Updates from our Doctors
FDA Alert
The FDA is concerned about the increase in reports of adverse reactions to long-term veterinary drugs. In response to this the veterinary profession has developed a plan for monitoring patients for side effects when taking long-term medication.
If your pet is on any medication for long-term treatment, an organ-monitoring blood screen will be performed every so often to ensure they are not suffering from any negative side effects.
Keep a Close Eye on Your Cats
There has been a recent influx of missing cats lately in the Tigard area. A large threat to cats in this area is the coyote. If your cat lives an outdoor lifestyle, please monitor their activity and travel patterns, and keep an eye out for coyotes in your neighborhood.
Things to Remember • Have plenty of fresh water available for your pet at all times.
• Don’t ever leave your pets unattended in your vehicle, especially in high temperatures.
• We board cats and dogs up to 25 pounds.
• Cars that overheat spill antifreeze, which is deadly to dogs and cats. Clean up all spills immediately to avoid possible toxicity.
• Check for lumps and bumps each week when you brush your pet’s teeth.
• Flies can lay eggs very quickly on your pet’s open sores. This can create a deadly situation with maggots. Keep any open wounds on your pets clean. Hot spots are a great target for flies.
• We offer full-service grooming!
• Tuesday is “Super (Human) Senior” day where we provide 15% off care for Senior’s pets.
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Doctor's Corner Heartworm Disease in Oregon
Heartworm disease is becoming well established in Oregon.
Heartworm disease is spread through mosquitoes. The process of transmission starts with a mosquito biting an infected animal. The mosquito then draws up the heartworm microfliaria (babies) and bites another animal, depositing the microfliaria into that animal. The worms grow over a six-month period and live in the heart. The worms are about the size of a ballpoint pen refill (approximately 3-6 inches long). They cause problems with circulation and lung function. Dogs are the primary hosts for this worm, although cats can become infected. The reason it is spreading across Oregon so rapidly is the coyote. Coyotes are a reservoir as they are becoming infected and not being treated. The good news is that heartworm disease is very easy to prevent. Simply test your dog and if they do not have heartworm disease, start them on a monthly preventive. Ask for CPP, Sentinel, Heartgard or Interceptor. Revolution is a topical flea medication we carry for cats that also includes heartworm disease protection. Most of these medications can’t be given without a blood test because if an animal has heartworm disease and is given a preventive it can be detrimental to their health. Some of the medications also protect against intestinal parasites (worms). Humans do not get heartworms but have been known to get nodules on the lungs
Sensitive Stomachs Diet recommendation for animals with conditions that have created sensitive stomachs and intestines:
Day 1: It is best not to feed anything on Day 1 to adult animals. Water is fine and should be given in small amounts throughout the day, up to 1 ounce per pound of body weight. For puppies and kittens, use a 12-hour food fast and 2 ounces of water per pound spread out over the day.
Day 2: Feed IVD Sensitive for Dogs and Neutral for Cats. Feed 1/3 of the quantity you would normally feed and spread it out over the day in at least 3 feedings. Water is done the same way as on the first day.
Day 3: Feed the same foods as on Day 2 but increase the amount to the regular amount fed spread out in 3 feedings. Water the same as Day 1.
Day 4-5: Make up a 50-50 mix of some of the regular food you feed and the IVD food you have been feeding. Feed in 3 feedings over the day. Water can be free choice.
Day 6: Feed regular food in the number of meals you normally feed. Water can be free choice.
Note: If you prefer to cook for your pet, you can use oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, BOILED hamburger (skim off the fat).
