The American Legion has launched a two-month worldwide online survey, which will remain online until early March, to find out why only 25 percent of women are currently using the VA healthcare system.

ProSidian Consulting, in Charlotte, N.C., specializing in strategic business issues, will conduct the survey.

Survey questions will cover ten aspects of health-care service quality: reliability, responsiveness, competence, access, courtesy, communication, credibility, security, tangibles and understanding the customer. The survey will also help to identify unmet needs among women veterans and guide the Legion’s development of specific remedies and recommendations.

The results from the survey will be used to refine the American Legion’s outreach methods, enhance its written and oral testimony to Congress and federal agencies, and to ultimately improve the delivery of women veterans’ benefits, programs and services.

The survey was developed by American Legion specialists on women veterans’ issues. Women, like their male counterparts, are returning home with illness, disease, injuries and the invisible wounds of war.

Woman veterans are encouraged to participate in the survey by visiting: www.legion.org under Legion Headlines.

If any woman veteran is interested in learning more about the American Legion, call the Legions N.J. State headquarters at 609-695-5418 and refer to “Women Veterans Benefits.”

By Dr. Ohad Barnea

Watching the human-animal bond is what I love most about my work as a veterinarian. Cleo is a seven-year old stray cat, who was recently adopted by Signey after showing up at Signey’s door.  Cleo came to my office with absolutely no medical history.  Upon examination, I was unable to tell whether she was spayed or not as no scar tissue was seen on her belly.  We decided to spay her.  I screened her for all the needed tests prior to anesthesia and she passed them successfully.  During her surgery though, I noticed a small abnormal mass in her abdomen.  The mass was positive for cancer of pancreatic origin, from which recovery was not likely.

Upon getting the sad news, I screened her chest and abdomen and, happily, no cancer was found elsewhere.  Signey reported to me that Cleo was doing great at home; she ate well, she was not losing weight, and she was playful.

Few months later, when Cleo returned for a follow-up examination, she still looked great.  Her teeth needed cleaning though, so I collected a blood sample in order to clear her for anesthesia.  At that time, however, the blood tests revealed elevated kidney values.  I, therefore, immediately started to focus on the new problem.  Her teeth were cleaned and we placed her on antibiotics with a follow-up on her urine a few weeks later.  Upon returning to my office for a urine sample, I noticed a new mass, cranial (ahead) to her bladder.  This time the mass was large and seemed to involve her internal organs.  I was sad to report the news to Signey, but decided not to operate at that point.

Throughout Cleo’s sickness, Signey fell in love with her more and more.  My staff and I also grew attached to Cleo.

I later reflected on this to myself:  How brave and selfless one must be to adopt an old, stray cat without any information or medical history; how determined was the new owner to save Cleo’s life despite the uphill battle; how wonderful it was that an animal could bring so much joy in such a short period of time; how deep can the human-animal bond be.  The commitment, dedication, loyalty, and determination to go through all this for a stray pet that suddenly appeared at Signey’s door — the human animal bond, at its best.

Dr. Ohad Barnea is a 1992 graduate of Tufts University, School of Veterinary Medicine and the owner of Tenafly Veterinary Center and Cliffside Animal Hospital.

Over the years, Lyme vaccine has become better and much safer.

With the introduction of the annual 4DX blood test, which includes heartworm, Lyme, and other tick-transmitted diseases, I have learned to appreciate how prevalent the disease is in Bergen County.  If your pet is at risk (there are deer within 2 miles of where you live or travel) you should vaccinate your dog.  However, you should be aware that it is better to avoid the deer tick bite all together rather than to rely on a vaccine that protects the pet after the bite.  Also, you should always keep in mind that your pet can bring the tick home to you.

Two important tips I would like to convey here:

1.  Ticks attach usually to the pet’s head, while fleas attach to the pet’s back.  So make sure to check behind the ears too.

