Wow! We are almost to our 2 year anniversary! It seems like only yesterday we were trying to figure out how to make this or that work, which kitty belonged to which face, or what products are likely for retail. Now we just reach for what we need and are able to use it without a thought, we know the kitties better than the owners in many cases, and we have expanded our retail knowledge (with your help and suggestions). We still are here in our “off the beaten path” location but seemingly you and your friends have been able to locate us. We are still growing, with almost 800 clients and 1300 patients added since we began here. We thank you all for your referrals. I hope you are remembering to ask them to tell us you sent them, so you will get your referral credit. I think it is only fair to give thanks to you for your kind words. All of our new clients who list a current client as the reason they came to us generate a $25 thank you credit for the current client. That is just our way of saying we appreciate your trust in us. It really does make us feel good that you trust us with your fur children and even want to share us with your friends.
We are continuing to have monthly specials, and focus on different “themes” for each month. For the upcoming quarter the themes are as follows:
July is Nutriceutical month. Dr. Robin truly feels that all cats with chronic illnesses should be on a supplement plan that will enhance their health and their body’s ability to balance itself. For more information on what is available see the article “Are Supplements right for my Cat?” There is a coupon for purchases of nutriceuticals in the month of July on our coupon sheet.
August is Odor Control month. As the summer heats up and we start closing our windows and using the air conditioner it seems like the small, occasional odors become monsters. We have several products that will help “clean up your kitty’s act”. Stop by our Feline Emporium for suggestions specific to your particular needs. All odor control products will be 10% off with the August coupon.
September is National Rabies Awareness and Animal Safety Month. We all certainly want to keep our Cats as safe as we possibly can. We will have window stickers to alert emergency personnel that you have pets, and where carriers are located if there is an emergency evacuation of your home. We also have emergency preparedness literature, so you can check off everything you might need in case of an emergency. With all the crazy weather this past year, it makes me feel a little bit calmer to just “be prepared”. We are also going to try something new for Rabies Awareness Month. On Saturday, September 6th we will have a Rabies Clinic. What this is, is a no appointment, first come first served, vaccines only Clinic. While we do feel all cats should have a physical examination at least once a year, we know that being vaccinated against Rabies is very important to the Owner as well as the Patient. A current rabies vaccination is also required by the state of New Hampshire. So we will try a vaccine only clinic from 9 am to Noon and see what happens.
Please remember we will be having our OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, October 18th from 2-4 pm. Mark your calendar now so you can join us for the fun. We will be having our Costume Photo Contest again this year. Please make sure to submit your Photo by October 1st so everyone will have plenty of time to vote. Winners will be awarded prizes and trophies at the end of the Open House. The more photos the more fun choosing the winners, and the more CATegories to choose from.
Dr. Robin is now accepting patients for holistic examinations/work-ups. You may call for an evaluation form, or printable from our website. www.drdandvm.com. If necessary, we can work via the computer or phone as needed. The workup includes nutritional, supplemental, herbal, homeopathic and holistic modalities. It is often best to do specialized lab work to determine specific needs. This appointment can be set up at the office or as a house call. Please call the office at 603-595-2287 with any questions or to make an appointment.
Yours in Wellness, Dr. Dan and Dr. Robin
“How do I know … when to call the Vet?
One of our frequent clients suggested giving some pointers on when to call the vet. Below I have listed some of the most common issues that arise with cats and when to be concerned. Certainly this list is not all-inclusive, and when in doubt, please call us to speak with a nurse or schedule an examination!
Vomiting or diarrhea: It is extremely common for cats to vomit or have diarrhea on occasion. If either is noticed, it should be observed for contents and frequency. The most common cause is eating something unusual such as something rotten outside or rich table scraps, causing an upset stomach or intestines. Cats with vomiting or diarrhea should be fasted from food (and still given water) for 12-24 hours. In many cases fasting resolves the issue. However, call the vet if you notice:
v Frequent vomiting or diarrhea that continues for more than 24 hours, or persists even with fasting.
v Your cat is unable to keep water down.
v There is blood, foreign objects, worms or other unusual contents in the vomitus or diarrhea.
v Your cat vomits multiple times in a short period, such as 5-6 times in 12 hours.
v Your cat refuses to drink water for more than 12 hours.
v You know your cat ate something which could be causing an obstruction in the stomach or intestines. This could include fabric items, strings (including thread, floss, Easter grass, tinsel) toys, etc.
