​Puppies and other highly adoptable dogs are increasingly uncommon in many animal shelter and rescue organizations in Wisconsin. On one hand, this is great- dog overpopulation is a thing of the past! Our shelters are rarely strained by the numbers of stray or surrendered dogs coming in to our shelter, affording more opportunities to provide individualized care and comfort to dogs in our care. Unfortunately, having a low number of dogs available for adoption does pose some new problems.

Dogs arriving from the local community often have significant medical or behavioral needs, and they may wait a little longer to find an adopter. The consequences of this include having low numbers and/or variety of dogs available to select for adoption. This may limit how many community members choose to select a shelter dog when they are ready to bring home a new pet, and may result in longer shelter stays for dogs waiting for homes. Longer stays in care strain shelter resources and the well-being of the dogs waiting for homes. Recognizing this, many Wisconsin shelters have started participating in interstate dog relocation programs.

Commonly asked questions: Why take dogs from other states? What about the Wisconsin shelter dogs who are still at risk for euthanasia?

Other areas of the country are still overwhelmed by the numbers of dogs and puppies entering their shelters. Puppies and other dogs that are highly desirable to adopters here in Wisconsin might be a dime a dozen in these communities. While they can adopt out some dogs, the intake pressures are so high that it is difficult to provide the care and housing needed to keep them healthy and happy in the shelter while waiting for adoption. Regional relocation programs provide a life-saving opportunity to bring dogs from communities of high supply to communities with high demand.     

It is true that many Wisconsin shelters may still not be able to adopt out of the dogs who enter their care. It may seem odd to bring in dogs from other states rather than between shelters here in Wisconsin. Strangely enough, having highly desirable dogs available for adoption on a regular basis actually promotes increased lifesaving of those dogs for whom it can be more difficult to find adopters. This is illustrated in the case of a Wisconsin shelter that had challenges placing certain types of dogs prior to starting their relocation program.

Commonly asked questions: What about the pitties?!    

In one Wisconsin shelter, pitbull-type dogs were more at risk for euthanasia. Even when they were made available for adoption they would wait longer than other types of dogs to be adopted, with a long average length of stay of 17 days. Because other types of dogs were adopted faster, sometimes the only dogs on the adoption floor were pitbull-type dogs, and the lack of variety limited community interest in adopting from this shelter. After this shelter began their regular transport program, the average length of stay for pitbull-type dogs dropped to 13 days, and the number of pitbull-type dogs adopted doubled! 

Best Practices for source and destination partner shelters 
​
There are three main parts of a relocation program: source partner shelter, animal transport, and destination partner shelter. The focus of this article is best practices within the source and destination shelters. For more information about best practices and logistical details for moving dogs between shelters safely and efficiently the following resources are recommended.

• American Veterinary Medical Association's Relocation of Dogs and Cats for Adoption: https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Reference/AnimalWelfare/Documents/AVMA_BestPracticesAdoption_Brochure.pdf
• National Federation of Humane Societies Relocation Guidelines: https://www.animalsheltering.org/sites/default/files/content/NFHS-companion-animal-transport-programs-best-practices.pdf
• Society of Animal Welfare Administrators Companion Animal Transport Best Practices: http://www.sawanetwork.org/page/Bestpractice

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It is also important for all partners to be aware of the legal requirements for animals entering Wisconsin from other states (or internationally). More information is available here: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/PetMovement.aspx

Source partner shelter best practices 

One of the most common concerns about animal relocation programs is infectious disease. The specific diseases of concern may vary by region. Diseases of concern in dogs from southern states include parvovirus, canine distemper, and heartworm disease. Risks for infectious disease can be mitigated by source partner shelters, but it’s important to remember that the risks can never be eliminated. Therefore, it’s important that destination partner shelters are prepared to isolate and respond to cases of disease when- not if- they arise.

The following practices are recommended for source partner shelters to minimize the risk of transporting animals with infectious diseases.

