Park Cities
Animal Hospital

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Canine Influenza
As you rush to schedule your flu shot this season, don't forget about another member of the family . . . your dog. Canine Influenza, or the Dog Flu, first hit the scene in 2004. It is a respiratory infection that can spread when dogs come into contact with an infected dog, contaminated objects and people who have had contact with an infected dog. Canine Influenza, otherwise known as Dog Flu, has had a spike in cases within the Texas area in the last several months. Even though there is not a high risk of death, in 8% of all cases, pneumonia could develop and become life threatening. By mid September of 2011, there were 20 confirmed cases of the Canine Flu and 70 suspected cases in the San Dr. Michele Wright, who helped identify the virus at a clinic in San Antonio, believes that it is getting to the point where close to 100 percent of all dogs that are exposed to the virus, who are notvaccinated, will get the disease. Obviously prevention through vaccinating is key. Vaccinating your pet is really easy. It is a two dose series program with the second vaccination four weeks after the initial vaccine. For optimal respiratory protection we are offering the Bordetella (Kennel Cough) and Canine Flu vaccine at a package discount. Cost of the vaccine package is $35.09, at a savings of $15.00. The Canine Flu vaccine booster in 4 weeks is $24.00. Cost to protect your pet, priceless!
Signs and Symptoms of Canine Influenza:
References: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/canine
Trick, Treat or Trouble Halloween Dangers for our Pets
Halloween can be an exciting time of year for many of us but for our pets, it can be dangerous and scary. Pet owners must be aware of all the possible hazards that October 31st can bring. So as to make sure our furry little friends remain safe and sound during this spookish time, here are some tips to keep our pets safe. Things To Watch For: Candy - Chocolate Toxicity (What Makes Chocolate Toxic, And What Are The Signs Seen With Toxicity?) We must also be aware that many candies Costumes - Dressing up your pet can be fun, amusing and definitely a photo opportunity but our furry little friends should never be left alone in one of these outfits. If you do decide to dress your animal in a costume, please make sure the costume does not hinder their movement, hearing, sight or ability to breathe or bark. Decorations - Make sure pets can not reach candles, jack-o-lanterns, decorations or ornaments. These objects can be sharp as well as choking and fire hazards. Strangers - Between the doorbell continuously ringing and many loud and unfamiliar voices, Halloween can cause a lot of stress for our pets. It is a good idea to keep your animals inside and away from the front door. Make sure that if your pet does accidentally get out of the house, they have their name tag on so they can be brought back home to you. Also, microchipping your pet might be a good idea just in case his/her collar is some how removed.
Pranksters - It must be advised that all animals be brought inside, even if they are an outdoor pet. Animals tend to be victims of cruel treatment by pranksters on Halloween, especially black cats.
If we are aware and cautious, Halloween can be a fun and exciting day had by all. Please have a happy and safe Halloween from everyone here at Park Cities Animal Hospital!
Resources: http://vetmedicine.about.com/library/weekly/aa101101a.htm
URGENT:
Heartworm infection is an entirely preventable disease; and now, due to a manufacturing problem, it is one that does not have have a cure. Immiticide, the only licensed product used in the treatment of Heartworm Disease in dogs, is no longer available and we are unsure of when it will be. It is estimated that > 80 percent of dogs in Dallas county will become infected if not on heartworm prevention! At Park Cities Animal Hospital, we believe strongly in preventative medicine for our patients. It is imperative that all pets are on monthly heartworm prevention and receive annual testing for this disease. Please call our hospital today at 214-368-8573 for further information. For more information on Heartworm Disease visit: www.heartwormsociety.org
Where did all the fleas and mosquitoes go?
I can't believe I am saying this but there actually is a benefit to this dry Texas heat we are experiencing. The humidity has been so low that the fleas and mosquitoes are lying dormant. Little did we know that we should be happy about the 100 degree plus temperatures!
Mosquitoes, the cause of heartworm infection, go through four separate and distinct stages of development. Eggs are actually laid in water and float to the surface. The eggs then hatch out in 48 hours, develop into larva and continue to
At Park Cities Animal Hospital, we believe in preventing the problem so we do not have to treat the effects of the disease.There are many great choices in preventive flea and heartworm medications for your pets. Give us a call and we will gladly recommend the best preventative care for your pets. Remember: Don't fall into the trap of, If I can't see them, they are not there.
In the News---Really!! On Thursday, June 23rd, Park Cities Animal Hospital performed the first entirely in house stem cell therapy. What makes this so news worthy? The whole procedure, from the collection of the adipose tissue, to the processing of the sample, to the injection of the stem cells in the affected joints was all done in one day. Previously, the sample had to be collected under anesthesia/sedation one day then sent to an outside lab for processing. This meant the pet had to return on a different day for the treatment(s). This also meant an additional sedation/anesthesia procedure for the pet if the injection was to be administered directly into the affected joint, not to mention even a further delay in getting our patient some relief. Stem cell therapy is used in helping to alleviate the suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia, joint pain, cartilage, and ligament damage. Dormant cells are extracted from the animal?s fat and processed to separate the stem cells. They are then activated with Medivets? patented LED technology that we now have available at our Hospital. Once this process is complete, these cells are injected back into the animal directly into the affected joint(s). These cells then proceed to help in the regeneration of the damaged areas in the bone, cartilage, ligaments and tendons. Dr. David Hille did extensive research and training and in 2008 received certification in this leading edge genetic technology. He has even had the procedure performed on himself at a hospital in Phoenix. I believe we can all be sympathetic to the aches and pain that joint problems can cause. We are excited to be able to offer this cutting edge technology to our patients so we can alleviate some of those discomforts. For more information go to www.medivet-america.comor you can check out the video on youtube at this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vImsjG2QKZ8
Senior Health
At Park Cities Animal Hospital we are committed to helping our patients live longer and healthier lives. Your pet may appear to be happy and robust but the gradual onset of disease, in seemingly healthy pets, will often go unnoticed.
Pet's age at a much quicker rate than we do. At seven years of age, depending upon the weight of your pet, in human years they are between 44 and 56 years of age. As each year passes, one dog year is equal to four to six years, again depending on their weight. The bigger the breed of dog the more quickly they age.
Once symptoms do appear, the condition may be more difficult and costly to treat and diagnose. That is why a wellness exam is so important to your pet's quality of life. Along with the exam, diagnostic testing is the most sensitive and accurate method of early detection of subclinical health problems. Some of the signs of aging in your pet are: Cancer Dental Disease Joints - Arthritis, Dysplasia and Back Disease Endocrine System - Diabetes, Hyper and Hypothyroidism, Hyper and Hypoadrenocorticism Gastrointestinal System - Pancreatitis, Colitis and IBD Liver, Kidney, Heart and Lung Disease Ocular Problems - Cataracts, Dry Eye and Glaucoma
Routine testing along with twice yearly health exams can assist with your companion's continued health and/or allow treatment to begin early. This will give you and your pet the advantage over aging.
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