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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Posted in Uncategorized at 6:07 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
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