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Dr. Morris has a great phrase. "It's not my job to watch your money, it is my job to help you spend it the most wisely." When you bring your pet to us you are asking for our professional opinion. Like many things in life there are many tiers of care. There is the Cadillac Escalade, the Chevy Impala, and the Toyota Yaris. There is the "your pet will die without" package, the "your pet strongly needs" package, and the "it would be really nice if you could" package.
Let's start with the mandatory list. If your pet is suffering it must be stopped. Hopefully this can be done with medication or surgery. If your pet is not eating or dramatically losing weight we must find out why. If we use medication sometimes we must perform periodic blood work to monitor the effects of the medications. If your pet is bleeding it must be stopped. These types of emergencies are always at the top of the list to be dealt with. Sure there are many more examples. It is our job to bring things to your attention that you may be to close to see.
Then there are the middle ground necessaries. Heartworm prevention, dental care, bloodwork, and other preventive measures can fit in this category. Your vet staff can help you decide which products and services are vital to keep you pet healthy. It is our job to help prioritize which items your pet needs the fastest.
It is our job to help you to point out the best care for you pets. We are their advocate for health. When we work together both you and the pet win.
Chris
Monday, November 30, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thanksgiving Time Is Here
So the turkey is a delicious golden brown. Sides of every possible persuasion is waiting for the taking. Tasty bread, cakes, and pies for those who save room. Loved ones gather round to feast. Did I mention the loved ones of the fur variety? Those sad little brown eyes that plead "Don't forget me". One little bite can't possibly hurt can it?
I am one of those people who doesn't mind sharing my meal with my pets. I am enjoying tasty wonderfulness, so why shouldn't they be included? Each has impeccable manners and let their wishes be known, but wait for their shares to be passed around.
The key to avoiding a big emergency bill on any holiday is smart common sense sharing. White meat turkey is bland and easily digestible. Small pieces of roll are also okay. Judiciously parted out gibbets may be acceptable depending on your pet. Vegetables and fruit are always safe if not prepared in buttery or creamy sauces.
There are many safe opportunities to include you pets in your holiday celebrations. Just use common sense and avoid spicy, greasy foods.
Happy Thanksgiving
Chris
I am one of those people who doesn't mind sharing my meal with my pets. I am enjoying tasty wonderfulness, so why shouldn't they be included? Each has impeccable manners and let their wishes be known, but wait for their shares to be passed around.
The key to avoiding a big emergency bill on any holiday is smart common sense sharing. White meat turkey is bland and easily digestible. Small pieces of roll are also okay. Judiciously parted out gibbets may be acceptable depending on your pet. Vegetables and fruit are always safe if not prepared in buttery or creamy sauces.
There are many safe opportunities to include you pets in your holiday celebrations. Just use common sense and avoid spicy, greasy foods.
Happy Thanksgiving
Chris
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Aruba, Jamaica-The Fleas Love the Bahamas
The cockroach or the flea: that is the question. Who came first and who will outlast all civilization? I have to say, the flea with it's crafty rumors, misinformation, and pesticide resistance may just win.
Rumor #1: "It is winter I don't have to worry anymore about fleas." Perhaps if your dog is isolated and you have never had a flea in your home you may get away with this. When considering whether to keep your pet on prevention you must do risk assessment. Does your pet board, go to daycare, the groomer, or the dog park? You must consider if they will be exposed to flea infested pets. If you have experienced any flea issues you MUST continue to use prevention/treatment for at least 6 months after the last adult flea is seen.
Rumor #2: "Only dirty people get fleas." If you have fur, are warm, and can provide a blood meal you can get fleas. Stray pets in your neighborhood or a neighbor that isn't as on top of prevention and BOOM-fleas. Reality check: Very clean, rich people's pets get fleas, too.
Rumor #3: "I only have to treat once and all will be gone." Remember the old commercial "I told 2 friends, and they told 2 friends, and so on and so on..." The adult flea lives 20-35 days. A female can lay approximately 100 eggs per day! In a short time a household population can reach thousands. Pesticides can kill fleas in the egg, maggot, and adult stages. Pssst...yes, if you have fleas you have flea maggots crawling in your furniture, and carpet, and your bedding, and...) Fleas are untouchable in the pupa/cocoon stage. Warmth (furnace heat), moisture/humidity, and vibration (walking on a floor, vacuuming) all stimulate the cocoon to hatch and allow the flea to be killed. You better hope when those buggers hatch out their first meal is flea medication and not just tasty pet or People blood!
