WVMC Newsletter - Wright Veterinary Medical Center

3247 Wimmer Road, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18020
Phone: 610-865-2611
Fax: 610-861-0228
www.wrightvet.com
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WVMC Newsletter
An In�ormation Digest �or Pet Owners From WVMC
Geoffrey H. Wright, VMD
Robert W. Stewart, VMD
Higinio Ortiz, DVM
Eileen L. Mera, VMD
Paula J. Flynn, DVM
Kate Holbert, DVM
Alissa Doberczak, DVM
Pamela Mueller, PhD, DVM
Joseph Meadows, DVM
WVMC Adoptions
If you are looking to add a new member to your family, consider adopting your new friend
instead of buying one. There are many animals looking for homes, both at WVMC and at
local animal shelters. Animals currently available for adoption are listed in the waiting area
at WVMC, on the “adoptions” page at wrightvet.com, and on petfinder.com.
Springtime Sa�ety Tips �or Pets
Spring has sprung, and with the change of season, our thoughts inevitably turn
to Easter celebrations, spring cleaning and much-needed home improvement
projects.Before you embark on seasonal chores or outdoor revelry, take
inventory of potential springtime hazards for your furry friend.
Easter Treats and Decorations
Keep Easter lilies and candy bunnies in check--chocolate
goodies are toxic to cats, dogs and ferrets, and lilies can be
fatal if ingested by our furry friends. And be mindful, kitties
love to nibble on colorful plastic grass, which can lead to an
obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting and dehydration.
Screen Yourself
Many pet parents welcome the days of spring by opening
their windows. However, they also unknowingly put their pets
at risk-- especially cats, who are apt to jump or fall through
unscreened windows. Be sure to install snug and sturdy
screens in all of your windows. If you have adjustable screens,
make sure they are tightly wedged into window frames.
Spring 2013
Buckle Up!
Allowing your pet to ride in the bed of pick-up trucks or stick
their heads out of moving -car windows is dangerous. Flying
debris and insects can cause inner ear or eye injuries and lung
infections, and abrupt turns can cause major injury. Pets in
cars should always be secured in a crate or wearing a seatbelt
harness designed especially for them.
Spring Cleaning
Be sure to keep all cleaners and chemicals out of your pets’
way. Almost all commercially sold cleaning products contain
chemicals that are harmful to pets.
Home Improvement 101
Products such as paints, mineral spirits and solvents can be
toxic to your pets and cause severe irritation or chemical
burns. Also be cautious of physical hazards, including nails,
staples, insulation, blades and power tools.
Let Your Garden Grow-- With Care
Fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides keep our plants and
lawns healthy and green, but their ingredients aren’t meant
for four-legged consumption and can be fatal if your pet
ingests them. Always store these poisonous products in outof-the-way places and follow label instructions carefully.
Ah-Ah-Achoo!
Pets can be allergic to foods, dust, plants and pollens. Allergic
reactions in dogs and cats can cause minor sniffling and
sneezing as well as life-threatening anaphylactic shock. If you
suspect your pet has a springtime allergy, please visit your
veterinarian as soon as possible.
Pesky Little Critters
April showers bring May flowers-- and an onslaught of bugs!
Make sure your pet is on year-round heartworm preventive
medication, as well as a flea and tick control program. Ask
your doctor to recommend a plan designed specifically for
your pet.
Out and About
Warmer weather means more trips to the park, longer walks
and more chances for your pet to wander off! Make sure your
dog or cat has a microchip for identification and wears a tag
imprinted with your home address, cell phone and any otherr
relevant contact information.
Spring Pet Poisons
Gardening season is here! We need to be aware of the potential dangers spring
plants can be for our pets. Here is a list of some of the most common spring
plants and their toxicities so you know how to pet-proof your garden and keep
your pet safe!
