Whether it’s a routine checkup or emergency surgery, you shouldn’t have to worry about how to get the best medical care for the pet you love. That’s why we’re pleased to offer CareCredit, North America’s leading [...]]]>

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DESICCANT GEL PACKS

For the next few days, we will be collecting supplies and donations at our location for families in the Bastrop area who have lost their homes due to wildfires. We will be collecting them this week only, until noon this Friday (9/30/11).

Alternatively, you can drop off supplies/donations at [...]]]>

For the next few days, we will be collecting supplies and donations at our location for families in the Bastrop area who have lost their homes due to wildfires. We will be collecting them this week only, until noon this Friday (9/30/11).

Alternatively, you can drop off supplies/donations at the U-Haul Storage of League City located at 2500 W Main St in League City.

We don’t have a supply needs list, but just imagine if you lost your house and everything in it. Now decide what would be the most important things to have immediately.  I’m thinking things like food, water, gift cards to Walmart, soap and other toiletries.

For further information, please contact Trisha at 281-554-5168…they will be driving their own U-Hauls to Bastrop with the supplies.

In the United States and Canada, only licensed veterinarians can practice veterinary medicine. Veterinary medicine includes veterinary surgery, medicine and dentistry. Anyone providing dental services other than a licensed veterinarian, or a supervised and trained veterinary technician, is practicing veterinary medicine without a license and shall be subject to [...]]]>

In the United States and Canada, only licensed veterinarians can practice veterinary medicine. Veterinary medicine includes veterinary surgery, medicine and dentistry. Anyone providing dental services other than a licensed veterinarian, or a supervised and trained veterinary technician, is practicing veterinary medicine without a license and shall be subject to criminal charges.

This position statement addresses dental scaling procedures performed on pets without anesthesia, often by individuals untrained in veterinary dental techniques. Although the term “Anesthesia-Free Dentistry” has been used in this context, AVDC prefers to use the more accurate term Non-Professional Dental Scaling (NPDS) to describe this combination.

Owners of pets naturally are concerned when anesthesia is required for their pet. However, performing NPDS on an unanesthetized pet is inappropriate for the following reasons:

1. Dental tartar is firmly adhered to the surface of the teeth. Scaling to remove tartar is accomplished using ultrasonic and sonic power scalers, plus hand instruments that must have a sharp working edge to be used effectively. Even slight head movement by the patient could result in injury to the oral tissues of the patient, and the operator may be bitten when the patient reacts.

2. Professional dental scaling includes scaling the surfaces of the teeth both above and below the gingival margin (gum line), followed by dental polishing. The most critical part of a dental scaling procedure is scaling the tooth surfaces that are within the gingival pocket (the subgingival space between the gum and the root), where periodontal disease is active. Because the patient cooperates, dental scaling of human teeth performed by a professional trained in the procedures can be completed successfully without anesthesia. However, access to the subgingival area of every tooth is impossible in an unanesthetized canine or feline patient. Removal of dental tartar on the visible surfaces of the teeth has little effect on a pet’s health, and provides a false sense of accomplishment. The effect is purely cosmetic.

3. Inhalation anesthesia using a cuffed endotracheal tube provides three important advantages – the cooperation of the patient with a procedure it does not understand, elimination of pain resulting from examination and treatment of affected dental tissues during the procedure, and protection of the airway and lungs from accidental aspiration.

4. A complete oral examination, which is an important part of a professional dental scaling procedure, is not possible in an unanesthetized patient. The surfaces of the teeth facing the tongue cannot be examined, and areas of disease and discomfort are likely to be missed.

Safe use of an anesthetic or sedative in a dog or cat requires evaluation of the general health and size of the patient to determine the appropriate drug and dose, and continual monitoring of the patient. Veterinarians are trained in all of these procedures. Prescribing or administering anesthetic or sedative drugs by a non- veterinarian can be very dangerous, and is illegal.

Although anesthesia will never be 100% risk-free, modern anesthetic and patient evaluation techniques used in veterinary hospitals minimize the risks, and millions of dental scaling procedures are safely performed each year in veterinary hospitals.

To minimize the need for professional dental scaling procedures and to maintain optimal oral health, the AVDC recommends daily dental home care from an early age. This should include brushing or use of other effective techniques to retard accumulation of dental plaque, such as dental diets and chew materials. This, combined with periodic examination of the patient by a veterinarian and with dental scaling under anesthesia when indicated, will optimize life-long oral health for dogs and cats.

For general information on performance of dental procedures on veterinary patients, please read the AVDC Position Statement on Veterinary Dental Healthcare Providers, which is available on the AVDC web site (www.AVDC.org). For information on effective oral hygiene products for dogs and cats, visit the Veterinary Oral Health Council web site (www.VOHC.org).

For further information, send an e-mail message to the AVDC Executive Secretary (ExecSec@AVDC.org).

