Spring Newsletter 2020

Spring Newsletter 2020

Stance Analysis

Dr. Steele recently acquired a new piece of equipment, called a Stance Analyzer. This equipment will help with diagnosing lameness or limping in pets. Stance analysis is a diagnostic procedure that shows how an animal's weight is distributed across each of their limbs. By rapidly capturing multiple snapshots of weight bearing in each limb and comparing the readings to standard weight-bearing data, we can quickly see if a patient is exhibiting lameness and isolate any issue to specific limb/limbs.

The Stance Analyzer can be used to quickly and easily perform the stance analysis by placing the patient on the special mat, with one paw in each quadrant, and capturing multiple weight bearing measurements that are averaged for a final reading. The results can then be saved and reviewed as part of a wellness, and/or lameness assessment.  Using the Stance Analyzer as a part of a standard wellness exam allows us to identify a problem that may not yet be obvious. When used during a problem appointment, stance analysis helps to pinpoint where a problem is originating.  Call and ask us if your pet would benefit from a stance analysis.

VetSource

VetSource is our online home delivery pharmacy. You can order your pets medications & prescription foods online & have them shipped to your home. VetSource is monitored by licensed pharmacists, checking and double checking your pet’s prescription.

After you make a profile you can decide if you want to have your products auto shipped or placed on the Remind Me program. The Remind Me program sends one dose at a time and then will automatically send more when your pet is due.

You can request medication or food by clicking on the link for our store on the Pharmacy Tab on our website, under Services. Once you have chosen the product you want, we will be notified so we can approve the prescription. If your products are approved, they will be mailed directly to your home.

Right now is a perfect time to take advantage of our online store! Have your pet’s medications and food sent right to your home during quarantine.

Exotic Corner: Rats

                If you are looking for a cuddly, intelligent, and reasonably easy to care for companion, look no farther. Rats make excellent pets in well socialized, clean, stimulating environments, making them ideal for young families. They are easy to train and don’t require a lot of space!  The average lifespan is about 2-3 years.  Rats are omnivores that can’t burp, sweat, or vomit.  They secrete a red tinged substance called porphyrin from their mouth when ill (many people mistake this for blood).  Rats are commonly afflicted by respiratory infections, dental disease, head tilts, obesity, kidney disease, parasites, and mammary tumors. 

Like people, rats are omnivores, however, they choose to primarily feed at night.  Also, similarly to people, they will preferentially consume more junk food than is good for them if given the opportunity. Pet rats should be fed a high-quality, commercially processed rat food block/chow, with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables provided in moderation.  However, if the food is made up of a mix, you will have to make sure that the rats are eating everything and not just their favorite pieces, otherwise they aren't getting a nutritionally complete diet.  Rats can have a sensitive GI tract, so diet changes and introduction of new foods should be done gradually.  Rats should always have fresh water available.

Rats demonstrate more personality when housed with other rats.  Keeping at least two rats of the same gender (unless they are spayed/neutered) is strongly recommended, otherwise your rat may become lonely and develop behavioral problems.  This is safe in most circumstances as fighting rarely occurs among adults, however, it does help if they are approximately the same age and if they are spayed or neutered.  Rats are most active at night, making them extremely suitable for people who work all day.  They are very gentle creatures and seldom bite unless in pain or very fearful.

For preventative care, we recommend a physical exam every 6-12 months, yearly fecal checks for parasites, spaying/neutering at 3-6 months of age, annual blood work, and routine dental examinations.

***Covid-19***

Please note that during the Shelter in Place order, our office will be open M-F from 9am – 6pm. Please check our website or Facebook for updates.

Employee Spotlight:

Casey Ade, LVT

Casey is our newest employee, having just started here in January. She graduated from Baker college of Flint in 2018 with an associate degree in Veterinary Science. After passing her state board exams, she is now a licensed Veterinary Technician. She has always had a passion for wanting to help and care for animals since she was a young girl. She has interests in all fields of veterinary medicine, especially in surgery, large animals, and exotics.

As a technician, she has acquired a lot of animals. She has 3 dogs named Autumn, Nala, and Lily. She also has a three-legged cat named Charlie. In her spare time, she enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and being in the outdoors. She also loves spending most of her time with her family, niece, and her animals.