Down Syndrome in dogs, cats and other species. Real or Unreal? There is not enough evidence on this subject, as research on the genetic factors for animals, has been very inadequate, but for some people, veterinarians and scientists yes it can be possible. The chromosomes in humans, dogs, cats and other species differ quite a bit, but you can be the judge. I feel that anything is possible, it is a genetic factor and possible and not limited to humans, but for all species. Mahalo

Olivia here, lets talk about our pets...

Down Syndrome in our pets! 

 Is this really possibly, research shows that it could very well be and I will share with you that many have speculated that apes, tigers, dogs, and other animals can have clusters of genetic defects that at least look like Downs Syndrome, and some veterinarians also agree.

I think most of us are familiar with Down syndrome and its manifestations in humans. I have been asked that question, so I decided to research the possibilities. The answer.... it’s unclear, dogs. cats and other species, do have genetic defects,but they have not been connected to the same piece of repeated genetic material that causes Down syndrome in humans. But some dogs, cats, and other species, have the broad faces, slow development, and physical frailty, that we can associate with Down-syndrome. Research on the genes of all species is not nearly as advanced, as research in humans. Very few dogs and cats have had their chromosomes or genes analyzed, do to the expense.

 

Dogs have a different number of chromosomes (78 as opposed to 46 in humans 38 in cats) and their 21st pair doesn’t contain the same information as the 21st pair in a human, so trisomy which refers to having 3 copies of a chromosome in one cell, rather than 2, so trisomy 21 in other species, e.g. dogs, cats would not produce Down syndrome. Nevertheless,much of the information in humans does appear in the 21st pair, and does appear elsewhere in the chromosomes of other species, as well as dogs and cats.

Your veterinarian would probably be the only one who can identify whether your dog has Down syndrome.  Animal genetics aren't easily tested, they might be hard-pressed to provide a diagnosis. Always consider asking them about Down syndrome, if your pet has symptoms at a very young age like:

• congenital heart disease;
• difficulty in hearing (he doesn’t react as fast as others in his “pack");
• poor eyesight, perhaps with cataracts;
• thyroid problems, as shown by impaired metabolism and unstable body temperature;
• odd behavior, such as wailing (from malformed internal organs) or unusual reserve;
• or unusual physical features. Suspected traits include a nose that’s always warm and dry, unusual skin patches, frequent hair loss, deformed legs or hips, and odd facial features including a broad nose and protuding tongue.

Though you may not receive a definitive answer from your vet, you and the vet may nevertheless decide you have a “special” pet, one that needs special attention and care, because of its genes, its embryonic development, or other reasons out of your control.

Unfortunately, there are no cures either for humans or any animal species which show signs of having genetic defects. 

Here are some tips on foods, exercise, and caring for your pet...

• Pet foods rich in protein will help strengthen and repair wasted muscle. as some dogs may experience allergies to processed foods.
• Lots of exercise— like daily brisk walking, training for dog tricks, and even sports like Frisbee—will hel strengthen their heart and bones. 
• As maintenance, regular checkups and maybe vitamins or medications to keep your pet's system functioning well. Proper dosages and time of medication should be strictly observed, as the body may react differently than that of a normal dog or cat.

Remember if your pet shows any adverse signs while on medication, always consult with your veterinarian.  Just like in humans,consult with him or her regarding exercise, especially if congenital heart defects are present. Also noted. that as in humans with Down Syndrome vitamin therapy was essential and they responded very well.

Caring for your dog or cat affected with genetic defects can be more of a gift than a burden.

Having a normal life can be possible if the dog or cat gets proper medication, nutrition, vitamins, herbs, love and guidance. Taking care of your pet with a genetic defect is no easy task, and requires emotion, caring and loving.  Owning a special pet will enable any person to realize so much, including their capacity for love, attention, and concern. Who would have known that despite the circumstances, one can give their pet the life that they deserve..... 

A Hui Ho,

No life is more important than another,

and nothing we do is without purpose.

We can only measure our goodness on what we embrace and what we create.  

Believe, we are all part of the Angelic Dance of Life, that someday we will understand.

Dream your dreams they are your passions 

Never loose your childhood enthusiasm it is what drives you,

Be an Angel of Kindness and wondrous gifts will                           abound you

                                And one day when we alone are capable, 

                                we will rise and forever embraced by the Kindness                                                         we shared...