2.  While some tick products are good, I recommend a prescription collar, called “Preventic.”  It contains a compound called “Amitraz,” which is known to paralyze the mouth part of the tick in the first 24 hours after the bite.

Do screen your pet for ticks after each hike in the woods or even when your pet is on the grass.  Vaccinate and apply tick protection products for your safety and the safety of your pet.

By: Dr. Ohad Barnear

Why I recommend only canned food for cats.

Of the top 10 reasons why cats are brought to their veterinarian, urinary track infection is number one and chronic renal failure is number three (based on data taken from medical claims submitted to veterinary pet insurance in 2007).

I have been recommending 100 % canned food, low carbohydrate, high protein diet to my feline owners for the last 8 years — ever since I attended a lecture given by a known expert on bladder stones (calculi) and urinary track diseases in cats.

The title of the lecture was “The solution is in the can, idiot.”

The central point on which the lecturer focused was that because canned food has 60-70% moisture content, it is similar, in fluid content, to a natural diet, which the feline would eat in the wild (prey, such as mouse/bird with 70 % of the body being blood).  Feeding our cats with canned food thus protects their kidneys from sediments, such as crystals, which may accumulate and form stones and, as a result, damage the kidneys.

Cats do not drink much water unless they have a medical problem.  They usually get most of their fluid from their food, so by feeding them dry food we are forcing them to be on a diet that is very different in water content then their natural diet.

Given that we all know how important it is to drink a lot of water on a daily basis – as it simply flushes the system and gets rid of toxins — a diet that is 100 % canned food may prevent, over a long period of time, damage to your cat’s kidneys and bladder.

Your cat will live longer and healthier.

Dr. Ohad Barnear.  is a 1992 graduate of Tufts University, School of Veterinary Medicine and the owner of Tenafly Veterinary Center and Cliffside Animal Hospital.

After practicing for over 18 years, I find myself prescribing one item more than others — prescription foods, sold only through veterinarians.

I often stand in front of a huge food rack in my office and wonder: how come we have so many types of prescription diets, addressing so many medical conditions, such as kidney diseases, heart conditions, brain, gastrointestinal, skin, allergy, urinary, or arthritis problems. These diets do work and many pets become dependent on them.  But can we prevent our pet’s reliance on prescription diets?

Yes we can.  When a pet suffers from chronic diarrhea, vomiting, skin issues, or ear infections, I often first switch the diet and realize that many problems resolve themselves, or at least get better.

There is no reason why you should not do the same, whether your pet is healthy or suffers from chronic problems.  Variety of foods for your pet is healthy.   Upgrade the types of food you give your pet.  Provide your pet with a high quality diet.  Try a different protein source or a different brand and consult with your vet.

Home made diets and healthy table foods are the best, in my opinion, because you can control the ingredients that go into the food, not to mention your ability to include fresh ingredients.  I have a rule that I teach my clients: if it is healthy for you, it is healthy for your pet (except for grapes, raisins, and chocolate – do not feed your pet with those).

How can we expect pets to be healthy when they eat processed, or as I call it, “dead” foods, all their lives?  Can humans be healthy if they eat canned or dry, processed food all their lives?   Grandma was right when she said, ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away.’  Hippocrates said:  “leave your drugs in the chemist’s pot if you can heal the patient with food.”  So let’s try to do more of that; stick to a low calorie, as fresh as possible, wide variety, diet and see your pet live longer.

In the next article we will explore the differences between dry and canned food.

Dr. Ohad Barnea is a 1992 graduate of Tufts University, School of Veterinary Medicine and the owner of Tenafly Veterinary Center and Cliffside Animal Hospital.

Twinkle is a ten-year-old feline patient of mine.  Although she comes annually for her regular exam, I am not really her “cup of tea.”  As I try to convince her to come out of her carrier, she does her best to convince me to leave her alone.  She hisses and scratches and she gives the “I will kill you if you touch me” look.  This is the one moment that I remind myself that cats and tigers belong to the same family.

