Wolf River Veterinary Clinic

PEPPER

Just wanted to update you about Pepper a little (since we don’t see Toni much in the winter).  While the “she has some issues” is true, she is adjusting well, and is getting better every day as far as being scared of us and the other dogs. She still is trying to figure out why Chris (our blind dog) keeps running into her, but she is coping with that better than our other dog did when we first got Chris. She follows Penny everywhere, but pretty skidish of me yet (but getting better). She is still having some issues with eating occasionally (I think nerves about switching houses, switching foods, etc…), but that was combated by Pepper buying “Mom” an automatic spot cleaner for the carpets for Christmas. That was very nice of her! She has been playing with the blind one for a while now, and finally the other one is starting to warm up to her a little and starting to play with her also, so things are good. She is getting better at riding in the truck also. I don’t think she ever had an issue of riding, I think she always wondered where she was going to be “dropped off now”. She is learning that we will bring her back “home” when we go for a ride, so she is getting more comfortable with that. She has her own “bed” as they all do, and they all sit empty as they prefer our bed. Does anyone know if they make any bigger mattresses than king size? We’re running out of room on ours (HA,HA)!

The only thing about your article that I didn’t agree with was the statement “well cared for’. There’s only two words that describe how all our animals are taken care of, and that’s SPOILED ROTTEN!!!!!!!!!   

LEVI  

Hi Everyone..this is Levi.

I’m not actually writing this myself, my new people are helping me.  I wanted to first off thank you all for helping me get better.  Thanks to Dr. Jim for doing surgery on me.  My legs are getting stronger by the day.  Thanks to all the wonderful staff at the Clinic for playing with me and helping me get better.

I really like my new home.  I sent some pictures for you.  One is with my new mom out on my new deck.  My people are great about putting me on their laps.  I can almost jump up their laps by myself now.

The other picture is my new brother, Jack.  I really like him and he’s great about sharing his toys with me.  I do have my own bed, but I wanted to curl up with Jack to thank him for bringing me into the family.

I have a nice yard to play in and love running around.  I also have great neighbors.  They help take care of me.  Sometimes I go to their yard to see them (My new dad keeps saying something about a new collar and an invisible fence…I’m not sure what he’s talking about.  I’ll have to check this out with Jack sometime).

I am really happy here.  I get lots of good food and treats, my people and my new brother play with me a lot.  Somethimes I even get up on the big bed with Jack.  That’s pretty cool!

So I just wanted to let you all know that I am doing great.  I do miss you all and again wanted to say THANK YOU for all you did for me.

Love Levi

Cheeto & Bubbles

We just wnted to let you know that mother and bay have settled in very wello here.  Cheeto is a ball of energy one minute and sound asleep the next.  He is so friendly already and loves to find a spot on your lap or on your shoulder when he’s tired if your available.  (he even crawled into the hood of my husbands sweatshirt that he was wearing at the time to take his nap!  He is adorable!  And Bubbles is showing more of her great personality everyday.  She follows us when we go from one  room to the next and loves being with people, she “coos” (not meows) all the time as she roams the house as though she were a tour guide explaining what everything is, she is very nosy but once she has checked out the inside of places (like my kettle cupboard) she is content enough that she only needs to peek in and not walk in, and even seems to know what the word “no” means.  It took her a few days to play with toys but she is finally feeling at home enough to losen up and relax.  But our most enteraining thing with her is that if hse doesn’t come when we call her name we know she is asleep in the middle of my son’s bed…under all the sheets and blankets!  No matter if we tuck every side and corner in she will find a way or untuck a portion enough so she can crawl in.  And now, like mother like son, Cheeto is starting to do this on my other son’s bed but being so small he doesn’t leave a big bump in the middle of the bed to find him and it looks more like a wrinkle so the first time he did it we had quite a scare looking for him only ro find him sound asleep in bed!

We love our new additions!  I took Bubbles stitches out and the incision has healed great.  I will be taking them in for their booster shots at the end of the month.  We are so happy that they are with us and want to thank you so much for rescuing and caring for them as well as you did.  We also want to say that we were very impressed not only with the vet clinic there but all the people we observed that day, Dr.’s, employees, even the owners with patients!  They were all so friendly and nice and the facility itself was homey feeling yet professional in appearance.  We were satiisfied in so many ways with this whole event and now are we all feel like proud parents of two great additions to our lives.

