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Winter Newsletter 2014
Give the gift of a Wellness Exam and check up for your furry friend!
Get your pet checked for arthritis! The cold weather of winter can wreak havoc with pets. If you have noticed that your canine companion is stiff on rising, has a limp, or is reluctant to jump into the car or your feline friend is reluctant to jump onto your furniture, then it may be time to have their joints checked out! Arthritis is not just a disease of the elderly - One in five dogs over 1 year of age is affected. Arthritis needs to be attacked from many different angles. Weight loss, exercise modification, and diet all need to be addressed. MVC will be able to advise you on appropriate medications for your pet, from prescriptions that slow down the progression of arthritis and keep the joints happy longer to anti-inflammatory medications and pain relief (including Laser Therapy!) DO NOT give your pet any medications (including aspirin) without consulting your veterinarian first. Call us and we would be happy to schedule an appointment 717-485-3552.
DO NOT STOP FLEA AND TICK PREVENTION IN THE COLDER MONTHS! Do not forget about keeping fleas and ticks away. EVEN IN THE WINTER! Winter does not mean the end of bug season! The flea is a persistent and resilient pest with a complicated life cycle. It is capable of surviving in outdoor temperatures as low as the 30 degrees. Ticks are also capable of surviving winter temperatures when they are able to find a host to feed from or a warm location to hide in during the coldest weather months!
Continue Heartworm prevention (Heartgard) year-round! The American Heartworm Society's guidelines recommend this as well, due to the fact it is impossible to predict when the last infected mosquito in the house or outdoor environment will die in the fall or reappear in the spring, making heartworm a threat all year round! A blood test checking for Heartworm disease is done yearly at your pet's Annual Wellness exam and this combination test also tests for Lyme disease and 2 other tick-bourne diseases. What a deal! (www.heartwormsociety.org)
The final word on avoiding parasitic infestations of ANY kind is to use preventions. Remember that while fleas, ticks, and mosquitos may seem to be merely nuisances, they are capable of causing severe health problems for your four-legged family members, from heartworm disease, lyme disease, skin disorders and infections, to anemia. It is better to prevent than treat! Ask our staff about our products and manufacturer's discounts/rebates and product guarantees!
Get your pet a Microchip for the holidays! MVC will administer the microchip and lifetime register your pet for you! (You also can get a Lifetime dog license if your pet has a microchip!) A collar with tags can break or become unreadable, so if you want to improve your pet's chances of getting home fast and safe in case they go missing, microchipping is your best option. Microchipping offers pet owners the security and peace of mind that comes from a permanent pet identification technology. Ask our staff to demonstrate the microchip scanner for you or if your pet is already microchipped, we can scan your pet to verify the chip!Please visit MVC's Giving Tree. We are accepting donations of pet food, treats, toys and monetary donations to be given to local shelters. With each donation, you can pick an ornament to write your pet's name on and hang on the tree!
Your best friend, our best medicine.
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Fall 2014 Newletter
The Importance of an Annual Wellness Exam for your pet
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
One of the greatest challenges a veterinarian faces in the health and wellness care of our beloved furry friends is knowing when something is wrong with them, and what it is that's wrong! Sometimes reading their cues can be difficult but what REALLY adds to the challenge is that dogs and cats are built by nature to hide symptoms of unwellness and illness-even when they appear to be doing fine, a health problem could be brewing! The good news is, despite these challenges, catching (and treating) disease early in our four legged family members can be done with a thorough REGULAR YEARLY WELLNESS EXAM. Early detection is a way of caring for your pet that allows diagnoses of potential diseases before they become a serious issue with more likelihood of being treated and resolved with less expense, less difficulty and better success, and less discomfort for your pet. By following your veterinarian's recommendations, many diseases can be caught early, perhaps adding years to your pet's life!
Because your pet ages more quickly than you do, it is essential that you take your pet for a yearly wellness exam. So much can change with regard to your pet's physical health in such a short amount of time, you can't afford to have your pet miss even one exam! That would be like you not seeing a physician, dentist, or eye doctor in six to eight years!
