National Senior Pet Month

November is National Senior Pet Month. Whether you have a senior pet or have plans to adopt one, we can provide you with information on how best to care of your senior pet.

Corky Highlight

Corky is a seven year old Bichon / Shih Tzu mix who came to our clinic feeling and acting unusual for the three days prior to her appointment. Some of Corky’s symptoms included anxiety when left alone, not eating or drinking, and an unusual odor around her face. During the physical exam, Corky showed signs of pain near her mouth. After a quick peak inside, it was clear that there was a wound and possible infection inside Corky’s mouth. To get a better look, Dr. Julie sedated Corky using a short-lasting sedative. Upon further inspection we saw a ¾” piece of wood lodged between two of Corky’s back teeth. The wood sliver was protruding from her teeth and rubbing against Corky’s tongue causing a large irritation and infection. In a matter of minutes, Dr. Julie was able to remove all traces of the wood from Corky’s mouth. She was able to go home, along with some antibiotic and pain management, right after the procedure. 

Zoe: Highlighted Patient of the Month

We are proud to highlight patient Zoe, this September. Zoe was a new mother who came to us with Bloat. This occurs when a dog’s stomach becomes twisted inside the abdomen blocking the flow of food and blood to the stomach. Dr. Johnson performed emergency abdominal surgery to release the gas and she made a full recovery. We are proud to highlight Zoe this month!

ZOE

Zoe's Puppies

Laser Therapy at Maple Knoll Veterinary Clinic

Maple Knoll Veterinary Clinic is so excited to be able to offer your pet Companion Laser Therapy!  It is a safe, noninvasive, pain-free, drug-free treatment that is soothing and less stressful than many other treatments. Laser Therapy is used to reduce pain and discomfort, speed healing, increase mobility and motion in joints, and reduce swelling.

So how does it work? Photons of laser light penetrate deep into tissue and these photons are absorbed into the cells which initiates a photo-chemical response. This response in the cells blocks nerve impulses, accelerates tissue repair, increases circulation, and reduces swelling.

If your pet is in pain, has inflammation, or has a wound, laser therapy can be beneficial. This includes patients that have the aches and pains of old age, who have just had a surgical procedure, or who have an open wound or recent injury. Laser Therapy can be used for arthritis, wounds, hip dysplasia, dental procedures, ear infections, skin infections, sprains and strains, fractures, bruising and swelling, and can speed the healing process after surgeries.

Laser Therapy can be used in conjunction with other treatment programs to enhance results, shorten healing time, and reduce your pet’s discomfort. Many conditions readily respond to this noninvasive therapy, making it an ideal a “first step” in the treatment process. The Laser Therapy program is unique to each pet; the number and frequency of treatments will be determined by one of our veterinarians based on your pet’s medical condition and needs. Finally, the best part is that most treatment sessions take only a matter of minutes! 

Austin

Milo

Here’s a cat who loves his bath time!

Laser Therapy Patient Highlight: Rooney

Rooney is a sweet, eight year old, Keeshond who frequents Maple Knoll Veterinary Clinic. In May, Rooney was diagnosed with a torn cruciate ligament in both back legs. Dr. Julie performed Rooney's first cruciate repair surgery on June 12th on his right leg, which was the worse of the two. Currently, Rooney is recuperating from the surgery and preparing to undergo a second cruciate repair surgery on his rear left leg.

As part of Rooney's recovery, he is receiving Companion Laser Therapy treatments two to three times per week. Not only does the laser therapy help Rooney recover more quickly by reducing pain and inflammation, it also stimulates hair growth so the fur that was removed for surgical sanitation is growing back very quickly!

Time to Clean Your Pet's Ears?

Veterinarians see a lot of patients with ear infections. In fact, it's the second most common reason for a client visit, according to pet health insurer, VPI Pet Insurance. With ear problems prompting so many trips to the vet, should ear cleaning be a necessary part of grooming your pet?

