February 2010 Newsletter

Lone Mountain Animal Hospital
February 2010 Newsletter

Who’s Your Daddy?- Mixed Breed DNA Testing
Do you love your mixed breed dog, but wish you knew more about his breed origins. If so, then this month’s clinic special can help you answer that question and more. During March 2010 our hospital is running a clinic special called “Who’s Your Daddy”. Have your dog’s genetic analysis tested during March and receive $60 in savings.

We have chosen to offer the Wisdom Panel Professional DNA Test at LMAH because of the many benefits with this test over other DNA methods. The test screens from over 200 pure breeds, offers an adult size predictor, and pre-screening for certain breed related genetic diseases such as: Multi-Drug Sensitivity in Collie type breeds, Exercise Induced Collapse in Labradors, and various retinal diseases noted in purebreds.

All it takes is a quick, simple blood draw for your dog’s DNA testing. Call 645-3116 for more information or to schedule testing.

Pet of the Month
Say Hello to “Hot Wheels” our March 2010 Pet of the Month. He’s a fun loving guy that enjoys cruising on his dad’s Harley. Visit our website to see his photo and bio at www.lmah.net

Dog Ear Implants- Cosmetic Surgery for Dogs?
Cropping ears has been a surgical procedure performed on some dog breeds throughout the years including breeds such as Dobermans, Great Danes, and Boxers. Ear cropping is controversial since the surgery isn’t required for health reasons and is purely a cosmetic surgery. The surgery consists of surgically trimming the ear cartilage and then taping the ears to “train” them to stand. For some breeds the results are straightforward, but for others the ears won’t stand without weeks or months of ear taping. And in some cases the ears fail to stand or may even become deformed.

Ear Cropping is not a service offered at LMAH, but we do field a lot of questions about pets with unfavorable ear crop results, or pets that suffer ear trauma from injuries. One possible solution to correct an ear that won’t stand erect is an ear implant for dogs, called the PermaStay Ear implant. The implant is made of a surgical mesh with a plastic spine that supports the ear cartilage, and helps the ear stand upright.

Is there much of a place for doggie ear implants? Some breed rescue groups find that purebred dogs that have uneven cropped ears or a single floppy ear, may be harder to get adopted than one with perfect ears. But does a dog’s physical appearance really matter, or do the imperfections just create more character? Perhaps the ear implant will find some value for a select amount of veterinary patients, but until changes are made at the AKC and other breed clubs, ear copping and the controversy associated with it will still exist.