Facing the loss of a pet is one of the hardest things we do.  Trying to make the best decision for them and for you and your family can be emotionally exhausting.  Many of us believe we are playing god, or making decisions that are not ours to make.  Or we may feel we are being selfish and making a decision based on convenience.  I am here to tell you there is no easy answer to this dilemma, but myself and my staff feel it is our duty and even privilage to be here for you and help you make this transition as pain and stressfree as reasonbly possible.

I am going to post some information today that may help you understand some of the questions you may need to answer to reach a decision which is in the best  interest of everyone.  First, it is important to remember how valuable pets are to most people.  They are actually a part of the family and the thought of losing them is often very painful.  Therefor the loss of your pet can be very traumatic and mourning their loss is reasonable and understandable.

Reaching the decision

There are several questions you can answer which can help you make this decision.

1. Does my pet currently have a good quality of life?

2. Is my pet still eating and enjoying his food?  Is he playful and still showing affection?

3.  Does my pet still show interest in his environment?

4.  Does my pet seem to hide or avoid us most of the time?

5.  Is my pet in pain?

6.  Is there anything I can do to make my pet more comfortable?

7.  Is my pet suffering?

8.  Are there treatment options available and can I perform them or afford them?

9.  Do I still love my pet or am I angry due to medical problems?

10.  Has my pet lost his house training skill, feel embarassed about urinating inappropriately?

If you answered negatively to at least half of these questions, then I would council you that the best course of action for you and your beloved pet would be humane euthenasia.  No matter your stance on human medicine, I think we can all agree many suffer at the hands of debilitating and painful disease.  we have no choices where our human loved ones are concerned, but at least with our pets we can help them pass on without pain or fear, and many of us know we will see them again.

I hope this helps and brings you some comfort if the time comes that you must make this decision.

There is a trend I have seen through the years when it comes to how owners see their cats.  Where most dog owners will bring the dog in for yearly wellness exams (And this is so important), the cat tends to get left out of this equation.  When I discuss this phenomenon with people I always hear the same thing.  “He never gets sick, and he is strictly indoors so he never get’s exposed to anything.”  First thing I want to point out is that just because an animal is “indoor only” does not mean they do not get diseases such as heart disease, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, etc.  All of which common and life threatening illnesses suffered by cats.

Most cats will never indicate to owners when they don’t feel well.  They do not cry in pain or try to get your attention.  In fact, they are incredibly stoic and suffer in silence.  And most of the time, because they are not making an issue of it, you, the owner, will not realize there is a problem until the kitty is very ill. Then the situation can become very expensive and very tragic.  My wish and my job is to help show you that the best path is the path of prevention.  Kitties need to be seen at least once a year, possibly twice if they are older.  It is truly that important.

What problems can we discover and even prevent with routine exams?  The list is much to long to write, but I will give you some of the most common troubles I see kitties face.  And know this, I can tell you without a doubt, there have been many a cat who has come to me that I feel certain I gave years of life because we discovered these problems early in the process.  And I have seen just the opposite and had to watch my dear client make heartwrenching decisions that may not have needed to be made had we seen the kitty a bit earlier.  And please know, I understand that many people don’t know what to look for, but that is why we veterinarians are here. Use us!!!!

Common ailments that may be prevented or at least managed with good preventative care:

Top 4 are as follows

Kidney disease: signs are frequent urination, increased thirst, increased or decreased appetite and weight loss (but early in the game none of these may be recognized).  Early signs may only be seen with blood chemistries and urine samples. 

Diabetes: often seen in overweight cats and a common thread noted is the cat was overweight but then suddenly lost significant weight.  Other later signs are increased thirst (significant), increased urination (significant) increased hunger with weight loss.  (Sounds a little like kidney issues doesn’t it?)

Hyperthyroid disease: Common signs are hyperactivity, increased appetite (they become voracious) and significant weight loss.  Gone untreated, significant heart disease will follow.

Cancer: signs depend on the type of cancer the kitty is suffering from, but commonly see weight loss.

