Pets as Presents?

It's hard to resist the joy of giving your favorite loved one the pet they've always wanted for Christmas. However, the result of many of these well intentioned gifts is animals that are unwanted, uncared for and oftentimes sent to shelters. 

An animal of any kind (even one as small as a fish or a hamster) is not a light, last minute purchase. Bringing a new life into the house should be well thought out and discussed with the entire family. 

Holiday pets often get ignored in the holiday rush. Christmas morning is filled with so many presents, lots of food, family and relatives coming over...then there's New Years in a few days. You think it's stressful on you? Thank about what a pet who's never been in your house before would be thinking. A new pet needs lots of quiet and calm. A new puppy or kitten needs to watched constantly and settle into a routine so they can become a happy member of the family. This is impossible to accomplish on Christmas. The new pet will just end up confused and scared. 

You should never pick an actual pet for another person, even a child. Bring the child along to pick out the animal and let it be a family event. All animals (even hamsters and fish) have distinct personalities and letting your entire family help with the choice makes the animal more special to them. Besides, don't you want to see how the puppy interacts with your entire family? That great puppy you pick out for your son might not like kids. Your son might decide the puppy you like plays too rough. Your kids may decide they'd rather have a cat! 

New Puppies

Almost every child asks Santa for one, however a dog is MAJOR purchase and a new puppy needs lots of attention and care. With the hustle and bustle of the Christmas/New Year holiday, the puppy probably won't get the attention it needs. That's not even taking into account all the ribbon, trees, rich Christmas foods, chocolate and other dangers the puppy could unintentionally get in while your family is busy with their other gifts. 

Alternate ideas: Give the kids a stuffed puppy and tell them the new puppy is coming. Wrap a puppy bowl, collar, crate and other puppy supplies with a "certificate" to get a puppy at a later date. All of this stuff should be set up and ready for the puppy when it comes home anyway. This way, you and your family can set it up while you tell them about the responsibility of a new dog. Another great idea is a few books on puppy care (especially if you have an older child).

New Kittens

Kittens don't take quite as much attention as puppies but they can still get into a lot of trouble at Christmas. Kittens are notorious for swallowing tinsel and ribbon and getting lots of stomach problems. Small kittens scare easily and the safest retreat will probably be up the tree which can be dangerous. 

Alternate ideas: Cat care kits, litter boxes, cat toys, books on kitten care. The litter box and a bed for kitty should be in place before he gets to his new house. You and the kids can decide where to put it.

Holiday Pet Safety

Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe! Of course you want to include your furry companions in the festivities, pet parents, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations:
O Christmas Tree Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
Tinsel-less Town
Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
No Feasting for the Furries
By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.
Toy Joy
Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Choose gifts that are safe.

• Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible.
  
• Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer—and tons of play sessions together.

Forget the Mistletoe & Holly
Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
Leave the Leftovers
Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.
That Holiday Glow
Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!
Wired Up
Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth.
House Rules
If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.
Put the Meds Away
Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.
Careful with Cocktails
If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.
A Room of Their Own
Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.
New Year's Noise
As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears.

Dog Waits for Santa

Holiday Pet Gifts

Are you looking for a gift for your canine friend that is sure to get the tails wagging and paws pouncing this holiday season? For the safety conscious pet, you could always get them a new travel carrier or car seat harness. Or for the sophisticated pet, try some baked doggie goods from your local doggie bakery. If purchasing special goodies from bakeries isn’t your thing, make your own doggie treats! For the owner on a budget or for the pet who has everything, the gift of time is the top gift for any pet this year.

 

Dog Food Allergies

Forty years of studies have shown that over 75% of the food allergies in dogs are due to beef, dairy products, wheat and chicken. Soy has been identified as an allergen in approximately 5% of the cases.

With this in mind Hill's has modified their canine d/d to exclude any soy products from their formula.

There is a slight change in the shape of the kibble, in case a client asks.

-Hill's Prescription Diets

Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know?
-Cancer accounts for nearly 50% of all disease-related pet deaths each year
-One in four dogs die of cancer.
-Approximately 1 in 4 dogs develops a tumor of some kind during his lifetime.
-Just like in humans, cancer can occur in any part of your dog’s body.

Are you aware that November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month? Run your hands over your pet and feel for any unusual lumps or bumps. If you feel something new or unusual, let's take a look at it. Dogs and cats can get benign lumps such as lipomas and sebaceous cysts, but they can also get much more serious tumors, like mast cell tumors, melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and many others. Many of these can be diagnosed with a simple in-office procedure involving a needle aspirate and then a microscopic exam of the cells obtained. A fine needle aspirate is generally less painful than a vaccination, so don't hesitate to get that lump checked out. The importance of annual check-ups regardless of the age of your pet is critical in the prevention of cancer. 

Here are the top 10 early warning signs of pet cancer listed out by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

Better to be safe than sorry, and much better to catch something sooner rather than later!

Pets 'At Risk' from Home Smoking

A leading professor of animal medicine is warning dog and cat owners about the risk of smoking around their pets. Clare Knottenbelt, from the University of Glasgow's Small Animal Hospital, said there was mounting evidence of the effect of second-hand smoke on pets.

Professor Knottenbelt said studies had shown increased risk of lymphoma and oral cancer in cats and of lung, nasal and sinus cancer in dogs. "Currently I am writing a research paper looking at levels of nicotine in the fur of dogs which indicates they are as exposed to the same levels of nicotine as children in the household.