I have enclosed a Petition from Endangered Earth/Center of Biological Diversity, EXTINCTION IS FOREVER!!! Our Mexican Gray Wolf, is on the brink of extinction with only approximately 100 left in our wild deserts and forests. Please take the time to sign this petition and please share. The goal for signatures is small, but enough for our Voices To Be Heard. Please lets tell the US Fish and Wildlife Service to initiate a stronger program to save this rare species of wolf. Don't let the politicians have influence in destroying the progress that has started, let OUR VOICES BE HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR. SAVE AND PROTECT, this special species and create a better program for habitat and breeding. "EXTINCTION IS FOREVER" Mahalo

An incredibly rare subspecies of wolf is on the brink of extinction. With as few as 110 remaining in the wild, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service needs to develop a much more aggressive plan to save them from being wiped out completely. Unfortunately, many politicians are doing their best to undermine recovery efforts, bowing to pressure from ranchers and anti-wolf interests. However, contrary to the false information being spread, scientific studies show that these wolves need more habitat and multiple, interconnected populations if they are to fully recover. Urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of the Interior to reject the poorly informed political interference and take action before it's too late.

Save Them

Health Tips/Natural Healing... Pharyngeal Gag Reflex in dogs and cats is a getting relatively widespread. It is a respiratory condition triggered off by a spasm in the soft palate.... Please share, Mahalo

Reverse sneezing, also known as Pharyngeal Gag Reflex or Paroxysmal Respiration.  It is a relatively widespread respiratory condition in dogs and cats, that is normally triggered off by a spasm in their soft palate as well as laryngeal area.  Many refer to this as a“reverse sneeze” because during the event, the pet is gasping air heavily inward, instead of simply expelling it, like in a typical sneeze. Although harmless in itself, it can be rather alarming for pet owners to see and can be indicative of a more serious problem.

Typically dogs will extend their neck as they gasp for air with loud and strong grunting sound.
Since the trachea becomes narrow, it’s even harder for dogs to get a sufficient amount of air into their lungs. As a result, their chest might expand as they try to inhale.
During the episode, most pet owners think their dog or cat is suffocating, choking, or even suffering from a seizure.

Each occurrence only lasts for just a couple of minutes or less. The episode normally ends on its own without posing any threat to your dog’s health.  This phenomenon is rarely fatal and can be set off by a wide variety of some forms of allergies, pollen, dust mites, viruses, post-nasal drip perfumes cleaners and chemicals.  These irritants can be a triggering factor, as well as rapid drinking, extreme exercise, pulling when walking and excitement.

 Although any dog breed can experience this respiratory condition, it is more widespread in smaller pooches. Short-faced dogs like Boxers, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus are found to be more at risk of reverse sneezing. It has been suspected that a genetic factor is involved with such kind of breeds.

 If allergies have been discovered to be the main cause of the problem, antihistamine medications can be administered. Your vet may prescribe drugs if mites are found in the dog’s laryngeal area.

I found that massaging the throat area, helps alot, as both my miniature poodle, cattle dog, and Great Dane have had episodes, Always consult your veterinarian if it persists, because there can be other factors to the cause.

Mahalo,

Our Wolves!!!!!! The newest wolf-killing tally is in: More than 3,900 wolves have been hounded, gunned down and trapped to death since politicians took away protection in six states -- hundreds since September alone. Each death can destroy a family and shatter a pack. Please sign and share this petition, WE ARE THEIR VOICE AND LET OUR VOICES BE HEARD! Petitions do work!! Please sign and share!! Mahalo to everyone....

STAND UP FOR AMERICA'S WOLVES

Federal protections could be removed from all gray wolves
in the lower-48 states if we don't do something about it
right now. We can't allow one of the best species recovery
stories to end with a major step back.

Gray wolves were on the brink of extinction until they were
placed on the Endangered Species Act list. Since then they've
been reintroduced to the Rocky Mountains and made a major
comeback in the western Great Lakes states. As a keystone
species, they're are an essential part of the environment
and halting progress on their recovery would be catastrophic
to the rest of their ecosystem.

Sign now and demand that gray wolves remain under Endangered
Species Act protections!

--> Take Action
http://tracking.greatergood.com/t/ccdbaCAEJ6QCVXk2CDvHTyaPTJpKQ4Pzaaaa?r=4@24y54A&b=wfdirXoXqf_jjdfo.Zrj&o=~58&0=&o=kqwm://wehXqfpXoohpfrhplqh.dubdqhojlra.flp/ZoffhWlJfyb/dov/mhqlqllq/BdoweMrvqlZh7KbomZloshp?xqp@prruZh=XupBqd7dkljdiv&rwj@pbgfxj=hjdfo&rwj@wbuj=3y5x5x43&xqp@Zrkwbqq=wXnbdZwfrkBc&xqp@ZdjsXldq=bdowemrvqlZh7kbomzloshp&roldlk=HQD@x4z3y9@BdoweMrvqlZh7KbomZloshp@i&llas=x00e376ib76-Xh6ibdZ3X~zA0-

