About Tumors and Microchips

          You may have heard that microchips implanted in companion animals are potentially carcinogenic.  The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has reviewed numerous publications and press reports to assess this risk, and has found that of 11 million microchipped dogs and cats, only 5 animals had tumors that were potentially related to chipping.  Of these, it is believed that some of these animals were genetically predisposed to cancer, and that the tumors were simply found in the general vicinity of the chips; there was no causal link established between cancerous tissue and the chips themselves.  The AVMA is awaiting more definitive testing before it takes further action.  As a pet owner, you should know that chip removal is more invasive than implantation, and it is not without potential complications. 

Above right: an implanted microchip in a cat.

Rabies-Positive Coyote found in Southeastern Colorado

     The Colorado Department of Public Health (CDPHE) has confirmed that a coyote that attacked a person on June 18th has tested positive for rabies.  Epidemiology experts working on the case say that this is the first coyote to test positive for rabies in Colorado in 30 years.

       The affected individual is undergoing preventative rabies treatment.  The coyote was shot after the attack, and its brain tissues are being analyzed to determine the strain of rabies involved (bat, Mexican dog, skunk, or other animal).    Given our geographic location, it is most likely that the infective strain is from skunks.  If skunk rabies is re-circulating in Colorado, people need to be on the lookout for possibly infected animals, and know that risk of rabies infection to companion animals is greatly increased.  Look for updates to our site as we receive more information from the CVMA (Colorado Veterinary Medical Association).

Mandatory Dog Licensing in Jefferson County

  For complete details, please visit http://arvada.org/community/index.php?pid=4259 .  Beginning July 1, pet owners throughout Jefferson County and parts of Adams County will be required to license their dogs. The program, which has been in effect in unincorporated Jefferson County since 1994, will be expanded to all the municipalities, including Arvada, Golden, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and Westminster.

Fees are expected to increase from current rates of $7 for spayed/neutered or $25 for unaltered dogs to $15 for spayed/neutered or $30 for unaltered dogs as of July 15. Citizens are being encouraged to take advantage of the lower fees now before the rate increases go into effect July 15.

A portion of the proceeds from this project will go toward the construction of a much-needed new facility for Table Mountain Animal Center (TMAC).  TMAC serves as a safe haven for relinquished and lost animals, and receives the third largest volume of animals from animal control.  Although TMAC serves a large population of animals, its funding has traditionally been among the smallest in the state.

To get your pets licensed, you will need their most recent vaccination history and a copy of the licensing form.  CARE has both available for you--stop by the hospital to pick them up or give us a call and we will mail them to you.

News from the INSIDE

TRUE STORIES ABOUT PETS OWNED BY CARE ANIMAL HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES

This is a new column on our website, detailing stories about pets owned by our own employees. 

This month's story is about Bethany and her 2nd degree AV (Atrial Valve) Block.  Bethany is owned by Diane, a Certified Veterinary Technician here.  Click on Bethany's picture to learn more!

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pawsawhilepets@hotmail.com 
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