"This may be a useful way of indicating second-hand smoke exposure in a household in general."

"While veterinary medicine is advancing all the tie and we have the ability to treat some cancers in pets, it is expensive and provides no guarantees of long-term survival. The best way of avoiding damage to your pet's health is to not smoke around them - or better still, to give up."

-BBCmobile; 10/24/11

The Most Dangerous Spiders in the World

When listing the top ten most dangerous spiders (based on how common the spider is, and how deadly its venom is to humans), how many do you think live in Arizona? Really? Which ones?

#2. THE BLACK WIDOW SPIDER

Black widows are notorious spiders identified by the colored, hourglass-shaped mark on their abdomens. Several species answer to the name, and they are found in temperate regions around the world. Approximately 5% of the reported bites were fatal prior to the intervention of the Widow spider antivenom. One of their favorite haunts is an old-fashioned outhouse. 63 deaths were reported in the U.S. between 1950 and 1959, most of which occured in or around a woodpile or outhouse. But with the modernization of home plumbing and heating, Black Widow bites are now very rare.

This spider's bite is much feared because its venom is reported to be 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake's. In humans, bite produce muscle aches, nausea and a paralysis of the diaphragm that can make breathing difficult; however, contrary to popular belief, most people who are bitten suffer no serious damage-let alone death. But bites can be fatal, usually to small children or the elderly. Fortunately, fatalities are fairly rare; the spiders are non-aggressive and bite only in self-defense, such as when someone accidentally sits on them.

#4 THE BROWN RECLUSIVE SPIDER

The Brown Recluse Spider, also known as "violin spiders," "fiddlers," or "fiddlebacks," from the dark violin-shaped marking on the head are slow moving, retiring spiders that wander about in dim areas. They often den in footwear, clothing and beds, and are then easily trapped against someone's skin by clothing, bed sheets, etc.-leading to the spider's bite.

Most encounters with this spider occur from moving boxes or rooting about in closets or under beds. The range of the Brown Recluse in the U.S. is mostly restricted to the Mid-west, South and Southeast. However, a number of related recluse spiders are found in southern California and nearby areas, including Arizona.

The bite of a Brown Recluse is extremely venomous, and has led to fatalities through massive tissue loss and the subsequent infection. Deaths from Brown Recluse spiders have been reported only in children younger than seven years.

#9 THE WOLF SPIDER

The Wolf Spider is a member of the Lycosidae family, and there are around 125 species found the U.S. and about 50 species found in Europe. A full grown Wolf Spider is typically a half an inch to two inches in length. They are hairy and are usually brown or gray with various stripe-like markings on their backs. They eye arrangement of the wolf spider is one of its most interesting features, with four small eyes in the bottom row, followed by two large eyes in the middle row, and two medium eyes in the top row. They received the name wolf spider due to an early belief that the spiders would actually names for the wolf spider are the Ground Spider and the Hunting Spider. Wolf Spiders do not make webs, but actively hunt for their prey.

Even though the Wolf Spider is poisonous, its venom is not lethal. This spider is not known to be aggressive; however, they will bite if they feel like they are in harm or danger. They also move extremely fast when they are disturbed. If bitten by a Wolf Spider, the wound should not be bandaged but an ice pack should be placed on the bite to reduce swelling. If necessary, the victim should avoid any movement or increased heart rate. It is extremely important to see medical attention if bitten by a Wolf Spider.

Wackiest Pet Names of 2011

Ozzy Pawsbourne and Almost-A-Dog top this year's list of quirkiest monikers.
Fido, Spot or Fluffy? For some peculiar pet owners, these names are just too traditional. Although "Bella" and "Max" currently lead the pack as the nation's most popular pet names, thousands of other four-legged friends have much more distinctive names.


So drumroll, please... the 10 Most Unusual Dog and Cat Names for 2011:
Dogs

1. Almost-A-Dog
2. Franco Furter
3. Stinkie Mcstinkerson
4. Sir Seamus McPoop
5. Audrey Shepburn
6. Dewey Decimell
7. Knuckles Capone
8. Beagle Lugosi
9. Shooter Mclovin
10. Uzi Duzi-Du

Cats

1. Ozzy Pawsbourne
2. Mr. Meowgi
3. Murderface
4. Fuglee
5. Scruffernutter
6. Corporal Cuddles
7. Cat Masterson
8. Spam
9. Tape W. Orm
10. Louisiana Purchase

Happy Birthday Tiga!

Tiga is 17!!!! Congratulations from all of us at FIRST Regional!

Tiga is one of our long time Internal Medicine department patients. Despite his multiple medical ‘challenges’ he is till going on strong on his 17^th birthday. Tiga always remembers us with nice cards and goodies for holidays. And for his 17^th birthday he went all out and got us this wonderful cake and balloons!

Our many thanks to Tiga and his wonderful ‘mother’!

Team Member of the Month

We are proud to announce Stephanie Heitz as our Team Member of the Month! She is currently attending the Veterinary Technician program at Kaplan College and will graduate at the beginning of 2012. She will then hopefully be working toward a DVM. We are proud to have her as a part of our team!

 

Did You Know...

