Questions from the Exam Room

The other day a client asked me "Doesn't corn cause allergies?" So I got to thinking about the proper answer, so here it is. For a person, dog or cat to have allergies they have to have received from their parents the genetics that allow allergies to occur. Specifically they have to be able to produce an antibody in the class of "immunoglobulin E". If a body cannot produce this immunoglobulin, allergies cannot develop. So corn does not cause allergies by itself. The corn needs the help for the genetics of the body.
A protein is the molecule that the body's genetics react with to cause an allergy. A protein can come from almost anywhere. The house dust mites in your carpet are a common source of allergic itching. Ragweed gets many of us in the late summer. Tree or grass pollen is another common cause of allergic itch. BUT remember, if your body or your cat's body or your dog's body cannot produce those immunoglobulins (antibodies) then you cannot have allergies.
The above client's question should have been "What are common proteins that dogs or cats commonly react to and develop allergies"? In the case of food, wheat is one of the most common causes of food allergies with others on the list being corn, various meats, cow's milk, and even those unneeded dog biscuits I warn against to prevent excessive weight gain. Just remember, a food does not cause allergies. The body allows allergies to happen.
Dr. T. James Taylor February 19, 2010

Cats VS. Dogs...

The age-old debate between cat owners and dog owners have some new research to back up their claims. A recent study done by Bristol University in Britian polled 2500 homes and found out that a significantly higher percentage of "cat households" had at least one family member who had a college degree. Other factors in the study such as income level didn't change the outcome.
On the other hand, a recent study done by the University of Texas shows that dog owners are more extroverted than cat owners. Over 4500 people were interviewed and of those 46 percent said they were "dog people". In this group, the subjects were 15 % more likely to be more outgoing and extroverted than the "cat group".
I guess the debate will continue on...

Celebrate Cedar Falls!

We are excited to be a part of downtown Cedar Falls which was nominated as one of the Dozen Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This year they are offering to select the favorite by fan votes. We are asking all Cedar Falls fans to vote to help our amazing city rise to the top. Follow this link www.preservationnation.org/ddd to add your votes! Voting ends on February 28th. Vote EARLY and OFTEN!!!

Jazz...

I don't like to begin our blogging experience with a sad post, but yesterday our clinic had to say goodbye to our in house pet, Jazz. She was our "ferocious watch cat" but really not so ferocious. She lived at the clinic and was loved by the staff and many clients. She was sometimes used to teach clients pet care and would cooperate with most things. Her presence will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Our First Blog!

Welcome! I am excited to be starting a blog for Taylor Veterinary Hospital. We are located in beautiful downtown Cedar Falls, Iowa. We serve a variety of pets from the typical cats and dogs, to the more exotic birds, reptiles, and pocket pets. Our blog will be composed of a variety of subjects, and we are always looking for more ideas. Feel free to comment anytime to give us your ideas!

We always have a lot of things going on at the clinic. Check in at our website http://www.taylorvet.com/ anytime to see the latest news.