- Dental CareDog and cats do not get the common cold. When they cough or gag it is usually a concern, especially if it persists for more than a few hours. There are many causes of a cough or gag and rarely is it caused by “something caught in the throat”. However, on occasion we see a bone or piece of wood, a lego piece, rawhide, or awn lodged either in the throat or between the teeth. Other more common causes include the following: Dental Disease: Infection in the mouth often causes pharyngitis and tonsillitis and usually results in gagging and/or coughing. Requires dental cleaning, possible extractions and antibiotics. Kennel Cough. This is a highly contagious virus that can be picked up in boarding kennels, grooming shops, pet stores and places dog frequent. It is treatable and there is a vaccine to protect your dog against it. Influenza. This also is caused by a virus and is ve ry contagious. Left untreated it can progress to pneumonia. A vaccine also is available. Heart Disease. This occurs more in smaller breed dogs and can cause coughing especially at night when fluid accumulates in the lungs. Lack of energy and heavy breathing after minimal exercise also can occur. It is treatable when diagnosed early. Distemper. Rarely seen anymore in this area. It is a viral highly contagious disease rarely seen in privately owned dogs unless the owner is not diligent in vaccinations. Often found in kennels and shelters. Tracheal collapse. Usually hereditary and seen mostly in toy and very small breeds. Surgical correction is available but very dangerous and costly. Parasites. Heartworm and roundworms are the usual cause in this area. Both can be very serious but avoidable with monthly oral medications and topical medications. Lung Cancer. Primary lung cancer is very rare, metastasis from cancer in another area is the usual cause. Cough is only one of the symptoms. Surgery and/or chemotherapy is the recommended course of therapy. Fungal Disease. Usually in dogs living closely with birds and their droppings. Treatable but not always successfully, especially if not diagnosed in the early stages. Pneumonia: Usually secondary to other infections such as kennel cough or influenza that went untreated for too long. Chronic Bronchitis. Often caused by tobacco smoke, pollens, and dust in the environment. Usually secondary to allergies. Hard to determine cause but treatable.
- VaccinationThis year, 2014, The American Veterinary Medical Association has declared April as Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and for many good reasons: One out of 16 dogs will test positive, and the number of human cases increased from 19,931 in 2006 to over 30,000 cases in 2013. This disease remains the most commonly reported vector-borne illness in the US. It is on the increase in the north eastern states, and especially on Long Island. Some suspect Global Warming, and some believe it is due to ticks resistance to the insecticides we use, We had over 100 positive cases in dogs in the Locust Valley/Glen Cove area in the last 2 years. Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks, commonly called black-legged ticks or deer ticks.They spread the disease to dogs, horses, humans and other animals. Several years ago it was discovered by Yale researchers that birds, such as robins and blue jays, can carry ticks long distances right into our own backyards. The incidence of Lyme continues to rise also because we now have deer in the Locust Valley area. The ticks acquire the disease-causing bacteria by feeding on infected rodents and deer. Lyme Disease can be a very complex and serious disease if not caught early. It can result in painful lameness, chronic joint problems, serious kidney disease and neurological problems.The most effective way to protect your dog is by vaccination. The vaccine induces the body to produce antibodies against the bacteria in the tick and locks the bacteria inside the tick. So the vaccine actually works within the tick, not the dog. These are unique vaccines known as Recombinant vaccines, and are considered “genetically engineered wonders of modern science.” They contain only a single protein which practically eliminates all adverse reactions. Monthly preventative medications are available, both topical and now a new 1x a month oral chewable pill. These products kill ticks within 24 hours which is less time the tick needs to transmit the disease to the dog or human. Looking for ticks by daily brushing and combing is not enough as the tick is so small it is usually missed. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.
