Pet Talk from NHAH

Getting pet health information from the Internet

2012-02-23T06:44:00.000-05:00

When your pet develops a medical issue, chances are you’ll be inclined to do some Internet research. Hopefully you will talk with your vet about what you’ve learned. Know that having this discussion with your vet is a perfectly reasonable expectation as long as you are careful to avoid using valuable office visit time discussing “whackadoodle” notions gleaned from cyberspace. Here are some pointers to help you find instructive, accurate, worthwhile Internet information while avoiding “online junk food”. By the way, although I’m a veterinarian teaching people how to better care for their furry and feathered family members, please know that this information also applies to your own health care.

So, let’s begin. How can you determine whether or not a website is dishing out information that is worthy of your time? Here are some general guidelines:

1.  Ask your veterinarian for website recommendations. He or she might wish to refer you to a specific site that will supplement or reinforce the information she has provided.

2.  Veterinary college websites invariably provide reliable information. Search for them by entering “veterinary college” or “veterinary school” after the name of the disease or symptom you are researching.

3.  Web addresses ending in “.org,” “.edu,” and “.gov,” represent nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and governmental agencies, respectively. They will likely be sources of objective and accurate information.

4.  If your dog has a breed-specific disease, pay a visit to the site hosted by that specific breed’s national organization.

5.  Avoid business-sponsored websites that stand to make money when you believe and act on what they profess (especially if it involves purchasing something).

6.  Be wary of anecdotal information. It’s perfectly okay to indulge yourself with remarkable tales (how Max’s skin disease was miraculously cured by a single session of aromatherapy), but view what you are reading as fiction rather than fact.

Websites we use in the veterinary profession that you might also check out are those related to AAHA (the American Animal Hospital Association) or AVMA (the American
Veterinary Medical Association.

Do read up on medical issues. There is a ton of great information on the Internet. Just beware that all information is not necessarily good information!

http://www.healthypet.com/blog/post/Reasonable-Expectations-VI-The-Ability-to-Discuss-Your-Internet-Research-With-Your-Vet.aspx

Save A Life

2012-02-16T17:36:00.000-05:00

There are so many reasons to adopt a pet.

I read an email the other day which some of you may have also read. The story was about a gentleman who was dealing with loss on many levels. His wife had passed away and he had to give up his home and live with his daughter. He was angry and took it out on everyone around him. His family was distraught, trying to help in any way they could. One day his daughter read something about pets helping the elderly deal with change or loss. She went to the local animal shelter and looked through all the cages. In the very last one, she found an old dog who looked so sad in his cage. The shelter told her that he had shown up a few days earlier and no one had claimed him. It was his last day on earth as he was scheduled for euthanasia the following day. She immediately adopted him and took him home for her dad. When she got home, he was not happy with her. He didn't want the dog. But somehow the dog endeared himself to the old man and they became friends. They spent all their time together, taking walks, visiting with neighbors, and the man was happy again.

Two lives were saved at the shelter that day. The dog found a new home and the gentleman found a new reason to live!

Sadly, between 3 and 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the United States simply because too many people give up their pets and too few people adopt from shelters.

Our local shelters make sure the animals are examined and vaccinated when they arrive and also spay or neuter them before adopting them out.

Adopting a pet from an animal shelter is much less expensive than buying a pet at a pet store or from a breeder. Plus you won't inadvertently be supporting any puppy mills.

Pets have a way of putting a smile on your face and a spring in your step. They give you unconditional love and have been shown to be psychologically, emotionally, and physically beneficial as well.

Pets can help your physical health. Spending time with an animal can help lower a person's blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Dog walking, pet grooming, and even petting a cat or dog provide increased physical activity that can help strengthen the heart, improve blood circulation, and slow the loss of bone tissue.

Simply put, pets aren't just good friends. They're also good medicine, improving a person's well-being in many ways. Consider adopting a pet into your family. The life you save could be your own!

http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/adopt/tips/top_reasons_adopt.html

Brushing your pet's teeth

2012-02-09T10:07:00.000-05:00

February is dental month so you will hear us talking about this health issue more than we normally do. And that is already a great deal! But, sometimes a message needs to be delivered many times in different ways in order for it to one day "click" and work.

