Fayette Veterinary Medical Center

Back to School Separation Anxiety

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 17:25:00 +0000

With all the excitement of the kids going back to school, many families may not think about what it means to the dog or cat. What you may notice are changes in behavior, a sad dog or cat, who mopes around or sleeps a lot more. Or your dog may suddenly started chewing things he shouldn't, or your cat does a lot more meowing. And you may not even connect the unusual cat or dog behavior with back-to-school time. Dogs and cats love routine, it makes them feel secure. They like knowing that certain things happen at about the same time each day, and they know where they want to be when it happens. If the kids have been around all summer, playing outside with the dog, or giving kitty extra love and snuggles, and suddenly they’re gone all day, it's upsetting. For some pets, they just feel sad and confused, and others feel real separation anxiety and may act up.

Kids can help your pet through the back-to-school blues The first thing to note is that this is a family matter, and a good opportunity for the kids to take more responsibility for the care of their pets. Let your kids know that their dog or cat is going to miss them when they're gone all day, and discuss what they can do to help their pets through it. One of the best ways for a pet to get over the loss of one routine is to replace it with another. Your pet may be sad all day at first, but if he knows that at 3:45 your kids will be home from school and will actively play with him soon after each day, your pet has something new to look forward to. If your child has a set time to do homework or read, that's an excellent time for the dog or cat to curl up next to her and "help" with studying. Ask your kids to think of other ways to include their pets in their routines.

More than just sad, it’s separation anxiety If your pet exhibits true separation anxiety, as in, he goes crazy when he sees your kids put on their backpacks to leave for school, or is destructive when everyone is gone, you'll have to do some gentle training to ease his stress. Your kids may feel sorry for their pet and do a long sad goodbye. This only reinforces your pet’s fears and builds up the anxiety. It’s better to make the goodbye upbeat and brief, or eliminate it completely. Depending on your pet, he may respond well to a goodbye petting, a little goodbye treat, or simply leaving with a cheerful "good boy!" as your kids go out the door. This should happen before your pet gets upset. If your pet is freaking out, absolutely do not reward with anything. If you can't get your pet to calm down if it’s a dog, a simple "sit!" command may help. Then reward with petting and telling him he's ok once he’s calm. If your pet gets upset just by the backpacks or car keys being picked up, pick those items up and walk around the house with them several times a day, but don't leave. Your pet will learn not to associate those items with the pending doom of your kids leaving.

When back-to-school means an empty house If everyone is gone all day, both parents included, your pets are going to be bored on top of being upset. It's important to leave them some interactive toys to help them pass the time. Eventually, they will get used to the new reality, and will likely sleep most of the day. You can balance the boredom by providing vigorous exercise each day when you or your kids are home. Remember, you and your kids may have had a very busy day, but your pet has done virtually nothing, unless there is evidence to the contrary, as in a shredded or chewed up sofa. Providing your dog or cat active, vigorous play each day will help them burn up their pent up energy. Take your dog for a run or go outside and throw a ball or flying disk. For your cat, run around the house with a little toy on the end of a string. You may also want to consider getting your pet a little buddy to keep him company when no one is home. Even an aloof adult cat is likely to accept a kitten into her life, and the kitten will entice the older cat to play. And dogs, being true social animals, nearly always accept another dog to play with. Remember, your pets can get nervous, upset, anxious or lonely just like people, only they don't have the benefit of knowing that you’ll be back when you leave. It's up to you and your kids to make your pets feel secure in ways they understand.

Source: http://www.petcentric.com/08-24-2009/your-pets-view-of-kids-going-back-to-school

Car Sickness In Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 14:50:00 +0000

Does your dog throw up in the car when you go for rides? He may be experiencing typical motion sickness, just like some people do. Motion sickness usually begins very shortly after starting the car ride. The dog will begin to drool and then vomit. It’s not serious, but certainly not something that we like to clean up! To solve the problem, first try acclimating the dog to car rides. Do this by simply putting him in the car for a few minutes each day without going anywhere. Then try just going down the driveway and back, and the next day going around the block. Gradually build up the distance and time the dog rides in the car.

Sometimes this will help to decrease the dog’s anxiety over riding in the car and may help to decrease vomiting. If that doesn’t work, there are some over-the-counter medications you can try. The medication will need to be given about an hour before the car ride. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation as to what drug to try and the dosage for your pet.

