News from the Visiting Vet

February 2007

the Visiting Vet Newsletter
12th Issue

Canine and Feline Arthritis
Did You Know?

February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Please see the dental promotion we are offering this month.This months newsletter will include an article about Canine and Feline Arthritis, fun facts and of course the monthly trivia question. Remember we love input on the newsletter so any recommendations or suggestions of article topics are very welcome! I hope your are enjoying our newsletter and I thank you for your time.

Canine and Feline Arthritis

Arthritis is a complex condition involving inflammation of joints. Arthritis affects 1 in 5 dogs in the United States and also affects many cats. It is one the the most common sources of chronic pain that veterinarians treat.
Many types of arthritis exist and can be caused by genetics, joint overuse, injury, and wear and tear related to aging. One common type of arthritis is Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease(DJD). DJD in dogs can be due to hip dysplasia or cranial cruciate ligament rupture. In cats DJD can result from a hit by car injury, or a bite wound or other joint stress.
Signs of arthritis in pet include the following:

Pain
Favoring a limb or side of the body
Difficulty sitting or getting up
Reluctance to walk
Decreased activity
Attitude or behavior changes

If you notice any of these signs in your pet consult your veterinarian. An arthritis evaluation involves a physical exam and possible x-rays.
A treatment plan for arthritis may includes weight control, steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and food or supplements with omega fatty acid, Glucosamine and Chondroitin. There are many products available but only a few work well in our pets.
Please work with your veterinarian to find the best treatment for your pet. Never give human medication to you pet without checking with the veterinarian first. Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen can be toxic to pets.

Did You Know?

The Goldendoodle is a Golden Retriever and Poodle cross.

Domestic cats spend 70% of their day sleeping and 15% of their day grooming.

The giraffe, camel and cat are the only animals that walk by both their left feet, then both their right feet when walking.

Eleven percent of pet owners buy their pet a Valentine's Day gift.

Promotions

Trivia

February trivia question: What percent of pet owners send their pets a Valentine's Day card? The first client who calls (731-PETS) with the correct answer will get $5 credited to their account! Answer to the January trivia question: What is the name of the dog in the Shakespeare play "Two Gentlemen of Verona"? is "Crab". Congrats to Wendy A who called in with the correct answer and had $5 credited to her account!

February is Dental Month

Save 10% on dog and cat dental cleaning by booking an appointment for your pet this month! Appointments can be scheduled in February or March. Please make sure to mention this newsletter ad when you call for your pet's appointment to receive your discount. Call today!

FREE HEARTWORM TEST IN APRIL!

I AM OFFERING A FREE HEARTWORM TEST IN APRIL FOR ANY CAT OR DOG WHOSE OWNER OPTS TO HAVE WELLNESS BLOOD WORK PERFORMED. WE WOULD DO A FULL CBC/CHEMISTRY PANEL AND T4 TEST FOR AND YOU WOULD RECEIVE A FREE HEARTWORM CHECK ($36 VALUE). I DO THIS BLOOD WORK EVERY YEAR ON ALL OF MY PETS AND ACTUALLY FOUND MY CAT, CLEO, HAD DIABETES MUCH EARLIER THAN I WOULD HAVE WITH CLINICAL SIGNS ALONE. A CBC/PROFILE/T4 TESTING WOULD TEST YOUR PET FOR OVER 40 THINGS, INCLUDING KIDNEY DISEASE, LIVER DISEASE, DIABETES, PANCREATITIS, THYROID DISEASE, BONE MARROW DISEASE, ELECTROLYTE ABNORMALITIES, ETC. HOPEFULLY YOUR PETS BLOOD WORK WOULD BE ALL NORMAL AND WE WOULD HAVE A PERMANENT BASELINE FOR ANY FUTURE ILLNESSES. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE GIVE US A CALL!

Thank you for your time and I wish you a fantastic month! We constantly strive to provide the best care for your family pets and exceptional service to our clients. I offer appointments while parked at Discount Pet Store on Gull Road and also offer house calls as available. If I can be of service to you, please give us a call at 269-731-7387 to schedule an appointment today. Also, remember if you refer a friend or family member, both of you will be entered in our 2007 referral drawing program for many great prizes. Our next drawing will be held June of 2007 (please see our website for more info about our prize drawings). Our previous newsletters can be found on our web page. Thank you and Good Luck!!!

Sincerely,

Dr. Seely Rotigel

the Visiting Vet