Candy, pumpkins, costumes, and trick-or-treaters are just some of the things that make Halloween such a fun holiday.  Unfortunately, these same things can be very dangerous to our pets.  Before the big day arrives there are some precautions every pet owner should take.

Experienced trick-or-treaters know that the main focus of Halloween is all the great food, and most of our pets would agree. Be sure not to leave candy or pumpkins unattended during the holiday season.  Chocolate, even in small amounts, can be quite toxic to animals.  Other tasty treats can be dangerous to our four-legged friends if eaten in excess.  Pets may also be curious about holiday decorations such as candles, so please don't leave any lighted candles or pumpkins unattended.

Although most trick-or-treaters are only out for the treats, there are some individuals who may be out for the tricks as well.  Dogs and cats who are outdoors during the evening hours are prime targets for Halloween pranks.  Be sure to keep animals indoors on Halloween night and escort them outside when necessary.

Many animals get very anxious or excited when people come to the door.  For the safety of your pets and the children trick-or-treating, these animals should be kept in a kennel or separate room during prime trick-or-treating hours.  Halloween night can be filled with many new sights and sounds.  Some animals may be overly sensitive to these unfamiliar stimuli.  We recommend that owners of these animals take similar precautions to those taken for the Fourth of July.

Halloween can be a fun experience for both pets and their owners if the proper precautions are taken.  For more information about how to prepare your pet for Halloween please contact us at Carver Lake Veterinary Center.

Miracle of Birth Center at the MN State Fair    by, Dr. Kate An Hunter

Despite the fact that I haven't practiced large animal medicine since graduating from vet school in 1990, I had a great time working at the new Miracle of Birth Center at the State Fair this year. 

I've practiced small animal medicine from the start and have only dabbled in large animals with an occasional equine or wildlife emergency.  Other that that, I'm pretty cloistered in my warm and dry suburban, multiple doctor, small animal practice.

But, to do my part for the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), I signed up to work a shift at the new Miracle of Birth Center.  Now, I'm sold; I'll be there every year!

The new building is large, clean, and well-arranged to allow the maximum number of visitors to see the animals up close or on high resolution monitors.  Even from a distance I could watch a ewe giving birth to triplets on the monitors.  The area for those who work there; the FFA kids and veterinarians, is spacious and clean with nice restrooms and a large room for equipment and snacks.

With great pride, I attended the official opening and ribbon cutting on the first day of the fair.  There was a huge crowd just waiting to get in and within the first 2 hours the animals cooperated with newborn piglets, lambs, and a calf!

On Labor Day, I started a morning shift at 9am.  I met the veterinarians and students who staff the Center.  I was pleased to learn that Senior veterinary students work at the center as one of their clinical rotations.  What a great opportunity for students to assist in multiple births and work on their skills communicating with the public!

I was posted at a pen near the entrance with 3 ewes and 5 lambs.  I was a bit worried at first; would I be knowledgeable enough in large animal medicine to answer questions, assist the animals, and represent our professions well?  With a brief review, I learned that the lambs in my pen were 5 days old, all born at the fair, and were Polypay (all white) or Polypay/Suffolk crosses (white with brown freckles.)  One ewe can have twins, each from a different sire.  Ewes identify their offspring by scent and call to them if they can't find them.

The questions weren't all that hard; mostly, "How old are they?" "How much do they weigh?" "Is that a boy or a girl?"  But the most commonly asked questions was "Can I pet it?"  So, I lifted a lamb into my arms, carefully holding the hooves to protect anyone from a kick, and marveled at the delight in all who touch a real lamb, many for the first time.  Young and old, every ethnicity, city folks and former farmers reached out to touch a lamb.  "It's so soft!" they all said.

This is what veterinary medicine is all about for me; making a connections with strangers, at a very soft spot in their hear, through the universal love of animals.  I felt honored to represent our profession and to show the world a part of what we do.  I hope the experience that people had at the Miracle of Birth Center encourages people of a greater variety and backgrounds to consider the rewards of a career in veterinary medicine, especially in large animal practice.

I had such a good time, I ended up staying until 4:00 that afternoon!  My arms were still sore 2 days later from hoisting 20 pound lambs for 6 hours, but I'll be there again next year.

Here at Carver Lake Veterinary Center, Lyme Disease is an infection we see and treat throughout the year.  Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia Burgdorferi, which is carried within the digestive system of the deer tick.

Although not all deer ticks are carriers of Lyme disease, we cannot be sure which are carriers and which are not.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease may come and go which can make it a difficult disease to diagnose.  As a result, it is important for owners to be proactive and knowledgeable about Lyme Disease and its prevention. 

Symptoms to consider in our pets include joint pain, pain switching from one joint to another, fever, lethargy, depression, lack of appetite, and vomiting.  Dogs and humans can have similar symptoms of Lyme Disease EXCEPT that we do not see the same target shaped rash effect on dogs as we do in humans.

In addition to these symptoms, cats may also show eye damage and unusual breathing.  These are all symptoms that can be seen in other conditions so it is extremely important to contact your veterinarian if you see any of the above.

There are numerous steps pet owners can take to prevent Lyme Disease.  There is a canine vaccine specifically for Lyme Disease that is usually given annually by a veterinarian.  Making sure your dog is vaccinated it one of the best defenses against this disease.  

In addition, there are products available for pets that protect against ticks as well as fleas.  Two of the products we carry at Carver Lake Veterinary Center are Frontline Topspot and Canine Advantix. 

Both preventatives are topicals that owners are able to apply once per month throughout the spring, summer, and fall.  It is important to talk with your veterinarian about which product is best for your pet.

Another precaution to take is going through your pet's coat and feeling for any little bumps - which may indicate a tick has "hitched a ride" on your pet.  An attached tick may vary in size from a pinhead to a grape. 

To remove an attached tick owners can take a tweezer and grasp the tick as close to the pet's skin as possible and slowly pull it away.  Carver Lake will be happy to help you identify and remove any ticks you find, or show you how to do so at home.

Other ways to help keep your pets safe is to keep your lawn mowed and avoid bringing your pets into areas of tall grass.  Education is the best defense - if you have any questions we encourage you to discuss them with your veterinarian.

Lyme disease is prevalent throughout the United States, and especially in the Midwest.  Knowing the symptoms of Lyme Disease and the precautions we can take will help keep our pets safe and protected all year long.

Vet Assistant Susan Welcomes Home New Baby

On July 27th, 2006 proud parents Susan and Troy welcomed their new baby into the world.  Little Sidnie Marie weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and was 20 inches long. 

Susan and Troy feel blessed that Sidnie has come into their lives and have enjoyed their first few months together.  Even their dog Jesse and bird Pancho are getting used to the new addition to their family!

Carver Lake couldn't be happier for Susan and Troy and are glad to welcome Sidnie into the Carver Lake family.




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