tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12302054789266522242024-03-05T03:57:12.858-08:00Healthy PetKNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-39485731550370775722020-07-28T16:42:00.001-07:002020-07-28T16:43:03.236-07:00Wellness Plans Come to Crawford<br />
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So much has been going on at Crawford Dog and Cat Hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By now, our clients have all received the e
mail telling them that the practice was purchased in January by Banfield
Veterinary Group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This brought about few
changes that were visible to pet owners until just this month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The biggest change, was our ability to stay
open with all staff on payroll through the first wave of the Covid-19
pandemic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While this year has been
stressful, we have maintained a safe environment for our pet parents and our
staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going forward, this will be our
top priority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot continue to
provide care for pets if we are sick or forced to close down.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The biggest change to operations since our return to a
single team with full staffing, occurred last Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is when we went live with our new
practice management software.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has
been a real challenge as on-site training was not available due to pandemic
travel restrictions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Banfield management
did it’s best to help us remotely, but I must say, the experience was very
stressful for the staff, and our initial efficiency was quite poor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, the team is rising to the task
and we are getting a handle on the program. That’s important, because there are
some great opportunities to lower some of the barriers to veterinary care for
our patients.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The first is our portal that allows real time, online
appointment scheduling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.banfield.com/veterinarians/ny/garden-city-park/ack" target="_blank">By f<b><span style="color: blue;">ollowing the link here</span></b>, </a>you can actually schedule certain types of appointments without
dialing your phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surgery and
anesthetic procedures cannot be scheduled, but wellness exams, sick
appointments, and drop off appointments are available on line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is even an app on line that you can
install on your phone that lets you access the scheduler, your pet’s records,
and information about Optimum Wellness Plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(OWP).<o:p></o:p></div>
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These plans are a real savings for pet owners. All preventive
care is included in the OWP.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two
comprehensive exams, screening blood work, heartworm and Feline Leukemia/FIV
testing, vaccines, and unlimited office calls. They are divided into
puppy/kitten plans and adult pet plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They can be further customized to include annual dental cleanings,
spay/neuter procedures, and screening radiographs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The plans allow you budget for pet wellness
care with monthly payments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beauty
is that on the date of enrollment, you can often get $300 -$400 worth of care
and only make the first monthly payment and a one time enrollment fee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All wellness plans also include 24/7 access
to Banfield’s telemedicine service as well as discounts on services and
products not included in the OWP.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The pets that are the most obvious beneficiary of the OWP
are puppies and kittens, pets that have finished their puppy and kitten
vaccines but need to be spayed, or pets that need a dental cleaning some time
in the next year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You can <a href="https://www.banfield.com/pet-healthcare/optimum-wellness-plans/inquire-now" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>con</b></span><b><span style="color: blue;">sult with an OWP specialist on line</span>, </b></a>or call our
office and speak with our staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
still learning the ropes but we will be glad to help you figure out the best
OWP option for your situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t
have to enroll in advance, you can do it during your annual exam and walk out
with a much lower payment than you would if you paid for the services individually.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We’ll try to touch base once a week with one little tidbit
about OWP during <b><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CrawfordDogandCat/" target="_blank">Bella’s Monday Minute</a></span></b> on Facebook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a lot to digest but it is a powerful way
to assure that our furry friends are taken care of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An ounce of prevention is definitely worth a
pound of cure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-64295726953342528432020-05-13T11:45:00.000-07:002020-05-13T11:45:50.128-07:00Covid-19 A Veterinary Journal (6)<br />
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As we cruise into the middle of May, we find ourselves
almost back to full strength, staff wise, at Crawford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are still challenges to face as New
York prepares to move towards allowing certain businesses to start to open
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our goal and the goal of our upline
management remains to maintain staff safety while meeting the needs of our
patients and their owners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t lie,
it has been a challenge for us and understandably a frustration for pet
owners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This past week saw two staff
members return to work and one more announce her intention of returning in two
weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hope to welcome Dr. Wu back
from leave at the end of June.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the
staff ramps up, we are maintaining vigilance while keeping an eye forward to
the time when we can be back to a full-service veterinary practice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, what are we doing to move towards that goal?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have started to allow drop off
appointments in addition to our curbside check in appointments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This gives us greater flexibility to work in
sick animals rather than sending them away to specialty practices when that is
not indicated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This allows the pets to
be in a more familiar environment and helps contain costs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been working with a new urgent care
center in Carle Place for our after-hours emergencies when that is the appropriate
level of care. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have experimented with
different schedules during the day to see what gives the best capacity to care
for pets that need more immediate attention, while still providing the
essential preventative care so that we don’t see sick puppies from inadequate
immunization or a public health crises due to lapses in Rabies and
Leptospirosis vaccinations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We continue
to dispense parasite control for both internal parasites as well as fleas and
ticks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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As I was out today (social distance running) I thought how
thankful I am that so many of our clients are appreciative of the work that the
doctors and staff are putting in to help care for the pets in our area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am also thankful for the support that we
have received from our field supervisors and corporate managers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their compassion for your pets and our safety
have really helped us to maintain a safe, effective, and professional
environment at Crawford during this period of stressful crises.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-43958212255214171442020-05-07T13:45:00.001-07:002020-05-07T13:45:11.881-07:00Covid-19 A veterinary Journal (5)<br />
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What a lovely day today is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The weather was perfect, and my team and I are off after a long two
weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other team headed by Dr.
Waters was on self-quarantine for 14 days, but today they are back, almost at
full strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My team is off today and
then we have a long weekend after one day back tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Working with a reduced staff has been a real challenge
for everyone, but I am happy to say that the Crawford team pulled together and
we were able to take care of all essential health issues for our patients.</div>
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Going forward, we are getting ready for the
changes that Governor Cuomo will propose next week and we will see how that
impacts the services that we can offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are hoping that we can start to once again offer routine preventive
care in addition to essential veterinary services so that we can keep our furry
friends healthy going forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we
do not see an imminent end to social distancing and curbside check ins, we are working
on plans to improve on the efficiency of our processes and the effectiveness of
our client communications so that we can serve the owners and pets of our community.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But back to today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After a morning of errands, always stressful in this environment, Bella
and I returned home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left her and I
went for a run in the neighborhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is easier to maintain distance here than many of the places that I like to
run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not ¼ mile from my house I came
upon a little Yorkie jogging towards me down the middle of the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, there were no cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, fortunately, he was friendly and had
tags with his name and phone number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
called his owners and indeed, he had escaped when grand mom had come to help
take care of the kids and left the door open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I tucked him under my arm, continued on my run and dropped him off at
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This just emphasizes the
importance of watching out for our pets while our regular routines are
disrupted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also shows the importance
of proper ID for our pets in case they do get out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tags and microchips are the best combination
for pet identification.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe once restrictions
are lifted, we can offer reduced pricing on microchips to pets that are not
identified in this way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the meantime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Enjoy
this weather and stay safe.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-26119354921154467882020-04-30T10:09:00.002-07:002020-04-30T10:09:46.889-07:00Covid-19 A Veterinary Journal (4)<br />
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The rigors of working under the corona virus guidelines have
made finding time to post a bit of a challenge over the past week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been running short staffed and then the
other team was forced to go into a one-week quarantine, putting the burden of keeping
the practice open on my team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve made
some logistical changes to try to maximize our ability to take care of our
patients without jeopardizing the safety of pet owners or our staff. I’ve
spoken with friends and colleagues throughout Long Island and they are facing
the same difficulties as we are and the stress on the doctors and staff is
quite apparent when we talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now, we
will remain open 6 days a week but the operating hours have been
curtailed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The staff and I are in from 8
AM to 4PM to see patients and perform required procedures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shelley came up with a great idea, and we shifted
our procedures to first thing in the morning from mid-day to try to make things
a little more controlled, time management wise. I have been doing a weekly Facebook Live "Ask the Vet" and clients have responded well. Details are usually posted over the weekend.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But through all off the challenges that we are all facing
day in and day out, I wanted to share one of our cases with everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the type of case that gives me great
satisfaction, helping a dog and his owner.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Enzo is a really sweet Pittie that came to me as a second
opinion in January, before the current pandemic changed the way that we are practicing
medicine. Enzo had a skin problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look
at this poor pup’s photograph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcpxXELa5butssZWuNgpu99flhJHuJRxTLrs_Q5h3kS_hWZ_-7QW7huclxLdWzRMmbF5Hw_vsYdMfuXXNeEkqQkyAvTdrsJvwwLe-pqC7oYXEjbaj5ImJYSDf6irPF2coAgbgPJY49OY/s1600/enzosick.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcpxXELa5butssZWuNgpu99flhJHuJRxTLrs_Q5h3kS_hWZ_-7QW7huclxLdWzRMmbF5Hw_vsYdMfuXXNeEkqQkyAvTdrsJvwwLe-pqC7oYXEjbaj5ImJYSDf6irPF2coAgbgPJY49OY/s320/enzosick.jpeg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
original veterinarian made the correct diagnosis, generalized demodectic
mange.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had the correct treatment
started, but for some reason, he didn’t think that Enzo was responding and was
recommending euthanasia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After reviewing
the records and examining Enzo, I counseled the owners about this disease in
adult dogs, made some minor adjustments to his treatment plan and encouraged
them to come back for regular rechecks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This went well until the end of February when rechecks became more
problematic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were able to manage the
changes in Enzo’s skin via e mail photographs and medication adjustments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last set of photos, sent last week, show
what can be accomplished with a conscientious owner and an appropriate
treatment plan. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say,
everyone is happy now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We still need to
do some work to find out why Enzo got so sick and set up a protocol to keep
this from flaring up again, but this was a ray of sunshine in an otherwise
dismal week.<o:p></o:p><br />
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I told Mom that these
pictures made my week.<br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Enzo responded with this dapper selfie. All dressed up but socially isolated. </span><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjArwcmxT4iB5QMChVf4QVj3wSsh9yRWoiTqNrvR9pmbjJCTL_kxFRehDxv5NFByKHHbWQerjrjC1x6DsQ9c3iJFObKS5R5zxLudEkw4JAIfMu0QerAisVUaXkOU9WNdmGZqqB677GE4/s1600/enzobowtie.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjArwcmxT4iB5QMChVf4QVj3wSsh9yRWoiTqNrvR9pmbjJCTL_kxFRehDxv5NFByKHHbWQerjrjC1x6DsQ9c3iJFObKS5R5zxLudEkw4JAIfMu0QerAisVUaXkOU9WNdmGZqqB677GE4/s320/enzobowtie.jpeg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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The entire team here at Crawford Dog and Cat Hospital is
happy that we are still able to help our patients, even during these difficult
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our goal is to continue doing so
and we will adapt as the situation changes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Stay safe. Be well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wash
your hands and don’t touch your face.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-33228140606327906902020-04-22T09:53:00.000-07:002020-04-22T09:53:37.623-07:00Covid-19 A Veterinary Journal (3)<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our team is back in the hospital after just one day
off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, Dr. Waters’ team is scheduled
to return to work tomorrow and we will all be back on the regular
rotation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning was very busy in
the office with several pets needing updates of essential vaccines (Rabies and
leptospirosis).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, we agreed
to see two emergencies from a practice in the area that did not have the
capabilities to help the patients due to the ongoing pandemic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are glad that we are here and able to
support our colleagues and help them to care for their patients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One pet had advanced cancer and was humanely
euthanized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was very sad for all of
us and even though we allowed the owners to be present for the procedure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Distancing protocols and masks and gowns make
the experience difficult for all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
second case was admitted to the hospital for support and diagnostics. Blood
work is being run in house, fluids are being administered via an IV catheter
and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we will have our ultrasound doctor
come in tomorrow to evaluate his abdomen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have two feral cats in today for part of our TNR program.