Did you know that Sir Isaac Newton, who first described the principle of gravity, also invented the swinging cat door for the convenience of his many cats? The story goes that Newton, working on laboratory light experiments, was repeatedly foiled by unwanted light from a cat pushing open a door. Not wanting to banish the cat, Newton cut a hole in the door, and attached a piece of felt to block out unwanted light. Since Newton and the cat were now happy, the world's first cat flap solved the light problem nicely. Do you have a Cat Flap in your home for your feline friend? If so, you have Sir Isaac Newton to thank!

 

Pets and Heat

The Arizona heat is intense! Be mindful when walking your dog this summer, that the sidewalk is very hot and can burn the pad of their paws. We encourage you to minimize exercise with your pet during the heat of the day and walk or play in the morning or evening. Remember, short-faced dogs cannot regulate their temperatures as well as long-nosed dogs can. Large dogs are also more at risk for this, but we need to be careful with all pets. Don't let your pet overexert themselves or they can get heat stress, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke! Dogs can still overheat with water and shade, so minimize outdoor exposure when it is hot and sunny.

 

Proper Way to Remove a Tick

What does my BAD cat need?

You feed and groom her. You tell her she's wonderful and give her plenty lap time. Great going. But it's not enough. Orchestrated playtime is increasingly being prescribed by experts. You and the cat. Together. Regularly and often.

It's a crucial piece of creating the kind of environment that fosters happier, less stressed and more fit felines, they say.

Though some cat owners came to realize long ago that engaging cats in activity was not only amusing to watch but reduced kitty boredom and 3a.m. mischief making, "it's surprising how many people don't realize how important this kind of environmental enrichment is for all cats," says renowned cat behavior cat consultant Pam Johnson-Bennett, author of several cat books. "There's still a very strong feeling among many people that cats are no-maintenance."

Toys that experts like, and dislike 

Some experts love laser pointers to provide stalking and exercise opportunities; others hate them. Author Pam Johnson-Bennett is among the latter.
"The cat follows it, leaps on it but never really catches anything or even makes contact with anything," so its an exercise in perpetual frustration, she says.
She's also not a fan of "toys that are battery-operated and kind of frantic and large," because they make many cats feel less like the stalker than the stalkee. But it's important to learn your cat's preference, and cats differ greatly."
Revving up interactive activity can solve behavior problems. "When you have a Ferrari, and you're leaving it in the parking garage, you're going to have problems," says Johnson-Bennett, once a lone voice promoting action-oriented interactive play. In recent years, most experts have become a chorus trumpeting its virtues. "Cats needs activity and stimulation," she says, "and opportunities to be challenged."

That doesn't mean tossing cats outside, hoping they'll stalk a bird, will be enough. "We want them inside, as that's where they're safe," she says. And just leaving a furry mouse toy on the floor won't suffice, though that's good for solo play.

The human engaging the cat in ways that prompt the animal to use stalking skills and brainpower is the way to go - allowing Fluffy to be the mighty hunter so emotional, mental and physical needs are met, Johnson-Bennett says.

Wand toys are great for that, and some cats love playing fetch or stalking items you haul around on a string.

Creating ways for the cat to keep busy while you're not there is also important, she says, such as employing kitty puzzle toys or puppy-size food-filled Kongs the cat shoves around to get to the treats.
Some of the best toys cost next to nothing. Johnson-Bennett often tosses around a paper bag with a Ping-Pong ball inside, or empty tissue boxes or paper towel rolls with something inside.

Some people think multi-cat households require no such effort. Wrong. Cats may play together and that's great, but it's not enough. "Two cats can be as inactive and depressed as one," Johnson-Bennett says. Even if they seem content, if the prey-drive need isn't met, they're not fully satisfied. Also: Interactive playtime must be seperate with each cat.

"Play therapy is not a luxury," she says. "It's a necessity."

-Joan Fairman Kanes; USA TODAY
05/16/11

The warm weather and your pet's furry coat are happy hunting grounds for fleas and ticks.  We want you to know that fleas and ticks are more than just pests…they spread diseases, including, lyme disease, Erlichia, tapeworms, anemia, zoonotic intestinal disease and cat scratch fever. We offer flea and tick prevention to help keep your pet healthy and happy during this season. 

Employee of the Month

North Valley Regional Animal Hospital is pleased to show our appreciation to Jamie Pizzitola for her outstanding work and recognize her as Employee of the month! Jamie is a veterinary technician and has been with our hospital since 2008, and our First24Vet team since 2004. She has worked in emergency and specialty areas since she started in the veterinary field. Jamie entered the vet field because she was a huge fan of James Herriott. She wanted to be a veterinarian, but became an assistant and decided she liked the nursing side better. She almost ended up with a Bachelor’s of Art in Art History, but we’re glad she’s joined our team instead! Congratulations and keep up the good work!

Hotdogs, hamburgers and corn on the cob…YES PLEASE! That’s what your pet is thinking when you’re cooking out. We would like to remind you that even a small amount of “people food” can be bad for your pet’s stomach….Don’t forget to be mindful of your pet while cooking out.  

 

Happy Mother's Day!

We would like to wish a Happy Mother's Day weekend to all the pet mommies of fur babies and other pets! We hope you have good memories on Sunday, May 8th and that you do something special with or for your pet that day. Have a great Mother's Day everyone!

This week is Be Kind to Animals Week!