As it is in the human healthcare field, oral health and hygiene is important for our pets too. Periodontal disease leads to tooth loss and affects most pets before they are 3 years old. Bacteria from periodontal disease can spread, affecting other organs and causing illness. This shortens the working lifespan of those organs. I haven't seen a dog or cat yet that can live with kidneys that do not function or a heart that has been traumatized so much that it refuses to heal. Oral disease leads to organ diseases and will shorten the life of your pet. However, it is so easy to prevent this from happening. In just a few short minutes a day (or even a few times a week if that is all you can do), you can help keep your pet's mouth healthy.

Ideally, brushing should begin at an early age. However, it is never too late to start. Before you start brushing your pet’s teeth, have them checked by your veterinarian. Make toothbrushing enjoyable for your pet by rewarding him or her immediately after each session. Be very patient when teaching your pet to accept toothbrushing. If your pet won’t tolerate toothbrushing, your veterinarian can recommend plaque-preventive products that will help. However, nothing is a effective as brushing and regular professional dental cleanings.

To see a demonstration of how to brush your pet's teeth, watch our Home Dental Care video at:

http://www.newhartfordanimalhospital.com/videolibrary/

The dangers of sugarless chewing gum!

2012-02-02T06:30:00.003-05:00

Sugar substitutes are big business. Less sugar can mean weight loss, improved health, diabetic control, and even reduced tooth decay. The quest for products that can sweeten and cook like sugar is ongoing. Xylitol is a common sugar substitute, especially when it comes to sugarless gum. Not only does xylitol offer sweetness without calories, it also has antibacterial properties in the mouth so as to reduce periodontal disease and has been found to have far reaching health benefits in other areas of the body. Xylitol may help with osteoporosis, prevention of ear and throat infections, and may reduce risk of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and even breast cancer.

Sounds wonderful and maybe it is – if you are a human. If you are a dog, xylitol is potentially lethal.

Hypoglycemia
In a dog, the pancreas confuses xylitol with real sugar and releases insulin to store the “sugar.” The problem is that xylitol does not offer the extra Calories of sugar and the rush of insulin only serves to remove the real sugar from the circulation. Blood sugar levels plummet resulting in weakness, disorientation, tremors, and potentially seizures.

It does not take many sticks of gum to poison a dog, especially a small dog. A 10lb dog could be poisoned with as little as 1.5 sticks of gum. Symptoms typically begin within 30 minutes and can last for more than 12 hours. Vomiting and diarrhea may also occur.

Hepatic Necrosis
The other reaction associated with xylitol in a dog is actual destruction of liver tissue. How this happens remains unknown but the doses of xylitol required to produce this effect are much higher than the hypoglycemic doses described above. Signs take longer to show up (typically 8-12 hours) and surprisingly not all dogs that experience hepatic necrosis, will have experienced hypoglycemia first. A lucky dog experiences only temporary illness but alternatively, a complete and acute liver failure can result with death following. Internal hemorrhage and inability of blood to clot is commonly involved.

Ideally, if the patient is seen quickly (within 30 minutes) and can be made to vomit the gum or candy, treatment can be initiated. However, keeping gum and candy away from you dog is always the best option!

Taken from: The Pet Health Library http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2875

Lyme Disease is in your back yard!

2012-01-26T14:51:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, I had a friend who called, needing information about Lyme Disease. His brother's dog had contracted the disease and was being treated by his veterinarian. The dog was not doing well and was in a great deal of pain. My friend was concerned about what the dog's future looked like. Would he ever regain his health and would he have a decent quality of life?

Lyme Disease is one of the fastest growing communicable disease in New York State and the most prevalent tick-borne disease in the country. It is an illness caused by the bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected deer tick. Although not all ticks carry the disease, in some areas, as many as 50% or more of the ticks may be infected.*

Lyme Disease affects animals differently and many display no clinical signs at all. In my friend's case, there were classic symptoms of limping, pain, lymph node swelling and fever. However, here at NHAH, we have tested many patients with no sypmtoms at all and their test results have come back positive.

