Circle City Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital

Rain, Rain Go Away

noreply@blogger.com (MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets Blog) — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 15:22:00 +0000

By Ray Schmitt
CCVSEH Marketing/PR Executive

According to an Indianapolis Star report from earlier this month, June of 2015 was the wettest June in the history of the state. Average rainfall for the month state-wide was 9.03 inches, and it wasn't only the wettest June we've ever seen; it was also our fourth-wettest month ever since record keeping began in 1895. Now we're nearly halfway through July, but the turn of the calendar hasn't done much to slow down the wet weather.

Over the last few days, severe thunderstorms have brought with them high-speed wind gusts, hail, tornado warnings and, unfortunately, flash flooding. It hardly seems that a day goes by without the threat of a thunderstorm in the forecast so it is unclear when relief from the threat of flooding is on the way. That means there are important questions you need to ask yourself, especially if you are a pet owner. What is your evacuation plan in the event of a flood? Does your plan include steps to ensure your pets' safety? Now, no one is expecting you to make like Noah, build an ark and float away on the rising waters with your animals to safety. But there are some fairly simple steps to take to develop, or refine, a good flood plan for you and your pets.

This is not the safe way to evacuate pets from flood waters.
Use carriers/crates/kennels to carry your pets and avoid
rushing waters and/or debris.

When it comes to getting your pets safely out of a flooded house, first thing is first; have suitable carriers available. While adults may be able to walk through knee-deep flood waters, that level is too high for pets to safely wade through. Rushing waters could overwhelm them or they could be struck by debris in the water. You do not want to be forced to leave your pets behind in a flooded home because you don't have a safe way to get them through flood waters outside of the house. There are a multitude of crates and carriers available for cats and small dogs. Make sure you have enough on hand to account for all of your animals. Medium to large breed dogs should be placed in a suitably-sized crate or kennel to be carried out of the home. This is could be a two-person job depending on the size and weight of the dog.

If you are forced to evacuate your home due to a flood, there is often uncertainty as to when you will be able to get back in. Because of this, having a pet emergency kit prepared will go a long way to making the situation more manageable. At a minimum your pet emergency kit should include a bowl, food, drinkable water and any medications your dog or cat currently takes. Other items worth considering are a leash, bandages, simple saline and a blanket.

Window clings, like this, alert first responders
about pets in your home.

In the event that you and your pets are separated in the process of, or after, evacuating your house, updated registration information is crucial. If your pets are microchipped, go online and make sure that the information is up-to-date with your current address, cell phone number and email address. Also keep a tag on your dog's or cat's collar with the same current contact information, along with the pet's name.

A little research in advance of an emergency situation will also go a long way. Call around to, or email,
shelters and/or rescue groups in your area to find out if they offer services in the event of an emergency. Additionally, you should ask your primary veterinarian about emergency window stickers. These stickers indicate to first responders (fire fighters, police, EMTs) that there are animals inside a residence, along with how many there are. Finally, know where the closest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital is. Our hospital is always open to help with your pet emergencies.

At the end of the day, no one wants to deal with the stress and the worry of a flooded home. More than that, though, no one wants the added stress and worry if something were to happen to their dog or cat in a flood. Consider some of these tips to help develop a flood-preparedness plan and talk to your veterinarian about what else can be done. And let's all do some kind of anti-rain dance so that we can see the sun around Indianapolis for at least a few days.

Happy Summer From CCVSEH

noreply@blogger.com (MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets Blog) — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 14:47:00 +0000

By CCVSEH Staff

You wouldn't know it by the way the weather has behaved the last few days, but we are unofficially into the summer season. Memorial Day provides the unofficial kickoff, and what a kickoff it was this year with oodles of sunshine and a thrilling running of the 99th Indianapolis 500. In the months to come we will enjoy cookouts, vacations, hikes, pool days, baseball games and so much more. Summer has something special in store for everyone and each of us has a unique summer memory or summer tradition that we hold close. Recently members of our staff took time out of their busy schedules to recount their own summer memories and traditions so that they can be shared with all of you!

Ray Schmitt, Marketing/PR Executive - My favorite summer tradition is one that began fairly recently. My father's life-long dream was to own a boat and he achieved that dream in the summer of 2010. I was living in South Carolina at the time and only got to go out on the boat once a year when I made it home to visit, but now that I live closer it's wonderful. My wife, my dog and I meet my parents at "their" lake a short drive northeast of Saint Louis multiple times throughout the summer. My sister and her fiance often join in and my brother will travel from Boston to meet up with us for a week-long lake trip and spend each day on the boat. It's far and away my favorite way to spend time with my family in the summer.

Kathryn Fitzwater, DVM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgery - My favorite thing about summer is the long summer days and outdoor movies in our backyard.

Terry Grieshaber, DVM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Dermatology - I really enjoy doing manual labor outdoors on a hot, humid day and finishing the days work with an ice cold beer on my front porch. It takes me back to my roots.

Amy Rader, DVM, Director of Emergency Services - The favorite part of summer for me is spending time in the garden. Flower gardens and vegetable gardens. Nothing taste better then the food you grow in your own back yard. R&R = spending the afternoon laying in the hammock with a good book, listening to the birds.

Kathy Kemp, Administrative Assistant - One of my favorite summer memories is the first purchase of my life. My best friend and I were riding bikes. We went around town to garage sales and crossing over the forbidden river when I found the garage-sale find of my life. I found an item that I could not live without so we raced home and I asked for the money to purchase it. My mother said no, but her boyfriend said yes – it was only 50 cents after all.

So Julie and I raced back to the sale and it was gone. I balled my eyes out for a whole minute. The man of the house was gone, too, but there was a teenager overseeing the sale. Through my blubbering, I asked about the item and whether it had been sold. The boy didn’t know so he called for his mom. She came out and saw my tear-streaked face then hollered inside to her husband. He came out with my item in his hand and he was calming me down as he explained that he had taken it inside to clean it. I was over joyed. I gave him the two quarters and thanked him profusely. He asked if I wanted a bag and I told him I didn’t need one because this was going on my handlebars.

I rode all the way home with a great big smile because I was so proud of my very first purchase. It was short lived though because I scared the heck out of my mom as she saw me riding up with an alligator on my handlebars and my face all dirty from crying. Of course, her first thought was that I was hurt.

Ignoring her, I grabbed it up and headed inside. Then she put the brakes on hard and told me no way was that thing going in the house. Well, I ducked under her arm, weaved past the door, and ran into my bedroom. By the time my mom caught up with me, I had put my stuffed alligator on my bedside table facing the door so he could guard my room with his wide-open, teeth-baring mouth.

My mom finally changed her mind when she heard the whole story, but my very first purchase all by myself, even though it was with borrowed money, was complete and I had a stuffed alligator for the next 10 years always at my bedside.

Megan Anderson, Registered Veterinary Technician - My favorite thing about summer has always been vacation. My mother always went out of her way to put together elaborate trips across the country. By the time I started college, and subsequently was not able to travel as much, I had visited 43 states. My favorite trip was the two weeks we spent in Alaska traveling the Alaskan Highway in a motor home. We've always paved our own paths on our tips and spent every effort staying away from the "popular destinations." We had more fun just hitting the road and experiencing what each state had to offer. I plan to add California to my visited list this November at the Veterinary Dental Conference. Even though it's not really a "vacation," in my opinion, it will be fun none the less. I've have many adventures through my summers and I hope to share my experience with my new family as we grow.

We hope you enjoyed our favorite summer memories and traditions. What are some of your own? Feel free to share them with us on our Facebook page, and ones that include pets are highly encouraged!

Canine Flu - What You Need To Know

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 20:31:00 +0000

By Ray Schmitt
CCVSEH PR/Marketing Executive

If you follow the news you have probably come across coverage of the canine flu epidemic that has hit our neighbors to the northwest in Chicago. Reports estimate that thousands of dogs have been infected in the Windy City and that some cases have spilled over into Michigan, as well. With the glut of reports on this outbreak it's important for pet owners in the Hoosier State to know if it could affect them, and if so, how.

