New Medical Advancements Coming to Animal Care Clinic!

Laparoscopic Surgery 

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive technique used to view internal structures of the abdomen. A laparoscope (camera) is inserted through the incision site and used to magnify the internal structure onto a TV monitor.  Laparoscopy allows a veterinarian to do a more thorough examination while creating a much smaller incision site. This minimizes tissue trauma, decreases pain, and improves patient recovery.

Laparoscopy is used for many different surgical procedures including spays, biopsy, abdominal exploratory surgery, and examination of the ears and nose. Laparoscopy is most commonly used for spays. In a traditional spay (ovariohysterectomy) the ovaries and uterus are removed creating an incision of about 2-4 inches, but with the use of a laparoscope a veterinarian is able to perform an ovariectomy where only the ovaries are removed creating two small incisions typically ¼ - ½ inch in size.  Research has shown that females experience far less surgical stress, up to 65% less post-operative pain, and quicker recovery time.

The disadvantage to a laparoscopic procedure is that they tend to cost a bit more. This is due to additional training required by the veterinarian and significant investments in specially designed instruments like the scope, monitor, table, and port used during laparoscopic procedures.

Take moment and watch a video on laparoscopy given by Dr. Humphries on myvnn.com.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipBn66jcQzE

Our goal at Animal Care Clinic is to minimize your pet’s pain. With the assistance of laparoscopy, we hope to get your pets back to doing what they really love, playing ball or snoozing in the sunshine as soon as possible. We will be offering laparoscopic procedures upon the completion of our remodel as soon as June 2011.  

If you would like more information, please contact us at 503.682.1794 or visit our website at www.animalcarevets.com

Chocolate Toxicity In Animals

Share your love with a real kiss instead of a Hershey’s Kiss:

As we approach Valentine’s Day it is important to remember that even though many of us show our love through sharing/eating chocolate, we can’t show our appreciation for our pets the same way. Chocolate can be toxic to animals in sufficient quantities. This does not mean that if your dog ate one chocolate M&M you must run to the emergency clinic. Chocolate is toxic to both cats and dogs, however cats tend to be much pickier in their food selection and tend to not favor chocolate. Dogs however find it as yummy as most of  us do.

The Cacao bean contains Theobromine, a chemical that humans can easily break down and digest, however animals are unable to. It may take up to 17.5 hours to show evidence of chocolate ingestion, but symptoms can begin as soon as 12 hours. Toxicity from chocolate can affect the nervous system as well as the cardiovascular system. So remember that the more Cacao bean in chocolate the more Theobromine it contains and the more toxic it can be. All chocolate contains some level of Theobromine including milk chocolate and white chocolate, however the more pure, dark, and unsweetened the chocolate is the more Theobromine it contains.

The most common clinical signs include:

Hyper excitement & listlessness

Vomiting & diarrhea

Excessive drinking & urinating

Muscle tremors & seizures
Increased urination
Muscle tremors
In extreme cases coma & death

Treatment:

Unfortunately there is no antidote for chocolate toxicity. When your pet has consumed chocolate and the quantity is unknown the best thing to do is contact your veterinarian immediately! Induce vomiting within the first 1-2 hours is the best first step and administering charcoal will inhibit the absorption of toxins. Supportive care through IV fluids will help prevent dehydration. In extreme cases medications to prevent seizures, muscle tremors, and/or regulate heart rate may be used. 

So on Valentine’s Day it is OK to keep the box of chocolates all to yourself!!

Leptospirosis

When we take our four footed friends to park or river to play, we would like to think that nothing can harm them. Unfortunately, these areas are also playgrounds for bacterial bugs that can be very dangerous to your pets if they are not properly vaccinated. The State Veterinarian of Oregon has released a warning of increased reported cases of Leptospirosis (Lepto).

What is Leptospirosis…? Leptospirosis is a very contagious and potentially fatal bacterial disease. Many animals like livestock, wildlife (deer, raccoons, skunks, or rats) as well as infected dogs and cats can transfer this disease through their urine and contaminate water sources. Your pets can be infected with Leptospirosis by drinking, walking or swimming in contaminated water. Although cats can be at risk of contracting Leptospirosis, they appear to have a natural immune resistance, so they are not vaccinated for this disease.

What happens if my pet gets Leptospirosis…? As the bacteria enters the bloodstream it multiplies rapidly in many areas of the body tissue. Depending on the strain of Leptospirosis it can affect the kidneys, liver, lungs, spleen, eyes, and genital tract. Signs can vary from a minor fever to vomiting, severe dehydration, lethargy, shivering, muscle tenderness, and jaundice. Leptospirosis is treated through fluid therapy, antibiotics, and in severe cases hemodialysis. As your pet recovers from the disease, the bacteria can persist in the kidneys and your pet now becomes a carrier of the disease for months after.

Can I get Leptospirosis…? It is possible for humans to contract this disease. The US Center for Disease Control estimates that up to 200 human cases are reported each year. Children, individuals who participate in water sports, or occupational exposure are considered to have a higher risk of exposure. Leptospirosis is rarely fatal in humans however it can still cause malaise.

What can I do to protect of four footed as well as two footed family members?

Since Lepto has become more pervasive, the State Veterinarian has recommended that pets who are considered to be at risk of exposure should be vaccinated. While all canine breeds are susceptible to Leptospirosis, hunting, hiking, working, and show dogs are considered to be at a higher risk of exposure. Routine vaccinations are the best way to prevent the spread of disease.

If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us at:

(503)682-1794 or customercare@animalcarevets.com

You can also learn more about our clinic at http://www.animalcarevets.com/