It's Pet Dental Health Month!

 

It's Pet Dental Health Month!

Many longtime pet parents are aware of the Veterinary Oral Health Council's recommendation of annual dental cleanings for cats and dogs. What is not yet common knowledge, however, is that dental radiology, or x-rays, are rapidly becoming the standard of care in veterinary medicine. 

While many pets return home from a dental cleaning with fresh breath and sparkling teeth, it is possible they are also leaving the hospital with untreated oral infections. This is due to the fact that without taking x-rays of the teeth, it is impossible to see the many signs of decay and disease that often fester beneath the gum line. In fact, the teeth of dogs and cats are best likened to icebergs, with five eighths of each tooth living under the gums, and only three eighths living above them. With so much happening beyond our field of vision, it is vital that radiology be used to spot the unseen causes of suffering in our furry friends. When booking your pet's next dental cleaning, be sure to ask if the procedure will include this important tool in diagnosing and treating painful dental disease. 

There's more to a canine tooth than meets the eye!

Meet Troy, Our January Pet Of The Month

 

World, meet Troy, our January Pet of the Month!

Troy is a three-year-old Boxer mix who rescued his humans. Naturally, the humans think it's the other way around, but the pets know the truth. 

When he isn't sunning himself or patiently waiting for treats, Troy can be found hanging out on the sofa with his humans, watching the Miami Dolphins. And while he's a little sad about missing the playoffs, Troy continues to remind us that when all is said and done, life is good - especially for a big, happy rescue dog.

Congratulations, Troy and share with all your friends - you're our Pet of the Month!

Sad Troy...

 

Happy Troy!

November Is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Pet Cancer Awareness Month
By Dr. Ian Kupkee

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month. Cancer is one of the most common conditions diagnosed by veterinarians, affecting nearly one in four dogs at some point in their lives. While cancer is less common in cats, our feline companions are more likely to suffer from aggressive, and less treatable forms of the disease.

One of the more commonly seen forms of cancer in pets is breast cancer. Fortunately, it is also one of the easiest forms of cancer to prevent. A female dog who is spayed before her first heat cycle has a .6% chance of developing breast cancer later in life. A dog spayed after her first heat cycle has an 8% chance of developing breast cancer. And the breast cancer risk for dogs who are spayed after their third heat cycle is a whopping 65%.

Recent research suggests delaying spay/neuter procedures on large-breed dogs until they are fully grown can reduce their chances of developing orthopedic problems later in life. Since both threats are very real concerns, the pros and cons of each decision should be discussed with your veterinarian.  That said, the best prevention against canine and feline breast cancer is to have your pet spayed in accordance with your veterinarian's recommendation.

Is My Cat In Pain?

Is My Cat In Pain?

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month - and now is a great time to look at our furry friends for signs which may indicate discomfort.

While a dog's body language tends to show clinical signs of pain, cats have been described by many in our profession as The Great Masqueraders. Generally speaking, cats will do everything in their power to hide their pain and discomfort. Fortunately, there are many clues you can look for which can point to the presence of pain. When our cats are hurting, they can be a bit temperamental. This makes them more likely than usual to bite or scratch. They may also pant, or have a faster, more shallow pattern of breathing than usual. You may notice changes in their food or water intake, and subsequently, changes in their litter box habits. Any changes in your kitty's gait, mobility or energy level can also be signs of a brewing problem. Cats who stop grooming or who over groom, especially in localized areas of the body might also be trying to tell you something. Finally, be advised that a cat who purrs is not necessarily expressing contentment. Cats who are in pain will often purr to comfort themselves, so excessive purring or any change in vocalization, should be seen as a sign of trouble.

If you suspect your cat is in pain, it's important to take her to her veterinarian as soon as possible. Never give any pain relievers intended for human use, as even a single dose of over-the-counter children's formulas can be fatal to a cat. A thorough examination and routine diagnostics are often all that's needed to diagnose and treat your painful pet.

Meet Gustava, Our September Pet Of The Month

World, meet Gustava, our September Pet of the Month!

When she's not playing the part of belle of the beach, you can find this fabulous Frenchie enjoying a moment of Zen. Her other other hobbies include improving the view, being spoiled, and posting on social media. You can follow her adventures on Instagram by searching for GustavaLaFrenchie, or check her out by clicking here https://www.instagram.com/gustavalafrenchie/

Congratulations, Gustava, and share with all your friends (and followers!) - you're our Pet of the Month!