- Veterinary OphthalmologyConsidered a very common disease in humans AND dogs, but glaucoma is less common in cats. Glaucoma is considered a true emergency or else blindness can occur. Regardless of the cause, and there are many, glaucoma develops as a result of improper drainage of the fluid in the globe of the eye with resulting increase pressure. This increase in pressure causes damage to the internal structures of the eye which include the lens, retina and optic nerve. This fluid is known as
- Nutritional CounselingAs dogs and cats get older, their nutritional requirements change. The majority of pet treats are very high in calories and contribute to weight gain. Most treats are also too high in salt, protein and fat. The following are some healthy treats you should consider: Peanut Butter and Salmon are a good source of high quality protein and omega-3 and fatty acids, which are good for the immune system. Yogurt is high in calcium, vitamins, protein, riboflavin, zinc and potassium. But, only use “all natural” yogurt and avoid sugar additive fat free brands. Sweet potatos are high in Vitamin A and anti-oxidants. They are help keep sugar levels down in diabetics. Pumpkin added to regular dog or cat food helps the digestive tract and treats both constipation and diarrhea as it is high in fiber. It is also good for urinary tract health and weight loss. Carrots are low calorie and high in fiber content. Carrots are known to be an aid in vision and there is some proof that they are also an anti-cancer food, at least in colon, lung and breast cancer. Of course, raw carrots are good for healthy teeth. Be care of all dairy products, and if you do use any, use only small amounts. Egg white is the highest and most digestible source of protein. Also consider cheese and cottage cheese without additives. Of course you can not use any dairy products if your pet is lactose intolerant, and many are. Fruit, such as blueberries, watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe are good sources of antioxidants, fiber and vitamins. Green beans are very low in calories and are a good snack for weight management. Please note: all these foods should be introduced slowly in small quantities. Items you must never feed are: chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins and garlic. Drinks with alcohol or caffeine, yeast dough and macadamia nuts are also considered toxic to dogs and cats.
- Comprehensive Examination
- Parasites Treatment and ControlFleas and ticks are here and now deer and the deer tick have recently blessed us with their presence in Locust Valley and surrounding areas. The deer tick is a main source of Lyme disease transmission. All pet owners should seriously consider using the newer flea and tick prevention products on the market. The Communicable Disease Center (CDC) has reported an increased resistance of fleas and ticks to the commonly used products we have used in the past. For that reason, they recommend alternating products each year. Ticks especially carry diseases of human significance as they can cause the same diseases in humans as in dogs and cats. These include: Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, Babesia, Bartonella and more. Now we have available the long awaited ORAL 1x each month pill. It is a soft beef-flavored chewable pi ll approved to kill both fleas and ticks. It is called NexGard. It is a prescription product and available only from your veterinarian. It is used for not only the prevention of fleas and ticks but also the treatment of them. It has been on the market in the US for over 6 months and has shown to be very safe and effective. Still available are the older topical products that are applied 1 x each month to the skin. Most of these products that kill fleas and ticks do it quickly.
- Pain Management
- Vomiting Treatment
- Diarrhea Treatment
- Skin Condition and Allergy TreatmentSteroids are one of the most misunderstood “drugs” in medicine. Actually, steroids are naturally occurring hormones made in the body by the adrenal glands. They are synthesized by the adrenal gland from cholesterol and are essential to sustain life. Commonly they are known as cortisone or a derivative of cortisone, and are frequently referred to corticosteroids. The administration of steroids have saved many lives and is routinely used in not only veterinary medicine but human medicine throughout the world. Steroids affect every organ in the body, especially the heart, kidneys, nervous system and digestive system. When the body does not produce enough it can cause serious disease just as if the body produces too much of this vital hormone. In veterinary medicine it is used routinely to treat many conditions safely and successfully. It is used to treat many skin conditions, allergies and inflammatory conditions. It treats inflammation and pain many times better when an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) does not. Properly used it even treats certain types of cancer, and systemic diseases like Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia and Addison?s Disease. It is life saving in cases of shock and stress as the result of injury, cold or heat stroke. Cats seem to be a little more resistant to any side effects than dogs, but the side effects, if they do occur, are short lived and minor. Increased thirst, urination and increased appetite are the more common temporary side effects. Many times a steroid is combined with an antihistamine as they work well together to treat allergies. It is extremely important to follow your veterinarian?s directions regarding dose, frequency and duration of use.