And then there is heartworm disease: this is completely preventable and every cat, just like every dog, should be on a once a month prevention.  There is no treatment for this disease, it will kill your kitty overtime and there is no reason it should ever occur.

So there are some of the top problems cats suffer.  This is just the tip of the iceburg, so please, I implore all of my kitty lovers, bring them in for the care they deserve and the care they depend on you to provide.  You will thank me for it and they will thank you by having a longer, healthier life.

I think there is a trend out in the world today to look for options other than just western medicine, both in humans and pets.  I would like to address some good reasons to consider alternative methods, along with western medicine, when it comes to caring for your pet.  I believe that we can offer better care if we think a little outside of the box at times.

So what does Alternative medicine mean?  a good definition would be any medical modality not taught in Western Medical schools, human or veterinary.  Technically, this is not the same term as Holistic because it does not imply a specific philisophical mind set.  And I find this intriguing and attractive, because it allows us a broader box of tools to practice with.  Examples of alternative methods would be cold laser therapy, acupuncture, animal rehabilitation, etc. and I would add Eastern medicine such as TCVM.

When thinking Holistic medicine we have to think of considering that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.  In other words we need to treat the entire animal, not just the problem.  IE: what good are drugs for seperation anxiety if the emotional needs of the pet are not met?  With strictly Western Medicine the concept is to break systems down into smaller and smaller pieces, reducing them to the basics in order to understand how they work.  Therefore, we are treating parts and not the whole.

I believe, after years in practice, that we must consider all aspects of our patients in order to treat them in the best possible manner.  This means looking at the pet as a whole and not as many parts breaking down.  We need to consider the mind and spirit, the body and the disease when attempting to treat these animals. 

If you find that you have an interest in treating your pet as a whole, then we at CCAH are here to help.  I do believe in western medicine and use it every day, but I also recognize there is more ways than one to skin a cat.  If I feel a pet can benefit from TCHM, Acupuncture or some other modality, either I will perform these services or I will recommend someone who can.

I will be posting a series of blogs addressing different medicine approaches such as TCHM.  so keep checking in with us and if you would like more information please call us at 970-263-8882

How many of you out there have ever had to have surgery?  Maybe to repair a knee injury or a back problem?  Many of our canine friends suffer from the same troubles as we do.  They blow out their ACL running balls out, ears flying, and then seeing the squirrel over their shoulder, spinning on a dime and leaving the knee behind.  Or maybe they had the bad luck to be born with hips that don’t fit together correctly, IE hip dysplasia.  Or perhaps you just have an older kid who is now suffering from the effects of wear and tear from a long life of fun, resulting in some serious arthritis.  Well those of you who have had surgery most likely also had an appointment with their appointed physical therapist.  If so, smart move, because it has been shown that physical therapy is likely as important as the surgery itself in returning you to your previous level of fitness or at least getting you close.  Guess what?  Our pets need the same quality of medicine and no animal who has had any type of orthopedic surgery, injury or suffers from arthritic pain should be denied the benefits of a good rehabist.

There are many reasons for rehabilitation in dogs, and yes cats too.  Some of the reasons you may need the hands and expertise of a qualified therapist are these: Post surgical (ACL repair, Hip replacement, Elbow surgery),  Dengenerative diseases (degenerative disk disease, osteoarthritis), Soft-tissue injuries (muscle strain, ligament or tendon sprain), Age related ( osteoarthritis, weight gain, etc) or injury associated with sport or job (canine cop, agility dog).  But not only can we help animals recover from pain or injury we can also help prevent some of these problems.  By formulating a conditioning program, we can keep animals from injuring themselves as often or as severly as they might otherwise do.  Imagine the canine cop who has had a great deal of money put into his breeding, training and upkeep.  This animal has a job to perform, and can only do that if he is fit and sound.  It is the job of the handler and the rehabist to not only help that animal should he get injured in the line of duty, but to actually keep him at a level of fitness and athleticism to avoid injury in the first place.  A good rehab therapist will keep you animal healthy and pain free for many years to come.