What is Known:

The particular strain of flu virus that has caused the current epidemic in Chicago has not been

previously seen in the United States. A recent report in the Chicago Sun Times points to evidence in studies by scientists at Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin that the outbreak was caused by the H3N2 strain and not H3N8 as originally reported. H3N2 has been found to be widely circulated among dog populations in southern China and South Korea the Sun Times states.
There is no evidence that this strain of the virus can be transmitted from canines to humans. But there is evidence to suggest that humans can transmit the disease to another dog after coming into contact with a sick pup.
According to the ASPCA canine flu is transmitted through a combination of aerosols, droplets and direct contact with respiratory secretions.
A vaccine to combat canine flu does exist but it is not known if it will completely protect dogs from this strain of the virus. Donna Alexander, the administrator of the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control, is quoted in the Sun Times article that the vaccine "does impart enough of an immunity that it may protect the animal’s life. It may make the difference between it being a fatality and a severe hacking cough that the animal can withstand.” Additionally, according to the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, the vaccine is not effective in dogs already infected with the canine flu.
Media reports currently attribute five deaths, of the over 1,000 infected, to the current canine flu outbreak.

Possible Signs of Canine Flu:

If you notice any of the following signs in your dog contact your family veterinarian immediately. If their office is closed, our emergency department is open 24-7-365 and can provide help.

Lethargy
Fever
Lack of Appetite
Coughing
Rapid and/or Difficult Breathing
Nasal discharge that begins clear but progresses to yellowish-green mucous

Other Important Facts:

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health encourages dog owners to not panic.
Dogs who are in good health but contract canine flu are likely to recover. Extremely old, extremely young and immuno-suppressed dogs are at the highest risk, should they become exposed to canine flu.
Risk of exposure for dogs in the Indianapolis area is low. If you are planning to travel to the Chicago area, it is recommended that you vaccinate your pets prior to visiting the city.
Antibiotics and supportive care have been shown to be successful in treating dogs who are exposed to canine flu.

Website Relaunch

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 14:47:00 +0000

By Ray Schmitt
CCVSEH Marketing/PR Executive

We all use websites every day for an untold number of reasons. The information that they provide can be invaluable whether they are instructing us, keeping us abreast of current events, or simply entertaining us and giving us a chance to escape for a little while. But how often do we, as website users, take a step back and consider what it takes to run and maintain the websites that we love so much? How often do we think about what it takes for website administrators to keep their site competitive among an almost infinite number of other sites in the battle for clicks and views?

Here is a snapshot of our new-look homepage for
www.circlecityvets.com.

My appreciation for those considerations has grown exponentially as a result of the last few months of work. Months ago I teamed up with our hospital's IT company to begin a total overhaul of Circle City Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital's website - www.circlecityvets.com. It was due for a refresh and it's current version was launched before the proliferation of smart phones and the need for mobile responsive sites. We also wanted to stand out from our competition when it came to the look/feel of the site as well as the quality of content provided within.

I had never had such deep involvement in a website overhaul before and couldn't fully wrap my head around how much work it was going to take to achieve our goals. The hard work has paid off, though, and now comes the fun part - the chance to show everyone the fruits of our labor. On Monday, April 6, 2015 we will launch the brand-new www.circlecityvets.com.

The crown jewel of the relaunch will be an improved mobile version of the site. Improving this experience was of utmost priority to us because our research showed that between 35% and 40% of visitors to our site on a monthly basis were doing so via smart phones or tablets. Our old site wasn't designed to display on those devices so there was a lot of scrolling and re-sizing required. With our new mobile-responsive site that simply won't be the case anymore. It will boast features such as tap-to-call and one-tap directions so that you can contact us quickly and have easy access to turn-by-turn directions if you need us in an emergency.

This snapshot of our staff page gives you a peek at one of the
best features of our re-designed site.

Part of the challenge in designing an effective site for our hospital is that it has to provide information to two
audiences - the general public and our referring doctors. We think we've created a site that will effectively reach both. One feature that exemplifies this is the "Useful Forms" button that will be located on the home page. One click on the button will take both pet owners and/or referring veterinarians to a database of forms that will make their visit or referral efficient. Pet owners can download and print new client forms or questionnaires before they ever step foot inside the hospital while veterinarians can download referral forms for any of the specialties we offer here; from dentistry all the way to surgery. Both audiences will also love our staff page which features high-resolution head shots of each of our doctors and a full bio. This allows anyone to get to know our doctors better before meeting them face-to-face, and helps to improve the comfort level of clients and referring doctors.

There will be much more to discover inside of our new website once it launches on April 6 and we hope that you enjoy exploring it. With this new version we will have direct access to manage the content which means we will be adding new information on a regular basis. Hopefully you'll come back and visit often to see what we've been up to. And while you're visiting please take a moment to consider all of the photographers, developers and administrators who worked long hours to bring the site to you.

Keeping Pets Active in Winter Months

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 17:15:00 +0000

By Ray Schmitt
CCVSEH PR/Marketing Executive

Last night I got home from the hospital shortly after 5:30. I had battled rush hour traffic on the north side of town and pulled into my driveway with a few minutes of daylight remaining - just enough to walk my dog before it got dark. When I woke up in the morning the rain was falling and made every inch of yard, street and sidewalk a slushy mess. By the time I got home the falling temperatures had frozen almost all of that same territory completely over.

Normally I love walking my 50-pound beagle/lab mix around the neighborhood when I wake up in the morning and when I get back from work. It provides me quiet time to collect my thoughts, gets me out of the house for some light exercise and gives me quality time with my pup. It also gives her the essential exercise and stimulation that she needs to be happy. There are times where she could certainly walk two or three hours non-stop just smelling all the smells on the ground. But yesterday was miserable. For both of us. Between the rain, the wind, the cold temperatures and complete lack of a good surface to walk on neither of us enjoyed our regular walk. And it's been that way almost every day since the frigid temperatures set in.

My dog is typically a high-energy dog that needs an hour, or so, of activity every day to be happy. Our walks took up a big chunk of that time, but what are we to do now? Without a doubt there are a lot of you out there who are wondering the same thing; "How can we keep our dogs active and happy when, at this time of year, their time outdoors is so limited?"

Luckily there are a ton of great resources at my disposal - more than a handful of veterinary specialists who had insightful advice on this very topic. I'm not a selfish person and didn't want to keep all of that sound advice to myself so here I am sharing it with all of you. These are the best tips from the staff at CCVSEH to keeping your pet active during cold, dreary winter months.

Keep Going Out for Walks. The elements create a challenge when it comes to taking our dogs for walks in the winter. Luckily there are ways to combat the elements. You can start by looking into booties to cover their paws. This will help protect them from painful deicers that can wedge themselves between toes. They'll also help to hold in some warmth on particularly cold days. For dogs with short coats or single-layer coats you can add a layer with a dog-friendly sweater or jacket. You can also look into reflective leash covers to make you more visible to drivers since it gets dark earlier.
Indoor Fetch. If you have a pup that love to play fetch out in the yard or the park, the games don't have to stop because of the weather. A staircase is a great place to get a game of fetch going. You can start at the top and let the ball roll to the bottom or toss it up from the bottom to the landing at the top. Running up and down the stairs will provide a great workout for your dog.
Go Shopping. Many pet stores allow you to bring your dog with you while you shop. So why not take your buddy with you on a trip for a new toy, a new treat or even a comfy new bed? He or she would love to sniff out their new favorite thing from the store whatever it may be.
Play Hide-and-Seek. What dog doesn't love treats? You can use these tasty morsels to get your pup off of the couch. Take some of his or her favorite treats and place them strategically throughout the house. Once they're all hidden it's time for "Fido" to hunt them down! It's also a good chance to work on obedience and commands because you're going to want the pup to stay put while you hide the treats.
Learn New Commands. Dogs are eager to please their humans, that's not a secret. They get satisfaction and mental stimulation when they work with you to learn new commands and tricks. Break out of the winter routine by spending some time learning new commands or tricks. If you don't want to do it at home on your own you can also enroll in a local obedience class.
Work For Their Supper. Dogs get most of their mental stimulation from the scents that they

detect. A lot of them are also highly motivated by food. You can make mealtime a stimulating activity by hiding their food in an unusual location or by creating an obstacle course they have to navigate to reach their food.
Underwater Treadmill: Our physical rehabilitation department has a state-of-the-art underwater treadmill that is a wonderful way for dogs to get exercise. The water is kept at a balmy 96 degrees, which will provide relief from the cold temps, and it allows them to bear 60 percent less weight thannormal because the water is filled to hip-level. The extra resistance provided by walking underwater helps to strengthen muscles and burn calories.

Our New Year's Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 19:47:00 +0000

From the CCVSEH Staff

At our hospital we take our work, but not ourselves, very seriously. We are constantly striving to provide top-notch care to every single patient that walks through our door, and that's something that will not change with the coming new year. There is, however, some truth to the "All work and no play..." credo so some of the staff wanted to have some fun with our New Year's resolutions. Here they are for you to enjoy!

