THIS PAGE WAS DESIGNED TO KEEP OUR CLIENTS INFORMED OF ANY CLINIC NEWS AND ABREAST OF ANY NEW MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGHS THAT MAY HELP KEEP YOUR PET AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE.
June 14, 2009
News Flash!! News Flash!! News Flash!!
Happy Spring Everyone!! Well, here we find ourselves in the throes of spring. This season brings alot of new challenges for our clients as well as their furry friends. This newsletter will address some of the issues that clients need to be on the lookout for during this transition time from our colder winter temperatures to the "dog days of summer" (no pun intended!!). At this time of year, as the temperatures increase along with the rainfall, we see the spring "bloom" of all types of vegetation. Because of our typical "balmy" climate, we have a very large variety of foilage and plant species that grow in this area. When this bloom happens, the pollen in the air can be almost palpable....not only do flowers put off pollen, but so do grasses, trees, and plants. Fungi that occur in this area also will release spores at this time of year. You can track the pollen levels by either watching your dog/cat become very itchy, or you can visit the website www.pollen.com and this tracks our seasonal pollen count daily. Most spring days we are at a 9 or a 10!!!
Understanding why your pet becomes itchy at this time of year is half the battle. Usually we try to address the itching before your pet can scratch itself into a secondary infection. "Hot Spots" are very localized, very deep and very severe skin infections that can result from the humidity changes that spring brings or any activity that changes the immediate "micro"-environment of the skin (ie; fleas, not rinsing shampoo out well enough etc.) These usually need veterinary care to resolve, but with some close observation, usually owners can catch the "itch" before infection sets in. Please call our hospital if you feel your pet is suffering from the "itchies" caused by our seasonal weather change and consequent "bloom".
As mentioned above, the warmer weather brings a resurgence of those pesky parasites, FLEAS and TICKS!! Ticks are usually only a problem for a few months until the heat of the summer drives them back into hibernation, but in this area of the country, fleas are a year long battle. Although fleas are LESS ACTIVE during the winter months, some people are fooled into thinking that they have gone away and so they do not keep up with their monthly flea control. This can be disastrous. When the temperatures start to warm, those 2 or 3 fleas that you didn't notice during our colder months, now become active, breed, and before you know it, you have a horrible infestation on your hands. We have some very, very effective flea control products to help you control or avoid this situation. As with fleas, the warmer weather also increases the breeding and consequently the number of mosquitoes. This becomes the season that horse owners must be vigilent for signs of encephalitis (carried by mosquitoes) and dog and cat owners must realize the risk these bugs carry for HEARTWORM DISEASE in their pets. Like fleas however, mosquitoes are present in our geographical area YEAR ROUND, and to prevent this very life-threatening disease, your pets MUST be on heartworm prevention YEAR ROUND. We now carry a new product (Advantage Multi) that is a topical product (applied to the skin) that will prevent fleas, heartworms and intestinal parasites. Rather than buy two separate products to protect your pet, now you can combine your flea and heartworm products into one easy to use application. Because you are not buying two separate products, this option tends to provide clients with a cheaper alternative to excellent parasite protection.
With spring, plants are blooming and one of the most dangerous plants/seeds we encounter in pets is the SAGO PALM. This ornamental plant is a mainstay to landscapes all over this area. The plant itself and especially the seeds are EXTREMELY toxic to your pets. We have already had two cases of sago palm toxicity in our hospital this spring. Thankfully both pets are doing fine, but only because the owners were aware of this very dangerous plant and sought medical attention for there friends right away.
We are very proud to support the Nassau Humane Society and are excited about the opening of their new dog park. There are some very important rules set up for the protection not only of your pet, but for all the pets so that the most enjoyment can be had by all. Please visit their new website at www.ameliaislanddogpark.com. Several of our patients and clients visit the park and rave about what a good time is had by all!!
Since instituting our new ID3 test, which tests for exposure to 3 very critical organisms with just a few drops of blood, we have diagnosed several animals with these potentially fatal illnesses. Because dogs can be sub-clinical or asymptomatic for a long while, this very crucial screening test may have already saved some lives. Please make sure to have your dog checked once yearly since we live in a "hot" endemic area for all 3 of these diseases.
In an effort to provide the best health care possible for your pet, (because if we keep them healthy, you won't be spending money to make them well again!!), we are still strongly recommending heartworm protection for our feline friends. You have 2 very simple options for administering this life-saving prevention. First, there is a topical (drops applied to the back of the neck) called Revolution. This product also helps prevent fleas and ear mites and is applied to your cat once monthly. Second, there is Feline Heartgard, which is a tiny treat you give your kitten once monthly as well. This product prevents heartworm disease, and also will help control intestinal parasites. Please talk to Dr. Gilbert, or Dr. Carter regarding which product would be best for your situation.
-Dr. Kim, Dr. Gilbert and the staff at Nassau Veterinary Hospital
