Dr. Primm's Warm and Fuzzies
Who's the "REAL doctor"?
by Kathryn Primm DVM on 02/20/12
In this month's issue of Veterinary Economics, the editor's note was about "3 Ways veterinarians have got human doctors beat". She went on to elaborate that our veterinary diagnostics are more transparent. We have in house laboratories and radiology and we frequently go over the test results with the owners before they even leave our hospital-something that is frustratingly not done in human medicine. She goes on to explain that veterinarians, by necessity, have to be looking out for the whole patient. We don't farm our patients out by body system to a myriad of specialists. We are the healthcare team, right here with the owner. Lastly, she says that in her opinion, there is less arrogance and superiority among veterinarians. She acknowledges that there are always exceptions, but she finds veterinarians in general to be more humble and compassionate than physicians.
Of course, I agree with her completely, but I would like to make this FUN! After you read this, post comments about if and how you think we compare. Have you had a bad experience at the office of an MD? Are there things they are doing better that we need to model after? Tell your horror stories. Sing your glowing praises (of MDs and US too)! Your comments will be posted here, so if there is something you would prefer kept private, just tell me in the comment and I will not publish it.
Three things your pets are DYING for you to know
by Kathryn Primm DVM on 02/13/12
1. My teeth HURT!
If you see visible tartar or smell a noxious odor in your dog or cat's mouth, chances are there is periodontal disease. Bad breath is NOT normal at all. A huge percentage of pets have periodontal disease by the age of 3 years and it can range from uncomfortable to excruciating. During a dental prophylaxis, trained veterinary professionals can diagnose and treat pain and infection, even though your pet can’t tell you about it. Dental infections can spread to other organs and cause liver abscesses and a host of other issues.Don't wait! Your pet is dying for you to get proactive about this important issue. We always offer FREE DENTAL SCREENS if you wonder if your pet suffers from periodontal disease.
2. I can age gracefully.
Everyone is getting older every minute, but pets age faster than people and they depend on us to keep their golden years as golden as possible. Feed a premium diet designed for aging pets. Pet food manufacturers have really put their research dollars into helping to head off age-associated disorders, like osteoarthritis and obesity. Ask your veterinarian about which supplements might help your pet stand tall against senior health issues. Do not just assume that he/she is "just getting old". There are always things that we can try and many of them make a huge difference. Let us do senior screening to find out about what really would help.
3.Being overweight will shorten my life.
Because pets stand on all fours, the impact of obesity is somewhat different for them. The forces of gravity center on their middle back and one of the most common places I get a pain reaction on exam is this area. There are other consequences of obesity, like diabetes and pancreatitis. When we examine your pet for his/her yearly physical exam, we will tell you his/her Body Condition Score and provide you with a calorie guide +/- diet suggestions to help your pet be happy and healthy for as long as possible.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call or email us. It is our pleasure to help you and your pets!
Part 2, I Am Afraid, Yarn It!
by Kathryn Primm DVM on 01/23/12
The challenge of veterinary medicine is that he cannot tell us how he feels alone and lost. He cannot explain his motivations. Some research on this type of problem on my part revealed that Pedro is not entirely alone. Some experts believe that these types of behaviors are related to stress and seeking of 'comfort' hormone release, like a throwback to nursing as an infant. Some people classify it as a neurosis or true biochemical abnormality in the brain. Because of Pedro's violent reaction to the stress of veterinary visits, he seemed like a prime candidate for neurosis.
I discussed all of my findings with his owner and because of her medical knowledge she was interested in trying some off-label pharmaceutical therapy. We discussed other environmental modifications to help isolate and identify anxiety triggers and remove potential hazards. We started Pedro on some human anxiety medications at doses calculated for cats (because felines are very sensitive to medications, especially human ones). Sometimes cats are a challenge to medicate at home, but not Pedro. His owner can do anything to him and he submits without a struggle and he never holds a grudge...against her. He took his medication every day for a time without incident. He even learned to take his medication hidden in a treat so that a friend could medicate him when his owner was away. He passed her next trip with flying colors and no colors passed either! Gradually she was able to wean him from daily meds. She has substituted other comfort items for her sweaters, so he is less afraid. I have not seen the inside of Pedro in a long time.I wish that I could say that the medication treated the anxiety that Pedro has at my hospital and now we can cuddle him and play with him, but my pleasure comes from not having to think of him so miserable that he unravels a sweater and eats it. At his last visit here, I was able to pet his head. I am thrilled that he does not have to undergo surgery to save his life over and over. Pedro is so afraid of me that he cannot feel grateful, but his owner and I know that we improved his life and we did not even have to call an exorcist...yet.