All dogs are at risk of contracting Lyme Disease. If your dog spends time in wooded or grassy areas, and lives in this part of the country, your dog is very susceptible to contracting this disease. The risk of infection in dogs is likely greater than in humans because exposure is greater.

To help prevent your dog from becoming infected with Lyme Disease, consider having your dog vaccinated with Recombitek Lyme vaccine. Apply tick control every month, even in cold weather. It takes only one day of 32 degree weather for ticks to become active. Brush your dog frequently and if you find a tick attached, remove it promptly with tweezers.

Above all, remember, these same ticks can transmit Lyme Disease to you or your family members as well. Be aware, and do what you can to avoid tick exposure. In my friend's case, only time will tell if the dog will get better. Aggressive and appropriate treatments often do work. However, prevention is always the best option.

*Statistics taken from NYSVMS Lyme Disease Brochure

SSHS Annual Telethon

2012-01-23T06:30:00.001-05:00

This Thursday, the Stevens-Swan Humane Society will host their 7th annual Telethon on WKTV News Channel 2. Our staff will proudly participate in the telethon, asnwering phones and calling to ask for donations.

We are asking our generous friends, family, and clients to consider some type of donation. Any amount at all will help. The shelter relies on private donations because they do not receive any government funding to house, feed, medically treat, and provide love to these animals.

The SSHS has become very near and dear to the doctors and staff of New Hartford Animal Hospital. Our staff has "adopted" the shelter as their "pet" project. We frequently participate in shelter fundraisers and help take care of the pets there by providing surgery and medical treatments. Our staff is very creative with projects to raise money for the shelter throughout the year and they have even adopted some of the pets from the shelter. I am proud of them!

On Thursday January 26th, please call 792-5600 to make a donation to the shelter. And for those who need another option, we are a collection center for any items you would like to donate to the shelter. Thank you so much!

Pet Dental Extravaganza 2012

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Bad breath in your pet is not normal! It's actually a sign of disease. The most common illness encountered in veterinary medicine today is dental disease, which affects 9 out of 10 pets. Unfortunately, it is often not detected. Pets spend years with painful gingivitis or even severe tooth root abscess without noticeable clinical signs to the owner.

Dental disease also puts tremendous demands on your pet’s organs. This threatens the liver, kidneys, and heart. This additional stress can lessen your pet’s quality of life and shorten life expectancy by several years.

Come learn about the importance of pet dental health and see how easy it is to take care of your pet's teeth!

Our staff is getting ready for our 2012 Pet Dental Extravaganza 2012! This year's event will include :

A live dentistry performed by Dr. Maria Arnsman

· Dental care demonstrations

· Dental presentation

· Question & answer period

· Door prizes

· Give aways

· Hors d’oeuvres

Tuesday

February 7th

6:30 - 8:30

Space is limited so please sign up early.

315-737-7387

Update on Kiwi!

2012-01-12T15:58:00.000-05:00

For those of you who are following our blog or who follow us on Facebook, you will be happy to know that Kiwi is home! Her family picked her up on Tuesday. She is glad to be home and back to her old self, trying to escape the house every chance she gets!

Kiwi is an indoor cat. However, there have been a few instances when her parents have opened the door to let their dogs out and she has escaped. Her parents do not want her to be an outdoor cat. They understand that there are many dangers lurking outside. And the diseases Kiwi could pick up are not safe for her or for her family. So her parents will continue to do what they can to keep her inside!

Kiwi still has another 2.5 weeks of antibiotic therapy before her treatments are done. Her family is administering her antibiotic each morning and anxiously waiting until she can be tested for feline bartonella again. Unfortunately that won't happen until 6 months after the last day of her antibiotics. But they remain hopeful that she will be disease free.

With her family's dedication to making sure Kiwi visits us regularly, we were able to diagnose and treat what could have been a very serious illness. Keeping Kiwi healthy will help keep Kiwi's family healthy too!

Hidden Disease In The Healthy Pet!

