Interesting Case, December 2011

DECEMBER 2011

Patient: “Bronnie” Wheat
Breed: German Shorthaired Pointer
Age: 9 ½ years
Owner: Andrea Wheat




Well…. Leave it to one of our own to have, not only the most interesting case of the month, but what Dr. Sealock claims as the most interesting case of the year! Here is the story of my sweet “Bronnie” and what she did that had all of us amazed.

Just like any other Sunday, Ryan and I were both at church and the dogs were left out in the house (as they have always been). We had decorated for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving, with the same decorations we’ve used the past few years. The dogs were left alone, maybe a total of 3 hours and when we came home the house was a disaster zone. Tree skirts were strewn about the living room, ornaments off of the tree, and there were already a few piles of foamy vomit containing what seemed to be metal. After cleaning everything up, we determined that the metal was a pick we had in the tree that had glittery berries on it, and that one of the dogs had attempted to eat it. You see, we have 3 dogs, so figuring out which one had done what can be a problem. All of the dogs ate their dinner like normal, and everything seemed fine.
Monday morning I left for work like normal, only after being here for a few hours, Ryan called to let me know Bronnie had vomited up her breakfast. He brought her up, and Dr. Sealock and I took radiographs of her. They showed some metal in her stomach, which was not surprising. He recommended taking her home and feeding her dinner again that night, as it could either help her vomit the metal back up, or push it through the other way. I fed her and she seemed ok for a while, and then about 4 hours later, she started vomiting everything she had eaten. It was dark outside and I had let her out so there wouldn’t be so much cleaning involved. So you can just imagine me, outside in the cold, with a stick, digging through her vomit looking for metal…. And there was none.
I brought her back Tuesday, and when we took her radiograph this time, we could see that it didn’t move at all. Still in the exact same position, in the same spot, in her stomach. I knew surgery was in store for us now.
We ended up in surgery with her late that afternoon. What was so surprising about her case is that as soon as Dr. Sealock opened her up and began to locate her stomach, he could feel the metal wire. Low and behold, the wire had actually punctured her stomach and was sticking out about 2 inches. It was a good thing we did surgery when we did, because she would have gotten very sick from infection if we hadn’t. Her surgery and recovery were all uneventful, thank goodness! She’s back to her normal crazy self!
I said this before, but it is so great to work for a doctor I would take my pets to, even if I didn’t work here!

Meet Ranger - Available for Adoption

This is Ranger. He is an approximately 1 year old, neutered male, cocker spaniel, and he's available for adoption through the Rockwall Animal Shelter. He was brought to us 2 1/2 weeks ago, and since we've had him, he's had the works done! He was neutered last week, had all his vaccinations, and this week he'll be sent to be groomed! He is the sweetest little dog, and hopefully he finds a good home.
His heartworm test did come back positive, but his treatment will be funded by Rockwall Paws. This does mean that once the treatment is started, he will need some special attention and at home care.
If you'd like to meet him, feel free to stop by our clinic during normal business hours. Ranger will be at the Rockwall Pets event at the Harbor in Rockwall on Saturday.

DENTAL MONTH!

November is dental month at Ridge Road Animal Hospital!
$100.00 off a regular dental cleaning!

The dental proverb, “Be true to your teeth or they will be false to you,” is true for pets, as well as humans. Since dentures for dogs and cats aren’t an option –proper dental care is essential for your pet’s health and well-being. Pets need to maintain strong, healthy teeth for more than chewing…grooming, picking up a ball, catching a frisbee, fetching a stick, or capturing a catnip mouse all requires healthy teeth. More importantly, untreated dental disease can be life threatening. Bacteria from tooth decay and gum disease can enter your pet’s bloodstream and result in infection in the heart, kidneys, and other parts of the body. It is estimated that 85% - 90% of all dogs and cats over the age of three years old suffer from some degree of tooth decay and gum disease. As in humans, deposits of plaque (an accumulation of dead cells, saliva and bacteria) build up on your pet’s teeth. When it remains on the teeth, plaque hardens and turns into tartar, which causes inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and breaks down ligaments that connect the teeth with bone and gum tissue (periodontitis). Early and proper prophylactic teeth cleanings prevent these problems.

Your pet’s teeth cleaning is actually a simple process. Your pet will be dropped off at our hospital between 7:30 am – 8:00 am the morning of the procedure. We ask that they be fasted the night before after 10:00 pm. Before the dental cleaning begins, we will perform pre-operative blood work to ensure that your pet is healthy enough for the procedure and no extra precautions need to be taken. While under anesthesia, your pet’s teeth are scaled (removing plaque and tartar) and then they are polished. Particular attention is paid to the area beneath the gum line, where “hidden” problems arise. Depending on the degree of dental disease, some pets may need to be on antibiotics prior to and after then dental procedure. Your pet goes home the same day after 4:00 pm, but with a healthier, more comfortable mouth and fresher smelling breath.

