Human Meds Can Poison Pets

At Metro West, our off-hours emergency hospital, our staffs treats many dogs and cats who have ingested their owners medications. This type of toxicity can be deadly if not treated. Follow these tips to protect your pet from the dangers of human medications.

Always keep medications safely out of reach and never administer a medication to a pet without first consulting a veterinarian.

Never leave loose pills in a plastic baggie. They are too easy to chew into.

If you palce your meds in a weekly pill container, make sure to store it out of reach of your pets. If they get ahold of it, some pets might consider the container a chew toy.

Never store your meds in the same place as your pet’s meds. We see many pets whose owners accidentally gave them the wrong meds.

It is important to note that while a medication may be safe for children, it may not be safe for animals. Pets metabolize medications very differently from people. Even seemingly benign over-the-counter or herbal meds may cause serious poisoning in pets.

If your pet has ingested a human medication, please call us immediately or call the Pet Poison Helpline’s 24-hour animal poison control center at 1-800-213-6680.

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, here are the top 10 human medications most frequently ingested by pets:

1)    NSAIDs (e.g. Advil, Aleve and Motrin)

Topping the Top 10 list are common household medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), which include common names such as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil and some types of Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). While these medications are safe for people, even one or two pills can cause serious harm to a pet. Dogs, cats, birds and other small mammals (ferrets, gerbils and hamsters) may develop serious stomach and intestinal ulcers as well as kidney failure.  

2)    Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol)

When it comes to pain medications, acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) is certainly popular. Even though this drug is very safe, even for children, this is not true for pets—especially cats. One regular strength tablet of acetaminophen may cause damage to a cat’s red blood cells, limiting their ability to carry oxygen. In dogs, acetaminophen leads to liver failure and, in large doses, red blood cell damage.

3)    Antidepressants (e.g. Effexor, Cymbalta, Prozac, Lexapro)

While these antidepressant drugs are occasionally used in pets, overdoses can lead to serious neurological problems such as sedation, incoordination, tremors and seizures. Some antidepressants also have a stimulant effect leading to a dangerously elevated heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. Pets, especially cats, seem to enjoy the taste of Effexor and often eat the entire pill. Unfortunately, just one pill can cause serious poisoning.

4)    ADD/ADHD medications (e.g. Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin)

Medications used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder contain potent stimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. Even minimal ingestions of these medications by pets can cause life-threatening tremors, seizures, elevated body temperatures and heart problems.

5)    Benzodiazepines and sleep aids (e.g. Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Lunesta)

These medications are designed to reduce anxiety and help people sleep better. However, in pets, they may have the opposite effect. About half of the dogs who ingest sleep aids become agitated instead of sedate. In addition, these drugs may cause severe lethargy, incoordination (including walking “drunk”), and slowed breathing in pets. In cats, some forms of benzodiazepines can cause liver failure when ingested.

6)    Birth control (e.g. estrogen, estradiol, progesterone)

Birth control pills often come in packages that dogs find irresistible. Thankfully, small ingestions of these medications typically do not cause trouble. However, large ingestions of estrogen and estradiol can cause bone marrow suppression, particularly in birds. Additionally, female pets that are intact (not spayed), are at an increased risk of side effects from estrogen poisoning.

7)    ACE Inhibitors (e.g. Zestril, Altace)

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (or “ACE”) inhibitors are commonly used to treat high blood pressure in people and, occasionally, pets. Though overdoses can cause low blood pressure, dizziness and weakness, this category of medication is typically quite safe. Pets ingesting small amounts of this medication can potentially be monitored at home, unless they have kidney failure or heart disease. All heart medications should be kept out of reach of pets.

8.   Beta-blockers (e.g. Tenormin, Toprol, Coreg)

Beta-blockers are also used to treat high blood pressure but, unlike the ACE inhibitor, small ingestions of these drugs may cause serious poisoning in pets. Overdoses can cause life-threatening decreases in blood pressure and a very slow heart rate.