Ray Schmitt, Public Relations/Marketing Executive
- I resolve to do whatever it takes to get Dr. Lemmons to stop calling me Bigfoot. Since most of the time I'm either at meetings or working on projects at my desk, a day or two can go by without Dr. Lemmons and I seeing each other. As a result he has dubbed me with the same moniker as the mythical creature that roams the woods, but is never really seen by anyone. If I can keep my resolution he'll be calling me "Shadow" by this time next year!

Rachel Kulaga, Client Services Administrator
- I resolve to not walk as hard in my heels when I'm upstairs. People on the first floor sometimes worry that I'm going to stomp a hole in the ceiling.

Dru Arnold, Director of Human Resources and Accounting
- Rachel and I both resolve to eat much more Japanese food in 2015! With any luck in the next year the wait staff at our favorite Japanese restaurant in town will know us both by name. And probably won't even have to give us menus to order from.

The Entire Business Office Staff
- We resolve to keep the plants in the front lobby alive. It might be a good thing we're not the ones in charge of keeping the animals in the back alive.

Jamie Riddle, Registered Veterinary Technician
- I resolve to invent shoes with lifts in them that are also comfortable. This way all the shorties that I work with can reach the high items in the hospital and stop asking me for help all the time. It's not easy being the tallest person in this whole hospital (except for maybe Dr. Birchard).

From all of us at Circle City Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital, Happy New Year! We hope that 2015 brings you nothing but happiness and joy. And good luck with your resolutions, too.

Coping With Loss During the Holiday Season

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 16:31:00 +0000

by Ray Schmitt
Circle City Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital Marketing/PR Executive

"It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you 'Be of good cheer'
It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
It's the hap - happiest season of all
With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings
When friends come to call
It's the hap - happiest season of all"

Lyrics to "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" performed by Harry Connick Jr. courtesy www.azlyrics.com

If you stop a bunch of people on the street and ask them, "What is your favorite time of the year?" a good majority of them will probably say Christmas. During the holiday season, more than any other time of the year, we as a society focus our energy on getting together with friends, family and loved ones to celebrate.

For adults we draw joy in remembering the Christmases of our childhood, in the act of gift giving, in hosting and attending parties and, likely, having some time off from work to relax. Children, of course, revel in all the new toys they receive and indulging in all the Christmas cookies they can possibly eat.

The bond between humans and our pets is incredibly strong.

But there is one inevitable part of life that can put a major damper on the holiday good cheer; the loss of a loved one. And because we are in the veterinary field all of us at Circle City Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital know that our pets are loved members of our family just as much as any human. Pets are a huge part of our holiday traditions, too, and their loss can cause just as much pain as the loss of a human family member.

If you are having a hard time dealing with the loss of a beloved pet at this time of the year you might find helpful this information we came across and discussed at our December C.A.L.M. meeting. In case you were unaware, we hold C.A.L.M. meetings monthly to provide support to those who are grieving the loss of a pet. The meetings are free to attend and there is no obligation; you can come to as many or as few as you wish.

This article was written specifically about dealing with the loss of a person, but the principles can still apply to dealing with the loss of a pet. The most important idea, the first one mentioned in the article, is talking about your grief. Everyone needs a caring, supportive, non-judgmental environment to discuss their feelings of grief in dealing with a loss. That all-important first step can be taken by simply attending one of our C.A.L.M. meetings.

The next C.A.L.M. meeting will take place at Circle City Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital (9650 Mayflower Park Dr. in Carmel) on Monday, January 5, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. The theme for that meeting is "New Year's Resolutions" and if you want to come prepared you can bring your on resolutions on how you want to feel in the new year. Make a list of feelings you want to let go of (anger, guilt, sadness, doubt, anxiety..) and a list of feelings/memories you want to cherish. You can even RSVP for the event on our Facebook page.

If you are dealing with the loss of a beloved pet this holiday season our entire staff offers its sincere condolences. And we hope that we can help ease the grief through our C.A.L.M. meetings.

In the Market for A New Pet Bed? Get Crafty!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 22:07:00 +0000

by Ray Schmitt
Circle City Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital Marketing/PR Rep

Up until today I had never heard of the term "Upcycling." But when I started researching a picture that Dr. Kate Fitzwater emailed me last night that all changed. Here is the picture that sparked my education:

How cool is that!? Someone, somewhere came up with the idea that they could turn a sweater into a pet bed. After I saw the picture I had to investigate and find out how these were made. This led me to a number of websites dedicated to "Upcycling" projects which essentially take old/unwanted/unused household items and turn them into something better. Hopefully the term is a fad that will fade away, but the concept can stick around for a while.

Enough about my disdain for the word "Upcycling," though, and on to the real reason I'm writing this entry. I have shopped for pet beds more than once and they are fairly expensive! So a do-it-yourself project that costs way less money and, in my opinion, looks a good bit cooler and would probably be a good conversation starter is going to grab my attention every time.

I'll admit that I'm not the most handy person around the house, but even this pet bed seems fairly doable. And the supplies are easy to come by. You need an old sweater (obviously), a pillow to fill the body of the sweater and some combination of rolled up towels and/or cotton stuffing to fill the sleeves. That gets you most of the way there but you'll also need some method of binding the sleeves together as well as closing the neck hole. Some versions I found feature zippers so you can remove the stuffing and wash the sweater while others are sealed more permanently by sewing or hot glue. I suppose it's really just a personal preference.

I have not undertaken this project myself just yet because I still wear all of the sweaters I own, my dog is too big to use one and I don't know if either of the cats would actually like it. Although, I suppose I could make one anyway and donate it to a local shelter or humane society. Maybe all of us reading this post could make one and donate them. It would certainly be in the spirit of giving that the Christmas season embodies. We could also make them all out of sweaters like the ones on the right so that the dogs and cats could enjoy ugly Christmas sweaters as much as we all do.

Since I'm no expert (yet) on how to make one of these here are some links to websites that offer full instructions:

http://empressofdirt.net/diy-sweater-pet-bed/
http://www.handimania.com/diy/sweatshirt-pet-bed.html
http://www.mnn.com/family/pets/photos/10-enviable-upcycled-pet-beds/wooly-buddy-bed
http://www.icreativeideas.com/how-to-diy-pet-bed-from-old-sweater/

If you end up making one of your own we want to see the final results! Share a photo with us on our Facebook wall or hit us up on Twitter @CircleCityVets.

Until next time, cheers and happy sweater pet bed making!

Happy Thanksgiving From the Staff at Circle City Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 16:49:00 +0000

Few days on the calendar year are as closely associated with family and tradition as Thanksgiving. And as diverse as America is, so are the memories and traditions of American families' Thanksgiving celebrations. In the spirit of the holiday we here at Circle City Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital thought it would only be appropriate to share some of our favorite Thanksgiving memories and traditions. We hope you enjoy

Our Thanksgiving food drive was a success!
Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.

reading these and want to wish you and your family the happiest of Thanksgivings.

Aubrey Barth, Registered Veterinary Technician: I loved waking up to the sound of the Thanksgiving Day parades on TV in the living room, helping my dad mix the stuffing by hand in a huge foil pan, and that it took my brother 18 years to figure out how to correctly eat cranberry sauce (not by itself, but along with a forkful or turkey, potatoes, or stuffing).

Amy Rader, DVM, Director of Emergency Services: The first time I met my husband's family was at Thanksgiving. I met the ENTIRE family, everyone made me feel welcome and part of the family.

Jamie Riddle, Registered Veterinary Technician: My favorite moments of Thanksgiving are getting together with my crazy family. Each year the table has been getting bigger and bigger, but I love taking a breath, not worrying about the world and being able to look across every angle of the table and see someone that I love, then stuffing our faces :).

Megan Anderson, Registered Veterinary Technician: Before my grandparents passed away, we would always go to a buffet type brunch around 10:00 a.m. No one in my family likes cooking, but there would be an "in the spirit of the holiday" turkey cooked by my mother, to be nibbled on for the following weeks. After joining the Anderson family, and attending a true dinner with the family, it's a weird transition into a hustling and bustling clatter and clash of bodies packed into the tiny kitchen, preparing several dishes at once. I quickly learned to bring a cold dish as contribution so as to not need space in the oven or an electrical outlet. After the rest of the family leaves, we build a fire in the fireplace and trim the tree. We sip hot cocoa and talk about gifts we are considering and tease the young kids about making sure to get their letters done to Santa. Thanksgiving passes quickly into Christmas.

