ArcaMax

A: Congratulations on rescuing a puppy mill dog. Buddy's history may or may not have something to do with this unusual behavior, according veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kathryn Houpt, of Gaylord, MI.

"It would be helpful to videotape this dog, perhaps using a smart phone," Houpt says. Your veterinarian can determine better what the dog is thinking by watching the video. It seems the dog may be distressed; that's usually what howling is communicating. He may also may be fearful, or aroused."

Houpt says picking up Buddy might only reinforce the behavior. You've got the right idea with distraction, but up the ante. Take a toy and stuff liver treats or low fat peanut butter instead, or offer a chew toy which takes some time to gnaw.

If the problem persists, you could seek help from a veterinary behaviorist, certified dog trainer, or dog behavior consultant who might make a house call, get howled at in person and access the situation.

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Q: I took your advice and asked my veterinarian about the leptospirosis vaccine. I'm curious, though, about this virus being transmittable to pets in the fall or winter. Isn't leptospirosis a tropical climate illness? -- C.T., St. Paul, MN

A: Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection (not a virus). The bacteria that cause Leptospirosis are spread through the urine of infected animals (mostly rodents like rats and mice, but also skunks, raccoons and other critters), which can get into water or soil and survive there for weeks to months. Here's a reason to beware of that yellow snow.

To your point, in the U.S., lepto is most common in Hawaii, a tropical place.

Chicago veterinarian Dr. Natalie Marks says, "In some places, lepto is increasingly common, and potentially can be transmitted to people, which is one reason I'm so passionate about protection. Also, lepto can be a very serious disease. Yes, spring and summer are more common for transmission in northern climates, but lepto does exist year-round. Besides, the protection, a vaccine, provides year-round defense."

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Q: Our 2-1/2-year-old Schipperke was just diagnosed with Perthes disease. She's on Glyco-Flex (a nutritional supplement with antioxidants and glucosamine) and Rimadyl (an anti-inflammatory pain medication). There are times when she doesn't use her left rear leg. Our vet says to keep her calm, but that's impossible. What does the future hold for our dog? -- G.L., St. Petersburg Beach, FL

A: Legg-Calve-Perthes disease involves spontaneous degeneration of the head on the femur bone, typically occurring in one of a dog's hind legs. This leads to disintegration of the hip joint, and bone and joint inflammation causing arthritis.

The exact cause of the condition is unknown, though blood supply issues to the femoral head are usually seen in dogs suffering from Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. It's most commonly seen in miniature, toy and small-breed dogs, likes yours. Mostly this disease affects young dogs, often younger than yours.

"There's only definitive treatment, and that is surgery," says Dr. Kate Crumley, Franklin County, N.C-based president of the American Animal Hospital Association. "The good news is that this surgery is frequently very successful, and following recovery your dog can live a normal, healthy life."

Crumley cautions that the medications you mention can help your dog feel better but won't address the underlying problem.

"Be sure to confirm that the problem is Legg-Calve-Perthes disease with an x-ray," she adds.

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