Fall is in the air

After an extended hiatus i have returned to the blogosphere. After a busy Summer the building expansion is now complete and we hope to update the website oldtownanimal.net soon with pictures. The new space has been well received and allows more comfort and safety for our guests.
Dr. Kara Meehan has joined the practice in a partime roll for now. She has years of experience in emergency medicine and brings a thorough and gentle touch approach to her work. Please give her a chance to help you as we try to make appointments easier to fill in a timely manner.
Stay tuned for medical updates .

Rainy Rabies Clinic Success!

Wow, I can't believe how many people braved the weather to come to our annual Spring Rabies clinic. I thought we would be standing around freezing all by ourselves. Thanks for showing up! Each year we are making progress to get a higher percentage of pets in town vaccinated. Keep up the good work. Hope all enjoyed a nice Easter or Passover holiday. Dr. B

Distemper outbreak.

Officials in El Paso, Texas, have confirmed almost a dozen cases of canine distemper in the first two weeks of April, and say they're hearing reports of additional cases in several U.S. states. The AVMA advises dog owners to see the veterinarian if they notice early symptoms of the highly contagious virus, including lumps or swelling, marked weight changes or changes in behavior or fatigue. 
Obviously we are  a long way from Texas but it is a good reminder that these diseases can re-emerge whenever we let down our guard. Just keep current on the important core vaccines and you can have peace of mind.
Enjoy the weather!


Rabies clinic Saturday 4/23 at elementary school.
Dr. B

Distemper Outbreak in Memphis

We often talk about vaccines with owners that don't want to give " too many shots". That is our position as well. However with all the animals being transported around the country for sale or rescue the dangers of Parvo Virus or Distemper are very real. A recent outbreak of dogs in Memphis Tennessee led to many dogs being euthanized. These animals were overwhelmed with a disease that is easily prevented with routine vaccination. Parvo cases from the southwest come to New England all the time. Please be aware, ask questions and stay up to date on our recommended vaccinations.

spring has sprung?

• Starting to feel like old man winter is off duty finally. 
• The Revolution introduction letters are being mailed as we speak.
• Construction is finally starting back up  on the new reception addition this week!
• Please feel free to use the additional parking area now available. 

     Also the annual spring rabies clinic will be happening soon. April 23rd at the Seabrook elementary school on Walton Rd. Dogs on leashes, cats in carriers, licenses will be available. $12 shots. 9-12AM

Revolution is Coming !

Revolution, a topical treatment for fleas and heartworm is being combined with a safe and effective Preventic collar to cover all the bases for your pet(s). We are rolling out the introduction to our clients this spring even though it has been used widely for years. It is now a cost effective alternative to Heartgard and Frontline. We will continue to offer these tried and true products as well but we encourage you to look at Revolution with an open mind. Save money using a safe, easy application!
Look for our upcoming mailing describing the introduction of this exciting option for you and your pets.

Spring Rabies Clinic 2011

After a couple of re-schedulings the date has been set for our annual Spring Seabrook Rabies Clinic.
Saturday April 23 at the elementary school on Walton Rd. between 9:00 - 12:00 AM

All cats should be in carriers, all dogs on leashes. Dog licenses will be available.

We would also like to make available micro-chipping in a clinic setting. Please call the office (603-468-1900) if there is interest.

Finally the End of February Is In Sight

Just ignore the snow, it will blow away or melt before you know it.

We have had some reports of people buying wild game meat from internet sites to feed their dogs, some believing in the "prey model" approach to training/nutrition. Please refrain from this. First it is illegal for a variety of reasons., Health concerns for everyone is an issue from the hunter to shipping companies and certainly pet owners and obviously your dog or cat. From Salmonella to Trichinosis and other parasites, there are a number of things that can go wrong.  The other thing you may not consider is that these practices lead to mismanaged harvesting that leads to poaching of animals. Thinning of herds and dangerous out of season hunting are very real threats. Fads come and go. I lived in Montana for years and have nothing philosophically against hunting but let's be smart about things

OTAH is having a short week. No appointments on Friday 2/25 or Saturday 2/26 Please plan accordingly. Have a great week and don't let the kids get under your skin. CB.