Generally, cleaning a dog's ears on a routine basis is not necessary, according to Leonard Jonas, DVM, MS, DACVIM, a veterinarian with Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital in Wheat Ridge, Colo. That's because animals have a naturally occurring self-cleansing process.

"I've had pets my whole life," Jonas said. "I don't remember ever routinely cleaning out their ears."

However, that doesn't mean pet owners should never take notice of their dog's ears. Certain breeds, lifestyles and physical characteristics will make a dog more prone to what Jonas calls "abnormal situations," in which the pet's normal homeostasis is disrupted. This is when something, either systemically or locally in the ear, interferes with the normal surface barrier defense system and the normal cleaning process that keeps bacteria and yeast under control.

There are signs to watch for if your pet is having an issue with its ears. These, according to Jonas, include:

• Shaking its head
• Flapping its ears
• Rubbing at its ears, either with a paw or by rubbing against furniture or carpet
• Self-massaging the ear to ease itch, pain or irritation
• Debris and/or redness inside the ear
• Sores inside the ear
• Odor in the ear due to abnormal oils and bacteria

"If you [the pet owner] look in the ear, you can see sometimes a lot of debris," said Jonas, explaining what an ear with an infection or problem may look like. "Then [you] see redness on the ear flaps (inside) or sores developing. And then there's also odor that occurs when you have an abnormal ear."

Breeds to watch
There are certain breeds of dogs—such as Shar Peis, bulldogs and poodles—that have narrow ear canals and have a higher chance of incurring ear issues. Poodles, especially, have more hair in the canals, Jonas explained. "The hair itself is not a problem, but if they've got something abnormal with their whole defense system, all that extra hair in there makes it difficult."

Cocker spaniels are notorious for ear problems, Jonas added.

When to clean your pet's ears
According to Jonas, it's best to consult your veterinarian before going forward with an ear-cleaning regimen. Unlike cleaning the teeth, cleaning the ears does not need be done regularly. If a pet owner suspects that something may be wrong with the ear, it's advised to visit the veterinarian and establish whether the dog's ear needs to be cleaned by the owner either routinely or for an instructed period of time.

Cleaning the dog's ears without first seeing a veterinarian is not a good idea, Jonas said, "because you don't know what's going on inside. You don't know if there has been a ruptured ear drum; you don't know if there's a stick or a stone or something stuck down inside the ear that needs to be fished out by a veterinarian."

A veterinarian can diagnose the problem and make the proper recommendations, which may be cleaning and/or medication.

Typically, there are two situations for which a dog's ears would need to be cleaned regularly. The first is when a veterinarian instructs for it to be done, and the second is when the dog is frequently in water. "Water in their ears disrupts the normal defense barrier system in that ear, and can make them prone to getting infections and irritation and inflammation," Jonas said.

If there needs to be ear cleaning
A veterinarian should show the owner how to properly clean the dog's ears because "there are a lot of different techniques, and it depends on what the problem is," Jonas advised.

There are a couple of precautions to always remember, according to Jonas. First, never use a Q-tip, because it tends to push the wax and debris further into the ear. Second, be sure a groomer does not pluck the hair out of the dog's ears, unless that hair is contributing to an ear problem; Jonas believes that doing so may cause irritation.

One thing pet owners should also consider is that if the dog has an ear infection, it could be very painful for them. Forcing the dog to get its ears cleaned or putting medication in them can be a dangerous situation for the owner and the dog.

"If your pet doesn't want you to do it, don't, because it hurts," Jonas said. "You're just going to create a problem, and you need to look to alternatives."

Originally published by Healthy Pet.

Laser Therapy at Maple Knoll Veterinary Clinic

Our “Doggles” make us look cool.

Laser therapy makes us feel better.

