Happy Summer

Happy Summer all!  Enjoying the heat?  I personally enjoy basking in the sun from the window in my suite when I can but I’m not so much a fan of this “beach” place humans speak of.  Looks like a giant litter box that’s too close to the water bowl if you ask me.

So what do you do when you want to visit that giant litter box or some other destination during the summer but have precious cargo (such as myself) at home?  Fortunately you have several different options.  Many people will find a pet sitter/house sitter that will come to your home and either stay there or stop by during the day to take care of your pets.  Or a friend may take your pet to their own home so your pet has a change of scenery.  Then there is the option of boarding your pet somewhere such as a kennel.  Use your Pet Portal to set up Pet Care Instructions with your itinerary and contact information for whoever is caring for your pet.

There are also instances where taking your pet with you is a viable option.  Now of course your best friend loves to be with you but you really need to weigh the pros and cons of this choice.  Whether you are traveling by car, air or boat, you need to really think about how your pet will do in that situation.  Taking your dog to the beach however is usually a lot of fun (so I’ve heard) so as long as Fido likes the car (and the water), you’re off to a good start.  That being said, it is very important you find and confirm that the place you will be staying accepts pets.  Most will have a pet deposit fee, as well as rules and regulations (such as size, quantity and breed) to follow so do some reading!

All of these options have something very important in common; preparing a list!  If your pet is traveling with you, make sure you have proper documentation like a current rabies certificate, vaccination information and if possible, at least 6 months of medical history.  This can really help if something happens and you need to go to a vet while away.  That being said, it would really be a good idea to look for vet’s in the area you will be in PRIOR to leaving so that you aren’t scrambling at the last minute.  I actually recommend that wherever your pet goes, having that information is key.   Before you leave, verify too that your pet is up to date on all necessary vaccines, has enough medication left (if on meds) and of course, healthy enough.  You can obtain your pet’s vaccine information through your Pet Portal so if you don’t have one, visit www.GreatFallsAnimalHospital.com or give us a ring and we can help you.

Whatever you do this summer, make it enjoyable for all of those involved- including the pets!  Now it’s time to pick out a new sunbathing suit- I have been doing fabulously on my diet and need to show it off!

Til next meow,

 Mason

Heat Stroke, Hyperthermia Cautions

So how is everyone’s spring so far?  Mine has been uneventful (which in the feline world is never a bad thing).  I hear the weather has been the typical Virginia spring of  warm, cold, hot, chilly, warm, hot… completely indecisive!  I guess now would be a good time to go over some concerns that the spring weather can bring.

Last time I discussed plant toxicity and stressed the importance of researching before breaking out the green thumb.  Now the research you need to do is as simple as turning on the TV, internet or radio and checking the temperature. 

Many people enjoy the routine of taking out the dog and going for a walk or a jog, or even go for car rides (like to the dog park, etc.).  This is fine, but you need to be sure that you and your dog are prepared for the temperature throughout the day.   I realize that it is not quite summer yet, but I think that also gives the misconception that it will not get as hot just because it is spring.  It does not take much to make a car turn into a sauna.  According to www.VeterinaryPartner.com, a study done at Stanford University Medical Center found that a car’s inside temperature can increase by up to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, even on a 70-degree day.  That means that what might be considered a perfect spring day outside can potentially be life threatening inside of a vehicle.  Anytime any animal is in a car, hot or cold, warm, cool, sunny, dreary, whatever it may be, owners MUST take responsibility and make 100% sure that their pet is comfortable and in a safe environment.  This applies to any environment that an animal is in, not just vehicles.  In Virginia it is illegal to leave a pet in the car if the outside temperature is 70 degrees or higher. 

For anyone who exercises with their pets (whatever that pet may be), it is also important to consider the weather before going for a walk, jog, or even taking out in the yard to play.  Dogs especially can over-exert themselves and overheat quickly.  Unlike humans, dogs usually do not know when to stop so owners need to be cautious and do it for them when necessary.  Take into consideration the breed(s) of your pets as some breeds are predisposed to having heart issues, respiratory issues (like Bulldogs, Pekingese & Persians for example) and issues with obesity.  These can be especially taxing in warm weather and extra caution should be taken to prevent hyperthermia or overexertion. 

In an article on hyperthermia on www.VeterinaryPartner.com, it gives some helpful advice on what to do and what NOT to do.  So what should you do in this situation?  First take your pet out of the location where they developed hyperthermia to a cool, shaded area and if possible, direct a fan in your pet’s direction.  Taking your pet’s temperature (rectally) and recording it is ideal.   Apply cool, wet towels to back of the neck, groin area and armpits and if possible, wet the ear flaps and paws with cool water.  Keeping a fan directly in your pet’s direction during this time can greatly help the cooling process until you can get them to a veterinary hospital (which should be done ASAP!).