Kiely Clark, Registered Veterinary Technician: One of my favorite holiday memories was while working on Thanksgiving. Dr Grieshaber bought us a big 'ol turkey. We got it out of the oven and went to carve it but couldn't find a knife! We carved our turkey with a pumpkin carving knife...later we found a real knife in the pumpkin roll :).

Rachel Kulaga, Client Services Administrator: My favorite tradition is always going out with my family to pick out our Christmas tree the night of Thanksgiving. My favorite memory is making it home just in time for Thanksgiving the year I studied abroad in Europe. I've never been so happy to eat Thanksgiving Dinner and watch the Lions lose ;)!

Ray Schmitt, Public Relations/Marketing Representative: There was always a battle between myself, my brother, my sister and our cousins as to who would get to lick the beaters from the electric mixer after the mashed potatoes were made. Even now that we're all grown we all want them. Also, to close out the night my family always gathered around the table for a card game we call Blackout. It's similar to Spades and a lot of fun.

Danie Lodge, Registered Veterinary Technician: I like dipping my turkey in mashed potatoes & gravy!

Amanda Audo, DVM (Emergency Dept.): To me, Thanksgiving always meant driving from Detroit to Columbus to visit my great-grandmother. Her favorite restaurant was the Brown Derby, so we would go there every year for Thanksgiving dinner. Then we would get to play with our favorite toys we kept at her house.

Cassi Naden, Customer Service Representative: Everyone knows that the wishbone is a "prized" part of many Thanksgiving traditions. In my family, after everyone is done eating we play the card game Phase 10. The first and second place winners are the ones that get to break the wishbone.

Katherine Good, Veterinary Assistant: It was the first time I was in charge of Thanksgiving dinner - the turkey, sides and dessert. My first time ever making turkey. I did the normal; season the turkey, add water and butter to it. Set in the oven to slowly cook overnight. Well in the middle of the night we woke up to the smoke detector going off and smoke everywhere. Turns out I put too much water in the pot and it boiled over with fat in it. Elvis my dog wasn't too concerned he wanted to see if there was anything he could eat. My nephew slept through the whole thing. Everything else went great. The turkey had a smokey taste to it.

Tina Beers, Registered Veterinary Technician: My favorite memory is going up to Wisconsin to my aunt and uncle's house. My mom, aunts and grandmother would cook (I would try to help, but it never worked out for me), while my grandpa and uncles watch football (usually the Bears) and having a house full of kids. Afterwards we would set up the Christmas tree and all of my aunts would get ready for black Friday shopping.

Kelly Fisher, DVM, CCRP: After getting married, Kreg and I wanted to start our own family tradition. The morning after Thanksgiving we get up early and go to the tree farm to pick out, and cut, our Christmas tree. Two kids later, we still look forward to Friday morning and picking out that special tree.

Kate Fitzwater, DVM, MS, DACVS: One aspect of Thanksgiving that I look forward to are the leftovers, I can eat them for lunch and dinner all the way until Sunday! Good thing no one else likes them that much in my family, the more for me :).

Kim Wirth, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology): My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is my parents fighting over the time of the meal and my Dad disappearing into the garage for the remainder of the day.

Cataract Surgery in Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 15:17:00 +0000

Cataract Surgery in Dogs

By Rachel Mathes, DVM, MS, DACVO

Cataracts are opacities or white areas in the lens which is located inside the eye and functions to focus light on the retina (back of the eye) for visual processing. Cataracts in dogs have many causes with the most common type of cataract being heritable, or breed related. Another common cause of cataracts in dogs is systemic diabetes. In fact, up to 80% of dogs will develop diabetic cataracts within sixteen months of a diagnosis of diabetes. Whether a patient develops cataracts is not dependent on how well the diabetes is regulated. Cataracts may remain stable for long periods of time or may progress over time, with a variable rate of progression. Cataracts cause inflammation inside the eye and may cause other serious diseases such as glaucoma, lens displacement or retinal detachments. The biggest concern, however, with cataracts is that they often cause vision loss or blindness.

The diagnosis of cataracts may not be straightforward because other conditions of the eye can cause “cloudiness” or white discolorations. A full ophthalmic examination with a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist is recommended to assess cataracts. If cataracts are diagnosed, they may be treated with phacoemulsification, otherwise known as “cataract surgery.” Surgery is typically pursued if there is significant vision loss causing changes to a patient’s lifestyle or behavior. This may vary depending on the dog’s level of activity and daily routine. Often, vision loss may not be recognized until the pet is taken to a different environment with which he/she is not familiar. Common signs of vision loss include bumping into objects, falling on or missing stairs, increased sleeping due to reluctance to move around, hesitancy to move in unfamiliar environments or increased contact with the owner (e.g. following the owner around more than usual). These signs may appear gradually or may occur quite suddenly depending on the progression of the cataracts.

Cataract surgery involves removal the abnormal lens and replacement with a new, artificial lens. This is done through a very small incision on the side of the eye. The new lens is foldable and able to be placed through this small incision. The small incision decreases overall anesthesia time and complications after surgery. The procedure in dogs is the same surgery that is performed in humans for cataract surgery, even though the canine or dog lens is approximately four times the size of the human lens. The success rate of cataract surgery in dogs is 90-95 percent. While no surgical procedure carries a 100 percent success rate, the success rate of this surgery is very high, especially if done by a skilled board-certified ophthalmologist. The surgery is able to restore normal vision for a blind or significantly visually impaired pet, often completely changing their behavior and activity level. Many people state that cataract surgery “gave their dog back their life,” enabling them to play with toys, run outside and interact with other dogs again. The change in a patient’s demeanor after cataract surgery is often dramatic and one of the best events to witness for a veterinary ophthalmologist. This surgery is offered here at Circle City Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital with myself (Dr. Rachel Mathes), a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, so be sure to ask your veterinarian about options for a referral here.

A cross section of the eye is depicted with the black arrow indicating the lens. This structure is normally clear, but may become milky or whitish with cataract formation.

A photograph of a patient with cataracts is depicted. The lens is whitish-gray and this patient was blind before surgery.

A photograph of a patient after cataract surgery is depicted. The new, artificial lens can be seen. This patient had normal vision after surgery.

Pets and Ebola

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 19:23:00 +0000

If you have been anywhere near a newspaper, television news broadcast or computer screen in the last month then you heard about the death of Liberian national Thomas Eric Duncan who contracted Ebola. He was the first Ebola patient diagnosed with the disease in the United States. Duncan was treated at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas and during that time two nurses who provided care also contracted the disease responsible for over 4,000 deaths during the current outbreak in western African nations.

You may not have heard, however, that healthcare workers in European nations are also dealing with exposure to Ebola. In fact, a Spanish nurse was hospitalized with the disease earlier this month and government officials there elected to euthanize her dog as a precautionary measure. On the flip side of the coin, however, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel that belongs to one of the sick Dallas nurses has been placed in quarantine with no plans to euthanize the animal. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that no evidence exists to prove that pets can spread the Ebola virus to people or other pets, and no reports of dogs or cats falling ill with Ebola have been filed.

Photo: CDC / Cynthia Goldsmith

While Ebola continues to dominate the national conversation it is inevitable that pet owners will have questions and look to their veterinarians for answers. And that is the best place to turn - your veterinarian. The worldwide web is a valuable source of information but oftentimes there is no way to verify the accuracy of information on a website or what the source of that information is. That's why your veterinarian should always be your most trusted source if your pet becomes ill.

In the meantime there are some proven facts about Ebola and pets that you can find online. We turned to our friends at the American Veterinary Medical Association to help compile some important facts for you:

In the United States the relative risk of exposure to Ebola is low. As of today there are only three documented cases of Ebola patients in the country. Duncan contracted the disease while traveling in Liberia (he since passed away) and the other two were nurses who provided care for Duncan. There are no documented cases of pets contracting the disease.
Ebola is spread only through the transmission of bodily fluid. It is not an airborne disease like the flu.
Currently there are no approved vaccines or drugs available to treat Ebola. According to the CDC Ebola patients are treated according to their symptoms as they appear.
Ebola is a zoonotic disease. There is, however, no evidence that it has ever been transmitted from a human to a dog. The AVMA references a study conducted during the Ebola outbreak in Gabon from 2001-2002 that found no infected dogs in the area, and reported no signs of symptoms or deaths among Gabon's dogs during the outbreak.
Two organizations, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association and the CDC, do not recommend euthanization for dogs that could have been exposed to Ebola. The WSAVA says that the animals should be quarantined, while the CDC maintains that the animal's risk of exposure needs to be evaluated and an appropriate course of action planned out based on that evaluation.
No evidence has been found by animal health professionals that domestic animals play an active role in transmitting Ebola to humans.