(Never give any medications to your pet without your veterinarian’s advice!) These drugs are safe, with drowsiness usually the only major side effect. But since your dog isn’t driving the car, that shouldn’t be a problem! If over-the-counter drugs don’t work, your veterinarian may be able to suggest another method for curing the car sickness.

Source: http://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/dog_care/general_health/car_sickness.aspx

Disaster Preparedness Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Wed, 28 May 2014 14:53:00 +0000

You may have heard about, if you were not part of, the natural disasters that have happened around the world. One thing we know for sure is that hey can happen at any moment, so it is important to be well prepared.

Emergencies come in many forms, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe. The best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared.

Here are 3 easy steps that will help you get started on disaster preparedness.

Step 1: Get a Rescue Alert Sticker to let people know pets are inside your home.

Step 2: Arrange a Safe Haven in the event of evacuation.

Step 3: Keep an Emergency Supplies and Traveling Kits handy and make sure everyone in your home knows where it is kept.

Source: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness

Love Your Pet Day

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 20:59:00 +0000

The month of February, seems to be all about love, and our pets are no exceptions. Today is Love Your Pet Day! Give a special treat to your pet or just some extra cuddle time today. We also share in your love for your pets!

February is coming and that means it's almost Pet Dental Health Month

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 19:22:00 +0000

February is coming and that means it's almost Pet Dental Health Month! Oral care is so important in your pet’s overall health. Call us today to schedule your pet's appointment.

Cold Weather Pet Safety Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 20:44:00 +0000

Know the limits: Just like people, pets’ cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level, and health. Be aware of your pet’s tolerance for cold weather, and adjust accordingly. You will probably need to shorten your dog’s walks in very cold weather to protect you both from weather-associated health risks. Arthritic and elderly pets may have more difficulty walking on snow and ice and may be more prone to slipping and falling. Long-haired or thick-coated dogs tend to be more cold-tolerant, but are still at risk in cold weather. Short-haired pets feel the cold faster because they have less protection, and short-legged pets may become cold faster because their bellies and bodies are more likely to come into contact with snow-covered ground. Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances (such as Cushing’s disease) may have a harder time regulating their body temperature, and may be more susceptible to problems from temperature extremes. The same goes for very young and very old pets. If you need help determining your pet’s temperature limits, consult your veterinarian. Provide choices: Just like you, pets prefer comfortable sleeping places and may change their location based on their need for more or less warmth. Give them some safe options to allow them to vary their sleeping place to adjust to their needs.

Stay inside. Cats and dogs should be kept inside during cold weather. It’s a common belief that dogs and cats are resistant than people to cold weather because of their fur, but it’s untrue. Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should be kept inside. Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather; but no pet should be left outside for long periods of time in below-freezing weather. Make some noise: A warm vehicle engine can be an appealing heat source for outdoor and feral cats, but it’s deadly. Check underneath your car, bang on the hood, and honk the horn before starting the engine to encourage feline hitchhikers to abandon their roost under the hood.

Check the paws: Check your dog’s paws frequently for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked paw pads or bleeding. During a walk, a sudden lameness may be due to an injury or may be due to ice accumulation between his/her toes. You may be able to reduce the chance of iceball accumulation by clipping the hair between your dog’s toes. Play dress-up: If your dog has a short coat or seems bothered by the cold weather, consider a sweater or dog coat. Have several on hand, so you can use a dry sweater or coat each time your dog goes outside. Wet sweaters or coats can actually make your dog colder. Some pet owners also use booties to protect their dog’s feet; if you choose to use them, make sure they fit properly.

Wipe down: During walks, your dog’s feet, legs and belly may pick up deicers, antifreeze, or other chemicals that could be toxic. When you get back inside, wipe down (or wash) your pet’s feet, legs and belly to remove these chemicals and reduce the risk that your dog will be poisoned after (s)he licks them off of his/her feet or fur. Consider using pet-safe deicers on your property to protect your pets and the others in your neighborhood.