What should you not do?  Probably what most people would think to do first: giving cold water or ice cubes.  Keep room temperature water available but do not force them to drink it.  You also should stay with your pet or have someone monitoring them at all times until you reach the veterinary facility so DO NOT LEAVE THEM UNATTENDED!!

Speaking of all this warmth, it is time for me to do my daily sunbathing.  Until next time…

Meows, Mason

It's Spring! When a young man’s fancy turns to eating vegetation.

Hello!  Mason, again.  Spring has officially sprung and just because I’m an indoor kitty that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy it!  When the timing is appropriate, my staff opens up a few windows for some much needed fresh air; I even have my own perch in my living quarters so I can stalk all of the prey that I will never catch. 

So while April showers bring May flowers (which are awesome), they also bring with them potential hazards.  What could possibly be considered dangerous about this season?  Unfortunately Mother Nature mixed with our ever-growing curiosity often result in concerned owners frantically calling GFAH and Poison Control.  With the extraordinary number of different plant varieties out there, how do you know which ones are considered safe for pets?

Doing your homework prior to planting is very important.  There are many reliable websites out there, but for every good one there are hundreds of others to avoid.  Now let’s be clear; I am in no way, shape or form advising anyone to practice internet diagnostics.  Google is no replacement for veterinary advice; however, it can serve as a guide in the right direction.  Websites like www.aspca.com  (Link for toxic and non-toxic plants) and www.veterinarypartner.com offer information about plant toxicity.  ASPCA’s website can separate plants by species and shows toxic and non-toxic, though it only shows toxicity in dogs, cats & horses. 

If you have an indoor/outdoor cat or a dog that goes out into the yard unsupervised at times, it is vital that you are well informed about all the plants in your yard.  Have something in your garden that you didn’t plant?  No clue what it is?  Ask your local nursery for help identifying the plant, then check the websites mentioned above for toxicity information.

No matter what season it may be, the same rules apply to indoor plants or floral arrangements.  Check with the nursery or florist for the name of the plant or flower (especially toxic are lily’s all varieties) then with ASPCA’s list of toxic plants.  For the plants you do bring home, make sure to make the plant(s) inaccessible to your pets, regardless of the plant.  Something considered non-toxic can still do a number on the tummy when ingested.  If you want to have home grown catnip or cat grass around, that stuff can be GREAT!  Be careful though because we don’t know the difference between “bad plants” and “good plants”; to us they’re all great, at least until we don’t feel well!

Hope you are having a great start to spring so far!  I’ll be taking my “Spring Break” pretty soon and I’m looking for ideas of where to go.  Green exam room?  Dental suite? Employee lounge!  The possibilities are endless.

Til next meow,

Mason

Dental Health Month

Ladies: I'd like to express my appreciation for all my lovely bouquets of flowers you, my adoring fans sent me for Valentine's Day.  Furthermore, a news flash about yours truly; I've had to start back on my Trixsyn medication (joint supplement) again after all my recent activities, including knocking over a few of the flowers I mentioned earlier.  I guess it's true, I’m not getting any younger and neither are my joints!  I appreciate the Get Well cards and thoughts from everyone!

Although I’m a bit  late, better late than never!  February is Pet Dental Health Month.

So why exactly is it important to practice good dental hygiene when it comes to your furry family members?  According to VeterinaryPartner.com, 85% of pets have dental disease by the time they reach three years of age!  Now we all know that an animal’s age is much different than a human’s, but nonetheless, three still seems so young.  After all, it still feels like we are just getting past our puppy and kitten stages! 

Regular wellness visits are important to your pet’s health, including the teeth!  Did you know that your pet can experience complications in other parts of the body as a result of dental disease?  It’s true; bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs (like the liver and kidneys) and can even do damage to the valves of the heart.  Another reason why keeping up with the teeth can be imperative to your pet’s health, as well as their comfort.

So how can you spot dental disease in your pet?  Here are a few signs to look out for that may indicate your pet needs a dental issue addressed:

1)      Change in eating habits- Interest in food but not eating, taking longer than normal to eat, if they appear to favor one side of the mouth when chewing or for pets that get both types, eating the wet food and not the dry.  Most animals with dental disease will eat normally, even if their mouths are painful. 