Join the event that’s been celebrated every year since 1915 -- American Humane Association’s Be Kind to Animals Week. In this annual tradition, we commemorate the role animals play in our lives, promote ways to continue to treat them humanely, and encourage others, especially children, to do the same. While Be Kind to Animals Week is celebrated only once a year, we should strive to always be kind to animals every day. What is the kindest thing you've done for your pet today?

 

Pets & Emergencies

During springtime we all start doing more outside activities, especially with our pets. Accidents happen and the first thing to remember when dealing with any injured animal, whether it’s a family pet or one you found lying on the side of the road is to approach with caution. When an animal is hurt and you approach to help, their response to pain may cause them to bite or scratch and injure their rescuer. If it is your pet, cover his head so he can’t bite you, put pressure on minor wounds, provide support to the injured limb and seek treatment immediately. 

Lilies and Cats

Easter Lilies can be a beautiful decoration in the spring season, but did you know that all parts of the lily plant are considered toxic and dangerous to your cat? If ingested, it can cause severe kidney damage and even death. Please be advised that cat owners should remove lilies out of reach of your cat and consider an alternative to the lily such as Easter Orchids and Easter Daisies. 

Avoiding Easter Hazards!

With the arrival of the holiday season our pets are often prone to new un thought of risks. Nothing makes a holiday more memorable than a panicked trip to the vets. But pet owners need not fret. Here's what you need to know to have an emergency-free celebration this Easter.

Festive Foods:
One of the biggest risks to pets at Easter time is "CHOCOLATE". The canine nose is an expert in sniffing out all the lovely sweet goodies in an instant. And birds, cats & dogs alike are drawn to the bright colors & shiny wrappers. Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine that can be toxic to dogs, cats and parrots. Baker's chocolate has the highest concentration of theobromine. How a pet reacts to chocolate depends on its size, as well as the amount and type of chocolate eaten. Vomiting and diarrhea are common signs of chocolate toxicosis, and while rare, too much chocolate can even be fatal. Carob chocolate is a natural, delicious and pet friendly alternative.

Foil packaging, ribbon and pretty sparkly plastic wadding are irresistible to cats and birds, while a big shiny Easter egg appears as a fun ball for a dog.  Pets love to play with these items and they will sometimes swallow them. Known as linear foreign bodies in vet speak, they are indigestible and can cause a partial or complete obstruction. They are often sharp and run the risk of cutting through the wall of the intestinal tract which can cause peritonitis.

While we all love our pets and wish to include them in the festivities, it is important to remember that now matter how much they beg, what they want may not always be what is best for them. Rich fatty foods can cause an upset stomach, vomiting or even pancreatitis in the extreme. Onions either raw or cooked can be poisonous to cats and dogs. As little as one bite of an onion can cause some of the red bloods cells to be destroyed (haemolytic anaemia) symptoms can include pale gums, reddish urine and lethargy.

It is important to remember never to feed your pets cooked bones as they can splinter and cause internal damage. The same applies to feeding your pets fish which might contain bones. Bowls of nuts and raisin-laden fruitcakes or chocolate covered sultanas are also common holiday treats. Macadamia Nuts are toxic to dogs. Although one nut is not likely to harm your dog, a number of them could require a trip to the emergency ward. Dogs who ingest macadamia nuts could suffer weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia.

Foods that are healthy for us may not be so good for our beloved pets. Raisins and grapes are toxic to cats and dogs causing vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure and even death. While avocadoes are harmful to dogs, cats, birds and Guinea pigs. They contain a toxic fatty acid called persin which can cause vomiting, gastrointestinal irritation, congestion, respiratory disease, fluid accumulation around the heart tissue and may cause death, especially in small animals and birds. So please be careful when serving fruit platters or salads this Easter.

One very real concern to pets are products containing the artificial sweetener Xylitol. This absolutely needs to be avoided. It will cause low blood sugar if ingested in toxic amounts and has been known to cause fatal liver failure.
During the festive season it is easy to forget the dangers of leaving alcoholic drinks within reach of our pets. It may seem harmless enough to offer your best mate a frosty cold one to celebrate alongside the humans. But alcohol poisoning is a very real danger to our pets. Problems equate to the amount of alcohol ingested compared to weight. Even a very small amount of alcohol can cause severe poisoning in a small pet. The yeast contained in beer can also lead to bloating and abdominal pain.

The good news is there is now a specially designed non alcoholic doggy beer on the market called *Paw Rex* It is made with beef stock so dogs love it and even comes in a six pack.

It is also important to remember that most cats and dogs are lactose intolerant so avoid giving them any dairy products. Specially designed lactose free animal products are an available alternative.  It's up to us to make sure hazards are kept out of reach and that visitors or children know the risks. Remember prevention is better than cure. For healthy Easter treat alternatives to spoil your best friend, please visit our Pet Gourmet section in this special Easter addition of Pet Scene Magazine.

Unexpected Hazards:
With all the coming and going and busy rush that comes with the holiday seasons it is easy for opportunities to arise to get our pets into trouble. It is not uncommon for visitors who are not used to pets to leave gates or doors open. This welcomes the opportunity for your pet to flee the house with all its strange new smells, noise and people. An open window makes for a great escape root for cats or free flying birds. Many pets wind up getting lost or struck by vehicles as a result of this careless mistake. If you have a pet that becomes nervous around new people or strange activity it may be a good idea to plan in advance to have area of the house or yard which is separate where they can feel safe and secure. Visitors who aren't used to living with pets may inadvertently leave their medications within reach. This brings opportunities for serious problems. Dogs are not deterred by childproof caps and can quickly find themselves in a world of trouble. Warn guests to keep medications well out of reach.