Collar and chip: Many pets become lost in winter because snow and ice can hide recognizable scents that might normally help your pet find his/her way back home. Make sure your pet has a well-fitting collar with up-to-date identification and contact information. A microchip is a more permanent means of identification, but it’s critical that you keep the registration up to date. Stay home: Hot cars are a known threat to pets, but cold cars also pose significant risk to your pet’s health. You’re already familiar with how a car can rapidly cool down in cold weather; it becomes like a refrigerator, and can rapidly chill your pet. Pets that are young, old, ill, or thin are particularly susceptible to cold environments and should never be left in cold cars. Limit car travel to only that which is necessary, and don’t leave your pet unattended in the vehicle. Prevent poisoning: Clean up any antifreeze spills quickly, as even small amounts of antifreeze can be deadly. Make sure your pets don’t have access to medication bottles, household chemicals, potentially toxic foods such as onions, xylitol (a sugar substitute) and chocolate.

Protect family: Odds are your pet will be spending more time inside during the winter, so it’s a good time to make sure your house is properly pet-proofed. Use space heaters with caution around pets, because they can burn or they can be knocked over, potentially starting a fire. Check your furnace before the cold weather sets in to make sure it’s working efficiently, and install carbon monoxide detectors to keep your entire family safe from harm. If you have a pet bird, make sure its cage is away from drafts.

Avoid ice: When walking your dog, stay away from frozen ponds, lakes and other water. You don’t know if the ice will support your dog’s weight, and if your dog breaks through the ice it could be deadly. And if this happens and you instinctively try to save your dog, both of your lives could be in jeopardy. Provide shelter: We don’t recommend keeping any pet outside for long periods of time, but if you are unable to keep your dog inside during cold weather, provide him/her with a warm, solid shelter against wind. Make sure that they have unlimited access to fresh, non-frozen water (by changing the water frequently or using a pet-safe, heated water bowl). The floor of the shelter should be off of the ground (to minimize heat loss into the ground) and the bedding should be thick, dry and changed regularly to provide a warm, dry environment. The door to the shelter should be positioned away from prevailing winds. Space heaters and heat lamps should be avoided because of the risk of burns or fire. Heated pet mats should also be used with caution because they are still capable of causing burns. Recognize problems: If your pet is whining, shivering, seems anxious, slows down or stops moving, seems weak, or starts looking for warm places to burrow, get them back inside quickly because they are showing signs of hypothermia. Frostbite is harder to detect, and may not be fully recognized until a few days after the damage is done. If you suspect your pet has hypothermia or frostbite, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Be prepared: Cold weather also brings the risks of severe winter weather, blizzards and power outages. Prepare a disaster/emergency kit, and include your pet in your plans. Have enough food, water and medicine (including any prescription medications as well as heartworm and flea/tick preventives) on hand to get through at least 5 days. Feed well: Keep your pet at a healthy weight throughout the winter. Some pet owners feel that a little extra weight gives their pet some extra protection from cold, but the health risks associated with that extra weight don’t make it worth doing. Watch your pet’s body condition and keep them in the healthy range. Outdoor pets will require more calories in the winter to generate enough body heat and energy to keep them warm – talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s nutritional needs during cold weather.

Source: https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Cold-weather-pet-safety.aspx

Senior Pet Month: Packages for Senior Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 17:20:00 +0000

We can provide you with information on how best to care of your senior pet. Check out our Senior Pet Packages below!

FELINE SENIOR

7 Y EARS AND ABOVE

Indoor Senior Cats

$436

($300 Savings)

$149 Initial Payment

$24/mo for 12 months

Outdoor Senior Cats

$496

($350 Savings)

$149 Initial Payment

$29/mo for 12 months

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

VACCINATIONS

FVRCP-P, RABIES, FELV

(OUTDOORS), FIV

(OUTDOORS)

INTESTINAL PARASITE EXAM

COMPREHENSIVE SR. BLOOD WORK

FELV/FIV TEST (OUTDOOR)

FELINE HEARTWORM TEST

DENTAL CLEANING

RADIOGRAPHS (SEE CANINE SR)

BI-ANNUAL EXAMINATION

GLAUCOMA SCREENING

EKG - CARDIAC SENIOR SCREEN

CANINE SENIOR

7 Y EARS AND ABOVE

$595

($300 Savings)

$149 Initial Payment

$37/mo for 12 months

ALL OF THE ABOVE FOR ADULTS

- PLUS-

COMPREHENSIVE SR. BLOOD WORK

RADIOGRAPHS (X-RAYS)

SENIOR SCREEN/BASELINE

CHEST AND ABDOMEN

BI-ANNUAL EXAMINATION

GLAUCOMA SCREENING

EKG - CARDIAC SENIOR SCREEN

Don't Ignore Breathing Difficulties in Shortnosed Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 19:07:00 +0000

Unfortunately, the only thing normal about noisy breathing for dogs with "pushed-in" faces is
that it is an expected response to a shortened upper jaw, which creates excess soft tissue in the
back of the throat.