2)      Noticeable foul odor:  People usually notice this when up close to their pet or of course if they are getting slobbered on (silly canines…). Often owners will put off having the teeth checked until it gets to be what they consider to be unbearable, which as I mentioned before can be detrimental to your pet’s health (as well as your pocketbook).  Animals can develop abscesses inside the mouth, most of the time caused by a broken tooth.  Letting this go is definitely not a good idea and we recommend having your pet seen as soon as possible to avoid the issue becoming worse and also to help control the pain.  Just think of how painful it can be when you have a cavity or if you have ever had a broken tooth!  Ouch!!

3)      You notice your pet’s gums are very red or inflamed.  The gums are just as important to keep up with as the teeth. 

So, what happens when an animal is treated for periodontal disease?  Sometimes they just need a good, thorough cleaning.  Other times they need a little extra done depending on the progression of the dental disease or if they need to have a tooth removed. 

It doesn’t have to be Pet Dental Health month to care about your pet’s teeth!  Below I have added a few links to some good articles about animal periodontal disease.  These are located on the website www.veterinarypartner.com, which we consider to be a very reliable and informative source for just about everything pets!

*What to Expect If Your Pet Needs Dental Care: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=168

*Dental Home Care: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=640

Well, I have expelled just about all of the knowledge that I can handle for now.  Until next time my friends!

 Purrs,

Mason

 P.S.  To some of the newer GFAH staff members… When it says on the white board that “Mason has been fed”, you should never ever believe that.  See, we have this on-going inside joke where they write down that they fed me and then I cry a bunch because it is all lies.  Such a cruel, cruel world.

Meowy Christmas and Happy Howlidays friends!!

“Friends don’t let friends dress up their cats…” [“Mason”, 2011]

Meowy Christmas and Happy Howlidays friends!!  Can you believe we are here again already?  Seems like just yesterday I was getting showered with treats, toys, catnip and pettings… oh wait, that was yesterday!  It doesn’t take a holiday for my staff to spoil me!  Speaking of getting spoiled, let’s talk about how you can keep your furry friends safe during the holiday season. 

First I will bring up my favorite topic: food!!  I will be the first to say that I love when my two legged friends offer me a goodie now and then. (Dr. Garrood treats me to kitty-friendly yogurt! Shh, don’t tell!)  One of the most common problems with pets getting food meant for the two legged variety is the gastrointestinal upset.  It may be something like a little diarrhea or vomiting here and there (which still isn’t fun for pet or owner) and other times it can be much worse, sometimes even fatal.  Most people are familiar with chocolate being a no-no.  Thankfully not many of us felines have a silly chocolate craving.  Main courses such as ham and poultry often bring furry friends sitting at your feet under the dinner table, begging and pleading with very sad puppy dog or kitty cat eyes.  Humans are often drawn into our spells and give us some table scraps.  One issue with this is that often people do not know how many others have been doing this and your pet could end up with way more people food than they can handle.  Now if everyone is careful, sometimes a tiny bit of meat won’t hurt.  You definitely however want to avoid giving pets poultry skin, “fatty parts”, and poultry bones.  Poultry bones are very prone to splintering which can wreak havoc on the intestines.  Food that is rich or spicy can also cause a hurt tummy, as with any other food that your pet is not used to having.  In more extreme cases, certain foods may cause inflammation of the intestines or pancreas and can be life threatening.  This warning goes for leaving food out or not properly disposing of it where it can be within paws’ reach (and eventually mouth’s reach!)  Speaking of items being easily accessible, many people have bowls with little no-no goodies such as chocolates, mint or other candies out on coffee tables and counters.  Any determined cat or dog (or even some very clever “exotic” pets) can usually access such yummies in the blink of an eye, often something that can be especially hazardous if no one notices anything missing (i.e small candies or cookies.)  Heck, even those blessed with more cuteness than brains can usually pull off a food heist.

Tinsel, ribbons, ornament hooks, candles and other small objects (whether décor, gift wrapping accessories or toys) are a few of a cat’s favorite things.   Watch out for ornaments too; even those on the tree can be all too appealing to a curious cat’s eye.  We are great climbers so seeing that awesome ornament a.k.a cat toy dangling from the Christmas tree branch soon becomes our #1 goal.  So now you’ve got a cat up a tree and raining decorations and tree needles.  You know we aren’t going to clean it up either; we just like to make the mess, +/- ingest a beautiful holiday foreign body and take off.  If you’re lucky, we will remember the spirit of the holidays and keep the vomiting to a minimum and on an easily cleanable surface.  Those not so lucky may be making a very pricey visit to the vet or even the emergency room.  This goes for you dogs out there too!  Actually, any animal that you have living in your house that is out and about could potentially have this scenario play out.  Dogs can be nature’s garbage disposals and whatever I knock down, McGruff could pick up.  A dog’s tail can knock things off of the tree, knock over candles and other holiday decorations too; next thing you know you’re at the emergency clinic with your dog (who knocked everything over and ate it), the cat (who then batted everything on the floor and possibly ate it after taking to a remote corner to hide it) and even the bird (who when flying over to see the commotion, ended up in the middle of the crossfire of tree and decorations).  Bottom line folks?  BE CAREFUL!  Animals are more clever than you may think and we can make toys (or food) out of just about anything.  Christmas can be like, well, Christmas for cats when it comes to all of the “toys” that our humans leave lying around.  My advice, as any vet will tell you, is to just be safe and keep items like this put away and only bring out when they can be supervised. 