- Leptospirosis Treatment“Be prepared” is the best motto. So if you are planning a trip and bringing your dog, bring along a first aid kit and a first aid manual for dogs too, just in case. Remember many human medications are not suitable for your pet and many are dangerous to give. The following are some essential items to bring with you: thermometer, gauze, gauze pads, gauze rolls, cotton, cotton balls, q-tips and vet wrap. Tongue depressors come in handy if a temporary splint has to be made. Bring scissors that have blunt ends and tweezers, especially the special tweezers used for tick removal. Latex gloves to protect your hands and disinfectants like Betadine or Hibitane (Chlorhexidine) and CanineAid, which is a soothing cream to ease discomfort. Pack saline solution or eye wash for cleaning a wound or eyes. If your dog has a history of any ailment, like allergies, bring along some previously prescribed medications you may still have, as well as antihistamine in case your dog gets an insect bite. In the event of accidental ingestion of a toxic substance, foreign body or toy, ipecac or hydrogen peroxide will induce vomiting. Bottled water is essential. Try to discourage drinking lake or stream water as you do not know what is upstream. (Wild animals often defecate and urinate in the water.) A good quality disinfectant soap and antibacterial wipes are also a good idea, not only for your pet, but for you too. Other essential items are doggie shampoo for bathing after swimming, towels, blankets, and grooming supplies. Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations, especially Rabies, Distemper/Parvo 5 in 1, Leptospirosis and Lyme and bring proof of it along with a health certificate with you. Many campsites will ask for these documents at the gate and refuse you admission without them. Also make sure your dog is protected against fleas, ticks, heartworm disease and intestinal parasites. Your dog should have proper identification on its collar. For permanent identification consider having a painless ID microchip implanted. Lastly, get the name. address and phone number of the nearest emergency veterinary facility, just in case.
- Bacterial and Viral Infection TreatmentCBC stands for “complete blood count”. But what is it and what does it mean? The CBC is one of the most important blood tests a veterinarian or physician can perform. The CBC determines various type of blood cells and their quantity. This number is extremely important in determining the health status of the patient being tested and sometimes the number can even diagnose a specific disease. Within the blood there are many different cells, which will briefly be mentioned: 1. RBC or red blood cells can indicate anemia, traumatic blood loss, dehydration, certain parasitic diseases, bone marrow status, etc. Hemoglobin is within the RBC’s in the blood. Its primary purpose is to carry oxygen throughout the body, and transport CO2 to the lungs to be expelled. 2. Platelets: are involved with the formation of blot clots. If the number is too low excessive bleeding can occur, if too high clots can form and obstruct blood vessels which can lead to a stroke, heart attack, or block blood flow to other parts of the body such as the lungs. 3. WBC or white blood cells. There are many different types and each have a specific meaning: a) Neutrophils: These are the most abundant type of WBC and form an essential part of the immune system. They are the first responders to infection, certain environmental exposures and some cancers. Generally, in bacterial infections their numbers increase and in viral disease their numbers decrease. b) Lymphocytes: the amount of this type of white blood cell is very helpful in diagnosing certain diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, infection after surgery, trauma, etc. They are very important cells that help fight off cancer and help control immune responses. There are 2 types of lymphocytes and they create antibodies for the immune system and fight off inf ection and cancer. c) Basophils: another white blood cell used to help diagnose certain cancers, allergic disorders parasitic disease, etc. d) Eosinophils: also fight off disease and elevate in allergic reactions. e) Monocytes: the last type of white blood cell that also fight off disease and aid in the immune system. These cells sometimes indicate a chronic state of inflammation, infection &/or immune response. This article is just a simple overview of the importance of the CBC test. It is used daily in all veterinary/medical practices.