Following the procedure, home dental care is vital in order to prevent plaque and tartar from recurring. Many dental care products are available and we will be happy to advise you regarding the best follow-up care for your pet. With all of our dental cleanings, before and after pictures are sent home with you, as well as complimentary edible pet toothpaste with a brush or a finger brush, and a special enzyme-treated chew toy that helps prevent the build up of tartar on your pet’s teeth.

Please contact our office to set up your pet’s appointment for a dental cleaning. You can reach our office during normal business hours at 972-771-1113. We look forward to hearing from you.

Dealing With Pet Loss

Part of pet ownership is knowing that our life with most likely extend far beyond theirs. It's one BIG downfall to falling in love with that sweet animal. But, the joy the bring us for those years far out weighs what grief we feel when they pass.

Why is it so hard when we have to let them go? For most of us animal lovers, they're not just a dog, cat, or bird, they're a member of our family. They are at every holiday, they comfort us in their own way when we're sad, and they search for our approval as much as we do theirs.

People who don't have pets usually don't understand the void that exists when we lose our friend. But it IS natural to feel that way. Each person grieves in their own way... some cannot bear the thought of a new pet, while others need to fill the empty place with a brand new friend. What we want you to know is that whatever way you choose to grieve is normal.

It's important to remember too, that if you have another pet, they can feel the loss as well. They've also lost a buddy and you may notice signs of depression in them as well. Sometimes they're not as active as normal, or don't want to eat. Just try to give them extra attention through this time, but if continues longer than expected, check with us to be sure there isn't something else going on.

We want to leave you with this, a simple story of the Rainbow Bridge.

"Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... "

Author Unknown



www.RidgeRdAnimalHospital.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION!

Right now, when you purchase 6 months of K9 Advantix or Advantage for cats, you get 2 months free!!!


wwww.RidgeRdAnimalHospital.com

Meet Moomba

Many of you have come in to see us, and been greeted by this lump of fur. He's a bundle of personality and attitude, and 100 % CAT.

Meet Moomba.
He's been known to sit in your lap and beg for attention. He also LOVES purses. Just leave one open and he'll climb on in. He's a little iffy when it comes to dogs, but he puts on a brave face.
Moomba was brought to us in October 2007. He was a little guy then, and the ladies that found him were concerned he may have been hit by a car. We gave him a little pain medication and put him up to let it kick in. When we came back to him, he was standing up, purring, and walking back and forth in his kennel. We took him out and got him cleaned up, and as it turned out, he wasn't that badly injured. Just a few little bumps and bruises here and there. Dr. Sealock wanted us to find a home for him, and we promised we would. {and somehow he believed that we would ACTUALLY try} He still thought we were trying to find him a home until he walked up front and heard a client asking where Moomba lived and we said, "well here, of course!".

Dog Days of Summer...

With temperatures reaching the triple digits soon, we wanted to share a few tips for Summer care for your pets!

- Never leave your pet in the car! Temperatures inside your vehicle can get over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with the windows down. It's better to leave them at home when you're out and about.

- Water, water, and more water! Make sure that your pets have plenty of access to water to help cool them down. Drinking water and areas they can get into water are always helpful.

- Use caution when exercising with your pet. While it is important to get your pets fit, it's also important to keep an eye on the temperature while exercising. If you're going to be outside, you may consider early morning or after dark hours to work out with your pet.

- Sunscreen for Everyone! Pets can get sun burns just like us! Especially pets that are a lighter color. Be sure to keep your pets inside during peak sun hours (late morning - early afternoon), and if you are outside, rub sunscreen on some of the unprotected areas(ears and tip of nose).

- Watch for signs of heat stroke! Be aware that some behaviours may be a sign of heat stroke. Keep an eye out for excessive panting, collapse, anxious behaviour, vomiting, and high fever. If you believe your pet is suffering from heat stroke, call your veterinarian immediately. While transporting him/her to the doctor, apply cold, soaked towels to help lower body temperature.

-Indoors on hot days! Remember that pets are like us and can't withstand extremely hot temperatures, especially for an extended duration. If it's going to be hot, bring your pets inside where they can relax in a safe temperature.

With a little caution, your pets can enjoy a long, HOT Summer with you here in the great state of Texas!