Pet of the Month
A doggy hello goes out to "Isabella", our June 2009 recognized Pet
of the Month. "Isabella" is really more of a queen around the clinic
and her loyal followers often greet her with, "Hi Izzy!" Visit our
website at www.lmah.net to learn more about our Pet of the Month
winner.
Pet Friendly Surgery Visits
Surgery may be necessary for every pet at some time. Fortunately
there are some important steps you can take to help ease your pet
through the surgery experience. To minimize complications with
vomiting and anesthesia, make sure food is restricted for dog and
cat patients 12 hours prior to surgery. Inquire about the surgery
and how it will impact your pet's daily activities and that in your
household. Some common surgery timing mistakes include: scheduling
surgery and taking pet traveling soon afterwards, scheduling
grooming visits while suture area is still healing, and not having
sufficient post-op supervision in the day(s) following the surgery.
A favorable surgical outcome is partly due to the surgery itself,
and partly due to proper post-op care. Be sure to follow your
veterinarian's recommendations on any activity restrictions, diet
changes, and incision care. Often Elizabethan collars are sent home
with our surgical patients to keep pets from chewing their
incisions. If you are looking for a kinder, more comfortable
substitute for the typical lampshade-style collar, then try the
inflatable Elizabethan collar called the "Pro-Collar."
Our doctors take every possible step to manage our patients'
surgical pain- even before the surgery begins. Various methods of
pain control may be used for your pet including injections, nerve
blocks, liquids, or tablets. It is well known that our pets feel
pain just as we do, but they don't verbalize it outwardly. So, be
sure to use any pain medications as prescribed. Before scheduling
your pet's surgery ask about the possibility of using laser surgery
for your pet. Laser surgery can help minimize surgical pain,
swelling, and bleeding over traditional scalpel surgery.
After the surgery, keep your pet in a quiet, comfortable area where
you can monitor his/her recovery. Return for any scheduled surgical
recheck visits. Do not hesitate to call with any questions or
concerns during the post-op period.
Beware of Slithering Snakes
The rattlesnake is a well respected inhabitant of our desert which
can pose a danger to both people and pets. Dogs tend to be a common
victim of snake bites because of their curious nature and tendency
to stumble upon snake habitats. Any snake bite is a medical
emergency and minutes count - see your veterinarian immediately. Do
not attempt to cut the bite area or suck the venom out of wound.
Snake bites may result in tissue damage, pain, infection, shock,
bleeding disorders, and even death. Bites on the head tend to be
more serious for the pet. Degree of illness is also related to the
amount of venom injected by the snake. Aggressive medical treatment
is warranted for any snake bite, and may include the use of
antivenin which can help neutralize the effects of the venom.
Pets at risk for frequent rattlesnake exposure may benefit from the
use of the rattlesnake vaccine. This vaccine does not prevent
illness from a bite, but is believed to decrease the severity of the
illness from the bite.
Tips to Avoid Snake Encounters:a.. Stay on hiking trails
b.. Be vigilant- watch and listen!
c.. Do not allow your dog to roam in the desert
d.. Enroll your dog in "Snake Avoidance Classes"
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