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S. Fontana is a LifeLearn author.

Apr 15
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Why you should learn about Leptospirosis

By Vet Talk No Comments

by Dr. Cathy Seguin

Spring is here.  Finally!! We were beginning to wonder if it ever would.  But now we know that even if there is more snow, it is not here to stay.  Unfortunately, spring means April showers.  Having a large dog, I really don’t appreciate muddy season – not on the walks, or in the house.

There is another thing to consider when the weather gets damp.  I spent an evening in London recently getting the update on Leptospirosis.  What’s that you ask?  It’s a bacterial infection that is spread in the urine of wildlife.  We think we are seeing more of it in the suburbs with the increase of raccoons and skunks in suburban areas.  It requires a moist area to reproduce, which is why it becomes more of an issue in the spring and the fall.  When we think of a moist area, we think of anywhere that stays squishy after a rain, or where puddles accumulate.

If your dog were to become infected, the most commonly targeted organs are kidneys and liver. It is a bacterial infection, which means that it can be treated with antibiotics.  However, it can hit hard and fast, and getting an early diagnosis can be critical. Treatment requires hospitalization with intravenous fluids, antibiotics and other supportive medications.

There is a vaccine available to protect our dogs.  We used to screen dogs that needed vaccination by their outdoor activities – going on the rail trail, down by the river, dog parks, etc., but there is a newer trend presenting itself. We are seeing an increase in little, urban dogs.  You know the ones – their feet rarely touch the ground, and they certainly never get wet.  They never leave their own back yards.  We’re still not sure how these little ones are getting infected, but it is a concern.  Do we simply vaccinate everyone? This vaccine tends to be more reactive than some of the others, though some dispute this.  Well worth it, in my opinion, if your dog is at risk.

I think education is paramount. Being aware of a risk, knowing what to look for, and early intervention will make the ultimate difference. If people know that the disease exists, what the risks and symptoms are, then they can make an educated decision for their own pet. I don’t believe every dog needs to be vaccinated – yet. But I do believe that every owner needs to know of the risks.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please feel free to contact us.

Feb 12
Love0

HOT DOG Warming Blanket

By Tech Talk No Comments

Brantford Veterinary Clinic Tech Talk

 

In the Brantford Veterinary Clinic your pet’s care and comfort is of the utmost importance.  This is our HOT DOG warming blanket used to keep him or her warm and cozy during surgery. We use it on every patient who is undergoing an anesthetic procedure, no matter what type or length of anesthesia. It is called a HOT DOG warming blanket because (as you can see) it wraps around the animal much like a hot dog bun would. It is portable and therefore can be used anywhere in the clinic when needed. It comes with two different sizes of blanket to ensure the best fit for your pet. Having three different temperature levels to choose from allows us to adjust the warming blanket as needed while continually monitoring your pet’s body temperature with a thermometer throughout the procedure. A normal, healthy dog should have a body temperature between 37.5°C and 39.5°C. A normal, healthy cat should have a body temperature between 38°C and 39.5°C. Maintaining the correct body temperature while under anesthesia is very important, especially in younger animals like puppies and kittens. While under anesthesia, animals lose their ability to control their body temperature through shivering or panting. With this in mind, the animals require some sort of intervention from us to prevent them from becoming hypothermic. The HOT DOG warming blanket allows their body temperature to remain at the optimum level and therefore allow normal metabolic functions and provide an even safer anesthetic with a smooth and more rapid recovery.

When your dog or cat has finished in surgery, we move them to a kennel which we line with blankets and towel wrapped hot packs to keep them warm and comfortable.  A technician monitors them until they are fully awake.

Feb 05
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Does your pet have kissable breath?

By Tech Talk No Comments

Does your pet have kissable breath?

The importance of maintaining good oral hygiene is often something we don’t worry about for our cats and dogs like we do for ourselves. However, it is very important to their overall health and well being. Severe periodontal disease occurs when we allow plaque and harmful bacteria to destroy the gum tissue. The infection spreads under the gum line causing bone loss and eventually loss of teeth. Signs of periodontal disease include: bad breath, brown staining on teeth, bleeding gums, tooth loss, abnormal drooling and changes in eating habits.

Dental cleanings require a general anesthetic to ensure proper cleaning above and below the gum line. We also take dental radiographs to ensure there are no issues with bone loss or root infection not visible above the gum line.

Periodontal disease is quite uncomfortable for our pets and for us. Our bond is broken somewhat with our pet when we don’t want them close to us because of their bad breath.  The bacteria from periodontal disease can travel through the blood stream to other major organs such as the valves in their heart, the liver and the kidneys.