Tuplips and Hyacinth
Lilies
Tulips contain allergenic lactones
while hyacinths contain similar
alkaloids. The toxic principle of
these plants is very concentrated
in the bulbs (versus the leaf or
flower), so make sure your dog
isn’t digging up the bulbs in the garden. When the plant parts
or bulbs are chewed or ingested, it can result in tissue irritation
to the mouth and esophagus. Typical signs include profuse
drooling, vomiting, or even diarrhea, depending on the amount
consumed. There’s no specific antidote, but with supportive care
from the veterinarian (including rinsing the mouth, anti-vomiting
medication, and possibly subcutaneous fluids), animals do quite
well. With large ingestions of the bulb, more severe symptoms
such as an increase in heart rate and changes in respiration can
be seen, and should be treated by a veterinarian.
There are dangerous
and benign lilies out
there, and it’s important
to know the difference.
Peace, Peruvian, and
Calla lilies contain
oxalate crystals that cause minor signs, such as tissue
irritation to the mouth, tongue, pharynx, and esophagus
– this results in minor drooling. The more dangerous,
potentially fatal lilies are true lilies, and these include
Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese Show lilies – all
of which are highly toxic to cats! Even small ingestions
(such as 2-3 petals or leaves) can result in severe
kidney failure. If your cat is seen consuming any part
of a lily, bring your cat (and the plant) immediately to a
veterinarian for medical care. The sooner you bring in
your cat, the better and more efficiently we can treat
the poisoning. Decontamination (like inducing vomiting
and giving binders like activated charcoal) are imperative
in the early toxic stage, while aggressive intravenous
fluid therapy, kidney function monitoring tests, and
supportive care can greatly improve the prognosis.
Daffodils
These flowers contain lycorine,
an alkaloid with strong emetic
properties (something that
triggers vomiting). Ingestion of
the bulb, plant or flower can
cause severe vomiting, diarrhea,
abdominal pain, and even possible cardiac arrhythmias or
respiratory depression. Crystals are found in the outer layer
of the bulbs, similar to hyacinths, which cause severe tissue
irritation and secondary drooling. Daffodil ingestions can result
in more severe symptoms so if an exposure is witnessed or
symptoms are seen, we recommend seeking veterinary care.
Liliy of the Valley
The Convallaria majalis plant
contains cardiac glycosides
which will cause symptoms
similar to digitalis (foxglove)
ingestion. These symptoms
include vomiting, diarrhea, a drop in heart rate, severe cardiac
arrhythmias, and possibly seizures. Pets with any known
exposure to this plant should be examined and evaluated by a
veterinarian and treated symptomatically.
Crocus
There are two Crocus
plants: one that blooms
in the spring (Crocus
species) and the other in
the autumn (Colchicum
autumnale). The
spring plants are more common and are part of the
Iridaceae family. These ingestions can cause general
gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhea.
These should not be mistaken for Autumn Crocus, part
of the Liliaceae family, which contain colchicine. The
Autumn Crocus is highly toxic and can cause severe
vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney
damage, and respiratory failure. If you’re not sure
what plant it is, bring your pet to their veterinarian
immediately for care. Signs may be seen immediately but
can be delayed for days.
Story Behind Pet’s Names
“Schatzi” Augello
We adopted Schatzi from Last Chance Ranch in Richlandtown, PA. That year,
my son Zachary was taking German in school and we thought it would be
cool if he gave her a German name. Zach came up with Schatzi, which means
“Sweetheart.” The name fit perfectly!
-Connie Augello
“Finnegan” Janusko
My husband writes and researches Irish author, James Joyce. He’s written a
scholarly book which is now a resource book in libraries around the world. I sang
performances in Europe, Venice, Switzerland and all the music Joyce alluded to.
After we lost our previous dog Keoska, I started searching. I saw Finnegan Padrik
on Pet Search. Finnegan’s wake was Joyce’s major work. I sang “Finnegan’s
wake” at the performances. What a great gift he is!
-Donna Janusko
WVMC’s Paw of Fame Winner
Spike
Hi, my name is: Spike
My masters named me that because: I am spiky
I am a (type of pet): Bearded Dragon
Ssh... don’t tell the doctor but my favorite treat is: Crickets
My age is: 5 months
Something funny that happened to me was: I pooped on
grandmas shirt while she was holding me
I am so special because: I am the first pet for my family
I am so spoiled that I even get to sleep: On my family’s bed
I have been a patient at Wright Veterinary Medical Center
since: 2013
I get special attention when I come into Wright Veterinary
Medical Center from: Everyone
America’s Top Dog Breeds o� 2012
The American Kennel Club has released their annual list of the
most popular dog breeds, and the Labrador Retriever continues
to reign supreme. The Lab has sat atop the list for over 20 years
and show no signs of giving up the top spot. The top breeds are
determined by dog registration statistics.