That reminds me… animals LOVE to play with, chew and ingest plants.  They may act like they don’t, but could always fool you and get into things once you’ve left the room.  Even if they haven’t touched them in the ten years you’ve had the pleasure of their presence, everyone knows that pets, (cats especially), can find new hobbies easily.  The best idea is to have a list of plants that are no-go’s so that you don’t bring the wrong thing into your home.  Friends and family may have the best intentions when they send you beautiful flowers, but chances are they weren’t thinking about the animal that could possibly get into it.  Poinsetta plants have always been the holiday scare as far as pets go, though we have since learned that although ingestion could cause vomiting and/or diarrhea, it is actually fairly safe.  Mistletoe, red azaleas, pine tree needles, amaryllis, lilies and paperwhites are definitely things you need to be careful with and should keep out of our reach!!  Better yet, maybe stick to non-hazardous plants to lower the chances of something bad happening.  Even the water from the Christmas tree can pose a threat if ingested.  (Check out the link at the bottom of the page for more information about plant toxicity and pets.)

To end my lecture, let me mention just a few other things to consider during the holidays.  Many of you human’s like to “socialize” from what I’ve heard and get a whole bunch of humans to gather in your pet’s home.  This can potentially lead to a few issues if not careful.  I know a lot of my feline acquaintances tend to hide from all of you people when you get together (what exactly are herds of humans called??)  We may seem stoic and put together however we can also stress out quite easily.  We are all about having a routine and when things other than our routine are happening around us, we can become very cranky and upset.  Dogs do not typically hide (other than a few exceptions), though they can still become stressed easily.   They usually will end up with gastrointestinal upset of some sort, with the most popular ailment being diarrhea (another reason to keep them in a quiet room or environment away from the table!)  This also helps by keeping them away from the doors if people are going in and out.  The last thing anyone wants is to turn that “Ugly Holiday Sweater party” into a search party.  If you are traveling and plan to bring your pet with you, it’s best to find out what needs to be taken care of far enough in advance if possible.  I advise bringing along your pet’s vaccination records, rabies certificate and, if possible, even the last year or so of medical history in the event something happens while away from home.  Your vet should be more than happy to fax over records to other clinics, however, if after hours, you may be out of luck.  Just be prepared!  This goes for car AND airline travel.  Speaking of airline travel, most airlines require health certificates within a certain time prior to departure.  This will require a vet visit so find out ahead of time so you can make the appointment if necessary.  If you are flying internationally, that can be a whole new can of cat food and is something that needs to be planned much, much further in advance.  I advise calling your vet for details so that it goes as smoothly as possible.  When you humans stress out, we stress out!  Also, remember that whenever your cat is in a car with you (even if it’s not a holiday trip), PUT US IN A CARRIER!!  I don’t care how much we moan and hiss; this is the safest possible thing that you can do.  I hear all too often about how great a traveler someone’s cat is and has been for 10 years, however anything can happen.  If someone else hits your car, regardless of how good your cat is, that can be a matter of life or death.  It is imperative to consider these things because anything can happen and we can even get spooked and do something to cause an accident.  So again, make sure that no matter what pet you are taking along (even to your vet), they are safely secure and not getting “free range” of the vehicle.  You may be kicking yourself later.  Last but not least, please do not give us as holiday gifts unless it is something that has been seriously discussed by all involved.  Kids love getting kittens and puppies and other pets as gifts but many will not end up taking care of them- YOU WILL.  Are you prepared?  Same goes for adults and the gift giving.  We don’t want to end up back at a shelter, abandoned or being bounced from home to home because someone either didn’t want us to begin with or changed their mind.

Well folks, I am off to go do something naughty as usual!  Santa won’t find out…  I am including some information for emergency veterinary clinics in our area so that you can be prepared in the event you need one!  Have a very Happy Howliday everyone, no matter what you celebrate and remember to keep us critters safe this holiday season (and every season!)