- Urinary Tract Infection TreatmentThere are basically five kinds of water: Spring water, Well water, Tap water, Bottled water and Distilled water. Spring and Well water come from the earths aquifer, rain and melting ice. Tap water comes from rain water stored in reservoirs, Bottled water from commercial companies and Distilled water also from commercial companies. Spring and well water are the most natural, and if not bottled the water is unfiltered and untreated. Tap water is treated with fluoride and other chemicals and is also filtered. Bottled water is not only filtered but many impurities are also removed by chemical processes. How thoroughly and which of the many impurities removed depends on the company producing it. Lastly, distilled water is made by boiling regular water and capturing the steam under pressure, into sterile containers. By d oing this, most impurities and important electrolytes and minerals are also removed. If you go “online” there are many conflicting articles about the benefits and hazards of distilled water. This ranges from treating urinary tract infections, causing urinary infections and stones, causing and/or treating cardiac disease, and even tear stains, etc. Now, which one is best for your pets? Spring water, which is fresh water from springs, is not so fresh as one might think. Animals urinate and defecate in those rivers “upstream” that become springs “downstream”. In fact, even in Canada, the ice melt water coming directly from the polar ice cap has impurities and tastes of sulfa. Well water is from the earths aquifer which has a natural filter. However, it still is not always safe to drink it. In general, the safest water is using any source of water suited for human consumption, filtered and treated. The general consensus of my research is distilled water is NOT recommended. Although most electrolytes and minerals important for good health are found in all commercially prepared dog and cat foods, many pets do not get balanced diets. Drinking regular water is not only important for proper hydration but is also a source of these necessary minerals and electrolytes that your pet might not get if he/she is a finicky eater. Actually, water is more important for survival than food. Remember, always provide ample fresh drinking water for your pets on a daily basis, the same water that you drink. Please note: Drinking water from glass rather than plastic bottles is better as the plastic bottles leach harmful oil based chemicals into the water over time.
- Arthritis TreatmentFor over 3000 years, mankind have derived medicinal treatments from plants, animals and other natural substances. Over 25% of the prescription drugs commonly used today are still derived from plants. Even drugs that are synthesized have at some point originated from plants. Herbal medications are considered more of a nutritional supplement than a medication and as such the FDA labels them as ‘nutraceuticals”. Neutraceuticals can be simply defined as non-drug oral agents that provide substances required for normal body function. The purpose of giving them is to improve health and well being. These substances have characteristics of both drugs and nutrients. Do not confuse “natural” and “herbal” with “safe” or neutraceutical. Although they are not recognized as drugs, herbal and natural remedies are used for their drug-like effect, and they can potentially cause the same side effects and reactions that prescription drugs can cause. Neutraceuticals do not treat or cure disease, but instead aid and improve certain body functions and help in the long term care of certain chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis. Today, almost 60% of Americans regularly use these supplements, and now they are becoming more and more commonly used in veterinary medicine, with great success. Pets are living longer and veterinarians wantt to help owners improve their pets “quality of life”. This is one way of doing so. An example of a neutraceutical is glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, usually mixed together. Glucosamine is derived from Shellfish and Chondroitan is from animal products. Together they rebuild the cartilage and thicken the joint fluid that cushions and protects joints. Combined with NSAIDS, dogs are now living longer pain-free lives, with improved body functions, and they are also more ambulatory with the advent of neutraceuticals. The down side is that they are not FDA controlled and as such veterinarians have to be very selective as to which manufacturer/distributor they purchase from.
- Hip Dysplasia TreatmentBy definition, this is the abnormal development of the hip joint. The relationship of the head of the femur and the socket (acetabulum) of the hip and the associated ligaments and muscles is critical in the development of a normal hip. The larger breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia. These include: German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Saint Bernards, Great Danes and Rottweilers. However; other large breeds like Greyhounds and Borzoi rarely get the disease. It occasionally shows up in cats and even humans too. It has been proven that hip dysplasia is a genetic disease, and through selective breeding by responsible breeders, the disease is on the decline in many of the breeds listed. Obesity is a big factor and the muscular development of the dog is also very relevant. In the past, too much or too little calcium in the diet w as considered a factor, but today with completely balanced diets available, that rarely is a contributing factor. If the dog is genetically susceptible to have hip dysplasia, it may not show up with clinical symptoms if there is no weight problem and the dog has good muscular development and tone, especially in the hip area. Symptoms can begin at any time: from 4 months of age to maturity. These symptoms include lameness, abnormal gait of both back legs, difficulty getting up and lying down, pain and discomfort, reluctance to play, and stiffness. Radiographs are necessary to properly diagnose the disease, but these radiographs must be taken after one year of age, and to be certified, radiographs must be taken after age two. Hip dysplasia can be mild to severe and even cause a dislocation of the hip joint. Regardless of severity, osteoarthritis always develops. Treatment varies with the severity and symptoms. Major surgery is required in severe forms, followed with physical t herapy and restriction of certain exercise like jumping. If surgery is not an option because of economics, or the level of severity is considered mild, then medical treatment is prescribed. This includes NSAIDS, pain medications, joint improvement oral supplementation and physical exercise to build up the hip muscles and improve muscle tone. If you are considering purchasing one of these breeds, always request from the breeder OFA or PennHip certification showing the sire and dam is Hip Dysplasia free. This ensures that your new puppy will not be genetically susceptible to this disease.
