Conference misery::feline_v1

3080.0. "Holiday Health Hazards to your Pet" by SCRUZ::CORDES_JA (Set Apartment/Cat_Max=3) Sat Nov 25 1989 19:24

    On Thanksgiving Day while driving to my mom's I spotted a cat lying
    in the middle of a left turn lane.  It appeared to be dead.  By the
    time I got through driving through a parking lot, making a u-turn,
    and going through another parking lot to get back to it, someone had 
    stopped and moved her out of the road.  I'm pretty sure it was a
    female as it was a long-haired tortie and white.  Luckily I was close 
    to the Emergency Animal Hospital that is open on holidays and I went 
    to them and asked if they had a bag or something I could put the cat 
    in and would they take care of seeing she was buried or cremated.  They
    gave me a bag and box to carry her in.  I was in tears while putting
    her in the bag and as I carried her back to the hospital I was balling
    my eyes out.  They were very kind at the hospital and let me wash
    my hands and dry my eyes before they asked for information about
    the cat.  They did not charge me anything for leaving her with them.
    
    I'm thankful for the woman who stopped in the middle of traffic
    to move the cat and who asked me if it was mine since I was in tears
    (it wasn't mine).  And, I'm thankful for the caring people at the
    Emergency Animal Hospital for being so nice and understanding. 
    I feel good about stopping even though there was nothing I could
    do to save the cats life.  I just couldn't let her lay there in
    the road, especially on Thanksgiving.
    
    Now to the point of why I started this note.  While I was at the
    Emergency Animal Hospital I noticed a flyer on Holiday Health Hazards
    to your Pet.  I thought I'd share the information with this file
    so that we'll all be aware of the potential hazards.
    
    Jan
                     
    
                      *******************************
    
                     HOLIDAY HEALTH HAZARDS TO YOUR PET
    
    To help insure a happy and healthy holiday season for both you and
    your pet, we wanted to make you aware that the following items common
    at this time of year are potentially hazardous to your pet.  Please
    take a moment to review this list to be sure your pet enjoys a happy
    (and healthy) holiday season.
    
    1.  CHOCOLATE
    
    Chocolate contains several compounds related to caffeine, that can
    cause hyperexcitability, irritability, even convulsions and DEATH
    in dogs if enough chocolate is consumed.  A 5 lb. puppy can die
    from eating one 5 ounce candy bar, although signs of overdosage
    occur at amounts far less than this.  Because several family members
    may inadvertently cause an overdose by each giving a pet a small
    amount of chocolate we recommend that you avoid this risk by not
    giving your pet any chocolate treats (we advise giving hugs instead).
    
    2.  CHRISTMAS TREE WATER, PINE CONES AND PINE NEEDLES
    
    The water at the base of a Christmas tree, the pine cones and the
    pine needles of the tree contain various compounds that can cause
    nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in some pets if swallowed.  We recommend
    the water that a tree sits in be covered with a screen that will
    prevent pets from drinking it.
    
    3.  HOLLY
    
    Ingestion of holly leaves can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and
    abdominal cramps, and also cause severe central nervous system
    depression in dogs and cats.
    
    4.  MISTLETOE
    
    American Mistletoe contains compounds known as tyramines.  While
    it is unlikely that a pet would ingest enough of the leaves or berries
    of this plant to develop a toxic reaction, you should be aware that
    abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea are all signs that may
    occur.  Some pets may even begin panting and become delerious.
    
    5.  POINSETTIA
    
    This ornamental plant produces a milky sap that is irritating to
    the tissues of the eye, skin, and digestive system.  Puppies, kittens,
    and birds may chew and swallow the leaves of these plants.  The
    irritant sap may also come in contact with the eyes.  Adverse reactions
    that may occur from external contact include squinting and/or redness
    and swelling around the eye(s), and skin rash.  Ingestion of part
    or all of the plant may cause stomatitis (pain and inflammation
    in the mouth) and general digestive upset, including diarrhea and
    vomiting.
    
    6.  TINSEL AND GARLAND
    
    Cats and dogs are attracted by the sparkling appearance of these
    common decorations.  Their long, string-like structure can cause
    them to become lodged in the digestive system, causing severe digestive
    upsets and potentially death if they lead to the development of
    a tear in the intestinal wall.  Do not leave stray tinsel or garlands
    lying around on the floor where your pets may get to them, and be
    aware that decorations on low-hanging branches are also hazards.
    
    7.  TURKEY SKINS AND OTHER FATTY FOODS
    
    While many pets enjoy these holiday scraps without any untoward
    effects, these foods have the potential for causing a disease called
    pancreatitis.  The severe abdominal pain associated with this
    inflammatory condition of the pancreas causes many dogs and cats
    to vomit and appear depressed and listless.  THIS DISEASE CAN LEAD
    TO SHOCK AND POTENTIALLY DEATH, and should be treated immediately.
    Again, in place of table scraps, we recommend giving hugs.
    
    8.  CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND ORNAMENTS
    
    Low-hanging Christmas tree lights and ornaments are inviting toys
    for dogs and cats.  Severe burns around the mouth and even death
    from electrocution can occur if pets chew on Christmas tree lights.
    Glass ornaments and their hooks may also cause internal damage
    if swallowed as they may become lodged in the digestive system.
    
    If you have any concern that your pet may be having a problem due
    to exposure to any or all of the substances above, please call
    immediately--we will be glad to discuss this with you by phone.
    
    By taking a few moments to observe the necessary precautions for
    avoiding these hazards you can assure an enjoyable and safe time
    for everyone, including the furrier members of your family.  We
    wish you and your pets a happy and healthy holiday season, and look
    forward to serving you in the new year.
    
    United Emergency
    Animal Clinic Inc.
    1657 So. Bascom Avenue
    Campbell, California  95008
    Phone (408) 371-6252

    Jan -
      I'm glad you stopped and took care of this poor kitty.  I'm also
    happy to know that there are other folks out there who do the same.
    I know they're there, its just that sometimes you can't tell.
    
    DO you want this little one comemmorated this quarter?  If so,
    how shall I list her?
      Nancy DC

    I read an article in a recent Cat Fancy, I think, that said that
    Poinsettias are no longer considered Toxic to cats.  
    
    Anyone read this article....I think it was in the December issue.  I
    don't get Cat Fancy, but I think I read it when I was in Dr. Bachrach's
    office Wednesday.
    
    cin
    

    Cin, I read that in the Dec issue of Cat Fancy.
    
    Deb

    Nancy,
    
    I would really appreciate it if you would include her in the Silver
    Lining Memorial.  I don't know what to call her...maybe something
    like Thanksgiving Tortie...I'm afraid I'm not very creative today.  
    I found her on Hamilton Avenue in front of the Goodyear auto place
    across from Delta Queen car wash.  Can we make a name out of any
    of that?
    
    I don't know how to explain this but I feel touched by that little
    cat.  Every time I think about her I get tears in my eyes.  Its
    almost as if she has become my cat.
    
    Jan

    I'll be happy to list her Jan. 
    
    You know, in a way she did become your cat because you cared.
      Nancy DC