I Am Afraid, Yarn It!
by Kathryn Primm DVM on 01/09/12
Pedro is an absolutely gorgeous cat. He is long and lean, the quintessential Siamese. His dark extremities are the darkest velvet brown, the color of Hershey's Special dark chocolate and they contrast starkly and beautifully with a coat made of butter cream icing. I use food metaphors for two reasons: we were told never to compare anything to food in vet school (and I am contrary) and comparing him to all things sweet makes such an unbelievable paradox with the 'real him' as I know him. When Pedro enters the door of my hospital, demons enter his very spirit. You can't look at him without precipitating a ferocious caterwaul, touch him and scenes from The Exorcist seem mild. Pedro is not mean, but he is dangerous when afraid. And fear and anxiety are Pedro's enemies. Immediate fear and threat precipitate aggression as evidenced by his behavior in my hospital, but prolonged fear and anxiety have a different manifestation entirely.
As a veterinary staff we avoid treating animals that are truly dangerous, but Pedro's owner is as sweet as he is difficult. She hates the way he reacts and would do anything to keep us from getting hurt. She always has a smile. She refers her friends and family to my hospital, singing our praises. As a registered nurse, she is an educated and attentive consumer. So we happily deal with Pedro. Sedatives play a major role in Pedro's safe handling. I had a professor once who would say, "Better living through chemistry". Pedro is the poster child for this mantra.He is a hissing, snarling, growling ball of fear and self defense...at my hospital. At home, he is an angel. His owner says that she knows we cannot believe her, but he is the perfect pet and friend. He never does anything wrong, except that he is such a mommy's baby who is so bonded to his owner that when she goes out of town, the anxiety causes him to EAT her clothes, especially sweaters. After a day or two of her absence, Pedro goes to her closet and actually removes the clothing from the hangers then he methodically unravels the yarn swallowing it inch by inch until he gets so sick that he eventually requires emergency gastrointestinal surgery. I lost count how many times I have removed yarn and T shirt material from Pedro's worn intestinal tract. He always recovers uneventfully and returns home with his grateful owner, but why does he eat sweaters?
TO BE CONTINUED....Check back frequently for the next part!
Selecting a pet- Making an informed decision (from AVMA brochure)
by Kathryn Primm DVM on 12/27/11
Pets are an important part of the American household. Your pet owning experience will be most enjoyable if you carefully consider which pet best suits your family, home, and lifestyle. The primary reason dogs are given up to animal shelters is unfulfilled expectations, so make an informed decision. Take time, involve your family, and give careful consideration to the following questions:
What is special about dogs?
The saying that "dogs are a man's (or woman's) best friend" has a lot of truth to it. Dogs have been faithful companions for tens of thousands of years. They are friendly, affectionate, and entertaining. They are also capable of doing extraordinary jobs-and seem to enjoy doing them.
What choices do you have?
Dogs have been selectively bred for generations to highlight specific physical and behavioral traits. The amazing diversity of dogs includes varied sizes, haircoat lengths, colors, temperaments, and activity levels. A dog's size may affect its lifespan: the lifespan of a large-breed dog tends to be shorter than that of a smaller dog.
What are the special needs of dogs?
Some dogs may be at greater risk for certain medical conditions, while others may require more training, exercise and patience to help them to become good companions. Ask your veterinarian about health conditions and behaviors that may be common in the breed you are considering.
Who will care for your dog?
As its owner, you will ultimately be responsible for your dog's food, shelter, companionship, exercise, and physical and mental health for the rest of its life. While families should involve their children in caring for a pet, youngsters need the help of an adult who is willing, able, and available to supervise the daily care of a pet.
Does a dog fit into your lifestyle?
Feeding, grooming, exercise, play and elimination are daily needs that must be considered in caring for a healthy, happy dog. Think about the following factors when deciding if you should get a dog and in determining what breed would be the most appropriate for you and your family:
-Do you live in the city, suburbs, or country?
