AMC of Goose Creek

Online pharmacies

2012-02-27T13:27:00.000-08:00

This week, one of our pet parents came in to ask some questions about purchasing his pets' parasite preventions through an online pharmacy. He came in with the same thought that many of our clients have after seeing the many web and television advertisements - "online pharmacies can save me money". He wanted to do the right thing for his pet, but in these tougher economic times like many fo us, he was trying to save money on his purchase.

Like many consumers, he wasn't really aware of the cost differences and product information that makes pharmacy purchases through your pet's veterinrian the better choice. So I invited him in to answer his questions, the same questions we hear regarding online pharmacies all the time:

1. Why is it so much more expensive to purchase my pet's medication here?
Honestly, although many internet and catalog pharmacies advetise that their medications are less expensive, in many cases when our clients check the actual costs, most medications, especially parasite preventions are as much as $10 - 40 less here at the hospital. The manufacturers also often offer additional rebates that are only available when you are purchasing your pet's medication here that reduces the cost even further.
We try to find as many ways as possible to save our clients money on their pets medications. Some of these cost savings include rebates, savigs clubs offered through manufacturers, bulk supply special orders, and our discount $5/$10 prescription list to name a few.

2. Why do you discourage purchasing my pet's medications online?
There are several reasons we discourage purchasing your pet's medications through online pharmacies.

Many manufacturers of parasite prevention offer guarantess on their products. This means if the product fails, the maufacturer will cover the costs of any needed treatment. This mainly applies to heartworm preventatives. Since many of these manufacturers do not sell their products to online pharmacies, they cannot guarantee that the medications purchased online are effective, have been handled correctly, or that it is even the correct product inside the package. For all of these reasons, the manufacturers will not extend any guarantees or warranties to purchases that are not made through a licensed veterinarian.
Your veterinarian knows your pet's medical history and what medications they are taking. Many prescriptions and even non-prescription supplements can have interactions that can make your pet ill or in some cases even be fatal. Before recommending a medication or supplement for your pet , your veterinarian reviews your pet's medical history and current medications to ensure that that it is appropriate and safe for your pet.
All of the products purchased here come with a person. By that I mean that if you have a question about your pet's mediaction or it's effects, our trained medical team is here to help you by answering questions, discussing how to effectively utilize the product, or medicating with the drug manufacturer if needed.

Visit the FDA consumers site for more information!!

3. It is often difficult to come by to pick up my pet's medications. Is ther an easier way?
Yes! We certainly understand that it can sometimes be difficult to come into the office to pick up medications. If you are unable to come in, dependant on the type of medications we can:

Mail it to your home via USPS. Being located in Goose Creek, with it's high military population, we are very familiar with mailing medication to our clients. Most medications are shipped within the continental US for between $1 - 5.
Some medications can be shipped directly to your home from the distributors warehouse through our proxy service.
This year we will be launching our online store through our website and you will be able to order your pet's refills on our website and have them shipped right to your door. There will even be an option for automatic refill.

We can also help with reminding you when your pet's medications need to be refilled. Our client services team offers phone and email reminders - just let us know which you prefer and we'll be happy to set it up for you. You can also set up email or text reminders directly from your pet portal or at the remindmypet.com website offered through Novartis.

We always want to ensure that all of our patients receive their recommended medications. If you are having difficulty purchasing your pet's medication, ask us what options are available for your pet.

Now offering home visits!!!

2011-10-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

Is it difficult to convince your pets to come to the vet?

Let the vet come to your pet!!!!!

Animal Medical Clinic of Goose Creek

We are now offering routine wellness care and hospice care visits for your pets in your home!!

We are very excited to be offering this service to patients in the Goose Creek, Summerville, Moncks Corner, Hanahan, and North Charleston communities.

Home visits are now available on Tuesdays – Appointments are limited, so contact our client service team to schedule your visit today!!

(843)-569-3647

info@amcgoose.com

www.amcgoose.com

K-Laser Therapy

2011-05-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

As we recently inquired this equipment at Animal Medical Clinic of Goose Creek, I am eager to learn and see what laser therapy can do for our patients.

