News & Notes from West Ridge Animal Hospital

Memorial Day Holiday Hours

2014-05-19T20:47:00.000-07:00

In honor of Memorial Day, West Ridge Animal Hospital and the Purrs and Paws lodge will be closed Monday, May 26th, 2014.

To facilitate reuniting canine companions with their families, Sirius Fun At West Ridge Doggy Day Care will be open on Memorial Day 7am-10am and 4-7pm for pick up or drop off only.

To continue to provide the best care for your pets, we will operate normal hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the 23rd, 24th, and 25th.

Memorial Day 2014 Weekend Hours

West Ridge Animal Hospital
Saturday: 8am-5pm
Sunday: 9am-1pm
Monday: CLOSED

Purrs and Paws Lodge
Saturday: 8am - 5pm
Sunday: 9am - 1pm
Monday: CLOSED

Sirius Fun At West Ridge Doggy Day Care
Saturday: 7am-2pm and 5pm-7pm |
Sunday: 7am-10am and 4pm-7pm for drop off and pick up
Monday: 7am-10am and 4pm-7pm for drop off and pick up only

What Are You Preventing by Neutering Your Pet?

2014-05-03T16:06:00.001-07:00

Why should you spay or neuter your pet? According to a 1995 survey by the American Animal Hospital Association, nearly 80 percent of the cats and dogs in the United States and Canada are spayed or neutered.

Neutered males of all species are less likely to roam, less likely to fight, and less likely to spray urine everywhere to mark their territory. When male cats and dogs roam they are exposed to many dangers including but not limited to cars, infectious diseases, and fights with other animals. These hazards will most likely lead to an expensive trip to the veterinarian.

The word neuter refers to the removal of the reproductive organs of either a male or a female of a species, the commonly used term for the removal of female reproductive organs is spay. The scientific terminology for neutering in the male is castration and in the female is ovariohysterectomy.

The majority of the Veterinarian community believes it is best to neuter either a male or female pet just before or shortly after sexual maturity. For rabbits and other pocket pets, this time could range from four to six months in the small to medium sized breeds and up to nine months in the giant breeds. For cats and dogs, it is important to wait until all of the adult teeth are in. In order to avoid common behavioral issues, it is best not to wait past a year of age to neuter males. Once a hormone-triggered behavior has continued long enough, you can be dealing with a firmly entrenched habit that will not fade even after neutering. Frequently, neutering helps with behavior problems, even if done much later, so don't give up on it just because you've missed the optimum time.

Un-Neutered pet’s prostate gland will gradually enlarge over the course of the dog’s life due to the influence of excess testosterone in the body. With age, the prostate is likely to become uncomfortable, possibly being large enough to interfere with defecation. The prostate under the influence of testosterone is also predisposed to infection, which is almost impossible to clear up without neutering. Neutering causes the prostate to shrink into insignificance, thus preventing both prostatitis as well as the uncomfortable benign hyperplasia (enlargement) that occurs with aging.

Read more about the specif benefits of spaying your female companion animals at our veterinary practice's website by clicking here.

Spaying and neutering is a very important subject for this quarter’s prevention topic. A Pediatric care exam is the first step to prevention. Our Doctors and Technicians vet at West Ridge would love to talk to you about your pets spay or neuter options. Let’s help decrease the overpopulation so that they are safe and healthy!

Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) can help Minimize Hip Dysplasia Risk

2014-04-08T10:46:00.000-07:00

This quarter, West Ridge Animal Hospital is focusing on Pet Prevention and the different ways to inhibit health issues in our pets. There are many different ways to prevent health issues and one approach is surgical. One surgery in particular has had marked success in minimizing the number of animals with hip dysplasia. This surgery is called the Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) and is performed in puppies between the ages of 15-20 weeks.

If you have ever watched your beloved 12 year old Labrador struggle to get up off the floor you know exactly what we are referring to. Hip dysplasia is a degenerative disease in which dog shave poor fitting hip joints. Typically, the ball and socket joint fit together neatly, allowing a dog to move their legs freely and without pain. If the animal’s joint does not fit together properly, as in the case of hip dysplasia, they are more prone to developing arthritis and pain in their joint area as they age. Motion of the hip joints slowly causes erosion of soft cartilage, causing the bones to rub together increasing pain.

Hip dysplasia can occur in any breed, but is predominant in the larger dogs, particularly the German Shepherd, St. Bernard, Labrador Retriever, Pointers, and Setters. Although hip dysplasia is a genetic condition, research shows that environmental factors can also put a dog at risk. Overfeeding (especially of puppies) can predispose a dog to hip dysplasia. Excessive exercise may predispose dogs as well. Those who adopt a breed of puppy prone to dysplasia should ask their breeder if they have done any screenings on their dogs.

There are several different signs of severe hip dysplasia. Symptoms usually appear before the dog reaches one year of age and may include pain in the rear legs, incoordination, limping, and difficulty rising. Those with less severe cases may not develop arthritis or other symptoms until they become older (6-10 years).

Surgical procedure in young dogs such as the JPS is a more successful option than drugs for treating severe cases of hip dysplasia. Surgeons can improve the joints in young dogs by making changes to the shape of the femur or pelvis. During the JPS procedure, the pubic symphysiodesis, which is the cartilage seam connecting the left and right sides of the pelvis, is electrocauterized (or removed) to induce bony fusion and to stop the continued growth of the growth plate. This then allows the pubic bone to grow normally and allows for a tighter and healthier hip joint.

