Monday, February 21, 2011

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.

Monday, February 14, 2011

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

Friday, February 11, 2011

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

Saturday, February 5, 2011

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, February 2, 2011

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

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

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