My own personal experience began on just day after we got this unit. My 6 year old cat Crickett (other wise known as "troublemaker") came home with swelling to the left side of his jaw. After radiographs and an exam, we found no cause for this inflammation. Therefore I presented Crickett for laser therapy to the affected area. As I witnessed the treatment, I was in awe over the amount of relaxation and comfort immediately presented by Crickett. He took it like a champ!

I left cricket overnight to basically keep him out of trouble for 24 hours (this was very rough for him). Upon arriving at the clinic the next morning, I observed his swelling and irritation as being around 95% decreased, keep in mind no antiinflammatory medications were given to him. We preformed another therapy session and again the same response presented by cricket. I must say I was thinking “it's amazing how this works on pets”. Well, I’m here to say it truly does and I’m the first one to say “it works”.

Currently Crickett is back home with his siblings and back to being in trouble once again, I’m sure more laser therapy will be in his future.

Ask your pet's vet if they are a canidate for Laser therapy!

Charlene, owned by Crickett

Spring Dangers

2011-04-28T15:11:00.000-07:00

Pets can find and ingest a strange assortment of things and as a pet owner, it is important to examine your environment and recognize any potential hazard. There are many internet sites available which are invaluable in identifying potential poisonous plants, shrubs, or food items dangerous if eaten by your pet. (i.e. http://www.aspca.org/) Your veterinarian is also an important source of information regarding hazards .

As we begin our spring gardening, we must remember what we use to fertilize and kill weeds could be harmful to animals. Please be careful when placing rodent and/or ant killer least they be considered a “tasty treat”. Disposal of any chemical ( especially anti-freeze) should be done according to directions since run-off and/or pooling could be swallowed.

Human medication left out by accident can easily be eaten by a pet . Holiday candy ( chocolate!) and decorations ( i.e. Christmas tinsel, Easter grass, glass balls) are also potential hazards. Sewing items, loose change, hair ties, clothing , jewelry, small toys, and nails are just a few items which have had to be removed surgically from the stomach or intestines of pets!

If you suspect your pet has ingested something hazardous or injurious ,you should seek medical attention immediately. Some signs of potential poisoning or injury are:

Vomiting

Lethargy

Excessive drooling

Tremors

Unsteady gait

Seizures

Please do not hesitate to call us at Animal medical Clinic if you have any questions and/or concerns.

LETS HAVE A SAFE YEAR!

LYN

Goose Creek Bed and Biscuit

2011-03-08T09:22:00.000-08:00

With spring and summer approaching, many of us will be looking forward to traveling and many pets will be visiting the Bed and Biscuit. Pets that are new to boarding or do not visit us frequently may be nervous about staying with us while their parents are out of town.

When my dog, Tab, visits the Bed and Biscuit here are some things I try to do to make her more comfortable during her stay:

v Before Tab’s first overnight stay, she visited for a couple days of daycare. This allowed her to get used to the surroundings and the caregivers. It also allowed her to get used to being dropped off with them and mommy always returned at the end of the day.

v I always pack a ziploc bag of Tab’s regular food that she eats at home. Bringing her regular food decreases the chances that she will have an upset tummy due to a change in diet. It also makes her feel more at home I think. I usually also pack some of her favorite treats that her caregivers can give her after her evening walk.

v Tab always takes her favorite toy, fluffy star to the Bed and Biscuit with her. She can play with it and cuddle with it and it it smells like home.

v I usually provide Tab with a TLC package. The caregivers at Bed and Biscuit offer several packages that offer your pet more one on one time with a caregiver. It could be extra treats, teeth brushing, tossing a ball, or maybe an extra walk. During the warmer months, they even have sprinkler playtime. Tab prefers the movie star package. I think she just wants to eat her weight in pupcorn….

v I always make sure that when I fill out Tab’s paperwork, that all of my contact information is up to date and if they need to reach me while I am out of town, they can and if not they can reach someone if Tab has a problem or they have a question about her care.

I’m looking forward to my vacation and I know Tab is going to have a great time with all her friends at the Bed and Biscuit.

Welcome to our blog!!!!!

2011-03-08T09:05:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the AMC Goose blog!!! All of us here are super excited about being able to share our thought, ideas and information with you from our blog! Look for regular posts from all of our team members and let us know if there is a subject you’d like us to discuss.

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