The only real movement in the top ten breeds was Golden
Retrievers moving up one spot to #3, Yorkshire Terriers dropping
a notch to #6, and Rottweilers moving up from #10 to #9.
Dachshunds have been on a decline since 2002, when they ranked
#5, having fallen to #10 in 2012.
The top ten dog breeds, according to the American Kennel Club,
are:
1. Labrador Retrievers
2. German Shepherd Dogs
3. Golden Retrievers
4. Beagles
5. Bulldogs
6. Yorkshire Terriers
7. Boxers
8. Poodles
9. Rottweilers
10. Dachshunds
America’s Top Cat Breeds o� 2012
There are about 90 million pet cats in the U.S. according to census
data. This means there are many more whose owners do not
claim them as pets even though they take care of them. Many
of these cats are identified as domestic longhairs or domestic
shorthairs and only about 3-5% are purebred. The list of cat
breeds is large - most registries recognize around 40 breeds of
cats and at least one new breed is added yearly.
Purebred cat lovers generally choose a breed that is similar to
their personality. A person who is reserved and introverted might
choose a breed such as the somewhat aloof Scottish Fold or the
American Curl. A person who is more outgoing and is looking for a
dog-like cat might choose the Manx or the Birman. Cat owners are
also drawn to cats based on their looks. From the sleek Siamese
to the rough and tumble Maine Coon, you’ll find that often a cat
does look like his person.
1. The Persian
2. The Maine Coon
3. The Exotic
4. The Siamese
5. The Abyssinian
6. The Ragdoll
7. The Birman
8. The American Shorthair
9. The Oriental
10. The Sphynx
10 Best Family Dog Breeds
So, it’s time to get a family dog. Just like there’s no typical family, there’s no typical family dog. There are many
important factors to consider about your family’s lifestyle before deciding which breed will be the best fit.
10. Newfoundlands
Newfoundlands, which were originally bred to be working dogs in the cold North Atlantic,
consistently rank as the kindest, gentlest, best-tempered purebreds in the world. Newfs are also
enormous (up to 150 pounds!) and one of the strongest dogs for their size, but their legendary
patience makes them very suitable for families with small children. This is the dog to trust if your
baby ever needs to be saved from an icy river. However, their sweetness comes with a price:
maintenance. Their thick coat needs brushing at least once a week, and it’s no use denying that
Newfoundlands are slobber factories. They also need plenty of space -- a moderate daily walk will
take care of their exercise requirements, but make sure to have enough room indoors for them to
sprawl out on the floor afterward.
9. Papillon
Often overlooked as mere lapdogs, papillons are perfect companion dogs and make good pets for
city-dwellers. Papillons aren’t just a fashion accessory, so don’t let their prettiness fool you. Unlike
other toy breeds, papillons are spirited, highly intelligent, fun-loving and eager to please, making
them ideal for the family without a lot of square footage to spare. For all their charm, papillons
aren’t recommended for families with small children -- not that they’ll be a danger to the child,
but the other way around. Though papillons have a personality bigger than their body, they’re also
more fragile than other breeds, which can make them injury-prone when playing with toddlers who
haven’t learned their own strength yet.
8. Golden Retriever
The golden retriever has been a staple family dog breed for a long time, and with good reason -this dog is an absolute sweetheart that loves anyone and everyone. Perfect for large families, small
families, toddlers or teenagers, golden retrievers are also one of the easiest breeds to train, as their
combination of intelligence and eagerness to please makes them much better attuned to positive
reinforcement than other dogs. Their one drawback is that, being universally adored, golden
retrievers trustingly assume that everyone is their friend. As guard dogs, they’re more likely to roll
over on their back for a belly rub than bark out a warning when confronted with a shady character.
