05.17.08
Posted in Open House, Upcoming Events at 7:41 am by Nancy Hayes, DVM
Today we are holding our Open House. Lots of neat displays have been made, the staff has put together wonderful pictures of some of our patients, and generally all the cool stuff will be out for show and tell. Check out the ultrasound with a chance to scan, look inside a pepper with the endoscope, see the surgery suite we use when your pet needs surgery and much more. Raffle tickets and door prizes will be given away today, and we hope you all can make it.
I’m very proud of the Whitney crew as they have really worked hard to make this a wonderful experience for attendees. Our goal is to allow behind the scenes access and a chance to see some of the technology used to help us keep pets healthy and happy.
Its a lovely day and I hope everyone can attend. I’ll post some pictures after the event.
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05.08.08
Posted in Its A Vet's Life at 2:34 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
I get asked often why I chose to be a veterinarian. I think the simple answer is I really do love animals, but the answer is really more complex than that. I really do enjoy pets, but I really like people too. I have always wanted to help people with their pets, so it really is more than just the love of animals. For me, I enjoy helping people find that truly deep relationship they have with their dog or cat. I love to help the animals feel better of course, but I also want to help the families help their pets have better health and quality of life.
I’ve been asked a number of times when I decided on veterinary medicine, and I can truly say that its all I’ve ever wanted to do. I did study other fields in college to be sure I wasn’t missing out on some other area of interest, but I always came back to the idea of medicine and surgery. We all chose our favorite things as we go through life. I feel very blessed and grateful to be allowed to do what I love every day.
Truthfully, most veterinarians I know have found this career path in a similar fashion, and most can say they always wanted to have this job. As a group, we enjoy the human animal bond. New potential veterinarians come in often, and as they start their path through the schooling and experiences that bring them to the practice of medicine, I am delighted to be able to give them the help they need to continue on. Not all days are easy, and some are down right heartbreaking, but in the end, every day is worth the journey.
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05.02.08
Posted in Health Topics, Open House, Upcoming Events at 8:14 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
Well, this week’s arthritis seminar seems to have been a success. I hope everyone who attended learned something new that could be used to enhance their buddy’s life. Our next seminar will be on pet first aid. I expect for it to fill up fast and spaces are limited, so sign up soon if you plan to attend.
The first aid seminar will be on May 20th, 2008 from 6 until 7:30 pm. We will cover a range of topics from the minor problems to what to do if a major problem has occurred. I hope to see you there.
If you have questions about the seminars, please feel free to call us at 309-685-4707 or 309-685-4715 and we’ll be glad to help.
Don’t forget that our Open House is coming up very soon. We are looking forward to seeing you there!
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04.27.08
Posted in Health Topics, Open House, Upcoming Events at 9:22 am by Nancy Hayes, DVM
The arthritis seminar is completed and I finally finished the handout to go with it. The handout will be posted to the website in short order. Look for it in the pet health care articles section. I always feel good to have finished these projects because I’m sure that the more info we can get into the pet lovers hands the better. The arthritis seminar is full, but the next one will be held Tuesday, May 20th, 2008 from 6pm till 7:30. The next topic will be Pet First Aid. Sign up soon if you’d like to attend because seating is limited. Don’t worry if you can’t make it this time, we’ll be having one seminar a month on various topics. I think it is a great setting and allows everyone to ask questions and participate. We hold these at the Cat Clinic in the conference room. Join us if you can.
I would also like to shamelessly plug Dr Baker’s puppy socialization hour. Open to clients who have new puppies (under 4 months of age), this is a great opportunity for the puppies to come to the clinic without all the scary stuff. Plus, puppy owners can see that they are not alone- everyone has some puppy behavior problem they’d like help with.
If you have any suggestions for topics you’d like to see, add a comment here or call our office at 309-685-4707 and leave me a message. I’d be happy to hear from you!
By the way, mark your calendars, Open House is only 3 short weeks away. Come help us celebrate the human animal bond, take a tour, meet the staff and doctors, win a door prize and learn a lot. Hope to see you there!
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04.26.08
Posted in Weedy's World at 8:24 am by Nancy Hayes, DVM
What would we do without the entertainment our pets bring? Even when all else goes wrong, I can always count on my pets to bring a break and some laughter.
Just last night I was chuckling as Ami, our golden, was watching a bug crawl across the floor. She was staked out in the most coveted bed in the room. There are 5 beds, for 5 dogs, but this bed is highly regarded as the prize bed for no reason I’ll ever understand. Because she didn’t want to give up the bed, she crawled and rolled and twisted around so she could see the bug, her ears alert and her brow furrowed as only goldens can do.
Just as the fascinating bug was close enough for a really good look and maybe even a taste, Weeds sauntering in from the other room, strolled up the the bug and ate it! I couldn’t help but laugh as Ami leapt to her feet in dismay. Ami jumped forward and Weeds slipped into the favored bed. All was lost… Poor Ami, I wonder if Weeds had planned it all along.