2012-01-04T11:27:00.001-05:00

Last month, my grandaughter brought her 2 year old cat in for her annual comprehensive exam and vaccinations. Her cat, Kiwi, appeared healthy and my grandaughter said she had been doing well. I examined Kiwi from head to toe, saving her teeth for last. When I opened her mouth and looked inside, I saw red, irritated, swollen gums. I was concerned right away. Inflammatory gingivitis in a young cat who has her teeth brushed fairly regularly is not normal.

When we see this condition in a young animal, we suspect there is an underlying reason. I decided to test Kiwi for Feline Leukemia and Feline Bartonella, two diseases that can cause this condition in cats. While the Feline Leukemia test came back negative, the Feline Bartonella test came back positive. A strong positive.

Feline Bartonella is a disease that cats can get from fleas. Kiwi had never had a flea infestation that we knew of and is on monthly internal and external parasite prevention. She is also an indoor cat. However, my grandaughter adopted Kiwi from another family when she was 6 weeks old. My guess is that she was infected before that.

Feline Bartonella is curable in 88% of patients diagnosed with the disease. A 4-week course of antibiotics was ordered and we began treating Kiwi as soon as she was diagnosed. However, the bigger problem is that Feline Bartonella is a zoonotic disease which means it can be transmitted from pets to humans. If transmitted to humans, the disease is commonly diagnosed as "Cat Scratch Disease". It can be difficult to diagnose in some cases because symptoms in humans do not always result from a cat scratch or bite. And symptoms can include joint pain, lethargy, neurological, eye, or even heart problems which lead physicians to believe the symptoms are from more common diseases such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, or heart disease. Also, symptoms in humans can occur weeks or months after exposure further limiting the ability to diagnose accurately. When left undiagnosed, this disease can severly impact the health of the individual.

My grandaughter has been lucky. She has been scratched by Kiwi a number of times and fortunately has never contracted Bartonella. Apparently only 1 in 1000 scratches results in transmission to humans. However, 33% of healthy cats in the Northeast have Bartonella and their owners do not know it. Consider sharing this information with your veterinarian or have your cat tested.

If you are bitten or scratched by your cat, wash your wound thoroughly. And be sure to let your doctor know if you develop any illness shortly after. Most importantly, have your cat visit your veterinarian for comprehensive examinations at least annually. There are many problems that can be diagnosed and treated with just an examination. Do it for your pet and for your family. You just might avoid serious health problems down the road!

For more information, visit: http://www.natvetlab.com/bartonella.php

Ring In Your Best New Year!

2011-12-30T15:08:00.000-05:00

The New Year brings a fresh start, one that we can use to reflect upon our lives and accomplishments. It also give us an opportunity for a fresh start, a new beginning that allows us to focus on the future and re-direct our lives in a way that will bring us re-newed or continued happiness.

At each year-end, my staff and I re-cap the past year and plan for the coming year. This allows us an opportunity to celebrate what we did well, recognize hard work and commend individual successes, and to set goals for the upcoming year. It is often an exhilirating process, especially when we focus on the many lives we touch and heal every day.

Beginning each new year with solid direction and desired outcomes in mind, sets us up for great success. It is important to set goals with detail and a clear picture of the end result. Many things can and will happen along the way but regardless of how we get there, we learn a great deal from the journey. The important thing is to set the goals. By doing so, we focus our energy and determination on those and can live our best life!

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Merry Christmas and A Blessed Holiday Season

2011-12-23T10:26:00.000-05:00

Christmas and the holiday season bring us much joy and hope. It is the season when we think of others, buy presents, wish everyone the joy of Christmas and the holidays, spend time with family and friends and reflect on the many blessings in our lives.

Personally, I am so blessed to have a loving family and great friends in my life. I am equally blessed to have a chosen profession that continues to give me much joy with an amazing staff that makes my professional life so rewarding. I am further blessed to have wonderful clients, who demonstrate each and every day, the love and commitment that they have for their “best friends”. Together, we make a difference in the lives of our pets. I want to warmly thank you for allowing us to serve the needs of you and your pets and for being a part of our family.

We wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas, a Blessed Holiday Season and a Happy Health Filled New Year.

Examinations Are Important

2011-12-15T15:50:00.000-05:00

If you have a pet, chances are you have had him or her to a veterinarian. You may be a pet owner who takes their pet to the vet at least once a year, or you may only visit when your pet is sick. It's a personal choice, one that is measured against need, finances, and time constraints. Some pets need to see their veterinarian because they are sick. But what about seeing your vet in order to keep your pet well?

Veterinary medicine has changed over the years. Just like your own healthcare, pet care has improved a great deal. More people than ever before treat their pets just like children or family members. Our pets are worth that level of care and affection. However, sometimes pet owners do not realize just how important an annual or bi-annual comprehensive physical examination is to the overall health and well-being of their pets. Because your pet ages five to seven human years, it is important to visit your veterinarian each year.

The actual physical examination is one of the most comprehensive diagnostic tools that your veterinarian uses to detect health or disease in your pet. The exam begins with a thorough history of your pet which includes a discussion about changes in eating, sleeping, voiding, and behavior patterns. Daily lifestyle, living environment, and age are also considered.

The "hands on" part of the physical exam starts with checking weight, temperature, pulse, and respiration. Weight is an important consideration in your pet’s health because even an extra two pounds could mean the difference between your pet being fit and healthy or obese. Next, the eyes, ears and mouth are examined. Eye examinations can reveal health issues such as anemia, infections, glaucoma, cataracts, high blood pressure, jaundice, kidney problems and even allergies. Your pet’s gums, teeth, tongue and palate can reveal tartar buildup, dental abnormalities, fractures, loose teeth, tumors, and infection.

After checking their head and neck area, your pet's heart and lungs are listened to with a stethoscope. This can detect early signs of heart or respiratory disease. And finally, the external reproductive organs, skin, and abdomen are examined. Abnormalities, including enlarged organs, masses or painful areas can reveal problems with the stomach, intestines, kidneys, liver and other organs. Because the skin is the largest organ, it is a good indicator of your pet's overall health. The skin is checked for fleas, ticks, other external parasites, tumors and wounds, and signs of allergies or infection.

Vaccinations, internal and external parasite control, stool and blood analysis, and other diagnostic tests are all important. But good health begins with the examination. Because your pet cannot vocalize his or her feelings, you must rely on annual or bi-annual physical examinations by your veterinarian and your at-home observations to assess your pet’s health. Regular examinations will help your pet live a longer, happier and healthier life!

Make Pet Care A Breeze

2011-12-06T16:03:00.000-05:00

The holidays are approaching and we should be happy and focused on the reason for the season. Instead, many of us are worrying about what to buy, who did I forget, and can I afford this. Despite the best plans, sometimes we are faced with unplanned costs. Not that any time is a good time but this is not the time of year you want your pet to get sick or need to see the vet!

My staff and I understand that this time of the year is difficult for many of us. To help with unplanned care or treatment plans that have been put off, we offer Care Credit. Care Credit allows you an opportunity to get your pet treated and pay for the costs over time. You can use this revolving credit line for illness or wellness visits. And as long as it is paid on time, there are no fees or interest!

Just to give you an example, we had a client just yesterday who had a pet that needed unexpected surgery. The estimate for the surgery was $748.00. She applied for Care Credit, was approved (which is easier than you think) and was set up for her six-month, no interest payment plan. What that means is that she will pay less than $125 per month over the next 6 months. And her first payment isn't due for another several weeks. Her pet will have surgery this week and she won't have to come up with $748 all at once. No fees, no interest.

If you would like more information, visit carecredit.com or call our office. Approval takes about 15 seconds and you can use the credit over and over - kind of like a revolving credit line. It's a win-win situation, especially at this time of year!

Hope

2011-11-29T15:07:00.001-05:00

A belated Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. It is hard to believe December 1st is Thursday. The past few months have flown by and we find ourselves quickly approaching the end of 2011.

As I reflect on this past year, you probably share my feeling that this year has had its ups and downs. Our world has changed so much. Maybe, just maybe, 2011 was a turning point for us.

