NEWS In This Issue - Redstone Veterinary Hospital, Columbus NE

Loomis Basin Veterinary Clinic
Small Animals & Exotics
NEWS
Serving the Loomis Basin and Surrounding Areas since 1975 In Your Shoes...
Over the years, we have grown to be a very large veterinary clinic and we are
continually striving to improve our delivery of service to you and your pets. We
depend upon you to keep us informed as to where we can make improvements
so that we may exceed your expectations. The best way to find out how well we
are doing is to ask you, our trusted client, which is why we have always solicited
feedback through satisfaction surveys, either in person, via mail or email, randomly throughout the year.
Whether it is from our surveys of new clients, existing clients or those who
haven’t been in for a while, we have found that the two areas of most concern
for you are 1) your wait time while at the clinic and 2) not always being able to
see the same veterinarian. Though these continually appear as high priorities for
attention in our survey responses and we are constantly working to improve these
areas, we have been unable to fully mitigate your concerns.
Wait time has always been an issue whether it was in 1975 or this year 2010. When we first came to Loomis, many of you recall that you would often have
to wait in our small waiting room downtown while I was out delivering a foal,
pulling a calf or averting some other large animal crisis. But the pace was slower
then and you were grateful we were here to serve you and your pets and we were
grateful for your patience. Today, we are still grateful for your patience but…
Summer 2010
In This Issue
“From the Owners”
Dental Success Story
Heatstroke Can Be Deadly
Laparoscopic Spays at LBVC
Value of Heartworm Prevention
Copper’s Cancer Treatment
Poisonous Foods to Avoid
“In the News”
“LBVC Info”
Kudos for LBVC
On average, the time you spend here, from entering the clinic until the time that you check out, is approximately 56
minutes. We feel that this is too long. This is a different age, an instantaneous age, where we desire and expect services
“now”. A roadblock to our commitment of spending the appropriate time on your pet’s concerns has been our lack of
available examination rooms, having worked with the same number for over ten years. Consequently, we have spent the
last four years designing and obtaining approval for a clinic addition that would have moved surgical services to a separate
building and added exam rooms, cages and runs. However, given the inordinate delays of getting our expansion permitted and the continual collapse of the economy, we have had to put those plans on hold for the time being. But we would
appreciate and solicit any suggestions as to how to shorten your wait at our clinic.
The second issue of concern is how difficult it can be to see the same veterinarian on repeat visits. When we started, Drs.
Greg Fellers, Corey Cherrstrom or I would have seen or had intimate knowledge of every case, every day. But thirty five
years later, the face of veterinary medicine has changed dramatically. Eighty percent of veterinarians are women and the
majority of those have families with which to share their time. At Loomis Basin, all of our veterinarians work between
two and four shifts per week. To provide 24/7/365 continuous care for your pet, we have over 70 doctor shifts a week to
staff. When one of our veterinarians works an overnight shift, a day emergency shift or a surgery/dentistry shift, you can
understand how this would diminish the appointments available to you with a specific veterinarian.
Though you sometimes may not be able to see the veterinarian of your choice at your preferred appointment time, please
keep in mind that one of our advantages of having multiple doctors is that we have over 270 years of veterinary experience represented by our clinic doctors. Since many eyes are following your pet’s case, it creates a huge advantage to your
pet’s care. Whenever possible we suggest you schedule appointments with the same doctor for rechecks and follow up
care on specific issues. We will always try to accommodate your request to see a specific veterinarian; but please, when
there is an urgency that your pet be seen, accept any doctor from our outstanding veterinary team. Once again, any input
that you might lend us in this regard would be sincerely appreciated. After all, the strength of our relationship with you
and how you feel about your pet’s care is how we measure our success. Respectfully, Rick Frey, DVM
Loomis Basin Veterinary Clinic • 3901 Sierra College Blvd. • P.O. Box 23 • Loomis, CA 95650 • 916.652.5816 • Fax 916.652.5975
Dental Treatment Can Improve Your Pet’s Quality of Life
I
t has been almost two years since
we launched our dental program, the
Oral ATP (Assessment, Treatment and
Prevention). In that time we have had
the opportunity to treat many pets who
have benefitted enormously from having a comprehensive dental cleaning
performed.
Two of our long time patients, Bear
Cub and Teddy Bear, both had dental procedures completed this year.
Owner Joanne Reid explains that her
dogs had received dental cleanings in
the past but that the decline in their
oral health between the ages of 6 – 9
was significant. She says she was
under the false impression that if her
dogs were in pain she would know it.
However, Reid says, it is only since
Bear Cub and Teddy Bear’s dental
procedures that she realizes how much
their dental disease was affecting their
quality of life. Since treatment “their
overall health has improved and they
are more responsive, interactive and
happier,” Reid says.
