Brentwood Country Animal Hospital

by Dr. Julie Hunt

Recently there has been increased interest in feeding pets a raw food diet. Advocates of raw food diets claim the benefits include longer lifespan, better dental health, and improvement in skin and gastrointestinal conditions. However, most support for feeding raw diets comes from testimonials. No clinical studies have been done comparing long-term feeding of raw diets vs. cooked commercial foods.

We are often asked why indoor only pets must be vaccinated against rabies. For starters, it’s the law. Rabies is a fatal disease that is easily prevented with vaccination.

The virus that causes rabies is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. In our area, the raccoon is the main carrier of the disease. However, any mammal is a potential threat, including foxes, bats, and skunks.

It has become ever more difficult for many people to care for their pets properly in the current economy. For patients with serious health problems, veterinary bills can be astronomical. Nevertheless, there are some strategies that may make veterinary healthcare costs more manageable.

Canine influenza is a newly emerging infectious disease caused by a “flu” virus. While 30 states have currently reported cases (including New Hampshire), it originated in Florida where it is now considered endemic (well established) in the state.

Humans cannot contract influenza from their pets. This is not H1N1.

We have recently begun accepting CareCredit as an alternative form of payment. CareCredit transactions are eligible for a no-interest payment plan with a six month repayment schedule and a $250 minimum. For more information or to apply, please visit CareCredit's Web site or give us a call to discuss options.

With the warmer weather comes the resurgence of the tick and the flea. While bothersome and annoying, they are more than just a nuisance; these insects can transmit disease to our pets.  And while no form of prevention is foolproof, there are a few steps we can take to keep our pets as flea and tick free as possible year round.
 

Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) is defined as enlargement of the stomach with subsequent clock-wise rotation along its axis causing entrapment of food and air. The exact cause is unknown but is usually related to rapid consumption of large volumes of food or water sometimes followed with exercise. GDV is characterized by retching, abdominal discomfort, and excessive salivation and requires immediate medical attention to stabilize the patient and decompress the stomach. GDV is potentially life-threatening with a mortality rate ranging between 10-25% and essentially fatal if left untreated.
 
While GDV can occur in any breed, there is an increased incidence in large to giant deep-chested dogs. It is estimated that the risk of disease in these breeds is about 6%; however certain breeds including the Great Dane have a lifetime incidence of over 40%.
 

by Dr. Jody Kaufman

Time seems to pass so quickly that it can take us by surprise when our pets show signs of aging. Under even the best circumstances, animals age at an accelerated rate compared to humans. The "seven years for one of ours" rule is a reasonable simplified estimate, but the rate of aging in dogs is based roughly on their size. A seven year-old Great Dane is geriatric, while a little poodle of the same age is only middle aged.

As your pet becomes older, it is important that we take extra care and precautions to keep them as healthy and happy as possible. As part of our emphasis on wellness and prevention, we recommend annual blood work to establish a baseline, and to catch any underlying abnormalities while still in the early stages. This program is recommended for any dog or cat over seven years of age.

Purina is our preferred line of prescription pet foods. When it comes to choosing a diet for your pet, we feel that Purina provides the best combination of quality, palatability, and affordability. We still carry Hill’s Science diet foods on a limited basis; however, most of the Hill’s diets have a comparable Purina alternative.