Meeting Seconds
Preventive medicine from a veterinary perspective can sometimes be envisioned as a battlefield – from a parasite view that is. Our pets bring such wonderful things to our lives: entertainment, exercise and unconditional love to name a few. But, they are also can bring an entourage of internal and external parasites.
If the thought of parasites makes your skin crawl, join the club. Then take a deep breath and remember that these critters are not typically targeting us, but are freeloaders on our pets.
First, the bombardiers of summer, mosquitos, will be arriving soon. We are lucky in Colorado that we’re not as terribly assaulted by mosquitos as other areas of the country, but they are here and carry heartworms. Heartworm microfilariae are the life stage carried by mosquitos that infect our dogs and cats with a bite. The most insidious part is that then the larval stages that come next take six to seven months before they can be detected with a heartworm test. The best preventive care against heartworm is a once monthly oral or topical preventative after a negative heartworm test in dogs – additionally, they are getting protected against intestinal parasites, more on them later.
Cats can also get heartworm via mosquitos, but at much lower rates than dogs and, additionally, are harder to diagnose due to the very small number of worms carried. For your outdoor kitty, consider applying a once monthly topical preventative. For indoor kitties, it’s not a bad idea to apply preventative.
Other creepy pet friends include the topical freeloaders such as fleas and ticks. Another bonus of being a Colorado pet is that we don’t have a lot of these pests affecting us, but know that they are here. But if traveling inside or outside our state or if an out-of-state visitor arrives, there are great topical treatment and preventive products from your veterinarian.
One unpleasant visitor that we’ve been seeing a bit more of lately is called walking dandruff or Cheyletiella. This mite causes itchy, flaky skin for a variety of species, including dogs. It can be easily passed from an infected animal, but the mites and their eggs also can survive days to weeks in bedding or other accessible areas.
Now the last and perhaps grossest parasite paradise – poop! Poop or feces is the end product of digestion, but it’s also a great means of transit for intestinal parasites. Some of these riders are what we call worms – hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms and whipworms. Others are single celled organisms such as Giardia or Coccidia or yeast. Many parasites find their way into our furry family members via oral-fecal contamination – visiting the dog park, hiking, camping and much more. And, cats are not immune, even if indoors; more than 15 percent of the potting soil mixes contain roundworm eggs – and even indoor kitties like playing in dirt.
One could write enough to fill all the pages of the Greater Park Hill News about individual parasites and how they’ve persisted, adapted and even flourished in our pets and our environment. However, we don’t want readers to be too creeped out. For more information and for the best treatment and prevention options for your pets, call or visit your veterinarian.
Dr. Margot can be reached at parkhillvet.com
Editor’s Note: The following is a synopsis of what was discussed during the March 6 Greater Park Hill Community monthly meeting. The next meeting, which is open to the public, is Thursday, April 3 beginning at 6:30 p.m., 2823 Fairfax St.
District 2 Police Report
Officer Reyes Trujillo reported that two suspects have been arrested in cases involving 12 burglaries in South Park Hill and east of Montclair Boulevard. Officer Trujillo also distributed a graffiti vandalism removal form that residents should use to accept or decline City of Denver free removal services. (The form is available at the GPHC website at greaterparkhill.org.) The non-emergency dispatch number for District 2 is 720-913-2000. Residents are reminded to reserve the 911 number for emergencies and crimes in progress. Also, Officer Trujillo noted that the Seniors’ Resources Center provides resources to seniors for help around the house. Call 303-235-6952 or email him at ltrujillo@srcaging.org.
4th of July Parade Update
Justin Bresler provided an update for the annual Greater Park Hill 4th of July Parade. The parade route is along 23rd Avenue from Colorado Boulevard to Kearney Street. Organizers are seeking volunteers, sponsors, and participants, including a marching band. If you would like to participate, please contact Bresler at ParkHillParade@gmail.com.
East Rail Line to DIA Halfway Complete
Joshua Solis noted the East Rail Line to DIA – called the Eagle Project – is 52 percent completed. All projects (East Rail Line, Northwest Rail Line and Gold Line) are scheduled to be open for service in 2016. The nearest stops to Park Hill are 42nd and Jackson Street, (just west of Colorado Boulevard) and Smith Road and Central Park Boulevard (near the Stapleton Wal-Mart). Fares have not yet been determined. During peak hours, it will run every 15 minutes. Additional details are at Rtd-fastracks.com.
Juneteenth Music Festival
Jason McCarl provided an update to the upcoming Juneteenth Music Festival. Last year’s festival drew 20,000 participants and included 150 vendors. More people are expected to attend this year. Organizers plan to go green this year, including composting, recycling and using “green” vendors.
Walk 2 Connect
Jonathon Stalls, of Walk 2 Connect, described his efforts to create social walking events and programs in Park Hill. Sunrise walks are currently happening from 7 to 8 a.m. every Tuesday, starting at Adagio Bakery at 23rd and Dexter streets.
The walks are open to anyone who wants to join.
Healthy Food Update
Dana Miller of the Denver Sustainable Food Policy Council detailed current efforts to change the city’s zoning code to allow Denver residents to sell produce they grow in their yards. In addition, Miller is working to partner with neighborhood groups, including the GPHC, on a program called Produce for Pantries, in which home grown produce can be donated and distributed via emergency food pantries, including in Park Hill.
Bistro Barbés Coming to Park Hill
Jon Robbins, owner of Bistro Barbés, will be opening a French-style bistro at the site of the former Pary’s on 28th, at 5021 E. 28th Ave. The menu will include organic and local food as available. The bistro will have about 26 seats. Robbins plans to start with dinner only, with a Sunday brunch service possibly added later. Patrons will be encouraged to park along Fairfax Street, where currently operating businesses are closed in the evening.
Committee Chair & Community Updates
Kate Sultan noted that the Home Tour Committee is waiting for the Bronco’s schedule to be published in April before finalizing the September Home Tour/Street Fair.
Ryan Hunter, chair of the GPHC Community Grants Committee, provided an update on the work being done to pursue grants for various community projects in Park Hill.
Education Committee Chair Lynn Kalinauskas provided an update on the proposed SEED High School, and the status of the new high school in Stapleton.
Board member Louis Plachowski provided an update on the proposed City Park Loop project. As one of two GPHC representatives on the project, Plachowski noted that anyone can attend the meetings, but only designated Registered Neighborhood Organization stakeholders are allowed to speak. He said that city parks and recreation officials indicated that they will soon present a new plan for City Park Loop, or announce that they are not proceeding with the project.
Executive Director Report
Executive Director Robyn Fishman noted new office hours for the Greater Park Hill Community office at 2823 Fairfax St. are 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.