9)    Thyroid hormones (e.g. Armour desiccated thyroid, Synthroid)

Pets — especially dogs — get underactive thyroids too. Interestingly, the dose of thyroid hormone needed to treat dogs is much higher than a person’s dose. Therefore, if dogs accidentally get into thyroid hormones at home, it rarely results in problems. However, large acute overdoses in cats and dogs can cause muscle tremors, nervousness, panting, a rapid heart rate and aggression.

10) Cholesterol lowering agents (e.g. Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor)

These popular medications, often called “statins,” are commonly used in the United States. While pets do not typically get high cholesterol, they may still get into the pill bottle. Thankfully, most “statin” ingestions only cause mild vomiting or diarrhea. Serious side effects from these drugs come with long-term use, not one-time ingestions.

Help Your Pet be Fit for Life in 2010

Did Fido’s figure get a little fuller last year? Did Snookie sneak too many snacks over the holidays? If so, sign your pet up for Hulen Hill’s Fit for Life program and start 2010 off on a healthier note.

Did you know that more pets than ever are overweight? According to a recent study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 44 percent of dogs and 57 percent of cats are too plump for their own good. Obese pets are prone to heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, skin and haircoat problems, and a shortened lifespan.

Our staff is committed to helping owners help their pets shed unwanted pounds. Our doctors will prescribe a prescription diet that’s low in calories and high in protein — a combination that helps fill your pet up while limiting their caloric intake.

We’ll enter your pet’s information into our Fit for Life software and a weight loss goal and meal plan will be generated.

You’ll return with your pet once a month to get weighed to gauge their progress. One of our nurses will partner with you along the way to give you advice, encouragement, and to help Fido overcome any weight loss challenges.

Once Fido reaches his goal weight, he’ll be rewarded with a free bag of prescription food.

If you’d like your paunchy pet to participate in our new Fit for Life program, call us at 817-731-3733 to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.

Treats Can Add Pounds to Pets

Portly pets dig their treats. It’s not just the treat they love, but the pagentry that surrounds getting it — the click of the pantry door, the sweet sound of their owner’s voice declaring what a good dog they are, the slight pause of the treat just shy of their awating tounge. But owner beware, a few treats here and there add up and can be the source of your pets added baggage.  When a medium-size dog is allotted 500 calories a day, just a few 50 calorie treats a day really makes an impact on his waistline!

Our doctors want you to know that dogs can love low calorie treats, too. A green bean or a baby carrot are just a few calories a piece. And an ice cube is free! Just make sure the show remains the same. After all, it’s your love and attention that they really crave most of all.

Just check out the calorie count of some of the most popular treats that we give our dogs:

Fast Food Treats

McDonald’s Hamburger 260 calories

McDonald’s Cheeseburger 310 calories

1  McDonald’s Chicken Nugget 42 calories

Sonic Vanilla Ice Cream Cone 180 calories

MilkBones

Small Biscuit 20 calories

Medium Biscuit 40 calories

Large Biscuit 115 calories

Extra Large Biscuit 225 calories

Grillin’ Bites 30 calories

Alpo

Liver Snaps 13 calories

Al’s Grill Treats 35 calories

Purina

Beggin’ Strips 30 calories

Busy Bone – Dental Bone Large 600 calories

Busy Bone – Dental Bone Small 309 calories

Cheweez Chew Strips 60 calories

Cheweez Rolls Small with Meaty Middles 171 calories

Cheweez Rolls Large with Meaty Middles 211 calories

TBonz 42 calories

Purina One

Adult Biscuits 33 calories

Large Breed Biscuits 84 calories

Healthy Weight Biscuites 26 calories

Pedigree

DentaBones Small 105 calories

DentaBones Medium 188 calories

DentaBones Large 300 calories

Jumbone small 270 calories

Jumbone regular 560 calories

MarrowBone 39 calories

Scooby Snacks

Zoinks Bone 22 calories

Burger 22 calories

Drumsticks 19 calories

Cheese Wedge 18 calories

Mystery Machine 45 calories

French Fry 9 calories

Meaty Bones

Small 27 calories

Medium 60 calories

Large 93 calories

Misc.