The benefit to having a dental cleaning done on your pet is that they will have that kissable breath again. Your pet will have a healthy mouth to eat with pain free and there will be no infection causing disease in their mouth or in their body. That means the possibility of a longer, healthier life for them and more enjoyment with them.

Oct 15
Love0

Pet Euthanasia – All Good Things Come to an End

By Uncategorized No Comments

This past weekend was a sad one for me. I had to perform one of the most difficult tasks in veterinary medicine…. euthanasia for an ailing dog or cat.  I helped Fraulein, a grey faced Golden Retriever, and Lacey, a weakened Jack Russell Terrier, leave this world without unnecessary suffering.

Senior dog euthanasia decision

Euthanasia in a dog or cat is the humane solution to end suffering.

This is not the standard definition, but it’s what euthanasia means to me as a veterinarian. Pet euthanasia is the humane termination of an animal’s life when there is no more merciful option.

It’s hard to do. It’s hard for the doctor. It’s hard for the pet’s family. But, fortunately, it’s not hard for the patient.

 

What is the Process of Pet Euthanasia?

There are different methods of terminating an animal’s life, some more humane than others. Due to updated guidelines on euthanasia and with the development of better medications, the process can be very peaceful and painless.

The best drugs actually “put the pet to sleep.” In other words, the patient lapses into a deep sleep or coma-like state so he is unaware when his body systems shut down. He won’t feel his heart stop or panic when he stops breathing. Organs may take a while to cease functioning, but the brain doesn’t recognize the actual time when it occurs. This lack of awareness makes euthanasia quite peaceful for the patient.

Should You Stay or Go During Euthanasia for Your Dog or Cat?

Many families ask my advice on whether they should be with their pet as his life ends and my feeble response is, “It depends.”  It depends on your personal feelings.  Ask yourself these questions when contemplating the end of life plan for your pet. It’s best to answer these questions before you are actually in the situation. That way you make objective, not emotional, decisions. So no matter how young or healthy your pet is, consider these questions:

  • Do I want my last memory to be of her breathing in my arms?
  • Do I want my last memory to be of him taking his last breath in my arms?
  • Do I want the euthanasia performed at home or at the veterinary hospital?
  • Are my children mature enough to understand why we are performing euthanasia?
  • Do my children need to actually experience the end or will a respectful acknowledgment after death be sufficient closure?
  • Do I want to bury my pet at home or in a pet cemetery?
  • Do I want my pet cremated? Do I want his ashes returned to me?
  • Is there a pet grief counselor available should I choose to see one?
Cat euthanasia can end suffering for a sick animalCat or dog euthanasia is respectful, peaceful and painless with proper preparationn for a loving pet who is now suffering

The end of a life is a sad event, but it can be respectful and peaceful and painless with a little counseling and preparation. Here are some of the things I talk about before euthanizing a family pet.

If pet owners want to be with their pet, I give them the option of having the euthanasia performed at our clinic or in their homes. I place a catheter in the pet’s vein to aid in the intravenous administration of the medication. I give the family ample time for good-byes. I make sure they understand that the medication works quickly and its effects cannot be undone. I explain that any vocalizations, twitches, or loss of bladder/bowel control are due to reflexes and the pet is unaware of these occurrences.

Then we gather around the pet and comfort her while giving her a gracious end. I often tell clients that euthanasia may be the hardest thing they will ever do, but it may also be the most generous gift they will ever give their pet.

The End of My Week

My sad week involved two euthanasias performed exactly 7 days apart…both on Sundays. Death doesn’t refer to a calendar or watch a clock. It was time… time for Fraulein and Lacey to say good-bye to their families. They brought joy to the people that loved them. Their families loved them back by making their lives the very best they could be until the very end.

Are you struggling with a euthanasia decision for your senior or ailing pet? We’re happy to help.

Read More…

Sep 06
Love0

Readers’ Choice Awards

By Uncategorized

The Brantford Veterinary Clinic is very honoured to have

been nominated in 2 categories for

the 1st Annual Brant News Readers’ Choice Awards.

We very much appreciate the trust and respect resulting in this nomination.

Online voting will take place from September 13th to September 23rd at www.brantnewsreaderschoice.ca.

Aug 02
Love0

Brantford Veterinary Clinic supports Ride for Farley

By Uncategorized

Cycling Event Raising Money and Awareness

for Pets and People in Need

Kathy Holden,  Bev Dungey and Dave Schleifer of the Brantford Veterinary Clinic will again be cycling 100 km to raise money and awareness of the Farley Foundation.  In our clinic we have seen how this organization can help people in need with the care of their furry family members.