Statement adopted by the AVDC Board of Directors, April 10, 2004

Having lived on the coast of North Carolina for the past 20 years, I’ve seen my fair share of hurricanes. Whenever hurricane warnings go out, pet owners begin to scramble. I’ve compiled a list [...]]]> Written by Dr. Ernie Ward of Seaside Animal Care located in Calabash, NC

Having lived on the coast of North Carolina for the past 20 years, I’ve seen my fair share of hurricanes. Whenever hurricane warnings go out, pet owners begin to scramble. I’ve compiled a list of items and actions you should take to make sure you are pet-prepared if a “bad blow” should impact your home.

Use a pet carrier.

One of the most important pieces of equipment you can have during an evacuation or severe weather is a pet carrier. This is especially important when transporting small dogs and cats. Carriers are often required at many shelters and can serve as a safe space for a nervous pet. Be sure to label the carrier with your pet’s name, breed, sex, date of birth, your current address and contact numbers and any important medical information.

Make sure you have at least two weeks of your pet’s medications on hand.

Those of you that remember Hurricane Hugo back in 1989 recall that many homeowners weren’t allowed to return for a week or more. In the unlikely event a severe hurricane strikes, make sure you have more than just a few days’ worth of your pet’s medications. Make sure you have 14 days of prescription medications, heartworm and flea preventives. Pack them in a bag with your pet’s essentials and write down your current administration schedule in case you must leave your pet at a kennel or other facility. Even if it’s not time, I recommend applying heartworm and flea preventive prior to placing your pet in an evacuation facility. Your pet may be exposed to fleas and mosquitoes and the extra protection will only help.

Carry a week’s worth of food and water.

If possible, divide your pet’s meals into individual storage bins or bags. This will help ensure you bring enough food and assist others who may have to care for your pet during an evacuation. Carry bottled water (figure 24 ounces per day for a 20-pound dog and 8 ounces per day for a 10-pound cat) and bowls. Many shelters will not have adequate food and water for pets.

Bring at least two slip leashes.

I recommend you have the simple slip-type webbing or nylon leashes with you at all times. A frightened dog can slip out of a collar while a slip leash can hold them securely. A slip leash can also be used to restrain a cat in a pinch. Carry an extra leash in your pocket in case someone else needs it or you lose yours. I do.

Find out which evacuation shelters allow pets – before the storm.

Many pet owners complain they were turned away from evacuation shelters because they brought pets. Call your local and county officials and find out where you can take your pet before the storm hits. Your veterinarian or boarding facility may also take in pets during severe weather. Find out your options and make plans for your pet well in advance.

Bring a printed copy of your pet’s vaccine and pertinent medical history.

Contact your veterinarian a couple of day’s before a storm approaches to obtain any needed forms. This serves as a reminder to keep a medical folder for your pets that contains their latest physical exam reports, blood tests and proof of vaccines or licenses. If you wait until a hurricane is imminent, your veterinarian may not be able to provide you with these documents. If your pet has a medical condition, make sure you fully understand the diagnosis, most recent diagnostic test results, treatment and prognosis. In an emergency, quick access to this information can save your pet’s life.

Have identification and contact information on your pet and carrier.

Be sure your pet is wearing a secure collar with your current contact information, including cell phone numbers. If you don’t have an ID tag, write your information in indelible ink on the collar and carrier. Hopefully your pet has a microchip. After major hurricanes, microchips are often the only means to positively identify lost pets. Thousands of pets were never reunited with their owners after Hurricane Andrew because owners could not positively identify their pets and prove ownership. If possible, include a contact not travelling with you in a safe area.

Take a photo of your pet before you leave your home.

A current photograph on a cell phone can be the difference between lost and found in the event you become separated during a storm.

Prepare for anxiety.

Hurricanes can last for many hours. Even the most storm-hardened pet can crack after numerous hours of howling wind, changes in barometric pressure and being confined in a carrier. You should carry anxiety wraps, calming herbal remedies and prescription medications if you suspect your pet needs it. Talk to your veterinarian a few days beforehand to stock up on aides for your pet’s anxiety.

Litter, piddle pads and trash bags.

I can’t tell you how often even the most prepared pet owner forgets this one vital necessity. Bring a small baking pan and litter for cats, piddle pads, towels and trash bags for dogs – plenty of them.

Shampoo, brushes and towels.

If you’re evacuated, things can get messy. Be prepared by stashing a small bottle of shampoo and a brush in your pet’s emergency kit.

Pack plenty of patience.

As an experienced evacuee, I can tell you that nothing happens as quickly or smoothly as you’d like it to. Keep in mind that everyone is just as stressed nervous and worried as you are. Be courteous, understanding and helpful. I’ve had pet owners make unreasonable demands (imagine being asked if we had time to bathe and groom a pet during a Category 3 hurricane!), and be downright rude to the staff members that were taking time from their homes and families to care for pets during a crisis. If everyone remains calm, stays focused and slows down, everything will go that much more smoothly.

No one plans on a major storm disrupting their lives. What you can prepare for is how you’ll respond when the hurricane watches and warnings are announced. Good luck, be safe, and may we all be organized and ready.

Link to Original Article written by Dr. Ernie Ward