Derby reunion held
by Maralyn Fink
On Wednesday I attended a social event of the St. Johns Soap Box Derby reunion of former race car drivers, grand marshals, sponsors and this year’s committee.
The Derby event will be June 16 downtown with a short parade at 9:30 a.m. The race will start at 10 a.m.
There will be a benefit concert by Sister Hazel at Uncle John’s Cider Mill on Saturday, June 15 which will benefit many non-profit organizations as well as the Soap Box Derby.
Mark the dates on your calendar!
Recalling Soap Box Derbies past – Part 2
A Look Back – Economy Shoe Advertisement in 1968
by Barry Clark Bauer
In a bind? Wondering what to give the special someone on your Christmas list? Come in to the leading family shoe store in St. Johns and let Pat Kitts, Barbara Minarik, or Steve Weber help you select a gift. Smartly tailored famous brand shoes, boots, and slippers offered at a reasonable price. Good service, too. Don’t wait – stop in today and make your selection. Economy Shoe Store, 121 North Clinton Ave., St Johns.
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Dog Constipation and How to Treat It
Dog constipation is defined as the inability to defecate normally. Much like humans, older dogs are more prone to this condition, though it can happen to any breed of dog at any age. Constipation in dogs should not be ignored, as extended periods of distress can cause serious health concerns.
What To Watch For
A constipated dog, especially if it is well-trained and evacuates at regular intervals daily, is described as being constipated if it is experiencing difficult bowel movements and physical distress. (In addition, severe diarrhea and colitis may lead to straining.) Grass particles, matted feces, string, or other objects in or around the anus is also indicative of constipation. The size of the feces will be abnormally small and once the condition has progressed, lethargy, vomiting, and loss of appetite may develop.
Primary Cause
The most common cause of dog constipation is swallowing objects that are not easily digested, if at all, such as a piece of dry bone. However, it can also be caused by:
– Slower intestinal processes
– Enlarged prostates
– Concurrent kidney disease
– Hernias
– Simply swallowing grass or hair
Immediate Care
If you can see a thread or string in the anus, do not pull it. This can cause internal damage. Other important things to note:
– Always wear rubber gloves when dealing with feces and related anal problems.
– If you can see grass in the anus, gently ease it out.
– If feces are matted around the anus, trim carefully with scissors. (For long-haired dogs, see below.)
– Wash the anal region with warm, soapy water and apply a soothing, water-soluble jelly (such as K-Y) to the inflamed area.
– Take the dog’s temperature. If it is abnormally high or there is blood on the thermometer or resistance when inserting the thermometer, see your veterinarian immediately (within 24 hours).
Long-haired dogs, especially small ones like Yorkies and Lhasa Apsos, can become frantic with the discomfort caused by matted feces around the anus and the trimming process. You may need to soak the dog’s posterior in warm water before you begin trimming to make it more comfortable.
Veterinary Care
Diagnosis
Radiographs, abdominal ultrasound and blood work are some of the more common tests recommended for identifying the underlying cause of the constipated dog.
Treatment
In some cases, a dog may need to be hospitalized and given enemas to remove or pass an obstruction located in the anus. If in doubt, or in the cases noted above, call your vet and have the dog examined. Fluids under the skin may be administered to ensure good hydration to the intestinal tract. In cases of intact males where the prostate is the cause of the constipation, castration will be recommended. And in severe cases of constipation, your veterinarian may administer fluids intravenously.
Living and Management
Some dogs have a history of periodic constipation, especially as they get older. Adding a little mineral oil to the dog’s meal can help in these cases. The proper dosage for a dog is 1 tsp for every 11 lbs (5kg). However, you should never administer the oil orally; if it ends up in the lungs, which can occur easily, it can cause pneumonia. Your veterinarian may also recommend stool softeners as well as fiber supplementation to assist in the intestinal transit.
Prevention
Although it is natural for a dog to eat grass on occasion, this habit should be controlled as much as possible. Avoid giving your dog bones; substitute a nylon chew toy instead. Use purpose-made laxatives to soften the stool and above all else, provide your dog with water regularly. Neutering your dog at an early age will also prevent growth of the prostate, which can lead to constipation in dogs.
Now and Then – Mystery solved
by Jean Martin
A few weeks ago a yard sign was torched in a St. Johns neighborhood. The homeowners’ response was to replace the sign and add another with a similar sentiment. The new sign also came with a video camera.
Then over the Memorial Day weekend both signs were burned again. This time the homeowners took the video evidence to the local police. They in turn took the video out to the high school where the fire bug was quickly identified by several adults.
It turns out that the culprit was a troubled teen who had lost someone in the war. As it so happens, the homeowners had also lost someone due to the war. They have agreed to meet with the boy and his mother to see what happens next.
Meanwhile the signs will be replaced.