PupPeroni 24 calories

Snausages 25 calories

Jerky Treats 21 calories

Keeping Pets Safe in the Frigid Weather

As Fort Worth woke up to frigid temperatures in the 20s today, folks were chilled to the bone — and so were our pets! Although they come ready-made with fur coats, they still need our protection during the cold days of winter.  Below are some cold weather tips to make sure your pets are just as warm, cozy, and safe as you are:

• Although some pets are conditioned to cold weather, you should bring outdoor pets indoors if the temperature drops below 20-degrees Fahrenheit. Puppies, kittens, and short haired pets should come inside anytime the temperature goes below 40-degrees.
• For pets with long hair, proper grooming is essential to help them maintain a layer of warming air within their coat. Pets who are heavily matted cannot keep themselves as warm. If your outdoor dog is matted, just give The Grand a call at 817-989-PAWS. The salon staff does a great job getting dogs ready for the long winter season! 
• If your pet must stay outdoors, be sure to provide a shelter. A good “house” will have three enclosed sides, will be elevated off the ground, and will contain generous amounts of bedding such as straw or hay. In cold weather, bigger is not always better. A house just big enough for your pet will warm up faster and retain heat better than something that is too big.
• Your pet will need access to fresh water that isn’t frozen. Use heated water bowls and replenish them frequently.
• Antifreeze is a common and deadly pet poisoning during colder months. Did you know that antifreeze has a sweet taste, so pets will readily lick up any that has spilled? If you spill antifreeze, dilute the area well with water and sweep excess water into a rocky or sandy area. Cover area with soil to keep pets from licking at the rocks. If you suspect your pet has consumed any antifreeze at all, head to Metro West right away.
• Cats love to warm up underneath car hoods. If your car is kept outdoors, or if cats have access to your garage, be sure to pound on the hood of the car prior to starting it. Every winter, we see many cats that are killed or injured grievously by fan belts and moving engine parts.
• Pets should not be left alone in vehicles due to the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning or hypothermia.
• Monitor all pets around wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and space heaters. These can cause severe burns!

Santa Visits The Grand!

Although he’s very busy during the holidays, Santa found time to visit The Grand and help us collect food for homeless pets. With his help, we collected over 1,400 pounds of food that we donated to local animal shelters. We are so grateful to the Big Guy and to our clients for making this event so successful! Click here to see more Santa Photos.

Does Fido Need a Flu Shot?

Canine influenza is an emerging respiratory infection in dogs caused by the H3N8 virus. Sadly, 8% of those who contract canine flu will die from it. Most deaths occur in breeds that have short snub noses like English Bulldogs and Pugs. Up to 20% of exposed and infected dogs will not show clinical signs but will shed the virus to others in social environments like dog parks, playcare, and pet resorts.

Dr. Ross, who recently joined our team after relocating from Princeton, New Jersey, has first-hand experience with this potentially fatal infection. The first outbreak of Canine Influenza in the state of New Jersey happened at a kennel less than 5 miles from her clinic. The kennel was shut down by the CDC and Dr. Ross saw dogs for months afterwards with varying signs from mild cough to pneumonia, all confirmed as influenza. Without a doubt, Dr. Ross and all of our doctors at Hulen Hills and Metro West, know how serious the effects of canine flu can be.

In June, the USDA approved a new canine flu virus vaccine. Studies indicate that the vaccine can reduce the incidence and severity of lung lesions as well as the duration of coughing and viral shedding. What this means is that the vaccine won’t prevent your dog from contracting the canine flu, but will help lessen the severity of the illness.