Happy Valentine's Day

Hope everyone has a pleasant and perhaps even romantic valentine's day!
Just back from a surgery conference in Burlington, Vt. Boy is it cold up there.
Always good to freshen up and learn some new tricks for old dogs. Also some good discussions on efforts to improve emergency responses in communities as well as controlling outbreaks of diseases in the food production industry.
Looking ahead we will plan on having a rabies clinic on the third Saturday of April either at the elementary school or at our newly expanded hospital site.
cb

Dr. B's Musings

The Yukon Quest is on and it seems all the dogs are being treated very well despite a ridiculously vigorous physical race. The dog mushing community has rallied to defend its practices of care for their dogs.
We are reviewing the cases of canine influenza around the country to see if it a good idea to recommend vaccination in advance of any problems in the area. We will let everyone know if protocols change.
We have had some accidents with dogs running into streets, bounded by high snow banks, leading to broken bones and worse! Please be vigilant. there are few places for the dogs and cats to roam so until we get some snow melt change your routines and be extra careful.
Last year we had many households with tough flea problems. Let's get ahead of them this year by starting monthly treatments as the weather moderates.
Have a great weekend, Dr. B

Sunny Friday now if only the Pats...

Hope everyone has a super weekend coming up. I might try to go skiing finally.
Please keep an eye out where your pets are walking outside these days. The stores are running out of the better quality ice melts and some of back up products are pretty harsh on animal paws. Think about a quick wipe with a wet face cloth when they come in.
I'm keeping an eye on the Yellowstone Bison herd. they are migrating through land that poses a risk to contaminate local cattle with Brucellosis. This bacteria causes abortion / illness in hooved animals and is an big risk to clean herds. Hopefully cattlemen / hunters won't take matters in their own hands. I went to school in Montana so I like to follow animal / environmental issues out west, as well as the U Montana Grizzly football team.Go Griz.
Merrick Pet Care has announced the recall of some of its Jr. Texas Taffy pet treats over a concern that they might be tainted with salmonella. This product may not be available in this region but be careful.

wednesday follow up

Sorry about the typos, should ave reviewed before posting.
Shocking news from Canada where post-Olympic small businesses built up sled dog adventure companies only to fall victim to economy down-turn. Problem is the poor sled dogs were the real victims. Up to 100 dogs were senselessly slaughtered (gunshot) to reduce overhead costs. the process was unnecessary, poorly carried out and has outraged the dog loving world.
A more positive note from Japan where scientists have trained an 8 year old Black Lab to sniff out colon cancer on the breath ( I saw where you thought that was going) of patients! this is in addition to other dogs who can detect other cancers such as melanoma, breast, lung and bladder cancer.Unfortunately they still recommend colonoscopy as a primary screening tool. everyone over 50, make sure you sign up for one.
We will be sending out cards announcing the web site and blog...hope to keep it fresh and informative, please make suggestions or give tips. goal is to inform and entertain, your snow bound vet, cb

Good morning Feb. 2, 2010

Well I don't thone and if someone needs phink we will be having regular appointments today. I will be available on the phone and come in if necessary.
More news to follow later...cb

More White Stuff, February is Here!

February is Pet Dental health Month.We here at the OTAH offer special savings for dental procedures performed during February (and August) . Many of you have already received a card or email notice about savings of $60-70. Call if you have any questions or wish to set up an evaluation or cleaning.

Today we will be closing around 2:00 pm because of the weather / safety issues.Tomorrow Wednesday 2/2/11 call if you have any problems. Hours will be limited to emergency only I suspect. Remember to let the kids do the shoveling. Dr. B

Think Spring

The staff and I are putting the finishing touches on a review of our approach to controlling pests responsible for diseases including Heartworm, Lyme, Ehlichia, Anaplasmosis, tapeworms, allergic dernatitis, etc.
Our goal is to recommend safe products that get the job done for the least cost!
We will continue to offer Frontline and Heartgard Plus as well as Advantix and TriHeart for those who continue to enjoy their benefits. we just ask everyone to keep an open mind and perhaps try a new strategy.
Enjoy the sunshine...Dr. B

Thursday 1/27/11

A few randoms notes...
TheAKC has announced the Labrador as America's favorite dog, again ( for over a decade now ) with the German Shepherd and the Yorkie nipping at its heals.
A sad story from the airport.. a very small, very young hairless kitten died of apparent hypothermia during transport from the breeder to the new home. While literally millions of animals fly and truck around the country every year and approximately 33 animals died last year on airplanes / during transit , each loss is sad and should teach us more about safety and common sense.
I read a sad story of a large animal practice in California that finally had to close shop because changes in their clientele, fewer farms, more houses, less employment and state debt load. The perfect storm for business failure. I'm sure it was a loss to the community and a real blow to the doctors. Good luck to them.
We are up and running this morning so drive safe and call if you need any help from Dr. B and the girls.