I suppose it will be how we move forward from this year that determines our "new normal". While the past years have seen rapid growth, greed, loss of integrity, and war, a kindness and desire to re-claim our country emerged and seems to dominate our hopes for our future.

This holiday season, my family and I have chosen to spend differently, to be more aware, to make the season more about what it should be - family, friends, goodness, and hope. I suspect many of you will do the same, changing traditions that no longer work, and strengthening those that do. If we stop to really think about things, now is the time that we can best offer hope, peace, and friendship to each other and to those who need it most.

Freedom Guide Dogs For The Blind

2011-11-22T06:45:00.000-05:00

We have known Sharon and Eric Loori for quite some time. They are two of the most generous and dedicated people in the guide dog profession. We have been honored to have been involved with the care of their guide dogs as well as their organization.

Freedom Guide Dogs has grown tremendously over the past several years. They receive their funding through foundations, organizations, corporations, and individuals. Recently, FGD launched their 365 Club so that individuals and small businesses could have an opportunity to donate to this worthwhile cause.

What is the 365 Club?

A person or business becomes a member of the 365 Club when they donate $365 to Freedom Guide Dogs to support the cost of guide dog equipment for one guide dog placement.

Harness $90

Harness Handle $90

Leash $30

Brush $10

Bowl(2) $10

Dog Food (1 bag) $45

Crate $90

Total $365

That’s $1 a day! Some of us spend more on our morning cup of coffee! So why not put that $1 toward something that’s going to make a difference in someone’s life? For more information or to see what else FGD is doing, visit their website at http://www.freedomguidedogs.org/.

Speak up!

2011-11-21T06:22:00.000-05:00

I was talking with a client yesterday who was having some difficulty with her cat. Without divulging too much information, she was frustrated that her cat wasn't responding to the medical treatments prescribed by her veterinarian. After reviewing the case and speaking with her, I quickly concluded that she was reluctant to communicate her concerns to her veterinarian.

Communication is important to any relationship. Without clear, truthful communication, expectations cannot be met. Good communication involves speaking up for what you need, discussing concerns, getting questions answered, and providing feedback. Good communication also involves listening. Without listening to the other person's advice, point of view, or comments, you cannot understand what their needs are.

The point I am trying to make is that it is important for our clients to tell us what they need... even if they are telling us something that is not good. Our pets may be perfect but as humans, we are not. We can't change or fix what we don't know is broken. So when you think we are not listening to you or we have done something less than perfect, please, tell us. Give us the opportunity to make a change, to fix things, or to meet your needs. We want to hear from you. If you have a question about your medical care, your bill, your interaction with a staff member, or even a compliment, please, speak up. We want to be your partner in pet care!

Raising money for a good cause...

2011-11-18T15:40:00.000-05:00

The second annual Pet Calendar is almost ready! Our staff is putting the

finishing touches on it as I write this. Last year, our staff had a terrific idea to create a pet calendar with pictures of our client's pets. We were able to do this only because our staff was so creative and dedicated to helping our friends at the Stevens-Swan Humane Society.

We have spent the last year working closely with the shelter, trying to help them in any way we can. From working with the wonderful staff, providing high quality pet care to the shelter animals, and raising money for shelter needs, our staff has really hit this one out of the park!

The calendar is filled with wonderful pictures and pet related awareness events, holidays, and campaigns. All proceeds from the calendar go directly to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society. Last year, NHAH raised over $1300 for the shelter from calendar sales alone. This year, we hope to top that! Please stop in and purchase a pet calendar in support of our humane society.

Lost Pets!

2011-11-16T07:10:00.000-05:00

Lost pets are a reality. One in three pets goes missing during its lifetime. Without proper ID, 90% never return home. We hear countless tales from our clients and people in the community who have lost a pet because they ran away or were stolen.

At NHAH, we microchip many pets. Ideally, we perform this service at the time of spaying or neutering. However, microchipping does not require surgery, it does not hurt your pet, and it will never wear out. We hold microchip clinics on weekends which allows us to provide the ID protection for patients who might be new to our practice or to the idea of microchipping altogether. Of course, we can insert the microchip during any veterinary, grooming, or boarding appointment as well.