Betty

Thank you for helping me find my “furrever” home!  I’m being a good girl.  i have an older brother, Buddy, thats pretty cool.  We take several walks with Jim and Sharon everyday.  Sometimes on our 5 acres and also in our subdivision.  I sleep well at night.  There isn’t a pep out of me until everyone wakes up in the morning.  I’m learnign new things everyday.  I’m very smart.  I’m becoming a couch potato and may have put on a pound or two!  But i’m very happy.

I’ll be seeing you soon

Veterinary spinal manipulation (aka animal chiropractic) is based on the fact that the body has an innate ability to heal and maintain itself. Its basis is that all functions of the body are organized and directed by the nervous system. In a healthy body there are free flowing nervous impulses or energy between the body and the brain. This keeps it aware of any problems. Without this flow of nervous impulses the body can not recognize and defend itself against disease.

The brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves of the body control these functions. The skull protects the brain. The bones of the spine protect the spinal cord. The spine of course is not a rigid structure but one that is very mobile due to the large amount of joints in it. This also makes it prone to having those joints become misaligned or subluxated. The nerves that go from the spinal cord to the body exit near the joints of the spine. If there is a loss of normal motion or position in the joints of the spine the nervous system can be impaired. This can inhibit the nervous system from keeping the body in its natural state of health.

The use of spinal manipulation aims to remove the interferences in the nervous system allowing the body to bring itself to a natural state of health. To do this the doctor feels for any decrease in the motion of the joints. This can mean one that is stuck in a fixed position or one that does not move through its full range of motion. When one of these problems is found the doctor will do an adjustment. An adjustment is a quick thrust at a specific angle to the joint in order to restore the full range of motion in that joint. This also restores the free flow of information along the nervous system. By keeping the body well adjusted it can maintain is natural state of health.

Spinal Manipulation works well in cases of musculoskeletal pain. This can be from injury or underlying arthritis. It also helps in athletic animals that seem to be not doing as well but have no obvious injury.

I recently ran a 10 mile road race in the Kewana Peninsula- the Carol Run. It starts in beautiful McClain State Park on Lake Superior and follows the scenic Portage Canal, finishing in downtown Hancock. It is a race I have done for more years than I can remember. Given that I grew up in the area, it always gave me a chance to go home and visit.
My parents were always at the finish line to cheer me on. When my dad died eight years ago, mom continued the tradition of seeing me finish the race. The only year she missed was when she was too sick from the effects of chemotherapy to get out of bed. Now she is a resident of a nursing home, weak, feeble, and forgetful.
This years race was not good. It was very warm and humid. By mile 5, I knew I was in trouble. By mile 6 it was over, and the last four miles because a painful shuffle. Ultimately, I crossed the finish line in 76 minutes. Not only was it my slowest time ever, but I was dehydrated, exhausted and discouraged. As I went through the finish chute, however, who was there to greet me but mom in a wheelchair along with my brother, Dave. Dave had gone to a great effort to get mom out of the nursing home and to the finish in time to see me finish yet once more.
After the race, just getting mom back to the nursing home was tough. Every effort leaves her exhausted. Simply getting her in and out of a car can make her wheeze and puff, needing her oxygen quickly. At one point I looked at my brother and remarked that I felt guilty about complaining about a bad 10 mile race. My suffering seemed to be put in perspective, and it became clear that I was fortunate to be able to suffer in such a capacity.
The concept of suffering is nothing new. Since the beginning of time, man has realized the importance and the need to suffer. If you are biblical, what meaning would Jesus’ death have had if he had simply died, and had not suffered? There is no success without suffering. Life’s lessons are not learned without suffering. The ultimate appreciation and understanding of life comes through suffering. The easy and good times will never define a person in a meaningful way.
This is a topic I discuss with my clients all of the time. So many clients are concerned about whether their pet is suffering, and they want to alleviate it if needed. Euthanasia is about minimizing a pets suffering, but it also creates a lot of suffering for the owner. I often tell owners at a time of loss that their pain is simply a reflection of their love and concern. What a beautiful thing!
Three years ago when I lost my dog Shadow to bone cancer, I was sick with grief-physically sick. At the same time I felt an intense gratitude for having been able to share lifes journey with such a wonderful dog. Was the suffering I endured worth a life-time of companionship? You bet it was!
Seventy Six minutes of suffering. Nothing to complain about. I was blessed to have had the experience. A week ago I vowed that I would race no more. Now I know I will race again. If for no other reason than to suffer a bit. What more could I ask for.

