Car Sickness In Pets

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

Hot Weather Tips to Help Your Pet Stay Cool This Summer

Summer means enjoying the weather, and for most, with your pet!

Remember to keep your pet healthy this summer by keeping them safe in the summer’s high temperatures.

 Here are just some of the ways you can help ensure your pets have a safe summer:

 Visit the Vet. A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations. Pets should also be given a blood test for heartworm every year in the early spring. The deadly parasite is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, and it is recommended that dogs and cats be on a monthly preventive medication year-round.

 Keep Cool. Dogs and cats can become dehydrated quickly, so give your pets plenty of water when it is hot outdoors. Also make sure your pet has a shady place to escape the sun, and when the temperature is very high, don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt.

 Know the Symptoms. Some symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, seizures, and an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Summertime is the perfect time for a backyard barbeque or party, but remember to keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression, comas, or even death. Similarly, remember that the snacks you serve your friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments.” Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol.

 Water Safety is Pet-friendly. Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool, as not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure pets wear flotation devices while on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset.

 Source: http://www.aspca.org/about-us/press-releases/aspca-offers-hot-weather-safety-tips-help-pets-beat-heat-during-dog-and-cat

May Case of the Month: Chief

Chief is a 10 year old Newfoundland. Can you tell where Chief had surgery? Chief had surgery on his lower jaw!

In March of this year, Chief's owner noticed a swelling in his mouth near a front tooth. It was diagnosed as an Epulus; a benign ( non-cancerous) outgrowth of the periodontal ligament. Although it was a benign, it was locally aggressive and needed to be removed surgically. The surgery required removal of the front of his jaw, including both lower canine teeth.

Chief, is doing spectacular. His family has done a wonderful job caring for him. He had to be fed only soft food until healed. He is now doing great!! Keep up the good work Chief!

Case of the Month: Felicity

Felicity was a patient who's owner called on Emergency one evening with concerns of vomiting and trembling. She was stable overnight, but the next morning, on presentation was weak, low body temperature, not eating and had severe dehydration. Laboratory tests showed a severe electrolyte disturbance, which led us to test for an adrenal gland disorder called "Addison's Disease". 

BEFORE

People and animals can suffer from this adrenal deficiency (JFK had it) and causes disturbances in fluid and electrolyte balance leading to severe dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea and depression. The treatment of IV fluids, steroids and electrolyte stabilizing hormones caused a complete reversal of symptoms

AFTER

We're so happy Felicity is back to normal.

AAHA Certified

We are proud to be certified by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) again. We passed our AAHA Inspection!

Meet Faye!

Here is Faye being greeted by the techs and doctors of Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital during her recent wellness exam.

Faye was adopted 3 months ago from a shelter by a wonderful, loving family. Faye is 9 years old and her health was a bit unclear, but this family was willing to give her a chance. Shortly after being in her new home Faye showed signs of depression, lack of responsiveness and eventually mild seizures.

After some tests Faye was thought to have a tumor in her pancreas (an insulinoma). Dr. DeBitetto ( in the photo) confirmed the diagnosis by finding the tumor on abdominal ultrasound. With a guarded prognosis and a difficult and expensive surgery option, Quarry Ridge stepped up and adopted Faye. We spoke to our surgical specialist, Dr. Pacchiana, and reviewed our options. Dr. Pacchiana generously donated his surgical services and successfully operated on Faye.

With such wonderful clientele, we were able to find another family willing to adopt Faye. Faye is now happily living with her new housemate "Lightning" in the Curran household. Although Faye is not cured, she is expected to enjoy extended quality time in her new home.

We are proud and happy to have played a part in Faye's diagnosis, treatment and placement. She came to us though loving, caring owners, passed through our hospital and then ended up in another wonderful home.
Faye brings smiles to all our faces.

Pets as Christmas Presents

Sometimes it may seem like a cute idea to give someone a pet as a Christmas present, but it’s important to give that some extra thought before you do it. Most pets that are given up lose their home because their owner loses interest in them or is unprepared for the responsibility of pet ownership. This is a huge problem seen among pet owners who receive their pets as “gifts.” Children especially are given the mistaken idea that pets are all fun and games, but they are not fully ready to take on the responsibility of feeding, walking, cleaning, and training their pet.

Instead of giving pets as presents, we recommend getting acclimated to the idea of bringing a new pet into your home. Bringing your children to volunteer at an animal shelter or babysitting the pet of a friend or family member can help. Children and potential pet owners (no matter their age!) need to be reminded that pets aren’t just cute; they are also hungry, need to exercise, and need to use the bathroom. They can be messy when they aren’t fully trained, and the training process can be difficult too.

Please, don’t adopt until everyone in your family is READY.