Rising Cost of Veterinary Care

by Amy Marcum, LVT

You may ask yourself why each visit to the vet seems to cost more and more. Just like when you buy a bag of chips, it costs you more per bag with less chips than there used to be.

The technology and equipment are much better today than 10 years ago.  our blood machines and tests are more accurate and run in minimal time for faster results.  Equipment such as digital x-ray and digital ultrasound all allow us to access better quality images in less time.  To you this means less waiting and better medicine.

Our new, up-to-date computer system allows us to store more client and pet information such as test results, pictures, x-rays and lab reports all within the electronic medical history of the patient. This information can also be shared with the client within the exam room! While this is wonderful for doctors to provide a better service and treatment for our patients, these all come with a large cost to us for providing this overall exceptional and quality experience.

Another issue is the rising cost and availability of medications, which make it frustrating for us and our clients. The FDA has shut down many drug companies due to violations with their process, which has caused the cost of some medications to increase in price and limited availability. We try to keep our prices affordable.

Our doctors and technicians went to school and are licensed to practice. To keep their license, they must attend continuing educational seminars and meetings, requiring them to learn new techniques, procedures for treating various conditions and diseases. We are constantly learning and training our support staff of assistants, and receptionists on new treatments and products to keep our clients informed.

All of this comes with a price. We strive to provide the highest, most cost effective veterinary medicine to our clients and their pets.  "We place a higher value on the health of the pet, whereas most low cost, spay-neuter clinics don't meet the standard of care." Dr. Scott Tritsch

PUPPY TRAINING

PUPPY TRAINING

Spending time exercising and socializing your puppy is one of the most important gifts you can tie to your new family member.

Lack of socialization is a common cause of behavior problems later in life.  Some good ways to insure a well rounded, socialized puppy many include puppy classes, which not only teach obedience, but introduce your puppy to other dogs and people.  Go for car rides, run the vacuum cleaner, give your puppy a bath, or go out to meet your neighbors.

Exercise and mental stimulation are also very important to raising a well rounded puppy. Playtime with your puppy is great bonding time, and gives your puppy a chance to learn how the world works. Many unwanted behaviors can be linked to inadequate exercise and mental stimulation.  Provide safe, interactive toys for your puppy to play with.

Your puppy will also need to experience some alone time.  Time to rest and time to play on their own.  This will aid in the prevention of developing separation anxiety. 

Another very important aspect for you new puppy is potty training.  With patience, your puppy will develop good bathroom habits.  Remember that your puppy will learn best with a consistent routine and positive reinforcement.  Using a crate can help ease the potty training process.  It is important to know that a crate is not a place of punishment; it is meant to be a safe haven for your puppy.

Owning a new puppy is a big learning curve. Most importantly, have lots of fun together. Set your puppy up for success by making the process fun and positive.

Enjoy your time with your puppy and remember he is learning every day and you are his best teacher.

Jane Bishop, VT

The Importance of Year Round Heartworm and Flea Prevention in the Dog

The importance of year round heartworm and flea prevention in the dog.

Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal condition caused by the presence of parasitic worms in the arteries of the lungs and heart of dogs.  These worms or Microfilaria are passed from one infected dog to another by Mosquitos.  The most common clinical signs are cough and exercise intolerance.  This disease will infect 100% of the dogs exposed to it that are not on a monthly preventative.  But some may ask "if its transmitted through Mosquitos can monthly prevention be skipped during the winter months when Mosquitos are not active?" The answer in my option is no.  Mosquitos have very short life cycles that are dependent on weather conditions.  They are less active in temperatures below 50 degrees but mosquito eggs do not die in cold weather.  The eggs simply hibernate and when the weather conditions are ideal they will hatch no matter the time of year.  We have all experienced Kentucky's fickle winters, Freezing one day, balmy the next.  Mosquitos can complete their life cycle in a little as 4 days (AMCA) and be out feeding off your canine companion.  So, it is a huge risk to only use heartworm prevention in the warmer months in this area of the country.  No one wants to lose their best friend to a disease that is one of the easiest to prevent.  Heartworm prevention comes in the form of once monthly (most times chewable) tablets that can be purchased from your veterinarian.  Please be aware that the vet needs to have proof of a recent negative heartworm test in order to dispense prevention. There is the risk of complications with preventatives if the dog is heartworm positive.  Today heartworm prevention has also evolved to having other benefits.  Heartworm prevention products also treat intestinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms and in some cases whipworms.  Today heartworm prevention can have a third face to it with added flea prevention.  All in a once monthly pill!  Fleas, like Mosquitos are weather sensitive and can exist in the environment in this area of the country even durning the winter months if conditions are right.  Unlike Mosquitos, fleas will thrive inside during the winter so if you have battled fleas all summer and think a reprieve will come in the winter...it won't!  The safest, efficient and cost effective method to prevent heartworm disease, intestinal parasites and fleas is by prevention before a problem even exists.  1 pill a month is nothing compared to your dogs possible discomfort or death as a result of these parasites!

by: Erin Bergen, LVT

http://www.heartwormsociety.org/download/Incidence-Map-2010.pdf

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

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

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