On Saturday, September 8th, these members of The Brantford Veterinary Clinic, along with veterinary staff throughout Ontario, will cycle 50, 100 or 160 km to raise funds and awareness for the Farley Foundation – a charitable organization that assists people with limited incomes with the necessary veterinary care of their pets.  The Ride for Farley is an annual fundraising event that, over the past few years has raised more than $200,000 for people and pets in need.  This year’s event will take place in the Milton area,

“We are so happy to be able to support the Farley Foundation through participating in the Ride for Farley”, said Kathy, Bev and Dave. “Working in a veterinary clinic, we witness firsthand the special bond that people have with their pets.  The money raised during this event will help pets in our community receive the treatment they need so that they can continue to provide pet owners with the love and companionship they value so dearly.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation in support of our Ride for Farley can visit one of the Giving Pages listed on www.CanadaHelps.org at

Kathy:  http://www.canadahelps.org/givingpages/givingpage.aspx?gpID=19574

Bev:   http://www.canadahelps.org/givingpages/givingpage.aspx?gpID=19955

Dave: https://www.ovma.info/FarleyFoundation/Donations/ShowGivingPage.aspx?id=91

Or please feel  free to drop by the clinic with your donation.

Established by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) in 2001, the Farley Foundation assists seniors and disabled persons on limited incomes and women at risk of abuse (who are participating in the OVMA’s SafePet program) to access non-elective veterinary medical treatment for their pets.  In 2011, the Foundation expanded its eligibility criteria to include pets in care facilities for seniors.  In January 2012, the foundation expanded its eligibility criteria to include those receiving assistance through the Ontario Works program.  To date the Foundation has disbursed over 1.3 million dollars to assist more than 3,500 people and their pets.  For more information please visit www.farleyfoundation.org.

For more information about OVMA’s SafePet program, please visit www.ovma.org.

To learn more about the Ride for Farley or the Farley Foundation, please contact:

Julia Hayes, Communications Coordinator

jhayes@ovma.org or 1 800 670-1702 ext. 25

Jul 19
Love0

30 years of veterinary medicine…

By Vet Talk

 

It’s hard to believe that it’s 30 years since I first stepped into the exam room as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.  I decided to become a veterinarian when I was 8 years old.  I had a hamster that wasn’t well and I had no idea what to do for it.  I promised that one day I would know what to do to help, or at least be able to end the suffering peacefully.  My resolve never waivered.  Strange that at the time people told me that I couldn’t be a vet as it was a man’s job (thankfully my mother supported me) and now the classes are well over half female.

We had always had pets growing up but when I went in to my first appointment I felt so inexperienced and remember looking forward to having a year under my belt.  After the first year, I was looking forward to having 10 years experience.  There was so much to know, so many things that weren’t in the text books.

After 30 years, you would think that I would have pretty much seen all of it by now, but Mother Nature keeps throwing new curves at me.  I’m grateful that I can’t say “I’ve never seen anything like it” very often anymore, but it still happens.

Even if I had seen it all, with the fast pace that new technology and medications are changing the way we practice, there is still more to learn continually.  It certainly never gets dull.  So much has changed in the past 30 years.  When I went to school we were not taught dentistry.  We simply removed teeth that became too diseased.  We also believed that some degree of liver, kidney and heart disease were normal in pets over 10 years of age.  We now know the impact of disease in the mouth throughout the body.  We take a preventive approach and know that a healthy mouth means a healthy pet.  We now know that no amount of liver, kidney or heart disease is normal and our pets are living much longer and healthier lives.

The information on heart disease has also progressed incredibly, as have the medications we have to treat it.  A heart disease of cats was discovered to be nutritional and now that cat foods are supplemented we rarely see it anymore.  Blocked cats needing surgery were common every spring and fall but with the new nutritional adjustments to the diets, it is now thankfully uncommon.

Heartworm medication had to be given every day and if you missed a day you risked an infection breaking through.  Also, if you gave the medication to an animal that had heartworm, it could result in an instant reaction that could be fatal.  Now we can use one of the medications to help control the disease.

I could go on but I would like to get this posted while it is still 30 years of practise.  Perhaps others will be addressed in coming blogs.

I feel very blessed that I can spend my days doing something that I enjoy so much.  Having grown up with many different animals, I recognize the importance of even the smallest to its caretaker.  It is a very good feeling to help a sick creature feel well again.

It has also been a privilege to come to know my clients and their families.  To see them come with a new pet, after having weathered the loss of an old friend.  To see their children grow and eventually come in with pets of their own.  I had no idea, 30 years ago, how very rich and rewarding a career this would be and I thank you all for the honor of caring for the furry members of your family.

