Gilcrease Sanctuary Fire
On Friday, March 19th an electrical fire broke out at the Gilcrease
Nature Sanctuary in Las Vegas. The sanctuary houses approximately a
thousand birds including parrots, owls, ducks and quail. The fire
sadly took the lives of over 200 birds and a guard dog. Local
veterinarians responded to the Sanctuary’s veterinary needs and
provided emergency medical care and temporary housing of injured
birds. LMAH was one of several veterinary clinics that served in
that capacity. The doctors and staff at LMAH have been
rehabilitating three parrots that suffered from smoke inhalation and
burn injuries. The staff is pleased to see our feathered friends
improving. In fact, one special bird we call “Harry” is being
recognized as our April 2010 Pet of the Month.
The public has been very generous in helping the Sanctuary with
donations. For more information on the sanctuary and how you can
donate, please visit their website at:
http://www.naturesanctuarygilcrease.org/default.htm
Pet of the Month
The staff of LMAH was pleased to nominate “Harry” as our April Pet
of the Month. “Harry” has a special story of survival from the
Gilcrease fire. Visit our website to learn more about “Harry” at
www.lmah.net (click
here to leave the newsletter and go to the featured pet's
page).
What Happens in Las Vegas? Parasites Do
Would you be surprised to hear that parasites are a risk to pets in
Las Vegas? Many Las Vegas pet owners incorrectly assume that
parasites cannot exist in our climate and aren’t a risk to their
pets. Well, we know that Mother Nature has created parasites that
can survive in extreme environments across the globe- and our Mojave
Desert is no different.
- Important statistics to know:
- Heartworm disease has been diagnosed in all 50 continental
states.
- Approximately 1.2% of dogs tested for heartworm in the Western
U.S were positive for heartworm. (Veterinary Forum, September
2008)
- Near 10% of fecal samples submitted from LMAH patients were
positive for some type of internal parasite in 2009. (Antec
Laboratories- LMAH statistical report)
- The most common parasite identified on fecal tests across the
Las Vegas area in 2009 was the microscopic parasite Giardia which
can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. (Antec
Laboratories- Las Vegas statistics)
Parasites and parasite borne diseases can be prevented by
following a complete approach using regular testing and deworming
strategies. To learn more about how to ensure your pet is protected,
call to speak with a Lone Mountain Animal Hospital staff member. Or
visit the Companion Animal Parasite Council by clicking on the
following link:
Companion Animal Parasite Council—Pets and Parasites
Information for Pet Owners
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