They will be spayed or neutered and released back to their colonies once they
have fully recovered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the feral
cat population is expanding rapidly this year due t the mild winter, we really
feel that this service is essential if we are to ever get a handle on this
problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, we can admit these
pets, perform the surgery, and get them back to the organizations that brought
them in with little interpersonal contact and therefore very little corona
virus exposure risk to our staff.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-86291647963401045042020-04-18T06:56:00.000-07:002020-04-18T06:56:14.163-07:00Covid 19 A Veterinary Journal (2)<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a rainy Saturday morning and I’m at the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually, my Saturday routine would not
include working, but difficult times call for new routines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The teams are on a rotating weekly schedule,
Monday, Wednesday, Friday on week one; Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday on week two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, to paraphrase, if this is Saturday, this
must be week two.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturdays for my team are a little different than for the
other team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As, many of our clients
know, Dr. Robin Sturtz joined the Crawford Team about a year ago when the
feline only practice that she was working at closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She came over and filled our vacant Sunday
schedule with cat only office hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A triple
win situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She filled a vacancy in
our schedule, allowing us to stay open 7 days a week; she had a place to
continue her clinical practice; her patients now had a full-service animal
hospital supporting their doctor and their pets’ needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of, course, Covid changed all of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We adapted by closing on Sundays but putting
Dr. Sturtz on my team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now every other
Saturday, she is seeing her feline patients in the exam room and we are seeing
dogs in the treatment area of the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All of our precautions as still in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Curbside check in, no clients in the
hospital, extensive PPE for all staff members, and now in compliance with
Governor Cuomo’s executive order, clients are also wearing face masks when the
hand their pets off to us. She is seeing her patients for all of their essential needs: illness, injuries, chronic health problems and essential vaccines (Rabies).<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, that’s what’s going on here during the NY Pause
initiative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully the rain today
will not be too dreary and will help people to stay in and away from one
another for one more day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
A Puppy always brightens a dreary day, especially a corgi.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-65970216492754259782020-04-17T11:43:00.003-07:002020-04-17T11:43:44.545-07:00Covid-19 A veterinary Journal<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been almost a year since we last posted on this
blog site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things had gotten really
busy, we moved to video and live events on Facebook as well as an upgraded e
mail program to communicate with our clients and area pet owners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, the blog sort of fell off the radar. But,
the world has changed dramatically in the past month and I thought that this
would be a good time to resurrect the blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not so much as a source of information, Facebook and our e mail outreach
are still the best channels for that. Rather, as a way for us to give our
clients insight as to what is going on behind the doors and personal
protection equipment here at Crawford Dog and Cat Hospital.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, how did we get to where we are today, sitting here in
the office, face mask and gowns in place, isolated from each other and our
clients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUioXLyV_BVWv4BPMqzBNgQdctwc1PDNEo6Vfc7Pyfdxewiaq_yGezbIAI6-xa-832_PcBCFrzeqzU01cS1CItHDvKG_w4tgHv7LrlfTHY4WAc6hpeK_V7E_wYaKm8IErmlZI2kya3Usc/s1600/ppe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUioXLyV_BVWv4BPMqzBNgQdctwc1PDNEo6Vfc7Pyfdxewiaq_yGezbIAI6-xa-832_PcBCFrzeqzU01cS1CItHDvKG_w4tgHv7LrlfTHY4WAc6hpeK_V7E_wYaKm8IErmlZI2kya3Usc/s200/ppe.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
I don’t mean how did the world
get to where we are today, that is a question that will be debated for a long
time, multiple possibilities, special interests, and plenty of finger pointing
to go around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, how did Crawford
get to where we are today?<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end of January, I sold the practice to a
corporation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn't planned to to sell and
I don’t intend to retire, I’m working full time here at Crawford as a clinical
veterinarian, free from the stresses of finance and management.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indeed, due to this crisis,
there have been very few changes here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone that worked here was offered their same position with the new
company and all but one stayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two
biggest changes are things that you might not have noticed as a pet owner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first is that there are deep corporate
pockets that have allowed us to stay open and pay the staff while the economy
crumbles around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather than scrambling
to survive, we have seen enhanced benefits for employees that have covid
related problems, either of their own or their immediate families. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been lucky that none of our employees
have been ill to date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several have had
family members fall ill, so far, all are doing OK although there have been some
rough patches.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The second benefit that we have seen is that we have the support
of a large management team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They offer
us logistical support as well as improved access to a vast supply chain,
helping us to maintain medications and supplies so that Crawford can continue
to provide essential veterinary services to the pets in our community.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we moved through February, it became apparent that the
Covid 19 virus was going to pose a greater threat to us than the experts had led us to believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We worked as a team with our
new <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>management and in early March, the
medical staff, Drs. Wu, Waters, and Myself, decided that we had to come up with
new procedures so that we could remain safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Several staff members elected to take a family medical leave made
available to them by our new employer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The rest of us divided into two teams, each headed by a doctor (Dr. Wu
is currently home taking care of her children. She is consulting remotely on
cases and we all eagerly await her return).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The teams are isolated, working every other day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way, if one team is exposed to the
corona virus, we won’t have to close the hospital, just rotate that team out
for their isolation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a situation
that happened this week where one of the team members who had no clinical signs
but was exposed to someone that is sick, tested positive for covid19.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That team member had been self-isolating for
almost two weeks so the team only lost one day (today) which the other team
covered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hospital did not have to
close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have also put Dr. Sturtz on a
team and she is seeing her cat patients every other Saturday.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were very proactive with this team approach and our
social distancing policies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
currently doing curbside check in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
now, clients are checking in by phone from their cars when they arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are sending a staff member out in
appropriate protective gear to bring the pet into the hospital for examination
and treatment while the owner waits outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Communication is by telephone and video chat and the pet is returned to
the family in the car when we are done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While not ideal, we feel that this offers us the best option for safety
while allowing us to treat our patients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The procedure has been well accepted by owners, pets, and our upper
management who have held our initiative out as an example to other practices in
the New York Metropolitan area market.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So that is how we got to where we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I intend to continue with our weekly live
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CrawfordDogandCat/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">Facebook</span></b></a> sessions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Join me and Bella as
we try to bring some understanding to our community as new information becomes
available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also want to use this blog
as a journal, to post regularly so that you can see what we are up to and how
we are adjusting to our new reality. I’ll share what we’re doing, how we’re
doing and who we’re doing it with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
pets that we have been here to help have ranged from a seeing eye dog
yesterday, to older pets with multiple health issues. So check back and keep up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know we all have some time to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Comments on the <a href="https://crawforddogandcat.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="color: blue;">blog page</span></b> </a>are welcome as are
questions on Facebook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMM_-N4_jf2EKRLAEg00dgOVJMHnb3nqKACK4m781XNwprPLg7cVpVTj5hFsJrYCxBShxQ3S8_lbC4Tikh_ZILFMyvbEDJCahiAuDPBioNwz4qiSddX_S8hMC1YC-Q_Uem1B6a9mcV3yU/s1600/lab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMM_-N4_jf2EKRLAEg00dgOVJMHnb3nqKACK4m781XNwprPLg7cVpVTj5hFsJrYCxBShxQ3S8_lbC4Tikh_ZILFMyvbEDJCahiAuDPBioNwz4qiSddX_S8hMC1YC-Q_Uem1B6a9mcV3yU/s320/lab.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stay safe. Be nice. Wash your hands and don’t touch your
face.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com02135 Jericho Turnpike, Garden City Park, NY 11040, USA40.7384857 -73.668628915.216451199999998 -114.9772229 66.2605202 -32.3600349tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-32367431957711602202019-05-08T17:45:00.000-07:002019-05-08T17:45:14.762-07:00Spring Is Here and So Are the Ticks<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spring is officially here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How can I tell?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, first off,
my car is coated in a yellow powder from all of the tree pollen. The sky is
finally blue and the air is warm enough for me to go running without donning 57
layers of clothing. Days are longer, and, oh yeah, I am seeing dogs and cats
with ticks almost everyday in the office.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4BzQaE7bR96quDHeD0J60C_8xeOti0kyulr8Vz2ID17UyFOr7CPChYQ1cdC-gWIkn3bo_9dWj4N9ZJaTHpCTCisRs1eztaiohkgT5lHjPU940wR0M3dnuSnpNT53AuD9FlPQG2bIyKg/s1600/Ticks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4BzQaE7bR96quDHeD0J60C_8xeOti0kyulr8Vz2ID17UyFOr7CPChYQ1cdC-gWIkn3bo_9dWj4N9ZJaTHpCTCisRs1eztaiohkgT5lHjPU940wR0M3dnuSnpNT53AuD9FlPQG2bIyKg/s320/Ticks.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, ticks alone are gross enough but these blood sucking
parasites also spread diseases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some you
have heard of like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others, such as anaplasma, ehrlichia, and
tick paralysis (yes, it is a real thing), may not be as familiar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do to a second mild winter in a row, we are
expecting a bumper crop of ticks, and so, a bad season for tick borne diseases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quick side note, epidemiologists have a
really cool way of predicting the incidence of Lyme disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see, the deer tick that carries Lyme
disease actually spends part of it’s life on a mouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we have a good acorn crop, the mice have lots to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the mice are
well fed, well, mice will be mice, we get a lot of mice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A population increase in mice mean more hosts
for deer ticks, and subsequently, a bad tick and Lyme season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve probably guessed it, great year to be
in acorns for the second or third year running and we are expecting another bad
year for Lyme disease infections in our pets.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How can you keep your pets safe?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first leg of the protection platform is
to detect and remove ticks before they can attach and transmit disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes about 48 hours for a tick to infect
your dog with Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A useful hint is to run a lint roller over
your dog whenever you suspect that there has been a potential tick
exposure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The little buggers will stick
to the lint roller.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second leg is to
use an effective tick control product to kill those ticks that you didn’t catch
with the lint roller.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We recommend an
oral monthly product such as Simperica or a 6 month Seresto Collar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Bella wears a collar).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please be aware, there are counterfeit
products out there, we saw a counterfeit collar brought in by a client that
purchased it on line last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check
out our<b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CrawfordDogandCat/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Facebook</span></span> </a></b>or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/crawforddogandcat/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">Instagram</span></b></a> pages to see a picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, vaccinate your dog against Lyme
disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are no vaccines against
the other tick borne disease, but Lyme is the most common in our area and
vaccination is an important component of disease prevention.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In cooperation with Zoetis Animal Health, we have put
together a special package to help you protect your dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you vaccinate your pet and purchase a
years worth of Simperica oral flea and tick control product from us, we will
discount the package 10%, offer a manufacturers rebate for the Simperica
purchase (total rebate varies according to their current program), and Zoetis
will offer a $7500 insurance policy towards treating your dog for Lyme disease
should it become infected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.crawforddogandcathospital.com/lyme-prevention.pml" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">Details are on our web page</span></b></a> and this package is a great way to save some money while using
the best technology currently available to protect your pet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, did you think I forgot about your cat?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While felines are less susceptible to Lyme
disease than dogs, they can get other flea or tick borne disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Protect them with a Seresto Collar or a