Traveling with pets:
If your going out of town with your pet this Easter there are a few things to remember:

* Make sure your pet is in a cool well ventilated position and never left alone in a closed car, temperatures can sore very quickly.

* Make sure your pet is secured in either a pet crate or safety harness.

* If your pet suffers from motion sickness it's recommended that you consult with your vet prior to travel to arrange an appropriate treatment.

* Make sure you plan for toileting and drink breaks. Our pets need to refresh too. 

* If you are planning to go out on the water these holidays be sure to pack your pet a life vest.

* If you are going on holiday this Easter with your pets, be sure you have a full supply of any medications they may be taking with you.

The humble Easter Lily
Many cat owners will be surprised to learn that lilies ( Liliaceae) are extremely toxic to their feline friends. The exact cause is unknown, however even the smallest amounts if ingested by cats can  be fatal, while dogs who ingest large amounts only develop signs of mild gastrointestinal upset. Early warning signs of Lily toxicity include vomiting, depression and a lack of appetite. There is no antidote, but with early detection and aggressive treatment the cat stands a better chance of survival. Cats may sometimes appear to be improving after the first onset of symptoms, but 24-72hrs later crash and become critically ill as they go into acute renal failure. If you suspect there is a chance your cat may have ingested this plant it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. If left untreated cats die within 3-7 days. Cat owners should never grow Lilies in the garden and should ensure that lilies are never part of floral arrangements. This is important to remember these holidays with the popular Easter Lily appearing  in most flower arrangements.

We hope that these tips will help you and your pets have a happy and safe
holiday season.

First 24 Vet wishes Daniel Reuss a Happy Birthday!

Spring is a great time to be outdoors and start a new exercise program.  Don't forget to take your pet along with you. They need and want the exercise too.  We want you to remember that fun, frolic and exercising your pets keep them healthy and happy.

Salt Toxicity and Play Dough

            Homemade play dough is not for pets. While it’s fun for kids to play with, if ingested by our furry friends it can be lethal. Play dough contains a large amount of salt, sometimes as much as 1/2 a cup or more depending on the recipe! Dogs may like the salty taste, but the damage the sodium causes can be terrible.

            What happens is called “salt toxicity”. When ingested by the pet, the salt in the play dough makes its way throughout the dog’s body, including the brain and central nervous system. The sodium absorbs any water, and causes the dog to become thirsty and drink more water. In order to keep the balance they need to urinate more, but if there are high levels of sodium, the dog’s body can’t process it fast enough. The water level in the body increases and the muscles begin swell. The brain swells from the sodium and water and if the pressure builds enough, it can cause neurological disorders, seizures, coma and even death. Sadly, there is no antidote for salt toxicity, only preventative measures to keep our pets happy and healthy.

            If only a little bit of the play dough or salt is ingested, the dog may survive, but if a large amount of sodium enters the dog’s system, it is fatal. Some symptoms of salt toxicity are: vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure, and seizures. If you think your dog may have ingested play dough or large quantities of salt, give us a call and get them seen as soon as possible! (Remember, we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!!)

Our pets can sneak out of the door when a guest comes to visit or can run off to chase a squirrel or rabbit.  As they wander further and further away from home they may be unable to find their way back. They can also get lost during a hurricane or natural disaster.  Microchipping is a great way to easily identify pets and get them home safe.  We are qualified to perform the simple task of injecting the tiny chip under your pet’s skin.  

Tick Paralysis

What is tick paralysis and how is it caused? 

 Tick paralysis is a paralysis in animals, which is caused by a tick. The females of the Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick), D. andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), and Ixodes holocyclus (found in Australia) ticks secrete a toxin that affects the nervous system of mammals. It produces a flaccid (weak, with no muscular tone) paralysis. In some animals, only the hind limbs are affected. In others, the condition can ascend up the body and affect the front limbs and sometimes even the muscles required for respiration.

What are the signs of tick paralysis? 

The signs of paralysis generally start 5-7 days after the ticks start feeding (it usually takes multiple ticks feeding simultaneously to elicit the paralysis). The first signs are weakness and incoordination in the hind legs. Several hours after the signs in the hind limbs start, the front legs are affected and soon the animal can not move any of his legs. Difficulty with breathing, chewing, and swallowing can be seen. The animal generally has no fever. Death can occur within hours from respiratory failure due to paralysis of the muscles necessary for respiration.

How is tick paralysis diagnosed? 

The diagnosis is based on the sudden onset of paralysis, the rapid worsening of the condition, the season of the year, presence of ticks, and rapid recovery when the ticks are removed.

What is the treatment for tick paralysis? 

The treatment of tick paralysis is basic-Remove the ticks. Most animals will quickly recover. If an animal is severely affected, supportive care and artificial respiration may be needed. There is an antitoxin that can be given if it is available and can be procured quickly. Not all ticks carry this toxin and not all dogs are affected, hence the disease is only occasionally seen. Cats appear resistant to the toxin.

What ticks live in Arizona?

