Heat Stroke

 
 

 

Heat stroke is a very serious concern this summer.  With the temperatures rising so quickly most dogs have not had a chance to acclimate.  Heat stroke can be fatal and require intensive treatment.  Signs include heavy open mouth panting, muddy or very red colored gums, weakness, and collapse.  Once a dog has an episode of heat stroke, even mild, they will become more likely to have further episodes.

The best way to treat heat stroke is by avoiding it altogether.  Try not to exercise your pet during the heat of the day.  Early morning or late evening when the sun is down is the best time.  Even if it does not seem overly hot heat stroke can still occur, especially in dogs that have not been exercising much during the winter.  During exercise in the warmer weather your pet should have access to water and plenty of shade.

If you are concerned that your pet may have over heated it is important to have them seen by a veterinarian right away.  DO NOT PUT ICE ON YOUR DOG.  Spraying them down with tepid water is best and then letting the evaporation cool them.  When dogs become overheated they are unable to regulate their body temperature and can become too cold too quickly.  When their rectal temperature reaches 103 then active cooling should be stopped.

It is important to remember that dogs, just like people, will heat up after they stop running.  They should not be put directly into a kennel or confined after exercise.  They should be walked around for several minutes to cool down.

Every year, hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion because they are left in parked vehicles. Your vehicle can quickly reach a temperature that puts your pet at risk of serious illness and even death, even on a day that doesn't seem hot to you. And cracking the windows makes no difference.

Please pay close attention to the outdoor temperature, your pets physical conditioning, and choose exercise appropriately.  Labrador retrievers are very susceptible to heat stroke and playing fetch in the backyard can be enough to cause heat stroke.  Heat stroke can be prevented by using appropriate caution.

CANINE INFLUENZA

Canine Influenza is a highly contagious infection that can be caused from 2 different strains, H3N8 and H3N2.  H3N8 is the strain that was responsible for the outbreak 10 years ago.  The most recent outbreak in Chicago has been caused by H3N2.  There currently is a vaccine for the H3N8 strain, but no vaccine is available for the H3N2.  It takes 2-4 days before dogs start showing symptoms and this is when they are most highly contagious.

Symptoms of Canine Influenza come in two forms, the mild form and the severe form.  Most dogs develop the mild form and although Canine Influenza is highly infectious it has a fairly low fatality rate (less than 10%).

 

Symptoms

·         Mild form infections have a soft moist cough that can last for up to 30 days. 

·         They can become lethargic, have a low grade fever, decreased appetite, sneezing, and discharge from the eyes. 

·         They can get secondary bacterial infections and develop thick nasal discharge. 

·         Sometimes the cough is very similar to the dry cough of “Kennel Cough.”

The severe form infections are associated with high fevers (104-106 degrees) and develop pneumonia and difficulty breathing.  The pneumonia may be due to a secondary bacterial infection.

Treatment

Influenza is mostly supportive and can range from just monitoring at home to hospitalization for IV therapy depending on the severity of the illness.  The canine influenza virus is not transmissible to humans and there have been no reports in cats.  The dogs that are most at risk are ones that are in close proximity to other dogs such as boarding facilities.

There have been no reported cases in Idaho and the outbreak right now is localized to the Midwest.  If your dog is coughing it is most likely not Canine Influenza, but your pet should be seen to be evaluated for other respiratory diseases.

 

Please call our office for more information. (208) 466-4614

1420 N. Midland Blvd, Nampa, Idaho 83651

ICSB Idaho-Reproduction

Your dogs semen can now be stored right here in Idaho

ICSB Idaho- Reproduction

Idaho Veterinary Hospital  offers small animal semen collection, freezing, storage as well as many other reproduction services. Some of those include, but are not limited to

• Semen collection
• Semen evaluation
• Semen freezing
• On site storage of semen
• Semen shipping-fresh chilled and frozen
• Progesterone and LH testing
• Artificial and surgical insemination
• Transcervical insemination
• Ultrasound and reproductive radiographs
• Infertility consultations
• Caesarian sections
• PennHIP, OFA, genetic and DNA testing
• Emergency after hours

ICSB-IDAHO Fees and Discounts

Processing Canine Semen for Freezing and Storage

File Preparation	$46.00
Semen Storage Annual storage fee for each group of 30 vials or less; one vial is one insemination.	$73.00
Semen Collection, Evaluation, Freezing Includes up to four vials stored. If the collection yields more than 4 vials, each additional vial stored is $60.00	$201.00
Total Base Fee(Including $6.00 insurance)	$326.00
Discounts For Multiple Dogs/Same Owner: 2 Dogs – 5% | 3 Dogs – 10% | 4+ Dogs – 15% May not be available at all ICSB centers

Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover, Care Credit

All dogs that have semen frozen and stored are required to have a DNA profile test on file. If testing has not been preformed, we can provide this service. AKC DNA kit-$50.00 

Idaho Veterinary Hospital is an ICSB franchise. As a franchise of the International Canine Semen Banks, we utilize the technologies developed by Prof. Carrol Platz, of ICSB Oregon. Through 30 years of research, Prof. Platz has successfully developed this technique for collection, evaluation and freezing of canine semen. Litters have been produced from frozen semen that has been stored for 34 years prior to thawing, a world record! Under his direction, this research continues and provides the dog breeder with the most successful program available using fresh, fresh chilled, and frozen canine semen and artificial insemination. We are proud to be an ICSB franchise.

Dental Month

 Dental Month

 

THIS YEAR DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER WE ARE OFFERING A $50.00 CREDIT ON YOUR ACCOUNT FOR GETTING YOUR PETS TEETH CLEANED .

 
Dental Procedure Standards of Care

• Pre-op blood work recommended and required over 7 years of age.
• Current wellness exam.
• Estimate will be present or given prior to appointment.
• Fluids and IV catheters & anesthetic monitoring.
• Pictures and chart of any abnormalities or missing teeth. Before and after.

Dental Procedure

• Probe for pockets and abnormal wear.
• Remove excessive tarter either by hand or scaler.
• Clean teeth with ultrasonic dentalaire.
• Polish, and then rinse.
• Clean and flush out any pockets.
• Apply fluoride and oravet (plaque prevention gel).

Common Dental Concerns

• Gingival Recession-Gum line recedes back exposing root.
• Retained baby teeth-Baby tooth that has grown along side the adult tooth causing damage.
• Excessive dental disease-excessive tarter & plaque covering the teeth causing infection, tooth loss, and severe gingivitis.
• Oronasal fistulas-An oronasal fistula is a communication between the oral cavity and the caudal respiratory track. These fistulas occur in the area of the upper premolar and molar teeth

  You, the pet owner, are an integral part of our dental team.  Home care is the most important procedure you can do to maintain oral health and help decrease the frequency of dental procedures,  and increase the overall oral health of your pet. Here are some tips to use after your pets dental procedure or as preventative care care.

 

1. Bushing teeth daily and regularly

Start off slow : introduce the toothpaste first.  Only use toothpaste designed for dogs and cats. First, start by rubbing toothpaste with your finger on one tooth at a time and letting your pet get use to the taste and the feeling.  Then upgrade to a tooth brush.  There are different sizes and kinds, such as : finger toothbrushes, smaller brushes, and longer handled brushes for longer muzzled pets, and smaller bristled brushes for cats.  Be persistent but reward progress immediately with a treat or with a play period after each cleaning session. Develop a routine for your pet and you and make this a fun and enjoyable as possible.

2. Applying Sealant

Ora Vet is a sealant that was applied at the time of your pet’s dental procedure.  It is to be applied after brushing, once weekly, to help prevent and reduce the formation of plaque and calculus on the teeth. Home kits are available and strongly recommended.

3. Drinking water additives and Rinses

Aqua Dent is a water additive that is simple use. All you need to do is add it to your pets drinking water to prevent plaque from forming.  The Oral hygiene rinse is easy to use with just a squirt the rinse eliminates and helps fight against new bacteria forming.  Chlorhexadine is the active ingredient that keeps your pet’s mouth healthy.  Studies show this to be more effective than diets and chews.

4. Diet                                                                            

There are special dental diets such as Hills T/D and Purina DH  for dogs and cats . To promote oral health these diets offer everyday feeding solution that works between dental brushing and cleanings to help reduce plaque and calculus accumulation.  Dental chews are also available for dogs and cats and these are specially formulated and combine the mechanical activity of a rawhide chews.   Most chews that we carry (C.E.T. Chews and DH Chews) were developed with chlorhexadine as the activ3e ingredient that inhibits the growth of bacteria in your pets mouth. Also we carry Greenies as another dental treat option.

5. Dental Examinations with your Vet

Every 6 months to a year, we recommend dental exams please call to make the appointment!

(208) 466-4614

Introducing our new Laser Therapy treatment!