Much like humans who have joint problems, dogs that are diagnosed with hip dysplasia should not be free of exercise. Exercising at the dogs own pave can help loosen up the stiffness in the joints. Weight is a big factor as well. Shedding extra pounds can cause relief to the joints and bones. Those dogs that do have arthritis should be kept away from the cold since cold weather can aggravate aching joints.

If you are concerned about your dog having hip dysplasia or you want to do everything you can to prevent it, please talk to your veterinarian about the JPS procedure (www.WRAH.net/care/procedures/JPS.html) when scheduling his or her spay or neuter. Your pet will thank you for it!

Read about Lowering the Risks of Degenerative Joint Disease

Don’t Let Your Pet Get Away With Having Dog Breath!

2014-03-06T19:01:00.000-08:00

Think about how you felt when you woke up this morning. Were you fresh and alert? Were you groggy and uncoordinated? Did your back ache? How was your breath? Chances are your mouth tasted like you licked the bottom of your shoe, and your teeth felt “fuzzy.” That fuzz is plaque, a combination of bacteria, saliva, and food particles that have made themselves at home on the enamel of your teeth. Plaque starts forming just four short hours after brushing your teeth. If left there long enough it can calcify and become tartar, which is a rigid crusty deposit that can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning.

Now, think of how fresh your breath feels after brushing your teeth. Remember the feeling of how smooth your teeth are when you run your tongue over them? How often do you brush your teeth each day? Dogs and cats get plaque and tartar buildup just like humans. How long has it been since you brushed your pet’s teeth?

Professional dental cleanings are vital in maintaining your pet’s oral health, just as they are for humans. Imagine how your mouth would taste, smell, and feel if you only went to the dentist for cleanings once or twice a year, and did not brush and floss at home in between those visits. YUCK! It is the same idea for our pets. Routine professional cleanings are extremely important, but we don’t want to skip out on home dental care between those. Ask your vet about how to brush your pet’s teeth, what chew toys and treats are safe and effective for cleaning plaque, and to learn about other great methods and tools for giving your pet that same clean fresh feeling you enjoy after brushing. Don’t let your pet get away with having dog breath!

If I could, I’d do it myself;

alas, I have no thumbs.

K-9 to 5 - Dogs Need Jobs Too

2014-03-04T19:10:00.001-08:00

So the spouse is off to work, the kids are taken care of, what about the dog? It’s not something we typically think about when we adopt that furry friend, but they need just as much stimulation and exercise that our kids do. Going for a walk once a day helps, but our pets need more activity than that. According to the ASPCA, boredom and excess energy are two of the main causes of behavior problems in dogs. Most of our pooches are pure or mixes of breeds that were bred for a purpose. Bred to work. Most of us don’t need help herding livestock and hunting rabbits, we simply need a companion and lifelong friend. That natural instinct your pet feels to move, lead, and provide is no longer satisfied, so it makes sense that those hours spent while you are away at work, or running your daily errands tends to end in a torn up couch or angry neighbor. So what now? We know the problem and the reason for the behavior, but how do we help? The answer is mental and physical stimulation.

"Working" hard at having Sirius Fun!

Doggy daycare is a great way for dogs to get out of the house and run off that pent up energy, but that’s not all daycares are good for. Taking your dog to a reputable facility is very beneficial in many ways for many different types of dogs. Along with the physical exertion of running around in a spacious area, your dog will be introduced to many new faces, aiding in socialization. This makes your special dog a friendly dog as well. One that, when worked with and exposed often, will be less likely to show signs of aggression towards people and other animals. You may just see “Fluffy” chasing her friend for a stick, but instinctually your pup is tapping into those ancient urges to hunt and work. That’s the ultimate benefit of doggy daycares; they give your dog a job. In their minds, they get to spend the day searching, hunting, chasing, and establishing relationships in “packs”, while being supervised in a safe environment.

Lounging around at Sirius Fun Doggy Daycare
after a hard day of "work".

Now What does all this mean for you? This means you drop off an excited, anxious pup and pick up a tired, mentally, and physically satisfied dog that is ready to go home, eat, and cuddle. Sounds like a win-win for you and “Fluffy”.

that you've decided daycare is worth a shot, be choosy. Tour your prospective facility; ask how the staff is trained, ask about requirements, and how the daycare is run. Each facility will be different and it’s important to take the time to find the right fit for you and your best friend.

For more great pictures of the K-9 to 5, please visit Sirius Fun's Facebook page!

Puppy Playtime, Obedience Classes & More

2014-01-23T20:18:00.000-08:00

Hello Puppy Parents!

I hope you all are having a wonderful start to the New Year with your Pups. My name is Kristy, and I am the trainer/behaviorist and manager at Sirius Fun Doggy Daycare. We are the sister company to Westridge Animal Hospital. I wanted to introduce myself and let you know what activities for puppies we have coming up. I am a certified trainer going on ten years now. I have been managing doggie daycares and working with families for this entire time. I have a Masters in Behavior from Texas A&M and my specialty in dog training is behavior problem solving with owners and family/canine dynamics.