We recently received our first shipment of the vaccine, and our doctors are recommending it for any patient whose lifestyle includes risk for exposure to Canine Influenza. The first time a pet receives the vaccine, we will follow up by administering a booster 2 – 4 weeks later. We recommend the vaccine be updated on a yearly basis.

In addition, we are in the process of making the canine flu vaccine an added requirement for all guests of The Grand Pet Resort & Salon. We’re committed to ensuring our patients and guests are protected against an outbreak.

If your pet is a current client of Hulen Hills, and we’ve seen Fido within the last year, we can administer the vaccine without a Physical Examination. If you are a new client or your pet’s last visit was over a year ago, our doctor is required to perform a Physical Examination prior to administering the vaccine. If you’re interested in learning more about the Canine Flu Virus Vaccine, or would like your pet to receive the vaccine, call us to schedule an appointment.

Thanksgiving Hazards. Chocolate, Turkey Bones, Pie … Oh My!

Thanksgiving is a busy time for our emergency staff at Metro West. Over the long weekend last year, we saw 73 patients including one Springer Spaniel named Wally who ate half of a turkey carcass and a large slice of Pecan Pie. Although we’re sure Wally loved scarfing these treats down, it landed him in the hospital with a bad case of pancreatitis.

The last thing any pet owner wants to do on Thanksgiving is rush their pet to the animal emergency room!  But, the truth is that many pets are injured or poisoned during this time of the year. How can you make sure your holiday doesn’t end in disaster?

• A small amount of white turkey is an acceptable treat but definitely avoid the turkey skin and the turkey bones!  The skin is often fatty and can cause pets to develop pancreatitis.
• Poultry bones, especially cooked, have potential to both break off and cause a perforation of the digestive tract or, if large amounts are consumed, could cause an obstruction.
• Other foods to avoid include:  grapes and raisins, excessively salty foods, foods flavored with onion or garlic powder, desserts and sweets containing Xylitol, and chocolates.
• All leftovers should be secured behind a pet-proof door.
• Remember, keep your trash can secure.  Many items used in the meal preparation and then thrown away can be dangerous.  A turkey string, foil wrappers, etc. may smell like food and be eaten by a curious pet.
• Decorative plants are also a source of danger. Mistletoe and holly can cause vomiting and lilies are often deadly to cats. Poinsettias, despite their reputation, are not deadly and often cause little more than mild stomach upset.
• Some holiday decorations are also dangerous. Ribbons and tinsel are especially attractive and hazardous to cats. Keep an eye on electrical cords to ensure puppies and kittens don’t chew on them.
• During family gatherings, it might be best to keep pets confined if they are overly anxious. Also, monitor people going in and out of the front door. Pets might take advantage and try to escape.
• Remember that Metro West is open 24-7 during the holiday weekend. We’re here around the clock for you and your pet!

Three Dachshunds Live to Wag Again

Tuesday, Nov. 3, was a busy day at Hulen Hills and Metro West Emergency. Three Dachshunds, Precious, Darby and Matilda Begonia, arrived throughout the day, each suffering from a serious spinal column injury that required emergency surgery.

As a breed, Dachshunds are extremely prone to injuring their backs. In fact, experts estimate that one in four Dachshunds will develop some form of disc disease or injury in its lifetime. Although spinal injuries happen most often to dogs with long backs, any breed is at risk of this kind of injury occurring.

How Does a Spinal Cord Injury Occur?

Between each bone is a cushioning disc that helps to soften the movement of the spine and prevent pain and injuries. To understand what happens during a spinal injury, imagine the disk as a grape. If you squeeze the grape firmly, you’ll compress it without breaking it, and the grape will return to its shape. If you squeeze too hard, the grape ruptures and the insides shoot out. An intervertebral disc is like the grape, but it has a hard center called the nucleus. When the disk is compressed too much the nucleus leaks out, and the only direction it can go is against the spinal cord, which can lead to permanent paralysis. When the discs become damaged, it’s called Intervertebral Disc Disease or IVDD.