K-Laser Therapy is a physical therapy laser for advanced treatment and pain relief. There is no patient sedation or restraint required to treat your pet's condition. At Idaho Veterinary Hospital we strive to find the best treatments for our patients. K-Laser therapy is an effective non-invasive, non-surgical, drug-free option.           Our treatments usually take about 15-20 minutes to complete and are done on a reducing 3-2-1 schedule (three times the first week, two times the second week, and once the last week). We will determine the treatment locations, as diagnosed during exams, ultrasounds or x-rays. Technicians perform the treatments in a private examination room and owners are welcome to stay and comfort their pets during all of the treatments. We begin to see improvements often as early as after the first treatment. After the initial series, pets come back for booster treatments monthly, or as needed. Numerous studies show that K-Laser Therapy can help with: Osteoarthritis Joint Pain Muscle Strains Puncture Wounds Post-Surgical Pain Hip Dysplasia Burns Rehabilitation Relieves Inflammation Anal Glands, Irritated Bladder      K-Laser Therapy Benefits include: Faster Tissue Repair Pain Relief Reduced Inflammation and Swelling Stimulation of the Nerve System Generation of New Cells Increased Range of Motion

September is Dental Month

September is Dental Month

 

THIS YEAR DURING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY WE WILL OFFER 15% OFF DENTAL CLEANING SERVICES.

 
Dental Procedure Standards of Care

• Pre-op blood work recommended and required over 7 years of age.
• Current wellness exam.
• Estimate will be present or given prior to appointment.
• Fluids and IV catheters & anesthetic monitoring.
• Pictures and chart of any abnormalities or missing teeth. Before and after.

Dental Procedure

• Probe for pockets and abnormal wear.
• Remove excessive tarter either by hand or scaler.
• Clean teeth with ultrasonic dentalaire.
• Polish, and then rinse.
• Clean and flush out any pockets.
• Apply fluoride and oravet (plaque prevention gel).

Common Dental Concerns

• Gingival Recession-Gum line recedes back exposing root.
• Retained baby teeth-Baby tooth that has grown along side the adult tooth causing damage.
• Excessive dental disease-excessive tarter & plaque covering the teeth causing infection, tooth loss, and severe gingivitis.
• Oronasal fistulas-An oronasal fistula is a communication between the oral cavity and the caudal respiratory track. These fistulas occur in the area of the upper premolar and molar teeth

  You, the pet owner, are an integral part of our dental team.  Home care is the most important procedure you can do to maintain oral health and help decrease the frequency of dental procedures,  and increase the overall oral health of your pet. Here are some tips to use after your pets dental procedure or as preventative care care.

 

1. Bushing teeth daily and regularly

Start off slow : introduce the toothpaste first.  Only use toothpaste designed for dogs and cats. First, start by rubbing toothpaste with your finger on one tooth at a time and letting your pet get use to the taste and the feeling.  Then upgrade to a tooth brush.  There are different sizes and kinds, such as : finger toothbrushes, smaller brushes, and longer handled brushes for longer muzzled pets, and smaller bristled brushes for cats.  Be persistent but reward progress immediately with a treat or with a play period after each cleaning session. Develop a routine for your pet and you and make this a fun and enjoyable as possible.

2. Applying Sealant

Ora Vet is a sealant that was applied at the time of your pet’s dental procedure.  It is to be applied after brushing, once weekly, to help prevent and reduce the formation of plaque and calculus on the teeth. Home kits are available and strongly recommended.

3. Drinking water additives and Rinses

Aqua Dent is a water additive that is simple use. All you need to do is add it to your pets drinking water to prevent plaque from forming.  The Oral hygiene rinse is easy to use with just a squirt the rinse eliminates and helps fight against new bacteria forming.  Chlorhexadine is the active ingredient that keeps your pet’s mouth healthy.  Studies show this to be more effective than diets and chews.

4. Diet                                                                            

There are special dental diets such as Hills T/D and Purina DH  for dogs and cats . To promote oral health these diets offer everyday feeding solution that works between dental brushing and cleanings to help reduce plaque and calculus accumulation.  Dental chews are also available for dogs and cats and these are specially formulated and combine the mechanical activity of a rawhide chews.   Most chews that we carry (C.E.T. Chews and DH Chews) were developed with chlorhexadine as the activ3e ingredient that inhibits the growth of bacteria in your pets mouth. Also we carry Greenies as another dental treat option.

5. Dental Examinations with your Vet

Every 6 months to a year, we recommend dental exams please call to make the appointment!

(208) 466-4614

Wasabi is now 6 months old!