The AVMA website has a wealth of information regarding Ebola, pets and humans. You can visit it yourself to conduct more research but don't forget that your family veterinarian is your best source of information. And, as always, we are here for you 24-7 in case of an emergency. Call us at 317-872-8387 or visit us at 9650 Mayflower Park Drive in Carmel if we can help you in an emergency.

Mammary Cancer In Dogs and Cats

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 15:17:00 +0000

By Kim Wirth, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

The month of October is famously known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and all across the nation pink is prominently displayed to raise awareness in the fight against the disease. According to the 2013-14 version of the American Cancer Society's Breast Cancer Facts & Figures publication an estimated 232,340 cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in women in 2013 and 2,240 men were diagnosed as well. Additionally, roughly 37,000 women died from breast cancer in 2013 which made it the second deadliest cancer in women behind only lung cancer.

Those figures clearly demonstrate a continuing need to keep the fight against breast cancer in humans at the forefront of our collective conscious. What might not be so commonly known, however, is that in the pet world mammary cancer is as big of a concern as breast cancer is in humans.

Mammary gland tumors are the most common tumors in dogs and the third most common tumor type in cats. Unspayed females have the greatest risk of developing mammary cancer and this can increase with each heat cycle. Mammary gland tumors can be benign or malignant and in contrast to dogs, at least 85 percent of feline mammary tumors are malignant. Approximately 50 percent of canine mammary tumors are malignant.

The principal sign is a painless lump or mass. Most masses occur in the glands closest to the groin. A mass may be large or small and can feel just like a small ‘bb’. Some masses are freely movable, while others adhere to the overlying skin or underlying muscle. Occasionally the mass ulcerates the skin and bleeds.

Malignant tumors can spread (metastasize) to lymph nodes, lungs and other organs. Chest x-rays are recommended prior to definitive treatment to evaluate for any evidence of spread to the lungs. Abdominal ultrasound is useful in determining whether there is any lymph node or internal organ involvement.

Treatment involves surgical removal of the lump with adequate margins of normal tissue. How much tissue will be removed depends on the species, size and location of the tumor. Removing a small tumor with a rim of normal tissue is called a lumpectomy. A simple mastectomy is the removal of the entire mammary gland. A complete unilateral mastectomy is the removal of all five mammary glands on one side of the body. The local lymph nodes are often included in a unilateral mastectomy. A specimen is then submitted to a pathologist for a tissue diagnosis to determine the prognosis.

The prognosis for mammary cancer depends on the how aggressive the tumor is. Some patients with aggressive tumors or evidence of spread may require chemotherapy treatment after surgery and some patients are cured. Cats tend to require a larger surgery and often need chemotherapy as well.

Please remember that the only reliable way to determine if mammary cancer could be affecting your pet is through regular checkups at your family veterinarian. Additional testing and treatments can be performed here at Circle City Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital so be sure to ask your veterinarian about your options for a referral here.

Happy Fall To You and Your Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 15:43:00 +0000

Tuesday marked the official arrival of fall and, for many, that news is better than music to the ears. Crisp days filled with sunshine, colorful foliage, weekends filled with football, the opportunity to wear hoodies almost anywhere and, of course, every kind of pumpkin spiced foods and beverages are just some of the things that make this time of year so special. Like summer before it, though, the autumn does come with some potential pitfalls to pets and their owners. And while we are here 24-7 to help with any emergency situation you and your "furkid" encounter, we also believe in education and taking preventative measures to avoid such scenarios.

So as the leaves begin to change please keep in mind these pointers and tips so that you and your pets enjoy this fall to its fullest.

Be Aware Of Seasonal Allergies
Dogs and cats, just like humans, are prone to allergens in the atmosphere. The arrival of fall brings about higher levels of ragweed pollen in the air and it can trigger allergic reactions in your pets. Ragweed tends to hang around until the first frost falls so its effects can linger. Also be aware that your pets can react to mold and dust mites that come around this time of the year.

If your pet is having an allergic reaction it can exhibit symptoms through its skin. Behaviors such as excessive licking, biting or scratching are clues that there could be a problem. Bear in mind, though, that these behaviors can also be indicative of food or drug allergies. If you notice abnormal licking, biting or scratching please consult your primary veterinarian and be sure to ask about the option of seeing a specialist. Our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Terry Grieshaber, can talk you through all of the testing options that can help uncover an allergy and how you can manage it.

Chocolate Toxicity

Whether you are hosting a Halloween bash, taking the kids trick-or-treating or setting up shop at your home to pass out candy you are
likely to have chocolate around the house this fall. This has the
potential to create dangerous situations. Make sure that your candy is always stored in a place that is safely out of reach of your pets or, if candy is out, that you don't leave your pets unmonitored around it. Take special care that those trick-or-treating bags aren't left on the living room floor!

Different chocolates (dark, semi-sweet, white, milk, etc.) have different toxicity levels. If your pet happens to ingest any chocolate it is important to contact a veterinarian right away. We provide 24-7 emergency care so if your primary veterinarian is closed we are here to help.

Outdoor Dangers
Harvest festivals abound in the fall as communities come together to celebrate farmers reaping the rewards of a hard summer's work. It is worth noting, however, that harvest time can be dangerous to farm dogs and cats. Always be sure to double (or triple) check that all of your dogs or cats are not out exploring the fields and are out of harm's way.

Hunting and trapping season is quickly approaching and this presents dangers to those of us who take to the outdoors for quality time with our pets. When hiking stay on well marked paths and do not let your dog walk off-leash to avoid the dangers of traps that have been laid. Take precautions against hunters by dressing yourself and your pet in bright colors that do not blend in with the scenery. Be aware of all the parks and walking trails in your area that are restricted from hunters and stick to those during hunting season. If you do venture away from the safest locations, use these links for some information that will help you avoid the danger of hunters:

Indiana hunting seasons
Indiana legal hunting hours

Poisons
Rodents can be a problem in the fall whether you live somewhere rural, suburban or urban. Rodenticides are highly effective in dealing with unwelcome critters looking to escape colder

temperatures by entering your home, garage or barn. However, they can pose a serious threat to household pets. If you suspect your pet ingested any amount of rodendticide it is essential that you contact a veterinarian immediately. Different brands of rodenticides contain different ingredients, but new products on the market contain a chemical that is especially dangerous according to Dr. Amy Rader, director of the emergency department at Circle City Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital.

"Most of the rodenticides on the market now contain bromethalin which is toxic and there is NO antidote. Immediate treatment to decrease contamination and supportive care is the only chance we have at saving them."

If you plan to add antifreeze as part of preparing your car or truck for the colder temperatures take extra care to protect your pets. Ethylene glycol, the main ingredient in antifreeze, is highly toxic to animals. Store your antifreeze containers safely out of reach of your pets, and keep them away from the area whenever you add antifreeze to your car. Any spill should be cleaned immediately with the cloth or paper towel disposed of in a place where your pets can't reach it. Doctor Rader also states that "there are pet friendly anti-freezes on the market and can be found at most stores, so if a pet owner has to add coolant or winterize the pool the pet friendly versions are less toxic." It's a good idea to check with your local retailer to find out if it carries that type of antifreeze.

We hope that this information helps you and your pets have a great fall season both outdoors and in. For more information you can reach us 24-7 by calling 317-872-8387 or visiting us at 9650 Mayflower Park Dr. in Carmel (between Michigan Rd. and 96th). You can also find us on the web at www.circlecityvets.com.

Paralysis: It doesn’t have to be permanent

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 18:00:00 +0000

Paralysis: It doesn't have to be permanent

by Kate Fitzwater, DVM, DACVS

Dachshunds are the number one breed to suffer from intervertebral disc problems. The intervertebral discs are located beneath the spinal cord, in between each vertebra, and are like jelly doughnuts. Each has an outer fibrous layer, like the crust portion of the doughnut, and an inner nucleus pulposus, like the jelly portion. Dachshunds and other breeds like Beagles, Pekingese, Cocker Spaniels can develop mineralization of their discs, which causes the nucleus pulpous (jelly portion of the doughnut, remember) to become like bone, which makes it more predisposed to rupturing.