Signs of a Spinal Disk Injury

Dogs have high pain thresholds and an instinct not to reveal when they’re in pain. After all, in the wild, the obviously injured animal is the one that gets picked off by the predators. But if you pay attention, you can tell whether your dog is in pain from a disk injury. Look for the following warning signs of spinal disk injury:

• Shivering — especially when combined with unusual inactivity
• Refusal to get up and play, even for food
• A yelp when you pet your dog or try to pick him up
• A pulled-in head, arched back, or any other strange position
• A refusal to bend down to the food or water dish to eat or drink
• Limping of any kind
• A “drunken” rear end, which moves but looks as if it isn’t completely under control
• Dragging of the back legs

If you notice any of these warning signs, call us immediately. In the case of dragging the back legs or showing any other signs of paralysis or severe pain, head here right away (24-7). It’s wise not to wait. You can call on the way.

Treating IVDD

Milder cases in which the dog is painful but can still walk, are treated with cage rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and muscle relaxants. Unfortunately, these three girls had severe injuries that required emergency surgical intervention to remove the bone and disc material that was lodged against their spinal cords.

Dr. Hotchkiss is the one of the few veterinarians in North Texas who performs neuro surgeries, and Metro West Emergency Center is the only 24-hour facility in Fort Worth who can manage these patients. Dr. Hotchkiss realized early in his career that time is of the essence when attempting to save dogs who have suffered a spinal cord injury. To ensure he had the skills necessary to perform this delicate procedure, Dr. Hotchkiss committed to a course of extensive training, including over a year working alongside Dr. Peter Early, DVM, DACVIM, a neuorologist who is currently a Professor at the University of North Carolina, College of Veterinary Medicine.  After nursing hundreds of IVDD patients through their recovery, our staff is well-prepared to care for them in the days and weeks following surgery.

Recovering from Surgery

As for these three, Precious was already walking the first day after surgery. Darby and Matilda Begonia are sitting up, standing, urinating on their own, and scooting around – all good signs of a positive recovery. There are many factors that affect the outcome of a dog’s injury, including the severity and the time that lapsed between the injury and surgery. After surgery, healing of the disc is accomplished only with time and rest. Recovery can take weeks to months and can vary from patient to patient.

No Regrets

Although treating IVDD with surgery can be a big investment financially and in terms of the work an owner will have to put in during their pet’s recovery, the rewards can be great. Check out a message that was relayed to Dr. Hotchkiss from Matilda Begonia’s owner, “Matilda Begonia’s parents are so thankful for everything that we have done for her. They wanted to make sure that Dr. Hotchkiss knew that Matilda Begonia was a step away from euthanasia. They are so grateful that they decided to give the surgery a try. Matilda Begonia is very happy to be home!”

Relief for Sore Seniors

Emma (pictured above center) is an 11 year old English Lab who suffered with chronic joint pain that seemed to get worse the older she got. Her mom brought Emma to Hulen Hills Animal Hospital after a friend told her we could help her old dog get some relief. As the quality of life for our pets is constantly improving, our best friends are living longer and owners are being confronted with the health problems that accompany old age.

One of the most common health problems of geriatric dogs is Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Arthritis) — in fact 30% of all older dogs suffer from it. The sign we most frequently see is a gradual slow-down in a dog’s activity level. In this case, it took Emma longer to climb the stairs, longer to run down the stick, and longer to get up from her cozy nap on the floor.

At Hulen Hills Animal Hospital we have many geriatric patients just like Emma who benefit greatly from medicine that helps relieve the pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis and improves their mobility. Response varies from dog to dog, but can be quite dramatic. In most patients, improvement can be seen in a matter of days. After just a few months on Rimadyl, Emma is having a much easier time keeping up with her young friends.

If you think your senior pet is too young-at-heart to be slowing down, make an appointment with one of our veterinarians to explore the options that are available. You may just get your old dog back!

Congratulations Karen Lee!

