Countryside Animal Hospital—970-223-7789—vet@countrysidevet.com

3820 S. Timberline Road, Fort Collins, CO 80525

Summer 2017

Vacationland

More than ever people are bringing their pets along on vacation, which is also increasingly popular with so many pet-friendly accommodations and activities available now. BUT what happens if your dog or cat gets sick or injured while vacationing far from home or your regular veterinarian? Overheating and dehydration are two common conditions that may occur traveling in the heat of the summer, but there also can be the unexpected events like a bee sting, consumption of a poisonous plant or a cut paw. Planning ahead certainly can pay off just in case of an emergency while away from home!

TIPS FOR THE ROAD 1.) Research the area you’re visiting. In terms of environmental threats and illness outbreaks, every place has its own hazards. For example, ticks that can spread Lyme disease are prevalent on the East Coast and mosquitos transmitting heartworm disease to dogs are vastly numerous in Texas. Check with your veterinarian about where your furry travel buddy will be going and anything to watch for while on your trip. 2.) Get recommendations for local vets and veterinary hospitals. This current information will come in very handy in the event medical attention is needed. More so in remote areas, it may be advantageous to make sure local listings and

contact information for animal hospitals are correct and up-to-date. It is always good to have a few choices of hospitals or clinics handy in the event you are unable to have your pet seen at one of the locations. 3.) Bring your pet’s medical records. This is an extremely useful planning step in case of an emergency. As details of medical history can be difficult to remember in the moment, your pet’s medical records can make all the difference in the world when time is of the essence. Also, it’s important to bring your own veterinarian’s contact information so it is at the ready if needed. 4.) Pack a first aid kit. A basic first aid kit or a small backpack for hikes is very beneficial to handle things such as minor cuts, splinters or an upset stomach. Other supplies suggested while vacationing include:

- Water to keep up with hydration - Antihistamines for allergic reactions (Be sure to check with your veterinarian for the right dosage for your pet) - Cold packs to help reduce swelling - Bandages for cuts and scrapes - Blanket or tarp to protect or help transport your pet

In the end, you know your pet’s normal, daily behavior and temperament the best. If your gut feeling says to have an issue checked out or at least discussed with a local veterinary hospital, go for it! Peace of mind can make a world of difference, especially on vacation with your special companion. You never know when a hiccup could occur disrupting your vacation plans, but at least preparing ahead as best you can will help in a pinch!

***IF EMERGENCY CARE IS NEEDED ASAP, GO STRAIGHT TO THE NEAREST

24-HOUR VETERINARY HOSPITAL***

What to Do if Your Pet Gets Sick or Injured on Vacation

Meet Dr. Katrina Morgan Welcome Dr. Katrina Morgan to

Countryside Animal Hospital! Dr. Morgan joined the practice in January 2017 and has been a wonderful addition to our team! With a primary interest in preventative care and dentistry, Dr. Morgan also greatly enjoys general practice and the challenge of surgery. Read more about Dr. Morgan on our website at www.countrysidevet.com! *How has the transition to Countryside been going for you? Overall, Dr. Morgan feels “perfectly at home at Countryside!” The change has been going quite smoothly, as she explains “I really enjoy the fast pace and camaraderie I have with all the team members.”

* When did you first become interested in veterinary medicine? For as long as she can remember, Dr. Morgan has wanted to be veterinarian. It brings her great joy to know that she is making a difference in the life of a pet and their family. She continues, “I cannot imagine a more rewarding career than being a veterinarian.” *Since starting at Countryside, have you discovered any new interests you would like to pursue further? Dr. Morgan is looking forward to “working with Dr.

Kerry Hoobler-Riek to expand some of my surgical skills and offerings.”

*Describe further your feelings on the importance

of animal healthcare as a partnership. It is always Dr. Morgan’s goal that “a client feel like a

partner in the decision-making process for their pet.” With that said, she tries to have clear, compassionate

communication with clients while making herself available to answer all of their questions. “We will do

best by the pet when we are on the same page with the owner.”

THANK YOU DR. MORGAN FOR JOINING OUR TEAM!

Frightened by unexpected loud sounds, some dogs and cats experience noise phobias, especially during the summer months. Thunderstorms can cause a great deal of stress for many of our furry companions. Sources of fearful stimuli include rain, lightning,

thunder, strong winds, and possible changes in barometric pressure and static electricity. Much like thunderstorms, fireworks can evoke similar reactions in pets, potentially becoming lost, disoriented or scared when exposed to the accompanying booming and shrill, high-pitched sounds. While fireworks mean a much anticipated time of celebration for Americans, they just don’t mix with pets. In addition to the noise element of summer events like the Fourth of July, exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma. Likewise, unused fireworks often contain hazardous materials, which can accidentally poison or irritate your pet. As a result to noise phobias, some dogs and cats exhibit destructive, anxious and/or abnormal behavior. Destructive behavior can include things like scratching or digging at a door or wall, chewing or having accidents in the house. Anxious behavior can involve pets clinging to their owner, drooling, hiding, excessive panting and