At Sirius Fun we are beginning a new puppy playtime which we encourage you all to try out! Beginning next Monday January 27 from 5:30-6:30pm, we will be hosting our weekly Polaris Puppy Playtime. This is a structured “indoor puppy park” if you will. It will be supervised by our staff and parents are encouraged to stay and enjoy both human and canine socialization. This is a safe and fun way to get on board with socializing your pups. Ages 8 weeks to 8 months are welcome, as long as your pups are up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations and are in good health. If you would, please call to reserve your spot and we will contact your veterinarian for vaccine records.

Next on the list, we have our 5-week puppy obedience classes. Our first is scheduled for next Wednesday January 29th from 6-7pm. The class structure includes problem-solving, socializing, basic commands and most importantly, teaching owners how dogs learn. It is a fun and casual environment. We talk out problems and work together as a group to improve our relationships with our puppies. With the class comes a free half day of daycare ($15 value) which is a great introduction to our daycare program. If you miss a class, no problem! Make up sessions are 30 min, before the following weeks class time. Class is $110 for 5 weeks. This is a January special and this class has a few more spots open. Please let me know if you are interested in this class or the next round of classes in February. I also have private puppy sessions for $25 for a 45 min session. This is structured according to what you and your pups specific needs are.

Finally, we have our dog daycare program. Our daycare is structured in the safest way possible - by personality and size. Our daily routine is on a rotation so that we can better place dogs in groups with their “friends”. For our puppies, we have 2 groups. One is dedicated to the rough and tumblers. These are our larger breeds that grow fast and play hard. The other pup group is for the smaller, more sensitive pups. We take our time and make sure everyone is having a healthy and fun time.

I look forward to talking with you more and if you have any questions or concerns about your pup, please email or call anytime. Best Wishes with your puppy!

Thanks for your time,
Kristy A. Smith

Sirius Fun at West Ridge

6525 West 28th Street Greeley, CO 80634

(970) 330-5150

Email SiriusFun

http://SiriusFun.WRAH.net

A Holiday Letter from Drs. Combs & Hubert

2013-12-10T19:52:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays to our wonderful clients and patients! In this season of reflection Dr. Hubert and I wanted to share a little about ourselves and communicate our gratitude for the community and people of Greeley where we both live and work.

Dr. Hubert and I are your (not so typical anymore) Mom and Pop business owners. Just like in the movies we took a curvy twisted road to get where we are and it has not been without its share of bumps. But we have come to appreciate that we would not be who we are without the steps we have taken. We moved to the Greeley area in 1999 where I worked as an Associate Doctor at the original West Ridge Animal Hospital location with Dr. Emmett. We chose this area for its small town feel, desirable location to Colorado State Veterinary School (where Dr. Hubert was finishing her degree), and sense of community.

I truly believe we found a real gem when I accepted the position at West Ridge Animal Hospital. This is a hospital that was founded in 1968, accredited through the American Animal Hospital Association in 1980, and was staffed by people from the community who loved and cherished every person and pet that walked through our doors. While we have grown and now employ dozens of dedicated employees from throughout northern Colorado, we still implore them to remember our community feel. I always say you need to be polite in traffic and at the store, since you are dealing with a Client, future Client, or a member of their family.

It was with a giant leap of faith and plenty of encouragement from staff, family, friends, and yes, even Clients that Dr. Hubert and I purchased West Ridge Animal Hospital December 5th, 2001. The future Dr. Hubert worked through veterinary school while we grew with the hospital. With the desire to provide every service our Client's pets could need (ambitious but it makes us happy) our Client family continued to grow. We out grew the building on 28th street, that now houses our Sirius Fun Doggy Day Care, and knew we needed to expand our facility to continue to offer new healing services to the animals. We were fortunate enough to strike a deal with Dr. Hemerson to move into the beautiful building he and his son had built. With our team, horse trailers, a U-haul, and a New Year's blizzard we moved our entire hospital over New Year's weekend in January 2007.

Over the last several years Dr. Hubert and I have come to value the traits that drew us to this community even more. With the addition of our 2 precious children we have become even more rooted and appreciative of the "village" that we have chosen. The small town feel has remained even as Greeley has grown. We recognize most of our clients by name and love seeing our patients happy, healthy, and out enjoying life with their people. To our kids' chagrin, we always see Clients wherever we go. We live in a town where we can let our children play outside, where they know people everywhere we go. A place where we can have a flock of chickens and horses that we adore. Our house is filled with noises from the menagerie of animals that veterinarians always seem to collect; our senior dog Madeline, our two kitties Speed Fast and Anika (that is what you get when a 3 year old names cats), and our squawking parrots who call the children's and late dogs names.

The sense of community that we first felt in Greeley continues to grow within the town and business that we love and work at every day. We have friends that we can call on (both two legged, four legged, and feathered), we get to be a part of local charity events like Bark for Life and the Weld County Food Drive, we get to assist with the Weld County Animal Response Team (helping in times of disaster or crisis), we LOVE building and riding in the floats for the Greeley Stampede, and we truly cherish all the people and pets that walk through our doors and that we see around town.

West Ridge Animal Hospital continues to be for us a way to engage with the community, to be a part of hundreds of different families, and to bring the best veterinary medicine and care we can to Weld County. Thank you for supporting us as we continue to learn and grow. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Happy Holidays,
Dr. Combs, Dr. Hubert, and Family.

Holiday Tips for Protecting Your Pet

2013-12-10T19:40:00.000-08:00

Holiday Tips for Protecting Your Pet

'Tis the season when it starts getting colder, and the holiday spirit is in the air. Here are some tips for making this a healthy and happy time for you and your pets.