We are happy to announce that Karen Lee has been promoted to a Nurse position at our hospital. Karen Lee left the Fort Worth Zoo to join our team. Since coming aboard, she’s been immersed in training to perfect her veterinary technician skills. She’s grown so much in her abilities and is able to care for our patients during routine wellness exams and in emergency and critical care situations. Karen Lee’s love of animals and her compassion for our clients shines through in everything that she does. We’re proud to have her on the team!

S.T.A.R. Puppies Graduate!

Congratulations are in order for our latest graduates of the S.T.A.R. Puppy Class. Olive, Kate, Brinkley, Avery, and Dodger passed the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test with flying colors! As you can see from the photos above, the graduates celebrated with a well-deserved twilight pool party. We’re so proud of them all!

Kasaan Beats Parvovirus!

It’s hard to believe from these photos, but just a few weeks ago Kasaan was a gravely ill little girl.  She transferred to our emergency clinic, Metro West, after her regular veterinarian determined that she had contracted Parvovirus, a particularly lethal viral disease that can lead to sudden death. When she arrived, Kasaan was lethargic and was experiencing chronic bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. Her condition was rapidly declining and it was clear that she was critical. Our medical team rallied together in an effort to save this baby.

Parvo is an extremely contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract. Vomiting and diarrhea cause rapid dehydration, and most deaths from Parvo occur within 48 to 72 hours following the onset of clinical signs. Unfortunately, there’s no specific drug available to kill the virus. Treatment is intended to support the dog’s body systems until its immune system can fight off the infection. Treatment includes replacing electrolyte and fluid losses, controlling vomiting and diarrhea, and preventing secondary infections.

The good news is, most dogs are vaccinated against Parvo. However, sadly, many aren’t. Young puppies who haven’t had the chance to be fully vaccinated yet are especially at risk of contracting it — as was the case with Kasaan. She spent 11 days with us, and received around-the-clock care. Her bone marrowed stopped working from the severity of the virus, which required 8 blood transfusions to rectify. Our team never gave up on her, and neither did her mom – who came to visit often. Kasaan showed steady, gradual improvement, until one memorable morning when she woke up bright, alert and full of energy. Her tail started to wag, the sparkle returned to her eyes, and we knew she had made it through her tough battle. Way to go, Kasaan!

To learn more about how to protect your pet against Parvovirus, call Hulen Hills to make an appointment with one of our doctors.

Blood Work: A Window into the Body

One of the things that makes Hulen Hills stand out from other vet clinics is our belief that running routine blood work is important. So important, in fact, that we strongly recommend it during annual wellness exams and absolutely require it prior to any surgical procedure.

A blood test reveals to our doctor a window into the body. When our pets get sick, their natural instincts kick in and they do everything they can to hide that they aren’t feeling well. Prior to any anesthetic procedure, our veterinarians will order blood work. Although it adds to the cost of the procedure, the results enable us to understand fully the health status of your pet before anesthetizing him. In some cases, we spot problems that need to be dealt with before going forth with the surgery.

Such is the case with two patients who recently were scheduled for surgery. Blood work revealed that Avery, a 6-month old Labrador who was scheduled to be neutered, was anemic. If our doctor had proceeded to surgery without checking his blood, Avery’s anemic condition would have left him at a heightened risk under anesthesia. Instead, Dr. Dailey postponed Avery’s neuter and went to work to uncover what was causing his lowered red blood count.

Dr. Nigliazzo was preparing to perform an Ovariohysterectomy on a seemingly healthy 5-month old puppy. He was surprised to see the results of the pre-anesthetic blood work, which revealed that this sweet baby had cancer. Although on the surface she appeared healthy, we can only imagine how difficult it would have been for her to endure the surgery that was scheduled and to recover smoothly. We postponed her spay and are now focused on an appropriate treatment plan to help her overcome this disease.

These are two wonderful examples of how routine blood work pays off by allowing our doctors a clear window into the body. It’s just one more step we take to ensure an underlying issue doesn’t jeopardize your pet during routine surgery.