• All dogs should be screened by trained staff to look for signs of infectious disease or other health or behavior problems at time of shelter admission. Dogs should also be monitored on a regular basis thereafter. When an animal breaks with a contagious disease, the signs of disease need to be recognized promptly so that the disease is not spread to other animals in the shelter.
• Every dog 4 weeks or older entering the shelter must receive a modified-live DAP vaccination immediately at or before time of intake (no more than 30 min after entering shelter, ideally sooner). Puppies under the age of 20 weeks should be revaccinated every 2 weeks while they are in care of the shelter.
• In addition to providing appropriate vaccinations, puppies should be protected from infectious disease exposure through careful handling in the shelter and/or placement in foster care until time of transfer.
• Unrelated dogs or puppies should not be routinely co-housed due to lack of adequate space in the source shelter, as this creates a high risk for spread of infectious diseases between animals. Occasional co-housing for bonded pairs or behavioral enrichment is reasonable. 

Commonly asked questions: How many vaccinations should a dog or puppy receive prior to being transported?  
​
The answer may surprise you… at least one! To minimize the risk of infectious disease, vaccination at intake is crucial. In dogs over 5 months old, one vaccine is likely to offer full protection against canine distemper and parvo within 3-5 days. In puppies under 5 months of age, maternal antibodies may interfere with the vaccine (more information here: www.wisconsinfederatedhs.org/important-vaccines-for-dogs-and-cats-in-shelters.html). This is why puppies should be revaccinated every two weeks. Unfortunately, there is no exact number of vaccinations that we can guarantee will protect a puppy, so the safest thing to do is to get that puppy out as quickly as possible to minimize the risk of exposure. If a pup must stay longer for some reason, do repeat vaccinations every 2 weeks... but do not hold pups back to receive additional vaccinations!

Commonly asked questions: How long should we quarantine dogs at the source and/or destination shelter?

Except for a few limited circumstances, automatic quarantines are rarely helpful in relocation programs. If a source shelter is crowded, the risk of infecting a dog is likely higher if their stay is prolonged by a quarantine period. While this risk may be lower in the destination shelter, prolonging the animals’ time in shelter care for an unnecessary quarantine will strain shelter resources and put the dogs at increased risk for stress, behavioral problems, and infectious diseases.

Titer testing can be used to refine your risk assessment for each individual dog instead of automatic quarantines. Selective quarantines for high-risk individuals are more manageable than quarantining a large number of dogs at once. Titer testing can be used in dogs to define their risk for infection from parvovirus, canine distemper virus, or canine adenovirus. More information about titer testing is available here: https://www.uwsheltermedicine.com/library/guidebooks/canine-parvovirus/risk-assessment-how-do-you-decide-how-much-to-worry-about-exposed-animals.

If available, it can be helpful to “stash” dogs in foster homes if they will be waiting more than a few days before transport. By placing them in a foster home their risk of being exposed to an infectious disease is drastically reduced, they get a valuable break from the stresses of the shelter, and if they happen to break with disease while in foster they are not putting other shelter animals at risk.    

Destination partner shelter best practices

Many of the recommendations made to source shelters are also applicable to destination shelters (and vice versa). However, the priority of the destination shelter is to get the newly-arrived dogs into homes as quickly as possible! This requires significant planning and development of systems to help keep animals moving through the shelter system efficiently once they arrive, in addition to systems for recognizing and managing signs of infectious diseases that develop after arrival.

The following practices are recommended for destination partner shelters.

• There should be sufficient numbers of trained personnel ready to receive, evaluate, and address medical and behavioral needs of the dogs upon arrival.
• Veterinary services must be available at time of arrival for any dog requiring urgent medical care.
• The shelter should have safe, comfortable, and humane housing units prepared for the dogs, and enough housing units to accommodate the transported dogs as well as any locally sourced intakes.
• There should be adequate space/housing units to isolate dogs with signs of infectious disease and systems in place to prevent the spread of disease to other animals in the shelter.
• There must be systems in place to ensure that transport dogs receive all services they need in order to be made available for adoption promptly (if not immediately), avoiding unnecessary waiting times in shelter care.
• The in-shelter population must be managed at levels well within the organization’s capacity for care at all times. No animals in the shelter should be subjected to preventable stress or disease exposure.
• The destination shelter should have an open adoptions philosophy that recognizes the value of adoption both to the dogs in their care and to community members seeking to adopt.

Commonly asked questions: Should we test all of the dogs when they arrive to make sure they don’t have parvo?