HOUSING: Make sure your pet is protected from the weather. If your pet is an indoor pet, make sure they have a warm, draft free place to sleep, preferably elevated slightly off the floor. If your pet is outside, a warm insulated pet house or shelter is recommended. The house should be elevated so moisture cannot accumulate inside. Provide a small opening covered with canvas to block out winter winds. If the wind chill or weather conditions become too severe, please bring your pets inside.

FROSTBITE: Remove ice and snow from your pet's paws and coat at once. Frostbite can look reddish, white, or gray and the skin may appear scaly. If you think your pet has frostbite, take him/her to a warm place immediately. Apply warm, moist towels... (read more)

For some some great ways to include your pets in your holiday memory-making, click here.

Gift Ideas for Pet Lovers

2013-12-10T19:37:00.000-08:00

As we find ourselves in this season of giving, despite the drop in temperature, we all feel a bit of warmth in our hearts. Many of us can attribute that to the comfort and love we get from our companion animals. Give your friends and their pets a gift to bring them closer this holiday season! At West Ridge Animal Hospital, it is easy to find a
gift for that animal lover in your life!

There are plenty of goodies for your furry, feathery, or scaly kiddos to be found, we provide an easy way to give the gift of wellness with gift certificates for veterinary care, boarding at the Purrs & Paws lodge, or time spent at our Sirius Fun Doggie Day Care! Other fun gift ideas include:

Kong Active, Classic, and Dental products

Keep your pups mentally stimulated in a safe, happy, healthy way this year

Greenies Dental Chews
We offer a variety of sizes to accommodate small, medium, and large breed dogs, as well as cats! Greenies are Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) approved; which is to the animal world what the American Dental Association's seal of approval is to the human side of dental health. They are an easy and painless way to help pets maintain good dental health.

Avian and exotic toys
We carry toys and products from Avalon Aviary for your feathered friends stimulation and enjoyment. West Ridge Animal Hospital is proud to have two Avian and Exotic veterinarians on staff!

Lean Treats
A healthy alternative to table scraps this holiday season at an extremely affordable price! Keep practicing good manners or just reward desirable behavior with a healthy tasty snack.

Toe nail trims
Nearly every owner's hand trembles when they have to clip their own pet's toe nails. Give your friends a break this New Year and purchase a pack of toe nail trims for their furry or feathered friends!

Baths
Everyone likes a clean smelling pet. Let us help you out with a quick bath and brush.

Lip Smackin' Snackin' Holiday Cookie Treats

2013-12-10T19:34:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

3 cups wheat flour
1 Tbsp cornmeal
¼ cup grated cheese
2 tsp oregano
1 egg
6 oz. can chicken
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
½ - ¾ cup chicken broth

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix first 4 ingredients in bowl. Add egg, oil, and chicken and mix. Add enough broth to make a ball. Mix well. Roll into 1-inch balls. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until lightly browned. Don't over cook. Cool completely.
(Recipe courtesy SmartPractice)

November 2013 Paw Prints

2013-11-04T18:45:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

During this month of giving thanks, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for letting us care for your animal companions. We know they are cherished and valued members of your family. We would also like to thank some extraordinary members of our team and share some helpful information about your companions wellbeing.

Thank You for Your Dedication & Hard Work!

Every month we celebrate particular team members who show excellent teamwork and exemplify our standards of care and service. Please join us in recognizing the most recent recipients of the peer selected "You ROCK!" Award and our Outstanding Team Member of the Month.


"You ROCK!" Award Winner: Tech Assistant - Kara L	Outstanding Team Member of the Month Sirius Fun Dog Handler - Casey

Kara was chosen by her team because she is caring and thoughtful of others. She is always willing to help and is always smiling. We love having her in our rooms and with our clients. Casey has shown great passion in caring for her daycare charges and is dedicated to making Sirius Fun the best doggy daycare in Greeley. Thank you, Kara and Casey, your hard work and dedication are greatly appreciated!

Senior Pets: What's Normal - What's Not & When to See Your Veterinarian

Senior Pets bring joy into the lives of their families. They are faithful companions who have often memorized the routines of our lives, share companionship, and have demonstrated time and time again why we love them best. As our pet's age many questions and concerns can arise as changes in what was once normal for them becomes abnormal. Older pet's may have changes in diet, behavior, and health. It's often difficult to know what a "normal" change is and what should be addressed by your pet's veterinarian. Continue reading...

Beating Diabetes: High-Protein Diet Leaves Insulin by the Wayside

Barbara Schneider came home from a trip and found her cat Smokey with his head lying in his water bowl and his litter box looking as though someone had poured a glass of water in it.

Until that point, Smokey and his sister, Peaches, had always been perfectly healthy-except for bad teeth. Both cats were allowed to free feed on dry food because Barbara had been told it was better for their teeth. Although Peaches stayed tiny, Smokey was very heavy.
Continue reading at the Morris Animal Foundation....

Older Dogs Need a Little Help to get through Cold Weather

Cold weather is ruff, er, rough on older dogs, but they don't have to be miserable. Your dog's health in later years is not entirely in your control, but you can have a real impact on a pet's attitude by keeping him warm, comfortable and keeping his mind and body gently active.

Continue reading this Pet Connection at VeterinaryPartner.com...

