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LAKE CHATUGE ANIMAL HOSPITAL, INC.
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WHERE WE TREAT YOUR PETS LIKE FAMILY
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Newsletter (Topical Information and Tips on Pet Healthcare) June/July 2008
1. Beginning in July, we are updating our radiographic imaging capabilities to digital. This is a major upgrade that offers our patients many advantages over traditional radiography. Digital X-rays allow for more flexibility regarding technique (i.e. depending on the density of the tissue: bone versus soft tissue, the image can be electronically adjusted to produce a better and more diagnostic image). In addition, images can be stored electronically which allows for instant consults with radiology specialists as needed. Also, clients can have access to X-ray images via email attachments or computer discs. It also represents “green” technology as it does away with development processing chemicals (even the processor itself), and the use of X-ray film and all the storage and disposal problems they create.
2. Feline heartworms is an emerging disease of cats. Studies have shown the incidence to be about 20% of the incidence in dogs in any given area. Feline heartworms is much more difficult to diagnose in cats. Furthermore, one disease presentation is sudden death in apparently healthy cats that is due to acute pulmonary embolism. Other symptoms depend on where the heartworm larvae and adult worms reside and include chronic lung disease = HARD (heartworm associated respiratory disease) that is similar to feline asthma. Some researchers believe feline heartworms may play a role in the development of feline asthma. Acute symptoms include vomiting, neurologic signs including seizures, and saddle thrombus of the distal aorta that causes acute rear limb paralysis and severe pain. Fortunately a simple and inexpensive blood test is available that is highly sensitive and specific to identify exposed and infected cats. The American Heartworm Association (AHA) which is the authoritative opinion leader in the area of canine and feline heartworms now recommends that all cats greater than 6 months of age be tested on an annual basis. This will allow early diagnosis and more successful treatment of symptoms. LCAH has adopted the testing recommendations of AHA, and continue to recommend that all cats be placed on flea control products that are also effective in preventing feline heartworms. Our product of choice is Revolution by Pfizer. For essentially the same price as Frontline or Advantage which is mainly used for flea control, Revolution also provides protection against heartworms, major intestinal worms (hooks and rounds), and ear mites.
3. “Our 6 year old Rottweiller / Golden Retriever 'Baby" began to hesitate when faced with going up stairs but did not appear to be in any pain initially. Then suddenly without warning she ran to flush some birds in our yard, yelped in pain and returned to us crying out with every step. Our trip to Dr. Burr’s and subsequent x-rays revealed severe arthritis in her elbow and literally bone rubbing on bone. Dr. Burr suggested we try a new approach called Pulsed Signal Therapy. For 4 1/2 days we took her for a 30 minute treatment in the morning and left her to receive another 30 minute treatment each afternoon. The nights were terrible. She would cry out in pain if she made the slightest movement even with the pain medication she was receiving. Then in only one week, as suddenly as the pain began it was gone. Baby was walking without the slightest sign of a limp. We adhered to Dr. Burr's strict instructions, no stairs, no jumping, no walking without a leash and then only to relieve herself. Now we fight just to keep her confined and she is allowed one trip up and one trip down the stairs to our basement. She literally runs those steps both ways. Baby is acting like a puppy, full of energy and feeling great. I have had dogs all my life and I have never seen anything as remarkable as the healing results of PST. I would not hesitate to recommend this treatment."
“Thank you!!! Dr. Burr… Last summer (2007) you asked me to let my cat Blue try the PST treatment that you had just started and I agreed to. Blue has problems with his spine (lumbar and sacral degenerative joint disease with spondylosis) which makes it very hard for him to jump and climb stairs and to play with my other cat. After the first few treatments Blue was walking more and after all of the treatments Blue was playing with my other cat, climbing stairs with less pain and jumping on low surfaces. I believe the PST treatment to be an excellent tool in providing good healthcare for any pet that needs it. I know that if Dr. Burr recommends PST again for any pet I will do it again.”