pacing. Abnormal behavior can be shown by skipping meals, trying to escape out of doors, shaking and temporarily forgetting their training. It’s never a bad idea for those pets who are immensely affected by unexpected sounds to keep them safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered escape-proof area during thunderstorms or fireworks if possible. If calming home remedies aren’t quite taking the edge off for your dog or cat, consult your veterinarian about other medicinal options for these situations. In more severe cases, sedatives may strongly be advised for the safety of your pet. Although it is near impossible to be with your pet during every thunderstorm, it may be a wise idea to just have a secure spot set up in your home in advance. In terms of the Fourth of July, PLAN AHEAD!! You know your pet best as to his or her reactions to thunderstorms and fireworks, so judge accordingly.

Cheers to a safe, happy and healthy summer with your furry companions!

Noise Phobias: Thunderstorms and Fireworks

Countryside’s Superstar

Meet Kaylee! This gorgeous 7 year old golden gal came to Countryside in early February 2017 doing very poorly. Kaylee was experiencing a very painful hind end, decreased appetite, lethargy and vomiting. She had gone into heat at the end of December 2016, followed by bouts of GI upset and inappetence.

Upon examination, Dr. Kerry Hoobler-Riek felt an enlarged uterus and a “doughy” abdomen, along with a mammary mass and a growth on her side. Abdominal radiographs showed a fluid-filled tubular structure, typically associated with the uterine infection pyometra. Pyometra occurs as a result of hormonal changes in the female’s reproductive tract. A serious and life-threatening condition, it is a secondary infection that requires quick and aggressive treatment: emergency surgery to remove the infected uterus and ovaries (Ovariohysterectomy or “spay”). During estrus or “heat,” white blood cells, which normally protect against infection, are inhibited from entering the uterus. Sperm are then allowed to safely enter the female’s reproductive tract without being damaged or destroyed by these immune system cells. Following estrus, progesterone hormone levels remain elevated for up to two months, causing a thickening of the uterine lining in preparation for pregnancy. After many years of heat cycles without pregnancy, the uterine wall undergoes changes that promote pyometra. Older dogs are put at a higher risk as the condition usually occurs two to eight weeks after the female’s last heat cycle.

If pregnancy doesn’t happen for several consecutive heat cycles, the uterine lining continues to thicken until cysts often form in the tissues. This lining secretes fluids that create the ideal environment for a bacterial infection. High progesterone levels restrict the muscles in the uterus from contracting and releasing the accumulated fluid and bacteria, leading to an infection. If the female’s cervix is closed, pus is unable to drain outside of the uterus, ultimately distending the abdomen as it collects in the uterus. The bacteria releases toxins that are absorbed into the bloodstream. Thus, it is possible for the enlarged uterus to rupture, spilling the infection into the abdominal cavity. In Kaylee’s case, her owners Joan and Tom caught it in time and elected to not only have her spayed, but the mammary mass and lipoma (fatty growth) on her side removed as well. Miss Kaylee underwent two surgeries in a month like such a champ! Kaylee’s recovery went extremely well and she couldn’t be happier at home with her loving family. She greatly enjoys time with her mom, Miss Lucy, with quite an extra kick in her step these days! WAY TO GO BRAVE GIRL!

KAYLEE

Countryside History: Burst Sprinkler Flood One frigid February afternoon in 2011, Countryside Animal Hospital received quite a surprise: flooding

caused by a broken sprinkler pipe. Dr. Speights was terribly sick at home for the incident, so it was up to the

Countryside team that day to take charge of the situation!

Luckily, there was only one appointment left in the hospital at the time, so it wasn’t a full house of clients and patients. According to the staff, a huge booming

sound was heard in the hospital, followed by the alarm system blaring. Water poured from the ceiling in both

the dental suite and dog ward.

The goal quickly became: SAVE WHAT YOU CAN! In an attempt to salvage as much as possible from water

damage, employees quickly grabbed computers, drawers, hospital supplies, equipment and so forth.

With the help of many firefighters, water was squeegeed from the floors to the outside and the alarms

were silenced. What a mess! The Countryside team diligently spent the evening cleaning up the hospital

and getting things ready for business. Amazingly, Countryside was up and running the very next day! Extensive hospital remodeling was needed, which is

how you see Countryside today.

Dr. Kerry Hoobler-Riek with the Broken Sprinkler and Pipe Filled with Ice

Dental Suite Cleanup

Dog Ward Cleanup

Countryside’s 2018 Calendar is right around the corner!!! *Email pictures to: calendar@countrysidevet.com*