New Heartworm Testing Recommendations

The American Heartworm Society recently strengthened its recommendations for testing to a YEARLY blood test for this preventable disease. In line with this recommendation the Doctors of West Ridge Animal Hospital will require a yearly test in order to dispense the monthly chewable preventative. This inexpensive yearly test assures that missed doses have not resulted in adult worm infection and possible severe reactions. If your pet is infected with heartworms and is continuing to receive a monthly chewable preventative, the heartworms could develop a resistance to the medications required to cure your pet of this parasite. Contact West Ridge Animal Hospital to verify that your pet is current on their recommended yearly heartworm screening. Read the story linked below to learn how this deadly parasite affect one of our own staff member's families and her experience with diagnosis and treatment.

Speaking from Experience

One Pet Owner's Story of how Heartworms Affected her Family

From the Latest AAHA PetsMatter

Can dogs detect cancer?
Getting older: How to help your senior pet age comfortably
Veterans Day: Honoring our Military Working Dogs
Providing for your pet after you are gone
Your guinea pig is a furry black box

Again, thank you for being a part of our extended family and allowing us to care for the animal companion members of yours. Please have a safe and happy November to remember!

Sincerely,

Your friends at

West Ridge Animal Hospital	Sirius Fun Doggy Daycare
(970) 330-7283 www.WRAH.net	(970) 330-5150 SiriusFun.wrah.net

Be thankful AND vigilant for an emergency-free Thanksgiving

2012-11-16T09:46:00.000-08:00

We all have things for which to be thankful, but allow us to give you one more this year: thankful for NOT having to make an urgent care visit to your local veterinarian!

As far as animal safety goes on Thanksgiving, the food reigns supreme:

The more obvious culprit, of course, are the turkey/ chicken/ ham (even steak) bones. Not only can they get lodged in the throat, stomach and even the intestinal tract, they can also puncture your dog insides.
Fatty or rich foods- poultry skins, gravy, fatty meat, etc.- can, at the least, cause intestinal distress and may even lead to pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas or intestine.
By now, everyone has heard that chocolate can be toxic to our dogs, but a less-known fact is that xylitol (a common sugar substitute) is even more dangerous. To be safe, keep all sweets up out of your pets' reach. Other foods on the not-allowed list are onions and garlic, grapes and raisins, and macadamia nuts; all of these can be toxic to our pets.

It would also be good to keep in mind the fact that lots of visitors can be stressful to your pets, as well. To avoid this, you can create a safe haven for them or even board them in a facility.

All of us at West Ridge Animal Hospital wish you and yours a peaceful, playful, happy Thanksgiving!

And no offense, but we hope we don't see you first thing Friday morning for an urgent care visit...

In Need of a Home: Pedro

2012-06-14T11:50:00.001-07:00

Who doesn’t love a charming Chihuahua?!? And Pedro, we must say, has an extra dose of charm! This heart-stealer is 1 year old, neutered, up to date on vaccines, and ready for a forever home.

A good samaritan walked in our door, carrying Pedro, who had bailing twine twisted around both his neck and belly. He had been tangled this way so long that it actually ate into his skin. Aside from some scarring, though, he is all healed.

He went home with a foster mom who has a two year old son- he and Pedro hit it off immediately! Pedro also did well with her dogs and cat.

Ask anyone in our building and they will tell you “Pedro is a lover”; he’s a snuggler, a definite people-person (except, of course, for the fact that he’s a dog). Think you can find a spot in your home for this little guy? Please call us at 970-330-7283 to arrange a meeting.

In Need of a Home: Brutus

2012-06-14T10:06:00.001-07:00

Brutus is… well… to be honest, we’re not entirely sure WHAT breed Brutus is, but we have no doubt that he will steal your heart! He appears to be a Terrier mix- of the terribly cute variety. “Playful” is the first adjective that always comes to tech’s minds when they think of him; Brutus loves attention and has a fun personality!

Weld County Animal Control Unit brought him in to us several weeks ago. He presented with Demodectic Mange* and is responding very well to treatment. He will, however, require continuation of his meds for another several weeks. Brutus also has a healing cruciate ligament tear which is a knee injury that, in a dog his size, can heal without surgery; he may develop arthritis later in life, though.

Judging by his teeth and health, he appears to be right around 1 year old, has not had any potty accidents, and is improving on the leash. Due to his contagious (to puppies) nature when he first arrived, he has been relatively sequestered and we are not yet sure how he will be around other dogs or cats. He is not yet neutered, but our doctors are happy to do that as part of the adoption package. Vaccines are up to date.

If you, or anyone you know, is interested in meeting this sweetheart, please call West Ridge Animal Hospital at 970-330-7283.

*Demodectic Mange is a common infestation of a dog’s skin with tiny mites that live in and feed off of hair follicles. These mites do cause hair loss and irritated skin, but once treated the dog's hair should all grow back. Once eliminated, most adult dogs should have immunity. Even though most adult dogs likely have immunity, it is best to restrict contact until treatment is finished- just to be safe.

In Need of a Home: Osa

2012-06-13T11:26:00.002-07:00

This pup’s adorable furry face earned her the name Osa (bear) by our technicians, but the foster mom’s 3 year old son has decided she should be Princess Cali. We have no doubt that once you meet her, you will also be drawn in to her cuteness and likely a new name will come to you, too!