- Diabetes TreatmentCataracts are frequently found in dogs, but rarely found in cats. The word cataract literally means to “break down”, and this refers to the disruption of the normal arrangement of the fibers and or capsule of the lens of the eye. Regardless of the cause, when too much water accumulates in the lens, and the normal ratio of protein to water is disrupted, the lens fibers break down and cataracts develop. This develops into a white substance within the eye lens with a crushed glass appearance. Cataracts are often confused with a normal aging process of the lens called Nuclear Sclerosis, which is often found in both eyes and occurs in older dogs. But, Nuclear Sclerosis does not affect the vision of the dog while cataracts cause blindness. There are 4 different types of cataracts. They can affect all breeds and ages and sex of dogs, but there is a predisposition to them in certain br eeds. Congenital cataracts are present at birth and are usually in both eyes. Miniature Schnauzers have a predisposition to these. Juvenile Cataracts, (also known as Developmental Cataracts), can occur as early as 6 months of age. They may be inherited or be caused by outside sources such as trauma, diabetes, infection, or toxicity. This type of cataract is more common in Afghans and Standard Poodles. Inherited Cataracts can occur independently or in association with other diseases of the eye. These can also develop as early as 6 months of age. Some of the more popular breeds prone to this form of cataracts include: Cocker Spaniels, Boston Terriers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Westies, and Standard Poodles. Senile Cataracts occur after the 6th year of age, and are most commonly confused with Nuclear Sclerosis. The most common disease associated with cataract formation is Diabetes mellitus (sugar di abetes). Other causes include trauma to the eye such as a thorn or other penetrating wounds to the eye, and overall blunt trauma to the eye as in an automobile accident. Many of these types can be treated successfully without surgical intervention. In these cases, once the cause of the trauma and its affect is treated, the lens of the eye usually returns to normal. However; all the other types of cataracts listed above require the surgical removal of the lens. There are several techniques and all have a high level of success. Only a veterinary eye specialist is qualified to do this procedure.
- Thyroid Disease TreatmentSecondary, which is the result of other causes such as yeast and bacterial infections which are curable, once the cause is eliminated. Other possible causes include: hypothyroidism, allergic dermatitis, mange, and obesity. Both forms of this disease can be treated and although the primary one is considered not curable, the symptoms can be lessened and the dog made more comfortably. If hypothyroidism is involved, supplementation with synthetic thyroid is required along with other treatment regimens mentioned below. Allergic dermatitis is the most common cause which could be from food, inhalants like pollen, or from direct contact with something the body is allergic to. Obesity is becoming more and more the culprit as it is so much more common than years ago. With obesity come excess folds of skin, fat, and friction areas. Friction leads to inflammation, infection, and the deposit of the black pigment known as “melanin”, thus the dark appearance of the skin. Once the cause is established, the therapy consists of frequent medicated baths, corticosteroids to relieve the inflammation and scratching, antibiotics for infection, and of course weight loss if necessary. In some cases, Vitamin E supplementation has been shown to help in the recovery process.
