February 2009 Newsletter of OVC

Transcription

1 In as little as 15 minutes the blood sugar of a dog after consuming xylitol can drop significantly! February 2009 Newsletter of OVC Steer Clear of Xylitol You can find xylitol in gum, candy, baked goods, raspberries, chewable vitamins, throat lozenges, and carbohydrate products that are newer on the market. Xylitol can be extremely dangerous to animals, it can cause a fast release of insulin, which makes blood glucose plunge to a dangerous level. Some of the signs you may see if your pet has ingested some would be seizures, vomiting, weakness and liver dysfunction or failure. What we can do would depend on the amount of time that has passed since it was ingested. It appears that xylitol can ruin a liver in about 24 hours. First thing if you catch it early or right after the fact would be to induce vomiting. If you think your animal has gotten into something containing xylitol I would call your veterinarian right away to obtain how much and what to use to induce vomiting. They will probably want to see your pet anyway to keep their blood glucose and potassium levels under control, or start iv fluids, You can find out more information about xylitol at and A Look Into Canine Heartworm Testing at OVC Idexx laboratories provides a snap test for heartworm diseases, it tests 4 different diseases in one simple test. All we need is to take a very small blood sample and drop it into a tester. These testers will tell us if your pet is threatened by any 4 of these diseases/infections. The first one would be Heartworm (dirofilaria immitis) which is a lot like worms, which can obstruct blood vessels leading from the heart to the lungs. The second would be anaplasma phagocytophilum, is caused by bacteria, these little guys live inside the white blood cells and can cause a variety of problems. The third is called borrelia burgdorferi (lymes disease), this is caused by a tick bite that leads to a bacterial infection. It features a horrible skin rash, swollen joints and flu-like symptoms. Last but not least is ehrlichia canis which is spread by ticks as well. It can cause a variety of problems from shortness of breath, joint pain, stiffness, fever, depression, and low platelets. You can avoid testing every year by keeping your pet on continual heartworm medication. If you only treat your pet seasonally, I would get a heartworm test done once a year.

2 When supplementation may be beneficial to your bestfriend! There are plenty of good reasons to supplement your dog! Weight control, skin and joint problems, stool eating, intestinal health and enzymes are all great reasons. If you have any of those problems with your pet, Fido-Vite should be strongly considered. Even if your dog is perfectly healthy it can help with a shiner coat and stiffer stools. It can even help with Giardia! Giardia are tiny one-celled parasitic life forms with real potential to cause damage. They cause diarrhea, anorexia and vomiting in most cases. From seeing the dogs that have tried Fido-Vite, it looks like it is pretty tasty! If you want to find out more information about Fido-Vite you can go to give them a call at or ask your veterinarian! (You can also see this on their website) GUARANTEED ANALYSIS Protein Fat Fiber Moisture Calcium Phosphorous Potassium Magnesium Iron Copper Manganese Zinc Iodine * Cobalt 21% min 14% min 6% max 8% max 2.40 % min 2.80 % max 1.5% min 2.60% min.80% min 640 ppm min 19 ppm min 170 ppm min 220 ppm min 2.30 ppm min.30 ppm min Selenium Vitamin A Vitamin D Vitamin E Thiamin Riboflavin Pantothenic Acid Niacin Pyroxidine Folic Acid Vitamin B12 * Biotin Choline * Omega 3 * Omega 6 * Not recognized as an essential nutrient by AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles..30 ppm min iu/lb min 4000 iu/lb min 350 iu/lb min 18 mg/lb min 35 mg/lb min 103 mg/lb min 110 mg/lb min 21 mg/lb min 2.50 mg/lb min.83 mcg/lb min 3.60 mg/lb min 9100 mg/lb min 4.00 % min 4.00 % min Fido-Vite and Flexx Feeding Directions: For dogs up to 20 lbs - 1/2 oz daily For dogs up to 40 lbs - 1 oz daily For dogs up to 80 lbs - 2 oz daily For dogs over 80 lbs - 3 oz daily Start slowly - Each day increasing the feeding rate until desired level is reached. You may double the feeding rate for dogs under stress. Adding a small amount of water may enhance acceptability. 1 oz scoop enclosed in each bag.