Princess Cali Osa is approximately 3 months old. She was brought to us by a good Samaritan with facial injuries consistent with being thrown from a moving car. Her jawbone was fractured and has since healed; as she grows, she may have some residual aesthetic issues, but is fine physically. All vaccinations are up to date but because she is so young, she will require boosters and further vaccines.

As far as personality goes…
This little sweetheart is great with kids, other dogs, and cats alike. She is doing well on her potty training; not quite there, but getting close. Even at her young age, she is sleeping through the night without accidents. Her foster mom, Sarah, has been bathing and trimming her regularly so she is used to being handled in that fashion. Being a puppy, she does chew on things and exhibits normal puppy behavior. She does go up and down stairs and jumps up on the couch, but then gets scared to jump back down. She will bark if she needs anything- such as help getting off the couch!

If you, or anyone you know, is interested in meeting Princess Cali Osa, please call our Client Care Representatives at 970-330-7283 to schedule an introduction. We know you will just love her immediately!

Holiday Food Drive

2011-11-14T08:59:00.000-08:00

The holidays are now upon us and there are many people who will not have a nice meal to sit down to with their families this holiday season. There are also many pets at the shelter who would love a meal and a warm blanket. West Ridge Animal Hospital wants to help those in need both human and animal, so we will be having a food drive to help the Weld Food Bank and the Humane Society of Weld County. We hope to make this fun and rewarding for our community - and maybe even you! Please bring in your cans and non-perishable, food items for the food bank, as well as pet food and other pet supplies for the Humane Society. We have a list of items that are needed for the Food Bank at the front desk, the website and on our Facebook page, or visit the Weld Food Bank Top 10 requested items web page.

In an effort to add a little fun to the drive, we are running the following programs:

Starting the week of November 14th - 27th
• Clients who bring in 5 items or more will be entered into a drawing for a 1 hour animal Massage Session valued at $50.00.
• If we meet our goal of 100 items before Thanksgiving we will donate $100.00 to the Weld Food Bank.

Weeks Nov. 28th - Dec 11th
• For every Facebook "LIKE" during this time we will place the new fan's name into a drawing for a free Animal Massage, valued at $50.00. In addition, we will donate up to $50 to the Food Bank if we reach over 100 "likes".

Weeks Nov. 12th - Dec 25th
• For every 100 "LIKES" we receive we will donate up to $50.00 to the Weld Food Bank, for a maximum of $100.00 total.

Why are you sitting reading this post?!? Run to your cupboards, gather some food items and bring them in! :)

PS. Weld Food Bank's Most Needed HOLIDAY Food Items are:
TURKEYS!
Canned Sweet Potatoes/Yams
Cranberry Sauce
Boxed Stuffing
Instant Potatoes
Gravy
Pie Filling

Our Top 10 Most Needed food items are:
Canned Meat or Tuna
Canned Soup or Stews
Pasta or Mac & Cheese
Cereal
Rice
Canned Fruit
Canned Vegetables
Peanut Butter
Fruit Juice
Beans

And the Humane Society is requesting:
Food:
• High Quality Dog and Cat Food
• High Quality Kitten and Puppy Food
• Canned Cat and Kitten Food
• Canned Dog and Puppy Food
• Dog Treats
• Cat Treats
Animal Comfort:
• Towels
• Blankets
• Small Pet Beds
• Free-Standing Air-Conditioner
• Free-Standing Fans
• Space Heaters
Pet Supplies:
• Cat litter (Non-Clumping)
• Animal Clippers
• Water Pitchers
• Leashes and Harnesses (Slip Leads Preferred)
• Elizabethan Collars (All Sizes)
• Dog Toys: Ropes, “Kong” Toys, Stuffed Toys (No Bean Filling)
• Cat Toys: Mice, Scratching Pads, Bell Toys, Etc.
• Storage Tubs with Lids (18 Gallons)

Medical Massage And Its Benefits

2011-11-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has had a massage knows the wonderful benefits that come with it. But even beside the relaxation and peace it affords, there are actual medical benefits as well. Massage:
• increases gastrointestinal motility to prevent or relieve constipation,
• reduces back and belly pain,
• lessens anxiety, and
• improves circulation and lymphatic drainage, which carries bacteria to lymph nodes to be destroyed.

One of the most advantageous circumstances for massage is post-operatively. It is easy to overlook the fact that lying on a steel operating table leaves one’s muscles stiff and sore; animals receiving a prophylactic dental are even more prone to stiffness due to the way their heads are positioned during the procedure. To alleviate this side effect, we offer optional post-operative massages. Other situations in which massage is helpful include:
• stressful times,
• after hunting or extensive exercise,
• when a dog is constipated,
• active dogs who are boarded and not able to get their usual exercise,
• relief for muscles sore from compensating for an injury to a limb, and
• comfort for senior dogs or those suffering from arthritis, spondylosis, or hip dysplasia.

For those whose dogs would benefit, we suggest scheduling an appointment for a massage with either Nikki or Aurora (both Certified Veterinary Technicians). These two gals recently had the opportunity to attend a Medical Massage continuing education course through Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. This course was taught by Dr. Narda Robinson, the “country’s leading authority on scientific complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM)” (Colorado Veterinary Medical Association).

We strongly believe in the power of massage and look forward to assisting your canine companions!