7. Pug
Pugs, along with sloths, seahorses and baby armadillos, fall into the category of animals that are at
once bizarre-looking and absolutely adorable. Though their strange faces get them teased for being
the dog that chases parked cars, they’re actually well-tempered, friendly and serene animals that
are active enough to be fun, but still small enough not to require a 5-mile run every day.
Most importantly, pugs are patient and sturdy little guys -- the perfect set of features for a family
with either small children who may not play gently, or apartment-dwellers who need to ensure
their pet won’t wake the neighbors with constant yapping.
6. Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are dogs in the most classic sense of the word. Friendly, loyal and enthusiastic,
Labs work hard, play hard and eat like gangbusters when they get home at the end of the day.
They need plenty of space and attention, but they also repay that care with the pure devotion and
love that has been humbling humans since we first met our canine companions. Being good with
children and highly intelligent, they’re also one of the most popular service dogs in the world. Labs
are a match for a family that needs a companion for outdoor activities.
10 Best Family Dog Breeds
5. Lovable Mutt
While mutts aren’t technically a breed, you should consider the possibility of rescuing a puppy or
an abandoned older dog when choosing a family pet. Every mutt is unique, and their hybrid vigor
makes them much less prone to the health problems and personality quirks that often come with
some inbred pedigreed dogs. Best of all, rescuing one literally means saving a life. While mutts
tend to be friendly, intelligent and excellent at dog sports, the one downside is that getting a
mixed-breed puppy can be a bit like rolling the dice if space is an issue. All puppies are tiny, so it
can be difficult to tell whether the dog will grow into a petite pooch or a pony-sized hound of the
Baskervilles.
4. Dachshund
Despite the fact that it would be very, very easy for them to hide in a hot dog factory, dachshunds
take themselves seriously. No one else does, but that doesn’t seem to bother them. They’re
not particularly smart, and they’re a little bit yappy and standoffish around strangers. What’s
the appeal, then? Good old-fashioned goofballery. Unlike many other lapdogs, dachshunds are
extremely playful, never boring, and absolutely adore being around their owners. Their coats are
generally short, so shedding isn’t an issue. And, the amount of exercise that even a highly energetic
dachshund requires is still roughly proportional to its size. This is a dog that rewards doting, making
it the perfect breed for less physically active families or empty nesters who want an animal that’s
low-maintenance but still has some personality.
3. Basset Hound
Let’s face it; a dog can be a huge time commitment. Feeding, cleaning up poop, brushing, washing,
exercising -- it can be like having a small child who will never figure out that drinking out of the
toilet is a bad idea. Sometimes, the best family dog is one that doesn’t really do much. At the
extreme end of the low-energy spectrum, we present the basset hound. With minimal activity
to keep off the extra ounces, this dog has an energy level roughly equivalent to a potato. Though
reasonably active in their youth, as basset hounds age, they’re content to rest on the porch or in
front of the fire. Over the years, this family dog becomes more like a much-loved piece of furniture
than an active nuisance.
2. Rough Collie
Due to the popularity of a certain 1950s TV dog, rough collies have become a breed that’s
synonymous with wholesome family doghood. But while they’re absolutely excellent animals, they
may not be ideal for every situation. Rough collies are better suited for families with older children.
As sheepdogs, they have thousands of years of trainability behind them, but also the instinct to
herd whoever or whatever happens to be around, making them a poor match for a family with a
young child. That is, unless you’ve got the type of kid who falls into a well, gets attacked by bobcats
or is pinned under a fallen roof beam in a burning mill at least once a week. Collies should come
standard with those kids.
1. Beagle
Happy-go-lucky is a word that’s thrown around a lot to describe beagles. So are sweet, adorable
and friendly. While all are true, this may also be a polite way to highlight beagles’ personality over
their intelligence. Beagles were originally bred as pack-hunting hounds, giving them a gregarious
and cheerful nature that makes them perfect for larger families where they can get plenty of
attention and feel like part of the team. Admittedly, beagles aren’t the most brilliant dogs, which
can make them slow to house train. But their friendly temperament, smallish size and good
behavior around young children make them a popular choice for families.