Many clients like the peace of mind that comes with knowing their pet is identifiable with something other than a tag (which can be removed or lost).

At NHAH, we use the HomeAgain microchip system. HomeAgain is the only dog & cat microchip on the market that has the Bio-Bond patented anti-migration feature to help ensure that the microchip will stay in place. This makes it possible to be easily located and scanned. If your pet gets lost and is taken to an animal shelter or veterinarian, they will scan the microchip to read its unique dog or cat ID code. This is the number used by HomeAgain to identify the pet and retrieve your contact information, which is used to contact you and reunite you with your pet. It is important to register with HomeAgain each year and make sure your contact information is up to date.

A microchip for dogs & cats gives the best protection with a permanent ID that can never be removed or become impossible to read. For peace of mind, it is a worthwhile investment!

Disease carrying ticks!

2011-11-14T11:15:00.000-05:00

The other day a client was in our reception area waiting for her pet's appointment. The appointment was for an annual comprehensive exam and vaccinations. Routine, right? As our technician came out to greet the pet and escort them to the examination room, she noticed 2 ticks crawling off the pet onto the bench that the pet was sitting on. This dog happened to live close by and had not ventured out of the area recently. The ticks were picked up right in the dog's backyard.

Ticks were never a problem in our area 20 years ago. The only time we had to worry about ticks was when we travelled with our pets to the coastal areas or took our pets hunting. Tick have since migrated into our living spaces. Unfortunately, they have brought their diseases with them.

Ticks are gross. But they are also dangerous. Not only to our pets but to us as well. If you think about it, as those tick were crawling off the pet, they could have easily been crawling onto a human member of the household. This particular pet slept with a child in the household and the ticks could have easily crawled from the pet to the child.

There are many diseases that ticks carry. I am sure you have heard of Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. The typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a often a rash. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the joints, heart, and the nervous system.

There are other equally serious diseases that ticks carry. We are not as familiar with them because, at this time, they are not as prevalent as Lyme Disease. Two Tick-borne diseases that we test for at NHAH in addition to Lyme Disease, are Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis. We test for all three of these tick-borne diseases at the same time we test our canine patients for heartworm disease. If a dog tests positive, we can treat him or her with antibiotics even with no symptoms present. Believe it or not, we have many pets that test positive for tick-borne diseases. And if your pet tests positive, you and your family have likely been in the vicinity of these same ticks.

Educating yourself, vaccinating your dog for lyme disease, and using monthly, year-round external parasite prevention are steps you can take to protect your pet and your family. It is much easier and less costly to prevent than to cure.

Mosquitos are still a threat to our pets!

2011-11-11T09:52:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was speaking with a client on the phone when she mentioned that she saw a mosquito on her window. Yes, even though it is November, mosquitos are still out! And look, it's snowing in upsate NY this morning!

It's interesting when clients tell me that they are using external parasite control only during the spring and summer months. It makes sense because late spring, summer, and early fall are the seasons we normally see mosquitos. When heartworm disease first came to our area, the recommendation was for only 6 months of preventative. At that time, heartworm prevention was used from April through October. That was in the old days of daily heartworm pills which some dogs would take readily and others would not. There was a huge issue with compliance since many dogs were not properly protected when they didn't take the medication each day. When manufacturers created a chewable, monthly preventative, we saw a big decrease in the number of positive heartworm cases. And our clients began following the new standard of year-round heartworm protection.

Now, since heartworm is transmitted by a mosquito, you might ask, "Why does preventative need to be given in the winter months when there are no mosquitos?" The answer to that is in my first remark: mosquitos are out, even in the colder months. It takes only a few warm days for moquitos to become active again. We have all seen the warm 60 degree days in January. Some types of mosquitos mate in the fall, enter hibernation in animal burrows, hollow logs, or basements, and pass the winter in a state of torpor. These are the mosquitos you see on the warm days in January and February. If your dog is not on Heartworm preventative during those months, they have no pretection from the heartworm bearing mosquitos.