On a recent trip to northern Michigan, I got together with my brothers at our family property in a remote area on Mullett Lake, south of the straits of Mackinaw.  I got up one rainy morning, and was putzing around the cabin when the dogs went haywire, barking and carrying on.  I looked out a window and up the hill by the barn was a man walking off with a bicycle which had belonged to our father.  I ran after him, but he hopped on the bike and started peddling out our lane towards the road, about a third of a mile away.  I ran back to the cabin, at which time my brothers were up, wondering what the turmoil was about.  My younger brother and I hopped in our van and gave chase.

            We caught the thief a short ways up the road and confronted him.  At first he was very combative and even tried to take a weak punch at me.  He quickly settled down and became very remorseful and apologetic.  It became clear to us that he was mentally challenged, and after a lot of questions, including a local farmer who had joined us, we determined that he had walked away from a group home a few miles away and was simply A.W.O.L.  A county sheriff came out to pick him up.  Given the choice of pressing charges, we declined, only wishing that Wilbur (the perpetrators name) be safely delivered back to his residence.  The incident ended with us shaking Wilbur’s hand, patting him on the back and wishing him well.  A stolen bike became very secondary to the well being of Wilbur.

            Two weeks later I was in Green Bay to run the Bellin Run.  A 10K run with almost 19,000 participants.  Amongst those participants were Jenny Craig and Elva Dryer.  Jenny Craig was a world class runner who several years ago, while out running was hit by a car.  She suffered life changing mental and physical limitations.  One day a competitive runner, the next, wheel chair bound for life. 

            Elva Dryer, on the other hand, had won the Bellin Run in the past and has remained a world class runner.  However, on this particular day, Elva chose to push Jenny in a racing wheelchair over the 10K course.  Both completed the course in vastly different capacities than they ever had before.  I watched the race start with tears in my eyes as numerous wheel chair participants and their aids began their journey.

            When I finished my run, the first people I saw were Elva and Jenny.  I had to congratulate them on their effort and comment to them how much their race had affected me.  I was almost in tears thinking about their separate journeys in life, and how they had to come together.  One world class athlete and one disabled athlete.  Together changing the way we look at life.

            Wilbur and Jenny.  What do they have to do with veterinary medicine?  Everything and nothing.  There are certainly no animals involved, but what there is, is compassion for life.  Wilbur did not choose his path on life.  Jenny did not choose to be hit by a car and become disabled.  We can label them a victim of life, or we can label them a product of life.  There is a huge difference.  We all know that life is not fair.  We all know that the outcome is not equal.  What has the ultimate meaning is how we respond to what life gives us.  Good or bad, we need to respond to it appropriately if we are to move forward.

            Every since high school biology, I have marveled at the miracle of life.  So many things can be explained, and so many cannot.  The more you study what has to occur for a living being to exist, the more amazing the whole thing becomes.  To have a scientific look at life adds to the wonderment and fascination with how it can happen at all.

            I get extremely frustrated when I hear people complain about life.  Why would anyone complain about a miracle?  A gift?  Every second gives us all a unique opportunity to celebrate and endless number of gifts.  There is not a moment in even a mundane day that is not filled with endless miracles.  If we cannot see them, we simply are not paying attention.

            I am as guilty as many for not always paying attention.  I can easily have a bad day, spend time wallowing in self pity, and waste time asking, “Why me?”

            Once in awhile we all need a gentle reminder that we really do not have it all that bad, and despite our self pity, perhaps life really has not treated us all that unfairly.  Perhaps it has even treated us a bit better that we deserve.

            These reminders often occur unexpectedly, and randomly.  Whether we are in tune to it or not, life provides us with many examples of just how fortunate we are.  It may be as simple as meeting someone.  Someone named Wilbur.  Someone named Jenny.  For this opportunity, I am very grateful.

*Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth and adult cats 30 permanent teeth.
*By the age of three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats are exhibiting signs of gum disease. Symptoms include yellow and brown tartar along the gum line, red inflamed gums and persistent bad breath.
*Small breed dogs are more likely to develop periodontal disease than large breed dogs.
*Cats and dogs can get cavities. Although it is rare, due to the fact their diet is not high in decay causing sugars.
*Studies show that feeding your pet hard kibble will help keep plaque from accumulating on the teeth.
*Oral disease is a common finding in cats infected with the Feline Leukemia Virus, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and the Feline Calicivirus.
*Facial swelling below the eye may be due to an infected upper 4th premolar.
*Sneezing and nasal discharge may be due to an infection or fracture of an upper K9 tooth.
*Severe periodontal disease that is not treated can lead to problems in other parts of the body including the heart and the kidneys.
*You should only use toothpaste on your pet that is made for pets. Human toothpaste isn’t meant to be swallowed and your pet can’t spit it out.
*The most common reason why dogs fracture their teeth is by chewing on objects that are too hard for them (ex: metal fences, bones, rocks).
*There are Veterinary Dental Specialists that can place crowns, replacement teeth and even braces on your pet.
*Brushing daily or at least 3 times a week is the best way to prevent periodontal disease.
*Your pet is never too old for tooth brushing. In fact, the older your pet gets, the more important it is.

