NHAH Introduces Integrative Medicine

Dr. Abby Regner and Dr. Alex Mora, both new associate veterinarians at New Hartford Animal Hospital, attend the Chi Institute in Florida. They are pursuing certification to practice companion animal and equine veterinary acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Dr. Regner will complete her course work at the end of July. Dr. Mora will complete his course work later this year. Both have a special interest in integrative medicine. They will work with our clients, combining western and eastern veterinary medicine, to offer a holistic approach to health management. Dr. Regner graduated from Cornell University and will join NHAH in June 2012. Dr. Mora graduated from Ross School of Veterinary Medicine and joined NHAH in May of 2012.

Q: What is acupuncture?
Acupunture may be defined as the stimulation of a specific point on the body with with a specific method, resulting in a therapeutic homeostatic effect.  The specific point on the body is called “Shu-xu” or  accupuncture point (acupoint). 

 Q: How does acupuncture work?
According to ancient Chinese medical philosophy, disease is the result of an imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture is believed to balance this energy and, thereby, assist the body to heal disease. In Western terms, acupuncture can assist the body to heal itself by affecting certain physiological changes. For example, acupuncture can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasm, and cause the release of hormones like endorphins and cortisol.

Q: When is acupuncture indicated?
Acupuncture is indicated mainly for functional problems such as those that involve pain, non-infectious inflammation (such as allergies), and paralysis. For small animals, the following are some of the general conditions which may be treated with acupuncture:

·    Musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis or vertebral disc pathology
·    Skin problems, such as lick granuloma
·    Respiratory problems, such as feline asthma
·    Gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea
·    Selected reproductive problems

Q: How should I choose an acupuncturist for my animals?
There are two important criteria you should look for in a veterinary acupuncturist:

·    Your veterinary acupuncturist must be a licensed veterinarian.

·    Your veterinary acupuncturist should have formal training in the practice of acupuncture for animals.
Q: How safe is acupuncture therapy?
Acupuncture is a very safe medical procedure when administered by a qualified practitioner. 
Very few side effects have been found in clinical cases.

Q: How many treatments are needed?

It depends upon the nature, severity and duration of diseases.  A single treatment may be enough for acute conditions.  A series of 3 to 10 treatments can resolve many chronic problems.  Some degenerative conditions may need monthly treatments over time.

Q: Does acupuncture hurt?

For small animals, the insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless. Once the needles are in place, there should be no pain. Most animals become very relaxed and may even become sleepy. Nevertheless, acupuncture treatment may cause some sensation, presumed to be those such as tingles, cramps, or numbness which can occur in humans and which may be uncomfortable to some animals.

Q: What physiological effects are induced by Acupuncture?

Numerous studies show that acupuncture stimulation induces these physiological effects:
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• Pain relief
• Regulation of gastrointestinal motility
• Anti-inflammatory effect
• Immuno-regulation
• Hormone and reproductive regulation
• Anti-febrile, effect; microcirculation promotion

Q: Why is Acupuncture frequently combines with herbs?
Sometimes the application of Chinese Herbal Medicine is chosen by the knowledgeable veterinarian as a support for the acupuncture, or on occasion, in lieu of it.  Herbs are frequently used in situations that have not responded to traditional western veterinary medical practices.

Roundworms

What can grow to be 7 inches long, lay up to 200,000 eggs per day, and live in your pet’s intestines?

That would be a roundworm. And if that doesn’t sound gross enough, consider the roundworm’s means of survival: it gluts on partially digested food as it passes through a pet’s gastrointestinal tract. Roundworms earned their name because of their tubular, or “round,” shape. There a couple of different species that can affect your pet but the most important to know are Toxicaris canis and Toxicaris leonina.


Dogs and cats can get roundworms from a variety of carriers. The most common source is other pets. Because infected dogs shed microscopic roundworm eggs in their feces, your pet could become infected by getting too close to another pet’s poop. He or she doesn’t even have to eat it – a simple sniff or lick is all that’s needed. Roundworms can also be spread by other animals such as rodents, earthworms, cockroaches, and birds.

Once roundworm eggs are ingested, they undergo a complicated life cycle before establishing themselves in the intestinal tract. In fact, as they mature from larvae to adult, roundworms are capable of migrating through various bodily tissues. This is important because in a pregnant female dog, this means that unborn puppies can be infected very easily. In fact, most puppies and kittens are born with roundworms. In addition, roundworm larvae may also enter the mother’s mammary glands and be transmitted through milk.

Diagnosis
To determine if your pet has roundworms, your veterinarian will perform a microscopic examination of your pet’s feces. Puppies and kittens are at a greater risk of developing health problems from roundworms because they have less developed immune systems, meaning that roundworms are able to more easily mature in their digestive tract.



Treatment is simple and effective. Most likely, your veterinarian will administer a broad-spectrum de-wormer medication and will establish a regular de-worming protocol and monthly preventive program.

Danger to humans  Roundworms aren’t just a danger to your pet. They can actually be transmitted to humans. This is especially true in very young children or any individual with a compromised immune system. Because of this, it is extremely important to consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog or cat has roundworms. The Center for Disease Control   recommends that pet owners take steps to keep pets free from roundworm infection. Your veterinarian will likely recommend a monthly heartworm preventative that is also highly effective against roundworms and other parasites such as hookworms and whipworms.