Condition your hunting dog to prevent injury

2011-11-04T12:23:00.000-07:00

Hunting season is upon us! Don't let an injury keep you and your beloved hunting dog from enjoying your favorite time of the year. Dogs that are not properly conditioned before their first hunting trip each season are at higher risk for sustaining soft tissue injuries such as muscle, ligament and tendon strains. A great way to thoroughly condition your working dog is the water treadmill here at West Ridge Animal Hospital. Using the water treadmill creates extra resistance, building more muscle in a shorter time; similar to walking in the pool for us bipedal humans. Another bonus of the treadmill is that it is low impact, the buoyancy of the water makes it an ideal exercise for dogs that are older or have arthritis.

Halloween Dangers

2011-10-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

While such a fun holiday, Halloween also brings with it many possible dangers for our pets that many of us probably don’t even realize:

- Most people know that chocolate (especially dark) can be toxic to dogs, but were you aware that sugar-free candies and gum are even more so? To be safe, please keep both the candy bowl and your childrens’ stashes out of your pets’ reach.

- Pumpkins with lit candles can be knocked over, which risks more than just your pet- and curious kittens in particular may get burned by them.

- Having so many strange people (especially when dressed up for Halloween!) can be stressful for all but the most social dogs. It is best to keep pets in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat hours.

- The ASPCA recommends keeping all dogs out of the front yard, and keeping cats (particularly black ones) indoors, due to the chance of injuries.

- As terribly cute as costumes can be on our pets, they can also pose dangers. Please only put them on your pets when you are there to supervise them. Also choose costumes that do not have bells or other items that are loose or dangle; some dogs may ingest these, possibly causing choking.

Since accidents do happen, even to the most vigilant animal owners, West Ridge Animal Hospital is here to help with urgent care visits and emergencies every weekday until 9, Saturdays until 5, and Sundays 9 to 1. Our number is: 970-330-7283. If you have an emergency after our hours, please contact P.E.T.S. Emergency Service at 970-339-8700.

Have a safe, fun Halloween everyone!

Welcome, Dr Hensley

2011-10-12T12:18:00.000-07:00

As you know, West Ridge Animal Hospital strives to provide the highest quality of care and offers a comprehensive variety of treatment options for your pets. To this end, we recently welcomed a new veterinarian who specializes in the canine rehabilitation arena. Just what all does that entail, you ask? Canine rehabilitation:
• Improves recovery time post-surgically,
• Increases quality of life for arthritic and/or senior pets,
• Helps with weight loss,
• Conditions dogs for hunting season, agility, fly ball and other high paced activities,
• And offers an alternative treatment for dogs who are not good candidates for surgery.
If your pet will benefit from rehabilitation, you can expect to meet with Dr. Hensley who will perform an evaluation and provide a treatment plan which includes at-home instructions.

Dr. Hensley received her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal and Poultry Sciences from Virginia Tech in 2006 and her DVM from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. After veterinary school, Dr. Hensley joined a mixed animal practice in southeastern Wyoming. During this time, she also pursued advanced training in canine rehabilitation and became a certified canine rehabilitation therapist in 2011. Her special interest in canine rehabilitation brought her to West Ridge Animal Hospital in 2011 to further develop their rehabilitation program. She shares her home with her two dogs, Tucker and Murphy, and enjoys reading, hiking and traveling in her spare time.

We could not be happier to welcome Dr Hensley and her four-legged friends to our family!

World Rabies Day

2011-09-28T12:14:00.000-07:00

Today is World Rabies Day, an initiative to raise awareness about rabies. Many of us think of rabies as only a wildlife problem, or as an issue that is well controlled and not in need of attention. NOT SO. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association:

Rabies remains a major concern worldwide, killing more than 55,000 people every year. In the United States, one to two people die annually, and there were more than 6,100 reported cases of animal rabies in the U.S. in 2010.

It is important to note that rabies is fatal, unless a series of prophylactic injections are administered in time. Rabies may not be treatable, but it IS preventable. To do so, please vaccinate your pets (feline, canine, and ferret) and keep them away from all wildlife. It is also important to avoid wildlife yourself and to educate your children to do so as well- especially wild animals who appear ill or are not afraid of humans.

Our doctors here at West Ridge Animal Hospital are passionate about preventing rabies and other diseases for which we have vaccines. We understand that it is easy to lose track of when your pets are due, so we send out reminders. Another way to keep on top of vaccines is to create a personal Pet Portal through our website. With a Pet Portal, you are able to see your pets' vaccine records, current medications, and you can even request appointments and refills! Of course, we are always happy to answer any questions you have; we can be reached at 970-330-7283 and via e-mail at frontdesk@wrah.net.

Pet Files: Get active in ridding ringworm in your pet

2011-09-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

West Ridge's own Dr Deb Singleton, wrote the following article about ringworm for the Greeley Tribune:

Ringworm is a fungal infection affecting the hair, nails and the superficial layers of the skin. The condition is called “ringworm” because of the classic red, circular lesions of hair loss that appear on the skin. Another name for the condition is “dermatophytosis,” which is a description of the type of fungus involved in the infection.

Exposure to the fungus usually occurs via the environment (soil or living area), or exposure to a carrier animal. Exposure does not necessarily lead to an infection. An affected animal that does not show signs may remain an inapparent carrier for a long period of time. Lack of good immune system function can lead to an infection. The condition is more common in long-haired cats and young animals. High population density, poor nutrition and poor environmental management can increase the risk of ringworm infection.

