Page 6 - Hobe Sound Reflections - February '20

Page 6, Hobe Sound

legal talK

Use It Or Lose It? (which means that married couples can transfer up to exemption to $5,000,000 in 2021 for U.S. residents
$23,160,000 of wealth in 2020 without transfer tax), it is who have not already lifetime wealth transfers, this
By Ryan Abernathy estimated that federal estate/gift tax laws currently impact hypothetical reduced lifetime exemption results is a
The Tax Cuts and Jobs fewer than one-tenth of one percent of U.S. citizens (that’s “lost opportunity” to transfer an additional $6,580,000
Act of 2017 delivered a fewer than 1 out of 10,000!). This article is meant for the of wealth to family members in 2020.
huge gift for U.S, citizens “lucky few” who still must plan their financial affairs At an assumed 40 percent transfer tax rate, that means
with a high net worth. with transfer taxes in mind. a real out-of-pocket cost of $2,632,000 in additional
As a result of this As we all know, 2020 is an election year. This transfer taxes! For a high net worth taxpayer, this
legislation, in 2020 U.S. November’s election will undoubtedly change the makeup represents 2,632,000 reasons to consider making lifetime
citizens can transfer up of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and could wealth transfers prior to the end of 2020.
to $11,580,000 of wealth change the U.S. Presidency, as well. For 35 years, we have worked with high net worth
either during their lifetime Depending on the extent of these election-driven families to design, implement and administer cutting
(by gift) or at death (by changes, U.S. transfer tax laws could very well change as edge and sophisticated strategies to minimize (and often
testamentary transfer) early as January 2021. If these possible changes include totally eliminate) transfer taxation impacts in ways that
without the imposition of a transfer tax (gift or estate a reduction in the lifetime exemption amount, high net are consistent with goals and objectives expressed by our
tax). worth taxpayers may lose their ability to make transfer clients.
This “freebie” amount is generally referred to as tax-free wealth transfers to family members to the extent If the thought of trusting the results of the 2020
the “lifetime exemption.” Because of this and previous that they currently enjoy throughout this year. election to influence the repercussions of making lifetime
changes to tax laws that allow married individuals to To illustrate the impact this change could have, if transfers concerns you, this is the time to take action!
essentially “stack” their lifetime exemption amounts we assume that future legislation reduces the lifetime
tip of the tail

Kennel Cough: It’s Not Just What Is Kennel Cough? unfortunately, as was discussed above, there are other

Most people think of Bordetella when they hear
bacterial and viral causes for which there is no effective
Bordetella the words kennel cough, but Bordetella isn’t the only vaccination. It is these other causes of kennel cough
possible cause. In fact, there are numerous bacterial that help explain why a vaccinated dog can still become
and viral causes of kennel cough, most of which are sick. For the past several years we have seen an uptick
indistinguishable based on presentation alone. in kennel cough cases in our community almost every
Some of the more common causes of kennel cough spring; recently we saw an outbreak in the fall, which
include: Bordetella, Streptococcus, Mycoplasma, canine was unusual compared to previous patterns.
parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus type 1 and type 2, I Think My Dog Has Kennel Cough, What Should I
canine distemper virus, canine respiratory coronavirus, Do?
canine herpesvirus and canine influenza virus, but there If you think your dog has kennel cough, isolate your
are many, many more. dog and contact your veterinarian for instructions. When
The cough associated with kennel cough typically you arrive at your veterinarian’s clinic, call from your
lasts one to three weeks. For the majority of dogs, a car and wait for a clinic staff member to escort you and
dry, hacking cough is the only clinical sign. In a small your dog in; kennel cough agents are highly contagious
percentage of dogs, typically those that are older, are very and it is important that it not be spread throughout the
young, or have other illness, the cough may progress to clinic. Your veterinarian may prescribe medication to
pneumonia; if this occurs, aggressive treatment by your reduce coughing and inflammation; if the cause of the
When an otherwise healthy dog has a dry, loud, veterinarian may be required. kennel cough is known or suspected, or if a secondary
hacking or honking cough, one of the things your How Is It Contracted? bacterial infection is a concern, an antibiotic may also
veterinarian will consider as the cause is kennel cough, Kennel cough is typically contracted through close be prescribed.
also referred to as infectious tracheobronchitis. contact with an infected dog, or direct contact with a surface Kennel cough typically resolves within one to three
where an infected dog has recently left oral, nasal or ocular weeks. Your veterinarian will tell you how long your
secretions such as walking down the street, dog parks or dog needs to be isolated at home. In general, for kennel
wherever dogs are present. It can stay in the environment for cough caused by Bordetella, two months isolation is
a while. Coughing usually starts within five to seven days recommended; for all other causes of kennel cough, two
of exposure. Factors that affect whether or not a dog gets to three weeks isolation is usually sufficient.
sick includes their vaccination status, previous exposure to If at any time during your pet’s illness he becomes
the infectious agent, the amount of disease agent they are lethargic or stops eating, contact your veterinarian right
exposed to, their health status and their age. away as this may be a sign that the cough has progressed
How Can I Prevent It? to pneumonia and that your pet requires aggressive care.
The core canine vaccinations will protect your dog Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical
Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing against several of the agents that can cause kennel cough, Center is dedicated to providing the best possible care
Palm Beach County and is a privately including: for your pets. With focuses on compassionate care in
owned and managed company. • Bordetella bronchiseptica surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative
Captain’s is committed to providing • Canine Parainfluenza Virus medicine, extensive diagnostics, and emergency service,
dependable, reliable and professional • Canine Adenovirus type 2 Palm City Animal Medical Center combines exceptional
ground transportation to and from all
South Florida Airports and Seaports. PBCVH212 • Canine Adenovirus type 1 medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and their
To reserve your vehicle: • Canine Distemper Virus owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit
561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com The core vaccinations do a good job of protecting www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on
your pet against these specific kennel cough causes; Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.