So every time I have to collect blood and urine sample from Twinkle, I first have to sedate her lightly.  This is a struggle for Twinkle and her owner as well as for me.  Nevertheless, despite the difficulty and in an effort to check Twinkle thoroughly, we have been going through this annual ritual for the last ten years.

This year we were happy to find that despite Twinkle’s seniority, her blood work was still relatively normal, with the exception of one small parameter, called urine specific gravity, which was very low.  That specific result indicated an early phase of kidney disease called renal insufficiency — a preliminary condition to chronic kidney failure.

Had it not been for her sedation in order to perform the exam, it would have been impossible to collect a urine sample from Twinkle.  Indeed, very often, cats that are difficult to handle, are handled with towels and protective gloves in order to avoid injuries.  In so doing, those cats will get their quick exam, perhaps some vaccines, and will then be sent home without any blood work or urine samples.  This is due, of course, to the difficulty or reluctance of the owners to sedate their pets.  In fact, unlike dogs that can be walked outside in order to collect a urine sample, cat-owners are asked to collect it at home.  I usually do not get urine samples back precisely because of the difficulty of collecting them.

Alternatively, urine may be taken directly from the bladder by a technique called Cystocentesis – gently inserting a needle to the bladder in order to collect a urine sample.  This is done at the veterinarian’s office.

Here is why this is so important:  with renal insufficiency, the kidney values in a blood test (called bun and creatinine) are still normal, making us believe that all is well.  It takes the destruction of 75% of the kidneys to show elevation of these values in a blood test — a stage that happens later on in the course of the disease.  Early diagnosis is, therefore, very tricky.  Only with a urine sample, one can uncover this problem early on.

When I notified Twinkle’s owner of the issue, he confirmed that she had been drinking a lot of water in the previous several weeks — a cardinal sign of disease with cats, as they normally do not drink a lot of water.

By catching this condition early, I was able to prepare the owner for her future condition and take steps to slow down the disease.  Had I not sedated her and collected all the samples, her condition would have been discovered in a much more advanced stage, a few months away.  Further tests, such as a urine culture, blood pressure measurements, and ultrasound can help treat the condition.  Any underlying infection or problem can be addressed with medication, diet change, and eventually administration of fluids under the skin every few days.

I always tell my clients that if I could only run one test on a cat, it would be a urine analysis.  Yet, because it is not easy for the owner or the vet to collect such sample, the cat’s urine often goes unchecked.  My suggestion:  put the effort to obtain a urine sample from your cat; it may save your feline friend’s life.

Dr. Ohad Barnea is a 1992 graduate of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and the owner of Tenafly Veterinary Center and Cliffside Animal Hospital.

Attendees are invited to bring their well-behaved pets to the Meadowlands Pet Expo Saturday, Nov. 20 and Sunday, Nov. 21 to the Meadowlands Pet Expo Center at Harmon Meadows in Secaucus.

Things to do at the expo include: Shop for great products, have your pet’s photo taken for the holidays, see if your pet is a star and enter the pet costume contest and fashion parade. On Sunday, have your dog tested for the American Kennel Clubs Canine Good Citizen Award.

Fine art and portrait photographer Janet Zappasodi (of Zap-Photography and Design) will be offering low-cost, on-site portraits of your pet and family. Santa will also be visiting, noon-5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Photos will be placed in a seasonal photo card.  A portion of all Santa photo sales will be donated to N.J. animal rescues.

Animal talent agent Dawn Wolfe will be on-site speaking with owners as well as conducting on-the-spot auditions. Ms. Wolfe is the owner of Pawsitively Famous Animal Actors and has made a name in the Hollywood industry as the “trainer of the pet stars.”   in Show Business be sure to come on out to find out if your pet is the next big animal actor.

All are welcome to attend the costume contest and fashion parade on Saturday. Bring your pet dressed in their best costume or fashion attire. Awards will be given out for Best Costume, Most Original and Best Pet/Owner Ensemble.