Rumor #4: "Only one pet is affected; I don't have to worry about the others. I don't have a flea problem." If one pet has fleas they all have them. Even if you don't see scratching or even if you keep the "affected" pet in another room-everyone will be sharing bugs! And guess what? If those fleas can't consume enough blood from your pet they will come looking for you! The aren't brand loyal when seeking a meal or a snack.
Rumor #5: "All flea preventive/treatments are the same." Just as we have created antibiotic and medication resistance, we have created resistant fleas. Many of the over-the-counter products are not effective anymore. They have even been proven to be dangerous if applied incorrectly. This is one area where buyer beware is the edict. Veterinary products are constantly measured for safety and efficacy.
Rumor #6: "Fleas are only a nuisance, they can't cause real harm." Fleas can drain a small puppy, kitten, or debilitated pet of their life's blood and cause their death. They can cause anemia and carry diseases. They are opportunistic parasites in the truest sense. Imagine dirty, jagged, tearing jaws feasting on your body. You itch so badly you don't know where to scratch first. Flea bite is such a pleasant word for what they do but it is very incorrect. Fleas tear the flesh. They cause skin infections. If your pet is flea allergic-which is very different from just itchy from fleas- one bite can cause horrendous itching, self mutilation, and skin infection for weeks after that bite has ended.
Makes you just want to roll in the carpet with your pet doesn't it? Prevention is worth a pound or a hundred pounds of cure. Flea medication can break down to as little as $15 per month. A flea outbreak complete with skin problems can be several hundreds in one visit to get under control.
Chris
Rumor #1: "It is winter I don't have to worry anymore about fleas." Perhaps if your dog is isolated and you have never had a flea in your home you may get away with this. When considering whether to keep your pet on prevention you must do risk assessment. Does your pet board, go to daycare, the groomer, or the dog park? You must consider if they will be exposed to flea infested pets. If you have experienced any flea issues you MUST continue to use prevention/treatment for at least 6 months after the last adult flea is seen.
Rumor #2: "Only dirty people get fleas." If you have fur, are warm, and can provide a blood meal you can get fleas. Stray pets in your neighborhood or a neighbor that isn't as on top of prevention and BOOM-fleas. Reality check: Very clean, rich people's pets get fleas, too.
Rumor #3: "I only have to treat once and all will be gone." Remember the old commercial "I told 2 friends, and they told 2 friends, and so on and so on..." The adult flea lives 20-35 days. A female can lay approximately 100 eggs per day! In a short time a household population can reach thousands. Pesticides can kill fleas in the egg, maggot, and adult stages. Pssst...yes, if you have fleas you have flea maggots crawling in your furniture, and carpet, and your bedding, and...) Fleas are untouchable in the pupa/cocoon stage. Warmth (furnace heat), moisture/humidity, and vibration (walking on a floor, vacuuming) all stimulate the cocoon to hatch and allow the flea to be killed. You better hope when those buggers hatch out their first meal is flea medication and not just tasty pet or People blood!
Rumor #4: "Only one pet is affected; I don't have to worry about the others. I don't have a flea problem." If one pet has fleas they all have them. Even if you don't see scratching or even if you keep the "affected" pet in another room-everyone will be sharing bugs! And guess what? If those fleas can't consume enough blood from your pet they will come looking for you! The aren't brand loyal when seeking a meal or a snack.
Rumor #5: "All flea preventive/treatments are the same." Just as we have created antibiotic and medication resistance, we have created resistant fleas. Many of the over-the-counter products are not effective anymore. They have even been proven to be dangerous if applied incorrectly. This is one area where buyer beware is the edict. Veterinary products are constantly measured for safety and efficacy.
Rumor #6: "Fleas are only a nuisance, they can't cause real harm." Fleas can drain a small puppy, kitten, or debilitated pet of their life's blood and cause their death. They can cause anemia and carry diseases. They are opportunistic parasites in the truest sense. Imagine dirty, jagged, tearing jaws feasting on your body. You itch so badly you don't know where to scratch first. Flea bite is such a pleasant word for what they do but it is very incorrect. Fleas tear the flesh. They cause skin infections. If your pet is flea allergic-which is very different from just itchy from fleas- one bite can cause horrendous itching, self mutilation, and skin infection for weeks after that bite has ended.