In most circumstances, parvo antigen testing is not recommended for animals not showing signs of disease, as it can reduce the accuracy of the test results. Parvo antigen tests (e.g. SNAP test) should not be used to rule out parvoviral disease, as false negatives (negative test result when the animal is actually infected) are not uncommon. This is especially important to keep in mind regarding puppies showing clinical signs consistent with parvo infection but testing negative. Alternatively, false positives are also possible in recently vaccinated animals. Monitoring health closely at both the source and destination shelters, and testing any dogs at the first sign of concern (e.g. decreased appetite, lethargy, vomiting, dehydration, and/or diarrhea) are the best ways to determine which animals are likely to be infected.

A final note 

No amount of planning or organization will be able to prevent all of the questions and concerns that may arise in even the best relocation program. Having open lines of communication between shelter partners is of paramount importance to the success and sustainability of any transport program. Be prepared to offer and receive constructive and timely feedback, but also remember to try to be flexible and trust that your partners are doing the best they can. Everyone is on the same team in the relocation game! Maintaining and strengthening relationships with your relocation partners is the key to maximizing the number of dogs who can be transported and ultimately saved in your regional relocation program. 

Reduced Costs

Proper feline housing and enrichment is a large component of promoting overall feline health in a shelter environment.  Cats are affected in many ways by the type of housing they are kept in. Housing affects stress level, food intake, disease risk, and overall welfare. Housing has been linked to increased risk of upper respiratory infection as well as euthanasia in cats(2). Because of this, the cost of investing in proper housing and enrichment activities for cats is often returned by reduced cost in disease management and increased efficiency in caring for cats within the shelter.
In general, careful consideration should be taken when planning the location for cat housing. It is important that cats are housed away from the area that dogs are housed so that they cannot see or hear dogs in the shelter.  In addition, care should be taken to reduce stress due to noise, such as the noise associated with cleaning and meal preparation.

The Cage

Cats in a shelter can be housed individually or in groups. For cats housed individually, basic space requirements must be met in order to provide humane housing for these cats.  Each cat should have at least 11 square feet of space in its cage.  One way to meet this space requirement is to offer cats double compartment housing.  Double compartment housing can easily be achieved with standard metal cages by adding portals between adjacent cages. Portals can be made on your own using PVC pipes, or manufactured portals can be purchased via the UC Davis Shelter Medicine website.

The cage on one side of the portal can be used to house a bed, hiding box, and food and water. The other cage can be used as a bathroom area. A litter box should be supplied on this side that is an adequate size for the cat using it (ideally, at least 1.5 times the length of the cat) with at least 18 inches of clear space above the litter box so that the cat can posture normally when urinating and defecating.
 
Double Compartment Housing

In addition to providing adequate space for each cat, double compartment housing also promotes overall welfare by reducing stress and allowing cats to practice more natural behaviors, such as the need to separate their bathroom area from the area where they sleep and eat.  It allows for more efficient cleaning, as the portals can be closed to keep the cat on one side while the other side of the cage is cleaned. This minimizes stress due to handling for the cat and decreases disease transmission by eliminating the need for care staff to handle multiple cats when cleaning cages.
The importance of providing a hiding place has already been discussed in the article, “Giving Cats a Place to Hide… IS IMPORTANT” and should be referenced for ideas on how to provide hiding places for cats.

Group Housing

Group housing is another option for cats in shelters. It is important that cats placed in group housing are carefully monitored to ensure that they are cat-social and not stressed out by being around other cats. Cats showing any signs of social stress should be removed and placed in individual housing.  Signs of social stress include hiding, reduced activity, sitting with their back to the group, inappropriate elimination, and resource guarding.  A program for daily monitoring should be in place to identify these cats.
Cats in group housing have a greater space requirement per cat than those housed individually. Each cat requires at least 18 square feet of space.  It is often less stressful to house cats in small groups of 2-4, rather than to keep large groups of cats in larger rooms.  By having smaller groups of cats, it is easier to avoid frequent additions of new cats to an already established group. One study showed that the stress associated with frequent additions of new cats to a group housing situation led to higher incidence of herpes upper respiratory infections(3).
In addition, it would be ideal to have enough litter boxes in a group housing situation so that each cat can have its own litter box. If this is not feasible, there should at least be two non-adjacent litter boxes in the room so that cats cannot easily guard each other from using the litter box.  There should also be several non-adjacent feeding and watering stations for each cat in the room, and the cats should be monitoring when eating to ensure there is no guarding behavior occurring. Having sufficient hiding places and elevated surfaces is just as important for cats housed as a group as cats housed individually, as previously mentioned.
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Enrichment
Providing adequate enrichment for cats in a shelter environment is important whether cats are housed individually or as a group. A lack of mental stimulation can lead to cats that are withdrawn and depressed; and therefore appear less desirable to potential adopters. These cats can be hard to identify if they are still eating, medically healthy, using the litter box appropriately, and grooming. The remainder of this article focuses on enrichment ideas for cats in shelters to help provide mental stimulation in order to keep cats behaviorally and mentally healthy as well.
 