Monthly heartworm prevention is easier than ever before. And what most people don't realize is they are getting a lot more for their money than just heartworm prevention. Many forms of heartworm prevention, like Heartgard, which is commonly used, pack powerful internal parasite control as well. Internal parasites can cause illness and even death to our pets and as important, they can be transmitted to humans. Protection is important, especially since our pets live so intimately with us, sleeping in our beds, and so on.

Remember, it is much easier to prevent heartworm disease than to treat it. Monthly prevention is easy, safe, and affordable!

Pet Emergencies and First Aid

2011-11-10T14:05:00.000-05:00

We sold the last of our Pet First Aid kits the other day and I thought that this might be a subject worth writing about. If you own a pet, you have probably thought about what you would do in an emergency situation. Our clients often wonder what they can do if their pet becomes ill or has an emergency. Of course, we always tell them that if they have a question or a problem, that is what we are here for. However, it is never a bad thing to be educated and prepared. With that said, I have outlined a few general guidelines for pet related emergencies:

Basic Rescue Checklist / Initial Assessment of Injured Pet

If your pet is lying in the road, be sure the area is clear and that traffic is stopped. If you have a pair of gloves, put them on. It is best to wear gloves when uncertain of the orgin of any blood. You may need to muzzle your pet if he or she is injured. Dogs often bite when excited, scared or in pain. If you don't have a muzzle, cover your pet with a blanket or wrap a rope, necktie or belt around the bony part of his or her mouth and nose 2-3 times, so that it doesn't interfere with breathing. If your pet begins to retch or vomit, remove the muzzle immediately. Move your pet gently to prevent further injury. If your pet may have sustained a head, neck or spinal injury, slide them onto a flat, firm surface such as an ironing board, collapsed cardboard box, or plywood. Be sure to slide them slowly by pulling by the loose skin on the back of their neck and back. Lay your pet on its side and gently tie or tape him or her to the support.

Transporting Injured / Ill Pets

When you're ready to transport your pet, encourage him or her to lie quietly on their side. Cover your pet with a blanket. This will also help your pet to hold still and prevent heat loss. Don't put pressure on the abdomen. Keep their head and neck in normal position as much as possible. Be sure to call your veterinarian before transporting your pet so that they can be prepared to assist you when you arrive.

First Aid for Your Pet

First Aid is only a temporary measure until you have time to get to your veterinarian.
Here are some tips:

Bleeding - wrap a towel around the wound and apply pressure.
Vomiting / Diarrhea - withhold food, offer small amounts of water.
Fever - Take your pet's temperature with a lubricated (with Vaseline) rectal thermometer. A pet's normal temperature is 100-102.5°F.

Seizure - Remain calm; if necessary, move your pet away from stairs or other objects they may injure themselves on; avoid touching your pet until they come out of their seizure; record the length and severity of the seizure; when the seizure has ended, call your veterinarian.

Remember, your best bet is to call your veterinarian. No question is silly or stupid. Afterall, we are pet lovers just like you and want to help you keep your pet happy and healthy!

The Giving Tree

2011-11-09T11:36:00.001-05:00

Hello Pet Lovers! Welcome to my new blog, Pet Talk from NHAH. NHAH is short for New Hartford Animal Hospital, my companion animal veterinary practice located in upstate NY. My blog will share interesting and informative information about pets and their bond with us two-legged creatures.

I have seen some amazing things in my career as a veterinarian, many of which have changed my life and made me a better person. One of the most rewarding experiences has been sharing my committment to pet care with my amazing staff. We partner with our local humane societies to provide top quality medicine to those animals who have not found homes yet. My staff has recently created a Giving Tree to benefit the Stevens-Swan Humane Society in Utica, NY. The Giving Tree hosts "stars" which have pictures of pets and their "wish" for something small to make their lives at the shelter more enjoyable. Some stars are simply for donations to the humane society's spay and neuter fund. Afterall, no pet can be adopted out until they are spayed and neutered. The sooner this happens, the sooner they can find a good home!

Join me in congratulating my staff on their selfless committment to the pets in our community who have so little. May we all be as thoughtful with our "gifts" this season!