- Heart Disease TreatmentPreviously, I have written on how pet ownership can be beneficial to your adult health and also help children emotionally and medically, but now the Mayo Clinic has taken it to another level. The newest trend in medicine is to implement “Pet Therapy”. It has been reported that pet therapy and animal assisted therapy not only help healing in general, but lessen depression and fatigue. So what is pet therapy? It is a term that is applied to any animal-assisted activities that help people recover from surgery, illness, and/or better cope with their health problems and aging. This therapy has been helping the physical and mental handicapped population for decades. Recently, the Mayo Clinic reported success in the treatment of heart disease, cancer, and serious psychiatric problems. In addition, they reported success in pain reduction, and depression especially in nursing home residents. They have also reported success in reducing pain in children having dental procedures, and with our veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. In fact, they have a dozen certified therapy dogs in their program called the Mayo Clinic?s Caring Canine Program. The biggest concern in hospitals and nursing homes with this program is sanitation and safety. There are strict rules in force to ensure that all the animals used are clean, house broken, vaccinated, well trained and screened for the proper behavior. In fact, the Center for Disease and Prevention (CDC) has never received a report of illness transmitted to a human being from the utilization of animal -assisted therapy. One of the newest programs being initiated is in the non-medical fields of higher education and community programs. In these, often considered high stress situations, it has been found that pet therapy, pet-assisted programs and pet ownership (in dorms for example) often reduce high anxiety and stress. It has even reduced the student suicide rate in certain university settings.
- Kidney Disease TreatmentThe mild winter and early spring can also bring on early problems for our pets. The early blooms make pollen counts soar, allergies start earlier than usual, and pets have access to bulbs, flowers mulch and fertilizers earlier. Many of these items are toxic to our pets and the ASPCA just sent out a notice to warn us. It is best to keep all pets away from all fertilizers and mulch unless the labels state “Pet Friendly”. Specifically stay away from any shrub or flower care product that has Disulfoton as an ingredient. It is a highly toxic organophosphate insecticide. Spring bulbs are beautiful, but many are toxic. Tulips, snowdrops, crocus, hyacinth and jack-in-the-pulpit have all been reported as very toxic. Other common flowers such as gladiola, daffodil, jonquil, iris, narcissus, and lily are also considered toxic. One of the most toxic flowers is the Lilly of the Valley. It can cause intestinal bleeding, cardiac irregularities, seizures and even death. Other spring flowers that are of concern specifically for cats are the Easter lily, Japanese lily, oriental lily, tiger lily, stargazer lily and day lily. Even the pollen of these lilies can cause severe kidney disease. Even Buttercup is toxic. These bulbs and flowers listed above are the most toxic ones and not only can cause burning of the mouth, lips and gums, but can cause internal bleeding, kidney and liver disease and some also can be fatal. They are all beautiful and colorful but check their level of toxicity if you have a dog or cat that might eat them or even play in them. The pollens can be dangerous too. The following are considered to be of low toxicity and cause mild G-I upsets: Snowflake, Bleeding Heart, Mayapple and English or Spanish Bluebell. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can be reached at 888-426-4435 24 hours a day.
- Cancer TreatmentThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published reports that states the air inside the typical home is on the average 2-5 times more polluted than the air outside. In extreme cases, this number can be as high as 100 times more contaminated. This large variation is strictly related to the type of household cleaners and pesticides you use, and where you reside. Some of these cleaning products are loaded with harmful chemicals and the EPA estimates that at least 50% of indoor pollution is the direct result of these products. Many prestigious research organizations, including the MIT/Harvard Broad Institute, the Animal Cancer Foundation, the Mayo Clinic, and the Morris Animal Foundation have published reports that one in four dogs will die or be euthanized because of cancer. Cancer is the No.1 cause of disease-relate d death in dogs over the age of two. These numbers have been substantiated in Locust Valley and the surrounding towns on the North Shore. Rarely does a day pass when we do not make the diagnosis of some sort of cancer in a dog or cat. Many can be saved with surgery. Some we can help with Chemo or radiation, but the fact remains that we see a lot of it. The cause has never been definitely discovered. We know genetics plays a role, but what about all these chemicals and pesticides? Most of our pets live indoor most of the time, especially in the colder months. Dogs and cats have a much more rapid metabolism, breathe more rapidly, and have smaller lungs so they are at great risk. They are also directly on our lawns, more than us, which leaves them more susceptible to pesticides. Stay away from cleaning products that contain phenols, ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, petroleum based solvents, chlorethylene and ethoxylate. There are many more. Use “Green” or Organic products only and lawn products that state “safe for pets”.
