Arthritis in Pets By Dr Susan Coe

May 14th, 2012 by admin

Is your dog a bit slow to get up from lying down?  Is there a reluctance to jump on things that used to be easily managed?  Does your cat need a boost to get up on the sofa or bed?  Is there a general loss of “pep in their step”? 

Getting older is not generally the reason these sorts of changes occur.  Our pets suffer from arthritis just like we do.  And it can cause pain as well as affect their quality of life.  Thankfully we can help with a variety of options and a multimodal approach, meaning that several approaches combined may bring better results than a single therapy.  And remember to never give your pet human medication without speaking to your veterinarian.  Certain medications can be toxic to pets, and while you feel that you may be helping them, you may actually be causing more harm.  

If you feel that your pet may be developing signs of arthritis, the best thing you can do for them is to get a diagnosis and start therapy as soon as possible.  Please call for an appointment to evaluate and discuss the possibility of arthritis in your pet.

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What is Integrative Medicine? by Dr. Kimberly Fanning

May 1st, 2012 by admin

Living in modernAmerica, we are all very accustomed and were brought up relying on conventional or western medicine.  Our modern medicine has made enormous advances in diagnostics, pharmacology & surgery.  But despite all our advances, there are still diseases, conditions, and problems that even our modern medicine can’t fix.  This holds true for our pets and veterinary medicine as well.

Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine, (CAVM) refers to the use of alternative medical therapies.  These therapies include whole food diets, herbal therapy, nutraceuticals, acupuncture, massage, chiropractic/manipulative techniques, flower essences & homeopathy. These alternative therapies may be used instead of conventional medicine therapies or together with (aka complement) conventional therapies. This type of medical practice is called “Integrative Medicine”. This term implies that both types of therapies are “integrated” into a single medical practice. Another term used commonly for this type of practice is holistic medicine.

Thus, Integrative Veterinary Medicine blends the best of conventional medicine with the a specific selection of alternative therapies to provide the best whole health & healing approach needed for that specific pet patient.  Call today to schedule an appointment to see if Integrative Veterinary Medicine is right for your pet.

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Leave it! by Dr. Jessica Cooper

April 24th, 2012 by admin

Dogs are pack animals.  You do not need to “let them be their own person” and “express themselves.”  It’s not good for them.  They feel much more comfortable knowing where they stand in the pecking order of the pack, which needs to be below you.  I don’t care if you teach your dog any other command besides “leave it.”  This command can save their life.  

What it needs to mean is: stop what you are doing and look at me.  Leave it.  Stop chasing after that squirrel into on-coming traffic.  Leave it.  Don’t growl at Aunt Bertha or that little kid.  Leave it.  Stop sniffing at that rat bait.  Don’t pick up that huge piece of dark chocolate I just dropped on the floor.  Leave it.  That skunk doesn’t want to be your friend.  And neither does the porcupine.  Or the copperhead.  Leave it.  I think you get my drift.  When you say “leave it,” all other aspects of your dog’s life need to cease and they need to be 100% focused on you.  You are the pack leader and you may be sensing danger or you may just need their attention.  It doesn’t matter what your reasoning may be, they cannot question it or doubt you. LEAVE IT.

How do you know if your dog is trying to be the leader of your pack?  They are ignoring your command to “come” and refusing to eat what you give him so that you offer him something else.  Who would eat Pedigree when you can get steak?  Small dogs pester until they are picked up, can choose to jump on/off furniture or even crawl under the blankets on people’s beds.  Larger dogs might paw at you until you pet them or jump up on you.  Sure, some of the behavior I’m describing sounds cute.  And it sure is funny when our new puppy growls at people when he’s playing, right?  When your dog barks at you, is he being cute?  When you tell him to stop, does he?  If he continues barking, he’s just yelling back at you.  Trust me, I know first-hand.  One of my dogs does that and it’s annoying and it’s a learned behavior that I have not been able to break him off since we’ve been “yelling” at each other for over 5 years now.  But you know what?  When I tell him LEAVE IT, he does.