Lesions on the skin may begin as a poor appearance to the hair coat and progress to circular areas of hair loss. Scales, redness and increased black pigmentation of the skin, as well as itchiness may also be seen. Humans are also susceptible to ringworm infection, and may develop similar red, circular lesions on the skin.

Diagnosis of a ringworm infection may be difficult. The best method of confirming a diagnosis is to culture hairs plucked from the edge of an area of hair loss; these are placed on a special gel media. The media will change color from yellow to red with the growth of a fungus. This process generally takes two to three weeks. Hair examined with a special UV light may glow green, increasing the suspicion of ringworm, but this test is not diagnostic, as skin flakes and sebum may also produce a false positive glow. Rarely, a skin biopsy may be required.

Many short-haired cats and dogs will undergo spontaneous remission or cure of the condition. Treatment may be frustrating and somewhat expensive in multi-animal households or recurrent cases. Environmental treatment is important; cleansing with diluted bleach (90 seconds with water) is an effective method of disinfecting surfaces and bedding.

Medical treatment may range from topical solutions and shampoos to oral medications. Generally, mild cases will be treated by cleansing the animal with miconazole (anti-fungal) shampoo and applying a topical anti-fungal medication with gloves to the lesions. It is important not to apply any medication with bare hands, or to handle the animal unnecessarily, as this will increase the likelihood of spread of the infection to humans.

Oral anti-fungal medications may be used in more severe or generalized cases. These include itraconazole, ketoconazole and griseofulvin. These medications should be given with a meal to improve absorption. They may have side effects, ranging from mild stomach upset to severe liver or bone marrow reactions, so they are used cautiously. Your veterinarian may require blood testing to ensure that your animal is able to take these medications safely.

A negative subsequent dermatophyte culture is the only way to ensure a response to therapy. Many animals will appear to improve, but remain positive on culture. Treatment is generally continued until at least one culture is negative.

Please speak with your veterinarian if you have questions about ringworm infection in your pet. If you suspect that a family member may have ringworm, please consult your medical doctor.

Debra Singleton is a veterinarian practicing in Greeley. She is a graduate of Colorado State University specializing in the treatment of dogs, cats and exotic animals.

Pet Emergency Preparedness

2011-09-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

With the hurricanes, wild fires, and anniversary of 9/11, it seems emergency preparedness is on everyone’s mind. The CVMA (Colorado Veterinary Medical Association) recently recommended the following website be distributed to the general public. It is a collection of educational webinars regarding dealing with disasters. Of particular interest to us, of course, is the Pet Emergency Preparedness webinar. Just to give you a heads up- the webinar, in its entirety, is an hour long. However, there is a very informative video for animal owners just two minutes in; please at least watch this segment. It reminds us of all the items animals may require in the case of an evacuation, as well as points out what actions are best in an emergency. For example, if one saw horses in a corral, that person may want to open the gate and release them. However, those horses are likely microchipped and registered to be at that address; making their rescue much quicker. There may also be an unknown public health issue if numerous animals are released.

It is comforting to know that Weld County has its own local Animal Response Team (as discussed in a recent post), but it is also important to educate ourselves as individuals. In the case of a disaster, the reactions and helpful efforts of the citizens is crucial. To this end, the FEMA website has many free webinars concerning all aspects of emergency preparedness, as well as connections to federal and local councils, that may be of interest to you.

2011-08-28T21:07:00.000-07:00

Our very own Dr. Deb Singleton contributes articles regarding pet care for the Greeley Tribune. Her recent article highlights recommendations on tick preventives:

Pet Files: New Recommendations to Prevent Ticks in Pets

High temperatures dangerous for our pets

2011-06-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

With outdoor temperatures steadily rising; it's time to remind everyone of the dangers posed by heat stroke...

We all know how uncomfortable we can get in the heat, but even so, we sometimes forget that dogs may hit this point, and worse, long before we humans do. After all, dogs are not only wearing a fur coat, but their bodies handle heat differently than ours. Instead of all-over sweating to cool themselves, dogs must rely on panting and sweating from their paws and nose only.

Hyperthermia (also known as heat stroke) is a serious issue that, if not caught in time, can cause irreversible damage to organs and possibly even death. While the best way to determine hyperthermia is through the use of a rectal thermometer (anything above 104), owners must be ever-vigilant in watching for these signs:
- Vigorous panting
- Tacky or dry mucous membranes (gums)
- Dark red or purple gums
- Restlessness/ pacing
- Excessive drooling
- Unsteadiness/ dizziness
- Disorientation
- Lethargy/ unwillingness to move

As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to move your pet to a shady, cool location and direct a fan on him/her. To help speed cooling, you can place cool wet cloths on him/her; the most efficient areas would the back of the neck, armpits, feet, and groin. Then call or transport your pet to your veterinarian immediately.

Contrary to what one might think, do not use cold water or ice, but instead use tepid tap water. Make sure a bowl of cool water is available for your dog; but do NOT force water into your pet's mouth, as your dog may inhale it accidentally.

Of course, the best way to "treat" hyperthermia is to prevent it in the first place. Some situations that can cause hyperthermia include:
- Leaving pets outside on a hot day without shade and water
- Leaving pets (or any living thing) in a vehicle without adequate ventilation, even on a temperate day
- Exercising in the heat.

Please have a safe, fun, not-too-hot summer!