 
Scratching Posts

Scratching posts are very important for cats. Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, and an adequate surface should be provided for cats to display this behavior. Stretch and scratch posts are available through http://stretchandscratch.com/. Shelters can add this item to their wish list, which allows donators to purchase this item and have it sent directly to the shelter. These posts are inexpensive and can be clipped onto the door of the cat’s cage so they are not taking up much space.  

Toys

Toys should be provided for all cats, and these toys should be regularly rotated and changed so that cats constantly have something new to investigate and play with. Toys do not have to be expensive. Items such as crumpled paper balls, wine corks, milk caps, paper bags,  etc. can be collected to be used for toys for cats. In addition, old paper towel rolls, plastic containers, egg cartons, and boxes can be used to make puzzle toys by stuffing food inside and cutting a small hole to access the food from. It may be helpful to establish a regular toy rotation schedule for cats so that each day they are offered something new.

Out of Cage Time

Out of cage time is another important part of cat enrichment. Having a room available for volunteers to play with and socialize cats outside of their cage can provide much needed mental stimulation for cats. This room and the items placed in it should be designed to be easily disinfected. Cats should be screened by a veterinarian first to ensure they are not suspected to be infected with any contagious diseases prior to being allowed to participate in out of cage time in this room. In addition, kittens under 5 months should not be permitted to participate in out of cage time so they are not exposed to potential infectious disease.  If a secure outdoor area for cats can be established as weather permits, many cats enjoy being able to spend some time in an outside room sunbathing as part of their out of cage time.

Clicker Training
 
Clicker training is another method of providing much needed mental stimulation for cats in a shelter environment. Detailed instructions for how to clicker train cats can be found at Karen Pryor’s website, http://www.clickertraining.com/node/409. Clicker training cats to participate in activities that make them more interactive when adopters are viewing them, such as high fives or hand shakes, may help to increase desirability of these cats as potential adoption candidates. In addition, clicker training can be used to help socialize fearful and withdrawn cats, as outlined by the previously mentioned clicker training website.

Written by Samantha Delaney, 4th year DCHS veterinary extern

As advocates for the adoption of surrendered, stray, and formerly unwanted pets there is nothing more heartwarming than watching a dog going home with their new family. When a dog is returned it is a sad moment for everyone but when a dog is returned because of a bite it is devastating for numerous reasons. Children are far and away the most common victims of dog bites according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Additionally, a dog with a bite history is more challenging to make available again and find a forever home.  The truth is that most bites are preventable. What can we do, as advocates for both the dog and their new family, to help prevent this tragic scenario from playing out? There are three important objectives to recognize when considering dog bite prevention: Recognition of dog behavior, making a safe environment, and respect. 

Dogs can’t tell us how they are feeling with words but their body language speaks with just as much clarity. Some signs that a dog is uncomfortable include:

• Avoiding eye contact
• Licking their lips
• Tail tucked between their legs
• Stiffened body
• White showing around the eyes
• Moving away from a person or situation
• Crouching low on the ground
• Ears back or pulled tight against the head
• Excessive yawning

Being able to read these initial signs of discomfort in a dog are the first steps to avoiding a potential bite. Teaching new families and, especially, children is crucial for the health and happiness of everyone involved. Dogs are just like people, they have different personalities and varying levels of patience for children and the way they play. Therefore, it is also important to recognize some more intense signs of discomfort and agitation in dogs, since some dogs’ behavior might escalate faster than others:

• Intense, unblinking stare
• Lifted lip or a ‘smile-like’ grimace
• Raised fur along the dorsum
• Erect tail, might even be wagging slowly
• Growling or rumbling

These are signs the dog is at its limit and needs someone to intervene immediately to maintain a safe and comfortable environment. Even a dog that is good with children can become overstimulated with high energy playing and cross the threshold into aggressive instead of playful behavior. Playing games like tug-of-war or chase can be potential triggers for bites that aren’t malicious but stem from an over stimulated mental state. 

