July 2016

Mill Pond Mingle

Contact Information 215.536.4443

millpondvetclinic@yahoo.com

Fax: 215.536.5549

2255 Mill Pond Road

Quakertown, PA 18951

Hours:

Veterinarian Appts,

Laser Therapy, Small Animal Rehab,

Surgery, Dental Acupuncture,

Diagnostic Imaging,

Stem Cell Therapy, PennHip Testing

By Appointment Only Mon - Sat

Daycare:

No Appointment Needed Mon - Sat

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Boarding

By Appointment Only Drop-off/Pick up

Mon - Sat

9:00 - noon or 3:00-6:00pm Sun 4:00 - 6:00 pm

www.millpondvetclinic.com

There are several reasons your pet may have a hypoactive (underactive) or hyper-active (overactive) thyroid . Because the thyroid affects so many body systems, a thyroid patient can show countless types of symptoms.

Like patients with allergies, hypothyroid dogs are frequently itchy, and develop issues directly related to the skin and hair coat, as well as chronic ear infections. Lethargy, weight gain, mental dullness, decrease in activity and/or appetite, and constipation are all indicators of potential hypothyroidism. Fortunately, blood testing for T4 and T3 levels can provide a simple way to diagnose this condition, and a thyroid pill (thyroxizine, thyroxine) can help alleviate the problem. Blood tests should be repeated about a month after beginning treatment, and routinely afterwards to ensure levels remain good and provide the best health for your pup.

The 5th most common feline condition reported in 2015 (AAFP) Hyperthyroid cats can be a little more complex. Symptoms may include weight loss, increased urination, increased thirst/drinking, defecating outside the litter box, increased “talking,” restless-ness, vomiting, diarrhea, poor hair coat, and/or unkempt fur. Annual exams and routine bloodwork can help with an early diagnosis, and may indicate a need for further testing. Treatment may include oral or transdermal (topical) medication, radi-oactive iodine, and/or surgical thyroidectomy.

Pilots n Paws is one of several organizations which helps get rescued dogs and cats relocated to a new place and a new family.

Pilots n Paws is a nation-wide non-profit organization, with approximately 5,000 pilots who volunteer to help get move the animals, sometimes all the way across the country! Long flights are split into legs, with a short break in the middle to let the dogs out and switch airplanes.

The website has an excellent video showing how to tether a dog into an airplane (or car!). You can also see pictures and stories about recent flights, request a flight of your own, become a volunteer pilot, or make a donation right from their website: pilotsnpaws.org

July 2016 Mill Pond Mingle

www.millpondvetclinic.com

The web is a great resource! It’s so convenient to have access to information 24/7/365 DVM360 has excellent advice to help us get the best from our web searches:

When you’re searching the web for medical information about your pet, make sure you’re getting accurate medical information from reliable sources. Use these six tips for safer web surfing:

1. Make sure the advice comes from a veter-inarian. Writers can contribute fun and entertaining

animal information, but for medical material, you want to be sure the author is a licensed, practicing veterinari-an.

2. Check more than one source. Even if it seems

legitimate… You’ll find the best and most valuable infor-mation on many veterinarian’s websites… often featuring citations of original studies or other articles.

3. Keep it classy. If there’s new and groundbreaking

information, professionals will present the new facts in a respectful way. Be skeptical of any advice that tells you your vet is doing something to hurt your pet.

4. Beware of catchy captions and information that feels like a tabloid headline. If the infor-

mation seems incredible, listen to the alarm bells in your mind.

5. Remember there are no checks and balances on the web. Information on the web isn’t peer-reviewed or

run through any approval process. 6. Phone a friend - as long as that friend is your

own veterinarian. If you have a question about some-

thing you red on the internet, always ask your vet team - they’re also happy to explain their own recommendations.