When the disc ruptures, the nucleus portion of the disc causes compression on the spinal cord. The most common place for rupture is at the thoracolumbar junction or mid-back. It can also occur in the neck, but this article will not address this location. Depending on how compressed the spinal cord is directly correlates to the severity of the clinical signs. Pain is the first sign, which can progress to complete paralysis (loss of all movement in limbs) and loss of deep pain (unable to feel and recognize a painful stimulus to the limb). Prognosis for recovery depends on how severe the clinical signs are and what treatment option is pursued; each case is different. Surgery is most commonly recommended to remove the disc from around the spinal cord if the signs are worse than just walking wobbly, which is called ataxia.

Prognosis for complete recovery with surgery is 85-90% as long as the dog still has deep pain sensation. It is best to not wait until the dog is completely paralyzed, but as long as deep pain is still intact, the prognosis is good with surgical intervention. Once deep pain is lost, there is a 50:50 chance of walking again if surgery is pursued soon after injury.

Rehabilitation with underwater treadmill therapy is the mainstay of recovery after back surgery. Here at Circle City Veterinary Specialty Hospital, we have a CT scanner available for imaging the exact location of the ruptured disc prior to surgery. In some cases myelogram may also need to be done, which injects contrast material around the spinal cord to highlight the ruptured disc. Our two boarded surgeons, myself (Dr. Kate Fitzwater) and Dr. Rebecca Ball that can perform the surgery, even on emergency basis if needed and work closely with our in-house rehabilitation team of two certified rehabilitation practitioners, Dr. Kelly Fisher and Dr. Karen Hull for continued therapy after surgery.

Diagram of a ruptured disc compressing the spinal cord, which is the dark gray structure

What To Do When You're Pet Doesn't Travel With You

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 15:07:00 +0000

The Fourth of July is just in the rearview mirror, high temperatures are here to stay and it's smack-dab in the middle of baseball season. That can mean only one thing - summer is in full swing! It's the time to be thinking about an upcoming trip to the beach or lake, or making final preparations before attending that friend's or relative's wedding that you've been looking forward to. But what is a pet owner to do with all of that travel ahead?

As you may know, there are many hotels, restaurants, parks, etc. that are attuned to the needs of a family traveling with pets (and if that's you please don't forget about our guide for making an emergency kit). Still, though, travelers often elect to hit the road without the company of their four-legged friends. Those folks then have to decide how their pet will be cared for while they are away. Whether you favor having a friend, family member or professional pet sitter come to your home to provide care or taking your pet to a boarding facility, there are important things to consider before making a final decision.

When hiring a pet sitter you should:

Ensure that the sitter has proper insurance in case of an accident. A pet sitter who owns an insured and bonded business is your safest bet.
Lay out a specific schedule for when your sitter will provide services. You will want to make sure that your pet's daily routine stays as close to normal as possible while you are away.
Have the sitter produce a written service contract for you both to sign.
Get a list of references that you can contact.
Discuss a back-up plan in case your sitter becomes ill, has car troubles, is drawn away by a family emergency or any other situation that might arise.
Inquire about any job-specific training the sitter has received.

When looking into a boarding facility you should:

Confirm that the kennel has a policy that all pets must be up-to-date on vaccinations with documented proof.
Personally check out the indoor and outdoor facilities so that you know they are clean, well maintained and kept at the proper temperature.
Ask how often the facilities are cleaned.
If the kennel has outdoor runs or an outdoor play area, ask about what steps are taken to make sure that no animals escape the facility.
Trust your senses. If you have a bad feeling about a certain kennel then your dog or cat will likely feel the same way.
Make sure that the kennel allows you to bring your pet's favorite blanket, toy or other comfort from home that will make their stay better.

Once you've found the perfect person to sit for your pet, or the perfect place to board them, there's one last item that has to be covered before you hit the road; what will happen in the event of an emergency? Circle City Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital's own Dr. Amy Rader says that communication is key.

"What I tell my clients is that any time they are going out of town and their pets are either being boarded or cared for by a pet sitter they need to leave clear (written) instructions as to their wishes for 'Fluffy's' care. That includes, in the event of an emergency, whether the owner would prefer their pet be transported to their primary veterinarian for treatment or if they would prefer to have their pet taken to a 24 hour facility like

Circle City Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital."

Pet emergencies are always a stressful situation and the stress only grows if something happens to our pets while we are traveling. The cost of care in an emergency is a big part of that equation and Dr. Rader has important advice for how to ease that burden.

"Contact the clinic prior to your trip and advise them who can authorize treatment for the pet until the owner can be reached, and possibly leave a credit card number on file with the clinic. Also, you can make an agreement with the pet sitter for the initial cost to be paid by them and then the owner reimburse them as soon as they can."

To help guarantee that all the right people have the proper contact information while you travel simply fill out and distribute this Emergency Contact Card.

With all of that information you are ready to make the best arrangements for your pet's care while you are traveling. So get out there and enjoy all that summer has to offer!

Happy Travels with the Family Pet

noreply@blogger.com (MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets Blog) — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 11:46:00 +0000

Summer also means vacation time for many. Kids are out of school, family reunions are planned, and we even have some built in long holiday weekends that lend themselves to travel.

For those of us with pets at home, additional consideration must be made when planning road trips and many modern families are now opting to take their pets along. As a result, hotels, parks, and restaurants are increasing their services to meet the demand of those families who don’t want to leave “Fluffy” behind. An Internet search can give you a head start on locating pet friendly facilities, but not all are created equal. Some may have limitations on species and size so doing your homework ahead of time can prevent disappointment.

Leashes, harnesses, and crates should be standard supplies when you travel with your pet and a collar or harness should include a tag with your contact information. Unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells can be stressful for some animals and trigger a flight response. In the blink of an eye, a fun adventure can turn to tragedy so make sure you have the means to control your pet at all times. Speaking of tragedy, leaving your pet in a vehicle (even for a short time) creates a deadly risk for heat stroke and should never be an option whether in town or across country!

Along with your pet’s food, you may want to bring along some water from home. A slow transition to a new water source can help avoid tummy troubles. You will also want to bring along a record of your pet’s health conditions, vaccinations, medications, and a current photograph. Making and carrying an emergency kit is also recommended. Click here for an emergency travel card and recommended emergency kit items. If you have a final destination planned, it won’t hurt to know where the nearest 24 hour veterinary emergency center is located either.

Traveling with your pet can be a lot of fun! With a little extra preparation ahead of time you will help ensure a safe and rewarding experience for the entire family. Happy travels!

Slowing the Progression of Osteoarthritis

noreply@blogger.com (MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets Blog) — Thu, 15 May 2014 17:10:00 +0000

By: Kelly Fisher, DVM, CCRP

Osteoarthritis is a common condition in both humans and dogs alike. As we age, we experience osteoarthritis in weight bearing joints such as knees, hips and elbows. The spine can also experience some arthritic change leading to discomfort and decreased mobility. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a progressive deterioration of the cartilage that surrounds, cushions and protects the joints. Common signs of arthritis include: decreased level of activity, difficulty getting up, and stiffness while walking. These symptoms of arthritis are worse in the early mornings, after lying down for a prolonged period of time, and during bouts of cold weather.

Osteoarthritis can be seen in a dog of any age, but is most commonly seen in older dogs, those who have a pre-existing condition such as hip dysplasia, or injuries such as fractures or ligament tears. Another primary cause of arthritis in dogs is obesity. With additional body weight, there is an increased stress on the joints, which leads to deterioration of the cartilage.

There is no cure for osteoarthritis in dogs, and the goal of treatment is to slow the process down and alleviate the patient's pain. Fortunately, there are several beneficial treatments to help your dog maintain an active, healthy and comfortable lifestyle, even with osteoarthritis. Traditionally, treatment for arthritis has been focused on medication to relieve joint pain and inflammation. Some veterinarians also incorporate joint supplements, weight control, specially formulated diets and/or holistic herbs to give arthritic dogs more help; but medications alone cannot improve a dog's strength or fitness level which directly affects mobility. Some consider rehabilitation a tool that is reserved for dogs recovering from orthopedic surgery or injury, but the principles of rehabilitation medicine are fairly universal. The overall goal is to improve comfort, joint motion, strength and endurance so you and your pet can enjoy more active years together.

Physical rehabilitation is a specialty with both veterinary professionals and human physical therapists working toward the overall improved care of pets.

Some of the different modalities for treatment include therapeutic ultrasound, cold or low-level laser therapy, electrical stimulation, therapeutic exercises, massage, and the underwater treadmill. Not every rehabilitation facility or veterinary hospital is going to offer all of the different modalities and equipment on the market. The most important piece of equipment is a pair of experienced hands.