3 Hours & Location Daycare: 6:30-6:00 Monday - Friday Other Services: 6:30-6:00 Monday - Friday 8:00-12:00 Saturdays We provide a tub with steps up into the wash area, a restraint to keep your dog from leaving, shampoo, conditioner, towels and no mess for you to clean up after! We are located on the entrance ramp to Hwy 14 South at the Hwy 138 Intersection Park Street Oregon, WI Updates For Website UNDER STAFF and VETS: -Take off Allison(bio and picture), and Becky (bio and picture) ADD ON/CHANGE: Amy R, Manger/CVT: Has been a CVT since 1997, but has worked in the field since 1993! Has 1 daughter Libby who is 9.5! Spends her time with her dogs Ozzie (a min. aust. Shep) and Sadie (border collie)! Also has cats; buttons and cheddar! When she s not planning our schedules and working too hard at the OVC she spends her time outdoors with her family. Liz: Receptionist: (SAME PHOTO) Liz is an Orvick, and has worked at the clinic off and on since high school. Liz is currently a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Sveum Realtors in Stoughton, but is kind enough to fill in whenever the clinic is short staffed due to vacations or illness. Liz has a house full of rescues from the clinic, including Oscar and Dillon (dogs) and Max and Luna (cats). She has recently added Peanut or the nut as we call her at the clinic. She is a teddy bear with some health problems but, we are fortunate she has such a kind heart!

4 Mary: Receptionist & Fill in Extraordinaire: Mary began her career at Oregon Veterinary Clinic in October 2007 as a full-time receptionist, and part-time veterinary assistant. She also works part-time at Hound Huddle. Mary is a graduate of UW-Madison with degrees in Wildlife Ecology & Biology. She shares her home with a very handsome dachshund/tervuren mix named Jeffrey, and an adorable pitbull named Wilbur. Mary likes watching movies, reading, going to dog parks and concerts, and making surly remarks. Alishia: Receptionist: Joined the OVC team in October 2008, and has a 9 year old daughter named Hailey. In her spare time she spends time with friends and family! Just recently expanded her family with an English mastiff named Montana! She also has 3 pugs, 4 cats, 3 rabbits, and 3 goats. She also loves doing anything as long it is outside! She spends the rest of her time with Lee and his son Jaden! Kya: Veterinary Assistant: Joined our time in 2008 and has the cutest American bulldog named Bluto! She is going to have her first child in July, and it happens to be a boy! She has been working in this field for 8+ years! In her free-time she enjoys walking the parks with Bluto and family activities. Kim: Veterinary Assistant: (SAME PICTURE) In 1992 Kim joined the staff as a full time technician. She is the first one here every morning, and does a fantastic job getting us all ready for our day. Kim is our primary surgery technician. Kim cannot stay too late on any given day as she has 5 dogs (Ladybug, Tasmanian Devil, Demetri, Annabella and Sampson) waiting for her to let them out in the afternoon. She also has Maxwell the cat and Tanya the horse. Recently just added a grandchild to the family Connor! Jessica: Veterinary Assistant: (same picture) Jessica joined our staff as a full time technician in She is very much appreciated as our primary contact for drug sales representatives and does most of our drug ordering. Jessica has 3 dogs (Dakota, Saydee and Jake), two of whom she rescued. In her free time Jessica can be found playing softball (she was a contributing member of the 2006 Stoughton Co-ed Rec League champion team) or volleyball. However, she's recently added a baby boy to the family named Jaxson so free time is hard to come by. Amy: CVT, (SAME PICTURE) Amy joined us her senior year of high school. She has just got married in Sept of 2008! In 2003 she got her certification as a veterinary technician and has been an important member of our staff since her start date. Amy handles our retail product ordering, so if you are looking for something in particular give her a call. Amy is our number one animal rescuer, from AFLAC the duck with the broken leg, to Jack the deaf Great Dane, and Alien the 6 toed cat. She also has 8 horses, 11 dogs, 7 cats, 1 rabbit, 1 hamsters, 2 lizards, 4 snakes, 5 birds, 5 chickens, and 1 llama. Whitney: Soon to be CVT, Is hoping to graduate by the end of 2009! Has 1 brindle pitbull named Nahla, and Gooster the cat. She recently added a hedgehog Hippi to the family. In her spare time she enjoys playing beer pong, whoopin her boyfriend in scrabble and generally just being outside. Emily: RVT, Emily joined the team at Oregon Veterinary Clinic in January Originally born & raised in Wisconsin, she recently returned to the Madison area after enjoying 10 years in Northern California. While living on the west coast, Emily trained on the job at emergency/specialty clinics and took classes to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. She wishes to one day become a veterinarian specializing in imaging diagnostics. In her spare time,