Both Bear Cub and Teddy Bear’s den-
Teddy Bear is more interactive and happier
following his comprehensive dental treatment.
tal work was extensive and included
multiple teeth extractions. Reid says
she was “very pleased with the results
and was surprised that neither [dog]
wound up with an infection considering the amount of invasive work that
was done.” She was surprised at how
well both dogs recovered and was
amazed that one course of antibiotics and one round of pain medication
was all that was needed for the dogs’
aftercare.
Reid admits that she and her husband
did not notice the slow decline in their
dogs’ oral health. She is grateful to
have the veterinarians and technicians
at Loomis Basin available to provide
quality dental care for her dogs and
improve their quality of life.
Heatstroke Can Be Deadly
by Dr. Julie Wetherell
H
eatstroke is a dangerous condition for our pets and is defined
as “hyperthermia of greater than 106
degrees.” Heatstroke can be caused
by water deprivation, poor ventilation,
high humidity and hot temperatures.
Signs that your pet may be suffering from heatstroke include excessive panting and salivating as well as
staring, high fever, rapid heartbeat,
vomiting and collapse. Heatstroke is
a medical emergency. If you suspect
your pet is suffering from heatstroke,
Laparoscopic Spay
by Dr. Pete Vellutini
A
specialized surgical technique is
now available at Loomis Basin.
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive
technique for viewing the internal
structures of the abdomen. A laparoscope (camera) is inserted into the
abdomen through small incisions and
shows the abdomen on a TV monitor
for a more thorough examination and a
precise surgical procedure.
When performing a laparoscopic spay,
two or three tiny incisions are made
in the abdomen to facilitate the use of
LBVC News • Page call us immediately at (916) 652-5816.
In the meantime, using lukewarm
water with a hose or applying towels
soaked in cool water can help to cool
your pet. When driving to our clinic
have the windows down in the car to
help cool your pet before you get here.
Once your pet is in our care we will
provide treatment which may include
further cooling techniques, intravenous fluid therapy to counter shock or
medication if necessary.
To avoid this terrible situation, the
best cure is prevention by you. Most
importantly, NEVER leave your pet
inside the car, even on a mild sunny
day. Temperatures can rise to well
above 120 degrees in just minutes. On
hot days, take care that your pet has
shade from the sun and midday heat,
provide plenty of water for your pet
and avoid excessive exercise on hot
days. With ample precaution both
you and your pet can enjoy summer
together.
Specialized Surgery at LBVC
surgical instruments and the procedure
is performed with magnified views of
the organs allowing for greater precision. The ovarian ligament is carefully cut and cauterized resulting in
minimal recovery time and less pain
and trauma to the surgery site.
Benefits of laparoscopic surgery include a shorter surgery and anesthesia
time, decreased pain and it is minimally invasive. Laparoscopic spays
are primarily for dogs larger than 20
pounds. Please contact us to discuss
this option with one of our veterinarians. We look forward to answering
any questions you may have.
Laparoscopic spays can be less painful than
traditional surgery.
Printed on Recycled Paper
Heartworm Prevention Saves Money
H
eartworm prevention is safe, easy and relatively inexpensive compared to the
treatment for heartworm disease in dogs which can be a complicated and expensive process, taking weeks for infected animals to recover. There is no effective
treatment for heartworm disease in cats, so it is imperative that disease prevention
measures be taken for cats.
There are a variety of options for preventing heartworm infection in both dogs
and cats, including daily and monthly tablets and chewables and monthly topicals.
These medications interrupt heartworm development before adult worms reach the
lungs and cause disease. All of these methods are extremely effective, and when
administered properly on a timely schedule, heartworm infection can be completely
prevented.
Purchasing heartworm prevention products that have been prescribed by us from our
pharmacy ensures pharmaceutical manufacturers will honor product guarantees and,
if applicable, cover the costs of expensive treatment.
Year-round compliance is key in preventing heartworm infection in your dog or cat.
Using the Medication Minder feature on your Pet Portal to set up a monthly email
alert is a great way to make sure your pet doesn’t miss a dose thus allowing mosquitoes an opportunity to infect your pet with heartworms.
Lifelong Pals Copper and Tom
by Dr. Susan Kraegel, DACVIM
A
s an oncologist, I treat animals with cancer and often find my job tremendously
rewarding because I am able to help animals and their owners through difficult
times.
In The News
WELCOME to Drs. Sarah Cocherell
and Sarah Kaiser who joined us in
July. Both are recent graduates from
the School of Veterinary Medicine at
University of California, Davis.
CONGRATULATIONS to
Jackie Richardson, Client Service
Representative; Dr. Elizabeth
Montgomery; Jade Beck, RVT; and Dr.
Pete Vellutini on the recent birth of their
babies!