Spring word search
Azalea
Anemone
Begonia
Bluebell
Cornflower
Crocus
Daffodil
Dogwood
Fresia
Gardenia
Geranium
Hawthorn
Hyacinth
Impatiens
Iris
Jasmine
Jonquil
Lilac
Lily
Marigold
Magnolia
Orchid
Pansy
Petunia
Poppy
Rose
Snowdrop
Spirea
Tulip
Zinnia
Animal facts
1. It has been established that people who own pets live
longer, have less stress, and have fewer heart attacks.
2. Pet owners see doctors 25% fewer times than people who don’t have pets.
3. Adult dogs have forty-two teeth.
4. After a dog reaches the age of two, each year equals about four or five human years.
5. The world’s first space traveler was Laika, a female husky, whom Russian scientist rocketed into space in a Sputnik satellite in 1957.
6. The position of the dog’s tail can represent as many as six different messages.
7. About 50% of all cats are right-handed. The other 50% are lefty.
8. The maximum speed of a domestic cat is 30 miles per hour.
9. 95% of all solid white cats with both eyes blue are deaf.
10. The cat generally has 24 whiskers, 12 on each side of its face.
11. Cats step with both left legs, then both right legs when they walk or run. The only other animals to do this are the giraffe and the camel.
12. The maximum speed of a chicken is 9 miles per hour.
13. Cats have five toes on each front paw, but only four toes on each back paw.
14. Flamingos must turn their heads upside down to eat.
15. The eggs laid in a bird’s nest is called a clutch.
16. The term “Raining cats and dogs” was coined from the days in seventh-century England when, because of poor drainage systems, heavy rains would drown dogs
and cats and their bodies could be seen floating down the streets.
Thank you To Wright Veterinary Medical Center
Dr. Alissa Doberczak,
I want to thank you so much for what you did with my dogs when they came in. My dogs are Bella (Black Lab) and
Giovanna (mixed large breed). You are the kindest Vet I have ever taken my dogs to. This was my first visit and I
cannot believe how great you are with my dogs. My dogs have had very bad experiences with other Vets and this
was the first time my big girl actually was given a physical and she loved you so much. My Lab is very afraid of the vet
and she also loved you. They both kissed you and thanked you for being so kind to them. I was amazed at how good
you are in handling large dogs. I have had very bad experiences with other vets being afraid of Giovanna because
of her size but you actually sat on the floor with them and gave Giovanna her physical. No vet has ever done that
and in result, Giovanna fell in love with you. I also want to thank the staff for taking them in for me. I have two knee
replacements and tore my Achilles tendon, which left me disabled and not able to walk well. My dogs were real
happy and not scared during their visit because of how you talked to them and made friends with them. I am so
happy I found you through The Cat Clinic staff, which had told me about you. My dogs now have a place to go for
excellent care and that makes me very happy. I am telling all my friends to go to Wrights. Thank you for being so kind.
Bella Luna Roma Spiegel and Giovanna Isabella Spiegel thank you as well.
Thank you,
Elizabeth Spiegel
Valley central animal blood bank
Valley Central Emergency Hospital has set up a blood donation program that will benefit both veterinary hospitals as well as
emergency clinics. The demand for blood products in this area has grown to the point where we need to ask local pet owners of
large breed dogs to become donors. Valley Central Emergency’s in-house Animal Blood Bank staff serves over 100 active canine
and feline donors. We maintain a vital animal blood supply that is used by the local veterinary community to save precious animal
lives.
We are currently accepting new donors into our program.
If you have a healthy dog over 50 lbs, they may qualify as a canine hero.
Other canine donor requirements:
• 1-8 years of age
• Over 50 lbs
• On year-round heartworm prevention
• Up to date on vaccinations
• Good tempered and able to lie still for approximately 5 minutes
The Doggy Dictionary (What your dog already knows!)
Leash:
A strap which attaches to your collar, enabling you to lead your person where you want
him/her to go.
Dog Bed:
Any soft, clean surface, such as the white bedspread in the guest room or the newly
upholstered couch in the living room.
Drool:
What to do when your person have food and you don't. To do this properly you must sit
close as you can and look sad. Let the drool fall to the floor or, better yet, on their laps.