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04.24.08
Posted in Health Topics, Open House at 7:56 am by Nancy Hayes, DVM
As I sat tonight preparing the Arthritis presentation for this month’s seminar, I thought it might be nice to include some info in this blog as well. Arthritis is a serious problem for many pets and can happen at any age especially if the pet has a genetic predisposition for an orthopedic problem or gets injured.
Arthritis is inflammation in the joint. There are several factors that play rolls in its formation, (see our article on arthritis for more information), but once its there it stays. Arthritis results in pain and swelling as well as the loss of function of the affected joint and therefore the leg. Lameness is the result. Treatment is aimed at alleviating symptoms and lessening the severity and progression.
Some helpful tips are:
- Minimize the wear and tear on injured legs.
- Provide soft and warm bedding
- Use products designed to increase joint fluid and decrease inflammation such as glucosamine and chondroitin supplements.
- Seek medical advise to help alleviated pain
- Keep them at a healthy weight
Many pets are affected by arthritis, and we can help them feel better.
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04.17.08
Posted in HowTo Use this Blog at 6:08 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
Well, I finally got the bugs worked out of using this blogging software. I thought I should explain how to add a comment to the blog in case you’ve never done this before (like me)
At the bottom of each post is a comment button. Click it and it will bring up a comment window. If you’d like to add a comment, fill in your name and e-mail, then type in your comment and send it. It will be posted to the thread (topic) that you’ve typed the comment on.
Feel free to leave a memory of your gone but never forgotten friends in the In Memory category, or share recipe or fun experience in Weedy’s World. Comments are moderated, and please keep it G-rated., and of course- have fun!
Nancy
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04.13.08
Posted in Weedy's World at 5:40 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
Does your pet have a favorite snack? I hate to admit it but my dogs love candy (red licorice and starburst, and jelly beans to be exact). I have found a healthier alternative tough that is still sweet, but high in fiber and low in calories- sweet potato bits. I’ve tested these out (yes really) and they are pretty good. Weeds thinks they are fantastic and now I give that sweet treat without so much guilt.
Here’s how to make them:
Take a good sized sweet potato (yam) and cube it up into small cubes (about ½ inch pieces). Spread them out on a cookie sheet and bake at around 300 degrees until they are dried (about 45 minutes to an hour). Now they are done. Simple!
I do suggest keeping them refrigerated as there are no preservatives in these. But this makes a lot to share. Low in calorie and high in flavor.
Weeds says, “Go for it!”
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04.11.08
Posted in In Memory at 2:33 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
Its been a sad few days, as we’ve had to say goodbye to some of our best friends. Whenever we have to let a dog or a cat go, I am struck by how difficult it is for the family. We have all been in this place. Our pets unfortunately have to pass on before we do. We love them as part of our families, not just dogs or cats, but kids with extra hair.
Recently (February) I had to say ‘goodbye for now’ to my best friend Patti. She was a beautiful flat-coated retriever and my best friend for nearly 13 years. It was so difficult at first to even talk about her. I missed her so much that my heart just ached. As time went along, I was able to chuckle about the many wonderful things about Patti that made her so unique. She was very smart (too smart), loved red licorice, swam like an otter, went to dog shows and camping, and long walks with me. She sighed when she was exasperated, wagged her tail and hopped up and down when I came home, and hid in the “bat-cave” under my desk when it stormed. I could go on and on about her, and I miss her still and always will.
My heart goes out to those who’ve ever said ‘goodbye for now’, but I am sure their friend and companion would want them to celebrate their life together, and not be sad. I received a card when Patti parted that simply said:
Stay- if only they could.
I felt that that card truly said it all.
Feel free to share your fond memories of your gone but never forgotten friends, and celebrate their lives.
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04.06.08
Posted in Open House at 10:02 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
So here it is: my first blog entry. I hope to cover many fun and exciting topics in this blog including what’s happening at Whitney Veterinary Hospital (WVH) and Whitney Cat Care Clinic (WCCC), health topics, and even some fun stuff.
My first post is relating to some up coming events at WVH and WCCC.
Monthly, Dr Baker is hosting a New Puppy Social Hour. Limited to puppies less than 4 months of age, the plan is to help socialize the puppies to the hospital without the scary exam or vaccinations. She also covers fun toys and treats. Attendance is free. If you are interested in coming, please call the office at 309-685-4707 to sign up as space is limited.
I (Dr Hayes) hold monthly health topics. This month’s topic is arthritis in dogs and cats. We will cover what it is, how it happens, and some home and prescription treatments that will help our aging pets. This month’s meeting will be held at WCCC from 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm on Tuesday April, 29. 2008. There is no fee for attendance, but space is limited. Please call to register at WVH phone 309-685-4707.
Finally, it is my pleasure to announce the upcoming Open House at WHV and WCC, held May 17, 2008 from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. We hope you’ll join us to tour the facilities and learn some cool stuff about veterinary medicine. Try your hand at finding a hidden item with the ultrasound, peak inside an object with the endoscopes and check out the surgery. Educational displays will be set up as well as treats for the people and pets alike. We are also holding a raffle of some really cool items. Proceeds are donated to Pets for Seniors, so please stop in and purchase your raffle ticket now. Below are some photos of the raffle items. No open house would be complete without door prizes, so stop it and join us in celebrating pet health!
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