Finding Newborn Kittens

Spring in South Florida brings a baby boom, not just amongst wild animals, but free-roaming outdoor cats as well.  It is not unusual to find litters of newborn kittens on and around our properties at this time of  year.  If you stumble upon such a litter, the first thing to do is determine if they have been abandoned or dumped.  Stray and feral cats have no choice but to leave their litters for extended periods of time to find food.  Observe the litter for about three hours, and if the mother cat does not return, you may have to intervene.  If she does return, it is best to let her care for the kittens until they are fully weaned.  This takes roughly eight weeks from the time of birth.  Hand rearing kittens involves mixing formula, bottle feeding, scheduled feedings, and sleepless nights.  And without putting too fine a point on it, the other end of the kitten must be cared for as well! If possible, it’s best to let the mother cat do this for you. If the litter has been dumped, or if the mother cat does not return, visit www.AlleyCat.org for detailed information on caring for neonatal kittens.  Most importantly, ask for help.  These are the times when we find out who are friends truly are!

If you have an outdoor cat, or are feeding a neighborhood stray, you can prevent this scenario by having the cat spayed or neutered. Female cats can begin having litters as early as five months of age!  And nursing mother cats can become pregnant before her current litter is even weaned.  Miami Dade Animal Services provides low-cost spays and neuters for stray and feral cats.  You can also gain access to low-cost care by contacting The Cat Network at www.thecatnetwork.org.

Meet Smokey, our May Pet of the Month!

For the month of May, we are honoring Smokey as our Pet of the Month.  Smokey is a 12-year-old tabby who came to us with a life-threatening infection.  Cats will often mask the clinical signs of illness, making it difficult for their owners to realize their need for care.  But Smokey's mom was not to be fooled!  Thanks to her quick thinking, and diligent after-care, Smokey bounced back to her usual, regal self.  Congratulations, Smokey, and share with all your friends - you're our Pet of the Month!

Orphaned Baby Wildlife

"I've found this abandoned baby squirrel/fox/bat/bird/other! What should I do?!"

With springtime upon us, our local wildlife will soon be busy raising little ones.  April is the month during which our clinic receives the most calls regarding orphaned baby wildlife.  It is only natural to want to help when we see what appears to be a helpless baby.  But “rescuing” animals who do not need our help is one of the many reasons for the high mortality rates of baby birds and animals.  Animal parents will often leave babies alone while they search for food. A baby bird on the ground might simply be having his first flying lesson.  Their parents are often closer than we think, and in many cases, human intervention is not only unnecessary, but can do more harm than good.

If you see a featherless baby bird that has fallen from a nest, the best course of action is to put it back in the nest.  The parents will not abandon it if it has been touched by humans.  This is a myth that has been thoroughly disproven.  The same should be done for baby mammals found near a nest or den.  Do not risk getting bitten, as even bites from babies can be dangerous.  If a baby is brought to you by a dog or cat, has an obviously broken limb, or is bleeding or shivering, then it needs your help.  Ditto for babies that wander or cry for more than a couple of hours.  If a parent does not respond to their cries, or if you see a dead adult nearby, it is time to intervene.  The South Florida Wildlife Center is a great resource for helping injured wildlife.  They can be reached at 866-SOS-WILD, or by clicking here http://www.humanesociety.org/animal_community/shelters/wildlife_care_center/contact_us_sfwc.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/   Since special licensure is required to work with wildlife, your veterinarian may or may not be able to assist you.

Meet Mummy, our April Pet of the Month!

This April, our Pet of the Month is Mummy!

At 16 years old, this fabulous feline continues to steal our hearts. Two years ago, Mummy was diagnosed with kidney disease.  But her sassy spirit, combined with her family's meticulous TLC, have kept her going strong. She's a lover and a fighter!

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

Why Does My Pet Need These Tests?!

Does My Pet Really Need All Those Tests?

Whenever I meet a new client who expresses disappointment with their previous veterinarian, I try to take a few minutes to find out what caused them to seek care elsewhere.  Perhaps the most common source of frustration is the client’s perception of “too many tests”.  A blood test for this, a blood test for that, multiple x-rays, ultrasounds - and those are just the tools of the general practitioner.  Board certified specialists routinely order MRI’s and CT scans.  A client can spend thousands of dollars before diagnosis and treatment is even discussed.

Every pet is unique, and tests may be recommended for any number of reasons.  Sometimes it is a matter of law that dictates the standard of care. Some tests are used to diagnose a condition, while others are used to rule them out.  My personal creed with regards to diagnostics is that I never run a test unless I think it might change my treatment plan.  I will not run a test out of mere curiosity unless I’m willing to pay for it myself.  Occasionally, I will do just that and chalk it up to continuing education.  But it’s MY continuing education, and clients should not have to fund that. If you are not convinced a test is needed, ask your vet to explain how said test might change the treatment plan.  It is a perfectly fair and reasonable question, and will likely open the lines for more effective communication.

Leah prepares for her CT scan

Meet Tasha, Our March Pet Of The Month!

World, meet Tasha, our March Pet Of The Month!

Tasha is a six-year-old calico cat who suffered from chronic ear infections and itchy skin.  A test for food allergies revealed that her diet was largely to blame for her discomfort.  Once her family changed her diet to one that was free of allergens, her symptoms resolved - and she's back to her feisty self!

Congratulations, Tasha, and share with all your friends - you're our Pet Of The Month!

There's A New Flu In Town!

There’s A New Flu In Town!

Early last spring, a new canine influenza virus known as H3N2 arrived in the United States from either China or South Korea.  It swept quickly through the Chicago area, sickening over 1,000 dogs.  By July, the virus had spread as far south as Atlanta, and as snowbirds begin to arrive in Florida, it is expected to become a problem here as well.  In recent weeks, we have seen three suspected cases in our clinic.  

The “flu shot” our pets have been receiving for the past few years is only effective against the strain known as H3N8.  This vaccine provides no protection against the new virus. An additional vaccine that protects against H3N2 has recently become available.  While it might be inconvenient to add yet another vet visit to your schedule, we are strongly recommending that dog owners take this step to protect their pets.  Dogs infected with H3N2 often develop pneumonia, and are susceptible to serious secondary infections.  We have seen no complications or side effects from the vaccine.  Please consider doing your part to stop the spread of this disease by vaccinating your dog as soon as possible.

Zohan was very brave!