Trauma: Such as a fall, being hit by a car, etc. We advise you call us and have your cat examined in any case of trauma. The greater the impact, the greater the danger could be to your pet. For your cat’s health and your peace of mind, have your pet looked at even if there appears to be no damage from an accident.
Limping: Sudden limping is very common in pets. Often there is no history of trauma, or the cat was confined to the home or out playing and simply “let out a yelp” and started limping. In these cases, we advise watching the cat for 12-24 hours. In many cases there has been a minor bruising or sprain (a soft tissue injury) and within a day the limping resolves. Call us if the limping worsens or persists after 36 hours, if there is known trauma, or if any wounds are seen on the leg. In these cases, an examination and possibly x-rays are advised.
Toxin Ingestion: Call the vet immediately if your cat ingests rat or mouse bait or anti-freeze. These are the most deadly toxins we encounter with cats - never wait to seek treatment. Keep in mind that cats can be poisoned if they ingest a mouse which has eaten mouse bait. Also call if your pet ingests human medication or gets into large quantities of its own medication. Chocolate can be toxic in large quantities as can onions and garlic. Some houseplants are also very toxic, including lilies, azalea, philodendron, spider plants, ivy, amaryllis, plant bulbs, holly and mistletoe. Always call if your cat eats anything that could potentially be toxic and we can advise you regarding treatment. Often the first course of action is to induce vomiting at home within 30 minutes of toxin ingestion. This can be done with hydrogen peroxide orally, from 1-2 tablespoons depending on the size of the cat. This should cause vomiting within 15 minutes.
Wounds/Bleeding: If you cat has puncture wounds or lacerations due to an accident or animal fight, call us. Sutures and/or antibiotics may be needed. Any bleeding from the mouth or nose should also be examined. Blood in the stool is not typically an emergency but can be very alarming to pet owners. Call us if you notice blood in the stool or bring in a stool sample. We receive a lot of calls regarding bleeding toe nails due to cutting it too short or a broken nail. Baking flour can be applied over the broken nail to help clot the blood and stop the bleeding. Although a nail can bleed profusely, this is not an emergency and the bleeding will usually stop with time. If you cannot get the bleeding to stop within 30 - 60 minutes, call us.
Eye problems: Mild issues such as red or watery eyes should be monitored for 1-2 days as these issues can often resolve. However, if there is green or yellow eye discharge, swelling around the eye, or the cat holds the eye closed, or you know of an injury to the eye, it should be examined. Eye issues can rapidly worsen and should not be taken lightly.
Again, this is only a partial listing of the common issues we encounter at our practice. Always call, as we take seriously all questions regarding your pet’s health. The technician or doctor can help evaluate the problem and make the appropriate recommendations.
July is Nutriceuticals Month!
Nutriceuticals (Supplements) for various conditions:
Allergies: Derma Strength, Cell Advance, Vetri DMG, Homeopet Skin and Itch, Duralactin, Dr. Dan’s Aloe and Oatmeal Shampoo and Conditioner, Dr. Dan’s Catty Acids and Specific Diets
Arthritis: we have a variety of supplements to help your kitty be less painful and more flexible. Nu-Cat Senior, Glycoflex (both tablet and chews), Arthri-max liquid and Dr. Dan’s Joint Health.
Bladder issues: Bladder Strength, UT Strength, Methigel, specific Diets.
Cardiac Health: Cardio Strength, Coenzyme Q 10 and Heart Essentials.
Dental Health: Perio Support, Biotene products, CET dentifrice and brushes and CET Chews.
Digestive System Issues: Acetylator, Fast Balance GI, Oli-vet, Prozyme, Fortiflora, Laxatone, Laxanip, Vetasyl, Dr. Dan’s Catty Acids, and Dr. Dan’s Digestive Enzymes and Specific Diets.
Ear Issues: DermaStrength, Cell Advance and T8 Solution.
Eyes: Lysine and Herbal Eye Wash.
Kidney Problems: Renal Essentials, Renal K +, Azoldyl, Renakare, and Specific Diets.
Liver Issues: Liver Defense, Dr. Dan’s Little Liver Pills, and Specific Diets.
Skin Problems: Derma Strength, Nu- Cat, Nu- Cat Senior, Dream Coat, Homeopet Skin and Itch, Dr. Dan’s Medicated Shampoo and Specific Diets.
Vitamins for all stages of your Furchild’s life: Nu Cat, Nu Cat Senior, Felovite, Flavor Tablets, Felo Form, Liquitinic, Nutrived Chews and Wellness Welltabs.