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Rabbit Nutrition by Dr. Ashleigh Rhoades

April 18th, 2012 by admin

The most important part of the rabbit’s diet is an unlimited supply of grass hay.  Grass hay provides essential fiber as well as proteins, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates.  Hay also provides some of the work needed to keep the teeth worn down due to all of the chewing the rabbit needs to do to break it down.  Hay should be kept in a box or hay rack and should always be kept available.  Grass hay is preferred to alfalfa hay because it is lower in calories and calcium. 

Another important part of the diet is fresh, leafy greens which provide vitamins, mineral, proteins, and carbohydrates.  When introducing greens to the diet, do so one at a time every 3 days to make sure your rabbit is handling them well.  The amount of greens to feed is a maximum of 1 packed cup of green for each 2lbs of body weight daily.  Some examples of greens are:  dandelion greens, raspberry leaves, kale, mustard greens, collard green, beet greens, and cabbage. 

Pellets should also be a staple of a rabbit’s diet.  Commercial pellets are designed to promote rapid growth, and weight gain.  Once a rabbit reaches adult size, I recommend that the amount of pellets being fed be cut down to 1/4c per 4lbs of body weight per day (Maximum). 

Fruits and other vegetables should be considered more along the lines of “treat” foods and should only be fed in small quantities per day.  Feed healthy “treat” foods a maximum of 1 level tablespoon per 2 pounds of body weight daily.  Some examples of healthy treat foods are:  carrots, apples, pears, peaches, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, squash, tomatoes, papayas and mangos.

Make sure to speak to your veterinarian if you have any questions about the health of your rabbit.

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Heat Stroke in Dogs by Dr. Eric Shreves

April 11th, 2012 by admin

It’s that time of year when the temperature outside starts to rise, the sunshine is abundant, and our outdoor activities become a common place.  While outside, most of us will include our four-legged family members to enjoy the sunshine and warmth with us.

While we our outside enjoying the summertime, we must be cautious to monitor our pets to ensure that they are not getting overheated.  Heat stroke can occur in our pets due to excessive exercise, or just prolonged exposure to the elements.  Heat stroke can occur in any breed, but it is more frequent in long-haired dogs and short-nosed, flat-faced dogs known as brachycephalic breeds.  It may occur in any age dog, but tends to affect younger dogs more than older dogs.

Some of the symptoms of heat stroke that you will notice include panting, excessive drooling, increased body temperature over 103.0 degrees, bright red gums, vomiting and diarrhea, muscle tremors, black tarry stools, seizures, and a wobbly drunken gait.  If any or a few of the above signs are noted after being outside, seeking your veterinarian’s help immediately is critical.

Three tips on preventing heat stroke in your dog include:

1) Ensure that any dog that is outdoors has access to plenty of water and shade.

2) Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car.

3) Restrict outdoor exercise to the early morning and late evening when temperatures are cooler.

With just a little precaution and observation, both you and your pet can enjoy a great summer outdoors while minimizing the chances of heat stroke in your pet.  And most of all: Have fun!

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Lily Toxicity in Cats by Dr. Virginia Kiefer

April 3rd, 2012 by admin

Happy Spring! With the coming of spring, we are seeing beautiful flowers and plants (and lots of pollen!) While these flowers and plants are bright and beautiful to behold, some can be dangerous for our furry friends. Specifically, I wanted to address Lily toxicity in cats, especially with Easter right around the corner.

Certain species of Lilies are highly toxic to cats. The species of Lilies that are known to cause toxicity in cats include the Easter Lily, Tiger Lily, Oriental Lily, Daylily, and Stargazer Lily. Ingestion of the plant can lead to kidney damage and kidney failure. All parts of the plant are considered toxic, and intoxication can occur with ingestion of less than one leaf. The toxic principle of the plant is currently unknown.

Initial symptoms (within the first 2-6 hours of ingestion) include gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, depression, loss of appetite). Symptoms may temporarily subside only to return within 12-18 hours as kidney damage develops. After 18 hours, kidney failure and death can occur.

Cats that have ingested lilies need emergency treatment, right away. Treatment consists of rapid decontamination (inducing vomiting and administering activated charcoal), followed by several days of hospitalization on intravenous fluids to prevent kidney damage. With prompt and aggressive treatment, full recovery is possible; however, if treatment is delayed, varying degrees of permanent kidney damage will occur. If the cat is not treated, death usually occurs in 3-7 days.

The moral of the story- keep lilies out of reach of inquisitive kitties. (While lilies happen to be my favorite flower, due to my 3 adorable cats there will be none around my house either!)

