 |
|
WRVC NEWSLETTER
Spring 2005 Newsletter 6
 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
Our clinic is proud to announce the purchase of a laser surgical unit. Laser surgery has been becoming more and more popular over the last several years. The advantages of using laser over a traditional scalpel blade are many, including better control of bleeding, better healing, less post operative pain for the patient, increased ease of performing a procedure for the surgeon, etc.
While some surgeries can be done with laser as an option, there are others where its use is becoming the standard of care. For example, the declawing of cats is a procedure in which laser surgery yields much better results than previous methods. The procedure is much cleaner and the patients recover much better.
The laser units are expensive to purchase. This means that the cost of using it will make some surgeries more expensive. We are currently offering the laser option at a very reasonable cost, however, and with the advantages it provides, it is well worth it.
Changing
Vaccine Protocols
At the beginning of the year, the WRVC has adopted new vaccination guidelines for cats and dogs. The new guidelines take into consideration the pets lifestyle, their potential exposure to infectious diseases, as well as other risk factors. Rather than following a vaccine schedule for dogs in general, and cats in general, we are now evaluating each pet’s lifestyle and attempting to map out the most effective program for that animal. These are changes based on good science which has resulted from studies in immunology over the past several years. Please feel free to ask questions and discuss these changes with anyone on our veterinary staff.
Of all the things that veterinarians do, euthanasias are the most difficult. While we take an oath to alleviate animal suffering, there is no worse feeling that performing a euthanasia, even if we accept the fact that it is the best thing for the pet.
The only way to move forward after the emotional drain of a euthanasia is to find a way to put it in some sort of perspective. I recently gathered some insight into this while reading an old book by the Rev. Harold Kohn. He explained that death is essential to assure new life. The loss of one life makes room for another. As Rev. Kohn pointed out, what chaos we would live in if nothing died! There would be no room for a new baby, a sapling tree, a puppy, or a kitten. There would also be little to no appreciation for the gift of life and all of its miracles. By dying, life is able to continue on in another form.
I can think of endless clients who lost a pet, only to be able to open their hearts to a new life, thus giving another animal a chance at life - a chance made possible only through loss. This exact thing happened to me after the recent loss of my old dog Callie. A stray dog came into my life who otherwise probably would have been euthanized. Now she is my friend and companion, as Callie was before.
Death is a difficult thing, but it also gives us something special - the chance to experience new life.
PU / PD stands for polyuria / polydypsea. These are medical terms that refer to excessive urination accompanied by excessive thirst. These are common symptoms that we see in veterinary medicine, particularly in older pets.
The symptoms of PU / PD can be suggestive of a variety of conditions, including kidney disease, bladder infections, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, and possibly even behavioral changes.
Any pet exhibiting these symptoms should have a full medical work up (urinalysis, blood tests, etc.) to determine the source of the problem. Hesitation on an owners part to address there symptoms can only lead to the detriment of the pet’s health.
As the warmer weather becomes more prevalent, insects also become more of a problem. Many pet owners are concerned about the potential for their pet to acquire Lyme disease. While we do not see a lot of cases of Lyme disease in our area, it is a legitimate concern since many people travel with their pets, and may visit an area with a high incidence of the disease.
One of the most common questions we are asked is what is the best way to prevent a dog from this disease? The truth is that there is no “best” method. The Lyme vaccine is a good vaccine, but is not always 100% effective for a variety of reasons. Similarly, topical products used to repel ticks can be very effective, but again, are not always 100% so.
Probably the best answer is that the best protection results from using both. A proper Lyme vaccine schedule along with a product like Frontline ® will provide excellent protection against Lyme disease.
While these things can be used any time during the year, spring and summer are the peak months of concern, and clients should focus on these things can be used any time during the year, spring and summer are the peak months of concern, and clients should focus on these months to implement preventative measures.
S.A.F.E.
Annual Brat Fry
(Stray Animal Fund Endeavor)
When: Saturday, May 28th, 2005
Where: New London Wal-Mart
Time: 11:00 a.m. - ?
All proceeds will go to our stray animal program. Please help
support our area strays.
Return to current newsletter
| Home | Our Staff | Newsletter Articles |
| Wolf River Vet Services | Pets for Adoption-Stray Animal Fund | Contact Us |