Jun 26
Love0

Brantford Vet Tech Talk —- with Anne and Jenn

By Tech Talk

 

What is in that bag of food?

The pet food industry is a confusing one. We can stand in a store looking at all the ingredients on the bag of food and still not really understand what is in the food.  There are many misunderstandings or misconceptions regarding ingredients vs. nutrients. We need to feed a commercially prepared diet that is highly digestible and very tasty for our dog or cat.

By-products, meals and corn are among the most unpopular ingredients when it comes to why we choose one diet over another.  What is not understood is that these ingredients actually are healthy because the chicken meal for example is meat, skin and bone finely ground into a very highly digestible protein.  Another energy source,  corn gets a bad rap of being filler in the diet, but it is useful in providing protein, omega fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins to the diet.

We succumb to the effects of marketing and feel that if it is an “all natural diet” and costs more, then it must be good.  However, we have to ask ourselves if the company is spending so much money on advertising, are they also spending on research to ensure the quality and consistency of the diet.  We are not saying it is not a good diet, but often the protein or energy source is not a high quality one and therefore not broken down naturally by your pet. This means your pet is not absorbing the most it can from the diet. This is why some diets require more volume of food to be fed on a daily basis so that the pet gets the same nutrients as another diet with a higher digestibility of its ingredients.

Veterinary exclusive diets have put a lot of thought, time and money in the research behind their foods. They use high quality, highly digestible ingredients. This means that what your pet eats – they absorb and digest and therefore these diets may end up being more cost effective. Your pet will not need as much of the diet per day which also means a bag of food will last you longer.  And when what we put in is highly nutritious and digestible that means that less of it comes out….now who wouldn’t want to clean up less after their pet?

So contact your veterinary team today to find out what diet best suits you and your pet, both financially and nutritionally. Let us aid you in making the best decision you can to help your pet live a long and optimally healthy life.

Jun 05
Love0

Hot Cars in Brantford Ontario

By Uncategorized

Did you know……

On a nice sunny 72°F (22°C) day here in Brantford Ontario the temperature in your car can climb to 116°F (46.6°C) in less than 1 hour.  Studies have shown that cracking the windows open doesn’t make a lot of difference.

Our pets don’t adapt well to that heat.  They don’t sweat the same way that we do. The only way that they can cool themselves is by panting, drinking or through the pads in their feet.  When overheated, they may pant excessively, drool, have trouble breathing, become disoriented and eventually collapse.

I know we love our pets and don’t want anything to happen to them.  Please be aware of the temperature and think twice before bringing your pet along on errands.

Please check out the www.mydogiscool.com website for more information on what you can do to care for your pet’s.

Apr 25
Love0

Why should I test my dog annually for Heartworm?

By Tech Talk

Why should I test my dog annually for heartworm?

This is a question that is frequently asked either on the phone or at the front desk.

At the Brantford Vet Clinic we believe your pet should be tested annually, and I would like to explain why.

As you know, no medication is 100% effective. For easy comparison, we liken this analogy to birth control. How many instances have you heard where someone became pregnant while taking birth control? Well, the same risk exists with heartworm prevention. Even if you have been diligent about administering your heartworm prevention there is always a small risk of infection occurring regardless.  We have all see cases like this.  Therefore, we recommend the test as a way of making 100 % certain your dog is not infected before you begin giving prevention for another season.

Why can’t I test every other year then?

The simple answer is you can, but not without consequence. We do offer our clients the option of signing a waiver if they have had two negative tests consecutively. A waiver can be signed every other year after two negative tests.

However, clients should be aware that when you purchase your prevention (heartworm medications) you aren’t just purchasing prevention – it comes with a guarantee! The drug companies guarantee their products to prevent heartworm when administered correctly. Therefore if your dog does become infected while using prevention, the drug company agrees to pay for the cost of the treatment required.  However, this guarantee is negated if you don’t do annual testing, which is the consequence I spoke about above.  Also, if your pet were infected, another year would pass before that was detected.

It is our clinic policy to only allow waivers under these circumstances.  We acknowledge that clients should have the right to choose to do a waiver, but only every other year.  Our doctors simply believe the risk to your pet is too great otherwise, and they are unwilling to put your pet in danger.

Brantford is second only to Caledonia in the stats for the highest number of heartworm positives in the country so the risk is truly magnified because of where we live.

Hopefully this will clarify that common question for our clients, and help them make an informed decision. We only want to give your pet the best chance possible at a long healthy life!

by Bev Dungey
Brantford Veterinary Clinic