Some dogs are affected to the point where they experience brachycephalic (the scientific term for
breeds with pushed in faces) obstructive airway syndrome or BOAS. If left untreated, problems
can get worse to the point where an animal can collapse due to a lack of oxygen.

Owners of affected dogs may be putting them at risk if they do not recognize the problem and
seek treatment, according to researchers Rowena Packer, Dr. Anke Hendricks and Dr. Charlotte
Burn of the United Kingdom's Royal Veterinary College.

In their 2012 study, the researchers discovered that owners of such dogs as pugs, English
bulldogs, Pekingese, French bulldogs, Boston terriers, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Shih tzus
and others were not aware of the signs of BOAS. In fact, 58% of surveyed owners said their dogs
did not have breathing problems even when more than two-thirds of the dogs showed difficulties
during exercise.

What to watch for
According to Packer, while it is not yet known which are the best predictors of BOAS, signs to
look for include:
• Increased and abnormal breathing noise that sounds like snoring, both when the dog is
awake and asleep
• A shortness of breath while exercising or playing
• Effortful, labored breathing with obvious abdominal movements
• Interrupting exercise, play or eating to catch their breath
• Inability to exercise for reasonable periods of time without becoming out of breath
• Difficulty cooling down after a walk; panting for long periods
• Physical collapse while exercising
• Difficulty sleeping and/or periods where the dog stops breathing during sleep
• Restlessness and difficulty getting comfortable at rest, stretched out head and neck
position, forelegs spread and body flat against the floor
• Gastrointestinal (GI) problems, such as difficulty swallowing, and bringing up food,
stomach content or a lot of saliva.

"If you notice these signs, take your dog to your veterinarian for an assessment to learn whether
they are compatible with the disease or due to a different problem," says Hendricks.
"If left to develop," says Burn, "BOAS can lead to secondary problems due to the effort required
to breathe—putting pressure on the voice box, digestive system and heart. In addition, the more
severe the breathing problems, the greater the severity of GI signs. They may reflect
inflammation of the esophagus, stomach ulcers and, in some cases, hiatal hernias, when part of
the stomach can become displaced into the chest cavity during breathing."

Option for severe BOAS
If your veterinarian believes the dog may have BOAS that requires treatment, he or she may refer you to a veterinary surgical specialist. There, the dog's airway is likely to be examined
under general anesthesia to assess whether it shows the abnormalities associated with BOAS—an
elongated soft palate, collapsing voice box and narrowed nostrils.
If present, these abnormalities would be surgically corrected, says Packer. That could mean, for
example, that excess tissue in the nose and throat would be removed.
Surgery may improve clinical signs, she says, but the dog may never be "normal," because of the
head structure and is likely to remain susceptible to heat stress.
For severely affected dogs, where significant secondary problems have occurred—for example,
severe laryngeal collapse—then treatment choices may be limited. In some cases, either
permanent tracheostomy or euthanasia may be recommended.

"That is why it is vital," says Hendricks, "that owners recognize the clinical signs of BOAS and
perceive them to be a ‘problem' as early as possible, so that these secondary changes can be
avoided by early intervention."

Options for mildly affected dogs
For all dogs, including those that have had surgery or have been determined by a veterinarian to
only be mildly affected, owners can help with some lifestyle changes, says Burn. Owners should
do the following:
• Closely monitor the dog to keep it at a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can
exacerbate the condition.
• Use body harnesses rather than collars on walks so the airway is not compressed by a
neck collar if the dog pulls at the leash.
• Avoid walking on hot or humid days. On particularly warm days, keep dogs calm and
indoors in a cool, aerated room with access to water.
• Avoid having dogs in particularly stressful or exciting situations.
Originally published by Healthy Pet.

MEET THE STAFF: Charlotte Thomas, Technician

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 19:50:00 +0000

Meet Charlotte Thomas, Technician at Fayette Veterinary Medical Center! Charlotte joined the practice in spring of 2012, as a Veterinary Technician. She is always bubbly and optimistic. Charlotte is married with 2 boys, 1 girl, 2 dogs, 1 guinea pig, 9 chickens, a rooster and 9 fish. Charlotte loves spending time at the ball field watching her children play, camping, and going to the beach. We are grateful to have Charlotte on our team!

