February 2010

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Newsletter Highlights:

• Anesthesia: What's Involved?
• Cold Weather & Stiff Joints
• Canine H3N8 - Who's at risk?
• Exclusive Dental Discounts

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Anesthesia: What's Involved?

We get a lot of questions about anesthesia: Is it safe? What’s involved? Why does it cost so much?

There are many different ways to induce general anesthesia. This will explain the usual procedure we use at Parktown and what we do to make it as safe as possible for your pet. Certainly there are some risks to anesthesia, but here at Parktown, we do everything possible to make this procedure safe and stress free for our patients.

To minimize anesthetic risk, we do a preoperative blood panel. This assures us that the liver, kidneys, red blood cells, white blood cells, and blood electrolytes are normal.

In middle aged or older animals, or those undergoing a major procedure, we place an intravenous catheter so that IV fluids can be running during the procedure. This way, irregularities in blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, etc., can be corrected.

Anesthesia is induced by an intravenous injection of a very short acting anesthetic. Immediately after the animal relaxes, an endotracheal tube can be inserted into the trachea. Through this tube, they will be breathing oxygen and anesthetic gas. The level of anesthetic gas can be adjusted to maintain the desired level of unconsciousness.

Monitoring equipment is then attached. During the procedure, the patient’s blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood oxygen level will be constantly monitored by a veterinary technician (nurse) who will never leave the animal’s side until they are awake. This individual attention is the single most important factor in insuring safety. While the doctor is concentrating on the operation, the technician monitors the patient. Her job is to closely monitor the patient and alert the doctor of any signs of potential problems the patient may be experiencing. This dedication of a technician to monitor every animal while under anesthesia is a big factor in increasing anesthetic cost. It increases our staff requirements an equipment costs, but also keeps your pet safe.

That’s the only way we do it the safe way!

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Cold Weather & Stiff Joints

Cold days mean stiff joints for senior pets, trouble getting out of bed and pain at almost all points of the day. Luckily, we are able to ease the pain with medicine, warmth, heating pads and nutritional supplements. Pets silently suffer pain associated with arthritis and are often left untreated. Read the list below to discover the signs of arthritis in pets.

Signs of Arthritis in Pets:
Lagging behind on walks
Limping or appearing
Stiff after activity
Reluctant to climb steps or jump
Slow to rise after resting
Decreased appetite

If your pet begins to show these signs, please give us a call, we can schedule an arthritis evaluation for your pet.

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Canine H3N8 Influenza (CIV) Dog Flu, Who is at risk?

Canine influenza (or H3N8 virus) was originally the cause of respiratory disease in horses. In 2004, it was discovered to have jumped species and was identified as the cause of influenza in dogs. Identified cases have increased and the potential now exists that it could possibly reach epidemic proportions during the next several years. At this point in time these predictions may prove to be accurate or we may see the disease fizzle out. While dogs don’t catch human influenza (and humans don’t catch dog influenza), the signs in both species are similar, consisting of fever, lethargy, nasal discharge, and severe cough. Remember; Influenza is a respitory disease, not a gastrointestinal disease.

Initially, the disease will look like common ordinary kennel cough (contagious tracheobronchitis). While dogs with kennel cough may cough a lot and still feel fairly bright and alert, dogs with CIV will be much more lethargic and may require more supportive care in order to recover.

Since the virus is new to the canine species, almost all dogs exposed will become ill. Of these affected dogs, cases will vary in severity, but the virus exhibits only about an 8% mortality rate. So if your dog gets it, he or she is going to feel bad and cough a lot, but not likely to die of CIV. Can it be prevented? YES, there is a vaccine available. After the initial vaccine, the dog should have a second booster shot 2 to 4 weeks later to ensure immunity. After that, annual revaccinating is recommended. So which dogs are at risk? In theory, any dog that comes in contact with other dogs.

The dogs most at risk are those that go to day care, dog parks, boarding facilities and groomers. If you want your dog vaccinated, please call to make an appointment with us as we do have the dog influenza vaccine now. Any dog that we have examined within the past year can have the vaccine administered by a technician. There will be no additional office call charge, but please do schedule an appointment. The cost of the series of two vaccines, three weeks apart, will be a total of $50. As information becomes available of the spread of CIV, we will keep you posted.

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Latest Review for Parktown Veterinary Clinic

I found a cat in a parking lot of a restaurant in LA, and I decided to take her in a few weeks before coming back to NorCal. Chloe had been sneezing and having upper respiratory problems, so I knew that I had to get her in to see a vet asap. I called on a early Saturday morning, and the staff there made sure I got in just an hour or so after calling.

I am glad that I chose Parktown--the staff was very kind and helpful, and they made sure that my cat and I were comfortable. Dr. Crabtree clearly explained what she was doing and why she was doing it, when she was examining Chloe. It turned out that it was just a normal kitty cold. Also, as a first-time cat owner, Dr. Crabtree informed me of all the shots and tests my cat needed.

Parktown did everything without putting a hole in my wallet. After all the tests, shots, and nail trim the cost was still very reasonable. All-in-all, I gave them 5 stars because not only was the staff very personable, but the office called after 2 days to check up on Chloe to make sure she was feeling all better.

Thank you for your kind review. We wish you and Chole the best! - Parktown Veterinary Staff

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Dog & Cats Get Cavities

Yes, they do and when a tooth has a cavity it can be very uncomfortable. Cavities occur when a combination of gingivitis and tartar on the tooth surface allow bacteria to secrete acids at the junction where the gum margin contacts the tooth enamel. These acids eventually eat through a hole in the tooth enamel exposing the nerve.

Just as in people, the cavity causes a tooth-ache. Not having any alternative, the cat tolerates the chronic tooth ache, however, the discomfort definitely decrease his quality of life.

What do we do when there is a cavity?

We recommend extracting the tooth. Then the pain is gone and the cat is much happier.

Can your cat eat when one or several teeth are missing?

Certainly a cat can eat just fine even without any teeth. If diseased teeth are pulled, that area of gum becomes firm and healthy. Many cats without any teeth, if given a choice, will even eat dry food.

What should you do to help prevent cavities in your cat’s teeth?

Have his teeth cleaned regularly so that tartar doesn’t accumulate and see your veterinarian about treating gingivitis.

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Parktown Staff Update

2009 has seen a number of changes at Park town and the feedback that we have gotten from you, our clients, neighbors and longtime friends has been overwhelmingly positive.

Dr. Amy Long has just completed her first year here. We consider ourselves very lucky to have found a veterinarian of her caliber to step into Dr. Matre's shoes. Dr. Long has a background in emergency medicine and a talent for surgery. Although she is an excellent clinician, the first thing you will notice about Dr. Long is her empathy for animals. Her genuine love of animals shows in her dedication to her patients.

A new face at the reception desk is Traci Schacher. She and her family have been long time clients and when the business that Traci had managed for years had to close, we were able to snare her. She is, also, the one who handles special orders, keeps our bills organized and keeps our drug inventory up to date.

Keeping it in the family, Traci's daughter, Alyssa, is now working part time. She also has a brand new baby boy at home and plans to resume taking college courses next semester.

Vicky is back after a leave of absence. We are glad to see her back!

This year Michelle and Miranda moved on to different situations. We wish them well and were sad to see them go.

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Latest Technology

We are proud to announce that we acquired a new digital full-body digital x-ray machine. Having the latest in technology allows us to provide the best medical care for your loved ones.