Patricia M Sperandio – Oak Leaf Kennel

(b)(2) There was an adult, female Shih Tzu housed in the last adult sheltered housing area. The animal appeared thin, was lethargic and would not stand when prompted. The kennel staff removed her from her enclosure and positioned the dog in a standing position. The dog would not support her weight and sunk to a laying position. Upon palpation the dogs, ribs, vertebrae and hips were protruding and her gums were pale. The licensee stated that they had noticed the dog was underweight and had recently treated the dog for parasites. Abnormal behavior, extreme weight loss and lethargy may be the indication of a serious medical condition. The licensee shall obtain a written diagnosis and treatment plan from a licensed veterinarian. The prescribed treatment should be provided as directed and the treatment should be documented. All documents should be available at the time of the nest inspection. TO BE CORRECTED BY THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS 6/19/14

(b) Ventilation. The office building also used as an isolation room housing 4 puppies had high ammonia levels. The ammonia burned the inspectors nose and was irritating to the eyes after lengthy exposure. Breathing air with high levels of ammonia can lead to health complications. The licensee shall provide sufficient ventilation to minimize odors and ammonia levels and to provide for the health and well being of the animals. TO BE CORRECTED BY: 6/24/14

(d) Pest control. An effective program for the control of insects, external parasites affecting dogs and cats, and birds and mammals that are pests, must be established and maintained so as to promote the health and well-being of the animals and reduce contamination by pests in animal areas. ***** There is an accumulation of flies in the outdoor housing area. Flies can spread bacteria and disease. The licensee shall incorporate an effective pest control program to reduce the flies in the facility. TO BE CORRECTED BY: 6/6/2013

An adult female Shih Tzu named Nicole had a firm mass of tissue (about 1 inch by 3 inches) on her abdomen that appeared to involve a mammary gland. The dog had not been examined by a veterinarian. Untreated medical conditions can worsen and can be painful. The licensee must have this dog examined by a veterinarian. The licensee must keep records of the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care and must make these records available to the inspector upon request. If the animal's condition does not resolve during treatment or if it returns, the licensee must consult a veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment. TO BE CORRECTED BY: 6/9/15.

***Three adult female Shih Tzus (Little Suzy, mc# 460 9507 B2C; Nicole, mc# 485 076 2952; Abby, mc# 485 102 7458HA) had excessively matted hair on their faces and around their eyes. The matted hair appeared to be irritating their eyes. Little Suzy's right eye had a small amount of gray discharge. Both of Nicole's eyes had a small amount of gray discharge. Abby's right eye had a small amount of gray discharge. Abby's left eye had a small amount of yellow discharge that was crusting around the edges of the eye. Matted hair can result in skin and/or eye problems, can be painful, and can compromise the hair's ability to provide protection from the heat or cold. The licensee must remove the matted hair from these animals faces and must establish an effective program of haircoat maintenance. TO BE CORRECTED BY: 6/4/15.

3.6 Primary Enclosures(a)(1) There were at least 2 metal support poles of the chain-link outdoor enclosures that were rusted, broken and had sharp edges. The first pole was at the base of the inside gate panel and the second was the vertical pole of the back right side panel. These areas have sharp rusted edges that could injure the dogs and because they are broken off they do not adequately support the enclosure panels. The licensee shall provide primary enclosures that are structurally sound and ensure that they are kept in good repair; free from excessive rust and sharp edges. TO BE CORRECTED: 6/10/2015

3.6 Primary Enclosures(c)(2) Inside the 1st (Reefer) sheltered housing facility there were 3 female and 2 male adult dogs housed in the same enclosure. The two male Silky terrier dogs had blood on their heads and bodies, presumably due to fighting. One of the females was displaying signs of heat and the two males were observed growling at each other as one attempted to breed the female. The licensee removed the male dogs from the enclosure and had a kennel worker take them to a veterinarian for medical treatment during the inspection. The licensee stated that she only intended one male to be placed in the enclosure and that one of the kennel staff had mistakenly placed the additional male in the enclosure. Moving animals to new enclosures without observation of compatibility leaves opportunity for incompatible behavior and fighting which can result in serious injury or even death. The licensee and kennel staff shall ensure all dogs housed in the same primary enclosure are compatible. TO BE CORRECTED BY:6/4/2015 NOTE: The male dogs returned from the veterinarian before the inspection concluded. He noted minor injuries that did not require treatment.