Canine Good Citizen Award will be offered noon-3 p.m., on Sunday.

All breeds and mixed breeds are welcome. Basic manners and obedience skills will be tested on dogs that are friendly and not aggressive. Dogs must be clean and in good health and at least 6 months of age. Bring a small brush to be used on our dog during the testing. If your dog passes, you will be given a form to mail to the American Kennel Club who will then send you a gold sealed certificate.

For information go to our website  www.meadowlandspetexpo.com  or call 631-423-0620

I have known Mr. D. since 1995.  His home was next to my practice.  One day, Mr. D’s house-guest parked his car in my office’s parking lot and hit my car by mistake.  Mr. D. immediately came over to my practice to “smooth things out,” and I took a liking to him from that moment on.

Few years later, he got a puppy – a chocolate lab – and named him Q.  He called me up and said:  “remember me? You are my dog’s vet from now on”.

There was something very special about this man and his dog.  The bond between them was unique — a true pleasure to watch – and, Mr. D., graceful and quiet, without words or commands, always had Q, relaxed and composed, following him around my office without a leash.  As if listening patiently, Q always sat down while I discussed his condition with his owner.

We have been together through many health issues, from Lyme disease to arthritis, to name just a few.  The love and care this man showed to his dog was like a father to a son.

And it was the same the other way around.  Q, looking up to his master with loving eyes, always hiked many trails with his owner despite his arthritis.

Several months ago, Q came to my office and appeared lethargic and thin.  His weight loss made me particularly concerned.  A quick blood test revealed that Q was in kidney failure and that his days were numbered.  But Mr. D. and Q decided to fight.  They decided not to give in to this debilitating disease.  We monitored Q’s blood pressure and kidney values, performed numerous blood tests and urinalysis, battled urinary track infections, and changed his diet to a special kidney diet.  We also started a daily fluid therapy at home.  We even ignored the textbooks and kept him on a low dose of arthritis medication, contraindicated with kidney disease, so he could hike the trails with his owner in his last few months.

Last week it is was time to say goodbye.  Mr. D. spent the weekend with Q and on Monday morning we met in order to euthanize Q.  As we said goodbye to Q, Mr. D looked at me and said something I will never forget.  He said something that reflected the way this gentleman and his dog carried themselves — with style and dignity, with respect and love for each other and, most of all, with zest and respect for life.  With tears in his eyes, as I put Q to sleep, Mr. D. said:  “I am happy for him.”

What a beautiful thing to say, I thought.  I never hear the words “happy” during euthanasia.  Yet, at such a difficult and sad moment, Mr. D. celebrated Q’s life.  He made it easier for his dog to pass peacefully.  He was so graceful, until the end.

Dr. Ohad Barnea is a 1992 graduate of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and the owner of Tenafly Veterinary Center and Cliffside Animal Hospital.

Q.  Dear Connie,

I would like to enroll my puppy in your obedience training and wonder if you offer the Star puppy program I heard about?

I want my puppy to be a great family and community member!

Thanks,

Jennifer C., Lyndhurst NJ

A.  Dear Jennifer,

Yes, I do offer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program! This new program is designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start! Pure breed or mixed breed pups are able to enroll.  You can visit my website page here for more information:

http://www.helpihaveadog.com/training/akc-canine-good-citizens-test/

Training classes teach you how to best communicate with your puppy. Organized training classes also provide an opportunity for your puppy or dog to socialize with other canines! My classes are aimed at helping you and your puppy earn the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy distinction!  You’ll be able to get information on all of your puppy-raising questions including housetraining, chewing and the most effective way to teach practical skills such as coming when called.

When you complete a basic training class taught by me (or another AKC Approved CGC Evaluator) with your puppy (up to 1 year old) your puppy is eligible to be enrolled in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program. You’ll attend my puppy or basic training class at least 6 weeks.  Then I will administer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test at the end of the course. Upon passing the test, you’ll get an application to send to AKC® for enrollment in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program.