Makes you just want to roll in the carpet with your pet doesn't it? Prevention is worth a pound or a hundred pounds of cure. Flea medication can break down to as little as $15 per month. A flea outbreak complete with skin problems can be several hundreds in one visit to get under control.
Chris
Friday, November 13, 2009
Cats and Canned Food
Dr. Debra Greco, internal medicine feline specialist formerly from Colorado State University, and currently on staff at Animal Medical Center in New York, has done research regarding the appropriate diet for cats. She has found that over the last 25+ years there has been an increase in sugar diabetes (diabetes mellitus), and other disease in domestic cats. She feels that many of these maladies have been precipitated by the change in feeding cats, from canned to dry food.
Our domestic cats are related to wild cats (lion, tiger, cougar, etc). Although wild dogs eat both meat and carbohydrates (berries, roots, etc.), wild cats are fed MEAT.
Dr. Greco feels that carbohydrates (vegetation) are actually "toxic" to cats, causing them to form a special scar tissue (amylin) in their pancrease. This predisposes them to pancreatitis and ultimately to possible diabetes. She feels other maladies are also precipitated, in some cats, by the feeding of dry food. To be extruded as "dry" food, a large amount of carbohydrates need to be in the product.
At Morris Hospital we have seen many cats diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic hairball vomiting, chronic skin or urinary problems and chronic pancreatitis, whose "attacks" of illness were either minimized or TOTALLY eliminated, by stopping dry food.
Although the most expensive canned foods are good, Dr. Greco feels that the less expensive national brands such as Fancy Feast, Friskies, etc. are just as good. We advise NOT feeding generic or store brand diets, as they are not as strictly monitored as to the quality and consistency as the better known brands.
Another misconception, brought on by the ad agencies, is that cats need to have the opportunity to eat "all day long". Cats, just as dogs, can eat 2-3 times daily. Allowing free access only encourages obesity.
Yes, there are many cats that have lived a very long life while eating dry food. Occasionally, there are a few cats who are so used to dry food that they cannot be switched over to canned food. Do not just withhold food from a cat to try to force them to eat canned food. If a cat doesn't eat for as little as 3 days, liver disease can develop and become life threatening. We will offer advice on the best way to switch your cat to canned food.
Dr. Kathy
Our domestic cats are related to wild cats (lion, tiger, cougar, etc). Although wild dogs eat both meat and carbohydrates (berries, roots, etc.), wild cats are fed MEAT.
Dr. Greco feels that carbohydrates (vegetation) are actually "toxic" to cats, causing them to form a special scar tissue (amylin) in their pancrease. This predisposes them to pancreatitis and ultimately to possible diabetes. She feels other maladies are also precipitated, in some cats, by the feeding of dry food. To be extruded as "dry" food, a large amount of carbohydrates need to be in the product.
At Morris Hospital we have seen many cats diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic hairball vomiting, chronic skin or urinary problems and chronic pancreatitis, whose "attacks" of illness were either minimized or TOTALLY eliminated, by stopping dry food.
Although the most expensive canned foods are good, Dr. Greco feels that the less expensive national brands such as Fancy Feast, Friskies, etc. are just as good. We advise NOT feeding generic or store brand diets, as they are not as strictly monitored as to the quality and consistency as the better known brands.
Another misconception, brought on by the ad agencies, is that cats need to have the opportunity to eat "all day long". Cats, just as dogs, can eat 2-3 times daily. Allowing free access only encourages obesity.
Yes, there are many cats that have lived a very long life while eating dry food. Occasionally, there are a few cats who are so used to dry food that they cannot be switched over to canned food. Do not just withhold food from a cat to try to force them to eat canned food. If a cat doesn't eat for as little as 3 days, liver disease can develop and become life threatening. We will offer advice on the best way to switch your cat to canned food.
Dr. Kathy
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Chew Proof Crate Pads
Do you have a dog that destroys any bedding put in their crate? http://www.cushionguy.com/duracrate.html sells Duracrates and Durabeds that are guaranteed indestructible! Now every dog can have a comfy bed or crate pad to stay cozy on. They offer a money back guarantee to back their products.