A Tender Tiger's Tale

noreply@blogger.com (MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets Blog) — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 23:28:00 +0000

Tiger Cubs at EFRC

The Exotic Feline Rescue Center (EFRC) is a living saga of abandoned big cats and the heroics of those dedicated people who nurture them. Tora, a beautiful 15 year old tiger, is part of this rich and inspiring story. Tora’s mother was one of ten doomed circus cats rescued by the Center late in 1997. In early 1998, Tora was born at the Center and grew into a happy, gentle resident. His caretakers describe him as “Sweet”, “Gentle”, and “Liking attention”. The dedication to these big cats is very real and every consideration is made for their care, so it was no surprise when Dr. Fred Froderman called in help to remove a large tumor from Tora’s intestines.

Appropriately described as a "Gentle Giant", Tora is being prepped for surgery. Dr. Forderman is on the left.

Dr. Froderman is the Rescue Center’s lead veterinarian. He is also one of Circle City Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital's ER Clinicians. When Tora became lethargic, Dr. Froderman performed tests that would reveal Tora was anemic and had a large mass in his intestines. Knowing this could be a tricky procedure for a tiger Tora’s age, he called in another of Circle City’s talented team, Dr. Stephen Birchard, MS, DACVS, who specializes in these types of surgeries. Together, the two of them removed a basketball sized tumor, a bone fragment that could not pass because of the tumor, and the damaged parts of Tora’s intestines. We are happy to report that Tora is recovering well. His caretakers are singing his praises and as each day passes his chance for a full recovery grows.

Tora in his hospital cage.

Tora is one of more than 200, and counting, exotic cats that currently live at EFRC. They each have a unique and touching story to tell and we are all quite lucky to be graced by such a facility so close to home. Do yourself a favor and visit their website, then visit them in person! If you like to jog, check out their 5Kfundraising event coming next month. This is a great time of year to take a walk on the wild side and visit some of the most regal animals on earth!

Fund Finding Facts

noreply@blogger.com (MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets Blog) — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 18:55:00 +0000

A common fear among households with furry family members is facing an unexpected, and often expensive, health problem with their pet. More and more families are planning ahead with the purchase of pet insurance, but what about those who haven’t? It is not uncommon for families to face a devastating decision between financial hardship or the health of their beloved pet. Lack of funding for life saving care also affects those who provide the care. Nothing weighs more heavily on veterinarians than when a family's financial situation prevents them from doing what they know and love best...saving lives...

Some of that is changing, however, and people are finding help, if they know where to look. As pets become more and more a part of the family dynamic, more and more organizations that offer assistance are being created to help when disaster strikes. Some pet owners have even taken up their own successful awareness and fundraising campaigns.

Most of these organizations provide monetary help through donations so, as you might imagine, the demand for financial assistance may exceed the available funds on a regular basis. Also, these groups try to assist as many as possible and families with more meager incomes are usually addressed first. Even so, if you are in need of help, a little persistence and savvy may pay off. We have witnessed miracles on more than one occasion when motivated families sought assistance to help pay for their pet's medical care.

The VeterinaryPartners.com has provided a comprehensive list of these philanthropic organizations. Because we see only sick and injured patients here, we highly recommend pet health insurance, but when that is lacking, don’t give up hope. Compassionate assistance may still be possible. Click on the links in this article; knowledge brings choice and choice can bring peace of mind.

Corn Cob Casualties - Summer PSA

noreply@blogger.com (MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets Blog) — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 20:01:00 +0000

By: Kate Fitzwater, DVM, MS, DACVS

Spring is finally here and summer is just around the corner – hallelujah! With that comes the mid-western food delight of sweet corn. My family loves corn on the cob and my toddler daughter can eat two ears herself, but as a surgeon I have trepidation every time I fix it for the foreign body risk it is for my golden retriever.

Let alone the risk of direct ingestion, as my daughter accidentally drops it from having buttery fingers, to him possibly finding the cobs in the trash; either one is an intestinal obstruction waiting to happen. When dogs swallow corn on the cob they typically chew it to an extent, but usually swallow chunks of the cob that are not digestible, because they are in a hurry to eat it and not get caught! These cob chunks can hang out in the stomach for some time before moving into the small intestines where they usually get stuck!
Clinical signs of intestinal obstruction include: vomiting, inappetence or anorexia, and in some cases diarrhea. A corn cob intestinal obstruction is diagnosed most commonly on abdominal radiographs/x-rays because the cob can be seen. In the radiograph below, the cob is in the lower left section.

Photograph courtesy of S. Birchard, DVM, DACVS

Some dogs can pass the cob completely without having a surgical obstruction, but I wouldn’t take those odds! Intestinal surgery to remove the corn cob can be a simple enterotomy, which is an incision made into the bowel, then the cob is removed and bowel wall sutured closed. Sometimes it is necessary to remove an entire portion of the bowel due to pressure necrosis from being stuck in the same place for too long. Either surgery comes with the potential complication of breakdown of the suture line in the bowel, typically 3-5 days after surgery. If this occurs, then the intestinal contents leak into the abdomen and cause a severe abdominal infection called a septic abdomen.

Photograph courtesy of S. Birchard, DVM, DACVS

The picture above shows an intraoperative view of the small intestines with a corn cob obstruction prior to surgical removal. This cob was removed by one incision and did not require resection of a portion of the small intestines. The bruised intestine to the right of the cob shows the damage it inflicts as it moves through the bowel. Below is the indigestible cob after it was removed from the small intestine.

Photograph courtesy of S. Birchared, DVM, DACVS

My warning to you this summer during your backyard barbecues is to make sure people don’t leave their plates lying around with kernel empty cobs. Quickly dispose of them in a dog-proof trash can so you and your furry friend can enjoy a summer that does not include this preventable mishap.

Feline Fatal Attractions

noreply@blogger.com (MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets Blog) — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 19:37:00 +0000

By: Fred Froderman, DVM

Spring has finally arrived! Chlorophyl is coming alive causing a gentle breath of green to moisten the winter worn grass as it strains to reach the heat of the ever elusive sun. Along with the struggling grass we see the delicate shoots of the spring lilies pushing their way through the rotting mulch. Lilies rise from the dead around Easter and have come to represent this Christian holiday. These are the lilies we will focus on here.

Lilies are commonly found in flower arrangements, potted plants and corsages as well as being one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring landscape of many homes. Their beauty, however, hides a deadly truth for our feline friends. The first report of Lily toxicity was reported in 1992 and involved an Easter lily. It is now accepted that all lilies are to be considered nephrotoxic (toxic to the kidneys) of cats. There is no evidence that lilies are toxic in any other species but can cause vomiting in dogs. Almost all reported cases of lily toxicity in cats have been through exposure to in home potted plants and flower arrangements. Both the leaves and the flowers are considered toxic. The actual mechanism of lily nephrotoxicity is not known at this time and there is no definitive confirmatory test for suspected exposure. A very small amount can cause clinical signs of toxicity.

Clinical Signs: The first clinical signs show up 1 to 3 hours following ingestion and include vomiting, salivation, anorexia, and depression. The vomiting and salivation can last 2 to 6 hours but the anorexia and depression can last throughout the syndrome.

The next sign that shows up is increased urinating. This usually starts 18 to 30 hours after ingestion. The increased urinating eventually fades to total lack of urine production due to total kidney shutdown which develops 24 to 48 hours post ingestion. At this time vomiting starts again along with weakness followed by recumbency and death.

Treatment: If you see your cat ingest any part of a lily you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will likely recommend treatment which will include inducing vomiting and activated charcoal. The other treatment for cats that are still producing urine is to give IV fluids for 24 to 72 hours. Once your cat has stopped producing urine, it's prognosis becomes grave. Dialysis would be the main form of treatment at that time.

Differentials: Other things that can cause similar signs are antifreeze toxicity, acute and chronic renal failure and other toxins that affect the kidneys.

Summary: If you have lilies in your house try to keep them out of reach of your cats. If you see your cat ingest any part of a lily you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Quick response and treatment are the key to preventing permanent kidney damage and death. If you ever have any reason to believe that your pet has ingested any toxic substance you can contact ASPCA (Animal Poison Control Center) 24 hours a day. 888 - 426-4435. There is a $65 fee to contact ASPCA but once they have a case number they will talk to you or your veterinarian as often as needed at no additional cost.