Spring is the time of year when many people are venturing outside more. It is also the time of year when things start to grow and renew themselves, including our wild animal population. In spring and early summer, many people find what they believe to be orphans. Most of these young animals found alone are not orphans. Birds and mammals do not spend a lot of time with their young. Most of the day is spent finding food. The young spend most of their time alone. Many good intentioned people take in what they think are orphans, but most of what appear to be orphans do have parents and should be left alone. An obviously injured animal does need care even if its parents are near. It is sometimes hard to tell if any animal is an orphan but here are some guidelines to help.
A bird that is featherless or not fully feathered should be returned to the nest it came from, if the nest can be found. The mother bird will accept it even if you touch it, so don’t worry about handling the bird. If an entire nest falls out of a tree, put all the young back in the nest and put the nest back in the tree, the mother bird will usually come back when things settle down. When watching to see if the mother comes back, stay out of sight, she won’t return if she feels threatened. Many young birds leave the nest before they can fly well. When you see a young bird with all its feathers that doesn’t seem ale to fly leave it alone. Mother birds will feed these fledglings on the ground until they can fly. Fledglings are especially prone to attacks by pets. If you see fledglings in your yard keep pets away from them until they can fly well.
Rabbits make nests in yards around bushes and buildings. The mother will only visit the nest once or twice a day. If you accidentally uncover a nest, cover it back up, the mother will usually return. She may move the bunnies during the night if the nest is badly disturbed. Young rabbits are independent very early. Young that are fully furred and are eating solid food are on their own and should be left alone. Rabbits can be as small as 4-5 inches long when they leave the nest.
Fawns and raccoons should be left where they are overnight, if it is still in the same spot the next day it may be lost or orphaned and need help.
Squirrels are sometimes blown out of trees during storms. If you find one try to look for the nest and put it back, or leave it where it is and see if the mother retrieves it.
Young animals are best raised by their parents. Please make sure it is an orphan before you step in. If you do find an orphan or see a mother killed and find she had young, these animals need special care. Many orphans have been killed by well meaning people raising them wrong. Wild orphans need special care and special diets. The best thing to do is find a trained rehabber in the area to take care of the orphan. Remember it is illegal to keep any wild animal as a pet.

I pretty much travel everywhere with my dogs. At a minimum, I take two with me, but this could also be three, or include all four of them. Whether I am going back and forth to work, or traveling on vacation, I have a car-load of dogs.
On one occasion, years ago when I still did some farm work, I was visiting a deer farm. The owner and I were talking when he looked into my van and commented, “You have one, no two, no three, no four dogs in there!” he exclaimed, “Is that normal?” I quietly responded, “probably not.”
I was in no way embarrassed by the situation, but I quickly realized that my definition of normal was far different than his. So goes life.
It is so very easy to judge others as being abnormal based on our standards. I am no different, and am very guilty of repeatedly thinking, “Why cannot they be normal like me?” I am sure that the majority of people view me as some sort of eccentric as well.
However, I do believe that those of us who have pets also have a broader, more accepting range of what we call normal. Whether it is acceptance, understanding or compassion, I think that our tolerance of the oddities of pets help us to extend somewhat of the same to our human counter parts.
I have always said that the biggest problem with animals is that they act like animals. In order to truly enjoy them, one must be very tolerant of their oddities. To do so also gives us more insight into the human animal. I personally have a huge tolerance for “odd” clients. I think that this is true because I also realize that I myself do not represent normality. It is a biblical thing— it is easier to forgive when you take an honest look in the mirror. A good lesson for us all. Thanks to our pets who try to give us these insights.
The other day I was out for a run when an elderly lady drove by. Her Siamese cat was perched on the dashboard, contentedly viewing the road ahead. I had to catch myself as my initial thought was “Now, that is not normal!”