Creating a home environment where a dog can feel they have a place that is their own is important. A crate, kennel, or bed space where the dog can have quiet time to themselves provides them with a retreat to calm down and be alone if they need to. There are some activities that can be over stimulating to dogs and being able to separate those without excluding them can maintain safety and the family connection. Baby gates, when used appropriately, can be a great way to create boundaries without excluding the dog. Separating like this for short times is not a punishment and instead it can save them from undue stress. We don’t want adopters to separate them for long periods of the day as this can lead to behavioral problems.
 Creating a safe environment also means getting the right type of dog to fit your family lifestyle and providing them with a reliable family structure. Puppy classes, dog training, and obedience are important factors in making a dog feel secure in their position in the family. It also gives you, your children, and your dog the chance to bond in a safe environment while, at the same time, reinforcing good behaviors.
Respect
Respect is an integral part of family structure that should be extended to family pets. Teaching children to respect all animals and particularly those that live in close proximity is going to be a valuable lesson they keep into adulthood. Lessons such as teaching children to approach dogs calmly, to respect their space if they are eating or playing with a toy, and to ask permission to pet an unfamiliar dog will all lead to a happy relationship with their pet and a decreased chance of being bitten. Situations when children should respect the personal space of the family dog include when the dog is:

• Eating
• Sleeping
• Chewing on a toy
• Over stimulated/ hyperactive

In these situations treating an animal with respect and kindness can prevent bites that stem from being startled or resource guarding. 

​Dog bites are painful, scary, and often lead to a traumatic series of events for everyone involved. The chance to prevent even one of these cases from happening is worth the additional conversation with adopters. Understanding dog behavior, creating a safe environment for family pets, and educating children on appropriate behavior around dogs will all contribute to a decreased risk of a dog bites and increase that dog’s opportunity for a successful forever home.
Some websites with tools to facilitate bite prevention education including coloring pages, workbooks and magazines for children as well as materials for educators and parents are:
-The Humane Society of the United States: http://www.humanesociety.org/parents_educators/
-American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) National Bite Prevention Week materials: https://www.avma.org/Events/pethealth/Pages/Dog-Bite-Prevention-Week.aspx
-AVMA Dog Bite Prevention Podcasts and links from specialists: https://www.avma.org/public/Pages/Dog-Bite-Prevention.aspx

Canine parvovirus is one of the most potentially devastating viruses facing shelter populations. Control of this virus requires an effective vaccination program, quick recognition, quarantine, and thorough environmental disinfection. This non-enveloped, single-stranded DNA virus is resistant to extreme heat, cold, and dry conditions, and can remain in the environment for months to years.

Parvovirus attacks the epithelium of the small intestine causing severe, bloody diarrhea and life-threatening dehydration.  Other clinical signs include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and a high fever. The virus also targets the bone marrow, causing a low white blood cell count and a weakened immune system.  Although this virus can cause disease in any unvaccinated dog, it most severely affects puppies because they are immunologically vulnerable and very susceptible to infection after the waning of their maternal antibodies.  Furthermore, Parvovirus is easily transmitted in a shelter setting through exposure to infected feces and fomites.  Viral shedding can occur in infected animals before the appearance of clinical signs, making the control of this disease even more difficult.

Vaccination is essential in preventing the spread of parvovirus. 
 
A strategic vaccination program is the most important factor in the management of this disease. The modified live vaccine protects against all strains of parvovirus and is effective within 3-5 days. All adult dogs and puppies over 4 weeks should be vaccinated immediately upon arrival to the shelter.  Because of maternal antibody interference, puppies should be revaccinated every 2 weeks until they are about 5 months old.

Until puppies are fully vaccinated, they are very susceptible and should be protected from potential exposure.  Puppies should not be walked through the shelter or outdoor enclosures used by the general population.  Staff members should always wear clean gloves when interacting with the puppies and when cleaning their kennels. If possible, puppies should be sent to foster or adopted out of the shelter as soon as possible to minimize their risk of exposure.
 