Rally Around the Rescues

noreply@blogger.com (MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets Blog) — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 02:21:00 +0000

For most who live in and around Indianapolis the municipal shelter is an obscure, often unpleasant, topic of conversation. Some may not even know it exists, yet the Indianapolis Animal Care and Control struggles daily to improve its reputation and the outcome of thousands of abandoned animals who end up there annually.

Our city, like most large cities, suffers from an abundance of unwanted or abandoned animals and to witness what goes on inside the IACC's walls is not for the faint of heart. Many of us will sigh and shake our heads. Others among us may shy away completely. There are some, however, brave enough and resolved enough, who keep up the good fight and are making a difference, a huge difference! They are literally the unsung heroes and their story brings great inspiration. Circle City Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital had the great honor to host some of these champions the other evening during Move to ACT's Rescue Rally Awards Ceremony.

Move to ACT is a not-for-profit organization focused on bringing support and awareness to forgotten animals and the all-volunteer rescue groups who save them. Move to ACT held their “Rescue Rally” to encourage these groups to pull as many animals from the IACC during a window of time. This action to step up the pace gathered broad community support and what has followed is a notable increase in the number of animals saved. In 2013, over 2,000 pets were adopted directly from IACC while an additional 6,200 animals were pulled by rescue groups for rehabilitation, fostering, and later adoptions.

With great humility, our hats go off to Move to ACT and the all-volunteer shelters and organizations who, with little funding and notoriety, save these neglected, abused, and all too often, forgotten animals in our neighborhoods.

The Dos and Don'ts of Pet Dental Care

noreply@blogger.com (MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets Blog) — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 23:06:00 +0000

By: Matthew Lemmons, DVM, Diplomate, American Veterinary Dental College

Dental care and oral health for our pets has become a popular topic among pet parents and veterinarians. It can be hard to know what we should and shouldn’t do for our pet’s dental care. Here are some hints to keep your dog and cat’s teeth healthy.

Do ask your veterinarian about your pet’s oral health. Veterinarians are trained to look for signs of dental disease in our pets. If we recommend a dental cleaning, it’s not just for better breath and shiny teeth, we are more concerned about the overall health of your pet. Periodontal disease, which is the inflamed gums and bone loss due to plaque and tartar accumulation, may lead to damage to the heart, kidneys and liver. It can also make your pet feel lethargic and weak. Additionally broken teeth can be a source of pain and infection. These damaged teeth should be treated when noticed.

Do provide chews that help clean the teeth. There are a number of treats and chews that are scientifically proven to reduce plaque and tartar accumulation. The approval is through the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Think of the VOHC like the American Dental Association. If a dental product has VOHC approval it will help decrease plaque and tartar. These can be found at vohc.org

Don’t provide chews that may damage the teeth. Many people think that bones, hooves and antlers help keep the teeth clean. The thought is animals in the wild chew bones, so they must help. These items are the major cause of broken teeth. Dog and cat teeth are not any stronger than our teeth. However their jaw strength is greater as is their zeal for chewing. This often leads to painful tooth fractures. A good rule of thumb is if you think it is too hard for you to chew, it is too hard for your pet to chew. And those wild animals that chew bones? They have a lot of fractured teeth as well.

Do brush your pet’s teeth. It may sound crazy to some, but brushing your dog or cat’s teeth is the single best thing you can do at home to keep their mouths healthy. Any pet formulated toothpaste is acceptable. As with any new activity with your pet, approach it slowly and add positive rewards. It’s okay if your pet gets a little treat after having their teeth brushed. At a minimum, this should be performed every other day, but daily is best. Don’t use human toothpaste as it may be harmful to your pet.

Do have anesthetized dental cleanings performed when needed. As long as the proper precautions are taken and anesthesia is monitored closely, the risk of anesthesia is far lower than the risk to your pet’s health by not having a proper cleaning performed. The time between cleanings varies based on the pet, but it can be lengthened if started early in life and we do things at home to keep the teeth clean such as brushing and giving good dental treats.

Don’t allow your pet’s teeth to be cleaned without anesthesia. Cleanings without anesthesia seems like a good idea. However the tartar below the gumline and between teeth cannot be removed. This tartar is the cause of most periodontal disease. Proponents of cleanings without anesthesia prey on our fears of anesthesia in order to drive business to their door. However it is at best only tooth grooming and at worst may make the disease worse.

Do ask for a second opinion if you aren’t comfortable with a recommendation. If ever you are unsure about a recommendation, it is always within your rights to ask for a second opinion.

Following these general guidelines can help keep your pet healthier and happier.

As the Stomach Turns

noreply@blogger.com (MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets Blog) — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 15:54:00 +0000

By: Rebecca Ball, DVM, MS, DACVS

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a costly medical and surgical emergency condition that is fatal if untreated. Luckily, GDV is also a preventable condition. GDV occurs when the stomach distends with air and rotates along its axis, effectively shutting off any means of air, food and liquids getting into or out of the stomach.

Image depicting rotation of the stomach seen with GDV

GDV is most commonly seen in large and giant breed dogs. The Great Dane, German Shepherd Dog, Standard Poodle, Weimaraner, Saint Bernard, Gordon and Irish Setters, and large mixed breed dogs are represented most commonly.

Predisposing factors that have been identified include advancing age, feeding types, patterns and habits, anatomical variations, underlying gastrointestinal disease, relatives with a history of GDV, and temperament. Feeding habits that have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of developing GDV include feeding a single type of food or food that has small particles, fast eating and swallowing large amounts of air, feeding once daily, feeding out of elevated bowls and feeding foods that have oil or fat among the first 4 ingredients. Anatomical variations shown to be associated with GDV include a deep narrow chest, being underweight, and weakness of the supporting ligaments of the stomach. Underlying gastrointestinal disease and alterations in motility have been suspected to also contribute to the development of GDV. Dogs with a first degree relative with a history of GDV and a fearful temperament have also been implicated as a predisposing factors, while dogs described by their owners as “happy” have been shown to have a decreased risk of GDV, possibly showing genetic and environmental factors in the etiology of GDV.

X-ray of a dog with GDV, note the gas distended stomach in
a “reverse C” shape

Proposed precipitating factors of GDV include stress (recent kenneling and car rides) as well as seasonal and temperature variations.

Mortality associated with GDV varies between 16%-33%. Early recognition and treatment are essential for a successful outcome. As the stomach becomes distended with air, it compresses the vena cava (the largest vein in the abdomen), resulting in lack of blood return to the heart and shock. Treatment of a GDV includes supportive care (IV fluids, pain medications) and early surgery to unrotate the stomach. In addition, a gastropexy is recommended to prevent the stomach from rotating again. A gastropexy is a procedure where the stomach is permanently adhered to the right side of the body wall to prevent it from rotating again.

A gastropexy is very effective, however not 100%. In addition, a gastropexy should prevent the stomach from rotating, but dogs may still bloat or become distended with gas. Radiographs may be needed to differentiate bloat from GDV and evaluation by a veterinarian is recommended if signs of bloat are noted.

"Tiny Tim" Turned "Hercules"

noreply@blogger.com (MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets Blog) — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 20:30:00 +0000

God bless us, everyone!

A figurative “Tiny Tim” of the feline persuasion presented to Dr. Kate Fitzwater, DACVS, and our Surgery Department on Halloween. Hercules (his real name) was just six weeks old, smaller than his litter mates, and had a condition called bilateral carpal varus. Put in simple terms, both his front limbs turned inward. Try as he might, this little fellow just could not keep up and was doomed to life long problems.

Hercules is also a polydactyl cat, which means he has extra toes that make his paws look like mittens! This is an inherited trait in cats. People often refer to them as "Mitten Cats" or “Hemingway Cats”, named after the famous author who adored and protected them. Many decedents of Hemingway's first polydactyl cat still occupy his estate in Key West Florida.

Radiographs before
treatment

To give Hercules a chance for a normal life, he was placed in bilateral forelimb splint bandages for 4 weeks to straighten his deformed legs. These were changed weekly to accommodate his growth and make sure he didn’t form any sores. The bandages did not seem to bother him and all. Karen, his owner, reported that with his “boxing gloves”, aka bandages, he started standing up to the big cats and boxing them in the face!

Karen and Hercules

At the end of 4 weeks, the bandages were removed. Now, in this festive holiday season, Hercules has lived up to his name; he is walking well and playing with the big guys. He will continue to become stronger on his forelimbs and should grow normally without any foreseen complications. And, just as any proud polydactyl cat would do, he happily shows off his mittens to everyone he meets! .