Improper Eliminatin: Thinking inside the box to solve problems outside the box

By Kevin Fuller, DVM

Urinating outside of the litter box, or improper elimination is one of the leading causes for pet owners to relinquissh their cats to local shelters.  While this may be a frustrating problem.  Medical therapy is not always needed, but if there is ever blood in the urine, or straining to urinate, contact your local veterinarian.

One of the first steps

Canine Blood Donation Program

We have a canine blood donation program.  Dogs that we have selected have been blood typed.  These dogs are current on their vaccinations and previous to entering the program where given an exam, blood chemistries and a complete blood count were done and they tested negative for heartworm disease.  Blood donors can donate as often as every 6 weeks and generally give 400-450mls of blood.  The blood in stored in the refrigerator for up to 28 days.  When one of our patients needs a transfusion we are able to use the blood we have stored.  Blood transfusions may be given to patients who are having a major surgery, for anemia or decreased platelet count.

Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

  
                                                    By Tammy, LVT

All cats are at risk of Upper Respiratory Infection (URI), especially the young and unvaccinated cats.  The most common cause of URI is Feline Herpes Virus.  Cats that are stressed are more suseptable to catching the virus or having a reactivation of the virus.  This virus is very

Heartworm Disease Is Preventable

   

Heartworm Disease

            Heartworm disease (dirofilariasis) is a serious and potentially fatal disease in dogs.  It is caused by a blood- borne parasite called Dirofilaria Immitis.

            Heartworms live in the heart and pulmonary arteries of infected dogs.  They can live up to 5 years, producing millions of offspring (microfilaria).  These microfilariae live

Common Pet Poisonings

By Tammy, LVT

   There are many things in our homes that can be toxic to our pets.  Some of these items are safe for us, so we don't always think of them being harmful to our pets. 

    Here are a few of the more common poisons

Homemade Treat Recipes

By Amy, LVT

Using canned food:
   1. Shake the loaf of food out of the can.
   2. Cut the loaf into 1/4 - inch thick slices, then divide each
           slice into bite - size pieces.
   3. Microwave treats on high for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.  If using
           a conventional oven, place bite - sized pieces on an
           ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 30 minutes
           or until crispy.

Using dry food:
    1. In a blender, grind 2 cups of dry food into a powder.
    2. Pour powder into a mixing bowl, and gradually add 1 to 1 1/4 cups
           of water.
    3. Shape into individual "cookie," and flatten the dough with the back of
           a spoon.
           (The dough will not flatten like it does with standard "people cookies.")
    4. Place the treats on an ungreased cookie sheet, and bake at 350 for 30 minutes
           or until crispy.

Homemade treats should not exceed 10% of the pet's total daily intake because heat alters the nutritional characteristics of the food.  Baked treats should be stored in the refrigerator, never frozen.  Discard leftovers after 5 to 7 days.

This recipe may be used with any Hill's Prescription Diet pet food except Canine and Feline a/d, and Canine n/d and s/d.  In these cases, the canned food can be rolled into balls and placed in the freezer to serve as a frozen treat.
              

Are Dentals For Your Pets Important?

By Tammy, LVT

    Just like in humans dental care for our pets is important.  Dental disease is the most common health problem in dogs and cats affecting 78% of dogs and 68% of cats.


    Your pet's teeth should be examined once a year by your veterinarian.  Tartar buildup is mineral deposits on the tooth from unremoved food particles on your pet's teeth.  It can cause gums to be red, swollen and painful.  Infection in the mouth can lead to infection in the pancreas, liver, kidneys and other vital organs.

    If your pet has prolonged dental disease it can cause gums to recede, root exposure and possible tooth loss.  A dental cleaning should be done when there is a mild amount of tartar on the teeth.  Once the teeth are cleaned, home care will decrease dental cleanings in the future.  We recommend at home brushing, OraVet or Hills Prescription T/D food to decrease plaque and tartar build up.                 
       For more information about dental cleanings or products please contact our office.