monthly topical application of the new Revolution Plus which will protect them
from heartworm, intestinal worms, fleas and ticks with an all in one treatment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<br />KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-73101244770015127652019-04-22T15:43:00.002-07:002019-04-22T15:43:26.084-07:00<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
SEIZURES IN PETS</h3>
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Dr. Stephanie Waters</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What to do if you pet
has a seizure:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Some of the common signs that your animal is having a
seizure include twitching of the eyelids/lips/body, abnormal leg movements
(often can be stiff but can be flaccid), chatter of the teeth and decreased
consciousness. Other common signs may include your pet may defecate, urinate, salivate
(drooling), vomit or have diarrhea. Seizures may feel like they last forever,
but in reality they commonly last a few second to minutes. If your pet is having
a seizure lasting more than a few minutes, they should immediately be taken to
the veterinary emergency clinic for further care and treatment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What to do during a
seizure?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Make sure you stay calm. Seizures can be very scary for both
owners and their loving pets. This is not a time to panic but instead be
proactive by making sure your pet is in a safe place. You can use towels or
pillows to protect or move your pets’ head and also to keep him/her steady
without falling off the couch or stairs. During a seizure, owners can lower the
lights or cover your pets eyes with a small towel or blanket. The decrease in
stimulation can be calming to your pet as they come out of the seizure. If
possible, record a video to show your veterinarian.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What NOT to do during
a seizure?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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While in a disoriented and confused state, your pet can
accidentally act aggressively and bite. It is important to not pick up or put
your hands/face, other family pets or young children near your pet while they
are have a seizure. Safety for everyone is the main goal of getting through a
seizure successfully.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What to do after a
seizure?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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After a seizure it is important to continue to monitor your
pet. They may have a post seizure phase that can involve them being very
sleepy, confused and/or show signs that lead into another seizure. Another task
would be to think back and record any triggers or clinical signs that may have
occurred before your pet had the seizure. It is also a good idea to record; the
date, time, clinical signs, how long the seizure lasted and how many seizures
occurred. Lastly, please contact your veterinarian to discuss details/questions
and schedule a vet visit. It is important to discuss these details with a
medical professional in order to help figure out the cause of the seizure and
ultimately to avoid any future seizures. Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic testing to try to find a cause for the seizure and medication to help prevent future seizures.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-36712627941680417602019-04-04T18:52:00.001-07:002019-04-05T08:11:37.240-07:00Is your Pet Afraid?One of our greatest challenges in the office is dealing with fearful pets. It makes it harder to do a complete and thorough examination, can change lab values for blood tests, and is a horrible stress on the pet and the owner.<br />
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As many of you know, Dr. Stephanie Waters has been certified as a Fear Free Veterinarian. She has taken post graduate education to help her help your pets have better experiences both at home and in the office. We have seen many pets show great progress with some of the techniques that she has brought to our office.<br />
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There is an upcoming event that she will be attending and as a public service, wants to share with pet owners. While we are not presenting or sponsoring this event, she will be attending and hopes to see owners with fearful pets there. So, if you are available and the subject matter will help you, please consider attending. <a href="https://www.crawforddogandcathospital.com/our-doctors.pml" target="_blank"> <span style="color: blue;"><b>Look for her and say hello</b></span></a><a href="https://www.crawforddogandcathospital.com/our-doctors.pml" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">.</a><span style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"> </span>Hopefully, she won't be dressed like this.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you have or
know a fearful, shy or aggressive dog? Please read below for an overview of an
upcoming event that may be life changing for you and your family! Dr. Waters
will also be attending this event because she knows learning new techniques and
ideas can be very helpful with her fearful dog Revit Waters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Helping FEARFUL, SHY
OR AGGRESSIVE dogs<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With Debbie Jacobs, CPDT-KA, CAP2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Saturday, June 22<sup>nd</sup> 2019
-- 9:00am - 4:00pm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hilton Garden Inn, Roslyn, NY 11050<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Guide To Living With & Training a Fearful Dog </i>and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Does My Dog Need Prozac?</i> and creator of </span><a href="https://fearfuldogs.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">https://fearfuldogs.com/</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> and the Fearful Dog Facebook group<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Description: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This seminar will feature information
about why dogs behave the way they do and the most effective and humane ways to
change problem behaviors in dogs. Pet owners, shelter and kennel staff,
groomers, veterinarians and technician, dog trainers, pet sitters, day care
staff, and anyone else interested in dogs will find this an informative and
enlightening seminar on dog behavior!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Seminar Outline:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The content in this presentation is
based on the scientific study and research of animal behavior and how dogs
learn. This information is the foundation for further and continuing learning
about working with fearful dogs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Topics include:<o:p></o:p></u></span></b></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Why
dogs are afraid<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What
fear/stress looks like and its impact on behavior<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How
to interact with feral or unsocialized dogs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How
to work with fear based behaviors<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
use of play in the rehabilitation of fearful dogs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Understanding
the effects of reinforcement & punishment on fearful dogs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What
is learned helplessness?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Myth
of reinforcing fear<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Equipment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Medication<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Other
resources<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Gradual
exposure and counterconditioning<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Managing
environments for fearful dogs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Skill
building exercises for fearful dogs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Question
and Answer session <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
“Many of the problem Behaviors we see in dogs, including aggression, have their
own roots in fear,” Jacob explains, “When people learn how to respond
appropriately to their dog’s behavior we can see significant and long lasting
improvements.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Organizer Description:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This event is hosted by Dana Seyfriend & Next Generation Dog
Training, Long Island NY. Dana is a Pat Miller Level 1 Academy graduate and a
Pat Miller Affiliate trainer. Two of her household of five dogs are fearful
dogs. They inspire and motivate her as a trainer, and are her teachers of
empathy and compassion towards all who live and work with fearful dogs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*refreshments
and light snacks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">* This is a
people only event, no dogs please. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Early Bird
Special $99.00<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Regular
Admission $119.00<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://buytickets.at/nextgenerationdogtraining"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">http://buytickets.at/nextgenerationdogtraining</span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-57009299716773946852019-03-21T16:49:00.001-07:002019-03-21T16:51:10.286-07:00House Calls.<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">House Calls</span></h2>
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I'm going to try to highlight some of the services and events that Crawford Dog and Cat Hospital offers to the pets and their owners in Nassau County and Queens in a series of blog posts. Today, <a href="https://www.crawforddogandcathospital.com/house-calls.pml" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>House Calls.</b></span></a><br />
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I have been making house calls on Long Island since 1990. Originally it was all I did, but as the practice grew, I had hospitals that needed my attention. Now, we are back to a single location and the <b><u><span style="color: blue;">staff</span></u></b> at Crawford Dog and Cat Hospital are on the road almost every day, visiting our patients in the comfort of their own homes.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Who makes house calls?</span></h3>
Many practices claim that they make house calls, but just try to get an appointment. That's when you'll find out that the one doctor that does go out for home visits is available on alternate Mondays when the moon is full. At Crawford Dog and Cat Hospital, Drs. Niesenbaum and Waters are on the road most weekdays. We are fortunate that Dr. Wu is available to hold down the fort back at the office so that one of us can usually sneak out. Now, that doesn't mean that we are available for emergency calls, we just can't always fit those in. However, if you do have an emergency, John and Hector will jump in our ambulance for pet transport and bring your pet to us. We can almost always accommodate an emergency pick up. Our technicians,<a href="https://www.crawforddogandcathospital.com/our-staff.pml" target="_blank"> <b><span style="color: blue;">Kim, Miriam, and Ellie</span></b> </a>are also on the road, doing blood draws, nail trims and laser therapy along with other outpatient services.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Who uses our house call service?</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Lot's of people prefer to have us come to the home to help with their pet's veterinary care. Many of our senior owners have difficulty transporting their pets to our office. People with multiple pets will often find it easier to have us come out and see everyone in one visit, rather that ferrying pets back and forth to the office. Cats especially appreciate not being put in a carrier for transport and prefer the comfort of their own couch for veterinary visits. Older pets have difficulty getting into the car and are more comfortable in their own beds at home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCkiQ09uHh3_XT-Sw3nFkMbpocCbqUCpi3z13eJI8P78s-FmHyI5sP9H6EjJfQG_PhoVDkrCUmiDap9qi-ny0yOW6RR4JU1fozNvffByWs3ZdXL-glIB71OTPK4CFgSVaGAXvzBXKVBM/s1600/Mastiff+small.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCkiQ09uHh3_XT-Sw3nFkMbpocCbqUCpi3z13eJI8P78s-FmHyI5sP9H6EjJfQG_PhoVDkrCUmiDap9qi-ny0yOW6RR4JU1fozNvffByWs3ZdXL-glIB71OTPK4CFgSVaGAXvzBXKVBM/s320/Mastiff+small.png" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">What services are available in the home?</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Our doctors can perform most outpatient services in the comfort of your home. Examinations, vaccinations, blood tests, physical therapy, and even needle biopsies and skin cytologies can be done without a trip into the office. Dr. Waters has a special gift when working with anxious pets as she is <a href="https://www.crawforddogandcathospital.com/what-is-fear-free.pml" target="_blank">f<span style="color: blue;"><b>ear free certifie</b></span>d </a>and has a whole bag of tricks to put you and your pet at ease. And of course, when the discussion turns to end of life care, our staff can offer palliative care programs to keep your pet comfortable until it is time for them to part. We offer compassionate euthanasia services at home so that you don't have the stress of taking your pet out of the home for that final trip to the vet. We can make whatever arraignments that you want for care of the body, including holding your pet for burial, individual cremation with the remains returned to you, or group cremation. </span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;">How do you schedule a house call?</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmrOywTuu-GNLWz0H8neF_O4XdbL9C25qY3sz3vYRdfBbmNlA-6aKxUgtISzmUl-wq6N_dbcOQ3nKKu8b3mlOg0cNkYeEHzBdPRjC00-lUX-urXvs_S7oaRMlha4LFtddPuF2iWvOqWg/s1600/Budie+phone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmrOywTuu-GNLWz0H8neF_O4XdbL9C25qY3sz3vYRdfBbmNlA-6aKxUgtISzmUl-wq6N_dbcOQ3nKKu8b3mlOg0cNkYeEHzBdPRjC00-lUX-urXvs_S7oaRMlha4LFtddPuF2iWvOqWg/s320/Budie+phone.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">That's the easy part. You can call our office at 516 746-1566. Or, request a house call by using our<b><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></span><a href="https://www.crawforddogandcathospital.com/request-an-appointment.pml" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">on line form</span></b>. </a>Someone will get back to you to confirm the appointment. So, if the stress or inconvenience of a trip to the vet is keeping you from making sure that your furry friend is healthy, give a house call a try. Remember, keep the light on for us.</div>
<br />KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-82280191449021934232019-01-02T16:58:00.001-08:002019-01-02T18:18:03.129-08:00Musings From Our Newest Veterinarian<br />
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Dr. Robin Sturtz</div>
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As the newest member of the Crawford family, I’m delighted
to have this opportunity to talk a bit about veterinary practice. First,
though, I want to thank everyone at Crawford Dog and Cat Hospital: the doctors,
the technicians, the assistants, and the staff. They have made me feel welcome
and have given me all the support I need. Many thanks!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Although I do love all animals (well, except spiders), I
have <a href="http://www.crawforddogandcathospital.com/feline-friendly-office-hours.pml" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">worked solely with felines</span></b></a> since I graduated from veterinary school in
2004. Cats are an endlessly fascinating species. Their personalities vary from calm
and people-oriented to very active and….not so people-oriented. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The science of ethology is the study of animal behavior,
especially normal behavior in their typical environment. What we learn about this
can help us devise ways to work with them in an “abnormal” environment, such as
a hospital or clinic. In addition, we can also rely on medications and nutraceuticals
(chemicals that are not drugs but can help with certain behavioral or health problems). We use many supplements, techniques, and sometimes medications, to decrease your cat's stress and make your visit easier. Feel free to call us before your appointment so that we can help make the experience as pleasant as possible for everyone.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uFLlmzmYOkpmNMudg-CexKolL3g3rYNLUe3cobzUXHLYFvl42QJTwqbCh71UFRV7dfWjk2ssphUib8dy2JGm13JTX4UN7-a1d4YWH6YHBIc0GFwQnsxKj3R61f2-3Ge2t2rzZeWUfOo/s1600/Happy+PIlls+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uFLlmzmYOkpmNMudg-CexKolL3g3rYNLUe3cobzUXHLYFvl42QJTwqbCh71UFRV7dfWjk2ssphUib8dy2JGm13JTX4UN7-a1d4YWH6YHBIc0GFwQnsxKj3R61f2-3Ge2t2rzZeWUfOo/s1600/Happy+PIlls+small.jpg" /></a></div>
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We talk a lot about the Human-Animal Bond (HAB, for short).
