{"id":11753,"date":"2021-03-11T20:57:26","date_gmt":"2021-03-12T01:57:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/?p=11753"},"modified":"2021-03-11T20:57:26","modified_gmt":"2021-03-12T01:57:26","slug":"features-158","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/?p=11753","title":{"rendered":"Features"},"content":{"rendered":"

Class of ’59 can dine-in again<\/strong>
\nby Maralyn Fink<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nBarb Trefil, Dorothy Ritz, Mylene Weaver Tews, Esther Hopkins Lichte, Maralyn Fink <\/em><\/p>\n

The Rodney B. Wilson High School Class of 1959 held their March Lunch at Main Street Cafe. There were a total of 5 people present.<\/p>\n

This is the first lunch we have had since December due to Covid 19.<\/p>\n

We were a small group, but we enjoyed being together and had a great time.<\/p>\n

\n

Legislator urges MSU, state health department to allow fairs, 4-H<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"
\nState Rep. Graham Filler welcomes Luke Hagerty to the House Agriculture Committee, where Luke gave testimony on the importance role 4-H plays in the lives of young people. <\/em><\/p>\n

State Rep. Graham Filler, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, this week listened to testimony from 4-H kids and community fair organizers about the detrimental impact COVID-19 restrictions could have on young people if fairs and 4-H programs are not allowed to offer in-person activities this year.<\/p>\n

In 2020, Michigan State University Extension canceled all face-to-face activities for its programs, including 4-H, as a result of state pandemic orders. Filler believes fairs and the showing of animals can and should go forward this year in a safe manner.<\/p>\n

\u201cListening to the passionate testimony from these young people was incredibly moving,\u201d Filler said. \u201cIt\u2019s clear that kids in our communities benefit tremendously from 4-H programs and fairs. These are great programs that offer young people a place to belong while teaching personal responsibility, confidence and teamwork. It would be a shame if they miss out on another full year of experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n

Filler welcomed Logan Hagerty, a 19-year-old FFA and 4-H participant from Clinton County\u2019s Victor Township, who testified about the important role 4-H has had in his life.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has been a phenomenal experience,\u201d Hagerty said, describing how his experiences at the Clinton County Fair helped him decide to pursue a career in the agricultural industry. \u201cHad I not gotten a chance to exhibit at the fair and share my passion with others, I would probably still be aimlessly wandering.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

Remember When<\/strong> – Chamber announces 2013 awards<\/p>\n

The Clinton County Chamber of Commerce recently held their annual Awards luncheon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Community Volunteer of the Year award went to Dennis Koenigsknecht, a St. Johns resident who is involved with many community organizations such as the Clinton County Senior Center, St. Johns Knights of Columbus, Clinton County 4H and the Chamber of Commerce.<\/p>\n

Koenigsknecht is not a volunteer that just sits on a board and attends meetings \u2013 for many organizations he is the volunteer electrician, fixer of about anything and a worker at any event.<\/p>\n

For the Clinton County Senior Center and Chamber of Commerce he is always working shifts at Trippers for Texas Hold\u2019em events and you can always find him behind the scenes at Knights of Columbus fish fries and other fundraisers.<\/p>\n

\n

Maralyn’s Pet Corner<\/strong> – 5 Scary Consequences of Neglecting Your Dog\u2019s Teeth
\ncourtesy of Paula Fitzsimmons<\/p>\n

You may already know that not taking care of your dog\u2019s teeth can lead to periodontal disease, a condition that results in bleeding gums, bad breath, and ultimately tooth loss.<\/p>\n

But did you know that poor oral hygiene is also linked to other health issues in dogs, including diabetes and heart disease, and it can even lead to a broken jaw. And because dogs are experts at hiding pain, you may not even realize there\u2019s a problem.<\/p>\n

Although veterinarians say they can\u2019t know with absolute certainty that periodontal disease is the cause of these ailments, there is ample evidence that points to a connection.<\/p>\n