- Veterinary SurgeryThe Locust Valley Veterinary Clinic is a medical, surgical diagnostic facility. We have a full laboratory on premises and get our results in hours, sometimes minutes. We are only interested in the health and well being of our patients and as such offer a wide variety of services. These include: wellness exams, vaccinations, routine surgery as well as abdominal, thoracic, orthopedic, ophthalmic, otic surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, digital radiography, dental care, and allergy testing, etc. Our services are available 6 days a week. The veterinary staff has over 40 years of clinical experience and are available for after hours phone consultation every day.
- Laser SurgeryGlaucoma is caused by another eye condition such as the inflammation caused by an eye injury, a penetrating wound, or other trauma to the head and eye. Infection, and tumors can also cause glaucoma to develop. As with most medical problems, the earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the greater success for cure. Early signs of Glaucoma include: cloudiness of eye, squinting, a dilated pupil, increase in size of the blood vessels of the white portion of the eye known as the sclera, and in later stages the increase in size of an eye globe itself (bulging of one eye). Medical treatment in both types of glaucoma is usually successful, if caught early. Sometimes laser surgery is indicated, and sometimes once the underlying cause of the eye condition in secondary glaucoma is treated, the eye reverts back to normal. If you suspect any kind of eye problem, do not wait, go to your veterinarian.
- Laboratory ServicesBlood types are proteins, carbohydrates or fatty substances located on the surface of the red blood cells circulating throughout our bodies. These compounds are important as they can induce the immune system to react to foreign “invaders” such as bacteria or viruses or anything that the body determines as not normal. These foreign substances are known as Antigens (the bad guys). Our defense mechanism produces white blood cells (lymphocytes) who in turn make Antibodies (our good guys). War ensures, and the antibodies attack and attach to the antigens. This reaction causes the body to develop large white blood cells known as macrophages to destroy the foreign intruders. This response helps prevent and destroy infection, but it also leads to the destruction of red blood cells that have antigens. The same thing is true if the wrong blood type is introduced into the body via a blood transfusion. Dogs and cats do have different blood types, but not as many as people. Humans have over 30 different blood types while dogs and cats have 13 and 6 respectively. It is important to know the blood type if a transfusion is being considered in order to reduce the risk of a transfusion reaction. Some reactions are life threatening, especially in cats, where one transfusion of the wrong type can be fatal. Although there are 6 identified feline types, over 90% of cats in America are type A, only 9 % are type B and the rest are type AB. In dogs, although over 13 canine blood groups have been identified, 98% of the dog population in America have one of the most common types, namely, DEA 1.1. Basically a dogs that is DEA 1.1 positive is considered to be a universal recipient while DEA 1.1 negative dogs are considered to be universal donors. In dogs, it is not the first transfusion where complications can arise, but the second, if the wrong type is used. Veterinarians can do a simple blood test to determine if two blood samples are compatible prior to a transfusion. Blood type compatibility is critical for a transfusion to be successful.
- X-Ray
- MicrochippingWould you believe that the economy is so bad that people would stoop to steal dogs to sell? Apparently it’s true. Just recently, the American Kennel Club documented that “Dognapping has risen 49% during the past year”. The most common breeds are the toys and mini’s, especially Pomeranians, Yorkshire terriers and Maltese. However; any of the small breeds are apt to be stolen and even the popular “designer breeds”, such as the Malti-poo, Cocker-poo, Chi-Poo, Schnoodle, etc. These are all very expensive little dogs and the thieves know there is a large market for them. The best way to prevent this is to keep them on a leash, with proper identification. The newest technology is the microchip. This is a small computer chip the size of a grain of rice. It is painlessly injected under the skin by a veterinarian. The chip is read by a “wand” similar to one used as an airport hand held scanner. The ID code identifies the registered owner by calling the microchips service phone which is open 24/7. Whenever a dog is found the wand is used to see if a chip is present. if It has been reported that thousands of pets a day across this country are identified in this manner. All dog shelters and veterinarians have these microchip readers. It is the smart thing to do to safeguard your pet. For more articles, please view http://www.locustvalleyvet.com
- Boarding
- Grooming