With time limits on everyday schedules, you can check several things off your to-do-list at once at your pets Annual Wellness Exam: updating vaccinations, discussing flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention, intestinal parasite prevention, and other preventative measures!
From the tip of their nose to the end of their tail! Your pet will be thoroughly examined for a variety of signs that might point to a brewing illness!
Other important topics discussed during your pets exam are diet and feeding/eating habits, behavioral concerns or questions, changes in pet's behavior, and disease management. Keeping your pet fit is a very important factor that will increase the lifespan of your dog or cat. Make sure you invest in a good quality food!Since dogs and cats age significantly faster than people, we have a much shorter window of opportunity to find, treat and possibly cure disease and illness. Cats need extra attention! Cats are very good at hiding diseases, subtle changes such as weight loss, eating less, not greeting you, urinating outside of the litter box ARE in fact significant with cats and should prompt a call to the veterinarian. Combined with the fact that our furry friends can't tell us when they don't feel well, then the importance of an Annual Wellness Exam becomes clear!
Don't try to diagnose your pet! When in doubt, don't consult with Dr. Google! When your pet has a problem, you need professional eyes, ears, hands, and sometimes diagnostic tests to help assess your pet.
We are here to do our best to make sure you and your furry family members have many wonderful years together. A healthy pet is a happy pet!
Save yourself a trip to the Pet ER, schedule your pets Annual Wellness Exam!
Please call McConnellsburg Veterinary Clinic and we would be happy to schedule your pet's visit at 717-485-3552.Your best friend, our best medicine.
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Summer 2014 Newsletter
The Dog Days of Summer!
McConnellsburg Veterinary Clinic (MVC) wants to remind you to schedule your pet's Annual Wellness Exam appointment to keep your pet happy and healthy during the warmer months and throughout the year! A Wellness Exam is a must! Make sure your pet is up to date on all necessary vaccinations! Your Canine Companion should be tested for Heartworm and Lyme disease every year and on a monthly preventative (Heartgard) lifelong. Heartworm disease is found in all 50 states. It is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito to your pet. Heartworm prevention is much safer and more economical than treating the disease. Call MVC to schedule your pet for a checkup so you can spend the sunny days of summer outdoors with a healthy, happy companion! As the weather warms up, we want to remind pet owners that there are ways to help pets beat the heat. By following a few simple rules, it is easy to keep your pet safe while still having fun in the sun!
Lyme Disease: This disease is not only a threat to your four legged friend, but to humans as well, it is transmitted by the deer tick. The first line of defense for your pet is a tick and flea preventative from your veterinarian and the second defense is the Lyme vaccine. If your pet spends time outdoors and you live in the Tri-state area, your dog is at risk!
Keep Cool: Pets can become overheated and/or dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of water when it is hot outdoors. Make sure your pet has a shady place to escape the sun and the hot asphalt that can burn your pet's paw pads. Symptoms include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, drooling, or even collapse.NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET UNATTENDED IN A PARKED VEHICLE! Parked cars can become very hot in a short amount of time, even with windows cracked-leading to heat stroke or death.
Safe Travels: If your pet travels with you, have your pet ride inside your vehicle with you. MVC sees an increase in injuries of dogs as a result of falling out of the back of moving trucks. These injuries can be serious or even fatal.
Warm Weather Parasites: MVC carries several products to keep your pet parasite free! Please contact our clinic to see which product is best for you and your pet! Nexgard is now available-a monthly chew for fleas and ticks!MVC offers Laser Surgery for spay and neuter procedures. What does this mean for you and your pet? Less pain and swelling, quicker recovery, less bleeding, less risk of infection, and less trauma for your pet. MVC is proud to announce the incorporation of Laser Therapy into our post-surgical care, pets with hip dysplasia and arthritis, ligament injuries, lick granulomas, and even Gingivitis! It is used on a variety of conditions to relieve pain and inflammation in a non-invasive way. It is a great tool for pain management! Come ask us about this great new addition to our services! Have a fun, safe summer with your pet!
Your best friend, our best medicine.
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Spring 2015 Newsletter
Get parasites off your back! Let’s face it - parasites are gross!