Dr. Robin also has pet specific mixtures that include:
Hawthorn Blend, Milk thistle, Melatonin, Homeopathic Tincture remedies, Heart Harmony, Holistic Antimicrobial Ear Drops, Herbal Cancer Support Liquid, Mast Cell Tumor Treatment and other specific remedies.
With the Vacation Season here we also have several products for travel anxiety and stress. These include:
Anxiety drops, Anxiety FTLN , Anxiety Travel, Composure Liquid, and specific flower essence and homeopathic remedies.
We also have a pet sitter’s proxy form so your pets will be treated in case of an emergency while you are away.
Are Supplements Right for My Cat?
Every day I take a multivitamin. And I take a different vitamin now at my age than I did when I was in my twenties. Well, believe it or not, your cat can also benefit by certain vitamins and nutrients. If you’re feeding your cat homemade meals they absolutely will benefit. There are additional benefits if your cat has any of the “chronic” conditions listed above. As cats age they do not digest as well as they once did and do not get all the benefits of the food they eat. So, just like us, they can benefit from supplements from vitamins and minerals to herbs and whole foods. Our bodies want to heal themselves and stay in balance. Nutritional supplements are one way we can provide our bodies with the building blocks they need to stay balanced.
August is Odor Control Month
CAT ODOR PROBLEMS
Cat odor can be unpleasant for you and your family, and a source of embarrassment when company calls. Because germs are the leading cause of odor, odor control and good hygiene are also important to the health of your family and your pet. Odor control is not a single-source problem with a single-source solution. That’s why we find a multi-focal approach to odor control to be the most effective.
1. Replace your current litter, if your cat seems not to be impressed by it. A clumping litter is usually preferred as the urine and feces are easily “covered” and removed by you. But each cat is different and has their own preference for the right texture for their paws. Just be aware of the many types of litter, so you may find the one that makes your furbaby happiest.
2. Freshen Up. You don’t like a dirty bathroom, and neither does your cat. Your cat’s sense of smell is 1000 times better than yours, so be sure to clean the litter box thoroughly. Remove feces and urine clumps daily; if your cat does not respond to a clean litter box, you may need to replace it. Some old boxes become scratched and permeated with a scent your cat may find offensive. Replace it and set up a second litter box in a different area. Having one more litter box than you have cats is a good idea, just be sure the boxes are not next to each other.
3. Destroy the Evidence. Once a cat has marked an area with urine or feces, a problem cat naturally regards it as an appropriate area for relieving himself. Do all that you can to eliminate any trace of odor from the “trouble spot”. By using an Ultra-Violet light you will be able to fine the urine as well as know if it has been removed fully. Clean the area thoroughly with a product specific to cat urine such as Cat Odor-Off or Dr. Elsey’s Urine Removal Program. Avoid ammonia based cleaners, which actually contribute to the problem because of their urine like scent. Try to keep your cat away from the trouble spot by covering the area with a plastic carpet runner placed spike side up, self-sticking shelf paper placed sticky side up, or aluminum foil. A lemon-scented air freshener will also help in both repelling the cat and neutralizing the odor. If your cat still can’t resist the area, try placing its food there, cats are unlikely to urinate or defecate where they eat. Use your cat’s own fragrance to your advantage: rub a cloth between your cat’s eye and ear to pick up its scent, then rub the cloth over the problem area. You can also use Feliway. This feline behavior modification spray mimics a cat’s natural facial pheromone…it’s a comforting, reassuring feeling that reduces the impulse to urine mark or scratch. Recognizing this friendly scent on walls, curtains, or furniture, a cat is usually reluctant to mark the area again. Do this two to three times a say to be most effective. Cat Attract and Feliway make a great combination.
4. Consider a Litter Box Makeover. Hooded liter boxes are designed for owners, not cats. Try removing the lid and rethink the location of the boxes. They should be in quiet, out-of-the-way places with convenient access for your cats. Keep the boxes away from bright lights, loud noises and vibrations. Set up one more litter box than the number of cats in your household to cut down on traffic and mess. If your house has several floors, have a box on each level. Finally, do not put a litter box near the cat’s food dishes— this is no more appealing for a kitty than it would be for you!