Cave paintings in Lascaux, France, dated to 20,000 years ago, depict animals,
not humans. The importance of the animal for food, clothing, and shelter is
evident.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nature of the
relationship we have with domestic animals varies quite a bit from family to
family, and even country to country. In many places, animals are used for work,
or for play, but are never brought into the house. In some countries, what we
think of as companion animals are quite rare, and food animals are of far
greater importance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the US and many other countries, however, pets are
considered as family members. We value their companionship, are fascinated by
their behaviors, and do everything we can to make them happy and healthy. What
they give us in return is love, and actual health benefits. (and hairballs)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Watching fish swim has been known to cause human blood
pressure to decrease. People with dementia, such as patients with Alzheimer’s
syndrome, can improve their personal hygiene and communication when they get
regular visits from a pet – even as little as half an hour, once a week.
Children who have communication issues such as speech and language delay can
become more interactive when working or playing with animals. A famous example
is the interaction between horses and children on the autism spectrum. In many cases, the HAB is so strong
that many homeless people who have pets will refuse to go into a shelter
because animals are not allowed. Recognition of these facts is crucial in
working with people in these situations.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The fact that you bring your animal companion to the
veterinarian shows how strong that bond is. We applaud your caring!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I look forward to meeting everyone, furry and otherwise, as
we go along. I am in the clinic on Sundays, for our cat only office hours. Stop by to visit, say hello, or to tour our new feline boarding area.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Have a wonderful new year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-35251389233153524832018-11-05T17:12:00.001-08:002018-11-05T17:12:03.008-08:00Fleas, Ticks, and the FDA.<br />
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We’ve gotten several calls about the FDA press release last
month with respect to oral flea and tick control products and adverse
effects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Considering that here we are,
well into November and the temperature is still cracking 60 degrees, well above
the active temperature minimum zone for parasite activity, I thought that I would address the
issue.<o:p></o:p></div>
<h4>
Flea and Tick Diseases</h4>
First off, I think it is important to realize that ticks and
fleas should be a concern beyond the icky factor that bugs crawling on our pets
elicit. These parasites carry
diseases. We know that ticks carry Lyme
disease which can infect dogs, cats and us.
But they also carry Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
as well as a host of other diseases. One
tick causes an allergy in people (and possibly pets) to red meat. That’s right, one bite and say good bye to
slow cooked barbecue next summer. Fleas can carry a host of diseases as well
including Bartonella (cat scratch disease) as well as typhus, plague, and tularemia.
So the question is not should you use flea and tick control, but rather which
product is the safest and most effective.<br />
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<h4>
What We Used to do About Fleas and Ticks</h4>
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Historically, (going way back to ancient history), we used
really toxic products, many banned due to their horrific side effects for pets
and people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These sprays, dips and
powders killed fleas and mammals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think back with a shudder to the summers that I worked in kennels as a student
applying organophosphate dips to dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No fleas on them, and no mosquitoes on me. Hopefully, I’ll have no long term
ill effects.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A revolution in flea and tick control came about with the
release of Frontline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The active ingredient
is Fipronil to kill adult fleas and ticks paired with a growth inhibitor to
prevent the immature fleas from developing into adults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The product was safe for mammals and when
applied once a month prevented fleas and ticks from pestering our pets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is actually used in agriculture as well to
treat food crops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was rapidly followed to
market by Advantage and Advantix (dogs only) for topical use to prevent flea
and tick infestations in our pets. A host of over the counter products made
their way to market, some less effective, many more dangerous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few years ago, we started to notice that
there was resistance developing in the fleas and ticks and these products were
starting to lose their effectiveness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<h4>
What We Do Now About Fleas and Ticks</h4>
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Bayer had the next innovation in external parasite
control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Seresto collar kills fleas
and ticks for up to 8 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
found them to be very safe and effective, for both dogs and cats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The efficacy is diminished by frequent
bathing so we recommend changing the collars every 6 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the product that I use on Bella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Many people don’t like the idea of a collar and their cats
do not go outdoors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That does not put
them at zero risk for fleas or heartworm, although the chances of picking up a
tick is quite low. For these pets we recommend Advantage Multi or Revolution
once a month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This product will safely
prevent fleas, heartworm and intestinal parasites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Combine with the collar for full
protection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did have a case of feline
heartworm this month in a cat that hasn’t been outdoors for over 10 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go figure, mosquitoes can get in the house.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The next round of products to market was for dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isoxazolines are an oral product that will
kill fleas and ticks, some for up to 3 months (although not all ticks and not
as well as the monthly products).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
are the products that the FDA released the new warnings about, so let’s talk
about that for a bit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<h4>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">The FDA </span></h4>
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When a new drug is approved, it must go through thorough
testing for both safety and efficacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drugs
must be shown to be effective, that’s why we picked the two drugs that we
prescribe, Simperica and Credelio, both are very effective over the dosage
interval of once a month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far as
safety, new drugs must be given to a group of animals at the label dose, as well as
3x and 5x the label dose, alone and in combination with other commonly
administered medications.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All side
effects must be reported.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A single dog,
under 6 months of age, had transient neurological side effects at 5x the label
dose of Simperica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, the FDA granted a
label for Simperica for dogs over 6 months of age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Credelio did not report this side effect so
was given a label for dogs over 8 weeks of age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are currently following the label
recommendations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Puppies under 6 months old get Credelio, over 6 months we are satisfied with the safety and efficacy of
Simperica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have had no side effects
from either medication in our patients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Furthermore, when I questioned my colleagues, none have reported any
side effects in their patients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
there must have been some side effects reported to the FDA, because they are
working on adding more information to the labels for all drugs in this
class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep in mind, that the current
package insert already carries this information where applicable. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Furthermore, if you read the entire press
release, beyond the sensational headlines that are springing up all over the
internet, you will find that the FDA says that “these products continue to be
safe and effective for the majority of animals”, adding that it <the FDA>
carefully reviewed studies and other data on Bravecto, Credelio, Nexgard, and
Simparica prior to approval. The agency is asking the manufacturers to change
product labeling in order to provide veterinarians and pet owners with the
information they need to make treatment decisions for each pet on an individual
basis.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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We recognize our clients’ concerns for their pets’ safety
and continue to monitor studies as they become available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not using flea and tick control is not safe
either as insect borne diseases are seriously dangerous to our pets and
ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are striving to provide a
balance so that we can keep our pets and families safe.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-48157612434701491322018-08-06T05:39:00.001-07:002018-08-06T05:44:52.244-07:00International Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: right;">
Dr. Sandra Wu</div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
August 22, 2018 is Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day, but “My cat hates going to the vet, she seems fine, why should I bother bringing her?”</div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
We all know how much cats hate to travel, but it is essential to your cat's health to make that annual trip for the physical examination. Here are some major reasons why:</div>
<ol style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Cats age faster, even than dogs in the first few years. In the first year, cats become 15 in human years; after the 2nd, they are 24 human years. Every year thereafter they gain another 4 years. A lot of changes can happen over these years. Annual examinations help us to detect changes and provide preventative care.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Cats are survivors who know how to mask disease and pain until they are so far gone, it makes it difficult for anyone to help them. By bringing them in routinely, we can examine and evaluate them for earlier signs of disease. By detecting diseases earlier, we have a much better chance at helping them.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">They are not just “fluffy.” More than 50% of cats are overweight, which puts them at risk for diabetes, heart, kidney and lung disease. We can help regulate a diet and exercise plan to keep your kitty from becoming a statistic.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Adult cats have 30 teeth that most owners never brush. And those mouths get gingivitis and cavities that can be so painful, their teeth chatter when we touch them. Let us check out those teeth and make plans to keep them healthy.</li>
</ol>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
So how do I get unwilling “Fluffy” to the office?</div>
<ol style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Get a carrier that feels safe - a hard-sided carrier with top and front doors that can have the top removed. Try stuffing your cat into a tiny carrier door and you'll understand why it's nice to have the top hatch through which you can lower her into the carrier. Being able to lift the top off at the office so she can still hide in the towels make her feel safe.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Leave the carrier out for a week before using it so your cat can get used to the smell. You can place treats in the carrier so he associates good things with it. He may even climb in it to check it out on his own, it makes a nice hidey-hole!</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">If your cat is a bit resistant or aggressive about getting into the carrier, we can occasionally provide medicine or recommend products like Feliway to calm him down before coming. Call us for sugggestions.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">And if all else fails and there is no way you're getting your cat to come into the office, we also do housecalls! Call us to set up an appointment for a doctor to make the trip to your cat instead.</li>
</ol>
<div>
Call us to schedule an appointment or request an <a href="http://crawforddogandcathospital.com/request-an-appointment.pml" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">appointment on line</span></b>.</a> We are working on special offers for this event, so stay tuned to Facebook and check your e mail for details. </div>
KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-38888336770757561902018-07-11T11:22:00.002-07:002018-07-11T11:22:54.898-07:00Cruciate Ligament Injury<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="evMainContent" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
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<tr><td valign="bottom">This Article can be found on our <a href="http://crawforddogandcathospital.com/pet-library.pml" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">pet informational page </a><b style="color: blue;">. </b>It is provided for our clients courtesy of Veterinary Information Network and is protected by their copyright. Additional articles about cruciate ligament injury in dogs as well as other pet health topics can be found on the same web page. We would like to thank Dr. Wendy Brooks for the article and hope that it is helpful for owners with pets that have knee injuries.<br />
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<span class="Title1" style="font-family: "arial" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;">By Wendy C. Brooks, DVM, DipABVP </span><br />
<span class="Quote" style="font-style: italic;">Educational Director, VeterinaryPartner.com</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Header1" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">Ruptured Cranial Cruciate Ligaments in Dogs</span><br />
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<strong>First, the Basics</strong><br />
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<em><br />Drawings by MarVistaVet</em></div>