Prevention  is always best when it comes to illness or disease. And it's simple and easy. Talk to your veterinarian today.

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/roundworm-dogs

What can you get from your pet?

MOST PET OWNERS DO NOT KNOW THAT THEIR PETS MAY CARRY DISEASES CAPABLE OF INFECTING PEOPLE.

 Without proper diagnosis and treatment, pets can carry diseases that are easily transmitted to people.  Diseases transmitted from animals to humans are called zoonotic diseases.  Some of these diseases include roundworm and hookworm, both common intestinal parasites of cats and dogs.

 At New Hartford Animal Hospital, we are concerned about the health and safety of your pet and your family.  As a 4-year accredited AAHA  (American Animal Hospital Association) facility, we follow guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control.  We use the latest technology and the most effective medications to detect, treat, and prevent parasitic infection in your pet.

How do humans get parasites from animals?

·         Being in close contact with infected animals

·         Handling animals without washing hands afterward
·         Putting contaminated objects in their mouth
·         Playing in sandboxes or soil contaminated with animal feces
·         Contaminated water

Who is most susceptible to parasitic infections?

·         Young children

·         People with puppies or kittens in the house
·         Pet owners who do not routinely deworm their animals
·         People who are on medications that compromise their immune system

How can I keep my pet from being exposed to parasites?

You can’t.  Talk to your veterinarian today about how to prevent parasitic infection in your pet and transmission to your family.

What you can do:

Wash your hands often

Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. This is especially important after contact with animals or their stool.

 Safe play

Areas contaminated with dog or cat feces should be off limits to children – not only at home, but also in public areas such as parks and playgrounds. Be especially aware of sandboxes, which are likely to attract cats.

Clean the environment

Clean your pet’s living area at least once a week. Bury feces or place them in a plastic bag and put it in the trash.

Keep your pet healthy

Get regular veterinary care for all your pets. Routine vaccinations and deworming will help keep your pet healthy. New Hartford Animal Hospital recommends fecal testing four times a year to control intestinal parasites. Medications are also available to treat and prevent intestinal parasites.

Remember… healthy pet = healthy family!

NHAH To Participate In Bark For Life!

New Hartford Animal Hospital is participating in the area's first Bark for Life event to be held this Saturday, at F.T. Proctor Park in Utica, NY. New Hartford Animal Hospital's team is made up of dedictated staff members Sandi, Angie, Kate, Danielle, and Rebecca along with NHAH clients Betty and Patricia.

The American Cancer Society Bark For Life is a fundraising event honoring the life-long contributions of our Canine Caregivers.  It presents an opportunity for people to be empowered through their canine companion partnerships and to contribute to cancer cures through the mission of the American Cancer Society.

Canine Caregivers are Canine Companions, Guide Dogs, Service Dogs, Rescue Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Cancer Survivor Dogs, and Diagnostic Dogs, who with their owners, are joining the American Cancer Society as Relay teams.  They participate to celebrate cancer survivorship, to honor people lost to cancer, and to fundraise in support of the American Cancer Society mission of eliminating cancer though research, education, advocacy and service.

Canine companions demonstrate unconditional love, joy, security, compassion, and no judgments of cancer survivors abilities or appearances.  The American Cancer Society Bark For Life is an irresistible way to partner with your canine best friend, smile, and make new friends – canine & human.

Registration opens at noon and the opening ceremony and walk begin at 1pm. Dogs need to be on a leash and need written proof of a current Rabies vaccination.

Angie Cushman, veterinary assistant at NHAH, has organized a bake sale with goods baked by NHAH staff. Proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society and Stevens-Swan Humane Society.

If you would like to join Team NHAH, please give us a call! We welcome all pet lovers!

http://www.relayforlife.org/learn/relayforeveryone/barkforlife?gclid=CIHfqZix868CFUFo4AodlCXDXg

Pet Allergies

Allergies in upstate New York are very common in the spring and fall months. Environmental allergies come from pollen, grasses, weeds, trees, molds and dust mites. The most common insect related allergy is flea bite dermatitis. Dogs are particularly allergic to flea saliva. One flea bite can result in total body pruritis (itchiness)!

Food related allergies are very rare, and the misdiagnosis of people with supposed food related allergies has had national media exposure. Pets can be allergic to allergens they breathe (atopy) or they can have physical contact with contracted allergies. Atopic dogs will often show signs of rubbing their face, licking their feet, or chewing. Contact allergic pets often have extreme redness from inflammation and scaly lesions on thinly haired areas often along their belly and groin.

Simple winter weather helps to remove allergens when pets come in from the outdoors. During the fall, avoidance of freshly cut grass can be helpful. It is important to remember if your dog or cat is pruritic in the fall, the first dermatological ruleout is fleas even-if the cat doesn’t go outdoors! Scheduling a physical examination at the earliest signs of continued pruritis will improve their medical condition with treatment. Waiting or trying home remedies will decrease success and increases the expense of treatment.

Allergies are difficult and bothersome. Seeing your veterinarian early can help your pet feel better sooner and ultimately help you by saving you needless worry and money.