Yes, it is that time of year again.  When the weather starts warming up so do our favorite little bugs and parasites.  Now is the time to get your pet started on their preventative care to keep our pets healthy all year long.  Our biggest concerns this time of year are Heartworms, Roundworms, Hookworms, Ear Mites, Fleas, and Ticks.

Heartworm is a disease transferred by mosquitoes.  Heartworms live in the hearts and lungs of dogs and cats.  If left untreated it can be fatal.  Treatment for Heartworm is expensive and difficult.  It is much easier to prevent Heartworm by using a monthly preventative.  We recommend Heartgard Plus for dogs/puppies and Revolution for cats/kittens.

Roundworms are year round parasites that spread to dogs and cats through an environment contaminated with feces of infected animals.  Roundworms live in your pet's intestine and cause diarrhea and other problems.  It is possible for Roundworm to spread to people, and especially children,  in the same manner.  You can protect your pets and your family all year with Heartgard Plus for dogs, and Revolution for cats.

Hookworms are also a year round problem in this area.  Both dogs and cats can be infected if they ingest eggs or larvae in contaminated feces or soil.  Hookworms cause many similar problems as Roundworms and are prevented in the same way. Like Roundworm, Hookworms can also cause problems in people.  Using monthly Heartgard Plus for your dogs and monthly Revolution for your cats will help to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Ear Mites can affect both dogs and cats, but are more damaging in cats.  Ear Mites feed on the ear lining and cause irritation and brown crusty debris.  Revolution will help keep this nasty parasite off your cats.

Fleas are a nuisance for pet owners and a horrible discomfort to pets.  They can cause itching and hair loss to the skin and can quickly infest an entire household. Pets can pick up fleas just from being outdoors (and especially from interacting with wildlife like the dog pictured!)  By using Frontline or Advantix on your dogs, and Revolution on your cats you can keep this pesky bug from irritating your pets.

Ticks are a big problem for dogs during the summer months in this area.  Certain ticks can carry diseases like Lyme and Ehrlichia.  Advantix and Frontline are two products that will kill ticks within 24-48 hours and thus help prevent them from spreading any diseases.

Spring is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your pets.  With the right preventative care you can feel comfortable knowing that your pets and family are protected.  If you have questions or need to purchase any of these products please call our clinic.  More information on these products and the parasites they protect against can be obtained at...

Heartgard: www.heartgard.com
Revolution:  www.revolutionpet.com
Frontline:  www.frontline.com
Advantix:  www.k9advantix.com

Welcome Baby Danika Joy!

Did you know that the majority of pets today are overweight? And that an overweight pet is at risk for early arthritis, respiratory problems, diabetes, and more?

Well, not to worry, if your pet is carrying some extra weight there are ways you can help them slim down and live longer, healthier lives. Start by bringing your pet in to have it weighed and assessed by a doctor. Monitor their weight loss progress by stopping in for monthly weigh-ins. This is not something your pet can do alone. Here are some ways to help your pet stay fit and active.

• Exercise your pet every day
• Limit treats and table scraps given
• Give them low calorie treats such as ice cubes and carrots
• Check with your vet about supplements or medications to help with pain or stiffness that make exercising hard
• Teach them a new trick to keep their mind and body active
• Keep their nails short so walking and running are more comfortable
• Check with your vet about the kind and amount of food you are feeding

Many prescription weight loss diets are available that contain the right amounts of all the things your pets need to lose weight the healthy way.  Our veterinarians are happy to help you find the food that is best for your pet. 

Your pets depend on you to keep them healthy. If you follow the advice above your pets will feel better and you will enjoy the company of happy, healthy companions.

Miniature Pinscher Miracle

Our receptionist/veterinary assistant Brandi and her boyfriend have a very cute Miniature Pinscher named Doc Holliday.  Doc is quite the miracle dog around Carver Lake currently.  He is almost two years old and is tiny weighing just under 6 pounds.

On Tuesday, February 5th Doc and his parents were cleaning some things from the rafters in a pole shed when a 50 pound punching bag came crashing down, right where Doc was standing.  The bag fell from about ten feet above him and fell directly on his head and neck.  He immediately went rigid and unresponsive, but was breathing. 

We live in River Falls, WI with the closest emergency clinic being the Animal Emergency Clinic in Oakdale, MN.  We rushed there and the wonderful staff and doctor at AEC took him in back and did all they could to help him while we patiently waited.  It is really interesting as a professional in the veterinary medicine world to sit on the other end of the desk!  My wonderful co-workers all called to check in several times and Dr. Hunter even took time later that night to chat with the Doctor at AEC.   

Finally we found out that Doc had severe swelling in his brain, a possible clot behind his right eye and possible problems with his neck and back.  His prognosis was very guarded, all they could do was keep him in oxygen and on fluids overnight and pray. 

He made it through the night, and in the morning he was awake and able to look up at us!  We transferred him here to Carver Lake where Dr. Hunter suggested we go right to the U of M to see a neurologist.  We took him to the U where they did radiographs and found a vertebra in his neck out of place which was causing his inability to walk or stand.  They hoped that once the swelling went down, he would walk again; otherwise he would need surgery. 

Doc kept improving overnight and by morning he was able to stand and even walk a little bit!  He seemed to know his name and acted like he recognized us.  The doctors were all amazed that he was even alive, much less standing and walking a little!  They still weren't sure what kind of permanent damage he would have though.  

Doc has now been home for almost three weeks and he is pretty much completely normal again.  He can walk and run around like nothing happened.  He remembers all of his commands and is basically the same dog personality wise.  We are so very lucky and happy to have our wonderful dog back to normal, healthy and happy again!  Doc truly is a Miniature Pinscher miracle.