The knee is a fairly complicated joint. It consists of the femur above, the tibia below, the kneecap (patella) in front, and the bean-like fabellae behind. Chunks of cartilage called the medial and lateral menisci fit between the femur and tibia like cushions. An assortment of ligaments holds everything together, allowing the knee to bend the way it should and keep it from bending the way it shouldn't.<br />
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There are two cruciate ligaments that cross inside the knee joint: the anterior (or, more correctly in animals, cranial) cruciate and the posterior (in animals, the caudal) cruciate. They connect from one side of the femur on top to the opposite side of the tibia on the bottom, the two ligaments forming an X (hence the name cruciate) inside the knee joint. They are named for their attachment site on the tibia (the cranial cruciate attaches to the front of the tibia and the caudal cruciate attaches to the back of the tibia). This may be hard to visualize based on the description but the illustration above shows the orientation of the two crossing ligaments effectively. The anterior/cranial cruciate ligament prevents the tibia from slipping forward out from under the femur.<br />
<strong>Finding the Rupture</strong><br />
The ruptured cruciate ligament is the most common knee injury of dogs; in fact, chances are that any dog with sudden rear leg lameness has a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament rather than something else. The history usually involves a rear leg suddenly so sore that the dog can hardly bear weight on it. If left alone, it will appear to improve over the course of a week or two but the knee will be notably swollen and arthritis will set in quickly. Dogs are often seen by the veterinarian in either the acute stage shortly after the injury or in the chronic stage weeks or months later.<br />
The key to the diagnosis of the ruptured cruciate ligament is the demonstration of an abnormal knee motion called a drawer sign. It is not possible for a normal knee to show this sign.<br />
<strong>The Drawer Sign</strong><br />
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The veterinarian stabilizes the position of the femur with one hand and manipulates the tibia with the other hand. If the tibia moves forward (like a drawer being opened), the cruciate ligament is ruptured.<br />
Another method is the tibial compression test where the veterinarian stabilizes the femur with one hand and flexes the ankle with the other hand. If the ligament is ruptured, again the tibia moves abnormally forward.<br />
If the rupture occurred some time ago, there will be swelling on side of the knee joint that faces the other leg. This is called a medial buttress and is a sign that arthritis is well along.<br />
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It is not unusual for animals to be tense or frightened at the vet's office. Tense muscles can temporarily stabilize the knee, preventing demonstration of the drawer sign during examination. Often sedation is needed to get a good evaluation of the knee. This is especially true with larger dogs. Eliciting a drawer sign can be difficult if the ligament is only partially ruptured so a second opinion may be a good idea if the initial examination is inconclusive.<br />
Since arthritis can set in relatively quickly after a cruciate ligament rupture, radiographs to assess arthritis are helpful. Another reason for radiographs is that occasionally when the cruciate ligament tears, a piece of bone where the ligament attaches to the tibia breaks off as well. This will require surgical repair and the surgeon will need to know about it before beginning surgery. Arthritis present prior to surgery limits the extent of the recovery after surgery though surgery is still needed to slow or even curtail further arthritis development.<br />
<strong>How Rupture Happens</strong><br />
Several clinical pictures are seen with ruptured cruciate ligaments. One is a young athletic dog playing roughly who takes a bad step and injures the knee. This is usually a sudden lameness in a young large-breed dog.<br />
A recent study identified the following breeds as being particularly at risk for this phenomenon: Labrador retriever, Golden retriever, Rottweiler,Neapolitan mastiff, Newfoundland, Akita, St. Bernard, Rottweiler, Chesapeake Bay retriever, and American Staffordshire terrier.<br />
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On the other hand, an older large dog, especially if overweight, can have weakened ligaments and slowly stretch or partially tear them. The partial rupture may be detected or the problem may not become apparent until the ligament breaks completely. In this type of patient, stepping down off the bed or a small jump can be all it takes to break the ligament. The lameness may be acute but have features of more chronic joint disease or the lameness may simply be a more gradual/chronic problem.<br />
Larger overweight dogs that rupture one cruciate ligament frequently rupture the other one within a year's time. An owner should be prepared for another surgery in this time frame.<br />
The cranial cruciate rupture is not limited to large breed dogs. Small dogs can certainly rupture their ligaments as well and, while arthritis is slower to set in when the patient is not as heavy, there is an association with cruciate rupture and medial luxating patella that is very common in small breed dogs. With the patellar luxation, the kneecap flips in and out of the patellar groove. If the condition is relatively mild, it may not require surgical correction but it does stress the cranial cruciate ligament and can predispose to rupture and need to correct both conditions surgically.<br />
The cranial cruciate rupture is not limited to large breed dogs. Small dogs can certainly rupture their ligaments as well and, while arthritis is slower to set in when the patient is not as heavy, there is an association with cruciate rupture and <a href="http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2448&EVetID=3005061" style="color: blue; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">medial luxating patella</a> that is very common in small breed dogs. With the patellar luxation, the kneecap flips in and out of the patellar groove. If the condition is relatively mild, it may not require surgical correction but it does stress the cranial cruciate ligament and can predispose to rupture and need to correct both conditions surgically.<br />
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<strong>What Happens if the Cruciate Rupture is Not Surgically Repaired</strong><br />
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<em>Radiographs by MarVistaVet</em></div>
Without an intact cruciate ligament, the knee is unstable. Wear between the bones and meniscal cartilage becomes abnormal and the joint begins to develop degenerative changes. Bone spurs called osteophytes develop resulting in chronic pain and loss of joint motion. This process can be arrested or slowed by surgery but cannot be reversed.<br />
<ul>
<li>Osteophytes are evident as soon as 1 to 3 weeks after the rupture in some patients. This kind of joint disease is substantially more difficult for a large breed dog to bear, though all dogs will ultimately show degenerative changes. Typically, after several weeks from the time of the acute injury, the dog may appear to get better but is not likely to become permanently normal.</li>
<li>In one study, a group of dogs was studied for 6 months after cruciate rupture. At the end of 6 months, 85% of dogs less than 30 pounds of body weight had regained near normal or improved function while only 19% of dogs over 30 pounds had regained near normal function. Both groups of dogs required at least 4 months to show maximum improvement.</li>
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<strong>What Happens in Surgical Repair?</strong><br />
There are three different surgical repair techniques commonly used, and a fourth method that has fallen out of favor in recent years.<br />
<em><strong>Extracapsular Repair</strong></em><br />
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This procedure represents the traditional surgical repair for the cruciate rupture. It can be performed without specialized equipment and is far less invasive than the newer procedures described below. First, the knee joint is opened and inspected. The torn or partly torn cruciate ligament is removed. Any bone spurs of significant size are bitten away with an instrument called a rongeur. If the meniscus is torn, the damaged portion is removed. A large, strong suture is passed around the fabella behind the knee and through a hole drilled in the front of the tibia. This tightens the joint to prevent the drawer motion, effectively taking over the job of the cruciate ligament.<br />
<ul>
<li>Typically, the dog may carry the leg up for a good two weeks after surgery but will increase knee use over the next 2 months eventually returning to normal.</li>
<li>Typically, the dog will require 8 to 12 weeks of exercise restriction after surgery (no running, outside on a leash only including the backyard.</li>
<li>The suture placed will break 2 to 12 months after surgery and the dog's own healed tissue will hold the knee.</li>
</ul>
<em><strong>Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)</strong></em>This procedure uses a fresh approach to the biomechanics of the knee joint and was developed with larger breed dogs in mind. The idea is to change the angle at which the femur bears weight on the flat "plateau" of the tibia. The tibia is cut and rotated in such a way that the natural weight-bearing of the dog actually stabilizes the knee joint. As before the knee joint still must be opened and damaged meniscus removed. The cruciate ligament remnants may or may not be removed depending on the degree of damage.<br />
This surgery is complex and involves special training in this specific technique. Many radiographs are necessary to calculate the angle of the osteotomy (the cut in the tibia). This procedure typically costs substantially more than the extracapsular repair as it is more invasive to the joint.<br />
<ul>
<li>Typically, most dogs are touching their toes to the ground by 10 days after surgery although it can take up to 3 weeks.</li>
<li>As with other techniques, 8-12 weeks of exercise restriction are needed.</li>
<li>Full function is generally achieved 3 to 4 months after surgery and the dog may return to normal activity.</li>
</ul>
<strong><em>Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA)</em></strong><br />
The TTA similarly uses the biomechanics of the knee to create stability though this procedure changes the angle of the patellar ligament. This is done by cutting and repositioning the tibial crest where the patellar ligament attaches and implanting a titanium or steel "cage," "fork," and plate as well as bone grafts to stabilize the new angle. Like the TPLO, bone is cut, special equipment is needed including metal implant plates. Similar recoveries are seen relative to the TPLO.<br />
<strong>Which Procedure is Better?</strong><br />
The TTA and TPLO are much more invasive, much more expensive, and require special equipment and specially trained personnel. They have greater potential for complication. Are they worth it? For dogs under 45 lbs, it generally accepted that there is no clear advantage of the newer procedures over extra capsular repair. For larger dogs, there is great controversy. For all the theory behind TPLO and TTA, results one year post-operative seem to be the same regardless of which of the three procedures the dog had performed. There is some evidence that recovery to normal function may be faster with the newer procedures. Controversy continues and there are strong opinions favoring each of the three procedures. Discuss options with your veterinarian in order to decide.<br />
<strong>General Rehabilitation after Surgery</strong><br />
Rehabilitation following the extracapsular repair method can begin as soon as the pet goes home. The area can be chilled with a padded ice pack for 10 minutes a couple times daily. (Do not try to make up for a skipped treatment by icing the area longer; prolonged cold exposure can cause injury.) Passive range of motion exercise where the knee is gently flexed and extended can also help. It is important not to induce pain when moving the limb. Let the patient guide you. Avoid twisting the leg. After the stitches or staples are out (or after the skin has healed in about 10 to 14 days), water treadmill exercise can be used if a facility is available. This requires strict observation and, if possible, the patient should wear a life jacket. Rehabilitation for patients with intracapsular repair is similar but slower in progression.<br />
Rehabilitation after TPLO or TTA is gentler. Icing as above and rest are the main modes of therapy. After 3 to 4 weeks, an increase in light activity can be introduced. A water treadmill is helpful. No jumping, running or stair-climbing is allowed at first. Expect the osteotomy site to require a good 6 weeks to heal.<br />
<strong>What if the Rupture Isn't Discovered for Years and Joint Disease is Already Advanced?</strong><br />
A dog with arthritis pain from an old cruciate rupture may still benefit from a TPLO surgery and possibly from the TTA. Ask your veterinarian if it may be worth having a surgery specialist take a look at the knee. Most cases must make do with medical management. Visit our section on <a href="http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=&EVetID=3005061" style="color: blue; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">arthritis treatment</a>.<br />
<strong>Meniscal Injury</strong><br />
We mentioned the menisci as part of the knee joint. The bones of all joints are capped with cartilage so as provide a slippery surface where the bones contact each other (if the bones contact each other without cartilage, they grind each other down). In addition to these cartilage caps, the stifle joint has two blocks of cartilage in-between the bones. These blocks are called the menisci and serve to distribute approximately 65% of the compressive load delivered to the knee. The only other joint with a meniscus is the jaw (tempero-mandibular joint).<br />
When the crucial ligament ruptures, the medial (on the inner side of the knee) meniscus frequently tears and must either be removed, partly removed, or ideally repaired. This is generally done at the time of cruciate ligament surgery and we would be remiss not to mention it.<br />
Pets with meniscal damage may have an audible clicking sound when they walk or when the knee is examined, but for a definitive diagnosis the menisci must actually be inspected during surgery. It is difficult to access the menisci and thus repairing a tear in the meniscus is problematic; furthermore, poor blood supply to the menisci also makes good healing less likely. For these reasons, removal of the damaged portion of the meniscus is the most common surgical choice. This leaves some meniscus behind to distribute the compression load on the knee but removes the painful, ineffective portion.<br />
Areas of current research include techniques to improve blood supply to the healing meniscus so that repair can be more feasible. If meniscal damage has occurred in a cruciate rupture, arthritis is inevitable and surgery should be considered a palliative procedure.<br />
<strong>Enhancing Recovery after Surgery</strong><br />
<em>Confinement</em>Enhancing recovery post-operatively is largely about strict confinement early. This cannot be over-emphasized. Be prepared to crate your dog our employ a pen such as a child's playpen depending on the dog's size. A corral of sorts can be constructed with boxes and a baby gate. Be sure you understand the instructions with regard to gradual return to exercise over several months.<br />