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Barks!

The Grand Pet Resort & Salon is proud to announce our new partnership with Smug Mug, a high-quality digital photo sharing service. Powered by Smug Mug, you will now be able to access photos from The Grand. Just click here to access Smug Mug images.  We will upload new image galleries each week for you to enjoy. The best part is, you can download photos to your computer free of charge or purchase printed copies. Smug Mug offers you a wide-selection of print sizes and gifts, including T-shirts, mugs, mousepads, etc. You can customize any of these products with a special photo of your pet — just in time to buy thoughtful holiday gifts for friends and family!

Giving Back to our Community

At Hulen Hills Animal Hospital, we know that giving back to our community is important. We appreciate all the wonderful work that is done by so many non-profit organizations that work to enrich and better all of our lives. To that end, we are happy to donate free services from Hulen Hills or The Grand Pet Resort and Salon to help raise funds for these important causes. To date, we have participated in fundraising events  for The Lena Pope Home, American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen, Fort Worth Opera, LifeLine, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fort Worth, Fort Worth Symphony, Fort Worth Ballet, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and many more! We look forward to continuing these partnerships in the future. For donation requests, please email KThomason@hulenhills.com.

Our company also supports Canine Companions for Independence, an organization that provides service dogs to people with disabilities. We love dogs, and we especially love dogs who help improve the quality of life of their owners. We stand ready to offer these dogs in training complimentary emergency care, when and if the need should arise.

Stick Trauma

No one knows how it happened, but Little Baby somehow got herself in a big heap of trouble. After disappearing for a week, this stray cat reappeared outside of the house of the nice lady who fed her. But her shocking condition proved that life is dangerous for our homeless friends — she had a large stick protruding out of her back just next to her spine. Luckily for this kitty, the lady who found her is a client at Hulen Hills. She gently scooped Little Baby up and brought her in. After Dr. Hotchkiss performed emergency surgery to extract the stick and repair the extensive damage, our staff offered Little Baby lots of TLC and socialization. We’re happy to report that Little Baby has recovered fully and now has a new, loving home free of sticks and other sharp items (we hope!).

New Technique Stimulates Skin Growth

Annabelle is a very special patient. She came to us quite bruised and battered after being attacked by two dogs that were much bigger than her. Her severe trauma caused extensive tissue damage that required many surgeries and hydrotherapy sessions. It quickly became clear that Annabelle’s wound would take several more weeks or months of healing and that scar tissue would most likely cover a big portion of her backside. To help promote her body’s wound healing capabilities, we decided to utilize a cutting-edge product call ACell Vet patch. The ACell Vet patch is applied to an injury to encourage new blood vessel formation and offer a foundation for the new tissue. The graph allows host cells to attach to it, grow into it, and, eventually, replace it with healthy skin tissue. The results have been astounding. As you can see by the photos, Annabelle’s wound is healing fast and she has plenty of healthy new skin growth. We are excited by the success of this case and by the opportunities that lie ahead to use this technique again to repair and restore damaged or missing tissue on our severe trauma patients.

Caring for Pets During Tough Times.

The economy is in bad shape and may be for months to come. Whether it’s the stock market falling or crazy bail outs, saving money in tough economic times is a challenge. Pet owners also feel the stress of trying to make ends meet and many may be tempted to take shortcuts with their pet’s healthcare. So, when and where can pet owners cut back? 

Studies have repeatedly shown that a large majority of pet owners consider their pets to be family members. We spoil them with birthday parties, presents, toys and treats to keep them happy. But, when money is tight, extra expenses need to go. Sadly, some pet owners choose to avoid veterinary visits as one means to save money.  And believe it or not, others might give up their pets completely.  

Knowing what you can safely do at home to lower your pet’s healthcare costs is a good way to ensure a healthy pet and a healthy wallet. You should also know what to avoid!

