Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Pets have pain too!


We like to think our pets are always happy and healthy. Afterall, they are usually wagging their tails or purring like happy kittens. But the reality is that sometimes our pets experience pain just like we do. Whether they hurt their paw, have a tooth infection, are recovering from surgery, or simply getting older, our pet's feel pain from the same things we do. The big difference between our pain and their pain is that they cannot tell us when they are hurting. We sometimes know because they cry or will not eat. But other times, they are stoic and mask their pain so we don't know they are hurting.

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) have recently instituted new guidelines for pain management.  As an accredited practice of both organizations, and because we believe it is so important, NHAH created our own pain management protocols a number of years ago.

Managing pain is good medicine.  Uncontrolled or poorly controlled pain can cause serious medical consequences such as increased fatigue, decreased sleep and even delayed healing.  In human medicine, pain is considered the fifth vital sign and must be evaluated in every patient.

 At NHAH, we assess every patient for pain, even if they are here for a preventive visit.  We take pain in our patients seriously.  Every surgical patient receives pain medication and in some cases, acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture has many uses for promoting health but one of the best benefits is that it treats and controls pain. During recovery, and throughout their hospital stay, each patient is continually monitored for pain. And when needed, our patients are sent home with pain medication.

Pain can be hard to detect in pets because they tend to hide their symptoms.  It helps if our doctors and staff  have a close relationship with patients so that we can detect even the slightest behavior changes that may indicate discomfort.

We care about making your pet comfortable and continually strive to improve pain management protocols and techniques to make sure your pet remains as happy and healthy as possible!

 


Wednesday, June 20, 2012

One Size Does Not Fit All!


The "one size fits all" pet food philosophy may sound good but it goes against what veterinarians and food specialists have learned in more than six decades of clinical nutrition research. A food that's appropriate for puppies will contain levels of fat, sodium, protein and other nutrients that are too high for older pets. Likewise, a food that contains reduced levels of nutrients for older pets may be inadequate for growing puppies and kittens.

Today, many pet food manufacturers offer lifestage foods for pets. At New Hartford Animal Hospital, we trust Hill's Science Diet. Hill's offers many presciption diets as well as lifestage diets that are appropriate (and sometimes medically necessary) for many of our patients. Choosing a Hill's® Science Diet® brand lifestage pet food gives you peace of mind in knowing you're feeding nutrition from a company with 60 years of experience in formulating pet foods with optimum nutrient levels.

Other companies often tout the benefits of their foods for puppies and kittens, adults or seniors and say that thie foods are perfectly balanced for each of these lifestages. However, many of these same companies also offer brands of pet food that carry the claim                "... complete and balanced nutrition for all lifestages"!

The Association of Animal Feed Control Official's (AAFCO) statement on a dog food label verifies that the food provides complete and balanced nutrition for either:

·                                 puppies or kittens
                         pregnant or nursing pets
                         adult pets
                         all lifestages

AAFCO testing procedures are important but we believe that no single food is appropriate for all lifestages. It is important to choose a food that will provide proper nutrition for your pet. Talk to your veterinarian to make sure you are giving the best you can to your favorite companion!


http://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/one-size-does-not-fit-all-puppy.html

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Cats get Heartworm Disease Too!!

Heartworm Disease is a risk you won’t see until your cat is infected.  Pampered princess or inquisitive prowler, your cat is at risk of exposure to potentially deadly heartworms.  But don't despair - heartworm disease can be prevented!

Heartworm disease in cats is on the rise and the number of cats diagnosed with this disease continues to increase. Its prevalence has increased because we live in such a mobile society - people and their pets travel from place to place, unknowingly taking parasites along for the ride. Cats of any age and type are susceptible, and the disease can be fatal.

The parasitic worm responsible for heartworm disease is called Dirofilaria immitis. Heartworm disease transmission begins when a mosquito bites an infected dog and draws in a small amount of blood in which tiny immature heartworm larvae are circulating. (Dogs are the usual reservoir from which mosquitoes acquire the larvae that become infective and may be transmitted to animals that include dogs and cats).

Within 2 to 3 weeks the heartworm larvae develop inside the mosquito. When that same mosquito then bites a cat, heartworm larvae are deposited on the cat's skin. The larvae migrate through the tissue and into the bloodstream where they continue to develop. Within 4 months, heartworms reach the heart and lungs and may cause heartworm disease. As few as one heartworm may cause permanent damage or even death in cats. Diagnosing heartworm disease may require several tests because blood tests that work well for dogs are not always reliable in cats. There is no approved treatment for feline heartworm disease.

Whether your cat is an "outdoor" or "indoor" pet, it's at risk of exposure to heartworms. Fortunately, heartworm disease in cats can be prevented. The preventive medication protects against heartworm disease and also several internal parasites as well! Ask your veterinarian about heartworm prevention for your cat today!


By Sheila Casler, Practice Manager NHAH

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Summertime Allergies!


Summertime is all about enjoying the great outdoors with your whole family, but with weeds and grasses all doing their part to fill the air with pollen, the summer can become stressful for many people and pets who suffer from allergies. Many seasonal allergy sufferers are unable to appreciate the joy of summer because their symptoms cause so much discomfort. And pets suffer from allergies too! Here are some of the ways animal lovers can make this allergy season more tolerable.

 Don't Blame Your Pet!
If you think that you or a family member has allergies, visit a specialist to determine the exact cause of symptoms and to help alleviate them. In fact, pollen is the leading allergen in the summer months. And while it cannot be completely avoided, pollen levels are highest in the morning -- so sleep in and breathe easy! And it's not just house pets that you can be allergic to. Many humans and animals alike have allergic reactions to bee stings, so keep the bugs at bay and the stings away to avoid a troublesome and worrisome allergic reaction.

Consider hypoallergenic!
It's not fair to blame your pet for making you sniffle. You can avoid most pet related allergy sypmtoms by adopting a hypoallergenic pet. That is what President Obama did when he adopted his hypoallergenic Portuguese Water Dog!

Pets Get Seasonal Allergies, Too!
Dogs often get "atopy," where they inhale allergens that cause excessively itchy skin, known as pruritis. Medications and immunotherapy (de-sensitizing shots) can allow you and your pet to live happily together. Animals can also suffer from non-seasonal allergies including allergies to house dust or certain proteins. Often pets with allergies can develop "hot spots." Starting off as little pinpricks of irritation, hot spots are very itchy and are eventually torn open by excessive licking or scratching. Hot spots can also be caused by fleas and are best delt with by treating them as soon as they start. See your veterinarian for effective and safe flea and tick products. And be sure to avoid using products intended for dog use on your feline as they are often more powerful and can be poisonous to your cat.

Keep Your Home Clean
Be sure to clean the litter box regularly. Vacuum frequently by using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filter or a disposable electrostatic bag. An air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter can also make a big difference in removing allergens from the air. And remember, let some fresh air in each day!

Clean your pet, too!
Bathing your pet is also helpful in removing allergens that accumulate in fur. Be careful because frequent bathing can dry out your pet's coat. Products formulated to prevent dander from building up and flaking off into the environment are also available but be sure to ask your veterinarian to suggest one that is safe to use on animals who groom themselves. Brushing or combing your pet frequently also helps to keep allergens at bay.

Summertime can be fun for you and your pets, even with allergies. A few simple steps to reduce or prevent bothersome symptoms will help you get the most out of the nice weather!




http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wendy-diamond/hypoallergenic-summer_b_901890.html?ref=pet-health