We are talking to you; fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites!
Why your home is a flea magnet! Outside the home, fleas select protected, shady, undisturbed areas like porches, decks , stairs and around dog houses. Inside the home, fleas thrive from egg to adult in pet beds, under furniture, in between wood floor planks, and deep in carpets. PLUS, they can survive a wide range of temperatures, so even winter is NO guarantee you have seen the last of fleas. Without the ideal temperature, early flea stages lay dormant for up to 6 months! Fleas can do just fine in microenvironments around the home, where temperature and humidity are elevated. 1 Female flea can produce 40-50 eggs per day-that’s nearly 3,000 fleas in 2 months! Fleas and ticks aren’t only repulsive, but they will bite and feed on people and can cause severe infestations that are costly and timely to resolve!
Tick of the month: Deer Tick Please visit our website www.mcconnellsburgvet.com to view an informational video about this pesky parasite! Keep your pets on flea and tick prevention year round. Cold and snowy? No big deal, winter doesn’t bother adult deer ticks, they continue to be active and do not go dormant! Our clinic has several flea and tick preventatives available. Let us help you find which one is best for your pet!
Protect your pet from heartworm for a month for the price of your weekly latte. The cost to treat heartworm disease? 150 times that amount. Heartworm is spread by the bite of just one infected mosquito and is found in all 50 states of the US! Our staff is happy to discuss with you how heartworms can infect your pet and help you getting your pet on heartworm prevention.
Eeekkk, Worms! Also known as intestinal parasites, these foul critters can cause your pet to have diarrhea and even the passing of worms! Making matters worse, some intestinal parasites are “zoonotic” (can be transmitted to people-GROSS!)
Year-round protection is the best defense against fleas, ticks, and heartworms! Annual exams and fecal (or stool) tests are the best defense against intestinal parasites! Our knowledgeable staff can review all of the product options with you!
Your best friend, our best medicine.
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Winter 2015 Newsletter
Have we seen your cat lately?
Pay attention to a few simple details about your cat's daily routine and you will not miss early signs that something is wrong. Noticing subtle changes in normal routines may alert you to an issue that you can address with your veterinarian before it turns into a problem.
Cat owners often express a belief that cats “do not need medical care”. There is a misconception that cats are independent and don’t need the level of care that dogs do. A recent study by Bayer, indicates that 58% of cat owners surveyed say that their cats hate to go to the vet. Many owners state that they avoid veterinary visits for their cat because of the stress of all aspects of the veterinary visit, from getting the cat into the carrier, travel to the clinic, to what happens in the actual visit itself. This results in compromised care for the feline patient. Since cats are masters at hiding their signs of illness, a cooperative effort is needed between the veterinary team and the owner to reduce the stress of the visit so we can provide appropriate medical care and maximize the quality of life for our feline patients.
The 10 subtle signs of sickness: inappropriate elimination behavior, changes in interaction, changes in activity, changes in sleeping habits, changes in food or water consumption, unexplained weight loss or gain, changes in grooming, changes in vocalization, or bad breath
MVC promotes Dental Awareness all year long! Fact: Periodontal disease is considered the most prevalent disease in cats three years of age and older. Dental disease begins when bacteria colonize the mouth and plaque is formed. Over time, the plaque mineralizes and calcifies into tartar. The bacteria continues to accumulate, which leads to inflammation and results in periodontal disease. Additional factors such as misaligned teeth, systemic disease, nutrition, and genetics may also contribute to dental disease. What to look for? Bad breath, dropping food or chewing only on one side of the mouth, facial swellings or draining wounds, bleeding or discharge from the mouth or nose, sneezing, pawing at the mouth, tooth grinding, or discolored teeth. Often there is no OBVIOUS signs of dental disease. Most cats with dental disease still eat without noticeable change in appetite!
MVC is a Feline-Friendly and Fear Free Clinic: Fear Free initiative is part of a growing trend in the veterinary profession to minimize the fear and anxiety associated with veterinary visits for both pets and their owners. MVC is striving to make veterinary visits less stressful for cats by creating a cat-friendly clinic environment and deliver care in a way that acknowledges the essential role of the client before and during the veterinary visit, as well as cats’ unique needs and behaviors.
