Creepy Things that will be here long past October....

  As a veterinary technician who is all too familiar with all of the different parasites, viruses, and other “creepy things” that can be a threat to our pets and our families, I am often surprised at how many of our pet owners are not aware of the common parasites that are a threat to pets and family members in our area, how easy they are to prevent, and the illnesses in people and pets that these parasites can cause.

  As a mommy to 5 furry kids and 3 human kids, the dangers are all too real to me and what better month than October, the month of creepy and yucky things, to share with all of you the things every parent of pets or kids should know!!

  Every pet owner should have a basic idea of how to keep their family protected from parasites. The most devastating of these parasites being heartworms, which all pets are at risk of contracting, but these are 100% preventable.

  Most pet owners are aware of the parasites that we can see with the eye, but we should all also be aware of the parasites that our pets can come into contact with that we typically do not see…

Heartworms:

Symptoms

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Tires easily
• Sudden death

Transmission

• Pets are infected by mosquitos who have also bitten an infected pet
• Indoor and outdoor pets are at risk, in fact, 25% of cats who test positive for heartworms are reported to be indoor only by their owners.
• Dogs and cats are at risk.

Treatment is available for dogs who are infected with heartworms, but it can be costly, dogs must be activity restricted for up to 6 months.

 There is no available treatment for cats!

Testing

• A simple blood test can tell us if a pet has contracted heartworms. We often include this in your pet’s annual blood screening each year.
• For pets on regular monthly preventative, we test yearly to ensure the medication is acting effectively.
• For pets who have not been on preventative or has missed doses, we will test initially then retest in 6 months.(heartworm tests look for the prescence of adult worms and it takes six months from the time a mosquito bites your pet until the worms are adults detectable by testing)
• Cats do not have to be tested prior to starting prevention

Prevention

• For dogs: we recommend Sentinel or Interceptor to provide the most complete coverage, however, at the current time, it is in short supply and we are recommending the next best product(Trifexis) until those products are available again.
• For cats: We recommend Revolution
• Heartworms are 100% preventable!!!!

Intestinal Parasites

Common intestinal parasites in our area

• Hookworms – transmitted through infected stool or from the pets mother, contagious to humans, very common in our area
• Roundworms - transmitted through infected stool or from the pets mother, contagious to humans, very common in our area, carried by the majority of puppies/kittens.
• Tapeworms – transmitted through fleas, contagious to humans, egg packets in the stool may or may not be visually apparent
• Whipworms - transmitted through infected stool, common in our area, long treatment period is needed
• Coccidia – Most common in stray or shelter pets and pediatric patients, contagious to humans, but only in rare instances
• Giardia – transmitted through contaminated water or grooming other infected pets. Contagious to humans, but only in rare instances.

Symptoms

• Somestimes none
• Vomiting/diarrhea
• Weight loss

  Transmission

• Fecal – oral(through infected stool of other animals)
• Contracted from the pets mother at birth
• Hunting rodents or other pests
• Fleas
• Grooming other pets

Testing

• A stool specimen is colected and we look for evidence of these microscopic parasites not typically visible in the stool.
• Yearly testing is recommended for all pets on regular prevention
• More frequent testing is recommended for outdoor cats, pets who hunt, pets who visit dog parks or daycares.

Prevention

• Monthly prevention(Sentinel/Interceptor for dogs or Revolution for cats) prevents the most common intestinal parasites.
• Remove pet droppings from your yard frequently – daily is best, but minimally 2-3 times weekly.
• Keep sandboxes covered when not in use
• Do not allow your pet to drink from standing water or streams – these may be contaminated with animal feces
• Keep your pets flea free

For more information on heartworms and intestinal parasites visit:

http://www.heartwormsociety.org

http://www.petsandparasites.org/

In case of Emergency

In the event of an emergency, have you thought of your pets left alone at home? For safety, we are encouraged to carry pertinent personal informationin our wallet or on our cell phone, but we may forget that in the event of an emergency, our pets may be overlooked and alone without care. This is especially true for persons living alone with pet companions.

 Putting contact information  and care information in your wallet for your pet will help to ensure that your pets will be well taken care of in the event of an emergency.

Animal Medical Clinic provides, at no cost, pet identification cards through our e-pet health services that can be used to provide this much needed information. These cards can also be used as proof of vaccination and a brief medical record if your pet is visiting another facility such as a groomer, boarding/daycare facility, or the emergency room.

Visit our website to learn more about e-pet health and pet identification cards!

Online pharmacies

  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!!!

 

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

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

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

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.