Happy Fall!

Temperatures have started to drop!  The holidays will be here before you know it.

The kids had a great Halloween and are looking forward to the snow.  We are keeping busy despite the short daylight hours. 

How do I do that??

There are times when we will be asking you to obtain a urine sample from your cat or dog.  No, we are not asking for the impossible!  You can do it.

Here are our tips:

For our Dogs: For a female dog, use a shallow Tupperware container.  Best chance of success is first thing in the morning as the dog has not been out to urinate since before bed.  The container can catch the urine as the dog is squatting.  Some dogs are a little self conscious about this but most of the time, this is very successful.

If it is a male dog that lifts his leg, I recommend also a Tupperware container.  I think a bowl shaped one might work a little easier for the male dogs to minimize spray!  We have had some even catch the urine in a soda bottle!

Bring the urine sample in the clean container (avoid pill bottles, film canisters) to the office as soon as possible, ideally within 4 hours. Keep refrigerated until then.

For our felines: There is a special type of litter, No-sorb that is a plastic bead litter.  Placed in a clean, dry litter pan, the cat urinates in the litter then the urine is transferred into the cup and submitted to the office.

In the office, Dr Ricketts and I may obtain a urine sample through catheterization or cystocentesis in which a needle is put directly into the bladder to remove urine.  This is ideal when we are evaluating the urine for the presence of bacteria to detect bacterial infection.

The scoop on poop: For our fresh stool/fecal samples, we request that you submit at least a sugar cube size fresh stool in a secured container (bag, plastic container, pre-paid fecal cup).  It should be less than 24 hours old and refrigerated until you can bring it in. 

Academy Of Veterinary Homeopathy Meeting

I just came back from Philadelphia where the 10th AVH meeting was held.  Hard to believe homeopathy has been in my life for over ten years.  I was first introduced to homeopathy at a conference thirteen years ago in Philly so interesting to be back for the same reason!

Homeopathy is just one type of medicine that is available in our practice.  Most important is the holistic approach to our patients.  With the holistic approach, Dr Ricketts and I evaluate the whole patient.  This involves talking about nutrition, behavior issues, lifestyle habits.  It is our goal to focus on wellness and disease prevention through education and awareness rather than crisis treatment.

I was able to talk to many colleagues about other modalities such as nutrition and supplements so stay posted for some more information to keep your pets healthy! You can learn more about homeopathy by checking out www.nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org.

Hurricane Katrina Update

Hard to believe but there are still animals needing care from the ravage of Hurricane Katrina.  There is a new animal center that is being built in Hancock County, Mississippi.  We are quite fortunate in the Northeast to have really small homeless animal issues compared to the South.  Many of our shelters and rescue groups transport dogs up from the South on a routine basis.  To help those animals where they live, consider donating to this shelter.  You can make a donation or buy a brick for their new facility.  You can check out the  website at www.bucksmontanimals.org.

Product spotlight: Catbibs

Catbibs are small little bibs that outdoor cats wear to help decrease their ability to kill birds.  Many of you with outdoor cats know how skilled they can be, delivering “presents” to the family.  Cat Goods, Inc had been in business for over 8 years and has a published scientific trial proving that their product is a very effective way to protect birds and wildlife from cats.   For more information, check out www.catgoods.com or contact catbib@catgoods.com.