<em>Adequan Injections<strong><br /></strong></em>A series of <a href="http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1800&EVetID=3005061" style="color: blue; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Adequan</a> injections can help with joint inflammation as well as lubrication. Typically injections are given twice a week for a total of eight injections.<br />
<em>Glucosamine</em>Oral joint supplements such as <a href="http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=542&EVetID=3005061" style="color: blue; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">glucosamine</a> contain cartilage building blocks to help the body repair cartilage damage. This is an excellent time to begin supplementation and there are numerous brands.<br />
<em>Weight Management</em>Overweight dogs have an increased risk for arthritis and for cruciate rupture. A weight management program can reduce the potential for arthritis and can reduce the risk of rupture of the opposite cruciate ligament. If your dog is overweight, ask your vet about a weight management plan that might be started during the recovery period.<br />
<em>Professional Rehab/Physical Therapy</em>Nothing compares to professional rehab for return to function. If you are lucky enough to have such a facility in your area, consider utilizing their services. A list of home exercises may be obtained and/or the dog can visit weekly or a few times weekly for exercise and treatment. Some facilities allow the dog to board and have daily treatment. Ask your vet about this option.</td><td align="right" width="10"></td></tr>
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KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-85599319646313213242018-06-13T11:34:00.000-07:002018-06-13T11:41:46.721-07:00Gross and Dangerous: TICKS!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I say tick, most people’s immediate response is something
along the lines of eww, or yuck, or gross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are truly disgusting, and we have been seeing a lot of them on both
dogs and cats in the office this spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It appears that although the weatherman cannot predict whether or not it
will rain in the next hour accurately, the parasitologists have hit the nail on
the head with their prediction of a bad tick season this year. And,
unfortunately, the cool, damp spring is not helping matters any.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Most pet owners are worried about Lyme disease and with good
reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The incidence of infection with Borrelia
Burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease is way up this year in our
area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While Lyme Disease is an important
problem for dogs and their owners, there are many other tick borne diseases that
we need to be concerned about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Different
ticks carry different parasites and we have seen spikes in positive tests for
Anaplasma and Ehrlichiosis as well as Lyme disease this spring.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Along with emerging diseases spread by ticks, we are seeing
changes in the species of ticks that we are seeing in our area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lone Star Ticks, named for the single white
spot on the back of the bug (not for the state of Texas) are emerging as a problem,
especially out east.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
problematic because many tick preventions are not as effective against this
species as one would like. They also spread diseases like Tularemia and Human monocytotrophic
ehrlichiosis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If that’s not bad enough,
they also can cause a serious and sometimes lifetime allergic reaction to red
meat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s right, as bizarre as it
sounds, a protein in the saliva of the Lone Star Tick can cause it’s bite victims
to become allergic to all red meat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A new species of east
Asian tick has raised it’s ugly head in New Jersey and we are girding ourselves
for it’s appearance on Long Island in the near future.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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So, what can we do to keep ourselves and out pets safe?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h4>
Prevention:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></h4>
Stay out
of tall grass when possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Treat your
yards if you are in high tick areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use
an effective tick control product.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
recommend Simperica oral chews or Seresto collars for our pets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pyrethrin treated clothing for humans.<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h4>
Detection:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></h4>
Ticks need
to attach for a period of time to spread disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check your pets and yourselves daily for
ticks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A useful tool is a tape lint roller
up and down your pet after it comes in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ticks
will stick to the tape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you find an
attached tick, gentle traction with a small tweezer, close to the skin will get
the tick to release.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not crush it
with your fingers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you need it
identified, put it in a plastic baggie and bring it to your veterinarian.<o:p></o:p><br />
<h4>
<br />Testing:</h4>
</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have your
dog tested regularly for tick borne diseases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s a simple blood test.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h4>
Vaccination:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></h4>
We have
effective vaccinations against Lyme disease, the most common tick transmitted
disease in our area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your pet is at risk,
vaccination is imperative. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have a<a href="http://crawforddogandcathospital.com/lyme-prevention.pml" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;"> special program</span></b></a> for testing, vaccination, and
prevention with <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://crawforddogandcathospital.com/lyme-prevention.pml" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>discounts</b></span></a> </span>and manufacturer rebates.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-80401485036645305692018-05-11T06:03:00.003-07:002018-05-11T06:04:07.875-07:00H3N2 Dog Flu and You<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Canine
Influenza Virus (CIV) has been a cause of canine cough in the US since
2003.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The original strain of the virus
was first seen in racing Greyhound kennels and rapidly spread throughout the
country and is now endemic to many states including Colorado, Florida,
Pennsylvania, New Jersey and <b>New York</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The original strain of CIV is s subtype of an Influenza A virus,
identified by it’s protein receptors as H3N8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It causes a dry hacking cough, similar but more serious than that
associated with Bordetella, the bacteria that causes Kennel Cough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is easily spread through direct contact,
nasal aerosols (think coughing and sneezing), and fomites (objects and clothing
that has been sneezed or coughed on).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since it was a new virus on the block, all dogs were susceptible to
infection, there was no immunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
vaccine was quickly developed and we were able to control infection in our pet
populations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The game
changed again in 2015 with the appearance of a new strain of the virus, H3N2
CIV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike human influenza viruses,
this was not simply an annual mutation of the virus but an entirely new
strain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The H3N8 is still around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Originally appearing in the Midwest, H3N2 has
since started to spread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We monitored
the spread of the outbreaks (somewhat more severe than the original CIV infections)
and since there was no spike in cases in our area, we did not change our
vaccine protocols. However, an outbreak of H3N2 CIV has been identified just
last week in Brooklyn and so now we are trying to get the word out to dog
owners so that they can protect their pets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While flu
season in people is winding down, dog flu season is just getting started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s because the risk factors increase as
the weather gets warmer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see
increased exposure for dogs that go to boarding, day care, dog runs, grooming, social
groups, or now, go into Brooklyn and they need to be protected against this virus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What does
this mean for your dog?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your pet has
any of the above risk factors, we recommend vaccination against both strains of
CIV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An initial series of 2 vaccinations
is followed by annual boosters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
are anticiapating a high risk situation (boarding for example) the series
should be completed at least 2 weeks prior to potential exposure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your dog has had the H3N8 vaccine, it just
needs the new vaccine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it has not had
a flu vaccine in the past, it will need to be vaccinated against both strains,
which can be done at the same time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We will be
setting up some clinic times for flu shots so that we can keep the cost down
for owners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patients of ours that have
been seen in the past 6 months and have no health issues can just receive the
flu shots without and examination or office call fee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your dog is not a patient of ours, we will
perform a courtesy examination during clinic hours to make sure that it is
healthy enough to vaccinate before we administer the vaccines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Details for
vaccination clinics will be posted on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CrawfordDogandCat/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">facebook page</span></b></a> so keep an eye
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will also be reaching out to our
clients via text or e mail to let you know when the clinic hours will be
available.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-46813210765723336072018-04-23T12:36:00.001-07:002018-04-23T12:36:30.704-07:00The Results Are In!<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Our April 12th Free Pee Jubilee was a huge success! Thanks to all our clients who had the messy job of catching the urine, our staff for processing all those samples, and Stanley the Sedivue for analyzing all of them. Amidst the dozens of pee jokes all day, Stanley tested 58 samples of urine, which means we learned more about 58 dogs (sorry, nobody managed to collect any cat urine!) that day. By evaluating urine, we can screen for lots of diseases and possibly prevent some life threatening ones. Out of these 58 samples, we found abnormalities in 28 of them! We found 10 urinary tract infections, 10 with crystals, 9 with an abnormal pH. And, except for one known diabetic, all of those dogs were clinically normal; the owners were not expecting to hear anything was wrong with the urine.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4llSM0Ju1AlGHBLv_Loc2cFnErGhsr0vSo1z4to7vX9xYSLTeFskbdUrQKPjwK3Xgr8qewbgmSEo-trdAErz9vadmO1rfdR-AybyKegvn_ZEIMQfGU5U91xRVCF2e6jrDjSuHT_1fwY/s1600/pee.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="279" data-original-width="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4llSM0Ju1AlGHBLv_Loc2cFnErGhsr0vSo1z4to7vX9xYSLTeFskbdUrQKPjwK3Xgr8qewbgmSEo-trdAErz9vadmO1rfdR-AybyKegvn_ZEIMQfGU5U91xRVCF2e6jrDjSuHT_1fwY/s1600/pee.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">This result surprised us as well and confirmed our belief that something as simple as a urine sample can give us so much insight into our pets' health. Since our pets are very good at hiding illness, we all learned that getting that small sample can help us provide better health care for our patients. So the next time we ask you to bring in a sample, please try to get one, it could make a huge difference to your pet!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Dr. Sandra Wu</span></div>
KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-7760539195342194202018-03-22T10:21:00.000-07:002018-03-22T10:21:42.843-07:00I Think My Pet Had a Seizure<br />
<h3>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What is a seizure?</b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Think of the brain as a network of electrical circuits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When things are going well, electricity flows
through the network in an organized fashion and everything works just
fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During a seizure, the electrical
impulses flow in a disorganized, erratic way, causing the central nervous
system to go haywire. There are a many underlying problems that can cause a
seizure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trauma, congenital deformities,
toxins, infections, metabolic problems (kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes,
dehydration), inflammation (encephalitis), or brain tumors can all cause
seizures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When no apparent underlying
cause is found, the condition is called epilepsy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How do I know if my
pet is having a seizure?</b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seizures can be localized, and signs can vary and can
include twitching of the eyelids/lips/body, abnormal leg movements (often can
be stiff but can be flaccid), chatter of the teeth, and altered mentation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Generalized (previously called Grand Mal)
seizures result in a loss of consciousness and often incontinence of stool and
urine. Animals can have abnormal vocalization during a seizure. Seizures may
feel like they last forever, but in reality, they commonly last a few second to
minutes. If your pet is having a seizure lasting more than a few minutes, they
should immediately be taken to the veterinary emergency clinic for further care
and treatment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What to do during a
seizure?</b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Make sure you stay calm. Seizures can be very scary for both
owners and their loving pets. This is not a time to panic but instead be