Here are five ways that neglecting your dog\u2019s oral hygiene can negatively impact not only her teeth and gums, but also her overall health and well-being.<\/p>\n

Dental Disease Sets Off Your Dog\u2019s Immune System<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cPeriodontal disease starts under the gumline with a substance called plaque, which is made up of bacteria,\u201d explains Dr. Lisa Fink, a board-certified veterinary dentist and oral surgeon.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeft on the tooth surface and in the area surrounding the tooth, plaque incites the animal’s immune system and an inflammatory response ensues, starting with gingivitis,\u201d says Dr. Fink.<\/p>\n

The inflammatory response kills bacteria but also destroys tissue in the process.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn fact, the majority of tissue destruction associated with dental infections is caused by products of the immune system and not by degradation products from the bacteria themselves,\u201d explains Dr. Chad Lothamer, DVM, DAVDC. \u201cThis can lead to local tissue loss, pain and infection of the surrounding tissues.\u201d<\/p>\n

The more severe the dental disease and the more inflammation present, the more likely it is that bacteria may enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, says Dr. Lothamer, who is board-certified in veterinary dentistry.<\/p>\n

\u201cInfections in and around the teeth do cause increases in inflammatory mediators and can cause bacteremia (a state in which bacteria appears in the blood), which likely does cause damage to distant parts of the body or distant infections,\u201d explains Dr. Lothamer.<\/p>\n

Reducing inflammation by treating periodontal disease can have a profound impact on a dog\u2019s health because \u201cit decreases the amount of work the body has to do to fight this infection,\u201d says Dr. Kris Bannon, a board-certified veterinary dentist at Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery of New Mexico in Algodones. And, importantly, it stops the pain of dental disease for your dog.<\/p>\n

Dental Disease Increases the Risk for Dog Heart Disease <\/em><\/p>\n

The heart and liver are especially prone to developing inflammation from dental disease.<\/p>\n

There is evidence that periodontal disease is linked to cardiopulmonary diseases like endocarditis, according to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).<\/p>\n

The risk of endocarditis is about six times higher in dogs with stage three (moderate to severe) periodontal disease than for dogs without it, says the WSAVA report.<\/p>\n

Dr. Bannon says a large number of canine patients show signs of both periodontal disease and heart disease concurrently. While it can be tough to determine cause and effect, \u201cwe know there\u2019s an association because they so often occur together,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

One key piece of evidence, Dr. Bannon says, is that the cultured bacteria from infected heart valves are the same as those also identified in the mouth.<\/p>\n

For animals with both dental disease and heart disease, it may be unsafe to anesthetize the pet to fully clean the teeth and gums. This means that the teeth will continue to be uncomfortable, and there is further risk to the heart as oral disease progresses.<\/p>\n

Dental Disease Complicates Diabetes in Dogs<\/em><\/p>\n

Diabetic dogs tend to have higher levels of periodontal disease, Dr. Bannon says. In fact, the two conditions feed on each other in a vicious cycle.<\/p>\n

The more severe the periodontal disease is, the more serious the diabetes gets, which, in turn, worsens the periodontal disease, explains Dr. Bannon.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not always possible to determine which came first\u2014the periodontal disease or the diabetes\u2014but inflammation and infection associated with periodontal disease can affect blood-sugar metabolism, says Dr. Jason Nicholas, chief medical officer at Preventive Vet, based in Portland, Oregon.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is especially important in terms of complicating the control and regulation of diabetic animals,\u201d says Dr. Nicholas. Inflammation and infection decrease the body\u2019s sensitivity to insulin, a primary hormone involved in blood-sugar regulation, he adds.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s difficult to balance a dog\u2019s diabetes until the periodontal disease is treated, Dr. Bannon says. \u201cOnce that tooth is addressed, their diabetes is much easier to stabilize.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dental Disease Causes Your Dog Pain That You Can\u2019t Detect <\/em><\/p>\n