• Spinose Ear Tick: The immature stages of this tick feed in the ear canal on blood and lymph. Adults live off the host. They live in sheds, cracks and crevices, woodpiles and bark of trees. This tick does not transmit pathogens but can produce considerable damage to the ear of afflicted animals. 
• Brown Dog Tick: The only tick that infests human dwelling and kennels in North America. Found in walls, garages, false ceilings. It is the primary vector for Ehrlichia canis and can also transmit babesiosis, and tularemia (rabbit fever). It can cause tick paralysis. 
• American Dog Tick & Rocky Mountain Wood Tick: Primary vector of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. This species can also cause tick paralysis and tularmia.
• Deer Tick: Also called the Blacklegged tick. Distributed in the Eastern and Central US and parts of California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona. Live primarily in deciduous forests. Primary vector for Lyme Disease and can cause tick paralysis.

                       Happy Birthday wishes to Pam Batista!

April Employee of the Month

Vivianne Williams is our April Employee of the Month here at 1st Emergency Pet Care. Originally from Brazil, she has worked here as a technician for almost 4 years now, and is definitely one of the hardest workers we have! She is always staying busy and helping out with anything that is needed. She is a very compassionate person. These are just a few of the reasons she has been chosen our employee of the month.

Print this Facebook ad and bring it with you to your next visit for $20 off one Diagnostic Test during April!

 

Sneezing…watery…running eyes and nose…itchy and scratchy skin…its allergy time.  Did you know that your pet suffers from seasonal allergies just as you do?  We offer dermatology services for your pet to test for allergies, fleas, ticks and other critters to keep your pet looking and feeling their best.

Cats and dogs find anti-freeze quite tasty and if they come across a spill, they will lick it. Keep new and used antifreeze in sealed containers, away from pets. If a cat walks through a puddle of antifreeze, then licks his paws, he can ingest enough antifreeze to become gravely ill or even die. If you suspect your pet has ingested anti-freeze, please call us immediately. We have a quick test that can detect anti-freeze ingestion

We want you to be aware of the many hazards at home and in the yard. Common poisonous flowers include lilies, azaleas, hydrangeas, hemlock, rhododendrons, gladiolus, oleander and hibiscus…all causing vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes death if ingested in large enough quantities. Remove all plants where pets roam unsupervised. Visit us immediately if your pet has ingested any harmful flowers or plants.

Southern Veterinary Medical Dictionary

Southerners have the lowest stress rate because they do not take medical terminology seriously.
See if you agree.

Artery........................The Study of Paintings
Bacteria.....................Back door to cafeteria
Barium.......................What doctors do when patients die
Benign.......................What you be, after you be eight
Caesarean Section......A neighborhood in Rome
Cat Scan....................Searching for Kitty
Cauterize....................Made eye contact with her
Colic..........................A sheep dog
Coma........................A punctuation mark
Dilate........................To live long
Enema.......................Not a friend
Fester........................Quicker than someone else
Fibula........................A small lie
Impotent....................Distinguished, well known
Labor Pain................Getting hurt at work
Medical Staff............A Doctor's Cane
Morbid.....................A higher offer
Nitrates.....................Cheaper than day rates
Node........................I knew it
Outpatient.................A person who has fainted
Pelvis........................Second cousin to Elvis
Post Operative..........A letter carrier
Recovery Room........Place to do upholstery
Secretion...................Hiding something
Seizure......................Roman Emperor 
Tablet.......................A small table
Terminal Illness.........Getting sick at airport
Tumor......................One plus one more
Urine........................Opposite of you're out

MEMPHIS

Memphis came to us in March 2010 as a 12-week-old Great Dane puppy that had been attacked by multiple dogs in the house hours before entry. He presented lateral (was on his side) and in shock. He had severe trauma to all limbs with punctures to his face and ears. He was admitted to the hospital and was in Intensive Care for days. In t...he first 2 days of care, he received a blood transfusion and suffered from ARDS (Acute Respiratory Syndrome) which he battled through. Memphis was with us in the hospital for one month and received daily wound care and multiple surgeries during that time. Memphis is an AMAZING pet who had the drive to live. He is a fighter and a survivor! It was bittersweet to see him go home with his family, as we had all grown to love him as if he were our own. Memphis is now a 130-pound, 1-year-old giant puppy with a heart of gold, and we cherish every time we get to see him run up and down our halls with his squeaky toy in tow!

Happy Birthday to Darci Hoefer!!!!

Happy Birthday to Darci Hoefer!!!! All of us at First 24 Vet hope you have a great day!

 

Thinking of adding a new addition to your family circle? There are a lot of things you need to know before you bring home a new puppy or kitten...such as...what am I going to feed my new friend, where will it sleep, and how do I keep him or her healthy? We encourage you to ask us questions about the new member of your family.

 

PRINT THIS AD and bring it with you to your next visit for half off any Heartworm test (with the purchase of of 12 months of Heartgard Plus). Expires March 31st, 2011.

Is your pet starting to get a little grey around the muzzle? As your pet ages, it is important to maintain optimum health for their quality of life. Senior pets need more extensive risk assessment visitations. Teeth should be brushed daily, exercise routines are important and remember obesity is the number one health problem in older dogs. With routine blood and urine analysis and more frequent risk assessment exams, your pet will live a long and healthy life.