In any case of a suspected ingestion of a potentially toxic substance by your pet, the best resource to call is the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435.

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February is National Pet Dental Health Month

February 22nd, 2012 by admin
 

Studies have shown that a healthy mouth can actually add years to your pet’s life.  80% of dogs and 70% of cats will have some form of dental disease before they turn three.  Dental problems don’t just affect the mouth, either.  Dental disease can have adverse effects on the heart, kidneys, and other major organs.  By performing routine cleanings before there are significant problems, we help our pets stay a healthier longer. 

In recognition of National Pet Dental Health Month, we are offering a 10% discount on your pet’s dental cleaning if you schedule your pet’s dental during February.  Call us today to schedule your pet’s cleaning and help add more years to love!

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January is Walk Your Pet Month

January 7th, 2012 by admin

What a great way to start the year!  Exercise is very important in helping your pet live a healthy and long life, and walking your dog can actually help you to meet your own fitness goals.  A recent study from the University of Missouri found that people who walk with dogs are more consistent in their exercise routine than those who walk with a human — what could be a better way to burn off those holiday calories?

Benefits of exercise:

  • Improves strength, fitness, flexibility and movement
  • Increases energy levels
  • Helps decrease stress and can help improve you and your pets mood
  • Improves sleep
  • Prevents boredom
  • Decreases bad behavior
  • Improves the bond between you and your pet
  • Prevents obesity

The type and amount of exercise needed can differ greatly with breed, age and energy level.  It is important to choose the right type of exercise for your pet with the help of your veterinarian.  Low energy dogs like Bulldogs or dogs over seven years of age only need about 30 minutes of exercise a day and this is usually in the form of slow, short walks or swimming.  Medium-energy dogs, like German shepherds or Maltese terriers, need about 2 hours of exercise a day in the form of medium-paced walks or agility.  High-energy dogs like Border collies or Dalmatians need about three hours of exercise a day.

Cats too need daily exercise and setting aside 15-20 minutes a day will help keep your cat happy and healthy.  Cats are nocturnal animals which means they are at their most active at night.  Training them to exercise during the day will help you and your cat sleep at night.  Cats enjoy exercise like stalking, pouncing, climbing and hiding.

It’s always important to exercise safely with your pet.  Check with your veterinarian to choose which exercise is right for your pet.

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November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

November 12th, 2011 by admin

Cancer is the #1 disease related killer of pets.  Fortunately, with an increase in pet cancer awareness and newly available treatment options, more pets are surviving this life-threatening disease than ever before. 

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month.  Be aware of these early pet cancer warning signs:

  • Abnormal swellings that persist and grow
  • Sores that do not heal
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Bleeding or discharge from a body opening
  • Offensive odor
  • Difficulty eating or swallowing
  • Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
  • Persistent lameness or stiffness
  • Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

Make sure to contact your veterinarian if your pet exhibits any of these symptoms. 

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Rabies: A Fatal Disease That Affects People Too

September 19th, 2011 by AMH-Charlotte

Rabies is a generally fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can infect all warm-blooded animals, including humans.  The virus lives in the saliva, and animals can contract rabies from a bite from an infected animal.  In Europe, foxes are the main reservoir while in North America the skunk, fox, raccoon and bat are important sources of infection.  In Asia, Africa and Latin America the main reservoir is not wildlife but stray dogs, and in these areas human infection and fatalities are more common.  Rabies occurs in every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Most countries are affected with the exception of a few island countries such as Great Britain, Ireland, Japan and Hawaii. Norway, Sweden and the Iberian Peninsula are also free of rabies.

There is no treatment for an animal with rabies.  If rabies is suspected, the pet has to be kept in isolation and prevented from escaping or injuring someone. Your veterinarian is required by law to notify the local and state or provincial animal disease regulatory authorities.  These authorities will determine the steps necessary to properly protect the public.

All dogs, cats and ferrets should be vaccinated against this deadly disease.  THIS VACCINE IS REQUIRED BY LAW, and must be given by a licensed veterinarian.   Vaccination promotes the production of antibodies but is only effective if given before the virus enters the nervous system.  Rabies vaccines for dogs, cats, horses and ferrets are extremely safe and effective.

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