Ask about laser therapy for your pet 

We are proud to have added Laser Therapy to our list of services. This FDA-cleared, deep- penetrating light allows relief of pain through the release of endorphins and stimulates the injured cells to heal at a faster rate. We have purchased a top of the line laser therapy system and have become certified to treat our pets with laser therapy. Uses include arthritis, wounds, post surgery, chronic infection including chronic ear and chronic urinary tract infections and just about any inflammation, wound or painful condition. Pain Removed.

Life Improved. Drug-Free. Surgery-Free. Pain-Free. Relief. 

Laser Therapy gets them back to feeling like themselves again. 

 Call us today to see if this exciting new technology is right for your best friend 

 Above are some pet receiving Laser Therapy at Maple Knoll Veterinary Clinic, sporting their protective doggles.

Dog House Repairs Month

Does your dog have his or her own house? It's Dog House Repairs Month! Make sure that it’s in good shape this summer! Check the interior corners for beehives, and make sure to repair leaks and splinters in the wood.

Rita Highlight

You might notice a new face at Maple Knoll Veterinary Clinic! Rita just started as our new veterinary assistant at the end of May! Rita is married and lives outside of Waupun with her husband who owns a goat farm. She has 5 children and 2 step sons. She has one pet, Maggie Mae.

Amanda Highlight

Amanda is an intern from MATC who is with us for a month to get some hands-on experience. She will graduate from MATC and UW River Falls next spring. She enjoys working with animals on a regular basis and learning all about them. She also likes working on her family farm and plays a variety of sports.

Pet Appreciation Week

This week is Pet Appreciation Week, a time set aside for pet owners to show their pets how much they mean to them. Are you doing anything special for your pet this week?

What would you do if…

...your dog ate the bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips that was left out on the kitchen counter?

 ...your cat had a seizure right in front of you?

 ...your dog fell down the stairs and started limping?

 ...your cat was overheating on a hot summer day?

To avoid the feelings of panic that may accompany these situations, we recommend the following steps to better prepare you for a pet medical emergency. The following links summarize the basics you need for giving first aid care to your pet.

Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet's life until it receives veterinary treatment.

First aid supplies
Our handy checklist tells you all the supplies you should have on hand for pet first aid. Print out a copy to use for shopping, and keep a copy on your refrigerator or next to the first aid kit for your family, for quick reference in emergencies.
How to handle an injured pet
Knowing how to comfort an injured pet can help minimize your pet's anxiety and also protect you and your family from injury.
Basic pet first aid procedures
Read our simple instructions for providing emergency first aid if your pet is suffering from poisoning, seizures, broken bones, bleeding, burns, shock, heatstroke, choking or other urgent medical problems. Print out a copy to keep with your pet emergency kit.
First aid when traveling with your pet
A few simple steps can better prepare you to help your pet in first aid situations while you are traveling. Remember: pet medical emergencies don't just happen at home.
Pets and disasters
Whether confronted by natural disasters such as hurricanes, or unexpected catastrophes such as a house fire, you need to be prepared to take care of your animals. A pre-determined disaster plan will help you remain calm and think clearly.

Additional pet first aid links

• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)/Healthy Pet: Pet First Aid
• The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: Basic First Aid for Your Pet
• American Red Cross: First Aid for Pets
• VeterinaryPartner.com: First Aid and Emergency Care

Adapted by an article posted by the AVMA.

It's National Pet First Aid Awareness Month

February is Responsible Pet Owners Month

February is Responsible Pet Owners Month, which may mean different things to different people. A good way to observe Responsible Pet Owners Month is to create a First Aid kit for your pet’s home care, get them microchipped or update their existing microchip, or bring your pet in for a physical exam so we can give your pet our customized recommendations!