Dog House Repairs Month

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 18:18:00 +0000

Does your dog have his or her own house? It's Dog House Repairs Month! Make sure that it’s in good shape this summer! Check the interior corners for beehives, and make sure to repair leaks and splinters in the wood.

Happy Work Anniversary to Amber Garrett!

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:40:00 +0000

We at Fayette Veterinary Medical Center just want to take a moment to celebrate Amber Garrett’s work anniversary. This year will mark a very special anniversary for Amber. This will be her last here at FVMC. Amber has been with us since June 8, 2001. She started working in the kennel as a kennel technician and has worked her way up to one of our senior surgical technicians. Amber will be leaving us in the fall to start nursing school. It has been her dream and goal to become a nurse and we have and will continue to prayerfully support her. So Happy 12 Year Anniversary Amber, we love you and hope for nothing but the best in your future!

What Would You Do If....

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Thu, 30 May 2013 15:05:00 +0000

...your dog ate the bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips that was left out on the kitchen counter?

...your cat had a seizure right in front of you?

...your dog fell down the stairs and started limping?

...your cat was overheating on a hot summer day?

To avoid the feelings of panic that may accompany these situations, we recommend the following steps to better prepare you for a pet medical emergency. The following links summarize the basics you need for giving first aid care to your pet.

Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet's life until it receives veterinary treatment.

First aid supplies
Our handy checklist tells you all the supplies you should have on hand for pet first aid. Print out a copy to use for shopping, and keep a copy on your refrigerator or next to the first aid kit for your family, for quick reference in emergencies.
How to handle an injured pet
Knowing how to comfort an injured pet can help minimize your pet's anxiety and also protect you and your family from injury.
Basic pet first aid procedures
Read our simple instructions for providing emergency first aid if your pet is suffering from poisoning, seizures, broken bones, bleeding, burns, shock, heatstroke, choking or other urgent medical problems. Print out a copy to keep with your pet emergency kit.
First aid when traveling with your pet
A few simple steps can better prepare you to help your pet in first aid situations while you are traveling. Remember: pet medical emergencies don't just happen at home.
Pets and disasters
Whether confronted by natural disasters such as hurricanes, or unexpected catastrophes such as a house fire, you need to be prepared to take care of your animals. A pre-determined disaster plan will help you remain calm and think clearly.

Additional pet first aid links

American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)/Healthy Pet: Pet First Aid
The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: Basic First Aid for Your Pet
American Red Cross: First Aid for Pets
VeterinaryPartner.com: First Aid and Emergency Care

Adapted by an article posted by the AVMA.

It's National Pet First Aid Awareness Month

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:30:00 +0000

It's Allergy Season Again!

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:51:00 +0000

Any veterinarian who sees allergic dogs has listened to the frustrations of the owners in dealing with the itch, the odor, the hair loss, and the never-ending nature of this disease. Many owners, especially those who have no experience themselves with allergies, have unrealistic expectations about what can be achieved. It is critical to help them understand that allergies are forever......and they will probably always itch more than "normal" dogs. This is a hard reality to accept, but to be successful in management of allergies, we must be glad when small changes occur over a long period of time. It is critical to have great follow-up and lots of communication with your veterinarian in order to tailor a plan that fits the patient. Multimodal treatment usually follows smart diagnostics. "Guessing" is not the smart way, because treatment for one itchy problem may make another worse. Let's talk about allergies and see that patient. Even though it is allergy season, skin infections, parasites, or auto-immune diseases may still be the primary cause of your pet's itchy problem. Call for an appointment today.

February is Pet Dental Health Month

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 19:07:00 +0000

Did you know that a healthy mouth is a necessary aspect of your pet's overall physical health? February is Pet Dental Health Month and we urge you to bring your pet in for a dental appointment this month and receive a 10% discount on the total cost of the dental, just mention you saw it on Facebook!!! Keep your pets’ mouth fresh and disease free this February! www.fayettecountypets.com

Laser Therapy

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 19:19:00 +0000

Fayette Veterinary Medical Center is proud to offer Class IV laser therapy to our clients as an effective treatment for many cases of acute and chronic pain, inflammation and wound healing. Laser therapy can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments, and has the benefit of being a drug-free, non-surgical, safe means of providing lasting pain.

