If these walls could speak

Clinic construction is well underway!  It's very exciting and is amazing how the place takes on a new look once the walls are up.  This week, we are doing some painting on Thursday and then the floor will be laid on Friday.  Next week - x-ray installation!  Yea!

February is Dental Month!

Think it is just “dog breath”?  Think again!  Studies show that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats will show signs of dental disease by age three.  Why is this?  If you consider the fact that human dentists recommend brushing and flossing twice daily in addition to professional dental cleanings every 6 months, the amount of time we devote to our pets teeth pales in comparison.  Plaque and tartar quickly build up on your pets teeth, and within 24 hours, it hardens to the point where it cannot be removed by tooth brushing alone.  Years of plaque build up leads to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and infections in the roots of the teeth as well as the bones of the jaw causing painful periodontal disease.  Periodontal disease has been linked to disease in the heart, lungs and kidneys.  

The best way to prevent dental disease is with regular tooth brushing and routine professional cleanings.  How often should I brush my pet's teeth?  Daily brushing is best!  Most pets tolerate tooth brushing and actually enjoy the extra one on one attention with their favorite person.  Dog and cat tooth brushes are available or you can use a pediatric toothbrush.  Just be sure to use a toothpaste that is formulated especially for dogs or cats so that your pet is not harmed by swallowing toothpaste containing fluoride!  

Professional dental cleanings can be done by your veterinarian.  These cleanings are important... even if you brush your pets teeth daily!  The dental prophylaxis removes the hardened tartar cemented to the tooth and cleans the part of the tooth beneath the gumline which cannot be reached with a toothbrush.  How often should my pets teeth be professionally cleaned?  Most pets benefit from annual cleanings, but in some individuals who are prone to serious dental disease, the cleanings may be performed every 6 months.  Will my pet be placed under anesthesia for the dental cleaning?  Yes.  If you think about everything involved with getting your teeth cleaned at the dentist (x-rays, scaling, polishing, fluoride), then you can easily understand why we cannot expect our pets to sit still for these in depth procedures.  Some people don't even like to sit still for these things - that's why some places offer sedation dentistry!  A comprehensive examination and routine laboratory screening will be performed on your pet before the dental cleaning to ensure that the procedure will be safe.  Getting your pets teeth professionally cleaned on a routine basis can add years to their life, in addition to making them happier and more comfortable at home.

Our new facility will offer a wide array of products and services to keep your pets mouth happy and fresh.  Let our experienced staff care for any of your pets dental needs!

Spring is in the air...

The weather is warming here in the Carolina's, signaling that spring is coming.  The arrival of spring brings many things - longer days, fresh buds on the trees, and kittens!  After stopping by the York County Humane Society yesterday, the number of eligible kittens for adoption was certainly a sure sign that spring is here, until I realized... it's still January!  What is the cause of this overpopulation of cats and the notorious spring "kitten season"?

It may not be common public knowledge, but cats are special little creatures.  Ok - you may have realized that, but what you may not realize is that female cats are polyestrus.  This means that starting at a very early age (as early as 4-5 months in some cats), the female cat will have a heat cycle that continues periodically until she is either bred or spayed.  Anyone who has every owned an indoor cat in heat knows that the crazy behavior that accompanies this heat cycle will quickly make you want to let your little princess go outdoors.  This is the worst thing that you can do, because it won't take long before your little princess becomes a "queen" - approximately 63 days to be exact.

The moral of this message is... Don't litter!  Have your pet spayed or neutered!  Need a kitten?  Adopt!  What a purebred?  Check the shelter!  York County Humane Society has several Siamese kittens along with many other adorable individuals who desperately need homes!

Ok...I'll get off my soapbox :)

Get Well Soon...

Tonight's blog is dedicated to my dear friend's dog, Harley.  Harley has not been feeling so well lately, and this evening he had to go to the emergency clinic for continued care.  Please keep him in your prayers for a speedy recovery.  Feel better soon Harley-man!

Our team is growing!

Today was an exciting day!  We officially hired our first employee - Sheera Bursch!  Sheera and I have worked together before and I am so excited to have her as a part of this venture.  Thanks for moving back from Florida, Sheera!  We are happy to have you as a member of the team :)

The Power of Three

In veterinary medicine it always seems that things happen in three's.  It's very strange, but true... as many a veterinarian will tell you.  No matter how random the disease or event, somehow they seem to always occur in three's.  Today, I saw two dogs with uveitis (inflammation of the eye) that was caused by a cataract.  This condition, while not rare nor overly common, occurred in back to back appointments at my relief position today.  Neither dog was diabetic, meaning that the cataracts were most likely hereditary, and both dogs were middle aged.  I'm just wondering when the third will surface - hopefully not tonight since it's late :)  Till next time - stay well!

Fun stuff!

It's pretty fun shopping for the new clinic.  I found some used cages this weekend - who knew that one could get so excited about stainless steel!  Construction has been a little delayed, but I'm still staying positive that we'll be able to open this March. It's all about your attitude right?  Today, I was able to do some relief work for a local veterinarian.  It was a relief (for me) to be able to get back into what I love!  Tomorrow will be more of the same and I can't wait :)