The following places offer 24/7 veterinary care:

THE HOPE CENTER: 140 Park St SE  Vienna, VA  22180 (703) 281-5121  (They do not treat exotic pets.)

THE LIFE CENTRE:  165 Fort Evans Rd NE  Leesburg, VA  20176  .  (703) 777-5755 (They treat some exotic pets in emergencies.  Please call ahead first)

VCA SOUTH PAWS VETERINARY SPECIALISTS & EMERGENCY CENTER: 8500 Arlington Blvd  Fairfax, VA  22031  (703) 752-7100

PENDER VETERINARY CARE & 24HR EMERGENCY: 4001 Legato Road  Fairfax, Virginia 22033 (703) 591-3304 **PENDER HAS A SPECIALTY EXOTICS DEPT- (Same address, different phone number) :  (703) 654-3100 (Contact for hours of operation & details)

ASPCA PLANT TOXICITY LIST (For dogs, cats & horses): http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/

ASPCA POISON CONTROL 24 HR HOTLINE: 1-888-426-4435 **BE SURE TO HAVE CREDIT CARD READY- THERE IS A FEE**

Mason's Mewsings on Declawing Cats

Hello again friends!  Mason here.  I have finally found time in between naps and cleaning up all the stray food to give you the gift of another “mewsing” by yours truly.  I have also finished reading all of the thousands of pieces of fan mail sent to me, many of which include questions that you, my admirers, would like to have addressed.  Let me start by answering the most popular question; yes, I totally work out and these “guns” are definitely real.  I also very much enjoy long walks in the treatment room and basking in the dim evening ceiling light in reception when my staff has gone home.

OK, back to business I have received many questions about the controversial procedure of declawing.  It is a rather sensitive subject for me, being a cat and all, but I will put that aside and try to give you the best information I can.  I want owners out there who may be considering this to be prepared and ask the right questions, as it is not a procedure that should be taken lightly. 

As you know, scratching is something that is instinctive and completely normal feline behavior.  Some kitties, however, are worse than others.  Many cat owners have adapted to this and have either discovered safe alternatives to help prevent damage to furniture, etc. or come to accept the fact that as long as they have cats, they will save a lot of money not buying expensive furniture.  Just as all cats are different, people are too and some prefer to have the best of both worlds.  Prior to doing the actual procedure, one of our veterinarians will want to speak with you; they will go over possible alternatives, discuss your cat’s current health condition and whether or not it would be considered too risky and, should you decide to go through with it, what to expect before, during, and after surgery.  One of our fabulous assistants can provide you with a detailed estimate.

So now that I have gone over that part of it with you, I will briefly go over what the actual declawing surgery entails.  After the cat has been fully anesthetized, the doctor will need to amputate the last digit on each of the front toes (which on humans would be similar to amputating each fingertip at the first joint).  Afterwards, the skin is either glued or sutured over the exposed joints and pressure bandaged.  (This is typical procedure for us here at Great Falls, though declawing methods can vary depending on clinic and doctor.)   As far as preparation and recovery go, we will need to see the patient on the day prior to surgery so that a pain patch can be applied.  The patch then takes approximately 12-24 hours to take effect, which is why we do it the day before.  You should expect at least two nights of hospitalization and will need to purchase special litter for home use.  We will go over all of this with you in detail in addition to sending home post surgical instructions to ensure the best possible recovery for your cat.

Well, I have now worked up quite the appetite, divulging all of that top-secret information and all.  Looks like I will need to go collect my edible payment from my staff!  Until next time my two-legged friends…

Meows,

Mason

Welcome to Mason's Mewsings

Greetings to all of my two legged friends! Let me introduce myself to those who have not had the highly distinguished honor of being in my presence: My name is Mason, I'm an extremely attractive cream and white, neutered male feline, six years young (and single for all you ladies out there!) My trained staff of humans have asked me to write a blog with all sorts of information and other fun stuff about life here at Great Falls Animal Hospital. ( I am pretty sure it's because they know I am smarter than they are but we will keep that between us!) I will be adding things such as cool x-rays, fun patient pictures, interesting cases that I help the doctors with, and other fun stuff related to Great Falls Animal Hospital.

I truly hope that you all enjoy my "a-mew-sing" blogs here and check out all our pictures and posts! On a side note, please feel free to demand that my staff give me more treats, maybe something delicious from Red Lobster! (They keep me on a diet because now with my celebrity status, I am constantly being asked for pictures and you know the camera adds 10 pounds!) Again, welcome new friends and old!

Meows,

Mason