-Do you rent or do you own your home?
-Do you live in an apartment or single-family home? Do you live at ground level or on the 21st floor?
-How long is your work day? Do you frequently have obligations after work?
-Who will care for your dog(s) in your absence?
-Do you have other pets?
-Are there any restrictions on number or types of pets where you live?
-What future changes might occur in your living situation that would affect your ability to keep your dog in years to come?
-Are you prepared to meet the grooming needs of a dog -whether at home or at a professional grooming facility?
-What are you looking for in a dog (e.g., jogging or hiking companion, cuddly lap dog, or high energy companion)?
Can you afford a dog?
The purchase price for a dog can vary tremendously by breed and source, and is only the initial expense for a dog. Dogs need high quality food, proper housing, mental stimulation (e.g., toys, play time), and regular visits to a veterinarian for preventive care. Other costs may include emergency medical treatment, grooming, boarding, licensing, identification, sterilization (spaying or neutering), training, and accessories. Pet health insurance is available and can help defray unexpected expenses resulting from illness or injury.
What should you look for in a healthy dog?
A healthy dog has clear, bright eyes; a clean, shiny hair coat; and does not appear thin, overly fat, or show signs of illness, such as nasal discharge or diarrhea.
When choosing a dog, pick one that is active, friendly, inquisitive, and not afraid of you. The dog should accept gentle handling and not exhibit signs of aggression. The temperament of a puppy's parents may be an indication of its future behavior.
What must you do to prepare for your dog?
Before bringing your new dog home, prepare an appropriate place for it to eat and sleep and have ready the necessary accessories such as a collar and leash, ID tag, food, and water bowls. Be sure to pet-proof your home to prevent injury to your dog or damage to your possessions. For example, make sure that electrical wires and cords are out of the reach of curious mouths. Ask your veterinarian about other ways to make your home safe for your pet. Schedule a veterinary examination to assess the health of your new companion as soon as possible to ensure it receives the appropriate vaccinations and any needed health care. If you have medical information from your dog's original owner, including its vaccination and deworming history, be sure to take this information with you on your first visit to your veterinarian. Not only is your veterinarian best qualified to evaluate the health of your new companion, but he/she can advise you about proper immunization, parasite control, nutrition, sterilization, socialization, training, grooming and other care that may be necessary to protect the health of your new pet.
If you choose a puppy, be prepared for several weeks to months of housetraining and some initial medical expenses for wellness exams, vaccinations and neutering. If you plan your puppy's arrival when there is sufficient time to socialize and housetrain it, your puppy will learn faster and more likely grow into the adult dog you've always wanted. If your community offers puppy classes, they are a great way to socialize your new companion and help it learn some basic commands. Frequent, positive contact with people and other dogs early in the puppy's life enhances its future interactions with your family, other people, and their dogs. Any dog can become bored and potentially destructive if left alone all day without an outlet for its exercise, exploratory, and social needs. Therefore, set aside time each day for activities that are fun for you and your dog such as walking, playing, petting, grooming, etc. Remember that dogs are highly social creatures, and isolating a dog to the backyard with no interaction is one of the worst things you can do.
WHEN YOU ACQUIRE A PET,
you accept responsibility for the health and welfare of another living thing. You are also responsible for your pet's impact on your family, friends, and community. A pet will be part of your life for many years. Invest the time and effort necessary to make
your years together happy ones. When you choose a pet, you are promising to care for it for its entire life. Choose wisely, keep your promise, and enjoy one of life's most rewarding experiences!
NEW PUPPY TIPS
-Six to 10 weeks is considered an ideal age for a puppy to move to a new home.
-Spaying or neutering your new pet is an important part of responsible pet ownership. Talk to your veterinarian about the best time to have your puppy spayed or neutered.
-When possible, meet the puppy's parents-their temperaments are often good indicators of what the puppy's temperament will be.
-If you are getting a puppy as a second pet, remember that some older pets may be less tolerant of a puppy's behavior. Ask your veterinarian or dog trainer about introducing your puppy into its new animal family.
-Crate training can be an effective method for training your puppy. Ask your veterinarian or dog trainer for more information.
For more information, visit: www.avma.org and www.akc.org or just ASK US! We love adoptees!