First, don’t skimp on wellness or preventive care. Vaccinations and parasite prevention are important parts of maintaining your pet’s health and yours as well. Diseases like rabies and Leptospirosis are zoonotic, meaning they can be spread between animals and people. Similarly, intestinal parasites or even fleas and ticks, are capable of transmitting serious diseases to our families.

Some owners might choose to buy vaccines online or from a pet store. While this idea sounds like a cost-saving measure, there are many risks. It is easy enough to learn how to give a shot, but can you trust that the supplier properly stored the vaccines? Vaccines are delicate biological suspensions and require constant refrigeration to be effective. Some need proper mixing in order to work correctly.  Improper preparation could make the whole process worthless. 

Choosing a lower cost flea product or a “do-it-yourself” dewormer at a general merchandise store is another option a pet owner might investigate to save money. Recently a client told me the guy behind the counter at the Feed Store told her to buy the large breed dose of flea prevention for her dog and to put a couple of drops on her new puppy. I was relieved she didn’t take his advice, as it could have brought on seizures (or worse) in the puppy.

Sadly, according to the Center for Public Integrity, these over-the-counter products are likely responsible for a sharp increase in pet deaths and adverse events in recent years. 

Just a few months ago I had a patient named Ruby that nearly died after her well-intentioned owner gave her “just a dot” of a horse dewormer he already had on hand. In his attempt to save $10, Ruby’s owner spent nearly $4000 for 7-days of hospitalization and life-saving medical treatment. An expensive lesson, for sure.

Pet emergencies shouldn’t be a place for shortcuts either. At Metro West Emergency Veterinary Center, we see many owners who simply use topical antibiotics on bite wounds or lacerations in order to avoid treating the pet when initially injured. But, most of these animals end up coming in with out-of-control infections. We caution owners against bandaging their pets without proper training.  If put on too tight, homemade bandages act like tourniquets, causing swelling of the limb and serious loss of circulation. 

And always check with your veterinarian before giving any over the counter human medication to your pet! Many pet poisonings are caused by human medications, including Tylenol. 

But don’t worry; you can still save on your veterinary bills with a few simple steps at home. 

First, (and this sounds very simple) play with your pet! Veterinary behaviorists all agree that a tired dog is a happy dog and happy dogs don’t tear up furniture or get into trouble.  Since behavior issues are the number one reason for abandoning pets, this fun task might literally save your pet’s life. 

Playing with your pet has health benefits as well. A well-exercised pet is less likely to be overweight and suffer from obesity related problems such as arthritis, certain cancers, or diabetes.

Next, when exercising your pet, use appropriate restraints and confinements. Pets who roam freely are often hit by traffic, get into fights or eat something dangerous.  Emergencies like these can end up hitting your wallet very hard.

Even loving your pet has money saving benefits. Petting and caressing your pet can help find those little lumps and bumps sooner.  This week alone, I found four cancerous tumors just by doing physical examinations. Cancer is very common in our pets and can be very expensive to treat. Earlier detection generally means a better outcome and usually less expensive treatments.

Despite all of these precautions, some pets will just get into trouble or develop a serious disease. Although veterinary medicine is still a bargain compared to other health services, most of us would be hard pressed to pay a big veterinary bill out of pocket. Companies like Pets Best Insurance (www.petsbest.com) offer a variety of insurance plans to assist owners with unexpected costs. But even today only a small percentage of pet owners insure their pets’ health. 

If paying a premium every month isn’t appealing to you, consider investing in a Pet Health Savings Plan. PetVetPro (www.petvetpro.com) helps people save money for potential pet emergencies. Unlike insurance, the money you pay into the program is yours. This allows you the flexibility to use the savings for car repairs, dental work, or whatever – including emergency surgery for your pet!

We all want to keep our furry friends safe and healthy, but it is challenging when just feeding the family stretches your budget. Come on in to Hulen Hills and talk with a veterinarian about your pet’s specific health needs and see what should be addressed immediately and what can wait.