Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Beware the chicken jerky!

     OK, just another love note from the FDA cautioning us against the use of chicken jerky products for pets, including tenders, strips, or treats. There have been numerous reports of illness following the use of chicken-based treats from, not surprisingly, China.
     The agency advises pet owners to watch for the following symptoms: a decrease in activity, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood), an increase in thirst or urination, and general malaise. These and other symptoms are apparently being most often linked to kidney failure.
     The FDA and several US diagnostic labs are working to find the reason these products are causing so many health problems, but I can almost guarantee it's a lack of quality control at the manufacturing level. Please let us know if you have any concerns, and be vigilent about the origins of your pet's food.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Happy Holidays!



     We want to extend our most sincere Holiday greetings to all of our clients and their families. This time of year tends to present its own challenges in our field, from upset tummies due to unintended overindulgences, to antifreeze poisoning. So far, the phone lines have been calm, so we celebrate the good health of our patients and will continue to be there for any and all of your veterinary needs.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Spring is in the air

                                                                       
     If you asked any veterinarian what condition they treat more than any other, you'd more than likely get a resounding chorus of "skin!" Animals have the misfortune of expressing their allergies, no matter the source, through the skin. Food allergies, pollen/inhalant allergies, even contact allergies show up as a constantly itchy pet.
     I was told by a pulmonary therapist recently that they're seeing people with respiratory allergies in droves this spring, especially people who have never had allergy symptoms before. His explanation was the shape of the jet stream, which is apparently carrying numerous pollens from the South that most people have never come in contact with in this area. This is interesting because I fall into that "don't usually have pollen allergies" group; I've been raspy since February.
     My point, however, is that we've seen numerous pets with allergy problems recently, and I can tell you relief is out there. Some pets will respond to antihistamines, such as Benadryl, but the vast majority need cortisone in some form, and potentially antibiotics if they've managed to dig their skin raw. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to call. A dog or cat that keeps you up at night with their scratching is not normal and needs relief.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Welcome!

Welcome to our blog! We plan to use this area to feature interesting cases, new developments in animal health and medicine, and to stay in touch with our clients. Feel free to come to us with any questions or concerns.