“Shug is a 14 year old mixed terrier who had led a very active life. He began suffering from arthritis several years ago but it got worse this past year. He also injured his ACL. He underwent PST treatments several months ago and has responded well. In fact, I could tell a difference in him during the week he received treatments. He is moving well and seems to have gotten his “spark” back. I have been able to cut his pain medication to ˝ dose as needed which is now only 1-2 times weekly instead of the full dose daily. As the weather gets warmer, Shug looks forward to getting outside and exploring his world again. He is much more comfortable and happier since PST treatments. If advised to use PST on any of my other pets I would not hesitate having had such a positive response on Shug.”
These are 3 testimonials touting the benefits of PST = Pulsed Signal Therapy. We have now treated over 30 patients with PST with >95% success rate where dogs showed significant improvement, with several cases similar to Baby's "miraculous" recovery. Our primary focus for PST treatment is on pets with chronic arthritic pain or other conditions that cause unrelenting pain and have not responded to surgical or other pain management protocols. We also use it for post-operative treatment for our orthopedic cases. PST provides substantial savings to our clients by potentially eliminating or reducing the chronic use of pharmaceuticals and may make more expensive surgical options unnecessary. We are very excited about this new treatment modality because it truly offers a treatment that addresses the underlying problem (creating new and healthy cartilage, bone and other connective tissue), and does not just treat the symptoms of pain. Please contact us if you have a pet that has arthritis or other health problem that requires ongoing pain management treatment for evaluation as a candidate for PST treatment.
LCAH is developing a reputation as a referral center for complex surgical cases and to treat difficult painful diseases such as DJD (i.e. arthritis) that are unresponsive to traditional approaches. Dr. Tim Crowe is a boarded veterinary surgeon who does our complex orthopedic, soft tissue and neurosurgeries. He also is internationally recognized as a leading expert in emergency and critical care (boarded) and pain management. Through Dr. Crowe, LCAH offers cutting edge alternative treatment protocols that include photonic acupuncture, electromagnetic BICOM 2000 diagnostic and treatment unit, and laser therapy. Many of our patients have made incredible recoveries and/or great improvements as a direct result of these advanced treatment modalities.
4. We have seen several patients bitten by venomous snakes this year (Rattlesnakes and Copperheads). Dogs are more commonly bit by snakes as they are apparently more curious and will literally go up to smell them. Therefore, they are most commonly bitten on the muzzle area. I rarely see cats that have been bitten by venomous snakes. Perhaps they have a better instinct to not challenge them. We highly recommend the rattlesnake vaccine for all dogs at risk. We define dogs at risk as any outdoor or indoor/outdoor dog that has any significant exposure to snake habitats (i.e. woods, fields etc. that are not well maintained or landscaped). Many of our canine patients are protected against rattlesnakes and copperheads with the vaccine we carry. I know of at least 4 patients who were properly vaccinated and subsequently were bitten. All four dogs required either no or minimal treatment as a direct result of being vaccinated. This not only saved the dog from severe disease (even death), but also saved the client a great deal of money. The antivenin alone costs over $600 / vial. The initial vaccination requires a 2 dose series that are 4 weeks apart, with annual boosters. The ideal time to start and booster this vaccine is in the spring/summer so the immune system is at its peak, so to speak. We also recommend the Lyme vaccine which protects dogs against Lyme disease which is transmitted by deer ticks. Again, only dogs at risk need to be vaccinated. Dogs at risk are similar to dogs at risk for snakebites, i.e. dogs with exposure to woods especially unkempt areas where brush and clippings are piled. The Lyme vaccine is also a 2 dose vaccine the first year, with annual boosters. We will be happy to help you identify if your dog(s) are at risk.
5. Summer is here and you need to make sure your pets are completely protected against parasites, especially heartworms, fleas and ticks. Fleas and ticks have especially been bad this year. There are 2 new flea / tick control products on the market: Promeris is the new canine flea and tick topical. The feline product is effective against fleas but not ticks. Generally speaking, ticks are not as big a problem in cats as they are not the preferred host. Promeris is like Frontline and Advantix, but uses a new flea molecule, metaflumazone, that fleas have never seen before so there is no resistance. The dog product is very effective against ticks as it also contains Amitraz which kills all four major ticks seen in our area. Comfortis is the new oral canine flea product. The benefit of Comfortis is that it is given by mouth and not a topical product which is considered messy by some clients. It is the fastest flea killing product in that it starts killing fleas in 30 minutes, with a complete kill within 4 hours. Therefore, it is now the product of choice for dogs with flea bite allergies. It also continues to kill fleas for 30 days thus it can conveniently be used once a month. This is the perfect monthly flea control product for dogs that are allergic to flea bites, that cannot tolerate topical products, and for clients who prefer pills over topically applied products. We are still seeing ticks. Remember that ticks carry several blood parasites that are very harmful, so be sure to include tick protection for your dogs. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about your heartworm and flea/tick control needs.