Animals with a high risk of infection should be isolated in order to protect the rest of the shelter population. The incubation period of this virus is typically about 3-4 days, but can extend up to 2 weeks.  Therefore, a quarantine period of 2 weeks is sufficient to reveal whether an animal will show signs of disease.

To Quarantine or Not to Quarantine

The in-house fecal ELISA snap test is a quick and reliable way to diagnose all current strains of canine parvovirus.  Only animals showing clinical signs or with a history of recent exposure should be tested.  Although PCR testing of fecal samples at a specialized laboratory can distinguish between the different strains of the virus, it is unnecessary in a shelter setting and will not change the treatment plan. Because of the virus’s effect on the bone marrow, a low white blood cell count identified by a blood smear is characteristic of parvovirus infection.  Lastly, necropsy may reveal segmental enteritis, the classic pathological presentation of this disease.

​When an animal has been exposed to parvovirus, it is important to assess the risk of infection and determine whether the animal should be put into quarantine.  The likelihood of infection after exposure depends on the presence of maternal antibodies, the animal’s vaccination status, the amount of environmental contamination, and the proximity to the infected animal.  Antibody titer testing is useful when deciding whether to quarantine asymptomatic dogs that have been exposed.  Clinically healthy adult dogs with a history of vaccination are at low risk of infection and should not undergo titer testing. 
 
Titer testing doesn’t require an outside lab- you can order the kits yourself at (http://vaccicheck.com) and perform them “in-house.”  They require a small amount of blood and, at the time of this writing, cost approximately $16 per test (you must purchase a whole kit containing 12 tests).  See below for how you can use titer test results to identify low-risk and high-risk dogs. The cost of the tests are well worth the chance to say, “This dog is at low risk for parvo virus and can be adopted out now! No quarantine needed” (not to mention the decrease in length of shelter stay)!
 
Snap tests used in combination with titer testing in exposed puppies can help determine their infection status. For example, a puppy with a positive snap test and a positive titer is most likely infected and should be separated from other dogs.  A negative snap test and positive titer without clinical signs of disease (i.e. puppy appears completely healthy) is likely protected and low-risk. A puppy that is not shedding virus but is also susceptible to infection would have both a negative snap test and a negative titer.  The virus may be in the incubation period, and the puppy should be quarantined for two weeks.  Puppies should be bathed before entering quarantine to prevent self-infection from virus particles on the fur.  Staff members should use gloves, shoe covers, and gowns when cleaning the kennels.  Disinfecting equipment should be specific to each individual kennel to avoid cross-contamination. Dogs that do not show clinical signs after two weeks can safely re-enter the general population. 
 
Disinfection of Shelter

Because parvovirus can survive in the environment for years, thorough disinfection is a vital step in the control of this disease.  Ineffective cleaning practices can lead to persistent infections in the shelter.  Household bleach (5% sodium hypochlorite) at 1:32 dilution will successfully kill parvovirus, but only if the surface has been pre-cleaned! It is important to remove all organic matter from the surface being disinfected, as it inactivates the bleach.  Two disinfectants that are more effective in the presence of organic matter in comparison to bleach include potassium peroxymonosulfate (Trifectant) and accelerated hydrogen peroxide (Accel).  Outside enclosures present a more difficult challenge for environmental decontamination. Grass or dirt pens can be flooded, dried, and sprayed with Accel. However, because these methods are not completely effective, susceptible puppies should not use outdoor enclosures that have had recent viral exposure. 

Summary

Parvovirus can be treated in shelters that have the resources and isolation capabilities necessary to prevent an outbreak.  The treatment is mainly supportive care incorporating anti-emetics, intravenous or subcutaneous fluids, and in severe cases, blood transfusions. Because of the weakened immune system, antibiotics are given to prevent secondary bacterial infections.  Animals should be isolated for 2 weeks following recovery, since viral shedding can occur up to 14 days after the resolution of clinical signs.  If quarantine for that length of time is not feasible, you can feel reasonably confident that the dog is no longer shedding if two parvo snap tests, run after resolution of clinical signs and several days apart, are negative.  In shelters that do not have the ability to treat animals with parvovirus, humane euthanasia is sometimes performed to avoid endangering the rest of the shelter population.
 
