November 2008 News Letter

 
Now is the time to winterize.   You need to make sure the car is winterized, the pipes are wrapped, which flowers outside , need to be moved in, your furnace is checked, and don't forget about making a warm dry place for your four legged friends outside.  Don't forget the birds, fill your outside feeders and keep the bird bath fresh with clean water. I guess it is time to start the Christmas lists and shopping.   It is also time to be thankful for the good things in your life.   Have a Happy Thanksgiving, I hope you can spend the day with your family and friends.  Be safe no matter where you go or what you do.  Don't eat too much and enjoy all the football games on TV.  Take that long nap after dinner, so you can enjoy the deserts later in the day.  Pumpkin pie with whipped cream is my personal favorite.

Old and New

Last month was about pet adoption.  As an addition to that subject,  I want to remind everyone that often a new pet, young or old, can bring new life to an older pet in the house.  The younger or new pet can also learn from the older pet.  It may take a while for them to inter-act with each other, but in the long run, it will benefit both pets.  If the youngster or the new pet, gets too rambunctious, the older pet usually sets them straight.  Caution must be taken to make sure the new pet doesn't harm the older one or the older one hurt the new one.  It is important not to ignore the older pet when the new pet arrives.  Try to divide your attention between the two evenly.  Most of the time, the older pet will get more playful and seem more youthful, when a new pet comes on the scene.

Did You Know?

Last month, approximately 7.4 million households, dressed their pets in costumes for Halloween.  The top 5 costumes were, devils, pumpkins, witches, princesses and angels.  Did your pet have a costume?----National Retail Federation

Images from Google Earth revealed that cattle and wild deer, tend to align their bodies in a north-south direction.  This phenomenon has previously gone unnoticed.  The explanation remains a mystery------National Geographic News

Within 100 milliseconds of seeing a moving swatter, a fly's brain can calculate the position of the impending threat and place it's legs and body in an optimal position that allows it to jump in the opposite direction.-------Science Daily

According to a resent survey, more than two thirds of Americans would rather be stranded on a desert island with their pet than their partner------Reuters

Diabetes in Pets:

November is pet diabetes month.  Diabetes mellitus leads to the inability of the tissue to utilize glucose. The disease occurs from high sugar levels, inadequate delivery of sugar to the tissues and changes in the body metabolism. Type DM I happens when the body does not produce enough insulin, often resulting in the destruction of the cells in the pancreas that normally produce the insulin.  This form often requires insulin injections.  Type DM II occurs when enough insulin is produced but something interferes with it's ability to be utilized by the body. This type of DM only effects approximately 10% of dogs and 30% of cats  Female pets are 2-4 times more likely to become diabetic.   To manage diabetes at home, most pet owners need to know and be able to perform these four things:

1.     Give a twice a day injection following each meal (approx. every 12 hours)
2.     Maintain a consistent, restrictive diet and a twice daily feeding schedule
3.     Provide regular exercise, ideally at the same time each day
4.     Monitor and record urine and glucose levels and appetite.

Ideally, a diabetic animal should be seen at least every six months for a blood glucose curve (blood glucose tests ran every 2 hours before and after feeding and insulin injection to monitor the blood glucose levels during the day, and when the glucose spikes  the highest or lowest).  The pet would need to be kept at the clinic most of the day while several blood glucose tests are performed through out the day at regular intervals.  If the diabetes is hard to control, a curve may be needed more frequently than every six months. There are special diets designed for diabetics that can be prescribed for pets by the veterinarian.  Most owners and  their pets adapt quickly to the routine of diabetic maintenance.  Remember that diabetes isn't a death sentence for a pet, it can be controlled.  Your veterinarian will answer any questions that you may have.  If your pet is exhibiting any signs of the disease, or you have a senior pet, a blood test is the most efficient method of diagnosing and treating the disease. 

Signs to watch for : If you notice any of the above symptoms, make an appointment with your veterinarian.  It is best to rule out, or diagnose, any medical problems sooner rather than later.


Separation Anxiety in Cats:

The separation anxiety in cats is often harder to identify then in dogs.  They don't howl, destroy things, or try to escape.  Separation anxiety in many pets is due to the lack of confidence and over dependence on others.  Below are some of the more common signs of separation anxiety in cats; Some of the treatments for the above behaviors include, making it possible for the cat to see outside while you are away, getting a food toy that the cat has to work at to receive food or treats, leave a radio on so the cat won't be scared by outside noises, and place bird feeders outside of windows so the cat will have some entertainment while you are gone. There are medications that can assist in this problem. If the above solutions do not seem to help, ask your veterinarian to first, rule out any medical problems, and then to prescribe a medication to relieve some of your cat's anxieties.

Re-Homing

Pets deserve our love and care.  It us our responsibility to care for them and to make them a part of the family.  Pets do not understand the trials and problems that a family has, they are there to give us unconditional love and enjoyment.  When a problem occurs where it is necessary to re-home a family pet, all options should be considered, and enough time available to provide the best care and conditions for the pet.  There are many reasons for re-homing:

Allergies;
Behavioral problems:
Relocation:
Pet expenses: 

It is best to plan ahead if it is necessary to re-home a pet.  Many shelters can find a home for your pet if they are given some time.  There are many no-kill shelters and animal rescues in your area.  You may even post a notice in local veterinarian offices.  Look closely into all the options that are available in your community.  Re-homing a pet,  should not be a  spur of the moment decision, but one that is talked over and thought out completely.  We know the above problems are often uncontrollable, just know that there are solutions to these problems.  Some problems can be resolved medically and some can be controlled with training.


Clinic News

It's a boy

Dr. Ollis and her husband, Sam are the proud parents of a little boy, Ethan Samuel , born September 20th.  Ethan weighed 7lbs 9oz and was 20 inches long.  Mom and baby are doing great.  Dr. Ollis is planning to return to the office in December.

We have recently lowered the prices on our heart-worm and flea preventions.  Our prices are very competitive, so please check out the new prices before purchasing them on line.  There are manufacture specials on many of the items, that are not available on-line.  Advantage-multi has a special, expiring the end of November.  You get 2 free doses with every 6 month supply that you purchase.  Advantix is on special, this month only, if you buy one 4 dose box you will receive one dose free.  This special also expires the end of November.  Ask us about any specials and the new prices on our other flea and heart-worm preventions.  Remember, heart-worm prevention should be given year round.  We usually do not have a cold enough winter to kill all the fleas and mosquitos.  It is best to keep your pet on flea prevention year round as well.  As many of you know it is very hard to get a heavy flea infestation under control.

Don't forget to set your clocks back.