Timbercreek Puppies – Burlington, IA

An adult, brown Shih-Tzu male named "Cash" and identified by microchip number (981020011083312) has a left eye with an abnormal appearance. Most of the eye is cloudy with a blue-gray color. There is a watery discharge and a small perforation visible near the center of the eye. The licensee had not noticed the eye prior to inspection. The abnormal appearance of the eye could be an indication of injury, infection, or other medical issues. The licensee must have this animal examined by a veterinarian to obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Documentation should be available for all medical problems. The diagnosis and any recommended treatment must be part of the documentation. The licensee must ensure that all animals receive adequate veterinary care at all times. To be corrected by: September 22, 2015.

The licensee stated that she is giving the dogs Tylosin Soluble Powder as an electrolyte source and 1/8th of a teaspoon of the Tylosin is added to the water of dams with litters of puppies. The label on the Tylosin Powder says that it is an antibiotic and it is to be used in turkeys, chickens, swine and honeybees. The use of the Tylosin Powder is not documented as part of the Program of Veterinary Care and there is no other additional information indicating the Attending Veterinarian has approved the off-label use of this product, how often it should be used, and the dosage that should be given to dogs. The off-label use of a product must be approved by the attending veterinarian to ensure that it is safe for the dogs to consume and it is being appropriately used. Each dealer must use appropriate methods to prevent and control diseases and injuries. The licensee must have the use of the Tylosin Powder approved by the Attending Veterinarian. The licensee must also ensure that the use of any product off-label is approved by the Attending Veterinarian in order to protect the health and well-being of the dogs. To be corrected by: 13-March-2023

At least three enclosures, housing a total of 3 adult dogs and 10 puppies, have plastic food and water bowls that have been excessively chewed and damaged by the dogs. The damaged surfaces of the food and water bowls cannot be readily cleaned and sanitized which could increase the risk of disease towards the dogs. All surfaces must be maintained on a regular basis. Surfaces of housing facilities-including objects within the facility-that cannot be readily cleaned and sanitized must be replaced when worn or soiled. The licensee must remove, replace, or alter the damaged bowls in a manner that allows for cleaning and sanitization of the surfaces to occur. The licensee must ensure all surfaces are properly maintained at all times in order to support the health and well-being of the animals. To be corrected by: The licensee removed the damaged bowls at the time of the inspection.

The Program of Veterinary Care is incomplete and the schedule for the physical examinations by the attending veterinarian of adult dogs and puppies is missing. The licensee stated that the attending veterinarian examines the dogs on the following schedule: * each adult dog is physically examined at least once every 12 months * dams with litters are physically examined when the litter is 6 and/or 8 weeks of age * puppies are examined when they are 6 and/or 8 weeks of age Failure to document the schedule for physical examinations may interfere with the ability of APHIS officials to determine if the animals are receiving adequate veterinary care. Each dealer shall follow an appropriate program of veterinary care that is developed, documented in writing, signed by the attending veterinarian and includes a complete physical examination from head to tail of each dog by the attending veterinarian not less than once every 12 months. The licensee must add the schedule of physical examinations of adult dogs and puppies to the Program of Veterinary Care to ensure that each animal is receiving adequate veterinary care. To be corrected by: 13-March -2023

The licensee has not been testing the dogs for heartworm or intestinal parasites (fecals) and the Program of Veterinary Care does not contain a written plan for heartworm and fecal testing. Testing for parasites is important in providing the dogs with adequate veterinary care and identifying potential health issues before they worsen. Each dealer must follow an appropriate program of veterinary care that is developed, documented in writing, and signed by the attending veterinarian and contains the written plan to sample for parasites (including worms, giradia, coccidia, heartworm). The licensee, in consultation with the Attending Veterinarian, must add the plan to sample for heartworm and intestinal parasites to the Program of Veterinary Care in order to support the health and well-being of the animals. To be corrected by: 13-March-2023

The Program of Veterinary Care is incomplete and the preventative care plans for maintaining healthy and unmatted hair coats, properly trimmed toenails, and healthy eyes, ears, skin, and teeth are missing. Failure to document these plans may interfere with the ability of APHIS officials to determine if the animals are receiving adequate veterinary care. Each dealer must follow an appropriate program of veterinary care that is developed, documented in writing, signed by the Attending Veterinarian and includes preventative care and treatment plans to maintain healthy and unmatted hair coats, properly trimmed toenails, and healthy eyes, ears, skin, and teeth. The licensee must add these preventative care plans to the Program of Veterinary Care in order to ensure the animals are receiving adequate veterinary care. To be corrected by: 13-March-2023