Chris
Chris
Monday, November 9, 2009
You Pet, Swine Flu, and You
With the concern over H1N1 contagion to pets, let us assure our pet owners that this is very rare. In cats and dogs, at least, there have been no fatalities. Many of the previous "flus" have been found to also cause symptoms in dogs or cats. Ferrets and birds may be more prone to death as a result of the human flu viruses. There has been no reported case of a human contracting the disease from a pet. The following has been posted by Colorado State University. Iowa State University is also performing testing. The samples must be collected and sent on specific medium.
From http://www.news.colostate.edu/release.aspx?id=4899
Colorado State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will begin testing samples from pets submitted by veterinarians for H1N1 after a small number of companion animals have tested positive for the flu. The laboratory is also offering tips to pet owners about keeping their pets healthy this flu season.
A small number of companion animal H1N1 flu cases have been confirmed in one cat and two ferrets. The pets appear to have become ill after being in close contact with their owners and caretakers while sick with H1N1. At this time, there is no evidence of pets passing H1N1 to people, according to Kristy Pabilonia, a veterinarian and expert on H1N1 testing in animals at CSU.
“At this time, there are very few cases of H1N1 in pets so we don’t think that people need to be overly concerned,” said Pabilonia. “However, if someone in a household with a pet becomes ill with H1N1, they should watch their pet for symptoms and know that there is a chance that the animal could get sick.”
Pabilonia said that because this strain of H1N1 is new, information about how it impacts animals is limited. It is possible that any animal may be susceptible to H1N1, but no other cases have been documented in companion animals. Dogs and pet birds have been susceptible to other strains of the flu.
People with the flu should be careful when in contact with their pets, practicing social distancing with pets as well as people. People are ill should wash their hands before handling pets and, if possible, have someone who is well feed and care for pets. Just like people, pets are exposed to H1N1 through aerosols -- fluids released when someone sneezes, coughs or touches their face and then a surface.
Because there have only been a few cases of H1N1 flu in pets, veterinarians have limited information about the symptoms. Pets with H1N1 may behave as if they aren’t feeling well, acting lethargic and may appear to have a respiratory illness. If a pet seems ill, it should be taken to a veterinarian for an exam as soon as possible and the veterinarian should be alerted that the pet has been exposed to someone with influenza.
Chris
Office Manager
Morris Hospital for Veterinary Services
26684 Grand River
Redford, MI 48240
313-537-6100
http://www.morrisvet.com/
http://morrisvet.smugmug.com/
From http://www.news.colostate.edu/release.aspx?id=4899
Colorado State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will begin testing samples from pets submitted by veterinarians for H1N1 after a small number of companion animals have tested positive for the flu. The laboratory is also offering tips to pet owners about keeping their pets healthy this flu season.
A small number of companion animal H1N1 flu cases have been confirmed in one cat and two ferrets. The pets appear to have become ill after being in close contact with their owners and caretakers while sick with H1N1. At this time, there is no evidence of pets passing H1N1 to people, according to Kristy Pabilonia, a veterinarian and expert on H1N1 testing in animals at CSU.
“At this time, there are very few cases of H1N1 in pets so we don’t think that people need to be overly concerned,” said Pabilonia. “However, if someone in a household with a pet becomes ill with H1N1, they should watch their pet for symptoms and know that there is a chance that the animal could get sick.”
Pabilonia said that because this strain of H1N1 is new, information about how it impacts animals is limited. It is possible that any animal may be susceptible to H1N1, but no other cases have been documented in companion animals. Dogs and pet birds have been susceptible to other strains of the flu.
People with the flu should be careful when in contact with their pets, practicing social distancing with pets as well as people. People are ill should wash their hands before handling pets and, if possible, have someone who is well feed and care for pets. Just like people, pets are exposed to H1N1 through aerosols -- fluids released when someone sneezes, coughs or touches their face and then a surface.
Because there have only been a few cases of H1N1 flu in pets, veterinarians have limited information about the symptoms. Pets with H1N1 may behave as if they aren’t feeling well, acting lethargic and may appear to have a respiratory illness. If a pet seems ill, it should be taken to a veterinarian for an exam as soon as possible and the veterinarian should be alerted that the pet has been exposed to someone with influenza.
Chris
Office Manager
Morris Hospital for Veterinary Services
26684 Grand River
Redford, MI 48240
313-537-6100
http://www.morrisvet.com/
http://morrisvet.smugmug.com/
Friday, November 6, 2009
Pet Product Recall/Safety Alert
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm189400.htm
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is issuing this health alert to warn consumers not to use Pig Ears and Beef Hooves pet treats manufactured by Pet Carousel because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The products were distributed nationwide in both bulk and retail packaging for sale in pet food and retail chain stores. Pet Carousel is based in Sanger, Calif.