6. Junior and Senior Optimum Wellness Programs are offered and recommended once a year. These programs offer a unique opportunity to perform detailed examinations, obtain specific health information and client concerns via an easy to use client questionnaire, and conduct thorough laboratory analysis on patients at a greatly reduced cost. It is a learning experience as the examination interaction with the patient is thorough and all of the results are reported back to the client by phone within 24-48 hours and via a detailed written report through the mail. I personally believe this is the best service available and is a great value in identifying health problems early before they become established and cause significant damage.
7. Laser surgery may be used for many surgical procedures. It is especially useful for feline declaws, small skin tumors, and oral surgery. We also offer laser for routine elective surgeries such as OHE (spays) and neuters. Laser surgery is an advanced technique offering several advantages over the use of steel (scalpels). Instead of cutting and traumatizing tissue, it uses a laser beam to vaporize cells to a precise level. The laser seals blood vessels and nerve endings that eliminates most bleeding and greatly reduces postoperative pain. There is also less postoperative swelling due to minimal trauma. In many cases, it reduces or eliminates the need for general anesthesia which has obvious advantages especially for older and/or less healthy patients with preexisting medical problems. For minor surgeries, only a local anesthetic with sedation is required. Because general anesthesia is often not necessary, laser surgery may be less costly in some cases.
8. Obesity is arguably the most common health problem for both adult dogs and cats. 30-50% of all adult pets are considered overweight and/or obese. The reasons are mainly three-fold: pets are less active now, we over-feed them, and there is a link with neutering. Neutering pets that are not intended for breeding is the right thing to do for best health reasons and to help prevent pet over-population and the increase of unwanted and homeless puppies and kittens. However, neutering does not cause obesity. It simply slows down metabolism so less food is necessary to keep them healthy and well nourished. Therefore, the true cause of obesity in neutered pets goes back to inadequate exercise and over-feeding. We offer weight loss programs that include canine and feline weight checks and body condition evaluations. Furthermore, all product recommendations to treat obesity where instructions are followed are fully guaranteed. Customized weight loss plans will be developed with a goal of 3% weight loss per month. The key to success is monitoring on a monthly basis. Some pets simply need a reduction in their current diet and increased activity. Other pets require a prescription weight loss diet so they can still be satisfied with the amount fed but it is lower in carbohydrates, yet higher in protein and fiber (less calories). Yet others may need a new medication that mainly acts by reducing appetite (Selentrol). Let us know if you would like to enroll your pet. You will be amazed how much better your pet will feel and how certain existing health problems will be resolved with weight loss alone.
It’s mighty hot in most of Georgia in the summer, but not too hot here at the Top of Georgia… We are truly blessed…
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Georgia Veterinary Medical Association...This is a helpful link for professionals in veterinary medicine and animal lovers too
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Here is a group photo of most of us at LCAH taken at the 2006 hospital Christmas party... Sitting is Dr. Burr (Reindeer) and his wife Susan (Hospital Administrator). Standing left to right is Linda Colbert (Receptionist) and husband, Becky Harwood (local groomer) and husband, Justin Lee (Managing Veterinary Assistant) and wife, Paw Cowperwaite (Veterinary Assistant), Matt Wilson (Veterinary Assistant and Computer Technician) and Laura Wilson (Receptionist), Lisa Perry (Office Manager) and her fiance, Robert Calhoun (Veterinary Assistant) and wife, and some guests.
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PetCare TV link is a very informative client education resource that even contains video. This is being provided as a free reference for our clients. At LCAH, we believe an educated client helps us achieve our goal to help our patients live a long and healthy life.
PetCare Televison Network
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Dr. Burr is one of only 200 VNN (Veterinary News Network) reporters. This is a news network devoted to animal health topics. You can connect via the link below:
Veterinary News Network
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