Your puppy will receive the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Medal!   You and your puppy will be listed in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy records!

In addition, so that you can continue learning, you’ll receive the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy package that includes:

• A beautiful, frameable certificate designating your puppy is in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy records at AKC
• AKC Puppy Handbook, a valuable resource
• Discount to enroll in AKC Companion Animal Recovery Corporation, a 24-hour recovery service
• Ongoing Monthly Email Newsletter: Your AKC. This includes training tips and up-to-date information every dog owner needs to know. We want you and your puppy to continue learning beyond puppy classes!

Contact me and enroll today!  (201) 388-0935 or email cformosa@optonline.net

Best Wishes,

Connie Formosa

www.helpihaveadog.com

By:  Dr. Ohad Barnea,  www.njvet.com

Twinkle is a ten-year-old feline patient of mine.  Although she comes annually for her regular exam, I am not really her “cup of tea.”  As I try to convince her to come out of her carrier, she does her best to convince me to leave her alone.  She hisses and scratches and she gives the “I will kill you if you touch me” look.  This is the one moment that I remind myself that cats and tigers belong to the same family.

So every time I have to collect blood and urine sample from Twinkle, I first have to sedate her lightly.  This is a struggle for Twinkle and her owner as well as for me.  Nevertheless, despite the difficulty and in an effort to check Twinkle thoroughly, we have been going through this annual ritual for the last ten years.

This year we were happy to find that despite Twinkle’s seniority, her blood work was still relatively normal, with the exception of one small parameter, called urine specific gravity, which was very low.  That specific result indicated an early phase of kidney disease called renal insufficiency — a preliminary condition to chronic kidney failure.

Had it not been for her sedation in order to perform the exam, it would have been impossible to collect a urine sample from Twinkle.  Indeed, very often, cats that are difficult to handle, are handled with towels and protective gloves in order to avoid injuries.  In so doing, those cats will get their quick exam, perhaps some vaccines, and will then be sent home without any blood work or urine samples.  This is due, of course, to the difficulty or reluctance of the owners to sedate their pets.  In fact, unlike dogs that can be walked outside in order to collect a urine sample, cat-owners are asked to collect it at home.  I usually do not get urine samples back precisely because of the difficulty of collecting them.

Alternatively, urine may be taken directly from the bladder by a technique called Cystocentesis – gently inserting a needle to the bladder in order to collect a urine sample.  This is done at the veterinarian’s office.

Here is why this is so important:  with renal insufficiency, the kidney values in a blood test (called bun and creatinine) are still normal, making us believe that all is well.  It takes the destruction of 75% of the kidneys to show elevation of these values in a blood test — a stage that happens later on in the course of the disease.  Early diagnosis is, therefore, very tricky.  Only with a urine sample, one can uncover this problem early on.

When I notified  Twinkle’s owner of the issue, he confirmed that she had been drinking a lot of water in the previous several weeks — a cardinal sign of disease with cats, as they normally do not drink a lot of water.

By catching this condition early, I was able to prepare the owner for her future condition and take steps to slow down the disease.  Had I not sedated her and collected all the samples, her condition would have been discovered in a much more advanced stage, a few months away.  Further tests, such as a urine culture, blood pressure measurements, and ultrasound can help treat the condition.  Any underlying infection or problem can be addressed with medication, diet change, and eventually administration of fluids under the skin every few days.

I always tell my clients that if I could only run one test on a cat, it would be a urine analysis.  Yet, because it is not easy for the owner or the vet to collect such sample, the cat’s urine often goes unchecked.  My suggestion:  put the effort to obtain a urine sample from your cat; it may save your feline friend’s life.

DR.OHAD BARNEA IS A 1992 GRADUATE OF TUFTS UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, AND THE OWNER OF TENAFLY VETERINARY CENTER AND CLIFFSIDE ANIMAL HOSPITAL.