As I said previously, I have a huge mushy spot for the older pets in our lives.  I see them every day.  They come in many different shapes, sizes, colors and conditions and I love them each and everyone.  Of course I enjoy seeing the youngsters too, but what I love most is knowing I will get to see them grow older because they are a part of my extended family.  Therefore I take a very personal interest in making certain my clients have good information and access to many tools which can keep their pets healthy for a very long time, even in the twilight years.

Older dogs and cats are like older people.  They are wise, often kind and patient, rarely complain but often hurt.  It is my job to help you decide if you pet is in discomfort.  How many of you have ever experienced the pain scale at the doctors office or in the hospital?  That little sliding scale with the smiley or frowny face, depending on where your pain is on the chart?  Well, the problem with that system is most of our pets are not Mr. Ed and can’t talk to us verbally and tell us where they fit on that particular chart.

Recently I was given this advice, and through experience I have to agree.  If you were to ask most animals where they were on the pain chart they would say 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 6 or 7 or 8.  Do you see what I am saying.  Most animals will not show overt, outward signs of pain until they are quite high on the pain chart.  Now some people would use the argument that animals don’t feel pain like we do.  This is absolutely incorrect.  They have the same nervous system as we do, but the difference is this.  They have not lost the instinct to survive.  If an animal shows pain or weakness, they are going to be consumed by a stronger predator.  If we show pain or weakness, we are going to get sympathy or another pain pill.  You have to stop thinking that just because your pet doesn’t whine, cry out, whimper, etc that they are not in pain.

Stay tuned for how to tell if your pet hurts and what you can do for it.  this is important, please don’t discount the effects of long term, chronic pain on the health and well being of your friend.

We all have them, old friends we love dearly.  No, I am not referring to someone you new in elementary school or that special person who knows all your secrets, I am talking about the older dog in your life.  I mean, the older “mans best friend”.  I have a special place in my heart for these guys and it is my passion to create a quality of life and to increase the longevity so these old friends canbe with my clients longer.  What is my mission?  To help you have the best, longest, most productive life with your dog that is humanly possible.  want to hear more then just keep reading.

what are some of the keys to slowing down father time where are pets are concerned? 

1.  Exercise is paramount.  We see this everyday in our sedentary individuals and older folks.  They stop moving, use a scooter to get around, sit on the couch, drive everywhere and what is the end result?  Decreased strength, increased pain in their joints, increased weight gain, loss of mobility and loss of quality of life.  The biggest reason dogs reach a point they can no longer get up is not because of joint pain or neurologic disorders, but a direct result of no longer exercising and becoming weak.  This is not inevitable and there are ways to keep that older pet up and moving.

2.  Nutrition: food is energy and crap in means crap out.  therefore the quality and quantity of diet being fed to your pets is directly related to longevity of life.  Study after study, humans, dogs, mice, show that inhibiting caloric intake increases life span.  IE: overfeeding your dog or yourself will decrease not only the length of life you live but the quality of life.  I believe in a long life but it needs to be one of quality.  If you don’t feed your pet well, they are not going to live as long as they might otherwise.

3. Near and dear to my heart: Regular Veterinary visits and care.  Animals age at an accelerated rate compared to humans.  Therefore when we recommend a “yearly or twice a year” visit, the animal has actually aged anywhere from 4-9 years.  That is huge and many problems can arise in that time period.  Without proper veterinary exams, guidance and care, your pet could develope a serious disease you may not even be aware of until the final stages.  I don’t want you or your pet to suffer this kind of trauma.  If we catch disease early, we can head many problems off at the pass.

I have a true soft spot for the geriatrics and I want to be a part of keeping them in our lives as long as we can.

Dr. Aimee

Recently I was thinking about how I could offer a better service to my clients and my patients.  The answer that came to me was offering wellness programs individualized to my patients: based on their size, gender and most important their breed.

All breeds were developed for a specific purpose. IE: Labrador retrievers for hunting and retrieving birds, border collies to herd sheep, and dauchsund to to down holes after small rodents or rabbits. 