5 Emily loves to foster kittens, draw, play violin and video games, listen to music, watch movies and anime. She also collects Hello Kitty things that are not mostly pink. At home, Emily cares for her three kitties, Beautiful, Monkey, and Shaggy, her leopard gecko, Chai, three box turtles, Hermes, Mercury, and Minerva, and a mini-lop bunny named Houdina. Karen Vanderloo, DVM: (SAME PICTURE) Dr. Vanderloo is a 2007 graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. Her husband is a fulltime student and they have 2 dogs, Louis Mr.Chips Herbert and Sir Tullis of Lunchbox (Tully)! She spends her time away from the clinic gardening (when Wisconsin weather cooperates), biking, knitting and baking. Jim Stevenson,DVM: (SAME PICTURE)Dr. Jim Stevenson is a 2000 graduate of University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, and has practiced at the Oregon Veterinary Clinic since his graduation. Jim purchased the clinic with Dr. Rachel Orvick in Jim is married to Dr. Molly Stevenson, and they have three young daughters. The Stevenson household is also home to two cats (Sophie and Trolly) and two dogs (Britney and Maddie). In his free time Jim can be found on his Bike or competing in adventure races (he just finished a 20 hour race). Molly Stevenson,DVM: (SAME PICTURE)Dr. Molly Stevenson graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003, and promptly began working at the Oregon Veterinary Clinic. Molly is married to Dr. Jim Stevenson, with whom she has 3 young daughters, two cats (Sophie and Trolly) and two dogs (Britney and Maddie). In her spare time Molly enjoys spending time with her girls and reading. Rachel Orvick, DVM: (SAME PICTURE)Dr. Rachel Orvick is a 2000 graduate of University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, and has practiced at the Oregon Veterinary Clinic since her graduation. Rachel and Dr. Jim Stevenson purchased the clinic from her dad in Rachel is married to Dr. Craig Schley and they have three dogs (Saber, Eva & Bruno), three cats (Pokey, Annabell and Chewy) and two horses (Tanner and Levi). For the record, Chewy is very naughty. Rachel is an avid skier (water and downhill), biker, volleyball player, and traveler. Craig Schley, DVM: (SAME PICTURE)Dr. Craig Schley is a 2000 graduate of University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation Craig took a large animal practice position at Berlin Ripon Veterinary Clinic. In 2002 Dr. Schley transferred to a mixed animal practice in Broadhead, and in 2003 he joined his wife, Dr. Rachel Orvick, at the Oregon Veterinary Clinic. Drs. Rachel and Craig have three dogs (Saber, Eva & Bruno) and three cats (Pokey, Annabell and Chewy). In his free time Craig loves to hunt, fish, travel and snowboard. Need a bar to click on for Pet Grieving Ten Tips on Coping with Pet Loss by Moira Anderson Allen, M.Ed. Anyone who considers a pet a beloved friend, companion, or family member knows the intense pain that accompanies the loss of that friend. Following are some tips on coping with that grief, and with the difficult decisions one faces upon the loss of a pet. 1. Am I crazy to hurt so much? Intense grief over the loss of a pet is normal and natural. Don't let anyone tell you that it's silly, crazy, or overly sentimental to grieve!