Don’t forget that February is Dental Care Month and that dental care is one of the most neglected of pet health needs. Our pets need care for their teeth just as we do. Bad breath, drooling and pain while eating are some of the signs of periodontal disease. Regular dental check-ups and proper home care are important for good pet dental health.

Do your pets sleep in your bed?

                                Happy Birthday wishes to Lindsey Tozer this weekend!

Team Member of the Month

First Regional’s Team Member of the month is Alfredo Nevarez aka Fredo. Fredo has been with FIRST Regional’s Emergency Department for almost 3 years. Overall he has over 7 years of experience in both General Practice and Emergency. Having been born in Chihuahua, Mexico he is also fully bilingual. We’ve even been known to call him at home when we really need assistance in translating. Sorry Fredo! In his spare time he enjoys reading both fiction and non-fiction, working out and spending time with this family. And the rumor is that he is a really, really good dancer!

Before & After Dentals-Cat

Before & After Dentals-Dog

                                                                                                                      

 

Dental Pictures

Dog Trained to Smell Cancer

With powers of smell far superior to those of humans, dogs can sniff out buried earthquake victims. They can unearth hidden bombs or drugs. They can also apparently detect colorectal cancer, Japanese researchers suggest.

Researchers from Kyushu University and colleagues report that a specially trained 8-year-old female Labrador retriever named Marine is able to detect colorectal cancer among patients with up to 98 percent accuracy.

A graduate of the St. Sugar Cancer-Sniffing Dog Training Center in Chiba, Japan, the dog was initially trained for water rescue and could already detect 12 types of cancer in patients' breath samples before she joined the colorectal cancer study, the researchers said.

The goal of the study was to find out whether odor can become an effective tool in colorectal cancer screening, according to lead researcher Dr. Hideto Sonoda, from the department of surgery at the Postgraduate School of Medicine at Kyushu University in Fukuoka.

The report is published in the Jan. 31 online edition of the peer-reviewed journal Gut.
For the study, Sonoda's group collected samples of stool and exhaled breath from 40 patients with colorectal cancer and also from 320 healthy people. "The tests were conducted from November to June, because the dog's concentration tends to decrease during the hot summer season," Sonoda noted.

The dog was able to distinguish cancerous samples from noncancerous samples in 33 of 36 breath tests and in 37 of 38 stool tests, the researchers found. "Moreover, canine scent judgment even appeared to be highly accurate for early-stage colorectal cancer," Sonoda said.

In contrast, fecal occult blood screening -- a simple, non-invasive test for colon cancer -- picks up early-stage disease in only one out of 10 cases, the study noted.

Based on their findings, the researchers say the canine's evaluation of breath samples was accurate 95 percent of the time and her stool sample evaluation was accurate 98 percent of the time, compared with colonoscopy, which is the "gold standard" for identifying colon cancer.

In fact, the dog was able to identify cancers even when smokers and people with other stomach problems were included in the test, the researchers noted.

The tests were repeated three times, Sonoda said. "The results of all tests were correct, thereby suggesting that a specific cancer scent indeed exists," he said.

The researchers also took breath and stool samples from patients with breast, stomach and prostate cancer. "Canine scent judgment yielded correct answers for these cancers as well, suggesting that common scents may exist among various cancer types," Sonoda said.

While dogs seem to be able to pick-up the "smell" of cancer, using dogs as a screening tool is not the ultimate goal, he said.

Scent ability and concentration vary between different dogs and also with the same dog on different days, Sonoda pointed out. "Moreover, each dog can only conduct tests for a maximum of 10 years. So it is difficult to introduce canine scent judgment into clinical practice," he said.

For these reasons, it is necessary to identify the cancer-specific organic compounds detected by dogs and to develop an early cancer detection sensor that can be substituted for a dog's judgment, Sonoda said.

"We hope that the results of the present study will provide encouragement for the development of cancer detection and solving the biological character of cancer using odor material," he said.

Commenting on the study, Dr. Ted Gansler, director of medical content at the American Cancer Society, said that "this study adds to a small number of other published articles showing similar results regarding bladder, lung and breast cancers," and to a recent conference presentation regarding prostate cancer.

"In addition to these studies, there have been several anecdotal reports of patients whose pet dogs seemed attracted to or upset by skin cancers," he added.

Although the idea of dogs recognizing cancer might initially seem difficult for some people to believe, it also seems biologically plausible, Gansler said.

"We know that trained dogs can distinguish the scent of one person from another person. Dogs can also be trained to recognize very low concentrations of explosives or illegal drugs in the air. Scientists have already identified some of the chemical differences between normal and malignant tissues, so it is not surprising that some dogs can also recognize these differences," he said.

Some might wonder whether it is time to use dogs in the clinic for cancer screening, Gansler said. "However, much more research will be needed before we can seriously think about dogs assuming roles in cancer screening similar to their current ones in law enforcement," he said.

One limitation is that the dog in this study did not reliably recognize any abnormal scent from precancerous polyps, although it was not specifically trained to do so, Gansler said. "In contrast, some colon cancer tests such as colonoscopy can accurately recognize these polyps so they can be removed by the doctor in order to prevent colon cancer before it is fully developed."

The next step is to discover the specific chemicals associated with colon cancer, or with other types of cancers, Gansler said. "Once that is done, scientists will try to develop laboratory tests that detect these chemicals as potential methods for cancer screening."