1 Calming cat pheromone-sprayed towels: MVC keeps a basket of towels sprayed with Feliway Spray, a cat pheromone, to be draped over your pet’s carrier and stay with your pet throughout the exam. Feliway diffusers are also used in the exam room.
2. Bringing a calm cat to the clinic: Get your cat used to the carrier prior to the trip so the carrier becomes a familiar, rather than frightening object. Spraying the carrier with Feliway Spray can help keep your kitty calm.
3. Limit food and treats prior to the appointment: delay feeding prior to the trip to the veterinarian. This will not only reduce the chance of your kitty vomiting (if your cat gets car sick), it will also make them more receptive to treats during the veterinary exam.
4. Cat and Dog reception areas: MVC has a separate cat waiting area to keep your kitty less stressed and away from any dogs.
Your best friend, our best medicine. -
Summer 2016 Newsletter
Breaking News: MVC offers Laser Surgery AND Laser Therapy!
Laser Surgery for Pets? YES!
Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. With Laser surgery, only a beam of laser light touches your pet allowing to create a precise incision where the laser is being used. So precisely in fact, that we can selectively remove only a few cells at a time! The laser has the unique ability to vaporize or “erase” tissue. The laser can be used to make incisions, as well as to erase unhealthy tissue. It allows for less tissue trauma, less bleeding, and minimal swelling after a procedure promoting quicker recovery. In addition, post-surgical pain is reduced! The laser seals nerve endings, kills any bacteria in its path, and also seals the lymphatics, so there is much less swelling.
A laser can be used to perform a wide variety of surgical procedures such as spay/neuters, mass removals, amputations, and oral surgery.
Laser Therapy for Pets? YES!
Laser therapy uses a beam of light to stimulate damaged cells to produce more energy. The cellular function is increased, allowing for rapid absorbtion of nutrients, elimination of wastes, and reproduction/regeneration of new cells, The new cellular activity aids in:
• Alleviating chronic or acute pain
• Reducing inflamation
• Reducing swelling
• Increasing circulation
• Release of endorphines (the body’s natural pain reliever)
• Speeds up healing and recovery
The laser is non-invasive, it is applied directly to the surface of the skin. Laser Therapy usually needs multiple administrations within the first 1-2 weeks of treatment. Then treatments are scheduled further apart until a maintenance level can be reached.
Treatable conditions include:
• Joint injuries
• Ligament or tendon injuries
• Fractures
• Muscle sprain or strains
• Skin lesions or abrasions
• Post-trauma wounds
• Post-surgical incisions
• Arthritis
• Musculoskeletal diseases
• Nerve injury
Such a great addition to pain management!
Vacationing with your pet…
Before leaving for a vacation, make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccines. Review your travel plans with your veterinarian since you may be traveling through areas with a prevalence of disease that your pet is not protected against! Many of these diseases can pose a serious health threat to your pet.
Your pet should be microchipped, carry proof of vaccinations, and carry food/water/treats!
NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A HOT VEHICLE!
ASPCA POISON CONTROL HOTLINE 1-888-426-4435
Your best friend, our best medicine. -
Winter 2016 Newsletter
Does your pet get the winter blues?
Do you find your pet being irritable, sleeping too much, and gaining weight?
Here’s what you can do to help battle cabin fever!
Encourage play time! Cats love to play. Make toys, drag enticing objects around-it’s as easy as batting around a wadded up piece of paper. Anything to keep them busy and burning energy! Have a perch by the window for your cat to watch the birds-free entertainment! For dogs, games like tug-of-war, wrestling, and playing hide and seek can make for a great workout!
Recalculate food quantities! If your dog or cat is not very active indoors, this means they don’t have to eat as much. Less food means less weight gain and more energy! An overweight pet can lead to many health issues.
Enhance scents around the house! Scented goodies keeps dogs busy while searching for a treat. Cats like toys and scratching boards with catnip!