6 During the years you spent with your pet (even if they were few), it became a significant and constant part of your life. It was a source of comfort and companionship, of unconditional love and acceptance, of fun and joy. So don't be surprised if you feel devastated by the loss of such a relationship. People who don't understand the pet/owner bond may not understand your pain. All that matters, however, is how you feel. Don't let others dictate your feelings: They are valid, and may be extremely painful. But remember, you are not alone: Thousands of pet owners have gone through the same feelings. 2. What Can I Expect to Feel? Different people experience grief in different ways. Besides your sorrow and loss, you may also experience the following emotions: Guilt may occur if you feel responsible for your pet's death-the "if only I had been more careful" syndrome. It is pointless and often erroneous to burden yourself with guilt for the accident or illness that claimed your pet's life, and only makes it more difficult to resolve your grief. Denial makes it difficult to accept that your pet is really gone. It's hard to imagine that your pet won't greet you when you come home, or that it doesn't need its evening meal. Some pet owners carry this to extremes, and fear their pet is still alive and suffering somewhere. Others find it hard to get a new pet for fear of being "disloyal" to the old. Anger may be directed at the illness that killed your pet, the driver of the speeding car, the veterinarian who "failed" to save its life. Sometimes it is justified, but when carried to extremes, it distracts you from the important task of resolving your grief. Depression is a natural consequence of grief, but can leave you powerless to cope with your feelings. Extreme depression robs you of motivation and energy, causing you to dwell upon your sorrow. 3. What can I do about my feelings? The most important step you can take is to be honest about your feelings. Don't deny your pain, or your feelings of anger and guilt. Only by examining and coming to terms with your feelings can you begin to work through them. You have a right to feel pain and grief! Someone you loved has died, and you feel alone and bereaved. You have a right to feel anger and guilt, as well. Acknowledge your feelings first, then ask yourself whether the circumstances actually justify them. Locking away grief doesn't make it go away. Express it. Cry, scream, pound the floor, talk it out. Do what helps you the most. Don't try to avoid grief by not thinking about your pet; instead, reminisce about the good times. This will help you understand what your pet's loss actually means to you. Some find it helpful to express their feelings and memories in poems, stories, or letters to the pet. Other strategies including rearranging your schedule to fill in the times you would have spent with your pet; preparing a memorial such as a photo collage; and talking to others about your loss. 4. Who can I talk to? If your family or friends love pets, they'll understand what you're going through. Don't hide your feelings in a misguided effort to appear strong and calm! Working through your feelings with another person is one of the best ways to put them in perspective and find ways to handle them. Find someone you can talk to about how much the pet meant to you and how much you miss it-someone you feel comfortable crying and grieving with.