Parvovirus poses a great challenge to shelter veterinarians.  This highly contagious and resistant virus can rapidly spread through a shelter, potentially threatening the lives of many young animals.  Fortunately, this disease can be successfully managed through widespread vaccination, strict hygiene practices, and quick isolation of sick animals.  A well-trained and dedicated staff that routinely monitors the health of all puppies can help prevent devastating outbreaks.  By implementing these management strategies, shelters can save lives and protect their most vulnerable population.
 
 
References
 
American Veterinary Medical Foundation. Canine Parvovirus. 2015. <https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/>.
 
Baker Institute for Animal Health. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Animal Health Article: Canine Parvovirus. 2014. <http://www.vet.cornell.edu/baker/about/articles/CanineParvovirus.cfm>.
 
Koret Shelter Medicine Program. UC Davis Veterinary Medicine. Canine: Parvovirus (CPV). 2015. <http://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/canine-parvovirus-cpv>.
 
The Merck Veterinary Manual. Canine Parvovirus. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. 2009-2015. <http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/digestive_system/diseases_of_the_stomach_and_intestines_in_small_animals/canine_parvovirus.html>.

Cats are the ultimate creatures of habit. Unlike dogs, many cats never leave their homes from kitten hood until the day they arrive at a shelter. Not only are cats afraid and mourning the loss of their familiar surroundings, their keen senses pick up a variety of stressors in the shelter. Cats are stressed by the unfamiliar smells (cleaning agents, other animals) and unfamiliar sounds (barking dogs, people working, children) of their new environment. Faced with this extreme stress there are three options; fight, flight, or freeze.

The confinement of the cage takes away the option to flee, so cats must either fight or freeze. Housecats and feral cats both employ these two defense mechanisms, which makes distinguishing these two groups rather difficult. With a keen eye to feline behavior and body language, shelter staff can be trained to distinguish between these two groups.  

Feral cats are defined as those that have had no previous socialization with humans. These animals are born in the wild, and do not have a place as human companions. Confinement and human interaction are incredibly stressful for these animals, and they should be removed from the shelter as soon as possible. Many areas have trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs that work to return these animals to managed colonies. If a TNR program is not available, euthanasia is the most humane option, as rehabilitation of adult feral cats is not possible.

Well-socialized or ‘friendly’ cats are those that have been raised as companion animals. Many times these animals will still be friendly and interact with humans despite the change in environment. However, some of these animals may be particularly sensitive and will either freeze or fight when placed in a cage. Contrary to popular belief, often the most aggressive cats are former housecats who are simply scared for their lives. Many housecats will also freeze and refuse to interact, and thus may appear ‘feral.’ It is important to distinguish these felines as previously socialized so that they may be rehabilitated, either in the shelter or in a foster program, and made available for adoption. It is also important to prevent well-socialized cats from being returned to an outdoor colony where they would not be able to survive. 

Cats will typically take several days to a few weeks to start showing their normal behaviors, but research has shown that within the first four days stress levels decrease significantly. Attempts should be made to do several behavior evaluations of new intakes during this time period. One single observation will not give you an accurate indication of the cat’s previous socialization. Simply assessing the cat’s level of stress will not provide much information, but there are body language cues that can begin to be observed from day one.

Begin your observations by simply observing the cat in the cage. Cats who are in the front one-third of the cage, or who approach the front of the cage at any time are very likely to be previously socialized (Figure 1). The next step is to take a pen or soft toy and rub it behind your ear to pick up your scent. Slowly open the cage door and gently present it to the cat, making sure to keep your eyes soft and blink frequently. If the cat allows, you can try to rub the toy or pen gently along the side of the muzzle and cheeks.

The response displayed to this brief interaction can give you great insight to the previous socialization of the cat. Behaviors that strongly indicate previously socialized cats are rubbing, kneading, chirping, playing, and coming to the front of the cage. Sniffing and blinking are weaker indicators, as they could just be signs of a more relaxed and curious cat without suggesting previous socialization. Feral cats are very unlikely to show any of the strong behaviors. While hissing, spitting, or lunging at the front of the cage are simply indicators of an angry cat and do not give us insight on their level of socialization. 

By repeating this interaction at least daily you should be able to have an assessment of the cat within about three days. If you are able to take more time (the seven day mandatory stray hold in Wisconsin makes for a perfect opportunity), you can begin to try and rehabilitate any cats of which you are still unsure  A great trick is to use canned tuna or baby food to slowly ‘clicker train’ the cat to be more relaxed (see resource below). Alternatively, really shy or reactive cats can be placed in foster or a staff office. For some cats just getting out of a cage dramatically changes their behavior.