Wednesday Jan. 26 Snow Update

Well it looks like some more snow!!! If it snows overnight Wednesday, Thursday should be OK to travel, but if you have a procedure on Thursday you may drop off your pet Wednesday late afternoon and we will proceed on Thursday as scheduled ( no extra charge for the overnight ) Hope that helps some with the difficult travel challenges we are all dealing with.

Looking ahead we are putting together a new approach to flea/tick/and heartworm control this spring. We will try to answer all your questions at that time.

Remember to lift with your legs!

Snowy Friday Jan. 21st

Yes we will be in the office this Friday January 21, despite the snow. As the day goes on we will assess safety for the staff so please call if you need to move your appointments up to an earlier time of day and we will accommodate you. The office is also open this Saturday Jan 22.

Slushy Tuesday

Just a heads up that we are open all day today, Tuesday Jan 18th. Drive safely and don't get mad a t the kids, they didn't cancel school.cb

Help for behavior problems!?

Behavior issues ranging from inappropriate elimination problems to aggression are very common at all veterinary offices. It is difficult to have answers for many of these often stressful situations. Some relief may be available through a new service provided by the ASPCA, a free email question and answer website where owners can send in their problems and behavior specialists will respond with suggestions. I hope some of you find this helpful! The connection is...

http://www.aspcabehavior.org/

Have a great day, Dr. B

Snow News is Good News?

We will be on skeleton crew for Wednesday Jan. 12, 2011.Dr. b will be in communication so feel free to call if you need help. Some of the staff have longer drives however so we will allow them to skip the commute tomorrow.Hope you don't strain your back shoveling. Be safe. Dr. B

Rabies is Responsibilty of Pet Owners

Shelters and animal hospitals around the country continue to be put at risk and spend precious resources to deal with exposure to rabid cats and dogs. A simple annual or tri-annual vaccine can make sure you as a pet owner have done your part in minimizing health risk and emotional stress for your family and animal health workers. Please keep up to date and think ahead. I am including a link to a recent article that points out some recent problems in shelters, 
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5951a2.htm

charles river rescue

Congrats to Lieutenant Vincent Dimino of the Boston Fire Department who pulled "Trooper" a lucky black lab from the frigid water of the Charles River. Yes he had a survival suit on but I figure that water was pretty darn cold and he certainly saved Troopers life. The dog was hypothermic and exhausted but is recovering well. Good Job Vinny.

Counterfeit products are rampant on internet marketing sites. Please make every effort to assure yourself that you are purchasing legitimate authentic products for you and your pets. Furminator inc. makes a grooming product that reduces shedding in dogs. They have found similarly packaged fake Furminators from thousands of websites and are actively de-listing them when discovered. We have seen examples of flea products, heartworm medicines and other prescription items being sold that are not what they say on packaging. Human and animal medicines are among the many products being fraudulently mis-labeled for quick profits by unscrupulous "pharmacies". Buyer beware!!

Day Two

Good Morning. Read in the paper today about a little Screech Owl that got trapped in a chimney for a couple of days. Fortunately it was rescued and is doing well. Reminded me what a good idea it is to cap your chimney! Every year people roll their eyes when I tell them their indoor cats can meet a bat if it flies down the chimney, and should get a rabies vaccine. It happens. Cap Your Chimney! Have a great day. CB

New Year at Old Town Animal Hospital

Hello to all. Happy New Year. I am going to try to keep a blog this year to help get timely info out to our clients and friends. It is fast and cheap and may help with public health issues, cost saving coupons / specials, schedule changes etc. I hope you find it helpful. The big news from our Seabrook office is that construction has begun on our new reception area! Along with a bright new space for clients and patients we will have green grass to walk pets, fenced areas for safe exercise, and more hospital room for inpatients.

This will also allow us to offer boarding! Small scale, well supervised attention to your loved ones when you travel. Services will include controlled exercise programs, baths and medical attention as needed. Our grooming will also expand and free up the schedule. Look forward to the Spring when it all comes together.
Bye for now, Chris Baker