Go outside! Dogs love a good romp in the snow for short periods of time. Keep a watch out for ice forming between your pets’ paw pads.
Oh, the weather outside is painful - Arthritis in pets
During the winter as outdoor activity declines in people and pets, unused joints are often stiffer and more painful. There are many treatments available for arthritis: Welactin –Omega 3 fatty acids with fish oil, Dasaquin-glucosamine and chondroitin, medications for arthritis (NSAID’s) and pain relief (these are monitored closely by the veterinarian), and cold laser therapy. MVC will fit the best treatment(s) for your pet, as treatments are not a “one size fits all”!
Cold Laser Therapy is a non-invasive, painless, and side-effect free therapeutic treatment offered by MVC for your pet. It has offered a new lease on life for countless senior pets suffering from arthritis and degenerative joint disease. It uses a beam of laser light to deeply penetrate tissue without damaging it. It induces a biological response in the cells which leads to reduced pain, reduced inflammation and increases the speed of healing. Most treatments only take a matter of minutes. Treatment protocols are unique to each patient and condition. Treatments vary in time, complexity and costs. Laser therapy can also be used to enhance other treatment plans recommended by MVC. Please call us to schedule a consultation to discuss if your dog or cat could benefit from this wonderful new treatment.
Take advantage of our Laser Therapy Special!
3 treatments plus 1 FREE for $99.00!
So what can you do at home to keep your pet healthy, happy and comfortable? Keep your pet at a healthy weight. Even mild levels of obesity have been shown to cause premature arthritis or worsen existing arthritis. Keep your pets’ joints moving with exercise!
Practice News
3rd Annual “Giving Tree”
MVC is accepting food, treats, bedding, toys, and monetary donations to help local animal welfare groups through December 30th! With each donation, pick out an ornament to hang on tree in memory of a past pet or your current pet!
Holiday Delights!…are not so delightful for your pets! Visit www.aspca.org for holiday safety tips!
ASPCA Poison Control 888-426-4435Have a safe and happy holiday!Your best friend, our best medicine. -
Spring 2017 Newsletter
Ticks, Fleas, and Mosquitos, Oh my! And let’s not leave out worms (intestinal parasites)!
Did you know that one tick bite can transmit MULTIPLE tick-borne diseases?
Ticks pick up pathogens (diseases) from infected wildlife.
Did you know that Pennsylvania is one of the most tick-infested areas of the country? THERE IS NO SIMPLE WAY FOR PET OWNER’S TO TELL IF A TICK IS CARRYING A DISEASE OR NOT, AND IT ONLY TAKES ONE TICK BITE TO INFECT YOUR DOG!
What IS common among tick-borne diseases is that symptoms can be vague and difficult to recognize. Often pet owners don’t know their dog is suffering from a debilitating tick disease until it’s too late! MVC recommends yearly blood testing of 3 tick-borne diseases (Lyme, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis) and Heartworm disease. Your dog may not be exhibiting symptoms and test positive for one of these diseases! MVC sees EXCELLENT treatment success at this stage! Once a pet becomes overtly ill with one of these diseases, they are substantially harder to treat! If a pet is left undiagnosed, these diseases can be fatal, causing organ shut-down!
Preventing a Tick-Borne Infection in your pet
Check for ticks daily, and don’t overlook areas of your pet’s body where ticks can hide, like between the toes, in the earflaps, and around the tail base.
1.Use a tick and flea preventative! MVC has several preventative options to offer! Topicals (K9 Advantix II, Feline Advantage Multi, Frontline Gold for dogs and cats), Collars (Seresto collars for dogs and cats), and Chewable treats (NexGard *This is by prescription only) for dogs
2. Get your pet vaccinated for Lyme disease!
3. Have your dog tested for tick-borne diseases 3-4 weeks after removing a tick!
IF YOU FIND A TICK ON YOUR PET, BE SURE TO REMOVE IT CORRECTLY! Don’t use your bare hands because YOU can become infected by handling or crushing an infected tick. Wear gloves, or even better, use a tick-removing tool! After removal, disinfect your pet’s skin with soapy water. Monitor the attachment site for the next few days. If you notice any irritation or inflammation of the skin, contact us! Lastly, have your dog tested 3-4 weeks after removing the tick.