Sniff:
A social custom to use when you greet other dogs until your person makes you stop.
Garbage Can: A container which your neighbors put out once a week to test your ingenuity. You must
stand on your hind legs and try to push the lid off with your nose. If you do it right you
are rewarded with margarine wrappers to shred, beef bones to consume and moldy
crusts of bread.
Bicycles:
Two-wheeled exercise machines, invented for dogs to control body fat. To get maximum
aerobic benefit, you must hide behind a bush and dash out, bark loudly and run alongside
for few yards; the person then swerves and falls into the bushes, and you complete
the exercise by prancing away.
Deafness:
A malady which affects a dog when its person wants it in and the dog wants to stay
out. Symptoms include staring blankly at the person then running in the opposite direction,
or lying down.
Thunder:
A signal that the world is coming to an end. Humans remain amazingly calm during
thunderstorms, so it is necessary to warn them of the danger by trembling
uncontrollably, panting, peeing on the rug, rolling your eyes wildly and following at their heels.
Wastebasket: A dog toy filled with paper, envelopes, and old candy wrappers. When you get bored, turn
over the basket and strew the papers all over the house for your person to play with
by putting back in the wastebasket when they come home.
Sofas:
Are to dogs like napkins are to people. After eating it is polite to run up and down the
front of the sofa and wipe your whiskers clean.
Bath:
A process by which the humans drench the floor, walls and themselves. You can help by
shaking vigorously and frequently.
Lean:
Every good dog's response to the command "sit!"- especially if your person is dressed for
an evening out. Incredibly effective before black-tie events.
Bump:
The best way to get your human's attention when they are drinking a fresh cup of
coffee or tea.
Goose-Bump:
A last-resort maneuver used when the
Regular Bump doesn't get the attention you
require. Especially effective when combined
with The Sniff (see above).
Love:
A feeling of intense affection,
given freely and without
Restriction. To show your love,
wag your tail and gaze
adoringly.
Animal Therapy Center
Animal Therapy Center still going strong!
Animal Therapy Center is located at the Companion Animal Campus
alongside Wright Veterinary Medical Center. This facility provides many
forms of therapy for your pet, including aquatherapy and fun swims with
our pool, underwater treadmills and also many types of alternative therapy.
N e w Ye a r, N e w Fa c e s !
At The Animal Therapy Center
Dr. Diane Gabriel Fraynert VMD, CVA
Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist/ Integrative Medicine
Dr. Kristen Fenstermacher VMD
Veterinary Chiropractor
Patricia Vyolet Albano CMP, RM, CM
Canine Massage Practitioner
WVMC Website Discount Coupons
Check out our discount coupons that are offered on our website www.wrightvet.com.
Online discount for March is 50% off fecal testing.
Refer a friend
Yearly office visits
Refer a friend to WVMC and as a thank you for the
referral, we will credit your account $25 after their first
appointment is kept.
Preventive health care and comprehensive physical
examinations are important to your pet’s health. Your
pet can be brought up-to-date on immunizations and
any future health problems may be recognized before
they become severe or life-threatening. It is also a time
for the doctor to answer any questions you might have.
For older pets, consider exams twice a year.
Boarding
Our boarding space is very limited and is only available
for our clients.
We recommend
you make your
reservations
well in advance.
Please call and
ask for the kennel
in order to make
your reservation.
Grooming
Isn’t it a good time for your pet to get spruced up?
A bath and a
haircut with Jen
Brown will make
your pet feel and
look so much
better. Grooming
appointments
fill up quickly,
so please call
WVMC to set up
your grooming
appointment.
Microchip
If you are having your pet microchipped, as a service
to you and your pet, WVMC enrolls you for the first
year. This procedure can be done as an outpatient
appointment. By microchipping your pet, you are
eligible to register your pet for a lifetime license. You
can read about Home Again’s additional benefits on
their website www.homeagain.com.
vetstreet pet portal
Log on today to your free pet portal! Start by going on
our website www.wrightvet.com and click on the Pet
Portal Login link, then just complete the ‘create new
account’ section. Don’t wait one more day; your pet
portal is waiting for you.
us on Facebook!
Published by: Jessica D’Elia