5. Treat your cat to some R & R. Stress is the leading cause of litter box problems. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to ease your cat’s worried mind. Territorial by nature, cats need to feel secure in their environment in order to relax. In multiple cat households, make sure each cat has a separated “zone” with its food, water, litter box, scratching post, toys and elevated perch for lounging on. Play with your cat for at least 15 minutes every day, make sure there are plenty of toys to stalk and chase and that toys are rotated to keep them interesting. Hide treats and pieces of dry food for your cat to hunt and eat. Leave the radio on while you are away to reduce boredom. There are many behavioral modification toys that can help relax even the most high-strung kitty. .If you have specific needs that are not addressed above, feel free to discuss your needs with our helpful staff.
September is National Rabies Awareness Month
Rabies Fact Sheet
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease affecting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is transmitted from infected mammals and is always fatal once symptoms appear. Fortunately, only a few human cases are reported each year in the United States.
Who gets Rabies?
All warm blooded mammals including man can get rabies. Among wild animals, rabies is most often seen in raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes.
How do people get Rabies?
People can get rabies if they are exposed to the saliva or nervous tissue of a rabid animal through a bite or scratch. Although rare, exposure can also occur if infected saliva or nervous tissue gets into a fresh wound (one that has bled within 24 hours) or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth). There have also been a few cases of person to person transmission in corneal transplant recipients when it was not knows that donors were infected with rabies.
Can people be exposed to Rabies and not know it?
Bats have small, sharp teeth that may not leave a visible puncture wound or noticeable pain at the bite site, therefore it is possible to be bitten without knowing it as described in the following scenarios. These scenarios indicate a reasonable probability that an exposure could have occurred:
+ Contact between a person’s bare skin and the bat’s head ( or any part of the bat while not looking directly at the bat)
+ Bat found in a room with a sleeping person
+ Bat found in a room with an unattended child
+ In some circumstances, bat found close to an unattended child outdoors
+ Bat found in a room with a person under the influence of alcohol or drugs or with other sensory or mental impairment
What should be done if a bat is found indoors?
If the bat is found in any scenarios indicating reasonable probability of exposure, as listed above, it should be captured and tested for rabies. To avoid losing the bat, leave one person in the room watching it with doors and windows closed, while another person goes to get a coffee can, lid, gloves or similar equipment to capture it. Your county health authority may also be contacted for advice on how to capture the bat and submit it for rabies testing. If it is certain the bat did not have contact with a person or pet, the bat can be allowed to leave through an open window. Do not exit the room until you observe the bat leaving through the window. Close the window when the bat leaves.
What are the symptoms of Rabies?
Early symptoms include irritability, headache, fever and sometimes itching or pain at the site of exposure. Within days, the disease progresses to paralysis, spasms of the throat muscles, convulsions, delirium, and death.
How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
The incubation period (time between exposure and the start of symptoms) is variable but is normally two to eight weeks. Incubation periods of over one year have been reported.
What is the treatment for Rabies?
First, the wound should be washed with lots of soap and water. Treatment consists of one dose of rabies immune globulin (dosage dependent on body weight) and five doses of rabies vaccine given on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28 after exposure. The rabies immune globulin should be given as soon as possible after the exposure. The full amount should be put into the wound, if possible. The first dose of vaccine should be given at the same time but in a different site, usually the upper arm.
What happens if a rabies exposure goes untreated?
Exposure to a rabid animal does not always result in rabies. If treatment is obtained promptly following a rabies exposure, most cases of rabies will be prevented. Untreated cases will invariably result in death.
What can be done to protect a pet from Rabies?
All cats, dogs and ferrets should be vaccinated against rabies starting at three to four months of age and again one year later. After that they should be placed on a one or three year schedule, depending on the vaccine used, and their level of exposure, for regular booster shots.
Why is pet vaccination important?
Pet vaccination is important because vaccinated pets act as a barrier between wild animals and people to keep the rabies virus from spreading.
What should be done if a vaccinated pet fights with another animal?
Any time your pet fights with a wild animal, or another pet, contact your county health authority for advise on what to do. Even though your pet has been vaccinated, a booster dose of rabies vaccine may be needed within 5 days of the incident. If you pet fought with a known or suspect-rabid animal this will keep your pet from getting rabies as a result of the current incident. (Your pet’s vaccine must be current for this booster)
What can be done to prevent the spread of Rabies?
Exposure to rabies may be minimalized by:
+ removing all stray dogs and cats
+ having all pets vaccinated and keeping them up-to-date on their vaccinations
+ avoiding contact with all wild animals, especially those acting abnormally