7 If you don't have family or friends who understand, or if you need more help, ask your veterinarian or humane association to recommend a pet loss counselor or support group. Check with your church or hospital for grief counseling. Remember, your grief is genuine and deserving of support. 5. When is the right time to euthanize a pet? Your veterinarian is the best judge of your pet's physical condition; however, you are the best judge of the quality of your pet's daily life. If a pet has a good appetite, responds to attention, seeks its owner's company, and participates in play or family life, many owners feel that this is not the time. However, if a pet is in constant pain, undergoing difficult and stressful treatments that aren't helping greatly, unresponsive to affection, unaware of its surroundings, and uninterested in life, a caring pet owner will probably choose to end the beloved companion's suffering. Evaluate your pet's health honestly and unselfishly with your veterinarian. Prolonging a pet's suffering in order to prevent your own ultimately helps neither of you. Nothing can make this decision an easy or painless one, but it is truly the final act of love that you can make for your pet. 6. Should I stay during euthanasia? Many feel this is the ultimate gesture of love and comfort you can offer your pet. Some feel relief and comfort themselves by staying: They were able to see that their pet passed peacefully and without pain, and that it was truly gone. For many, not witnessing the death (and not seeing the body) makes it more difficult to accept that the pet is really gone. However, this can be traumatic, and you must ask yourself honestly whether you will be able to handle it. Uncontrolled emotions and tears-though natural-are likely to upset your pet. Some clinics are more open than others to allowing the owner to stay during euthanasia. Some veterinarians are also willing to euthanize a pet at home. Others have come to an owner's car to administer the injection. Again, consider what will be least traumatic for you and your pet, and discuss your desires and concerns with your veterinarian. If your clinic is not able to accommodate your wishes, request a referral. 7. What do I do next? When a pet dies, you must choose how to handle its remains. Sometimes, in the midst of grief, it may seem easiest to leave the pet at the clinic for disposal. Check with your clinic to find out whether there is a fee for such disposal. Some shelters also accept such remains, though many charge a fee for disposal. If you prefer a more formal option, several are available. Home burial is a popular choice, if you have sufficient property for it. It is economical and enables you to design your own funeral ceremony at little cost. However, city regulations usually prohibit pet burials, and this is not a good choice for renters or people who move frequently. To many, a pet cemetery provides a sense of dignity, security, and permanence. Owners appreciate the serene surroundings and care of the gravesite. Cemetery costs vary depending on the services you select, as well as upon the type of pet you have. Cremation is a less expensive option that allows you to handle your pet's remains in a variety of ways: bury them (even in the city), scatter them in a favorite location, place them in a columbarium, or even keep them with you in a decorative urn (of which a wide variety are available). Check with your veterinarian, pet shop, or phone directory for options available in your area. Consider your living situation, personal and religious values, finances, and future plans when making your decision. It's also wise to make such plans in advance, rather than hurriedly in the midst of grief.

8 8. What should I tell my children? You are the best judge of how much information your children can handle about death and the loss of their pet. Don't underestimate them, however. You may find that, by being honest with them about your pet's loss, you may be able to address some fears and misperceptions they have about death. Honesty is important. If you say the pet was "put to sleep," make sure your children understand the difference between death and ordinary sleep. Never say the pet "went away," or your child may wonder what he or she did to make it leave, and wait in anguish for its return. That also makes it harder for a child to accept a new pet. Make it clear that the pet will not come back, but that it is happy and free of pain. Never assume a child is too young or too old to grieve. Never criticize a child for tears, or tell them to "be strong" or not to feel sad. Be honest about your own sorrow; don't try to hide it, or children may feel required to hide their grief as well. Discuss the issue with the entire family, and give everyone a chance to work through their grief at their own pace. 9. Will my other pets grieve? Pets observe every change in a household, and are bound to notice the absence of a companion. Pets often form strong attachments to one another, and the survivor of such a pair may seem to grieve for its companion. Cats grieve for dogs, and dogs for cats. You may need to give your surviving pets a lot of extra attention and love to help them through this period. Remember that, if you are going to introduce a new pet, your surviving pets may not accept the newcomer right away, but new bonds will grow in time. Meanwhile, the love of your surviving pets can be wonderfully healing for your own grief. 10. Should I get a new pet right away? Generally, the answer is no. One needs time to work through grief and loss before attempting to build a relationship with a new pet. If your emotions are still in turmoil, you may resent a new pet for trying to "take the place" of the old-for what you really want is your old pet back. Children in particular may feel that loving a new pet is "disloyal" to the previous pet. When you do get a new pet, avoid getting a "lookalike" pet, which makes comparisons all the more likely. Don't expect your new pet to be "just like" the one you lost, but allow it to develop its own personality. Never give a new pet the same name or nickname as the old. Avoid the temptation to compare the new pet to the old one: It can be hard to remember that your beloved companion also caused a few problems when it was young! A new pet should be acquired because you are ready to move forward and build a new relationship-rather than looking backward and mourning your loss. When you are ready, select an animal with whom you can build another long, loving relationship-because this is what having a pet is all about! Inspiring Websites to Checkout:

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