National Pet Travel Safety Day

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 18:57:00 +0000

Are you taking a road trip this winter? Today is National Pet Travel Safety Day, a day set aside to remind pet owners of the importance of pet safety on the road. It’s important to use restraints that are designed for pets when you’re traveling in a car or even restraining a carrier. If you have questions about travel safety for pets, we’ll be glad to answer them!

Holiday Foods

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 20:28:00 +0000

Many of the foods that we eat during the holidays are dangerous for our pets to eat. Foods like turkey and turkey bones, sugary treats, candy, grapes, onions, and more are things that your pet should never eat. Make sure to keep an eye on them during the holidays and warn your guests not to give them handouts.

Happy Birthday Bianca!

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 16:02:00 +0000

Happy Birthday wishes to Bianca Barnette! We hope you have an extra special birthday today! Thank you for the compassionate care your provide to our clients!

Back to School: Play With Your Pet

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Kids are heading back to school and your life is getting busy again. We’d like to remind you to take a few minutes out of your day to give your pet a scratch behind the ears, or play a little game of tug-of-war. Our pet’s thrive on attention from us, so don’t forget to give them just a little, even when you’re busy.

Welcome Dr. Younker

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:13:00 +0000

We at Fayette Veterinary Medical Center would like to welcome Dr. John Younker to the practice! Not only is Dr. John one of the most talented members of the University of GA College of Veterinary Medicine's recent grads, yes, he is related to Dr. Mike Younker...a nephew! He is a third-generation nephew to become a veterinarian...and he is a newlywed, also. So, congratulations to Dr. Younker...it's so good to have him on board. Make sure you meet him when you visit us!

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 21:41:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:23:00 +0000

LASER THERAPY

Laser therapy uses light to penetrate tissue in a process called photostimulation. Studies have shown many clinical benefits including:

Reduced Inflammation-Laser therapy dilates the blood vessels and stimulates lymphatic circulation, helping to reduce inflammation.

Pain Relief-Laser therapy provides pain-killing, or analgesic effects. It has a direct effect on nerve cells, including suppression of receptors that send pain signals to the brain. It also increases production of endorphins and enkephalins, which are the body's "natural pain killers".

Accelerated Healing-Laser therapy stimulates activity within cells, resulting in increased oxygen, increased production of the energy molecule ATP (adenosine-triphosphate), and increased enzyme production. These actions help tissue to heal more quickly and reduce the formation of scar tissue. Surgical incisions and other injuries benefit from treament with laser therapy.

Laser Therapy has been used in Europe for many years now, and is currently used in the United States to treat humans for everything from sports injuries to rheumatoid arthritis. We are excited to provide this advanced technology to our canine and feline patients. Ask us if your pet might benefit from this affordable, non-invasive, drug-free technology! Your pet will be glad you did!

Top Pet Poisoning Causes

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:49:00 +0000

Every year, one of the veterinary pet insurance companies posts a list of the top poisons seen in pets. The following is a ranking, showing the most common:
1. Accidental ingestion of medications
2. Rat Poison
3. Chocolate or Caffeine
4. Plant Poisons
5. Household Chemicals
6. Snail/Slug Poison
7. Insecticides
8. Heavy Metals such as Lead or Zinc (ingesting pennies)
9. Toad Poisoning
10. Antifreeze Poisoning
11. Walnut Poisoning
12 Alcohol Toxicity
13. Strychnine
Keep this list in mind when you think of what your pet might ingest or come in contact. Call our office with questions at 770-460-0090

Microchips - One Might Just Save Your Pet's Life!

noreply@blogger.com (Fayette Veterinary Medical Center) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:09:00 +0000

Our Governor recently signed into law a bill that will require animal shelters and similar facilities to scan a pet for a microchip before performing euthanasia. This will ensure that if your dog or cat is lost and ends up in the animal shelter or humane society, he will not loose his life before you are contacted. Microchip placement is an easy, inexpensive, and routine procedure that you can have performed at our office at any time. Although we do most of our chipping during the spay or neuter time, we can do it at any time and without general anesthesia. There are other benefits from using the Home Again Microchip. Ask anyone from our office how you can have a chip easily placed in your pet this week...and in the event he or she gets lost and found, it will only be a short time before a reunion.