many people can say that they have been a part of a group of people responsible for raising a bobcat in a way that will allow him to one day be released safely back into the wild? Not many.

It is these types of experiences that remind me how beneficial and rewarding working in this industry can be. This internship will be one of the most memorable experiences of my lifetime and I am thankful that I was able take part in such an extraordinary opportunity.

by Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org
Orphaned bobcat “Stanley” was only 4-weeks-old and 2 pounds when he was rescued in Stanislaus County in May and brought to WERC for rehabilitation. Stanley is now 4-months-old, very healthy (he has had all his feline vaccinations), and a robust 9 pounds.

Since his arrival at WERC, he has been cared for by surrogate bobcat mothers, who wear full-body costumes, walk on their hands and knees, and remain completely silent.  Stanley’s “moms” continue to provide TLC every day in the outdoor enclosure, bringing him rodents to eat and playing bobcat games such as chase-the-mouse, which help to reinforce his hunting skills, and also provide exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization.
However, whenever a caretaker must go in the enclosure as a human, Stanley runs away, hides, and growls—proof that WERC’s protocol is keeping him wild and wary of people in preparation for the day this fall when he will be released back to his native habitat.

Cool as a cucumber … but what if you are a horse!  Summer heat and humidity can be a dangerous combination for active horses.

“Heat and humidity affect the horse, and with intense exercising, the excess heat has difficulty dissipating,” notes Dr. Glennon Mays, clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

“Heat is a normal by-product of working muscles and increases during periods of increased exercise,” explains Mays.  “Normally a horse cools itself by sweating which causes heat loss and thus its body cools as sweat evaporates from the skin’s surface.”

When humidity is high, less moisture can evaporate from the skin surface.  Therefore the surface blood vessels will enlarge to help rid the horse’s body of excess heat.

“Overheating, or hyperthermia in the horse is due to a disturbance in the heat regulating mechanism of the horse’s body,” says Mays.  “In addition to summer heat and humidity, poor stable ventilation, prolonged exposure to sun, extreme exercise, transportation/trailering stress, as well as excess weight and poor conditioning may contribute to overheating.”

“If your horse does become overheated, move the horse to a shady area or to a cool, well-ventilated barn.  Then spray with cool water and place ice packs on the horse’s head and large blood vessels on the neck and the inside of its legs,” states Mays.  “Be careful to not spray the horse’s face or get water in its ears; just sponge these areas gently.”

Horses naturally tend to “cool out” while walking rather than standing still, notes Mays.  Therefore, application of ice packs can be challenging.

Allow the horse to have several swallows of cool, clean, fresh water every few minutes.  There is a possibility of colic if your horse drinks large quantities of water in a short period of time.

“To help your horse beat the heat, provide plenty of fresh, cool water,” notes Mays.  “Keep water bucket or trough clean to promote drinking.  Average size work horses can consume over 25 gallons of water per day when the temperature is above 70 degrees.”

Limit strenuous riding to late evening or early morning when the temperature is lower.  Use less tack in the hot summer by minimizing saddle pads and leg boots.  Also clip your horse’s coat and keep its mane and tail trimmed.

Heat stroke can happen to horses whether they are working hard, standing in stifling stables, or traveling in unventilated trailers, notes Mays.  Call a veterinarian and take immediate action if your horse has elevated respiration or pulse (in an inactive horse), body temperature above 103 degrees, or irregular heart beat.

“Do the skin pinch test to check your horse’s hydration,” says Mays.  Test for dehydration by pinching the skin along the horse’s neck.  The skin should snap back quickly.  If the pinched area collapses slowly the horse is dehydrated.

Hot weather does require that you give your horse special care.  But, you and your horse can lessen summer’s hot days when you practice these cool tips to beat the heat.

This male Kestrel was just released at a large field in Gilroy. He was an orphaned fledgling when brought to the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center two months ago (see June 17 blog). Eating up to three small rodents a day, he grew strong and healthy in WERC’s outdoor aviary.

Kestrels, the smallest falcon in North America, find their prey either by sitting on a perch or by hovering – also called “kiting” – flapping their wings in a way that lets them remain suspended in the same place.

That is exactly what this Kestrel did upon its release, flying high into the clear, blue sky whereupon he joined another kestrel that was seen hovering nearby, searching for a tasty lunch in the field. Kestrels are highly beneficial to our environment, eating mostly insects (grasshoppers, beetles, crickets) and small mammals (rodents) but sometimes also small songbirds – which is why they have erroneously been called “sparrow hawks”. In the photo, note the scythe-shaped wing and the specialized beak, with a tomial “tooth”, of a true falcon.