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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 |
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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 urinalysis 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
decreased 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.
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"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.
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Above video; how to pill a cat
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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
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HERE IN THIS HOUSE
( A dogs
poem)
I will never know the loneliness I hear in the barks of the other dogs 'out
there.'
I can sleep soundly, assured that when I wake my world will not have changed.
I will never know hunger, or the fear of not knowing if I'll eat.
I will not shiver in the cold, or grow weary from the heat.
I will feel the sun's heat, and the rain's coolness, and be allowed to smell
all that can reach my nose.
My fur will shine, and never be dirty or matted.
Here in this house...
There will be an effort to communicate with me on my level.
I will be talked to and, even if I don't understand, I can enjoy the warmth of
the words.
I will be given a name so that I may know who I am among many.
My name will be used in joy, and I will love the sound of it!
Here in this house...
I will never be a substitute for anything I am not.
I will never be used to improve peoples' images of themselves.
I will be loved because I am who I am, not someones idea of who I should be.
I will never suffer for someone's anger, impatience, or stupidity.
I will be taught all the things I need to know to be loved by all.
If I do not learn my lessons well, they will look to my teacher for blame.
Here in this house...
I can trust arms that hold, hands that touch...
knowing that, no matter what they do, they do it for the good of me.
If I am ill, I will be doctored.
If scared, I will be calmed.
If sad, I will be cheered.
No matter what I look like, I will be considered beautiful and thought to be of
value.
I will never be cast out because I am too old, too ill, too unruly, or not cute
enough.
My life is a responsibility, and not an afterthought.
I will learn that humans can almost, sometimes, be as kind and as fair as dogs.
Here in this house...
I will belong.
I will be home.
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The Animal and Veterinary rescource from the FDA / US Department of Health and Humane Services offers this Pet Health & Safety widget.
Click on the link below to get information about
pet health and safety from the Center for Veterinary Medicine. |
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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
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Some dog anatomy basics
Brisket; the dog's chest
Crest; the upper, arched part of the neck
Croup; the area around the pelvic girdle
Dewclaw; an extra claw on the inside of the lower leg
Flank; the side of the body between the last rib and the hip
Hock; the joint comparable to the human ankle
Keel; the rounded outline of the lower chest
Loin; the area around the lower spine behind the last rib and in front of the pelvic girdle
Muzzle; the front part of the dog's face (the mouth and nose)
Pastern; the part of the leg below the wrist or hock (heel), but above the foot
Stifle; the joint comparable to the human knee
Stop; the step-shaped spot where the muzzle meets the back skull
Topknot; a tuft of longer hair on top of the head
Withers; the highest point of a dog's shoulders, from where height is measured
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Normal Body Temperature for
Dogs & Cats : The normal range for your pet’s temperature is 100.5 to 102.5°
depending on the situation. A slightly elevated temperature can
still be within normal range if the animal is pregnant, traveling,
etc. The best way to take your pet’s temperature is rectally with a
lubricated digital thermometer
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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, many years.
Many of our reminder card products come from forests that meet standards for responsible management to prevent deforestation. |
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Make it a family affair;
A diary for your dog/cat can be a fun project for the kids to join in on some of the responsibility for your family pet(s).
Track your pet's daily care in a journal-complete with photos, categories with your kids drawings, color code for each family member's jobs, entries, and special treatments.
This will help to remind the family when a bath is due, when medications are given, time for a check-up or their monthly flea preventive / heartworm preventive medication is due.
In the long run, tracking your pet's treatments may help to remind you that trips to the beach mean more baths to keep the skin in check, or more ear cleanings to ward off infections.
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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 |
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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.
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Top 10 pet medical conditions of 2010
According to new data, skin ailments are among the most common in
American pets. Here's a look at the top 10 conditions in dogs, cats, and exotic
pets, according to Veterinary Pet Insurance's database of more than 485,000
insured pets:
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Top 10 Canine Claims
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Top 10 Feline Claims
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1. Ear infections
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1. Lower urinary tract diseases
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2. Skin allergies
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2. Stomach upsets/gastritis
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3. Pyoderma (hot spots)
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3. Renal failure
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4. Stomach upsets
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4. Hyperthyroidism
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5. Intestinal inflammation/diarrhea
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5. Diabetes
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6. Arthritis
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6. Diarrhea
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7. Bladder infections
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7. Skin allergy
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8. Soft tissue trauma
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8. Dental disease
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9. Non-cancerous tumor
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9. Ear infection
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10. Hypothyroidism
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10. Upper respiratory infection
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http://press.petinsurance.com/pressroom/02222011Pet_Conditions_2010.aspx
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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! |
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