The products were manufactured under conditions that facilitate cross-contamination within batches or lots. Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, the FDA is advising consumers in possession of these products to not handle or feed them to their pets.
The affected pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel. The affected beef hooves were packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight, and Pet Carousel. All sizes and all lots of these products made by Pet Carousel are included in this alert.
During September 2009, the FDA conducted routine testing of pig ears made by Pet Carousel. The test results detected a positive reading for Salmonella. This prompted an FDA inspection of Pet Carousel’s manufacturing facilities. During the inspection, the agency collected additional pet treat samples. Further analysis found Salmonella present in beef hooves, pig ears and in the manufacturing environment.
Customers who purchased the recalled products should discontinue use immediately and return the product to any PetSmart store for a complete refund or exchange. Customers who have concerns about their health or their pet's health should consult a medical professional. For additional information about the recall, customers can visit http://www.petsmartfacts.com , http://www.petsmart.com , http://www.fda.gov , or contact PetSmart Customer Service at 1-888-839-9638.
Morris Hospital For Veterinary Services
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is issuing this health alert to warn consumers not to use Pig Ears and Beef Hooves pet treats manufactured by Pet Carousel because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The products were distributed nationwide in both bulk and retail packaging for sale in pet food and retail chain stores. Pet Carousel is based in Sanger, Calif.
The products were manufactured under conditions that facilitate cross-contamination within batches or lots. Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, the FDA is advising consumers in possession of these products to not handle or feed them to their pets.
The affected pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel. The affected beef hooves were packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight, and Pet Carousel. All sizes and all lots of these products made by Pet Carousel are included in this alert.
During September 2009, the FDA conducted routine testing of pig ears made by Pet Carousel. The test results detected a positive reading for Salmonella. This prompted an FDA inspection of Pet Carousel’s manufacturing facilities. During the inspection, the agency collected additional pet treat samples. Further analysis found Salmonella present in beef hooves, pig ears and in the manufacturing environment.
Customers who purchased the recalled products should discontinue use immediately and return the product to any PetSmart store for a complete refund or exchange. Customers who have concerns about their health or their pet's health should consult a medical professional. For additional information about the recall, customers can visit http://www.petsmartfacts.com , http://www.petsmart.com , http://www.fda.gov , or contact PetSmart Customer Service at 1-888-839-9638.
Morris Hospital For Veterinary Services
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Holiday Gift Ideas
With the holiday fast approaching it can be maddening to come up with quality gift ideas. Smartpak is a neat little catalog with various gifts for Fifi or Fifi's person. Conveniently located at http://www.smartpakcanine.com/ you will be inspired with many gift ideas.
Does your pet love to snuggle under the blankets? The Cozy Cove offers a cushy pet bed with a pocket to burrow into.
Is your senior dog having trouble getting traction on the floor, but you don't want him to have to wear cumbersome boots? Try the Paw-Pad traction stickers for the pads.
Do you have a dog that likes to scratch the door to come in? The Clear Door Shield protects against Fido's nail damage.
The latest in pet commemorative jewelery is the Buddies Keepsake Pendant Necklace. This lovely silver charm is the imprint of your pet's nose or foot print.
The Petpetua company http://perpetua.us/about-our-dna-jewelry.html offers necklace charms made from your pets DNA. This is beautiful commemorative piece makes it possible to keep a small part of your pet with you always. The DNA can be obtained by a blood sample or cheek swab.
Chris
Does your pet love to snuggle under the blankets? The Cozy Cove offers a cushy pet bed with a pocket to burrow into.
Is your senior dog having trouble getting traction on the floor, but you don't want him to have to wear cumbersome boots? Try the Paw-Pad traction stickers for the pads.
Do you have a dog that likes to scratch the door to come in? The Clear Door Shield protects against Fido's nail damage.
The latest in pet commemorative jewelery is the Buddies Keepsake Pendant Necklace. This lovely silver charm is the imprint of your pet's nose or foot print.
The Petpetua company http://perpetua.us/about-our-dna-jewelry.html offers necklace charms made from your pets DNA. This is beautiful commemorative piece makes it possible to keep a small part of your pet with you always. The DNA can be obtained by a blood sample or cheek swab.
Chris
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