The importance of bi-annual physical examinations for our “healthy” pets can’t be stressed enough.
One of our empoyee’s pets was diagnosed with feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.............
The FHC was diagnosed after a heat murmur was detected during a routine, six month check up. This disorder will show few, if any symptoms, but can lead to unexpected death at a very early age. Because the disorder was recognized early in this young, otherwise healthy cat, he is doing just fine with treatment and close observation. 

 "Dave", showing off his shaved underside from the ultrasound that detected his cardiomyopathy.

Urinary Tract Infection-The Silent Disease

Most people equate increased frequency of urination, increased water intake, and straining as signs that their pet may have a urinary tract infection (UTI).  However, here at GAC, the majority of the UTI's we identify are during routine urine screening tests in completely normal appearing animals!  The silent signs of UTI are your pet acting old, stiff, and arthritic, sleeping more, and having upset stomachs or diarrhea. 

During your pet's annual check-up is a perfect time to run a routine urinalysys and blood panel to make sure no "silent disorders" are lurking.  If your pet is experiencing any of the above "silent" signs, please call our office to schedule an appointment.  When UTI's are identified and treated, owners frequently see their pets become more active, playful, and younger-acting.  Over the years, we have dramatically decreaded the incidence of kidney disease (especially in dogs) by identifying and treating UTI's early--and, therefore, contributing to the longer and healthier lives of our clients pets.  Let us help your pets live longer, happier lives.

"Buster"

A Generous Friend

Dogs don't love you because you deserve it, they love you because you exist.
There is nothing so unconditional as this response, nothing so generous. A dog has no ulterior motives, no guile. He's interested in your state of mind, your moods. He hears your tension, your excitement. He follows your every thought. He takes note of your inflections. He deciphers you like a translator. You are his subject, his mission. You are the active center of his world.
A dog will trust you unless you teach him not to. He will never break your heart. He will love you for life if you will have him.
Dogs are great by nature, and they offer us the chance to be great as well. Even when we aren't they are willing to believe we are.
It doesn't seem to me that we deserve this, but there it is.
A gift, and I'm grateful. .......Unknown.

The Dog 10 Commandments

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that BEFORE you get me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial to  my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, entertainment and friends. I have only YOU.
5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget.
7. Please don't hit me. I can't hit back, but I can bite and scratch and I really don't want to do that.
8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right foods or I've been out in the sun too long or my heart is getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. NEVER say, "I can't bear to watch, or let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if YOU are there.
Remember, I LOVE YOU!!
Written by the Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center

Hannah

She Is Just My Dog............

“She is my other eyes that can see above the clouds;
my other ears that hear above the winds.
She is the part of me that can reach out into the sea.
She has told me a thousand times over that I am her reason for being; by the way she rests against my leg; by the way she thumps her tail at my smallest smile; by the way she shows her hurt when I leave without taking her. (I think it makes her sick with worry when she is not along to care for me).
When I am wrong, she is delighted to forgive.
When I am angry, she clowns to make me smile.
When I am happy, she is joy unbounded.
When I am a fool, she ignores it.
When I succeed, she brags.
Without her, I am only another man. With her, I am all-powerful.
She is loyalty itself.
She has taught me the meaning of devotion.
With her, I know a secret comfort and a private peace.
She has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.
Her head on my knee can heal my human hurts.
Her presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things.
She has promised to wait for me.....whenever.....wherever - in case I need her.
And I expect I will - as I always have.
She is just my dog.”
Gene Hill

Pup-Sicles
For a fun summer treat, pour 1 1/2 inches of water or diluted beef or chicken broth in a paper cup and place in freezer until the liquid is partially frozen, then carefully insert a dog biscuit into the slush so that one end sticks out above the ice. Freeze completely, pop out the pup-sicle, and watch your pal enjoy a treat!

Governor Animal Clinic Cares About The Environment

We have recycle bins at most of the work stations around the clinic, taking care to recycle whatever we can to help the environment. This has been a way of life around here for many years.

VPI Reports Top Ten Reasons for Veterinary Visits

Ear and urinary tract infections for dogs and cats, respectively, topped the charts for veterinary visits in an annual report produced by Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI).

The report, which includes data from 280,287 insurance claims filed for dogs and cats in 2004, identified the top ten reasons why pet owners take their animals to veterinarians and was released July 21, 2005.

Stomach upsets and skin allergies were in the top five for both cats and dogs. The list also included benign tumors for dogs and respiratory infections for cats. "The frequency of diseases ... is a telltale sign that these pets visit the veterinarian for much more than annual exams and vaccinations," said Carol McConnell, manager of veterinary services and education for VPI.

Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own
and makes it so much the larger and better in every way.

John Muir

As many of us anticipate summer, it is also a time to evaluate the needs of your pets. First and foremost is a visit to the vet, especially if you include your pet in an exercise program. Even if your pet was recently here, the warm weather can carry with it many physical challenges that should be addressed by your pet's other best friend, your veterinarian!

To name a few dangers: animals left in cars, burns on paws from hot pavement, truck beds and beach & park sand, sunburn for short hair and pink skinned pets, and the peril of heatstroke. Signs of heatstroke may include rapid panting, glazed expression in dogs, an anxious look with cats, twitching muscles and seizures. Heatstroke can be fatal and is an emergency situation.

The first step to correct an overheated pet is to run cool water over him. DO NOT SUBMERSE IN WATER. You must get your pet to the office immediately, calling ahead so we can plan for your arrival.

Remember that the ideal times to exercise with your buddy are during the mornings and evenings, the cooler times of the day. If you are hot and uncomfortable, so is your pet. Take extra precautions for older, overweight, arthritic, or brachycephalic (ie: short-faced dogs). Always keep your dog on a leash and start slowly, monitoring for over-heating, excessive thirst and any hot surfaces that your pet may come in contact with.