Through years of careful breeding while selecting for very specific  traits, humans were able to produce dogs who were very good at their jobs.  In fact, their bodies and instincts were well designed for the jobs they were being asked to perform.  With these designs also comes very specific health risk.  I believe it is my duty to help you know more about what your particular breed, be it a kitty or dog, needs to have the best and longest life we can provide.

So if this is something you would find of interest, please give us a call at 970-263-8882 or come by and visit. we are not large but we are fantastic, this I can promise.

My own dog, Nevar, is a 15 year old border collie who still hikes with me, get rehab daily, just had his spleen removed and is fighting cancer.  But he is 3 months out and never looked better.  we are not persuing chemo, but simply good nutrition, physical activity, mental stimulation, herbal remedies and pain modulation.  He is fabulous and I expect him to be with me for several more years.  I can help your companion maintain a fantastic quality of life for years to come.

What are your expectations when it comes to your veterinarian?  Are you looking for someone who is warm and fuzzy or would you prefer someone with a more reserved demeanor but who’s medical knowledge is impeccible?  Is money the main concern or is making certain your pet get’s the best possible care?  Do you want a doc who is going to listen to you and give you advice or do you want someone who is going to tell you what is in the best interest of your pet?  There is a great deal involved when you are deciding who is going to be the care giver to your four legged friends and only you know the answers to who is going to be best suited for you.  But my advice, above all else look for someone who wants to make certain you are informed about what is important to keep your pet healthy, because the fact is no matter how little you spend for “basic” care, there is a heavy price to be paid if preventative medicine is at the bottom of your list.

I am a believer in preventing illness before it happens rather than trying to fix the motor once it freezes up.  Dracula stories or not, we can’t raise things from the dead, so the goal should be keep them alive and well while we have them here on this realm.  And that is my philosophy.  I love to help people keep their pets healthy.  I will always be that doctor who tells you what I think is in the best interest of your pet, not necessarily your wallet.  That does not mean I am not aware and considerate of financial concerns.  We all have them and we all know that at times we have to budget.  But that is the key word.  If you own a pet make certain you have budgeted them into the expenses.  That way when a need arises you are prepared.

So my recommendations to all my friends out there, when shopping (and yes people shop these days) for a vet, keep in mind that it is our duty and our privilage to inform you of what your family member needs to keep them in optimal health.  It does not mean we are here to strong arm you into performing procedures you do not want.  But we (I) would be remiss if I did not tell you what I felt fido or fluffy needed and then later down the road your pet became ill.  When your vet gives you information please know they do so out of concern for the well being of their patient.  But also please understand that what we do for a living, though a passion for most of us, is also a service to you and does not come without a price tag. 

I would love the opportunity to discuss any comments or questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Dr. Aimee

Every day I have dogs and cats walk their owners in the door.  They are different colors, different genders, but most important they are different breeds.  ( the animals, not the human).  While in Veterinary school, I was well schooled in how to treat both dogs and cats for their many illnesses, as well as how to keep them healthy.  We also discussed the different breeds on occasion, but we were never encouraged to treat animals based on their breed.  I intend to change that.

Most people fall in love with a certain breed of dog or cat.  Somehow we find that one breed that just fits us.  Even if they are the breed of mutt.  All mutts these days are a mixture of two or perhaps three dogs, but usually there is a dominant breed that is expressed.  What I have noticed through my years in practice, is most people not only like their breed, they love their breed and they want that pet to be treated as special.  I couldn’t agree more, and this is why I have decided to practice medicine just a little different than my fellow veterinarians.  I am developing a practice which specializes in treating and preventing illness based on specific breed needs.

I think anyone who owns a labrador or a bulldog or a persian cat knows they have specific and unique needs because they are the breed they are.  I know I can provide better wellness to my clients and my patients if I create personalized wellness plans based on the very unique needs each individual animal has.  I believe it is my duty to my clients and my patients to treat them as the individuals they are and not as just a dog or cat.  Here is what I offer at Creature Comforts Animal Hospital.  I will evaluate your pet, provide an extensive and thorough physical exam and then personalize a wellness plan just for them.  we will not practice cookie cutter, cook book medicine.  We will provide individual, personalized care and I promise you will love the results.

