Newsroom
December 2010
VETERINARY DIAGNOSIS HELPS REVEAL DEADLY CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK
During what would seem to be a routine pet bird autopsy, Dr. Daniel discovers the presence of a carbon monoxide leak in a local family's home, helping them avert disaster.
Click here to link to the Murfreesboro Post article.
December 2010
*** IMPORTANT PET FOOD RECALL NEWS ***
Kroger recalls pet foods due to possible health risk. CLICK to learn more.
Blue Buffalo recalls select dry dog food products. CLICK to learn more.
June 2010
Dr. Shirley attended a lecture on canine atopic dermatitis, a hypersensitivity reaction to environmental allergens such as grass, tree, and weed pollens, molds, house dust and house dust mites. Atopy is especially common in our Tennessee climate. Symptoms may include seasonal or nonseasonal pruritis (itching), foot licking, and recurrent skin or ear infections. The three most important treatments were compared and contrasted, and choosing the best therapy for an individual patient may depend on multiple factors including the severity and duration of symptoms, age and size of the pet, and the cost of treatment. Current flea control options were also discussed. Shampoos, collars, and powders are not found to be particularly effective and may have harmful side effects. Utilizing an integrated flea control program is most effective combining an adulticide such as Capstar, Frontline, Comfortis, or Revolution with an insect development inhibitor (IDI) such as Program or Sentinel. An adulticide kills the adult fleas (5% of the flea population) that you can see and an IDI helps control the other life stages that you can't see with your eyes including eggs and larvae which make up the other 95% of the flea population. The environment may also need to be treated in some cases. Your veterinarian can help you decide the best approach for your specific flea control plan.
In another lecture, the latest in diagnosing and treating pancreatitis was discussed. Acute pancreatitis is a relatively common cause of vomiting in dogs and cats and the severity of disease is highly variable from mild to life-threatening. Middle aged to older pets that are overweight or obese are at risk for developing acute pancreatitis. Other risk factors include getting into the trash, ingesting unusual food items, and getting table scraps especially food high in fat increase the odds of pancreatitis. Common clinical signs include lethargy, anorexia, painful abdomen, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea. There is a simple blood test called a canine pancreatic specific lipase test (cPL) that can be performed at the veterinarian hospital that can help diagnose this disease. An ultrasound scan can also help diagnose this condition and monitor therapy especially in severe cases. Therapy is supportive care with intravenous fluid therapy, antiemetics to control vomiting, analgesics for pain, and nutritional support. Early fluid therapy in the first 24 hours to prevent dehydration is the key to preventing complications and improves the prognosis. Most pets need at least 2-3 days of fluid therapy in the hospital to treat this disease.
In addition, cats especially those who are overweight or obese are at risk for developing hepatic lipidosis, a fatty liver syndrome, if they become anorexic for a period of time. Anything that causes your cat to not eat could predispose him or her to this serious disease, such as a respiratory infection, stomach upset, any infectious or inflammatory illness, or even changing the food to something the cat doesn't like. Preventing obesity and monitoring your cat's daily food intake can help prevent this from occurring. You should alert your veterinarian if you think that your cat has stopped eating, especially if it is longer than 2-3 days.
July 2009
Q&A WITH DR. BLAYLOCK
Click here to link to the Murfreesboro Post column.
Watch for additional Q&A entries 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9 at murfreesboropost.com.
February 2009
STORMIE THE BOXER ROMPS BEFORE CAPTURE
An amazing story of a runaway dog with a happy ending, thanks to ACVH technician Brent Cannon.
Click here to link to the Murfreesboro Post article.
December 2008
ANIMAL CARE VETERINARY HOSPITAL WAS VOTED BEST VETERINARIAN IN THE 2008 RUTHIES AWARDS!
It makes us happy from head to tail that we were voted Favorite Veterinarian as well as finalists in the categories of Favorite Kennel and Favorite Place to Treat Your Pet. We will continue to work hard to serve your needs and those of your furry, scaly, and feathered friends.
Thanks for voting!!!!
June 2008
THANKS FOR JOINING US DURING AAHA CELEBRATION WEEK!
Thanks to pets and pet parents alike who got into the Halloween spirit for our AAHA celebration! Congratulations as well to our winners Maggie Gibson, the St. Bernard dressed as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, who won first place in our Halloween Costume Contest; David Duez, who won an iPod touch; and Chris and Sarah Smith, whose Cocker Spaniel Austen won a Free Year of Vet Care.
We are delighted to share a few photos of the fun!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW
May 2008
ACVH RECEIVES AAHA ACCREDITATION!
On May 22, 2008 Animal Care Veterinary Hospital (ACVH) received accreditation following a comprehensive evaluation by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). The evaluation includes a quality assessment review of the hospital's facility, medical equipment, practice methods, and pet health care management.
Only 17% of all small animal veterinary practices in the U.S. have achieved accreditation by AAHA. In order to maintain accredited status, ACVH must continue to be evaluated regularly by one of the association's trained consultants.
"Animal Care Veterinary Hospital belongs to a select group of practices that are committed to meeting the highest standards in veterinary medicine," says Thomas A. Carpenter, DVM, AAHA president. "AAHA hospitals pass a stringent evaluation of more than 900 standards covering patient care, client service and medical protocols. By attaining accreditation, Animal Care Veterinary Hospital is demonstrating its dedication to offering the best care to its patients and clients.
For more information you can visit the AAHA website at http://www.healthypet.com/.
January 2008
PET HEALTH ARTICLES
www.petplace.com