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Biological name of the cat: Felis Silvestris Catus
The History
It is debated whether the domestic cat evolved
from the African wildcat (F. s. lybica), the Asian
wildcat (F. s. ornate) and the European wildcat (F.
s. silvestris).
Cats are known to have been fully domesticated in
Egypt circa 4000 B.C., where they were highly
regarded, which lead some to think it is likely
domestic cats evolved from the African wildcat.
Cats have lived amongst humans for anywhere
between 3500 to 8000 years, being used for pest
control, hunting, and companionship. Domestic
cats are still fully capable of living in the wild.
Cat Trivia
A person who loves cats is called an
ailurophile.
When your cat rubs up against you, she
is actually marking you as "its own" with
its scent.
Cats have been domesticated for only
half as long as dogs.
Cats lap liquid from the underside of
their tongue, not from the top.
Ancient Egyptian family members
shaved their eyebrows in mourning when
the family cat died.
Americans spend more money on cat
food than they do on baby food.
Animal Health Week 2010
Animal Health week is on through
October 09, 2010.
Seminars include “How to read a Pet
food label” and “Canine Behaviour”.
We are also offering a 50% discount on
all microchip procedures during this
week, in keeping with the Canadian
Veterinary Associations mandate to
have the best possible identification for
the safety of pets. |
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With Thanksgiving coming up, it is important to re m ember that Chocolate can be toxic to your pet.
Just like their human counterparts, pets, especially dogs, can crave the delicious goodness of
chocolate. While recent studies have shown that chocolate may be beneficial for our health it is
important to know that chocolate can be toxic, and sometimes even fatal, for animals.
Dogs are most commonly affected, due to their ability to find it and the common 'sweet tooth' they
seem to have. It is important to remember that cats and other small animals are susceptible to the
toxic effects of chocolate, too.
What makes chocolate toxic, anyway?
Chocolate is made from the fruit (beans) of the cacao tree. Theobromine, a component of chocolate,
is the toxic compound in chocolate. Caffeine is also present in chocolate, but in much smaller
amounts. Both Theobromine and Caffeine are members of a drug class called Methylxanines.
Theobromine and caffeine effects on the body include stimulation of the Central Nervous System
(CNS), Cardiovascular system, an increased blood pressure (mild), nausea and vomiting
Are some chocolates more toxic than others?
Yes. Unsweetened (baker's) chocolate contains 8-10 times the amount of Theobromine as milk
chocolate. Semi-sweet chocolate falls roughly in between the two for Theobromine content.
Caffeine is present in chocolate, but less than Theobromine.
How much is too much?
The toxic dose of Theobromine (and caffeine) for pets is 100-200mg/kg. (1 kiliogram = 2.2 pounds).
However, some reports by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
have noted problems at doses much lower than this - i.e. 20mg/kg.
What are the signs of toxicity?
-Excitement / nervousness / trembling
-Vomiting / diarrhea
-Excessive thirst / sometimes excessive urination
-Muscle spasms and seizures
-Coma and Death (rare) -- likely due to heart rhythm abnormalities.
How is chocolate toxicity treated?
If you suspect that your pet has eaten chocolate (more than the stray chocolate chip that fell on the
floor), call your veterinarian for advice. The toxicity of Theobromine is dose dependant. This means
that the size of your pet, the type of chocolate, and quantity of chocolate determine if or how toxic it
is for your pet. There is no specific antidote for Theobromine toxicity. Medical treatmentis
supportive, and may include all or some of the following:
-IV fluids - to prevent dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea, and /or increased urination, and to
"flush" the Theobromine out of the system.
-Emetics - medications that induce vomiting.
-Activated charcoal – to decrease absorption of chocolate through the gut
-Anti-seizure and Cardiac medications – for critical patients.
Why isn't chocolate toxic to humans?
Humans can break down and excrete Theobromine much more efficiently than dogs. The half life of
Theobromine in the dog is long; approximately 17.5 hours.
Keep your pet's best interest at heart...chocolate wasn’t meant to be shared anyway .
Have a great Thanksgiving . |
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