Winter Care for Canines

General Concerns

Winter's cold air brings many concerns for responsible dog owners. Keep the following precautions in mind:

• Don't leave your dog outside in the cold for long periods of time. Wind chill makes days colder than actual temperature readings. Be attentive to your dog's body temperature, and limit its time outdoors.
• Adequate shelter is a necessity. Keep your dog warm, dry and away from drafts. Tiles and uncarpeted areas may become extremely cold, so make sure to place blankets and pads on floors in these areas.
• Be extra careful when walking or playing with your dog near frozen lakes, rivers or ponds. Your dog could slip or jump in and get seriously injured.
• Groom your dog regularly. Your dog needs a well-groomed coat to keep properly insulated. Short- or coarse-haired dogs may get extra cold, so consider a sweater or coat. Long-haired dogs should have excess hair around the toes and foot pads trimmed to ease snow removal and cleaning. If you do the trimming, take care not to cut the pads or other delicate area of the foot.
• Feed your dog additional calories if it spends a lot of time outdoors or is a working animal. It takes more energy in the winter to keep body temperature regulated, so additional calories are necessary.
• Towel or blow-dry your dog if it gets wet from rain or snow. It is important to dry and clean its paws, too. This helps avoid tiny cuts and cracked pads. A little petroleum jelly may soften the pads and prevent further cracking.
• Don't leave your dog alone in a car without proper precautions. If the car engine is left on, the carbon monoxide will endanger your dog's life. If the engine is off, the temperature in the car will get too cold.

Health Tips

Dogs cannot talk to us when they are sick. As a responsible dog owner, it is important to pay special attention to your dog's well-being during the winter season. Remember the following health concerns:

• Antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, is highly poisonous. Although it smells and tastes good to your dog, it can be lethal.
• Rock salt, used to melt ice on sidewalks, may irritate footpads. Be sure to rinse and dry your dog's feet after a walk.
• Provide plenty of fresh water. Your dog is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.
• Frostbite is your dog's winter hazard. To prevent frostbite on its ears, tail and feet, don't leave your dog outdoors for too long.
• Be very careful of supplemental heat sources. Fireplaces and portable heaters can severely burn your dog. Make sure all fireplaces have screens, and keep portable heaters out of reach.
• Like people, dogs seem to be more susceptible to illness in the winter. Take your dog to a veterinarian if you see any suspicious symptoms.
• Don't use over-the-counter medications on your dog without consulting a veterinarian.

Holiday Safeguards

The winter season brings lots of fun holiday festivities, but pet-owners should keep in mind the following special precautions:

• The holidays are not ideal for introducing a pet into your family. New puppies and dogs require extra attention and a stable environment, which the holiday season doesn't permit. Also, a puppy is not a toy or gift that can be returned. Instead, the AKC suggests giving a gift representative of the dog to come, such as a toy, a leash, or a bed.
• Holly, mistletoe and poinsettia plants are pet poisons! Make sure they are kept in places your dog cannot reach.
• Review holiday gifts for dogs to make sure they are safe. Items such as plastic toys and small rawhide sticks may be dangerous.
• Remove holiday lights from lower branches of your tree. They may get very hot and burn dogs.
• Watch out for electrical cords. Pets often try to chew them and may get badly shocked or electrocuted. Place wires out of reach.
• Avoid using glass ornaments. They break easily and may cut a dog's feet and mouth.
• Refrain from using edible ornaments. Your dog may knock the tree over in an attempt to eat them. Also, commercial ornaments may contain paint or toxins in the preservatives.
• Whether your tree is live or artificial, both kinds of needles are sharp and indigestible. Don't leave your dog unattended in the room with the tree.
• Tinsel is dangerous for dogs. It may obstruct circulation and, if swallowed, block the intestines.
• Alcohol and chocolate are toxic for dogs, even in small amounts. Keep unhealthy, sweet treats and seasonal goodies out of reach.
• The holiday season is a stressful time for dogs. Try to keep a normal schedule during all the excitement.

 

Originally published by the AKC.

National Pet Travel Safety Day

Are you taking a road trip this winter? Today is National Pet Travel Safety Day, a day set aside to remind pet owners of the importance of pet safety on the road. It’s important to use restraints that are designed for pets when you’re traveling in a car or even restraining a carrier. If you have questions about travel safety for pets, we’ll be glad to answer them!