UPDATED STORY PETA!!! I wanted to take this time to share and sign with everyone, who may not receive updates and letters from PETA. Their investigators go undercover to investigate the severe abuse, torture and deaths of animals of all nature. These videos are unsettling to say the least, completely unforgivable to the factory farms and the companies that these poor animals are sold to! I do hope all of the retailers listed in this undercover investigation are also investigated, and hopefully this will be a surprise to them, that investigations like this one goes on everyday. PETA works tirelessly everyday and night investigating to stop such horror like you are about read and see!!! Please share, Mahalo

The eyewitness never saw a veterinarian care for animals at the
facility in three months of working there full-time. This rabbit was
one of four found dead in just one day.
Take Action - http://www2.peta.org/site/R?i=nCTGF2X7ZnJsvutJnhS9tQ


A PETA exposé reveals the factory farm-like conditions-and
suffering-at Holmes Farm, a major supplier to PetSmart, Petco, Pet
Supplies Plus, and many other stores. Workers piled dozens of small
animals at a time into a feces-smeared cooler and crudely gassed them
with carbon dioxide. Their screams could be heard across the
room.

Based on PETA's evidence, a team of U.S. Department of Agriculture
officials descended on Holmes Farm, which is now under federal
investigation.

Live rats were stuffed into plastic zipper bags or tossed onto plastic
lids and put in a freezer, slowly freezing to death even as some
frantically tried to claw their way out.

As you can see in the video footage, the floor was spattered with
blood where small animals had been attacked by the cats who were
allowed to roam freely throughout the facility. One hamster who had
been attacked by a cat was just left to die on the floor.

Thousands of animals who are still at Holmes Farm-and millions more
trapped in the greed-driven pet trade across the country-need your
help.

Speak up for animals like these.
http://www2.peta.org/site/R?i=GYWBMEBBQwPXsLzyjM9Hvw

Please tell big-box pet stores' leaders that you will never buy
anything-even supplies-from them as long as they continue to sell any
animals. Instead, kind consumers can buy supplies from businesses that
don't sell animals, including Target, Walgreens, and
online retailers.

And if you are ready to add an animal to your family, please adopt
from a local animal shelter or rescue organization-never buy from a
store or breeder. Rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals are
dying for lack of good homes, just like dogs and cats, and they
deserve the same consideration.

Together, we can make a difference for these animals. Please take a
moment to act today.

http://www2.peta.org/site/R?i=QXn6SPNdB0wK_cCgbdoS7w

Sincerely,

Dan Paden
Associate Director of Evidence Analysis
Cruelty Investigations Department
PETA

Thank you to everyone who signed the petitions saving our Military Dogs! President has signed into practice all military dogs serving overseas will be saved and brought home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Earlier this year Best Friends Animal Society reached out to me and I posted the petition and asked you to be a voice for our country’s heroic military dogs. The response was overwhelming, with thousands  stepping up to make a difference.       Best Friends Animal Society is now able to share their  great news with everyone.. Because of everyone's effort,  the President recently signed into law legislation mandating that dogs serving overseas in our  armed forces will be brought stateside and placed in adoptive homes when they retire from service. Not only that, but their military handlers, the men and women who know them best, will be given the first opportunity to adopt them. That’s a win for our human service members and the dogs who serve bravely alongside them.       Once again, it was shown how powerful our voices can be when  we all come together for the animals.  More voices means more victories. So please, help this circle of voices grow. Take a moment and share this message with friends and family, encouraging them to sign up to use their voice to help save homeless pets.        Take a moment and share this message with friends and family on  Facebook,Twitter or email, encouraging them to sign up to use their voice to help save homeless pets. Mahalo to everyone Mahalo from.... Best Friends Animal Society

ALZHIEMER'S IN DOGS AND CATS! Yes, as it is at times a natural aging process in humans, studies have shown that our best friends, both canine and feline are susceptible to dementia. Diet including antioxidants, L Carnitine, fatty acids can limit the progression of this disease! Mahalo

There have been studies done on animals in the Wild, and yes they to are susceptible, but without help! They are challenged in the wild and can fall prey to other predators.

Can our dogs and cats have Alzheimer's? 

Olivia here

As our loved ones age, it’s natural for us to wonder about their mental health. Are they going to suffer from dementia – or will they in the future? Many of us have and have we considered our older pets? We take them to the vet for hip dysplasia, colds, allergies, but have we spoke to our veterinarian about their mental health.  Studies show our pets are more like us than we’ve realize – in both their emotional and cognitive functioning.