My desire is to always prevent problems in my pets.  To be fair and honest, it is important my clients understand preventative medicine requires dedication and work  on the part of my human  and my four legged friends.  For you and I, if we want to stay healthy, prevent disease and live a long life, we have to work at it.  We have to exercise (so does your pet), we have to eat high quaility nutrtious food (so does your pet), we have to take important supplements to maintain proper hormone levels and protect our joints from the effects of oxidative damage (and so does your pet).  In other words, if you want to keep your dog or cat from getting devastating illness or musculoskeletal damage, we need to practice preventative measures.  And that is what my staff and I will provide: the means to a long healthy life for the breed you love.

Have you ever found yourself in the hospital, getting ready to go in for surgery?  Were you surrounded by several nurses, all who seemed intent on stabbing you with a sharp instrument, putting a catheter in your arm, placing something in your mouth, or trying to take your blood?  Have you ever wondered why they needed to draw that blood sample before surgery or needed to place that intravenous catheter?  Have you ever considered looking the doctor in the eye and saying, “Is this really necessary?” or “No thanks Doc, I’m trying to save money and I don’t think I want to pay for bloodwork?”  My guess is that you never have.  You take it as necessary precautions to ensure you wake up from your anesthetic procedure.  Well guys, the same holds true for your pets.

In this day and time, I consider it poor practice to perform surgery on any of my clients without first screening them for underlying problems, Problems which could put your animal at serious risk if anesthatized.  I also can not conceive not placing an intravenous catheter. IV catheters provide me access to a vein through which I can administer drugs and fluids, as well as helps control blood pressure.  The act of performing preanesthetic labwork and administering Intravenous fluids is basic good medicine and you, as a client, need to be informed.

Running blood chemistries allows me, your doctor, to be more certain there is no underlying problem that may require delaying anesthesia in my  patient.  It allows us a look into your animals body, to see how well their organs are functioning.   organs, like the liver and kidneys, must be in good working order to metabolize the anesthetic drugs we are giving.  If they are sick or damaged, we could actually put your pet at greater risk with anesthesia.  In fact it could result in their death.  It is important we address any problems before anesthesia is performed.  Even in a young animal who is being spayed or neutered.  Young animals can have congenital abnormalities of their organ systems which may only be found with labwork.  Would you rather find out before a surgery that they have problems or after when something has gone terribly wrong?  I agree, and that is why I will not place an animal under anesthesia until these tests have been performed.  No surgery is without risk, and there is no such thing as just a simple spay or neuter.

I hear all the time that young animals are healthy and there is no reason to perform these tests.  Tell that to the owner who loses their beloved dog or cat who just went in for that simple spay or neuter.  I think I need to make a point here.  As a profession we have downplayed these surgeries.  A spay is MAJOR ABDOMINAL SURGERY.  It is the exact same surgery you, or your wife would have performed if they needed a hysterectomy.  In fact it is the same.  We remove the uterus and the ovaries from the abdominal cavity.  It is not routine surgery and I assure you, no one would ask you to have that surgery performed without first testing you for any problems which may indicate you should not go under anesthesia.  Your pet deserves the same consideration.

Now let’s talk about Intravenous Fluids.  When you or an animal is put under anesthesia, one of the first and most dramatic things which can happen is your blood pressure will drop.  Blood pressure is necessary to ensure all of your organs, including your brain, get adequate amounts of blood which carries oxygen and glucose, as well as other nutrients.  No tissue can survive long without oxygen and the brain is especially sensitive.  Also, glucose is the only source of energy the brain can use.  So if blood pressure drops to low and organs, ie the brain, are deprived of either oxygen or glucose or both, you may not like the end result. temporary brain damage, permanent brain damage, damage to other organs (kidneys and liver) or death.  None of these are outcomes we would want, and that is why I will not perform surgery without fluids.

I hope this gives you a better understanding of this issue.  If you have questions or would like more information, please call my office at 970-263-8882.