Another expert, Dr. Floriano Marchetti, an assistant professor of clinical surgery and director of the Colon and Rectal Surgery Residency Program at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, said that "the direction should be to stimulate research in finding the organic compound that the dog reacts to."

If one could develop a simple screening test, it could be useful in getting more people screened for colon cancer, he said. "In this country, any type of screening for colorectal cancer is in the order of 40 to 45 percent. Something like this, if it were simple, would be beneficial."

Proper Way to Brush Your Dog's Teeth

Valentine's Day Tip

Valentine’s Day will be here before we know it and we want to remind you that candy, especially chocolate, is dangerous for both cats and dogs along with the plastic and foil wrappers. Ask us about treats your pet can enjoy, that are also nutritious; so your pet can join the festivities.

ALL STAFF PARTY 2011

Congratulations to Our Team Members of the Year 2010!

Last Saturday was the 3^rd annual All Staff Fun Day and Picnic! The location this time was Camino Del Vista Park in Scottsdale. Beautiful, balmy 75 degree Arizona ‘winter’ day was only one factor in making this a great day.

Despite of some team members having to stay behind to take care of the animals, after all we are open 24/7, we had a very nice turnout. The younger folks enjoyed the bouncy house and the balloon blaster. Some folks even tried their luck in fishing.

There was a lot of good food. And even a friendly between-the-hospitals volley ball ‘tournament’. First Regional’s Team got to a great start taking an early lead, but North Valley rallied back and took the close first set in the end. The second set one was much closer from the go –First Regional managed to hold on to a narrow lead in the end. Overall it was a tie J Maybe we can challenge1^st EPC into taking on the winner next time?

Then it was finally time for the Team member of the Year Announcements.  The process for selecting the Team Member of the Year for each hospital starts around October every year. Initially all team members get to nominate their three top candidates (full year of service by the end of the year is the only eligibility requirement). For each hospital the people who get most votes (top 10 for FRAH and top 7 for NVRAH and EPC) will then go through several rounds of ‘ratings’ by peers and supervisors in areas such as dependability, punctuality, customer service, team work etc., etc. Each week the person with the lowest overall score is eliminated. Once we get down to the top three we eagerly await for the awards ceremony.

And the winners are:

FRAH – Meghan StJohn

            Meghan has been at FRAH since 2004. She started as part time Receptionist and last year took over the Client Service Manager position. She has done a great job uniting her CSR Team and promoting communication between departments.

NVRAH – Malea Mangone

            Malea has been part of the NVRAH Emergency Technician Team since early 2008. She is always ready to help others and is well liked by all her piers not to mention that she is a great technician!

1^st EPC –David Nelson

            David is one of the hardest workers around. He is a great technician and great Team Player. Despite holding two full time jobs David is always cheerful and gives more than 100%!

Additionally each year we recognize many more outstanding team members for their contributions. This year’s other award recipients were:

FRAH -

1. Veterinarian of the Year:  Dr. Alisa Reniker  (small trophy)
2. Technician of the Year: Kristina Leonard (small trophy)
3. Client Service Representative of the Year: Renae Friesen (small trophy)
4. 2010 Most Valuable Player: Robert Hammerman (certificate)

                                                             i.      Excellence in Patient Care

1.      Shari Awalt

2.      Dori Lamb

3.      Erin Lawrence

4.      Matt Smith

5.      Trinity Taylor

                                                            ii.      Excellence in Client Service

1.      Debbie Defazio

1.      Cristi Edwards

2.      Eric Goettl

3.      Mary Howerton

4.      Alison Pfeiff

                                                          iii.      Excellence in Teamwork

1.      Sarah Amrhein

2.      Dr. Carly Blom

3.      Elana Gulla

4.      Kristi Landy 

5.  Alfredo Nevarez

NVRAH -

1. Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. Megan Begay (small trophy)
2. Technician of the Year Darci Hoefer (small trophy)
3. Client Service Representative of the Year – Kayla Rothwell (small trophy)
4. 2010 Most Valuable Player: Kim Cankar (certificate)

                                                              i.      Excellence in Patient Care

1.      Jennifer Metzler

2.      Jamie Pizzitola

3.      Tammie Watt

                                                            ii.      Excellence in Client Service

1.      Lynze Bates

2.      Melinda Jean

3.      Jennifer Ripley

                                                          iii.      Excellence in Teamwork

1.      Melinda Jean

2.      Dr. Ryan Lunt

3.      Lynda Novak

1^st EPC -

1. Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. Mike Grguric (small trophy)
2. Technician of the Year: Cara Bromley (small trophy)
3. Client Service Representative of the Year: Karen Mitchell (small trophy)
4. 2010 Most Valuable Player: Lisa Kernaghan (certificate)

                                                              i.      Excellence in Patient Care

1.      Angie Cordell

2.      Lisa Kernaghan

3.      Angel Torres

                                                            ii.      Excellence in Client Service

1.      Tatijuana McMahon

2.      Dr. Mark Mosbacher

3.      Viviane Williams

                                                          iii.      Excellence in Teamwork

1.      Dr. Nicole Demetre-Moss

2.      Trina Sipple

3.      Angel Torres

Finally- we want to extend a big Thank You to ALL of our Team Members! Each one of you is an essential part of our success. We truly appreciate you hard work and dedication every day of the year!