Wasabi is now 6 months old!  In the last couple of months, he has transformed from a clumsy teenager into an adult, complete with brilliant plumage.  His pastel peachy feathers around his face were the first to molt, and he quickly grew bright orangish/red replacements.  His green body feathers have also been steadily molting, littering our counters with colorful fuzz.  The last to molt are his primary (wing) and tail feathers, which are being replaced with brighter and larger feathers.

 

Although lovebirds can be one of the more difficult parrots to transferonto a formulated pellet diet, Wasabi has successfully completed this task, and is now learning in order to get his favorite treats, buckwheat and safflower seeds, he has to work for them.   He gets rewarded for doing something that we would like him to do, whether something as simple as stepping up without fuss, laying on his back, or just having some quiet time.

Overall, Wasabi still loves meeting new people, among occasionally being much too friendly with a large dog or two.  Make sure to say hello to him, next time you're in to visit the hospital!

Fourth of July safety for your Pets

 

 

The Fourth of July is fast approaching. If your pet is one to get stressed by the noise of fireworks, Idaho Veterinary Hospital recommends that you prepare early. Even if the fireworks are miles away the animal can feel and hear the loud noises that a firework display puts out.

Before the event

·         Prepare a safe haven or favorite place.

·         Provide your pet with toys, treats and plenty of water.

·         Aim to get your cat indoors before it turns dark.

·         Close off cat flaps, doggy doors and windows.  

·         Escape proof your home, make sure gates are locked and secure.

·         Walk your dog before dusk, most pets will not return outside to go to the bathroom once the fireworks have started.

·         There are products  to  help calm  your pet's anxiety such as, diffusers, sprays and medication for dogs and cats.

·         Make pets identifiable. Make sure your pet is wearing some form of easily readable identification in case they run away or get lost.

·         More pets go missing on the fourth of July than any other day. Microchips are best to get pets back home to their  owners if they do escape.   

During the event

·         Close curtains & blinds to minimize noise and light.

·         Play music  or TV at a louder volume than normal.

·         Do not yell or punish your pet for being scared.

·          Ignore any fearful behavior such as panting, shaking, and whining, this will only make your dog more distressed.

·         Try to stay home with your pet and distract them with a game or toy.

·         Keep your routine as normal as possible, do not over comfort them.

Please call our office with any question or concerns @ 208-466-4614.

Wasabi update!

Wasabi is now 14 weeks old!  He has become quite the acrobat, swinging from toys in his cage, and hanging upside down on one foot from his perches.  He has developed many different sounds, squeaks and screeches, along with giving kisses, complete with the kissing sound! 

It has seemed like a very long road, but after much fretting, Wasabi is fully weaned.  Turns out, he's a bit of a picky boy, oh, and rather spoiled, as well.  After  trying many different types of pellets, seeds, fruits veggies and other foods (thanks Parrots 'N Stuff!), we found that he is a big fan of a canary mix, full of good stuff like golden flax seed and buck wheat.  After trying this new mix for only a few days, Wasabi is completely weaned, making for a very happy lovebird, and an even happier hospital!  Now on to the next challenge, transferring him to a pelleted diet.  I will have to admit, I have never met a bird that loves vinegar, until Wasabi.  He will chase you across the house if he knows you have it, silly bird.

He still loves his baths, whether in a bath pan, or in his water dish.  He can often be found soaking the counter and its contents, or shortly after when he vaguely resembles a drowned rat.

Over all, Wasabi has turned in to a wonderful companion, and hospital resident.  He is happy to say hello to everyone, and get a little cheek-rub time in.

Wasabi is now 7 weeks old and making friends!!

Wasabi is now 7 weeks old, and nearly full grown at 59grams.  As you may recall, we decided to send a small sample of blood to a DNA lab that determines sex.  He is indeed a male! 

 

Over the last couple weeks, he has had only minor changes in his appearance.  The black coloration on his beak has begun to subside, leaving only a small patch on a bright yellow background.  His tail and wing feathers have completely grown in, leaving him fully feathered.  He has definitely learned the finer points of his wings, flying where ever he pleased in our lobby and at home; so much so, that he had to have his wings trimmed to avoid flying out the door or  into the waiting mouth of a hungry cat!

Wasabi is continuing to sample new foods all the time, with chick peas and safflower seeds being his favorite.    He will continue to need formula supplementation for the next few weeks, while he transitions to a pelleted diet.

When he is not busy meeting new people, Wasabi is now perching a lot more than being on the floor, although he does still prefer to be burrowed under something while napping.   He definitely is making bird-weary people into bird lovers.