Recently researching Alzheimer's in dogs and cats I came across an article from the  New York Times illuminating what many pet owners have long suspected: Our canine and feline friends are far more than warm and welcoming family members. In fact, they may be more like young children than pets.

Advances in modern veterinary medicine, our domestic dogs and cats often live long enough to develop dementia,or cognitive dysfunction. Our pets are in a safe and caring environment and if anything did seem out of the ordinary they have vet care. However,there has been little data collected on older animals in the wild, and if they were to develop dementia-like symptoms,they likely wouldn’t survive very long. "Survival of the Fittest" they would be in danger from other predators.

Lets talk about our CAT'S

How do you know if your older cat behaving erratically? Do they wail at times in the early hours of the morning, begging for attention, or perhaps they seem confused? 

Do they sleep more than they used to – or, conversely, are they up at all hours of the night?

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh now believe half of all cats over the age of 15 and a quarter aged 11 to 14, are suffering from “geriatric onset behavioral problems.” The same team was also the first to discover cats could                                           suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.

Their research involved scans which showed changes to the neural system of confused elderly felines were similar to those seen among humans with the condition. They identified the same beta-amyloid protein present. Wow!!

WHAT ABOUT OUR DOGS?

How do you identify dog dementia? Does your older dog sleep more during the day and less at night? Does they pace or wander aimlessly at at times have trouble finding the door. Do they get ‘stuck’ in familiar places like behind furniture or in corner? 

Jennifer Bolser, chief clinician at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley in Colorado, said "veterinarians are seeing more cases of cognitive dysfunction syndrome, commonly called canine                                      cognitive dysfunction "(CCD).

An ongoing study performed at the University of California-Berkeley has shown that 62% of dogs between ages 11 and 16 demonstrate one or more signs of CCD, and the percentage goes up as dogs get older.

Remember speak to your veterinarian about any symptoms you notice or if your kitty or dog is acting differently. 

Per Jennifer Bolser... 

“Usually it’s a diagnosis by exclusion,“If everything else is checking out normally,” it  probably is cognitive dysfunction.

Just like us,we must keep our brains active,likewise for our dogs and cats. Exercise, long walks, new activities and for cats, new toys, engage with your kitty it really works, Another very important is diet change and there are prescription diets and other pet foods with antioxidants, fatty acids, and 

L-Carnitine. Gosh same diet for humans!  There are prescription medications, just like for humans, but please talk to your veterinarian and know your options.

I have included some reading on the natural care for our dogs and cats.

I have also included Medications for dogs and cats.

TO THEIR HEALTH

Update from Endangered Earth/Center for Biological Diversity, the Mexican Gray Wolf has won a victory! However governments of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado are being pressured by anti-wolf groups, ranches, trophy hunters to stop the recovery efforts on this rare species of Wolf. Those of us who dedicate our lives whether we inform others on impending legislation, rescue efforts, or work tirelessly out in the field investigating, rescuing, signing petitions, we are "ANGELS OF KINDNESS" along with all the organizations who file suits against government services. They initiate petitions, relentlessly continue to SAVE AND PROTECT Endangered Species and all species for future generations. "WE ARE THEIR VOICE" Please lets inform others on the impending peril of all Endangered Species that are depending on everyone to "CARE" "EXTINCT IS FOREVER'

America's rarest mammals: After pressure from the Center for Biological Diversity and allies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Wednesday it will release about 10 Mexican gray wolves into the wilds of southwestern New Mexico -- a move scientists say is crucial to reduce dangerous inbreeding of the rare creatures.

Just days earlier, the Center and allies sent a letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, signed by 43 groups and scientists, asking her to release at least five packs of endangered Mexican gray wolves into New Mexico's 3.3-million-acre Gila National Forest.



 In 1998, after a lawsuit by the Center of Biological Diversity, the Wildlife Service began reintroducing Mexican gray wolves from captive-breeding facilities into their historic U.S. Southwest range, where they had been obliterated by federal poisoning and trapping. But the Service only released wolves into a small part of Arizona's Apache National Forest, which quickly filled with wolf families.                                  

 The Mexican Gray wolf is one of the rarest and most endangered animals on the continent—and with only an estimated 110 remaining in the wild at last count, they need help from every WOLF supporter!!!  

No matter what the politicians are telling the federal government, studies show that to create a sustainable population, these precious wolves need more habitat and multiple, interconnected populations, totaling more than 700 wolves.

Given their low numbers, genetic diversity should also come into consideration before the slaughtering of these wolves is authorized.

Don’t let politics get in the way of a science-based recovery plan that would save these majestic wolves. Take action now.