It is important to remember that when dealing with animal behavior, your assessments will never be perfect. However, as you continue to work with and observe the cats in your shelter, you will gain an appreciation for the types of behaviors displayed by feral and socialized cats. By improving your methods of determination you will be able to save more lives by more accurately placing each animal on the pathway to its best outcome.

Resources:

Slater, et al. Practical Physical and Behavior Measures to Assess the Socialization Spectrum of Cats in a Shelter-Like Setting during a Three Day Period. Animals. 2013. 3. 1162-1193.

http://www.aspcapro.org/resource/spay-neuter-feral-cats/aspca-research-cat-feral

http://www.alleycat.org

http://www.clickertraining.com

Written by Natalie Morgan

4th Year Veterinary Student Extern

July 2015

Heat Stroke and Our Animal Companions

We’ve all seen the countless headlines that tell the stories of animals who suffer the dangerous effects of Mother Nature’s extreme heat, but what exactly are those effects?  How can we, as animal caregivers, recognize an animal suffering from heat stroke and give them the help that they need?  How can we prevent heat stroke?  The following article aims to tackle these commonly encountered questions.

Introduction: When an animal’s core body temperature begins to climb, the body is normally able to counteract that increase by dissipating some of that excess heat through various mechanisms such as panting and sweating from the paw pads.  Heatstroke, however, refers to the life-threatening condition in which the core temperature climbs so high and begins to have many negative effects on the body’s normal functions and regulation that the body can no longer regulate its temperature and a very serious cascade of events unfolds.  Heatstroke is characterized by a core body temperature above 104 degrees F, central nervous system dysfunction (such as convulsions, confusion, or coma), and organ dysfunction.  The latter two result from the cells that make up those organs getting overheated and becoming damaged, thus no longer being able to do their job.  Heatstroke is more common during the summer and in hot, humid climates.  Additionally, it tends to be much more common in dogs rather than cats, though has been seen in both.  Animals that are outdoors during hot weather and do not have access to shade and water can all too easily develop heatstroke, as well as exercising them in hot, humid conditions.  Both of these situations can commonly be encountered in a shelter setting, whether the animal was picked up as a stray on a hot day, was rescued from a hot car from which it was frantically trying to escape, or if shelter animals are walked excessively in very hot weather.  If an animal presents to your shelter with a history of any of these situations, or if you are suspicious of heatstroke in an animal in your shelter on a hot day, the following is a list of signs you should look for:

Treatment of Heatstroke: 

When an animal presents to a shelter with signs similar to those listed above, it is very important that the animal is seen by a veterinarian as quickly as possible.  Their health should be rapidly assessed, beginning with their airway, breathing, and circulation (the ABCs).  These animals may require oxygen support if it is available at your shelter.  After assessing the ABCs, it is necessary to cool them down.  This can be performed by anyone, and should involve spraying the animal with cool water, placing a fan in front of them, and/or placing them on a cool metal table.

It should be stressed that the use of ice should be avoided. Placing in animal in an ice water bath or using ice packs to rapidly cool the animal’s temperature results in constriction of the blood vessels in the skin and thus the animal is less able to dissipate heat from the body.  In addition, contact with ice can be painful for the animal and also causes the animal to shiver, which is further increasing core body temperature.  Finally, active cooling should only be performed until the animal becomes comfortable.  Shivering and low body temperatures should be avoided.  Further treatment after cooling the animal should be performed only by a veterinarian.

References

1.      Scott I Johnson, DVM, Maureen McMichael, DVM, DACVECC and George White, DVM, DACVECC. “Heatstroke in small animal medicine: a clinical practice review.” Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. 2006. 16(2) pp 112-119.

2.      “The Prevention and Management of Heat Stroke in Dogs.”Animal Medical Center of Southern California. SDG Publishing, 2015. Accessed July 12th, 2015. http://www.animalmedcenter.com/news-and-press/article/the-prevention-and-management-of-heat-stroke-in-dogs

3.      “Hot Weather Tips.” Pet Care. ASPCA , 2015. Accessed July 13th, 2015. < http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/hot-weather-tips>