proactive by making sure your pet is in a safe place. You can use towels or
pillows to protect or move your pets’ head and also to keep him/her steady
without falling off the couch or stairs. During a seizure, owners can lower the
lights or cover your pets eyes with a small towel or blanket. The decrease in
stimulation can be calming to your pet as they come out of the seizure. If
possible, record a video to show your veterinarian.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What NOT to do during
a seizure?</b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While in a disoriented and confused state, your pet can
accidently act aggressively and bite. It is important to not pick up or put
your hands/face, other family pets or young children near your pet while they
are have a seizure. Safety for everyone is the main goal of getting through a
seizure successfully.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What to do after a
seizure?</b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a seizure it is important to continue to monitor your
pet. They may have a post seizure phase that can involve them being very
sleepy, confused and/or show signs that lead into another seizure. Another task
would be to think back and record any triggers or clinical signs that may have
occurred before your pet had the seizure. It is also a good idea to record; the
date, time, clinical signs, how long the seizure lasted and how many seizures
occurred. Lastly, please contact your veterinarian to discuss details/questions
and schedule a visit. A complete examination and diagnostic testing will help
to determine the cause of the seizures and what the appropriate treatment
course is best for your dog or cat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br /><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
Dr. Stephanie Waters</div>
KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com02135 Jericho Turnpike, Garden City Park, NY 11040, USA40.738285 -73.6694170000000115.216250499999997 -114.97801100000001 66.2603195 -32.360823000000011tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-69491680757757055842018-03-09T07:55:00.000-08:002018-03-09T07:55:14.813-08:00Free Pee Jubilee 2018<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Free Pee Day!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Why do we want you to bring in your pet's urine? A complete urinalysis (which involves chemical and sediment analyses) can reveal so many diseases and provides an opportunity to prevent more serious illnesses.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The chemical analysis reveals changes in kidney function by looking at the urine's concentration (called the urine specific gravity) and evidence of protein. We may suspect diabetes if glucose or ketones are present. In both dogs and cats, increased drinking and urination can be signs of both kidney failure and diabetes. A urinalysis can differentiate between the two completely different diseases. The pH of the urine can confirm presence of urinary crystals and help us to make nutritional recomeendations. And if bilirubin is present in the urine, we may be concerned with liver disease.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The sediment analysis looks at any microscopic objects in the urine. We may find red and white blood cells when the bladder wall is inflamed. If we also find bacteria, we could diagnosis a urinary tract infection. Crystals in the urine are early detectors for bladder or kidney stones. Urinary tract stones can be life threatening, particularly in male cats and dogs, as they can urinary obstruction and lead to kidney failure. Early detection of crystals helps us make changes to your pet's diet that could avoid painful and dangerous urinary stones (which often require surgery to remove them). Abnormal bladder cells may also be found in the sediment, which may indicate cancer.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">With just a teaspoon of urine, we can discover so much about your pet's health. If you bring in a sample of urine on April 12, 2018</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> we will analyze it at no cost. Just collect a clean sample from your pet that morning and bring it to us Samples should be refrigerated and brought in within 4 hours of collection for the</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> most accurate results. If you'd like to bring a sample from your cat, you can use some Nosorb non-absorbent litter. Stop in after April 1 t pick up urine collection kits for dogs or cats. Or, message us either on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CrawfordDogandCat/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, our <a href="http://www.crawforddogandcathospital.com/contact-us.pml" target="_blank">Web Page</a>, or from your <a href="https://www.petsites.com/petsites.html?id=775" target="_blank">Petsite </a>account and we'll instruct you on how to collect a sample. Sorry, we can't collect urine for you on the 12th, we anticipate a large volume of testing.</span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Sandy Wu</span>KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-37986518459558474882018-02-22T13:18:00.000-08:002018-02-22T17:07:58.150-08:00What Is On Your Pet Food Bag?<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b>Dr. Sandra Wu</b></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Those confusing pet food labels</b></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
We often hear the question “Which food is the best?” Well, there is no best brand, but here are a few tips and myths dispelled that we hope will help you make that decision.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFvJSD79vBY5JZyhqPIe9qpPPSQS_KzN4SEygPTDYP4o8N93xamE116pz2acsJXez4BnopCJkaVysQ7xB2Kd9SSzE4w3GXGvg_ONBG6i1HXDYUvDssxQJx0Aufy6vQAqaaG7kYVze3Eo/s1600/1200px-Pet_Food_Aisle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFvJSD79vBY5JZyhqPIe9qpPPSQS_KzN4SEygPTDYP4o8N93xamE116pz2acsJXez4BnopCJkaVysQ7xB2Kd9SSzE4w3GXGvg_ONBG6i1HXDYUvDssxQJx0Aufy6vQAqaaG7kYVze3Eo/s320/1200px-Pet_Food_Aisle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b>What to look for on the bag's label</b></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b>Who is AAFCO?</b> AAFCO stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials; they set the nutritional standards for pet food in the US. If the label says “this pet food is formulated to meet AAFCO standards”, the food has been made following standards but a feeding trial has not been done. If the label says “this pet food has undergone AAFCO feeding trials”, then rigorous feeding trials with this pet food have been done to document how well a pet does on the food. Very few pet foods carry the 2nd statement on their labels, but at the very least, the food should carry the first statement.</div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
The food needs to state what <b>life stage</b> for which it provides nutrition. Here are the main statements you may see:</div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Kitten/puppy stage</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Adult maintenance</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Senior</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
All life stages</div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
The tricky one here is “all life stages”. In order for the food to cover all life stages, it needs to be nutritionally complete for the most demanding life stage, which would be kitten/puppyhood. Therefore, these “all life stages” foods tend to be higher in calories and fat. So if you are feeding your adult pet an “all life stage” food, think twice if he or she is plump! Be sure to buy the correct life stage for your pet.</div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b>Organic, natural or holistic?</b> If there is a USDA Certified Organic seal on the bag, the food complies with organic standards (only animal or vegetable fertilizers, no other chemicals). Natural is a legal term meaning it consists of natural ingredients not altered chemically. Holistic is not a legal term and therefore any food can claim to be holistic regardless of ingredients chosen.</div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b>By-products</b> are not inferior ingredients. Vitamin E is a by-product of soybeans; flaxseed oil is a by-product of flaxseeds; chicken fat is a by-product; pork, chicken and beef livers are by-products that are even used for human consumption. All these by-products provide quality nutrition in pet foods.</div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b>Corn</b> is not a filler. Fillers provide no nutrition. Corn provides a good source of protein, fatty acids, antioxidants, and carbohydrates needed for energy. It is also not a common source of allergies for pets.</div>
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So the next time you pick up a bag of pet food, examine that label carefully to ensure your furry friend is eating as healthy as yourself!</div>
KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-7649841675831066542018-02-15T11:41:00.000-08:002018-02-15T11:41:15.074-08:002018 Pet Insurance Review<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
It seems that Pet Insurance is the new hot topic at Crawford Dog and Cat Hospital. Representatives from different companies are hounding the front desk staff. Brochures appear in our UPS deliveries. Posters to hang on our walls materialize out of nowhere. And clients, you guys, keep asking us what you should do. So, I thought I would do a little research and share my findings. Before we start, I need to make one thing perfectly clear. I am not endorsing or recommending any insurance company or policy. In fact, insurance may not be the best thing for you or your pet, it is ultimately up to you to decide.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
The topic is very, I mean VERY complicated. First, you need to decide if you want to insure your pet. I will say, that if you have a healthy puppy of a breed that is prone to serious health problems, then you should definitely get insurance now. (that translates to Bulldogs and all related mixed breeds). If you want to know if your pet is a high risk pet, message me on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CrawfordDogandCat/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel" target="_blank"> facebook.</a>.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Things To Consider When Looking Into Pet Insurance:</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Pet insurance is not an investment. It is more like car insurance. You may not get back the amount that you pay into the policy, but if you have a catastrophic illness or injury you want to be protected.</li>
<li>Different plans have different coverages and different coverages come with different costs </li>
<li>There are different deductibles and exclusions.</li>
<li>You must be sure that congenital and inherited conditions are covered and that insurance is in place before there is any evidence of these problems.</li>
<li>Wellness plans are available with certain companies. Some will provide a bit of a discount for routine well care.</li>
<li>NO COMPANY will cover pre existing conditions. You have to carefully check their definitions of pre existing conditions. Especially as it pertains to orthopedic problems such as cruciate ligament surgery or hip dysplasia.</li>
<li>Dental disease is another grey area as far as what is covered and what is not.</li>
<li>Complementary therapies such as acupuncture or physical therapy are covered as part of the regular policy, as an additional rider (for an additional premium) or not at all. You need to check the policy that you are looking at.</li>
<li>Some policies cover therapeutic diets. (some do not). The same goes for supplements.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The cost of the policy will depend on a number of things. First, the deductible and the caps. I listed some of the companies with good ratings on line in the table below. I tried to use comparable policy offerings. Look at the comparisons but by no means is this an exhaustive list. You really need to do your homework. The column under cost is based on Bella, a 3 year old terrier mix with a clean bill of health. Your costs will most certainly be different (unless you have a 3 year old terrier mix with a clean bill of health as well). Cats are significantly less expensive to insure.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Two of the plans in the chart have wellness coverage available. The monthly premium listed does not include wellness care. Most of the companies allow you to customize the deductible and the reimbursement. You will need to go to the web page of that company and see what they offer as far as pricing. As of the publication of this blog, the wellness plan for Embrace Pet insurance amounts to a 10% savings, meaning you pay roughly $410 for $450 worth of wellness care. I do not know what the other plans offer or cost.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Some companies give better coverage for congenital problems than others. Genetic conditions are inherited, some companies give better coverage than others for these as well. Do your research.<br />
<br />
Each company name listed below is a link to their web page. Go ahead, click around. Have a blast. Feel free to message me if you have any questions. I might not know the answer but it will help if I decide to do a review next year.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 75.05pt;" valign="top" width="100"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Deductible</div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 48.35pt;" valign="top" width="64"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Caps</div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 58.7pt;" valign="top" width="78"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Congenital</div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Reimbursement</div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cost/Month</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/" target="_blank">Healthy Paws</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 75.05pt;" valign="top" width="100"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
$250 annual</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
Exam fee</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 48.35pt;" valign="top" width="64"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Unlimited<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Lifetime<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">No caps<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 58.7pt;" valign="top" width="78"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
Yes</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
80% of covered costs</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
$27.30</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.gopetplan.com/" target="_blank">Pet Plan</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 75.05pt;" valign="top" width="100"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
$300 annual</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 48.35pt;" valign="top" width="64"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">$15,000 annual<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 58.7pt;" valign="top" width="78"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
Yes</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
80% of covered costs</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
$33.40</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/" target="_blank">Embrace</a></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 75.05pt;" valign="top" width="100"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
