Can you imagine how it would feel to not brush your teeth for months?  Well, that is how most pets feel.  Dental care is as important for pets as it is for people.  Periodontal Disease can lead to larger problems such as tooth loss, heart problems, and major infections.  In order to prevent these problems watch for the following signs of peiodontal disease.

• Bad breath
• Yellow-brown crust on teeth
• Red or bleeding gums
• Tooth loss
• Subdued Behavior
• Abnormal drooling
• Change in eating habits

If you notice any of these signs you should bring your pet in for a dental check-up.  Visiting your veterinarian is the first step to better oral care for your pets.  The second step is to start an at-home dental care routine. 

There are several things you can do at home to help your pets maintain healthy teeth and gums.  Brushing is the best form of defense.  Be sure to use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed specifically for pets.  Oral rinses are also available and help to prevent infections.  Finally, there are treats and food that are good for your pet's teeth.  All of these products are available at our clinic.

Your pets depend on you to provide them with the best care that you can.  By taking care of their teeth and gums you are preventing many more serious problems and helping them stay healthy and happy.

Humane Society's Fur Bowl a Success!

Carver Lake Veterinary Center took part in the annual Humane Society Fur Bowl Bowling Tournament on Sunday, January 16th.  Our nine person team had tons of fun bowling and meeting the animals up for adoption.  The event raised lots of money for the homeless animals in the shelter.  It also helped to make the public aware of how much money it actually takes to care for these abandoned animals. 

There are a number of things you can do to help the Humane Society care for all of their animals.  The most important thing each of us can do is to stop the growing population by spaying or neutering all of your dogs, cats, and rabbits.  Many of the animals in shelters got there because someone bred their pet and couldn't find homes for the babies.  Your pets will be happier, healthier, and will make better companions if they are spayed or neutered.  

To help the Humane Society care for the pets that are already there you can make donations of money, products, or time.  For more information on what you can do to help check their website at www.hsca.net. 

Dr. Kim Ammann and Technicians Vi and Kelly traveled to Orlando in January to take part in the National Annual Veterinary conference. The conference lasted for 5 days and over 13,000 veterinary professionals attended.  During the conference attendees could go to an assortment of classes on small and large animal topics.  Dr. Ammann attended lectures on surgery and avian behavior among many others. 

Kelly said she learned some very interesting things in her "Guinea Pig, Chinchilla, and Hamster Care" class.  Did you know you Chinchillas can live to be over 20 years old?  Kelly also took a class on fish anesthesia which was very interesting.  It's good to know that if anyone ever needs their fish worked on Kelly is trained and ready!

Although the majority of the conference was spent learning in classes, the three of them did find time to enjoy the pool, meet up with old classmates, and attend the show and dinner that was put on by Novartis at the completion of the conference.  We are all excited to utilize all the new information and skills that they acquired.

Veterinary Assistant Susan Gets Married!!!

On Saturday, January 22nd, Carver Lake's team got dolled up and headed to Baldwin, Wisconsin to celebrate our Veterinary Assistant, Susan's wedding.

The ceremony took place in a beautiful church.  It brought tears to our eyes as an emotional Susan and fiance Troy exchanged vows and became husband and wife.  After the ceremony we all enjoyed ourselves and we danced the night away with the happy couple.  It was a wonderful time and we are all so glad that Susan and Troy have found each other.