HUMANS and other non-Canine family members can also become infected with the same tick-borne diseases as dogs. These “cross-species diseases” are known as zoonotic. So, if you live in an area with ticks or if you have EVER found a tick on you or your pet, you should have your pet on YEAR-ROUND tick and flea prevention! This is for not only your pet’s protection, but your human family’s protection as well!
The 2 preventatives recommended for ALL DOGS, LIFELONG are Heartworm/Intestinal Parasite preventatives and Flea/Tick Preventatives. Ask us about which products are best for you and your pet!
Practice News
We have a new relaxing and soothing comfort room for laser therapy, surgical discharges, and end of life services. Our goal is for the clients and pets to be as comfortable and peaceful as possible!
Your Best Friend, Our Best Medicine. -
Summer 2017 Newsletter
Acupuncture is coming to MVC in 2018!
You may be asking yourself, “How can acupuncture help my pet?” Acupuncture stimulates healing and provides effective pain relief. The most common conditions that are treated include traumatic nerve injuries, intervertebral disc disease, degenerative myelopathy, epilepsy, asthma,
allergic dermatitis, lick granulomas, and chronic pain.
The goal of acupuncture is to promote the body to heal itself. Acupuncture enhances blood circulation, nervous system stimulation, and the release of anti-inflammatory and pain relieving hormones.
How does Acupuncture work?
It involves the insertion of needles into body tissue where nerve bundles and blood vessels come together, these are called acupuncture points, which course over all aspects of the body’s surface on meridians (energy channels). The meridians permit a cycle of energy to occur throughout the entire body daily.
Who can do Acupuncture?
The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) was founded in 1975 and established an accreditation program. Many veterinarians are adding this certification to their repertoire. Dr. Shindle will complete her certification in December 2017 from the Chi Institute and will be treating cases in early January 2018!
The addition of this treatment option serves as MVC’s commitment to Pain Management and the healing process for your furry best friend.
Laser Therapy at MVC!
In case you haven’t heard, Laser Therapy is a non-invasive pain management tool and healing stimulant. Please call for additional information!
Laser Special! 3 laser sessions, get one for free!
Pet’s guide to a great summer!
1. Play ball
2. Go swimming,
3. Go for a car ride
4. Take a walk
5. Take a nap
Your best friend, our best medicine. -
Winter 2017 Newsletter
DID YOU SAY ACUPUNCTURE FOR PETS?
YES, we did! Dr. Johnson will be offering Acupuncture at MVC for pets in 2018!
What is ACUPUNCTURE? Ancient theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) describe the body as having a network of energy channels, called meridians, which conduct flow of Qi – the body’s sustaining energy force. Qi regulates bodily functions as it flows to and through all parts of the physical body. When Qi flows in a smooth harmonious manner, the body is more “balanced” and health is the result. From a Western Medicine perspective, these “meridians” also coincide with neural pathways and stimulation via acupuncture can be of benefit to assist with stimulation or sedation of targeted pathways.
Acupuncture has been used in veterinary medicine to promote balance in the body’s energy system and ability to heal. In all animals there are precise locations on or near the surface of the body known as acupuncture points. These points, when stimulated by insertion of a fine stainless steel needle may produce changes in the body’s internal organs and their functions. At MVC, Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs will be used to complement our traditional medicine of physical exams, diagnostics, medications, and laser therapy. Acupuncture supports our “whole body” approach to health care for your pet and offers another treatment modality to ensure we are Leaders in our field catering to all aspects of Well-being for your pet.
Conditions aided by Acupuncture
• Arthritis and Geriatric Decline
• Post -surgical and Post-traumatic pain
• Fore-limb or hind-limb lameness or paralysis
• Neurological disorders
*Remarkable results have been seen with disc disease-daschunds that present paralyzed
• Cruciate ligament disease (ACL tears)
• Back and neck pain
• Vomiting/Diarrhea
• Chronic kidney disease in cats
• Allergies, and many more!
Your best friend, our best medicine.