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 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.

"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.

Above video;  how to pill a cat

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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:

http://press.petinsurance.com/pressroom/02222011Pet_Conditions_2010.aspx

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!