Dogs rarely show signs that they\u2019re in pain, and if they\u2019re behaving and eating as usual, it may appear as if nothing is wrong. That\u2019s an incorrect assumption.<\/p>\n

\u201cAppetite is a strong drive. It is easy to avoid biting on a painful tooth. We all have seen dogs \u2018inhaling\u2019 hard food without chewing,\u201d says Dr. Stanley Blazejewski, a board-certified veterinary dentist at VRC Specialty Hospital in Malvern, Pennsylvania. \u201cBut it is obvious that they can suffer from oral pathology because owners frequently remark that \u2018they are just like a puppy again\u2019 after treatment, adding that they regret postponing care.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a hidden disease,\u201d adds Dr. Donnell Hansen, a board-certified veterinary dentist with BluePearl Veterinary Partners. Dogs may display signs of dental trouble such as drooling, a lack of appetite, swelling or bleeding, but these do not show up in every case.<\/p>\n

Most pet parents only notice the bad breath caused by plaque, and that alone is reason enough to have your veterinarian examine your dog\u2019s teeth.<\/p>\n

Usually by the time serious signs come up, it is too late to the save the tooth, and there is a high likelihood the pet has been living quietly in pain for quite some time.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost pets continue with their daily routine and it is not until we have the opportunity to address the fractured canine or wiggly molar that families will notice a difference in their pet,” Dr. Hansen says.<\/p>\n

Dental Disease Can Lead to a Broken Jaw<\/em><\/p>\n

Poor oral hygiene can lead to a broken jaw in dogs, especially smaller breeds with disproportionately large teeth, such as Chihuahuas, Lhasa Apsos, Maltese, and Shih Tzus, Dr. Hansen says.<\/p>\n

\u201cInfection to these dogs\u2019 mouths can weaken their relatively small jaws, and something as simple as jumping off the couch can lead to jaw fracture,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s fortunately not a common occurrence, says Dr. Gwenn Schamberger, a board-certified veterinary dentist with WVRC Emergency & Specialty Pet Care in Waukesha, Wisconsin.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I do see this, and it is serious and very painful\u2014it can be very difficult to get the fracture to heal appropriately\u2014because the bone is not healthy bone,\u201d Dr. Schamberger says.<\/p>\n

Dr. Schamberger explains, \u201cI have also had patients that have had a fractured tooth that has been fractured for years and \u2018not caused a problem,\u2019 and they become sick for another reason, and now that fractured tooth does becomes an obvious problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some of the time it can be fixed, says Dr. Fink. \u201cHowever, in many cases, jaws that fracture due to periodontal disease present an extra challenge due to the lack of good quality bone in the area as well as lack of teeth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sometimes fractures can even happen after teeth have been removed. This is because without teeth, the lower jaw is weak.<\/p>\n

Taking Care of Your Dog\u2019s Teeth Can Prevent Health Issues<\/em><\/p>\n

The most effective way to prevent these conditions is to maintain a solid oral hygiene regimen, which should include regular cleaning of your dog\u2019s teeth and gums.<\/p>\n

Additionally, you should take your dog for annual oral exams, and when needed, an anesthetized oral examination with a full tooth-by-tooth exam and dental X-rays, Dr. Fink advises.<\/p>\n

The Veterinary Oral Health Council lists foods, treats, chews, toothpastes, sprays, gels, powders, wipes, toothbrushes and water additives that have been scientifically tested and are approved for dogs and cats, she adds.<\/p>\n

Taking caring of your dog\u2019s oral hygiene is about much more than clean teeth and fresh breath, Dr. Bannon concludes. \u201cIt\u2019s a health issue.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Class of ’59 can dine-in again by Maralyn Fink Barb Trefil, Dorothy Ritz, Mylene Weaver Tews, Esther Hopkins Lichte, Maralyn Fink The Rodney B. Wilson High School Class of 1959 held their March Lunch at Main Street Cafe. There were a total of 5 people present. This is the first lunch we have had since Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11753","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-features"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11753","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=11753"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11753\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=11753"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=11753"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=11753"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}