$300 annual</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 48.35pt;" valign="top" width="64"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">$15,000 annual<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 58.7pt;" valign="top" width="78"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
Yes</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
80% pf covered costs</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
$49.64</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">(wellness
available)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.petinsurance.com/" target="_blank">Nationwide</a></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 75.05pt;" valign="top" width="100"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
$250 annual</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 48.35pt;" valign="top" width="64"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Unlimited<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 58.7pt;" valign="top" width="78"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
Limited</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
Benefit Schedule</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
$36.54</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">(wellness
available)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="ttps://figopetinsurance.com" target="_blank">FIGO</a></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 75.05pt;" valign="top" width="100"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
$200 annual</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 48.35pt;" valign="top" width="64"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">$14,000 annual<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 58.7pt;" valign="top" width="78"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
Yes</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
80% of covered costs</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
$30.29</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://trupanion.com/" target="_blank">Trupanion</a></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 75.05pt;" valign="top" width="100"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
$500/incident</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Exam fee</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 48.35pt;" valign="top" width="64"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Unlimited<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 58.7pt;" valign="top" width="78"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
Yes</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
90% pf covered costs</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
$47.65</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-47598901367835218502018-02-07T19:36:00.000-08:002018-02-11T11:44:30.307-08:00I Ain't Afraid of No Ghost. Fear Free Veterinary Visits<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-outline-level: 2;">
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Dr. Stephanie Waters</div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dr. Waters is a Fear Free
Certified Veterinarian at Crawford Dog & Cat Hospital. She has been sharing her expertise, gained
through post graduate training to encourage many positive changes for our
patients, clients and our staff. Our goal is to use this knowledge to strengthen
the human-animal bond.</span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 23.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 23.0pt;">How is
Crawford Dog & Cat Hospital becoming a Fear Free Vet Practice?</span></b></h3>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here at Crawford Dog
& Cat Hospital, we believe in the Fear Free program as a way to alleviate
anxiety, stress and pain in our patients and clients. In addition to our Fear
Free appointments, our goals are to help educate and inspire owners to look
after their pets’ wellbeing, both in and out of the home as a way to encourage long, happy and healthy
lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some of the steps we have
taken include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Variety of delicious
treats and toys throughout the appointment (Please tell us if anyone in the
home has peanut allergies)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Non slip surfaces on the
exam tables<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Go slow” techniques to
build confidence in patients<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anxiety medications; long
term or short term for stressful events as needed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sheets to cover cat
carriers while in the waiting room and towels for hiding during exams or
procedures<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Feline Only appointments
on Thursday evenings (as a way to reduce any noise, such as barking dogs,
within the practice)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">House call appointments<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soft toned music if
needed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Basket muzzles that can
allow for feeding while encouraging safety for our staff<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Behavioral modification suggestions
for reducing anxiety at home because our office is not the only place that pets
have anxiety<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Resources of Fear Free
Trainers and training equipment for at home support <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We take pride in our
ability to help improve the experience and health of our patients on a daily
basis!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 23.0pt;">Prepare
for your vet visit! </span></b></h3>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The best way to prepare for your veterinary visit is to take a
step back and evaluate your pet. You are the person who knows your pet the best
and that can help us to create a low stress and fear free visit! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We encourage owners to call ahead of time if they are concerned
about their animal’s behavior while at our vet office or on the care ride over.
Preparing for a low stress appointment can be very simple once knowing the
triggers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Does your pet get car-sick? Does he/she not like other animals?
Do loud noises tend to make him/her anxious? Does a certain toy or treat make
your furry friend happy? If necessary, we can dispense medications to use prior
to the appointment to decrease stress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you have any other questions or concerns, we encourage you to
call and visit Crawford Dog & Cat Hospital! We offer appointments Monday –
Saturday, special Feline Only appointments on Thursday evenings and scheduled
House Calls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com02135 Jericho Turnpike, Garden City Park, NY 11040, USA40.738285 -73.6694170000000116.365937499999998 -114.97801100000001 65.1106325 -32.360823000000011tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-26925057218899100572018-01-22T09:27:00.001-08:002018-01-22T09:27:10.858-08:00Feline Inappropriate Urination<div style="text-align: right;">
Dr. Stephanie Waters</div>
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Does your cat urinate outside of the litter box, even only occasionally? If the answer to this question is yes, then please
continue reading this post!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Urinating outside of the litter box can be both frustrating
to owners as well as our feline friends. The first question that we must ask is
why? Why would your loving cat pee on your bed?! Well, the answer to that can
be complicated, nonetheless the first step to solving this issue is to take
your cat to your family veterinarian. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Here at Crawford Dog & Cat Hospital, we start off our
appointments by getting a detailed history. How long has your cat been
urinating outside of the litter box? Does he/she defecate outside the box also?
Have there been any changes in the household recently (family party?
Addition of a new human or animal to the family? Moving houses/Vacations? Etc)?
Is your cat spayed/neutered? Some of our questions may sound silly, but there
is always a reason! The next important step is to get a urine sample in order
to test for inflammatory cells, blood cells, pH, bacteria, and crystals. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Basically, we are trying to find out if your beloved feline
has a Urinary Tract Infection, sterile or bacterial cystitis (inflammation of
the bladder), behavioral issues, urethral obstruction (bladder stones) or maybe
even an endocrine disorder such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism! A blood sample
may also be needed to help determine the underlying problem with your pet. If a
Urinary Tract Infection is diagnosed, the course of treatment may only consist
of a course of antibiotics and/or anti inflammatories. Depending on our
results, we may move forward to check your cat for radiographic evidence of a stone(s)
in the bladder, a urine culture or changes in the bladder wall with an
ultrasound appointment. <o:p></o:p></div>
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What happens if all of our tests lead to a behavioral cause
for the inappropriate urinating?! Do not
panic, we are here to help your animals mental as well as physical health. We
offer several low stress at home ideas (additional litter boxes, changing
style/location, cleaning boxes more often, changing the litter type, etc) as
well as anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety medications for your furry feline! <o:p></o:p></div>
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If your feline friend is currently experiencing inappropriate
urination, please do not hesitate to contact us at Crawford Dog & Cat
Hospital! We offer low stress appointments (feline only hours on Thursday
evenings) and house calls throughout the week.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1230205478926652224.post-48029910843468018952018-01-16T15:30:00.000-08:002018-01-22T08:53:22.661-08:00A Sad Case History.We had a heartbreaking case this month that I wanted to share. Not because things could have been done any differently, not because the owner could have prevented the problem, and not because anyone else did anything wrong with the care of this kitty. Sometimes, things just go poorly, in spite of everyone doing what is best for their pets and I think that is important for everyone to know.<br />
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We went out on a house call to see a cat, a new patient, that had been coughing for a couple of days. It was a young adult, and the household was made up of the humans that lived there, this cat, her brother and one other cat that was unrelated. The patient had been healthy since adoption several years ago from a reputable local rescue group and had just started to do poorly over the previous weekend. The other cats were showing no signs of illness. This cat was obviously sick. In fact, it was obvious immediately that it was having difficulty breathing, just with a casual look as we entered the room. I couldn't hear the heart well and the breath sounds were muffled. We transported the cat back to the hospital for radiographs and blood work. My worst fears were confirmed, the chest was filled with fluid and there were some subtle changes in the blood work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVjehYN3p2AzYR5WM-e-jFJIZuKRoPoeMoYDpks6pSCopgiJl7DyrZuIsbuWJjlU3Wzxw_QrxLyFsitxzZ6LP5EHWXCXRoxjqvPqmYAXbeD9N3krL-AetrYuvh-b2I4CCRBD6iH5eC48/s1600/fip.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="528" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVjehYN3p2AzYR5WM-e-jFJIZuKRoPoeMoYDpks6pSCopgiJl7DyrZuIsbuWJjlU3Wzxw_QrxLyFsitxzZ6LP5EHWXCXRoxjqvPqmYAXbeD9N3krL-AetrYuvh-b2I4CCRBD6iH5eC48/s320/fip.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
(The orange outline is the only lung that is aerated. The blue arrows are the fluid line)</h4>
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After contacting the owner, we withdrew over 150 cc of fluid from the chest and started the cat on some medications in an attempt to help her to breath better. An ultrasound of the chest was performed to rule out tumors and cardiac disease. Fluid was submitted for pathology review and bacterial culture.<br />
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The test results came back negative for bacterial infection but positive for feline corona virus and our diagnosis is FIP. FIP, Feline Infectious Peritonitis, is a strange and unfortunately deadly disease of cats. It is caused by the interaction of a mutated virus and the individual cat's immune system. There are two forms of FIP. In the dry form, granulomas (inflammatory lesions) form on the organs and in the lungs. It is usually a chronic wasting type disease with waxing and waning fevers, eventually leading to organ failure and death. In the wet form, like we saw here, fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity or the chest. It too is progressive and eventually fatal.<br />
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The nature of the disease is i that it is infectious (a virus is involved) but not contagious. While feline enteric corona virus, the type that causes diarrhea is contagious, the FIPV biotype that causes FIP is not contagious. Increased numbers of cats in the household increase the risk of other pets in the home contracting the disease, mostly due to increased corona virus burdens in the environment with the increased risk of those viruses mutating.<br />
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Diagnosis of FIP can be a challenge. Often tissue samples must be submitted for pathology, especially in the dry form. In this case the clinical pathology data that we accumulated along with the signs and symptoms of the patient make us as certain as we can be that this is a case of wet FIP.<br />
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There is no good screening test to detect carriers or cats that might be infected with FIPV and are preclinical. There was a vaccine that was determined to be ineffective and in one study at Cornell, actually increased the risk of vaccinated cats contracting the disease when challenged with the FIPV virus post vaccine.<br />
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There is no cure for FIP. Palliative care involves suppressing the immune cells that are causing the problem. In the case of cats with fluid in the chest, periodically removing that fluid may make them more comfortable. In the end, cats with FIP will die from this disease. Once the quality of life starts to deteriorate, euthanasia is often the best option.<br />
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I posted this case history, with the permission of this cat's owner. Of course, the details have been left out to protect everyone's privacy. I just wanted owners that have had this disease enter their lives to be aware that they did not do anything wrong. There is nothing that you could have done to prevent this horrible disease, nothing that you could have noticed earlier that would let us intervene earlier and effect a cure, no food, no supplement, no magic bullet that would have kept your cat from getting sick.<br />
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Sometimes, there are just things that are so broken that we can't fix them. This is one of those times.KNVethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847355353055142534noreply@blogger.com0