THANK YOU!
Loomis Basin Veterinary Clinic would
like to thank our loyal clients who once
again voted us The Loomis News
readers’ “BEST OF THE BEST 2010”
for Best Veterinary Hospital. And
CONGRATULATIONS to Dr. Rick Frey
for being voted the “BEST OF THE
BEST 2010” for Best Veterinarian. We
appreciate your support!
LBVC Info
ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS
“Copper” was a 12 year old, large, Hound dog brought to me by his frail 86 year old
owner, Tom. Copper had lymphoma, or cancer of the lymph nodes. Without treatment Copper would die within a week or two. I discussed the treatment of lymphoma with Tom and Tom chose to start Copper on weekly chemotherapy treatments to
fight the cancer. Copper got his first chemotherapy treatment that day.
Loomis Basin is in the process of transitioning to electronic medical records for
our patients. Look for new and improved
changes as we continue this into 2011
with more information to follow.
At his recheck one week later, Copper was feeling much better. His lymph nodes
were 80% smaller, he had more energy and his appetite had returned. Over the next
4 weeks, Copper received 4 more chemotherapy treatments. He returned completely
back to his normal self and his lymph nodes returned to normal size. He was in a
clinical remission.
Pets Best Insurance is now offering
LBVC clients a 5% discount on new
policies. Go to our website at www.
loomisbasinvet.com and click on the
Pets Best Insurance link at the bottom
of the page for more information and an
instant quote.
Copper was feeling great but I began to worry about Copper’s dad Tom. Tom started to wait in the car while a friend brought Copper in for his weekly chemotherapy
treatments. The friend told me that Tom had heart failure and was not expected to
live long. Copper was this elderly gentleman’s constant companion and stayed by
his bedside all day long. They were lifelong pals. One month later, I was very sad
to hear that Tom had died peacefully at home. Because of the success of chemotherapy, Copper was able to stay with Tom to the end of Tom’s life. I am particularly
grateful for the many “small” miracles that I am able to witness and am grateful to
have been a part of their friendship.
Common Food Hazards to Avoid
E
xperts at the American Society for the Protection and Care of Animals recommend you avoid feeding these potentially toxic foods to your pet:
Alcohol
Avocado
Chocolate (all forms)
Caffeine (all forms)
Fatty foods
Garlic
Macadamia nuts
Moldy or spoiled foods
Onions, onion powder
Products sweetened with xylitol
Raisins and grapes
Salt
Yeast-bread dough
LOOKING TO SAVE MONEY?
RATTLESNAKE ALERT
It’s that time of year to protect your pets
from dangerous rattlesnake bites.
Vaccine and boosters are now available.
Call us for more information.
FOXTAIL PREVENTION
Stickers from weeds and grasses can
harm our pets. Take care to proactively
clear your yard and keep vegetation
down.
Head shaking, excessive sneezing, a
closed or weepy eye, and any small
oozing sores on the feet or body are
the most common signs that foxtails
have invaded your pet. Prompt
medical attention often can lead to a
full recovery. Please contact us if you
are in doubt as to the urgency of your
pet’s situation.
LBVC News • Page Clinic Hours
Appointments Preferred;
Emergencies Anytime
Loomis Basin Veterinary Clinic
Small Animals & Exotics
3901 Sierra College Blvd. • P.O. Box 23
Loomis, CA 95650
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 8pm
Friday: 8am - 6pm
Saturday: 8am - 4pm
Sunday & Holidays: Open for Emergencies
916.652.5816
PRST STD
US Postage
PAID
Loomis, CA
Permit # 47
24 Hour Emergency Service
and Continuous Care
Every Day of the Year
Keep In Touch
Return Service Requested
TO:
Help us keep in touch with you. If your contact information changes please contact us and let us update our files.
Phone: 916.652.5816
Fax: 916.652.5975
E-mail: [email protected]
Thank You!
Plus
The
Guarantee - ONLY from HEARTGARD Plus
and ONLY from Your Veterinarian
DATED MATERIAL
Kudos for LBVC
My two accident prone (or maybe just mischief prone) French
Bulldogs have led my husband and I through the Loomis Basin
doors on two separate occasions. Both events were late at
night after our regular vet’s office was closed. Olive had a
foxtail lodged up her nose and Bella had severe hives due to
an allergic reaction.
On both occasions the staff, from the reception to the techs
and the doctors, was welcoming and helpful. All of our questions were answered and we felt confident that our dogs were
getting the best care.
Only HEARTGARD Plus is backed by ThePlus Guarantee Merial’s promise that HEARTGARD Plus (when used as directed)
will provide unsurpassed protection for your dog, including:
• Highly effective prevention of heartworm disease
• Reliable treatment and control in dogs of roundworms and
hookworms - parasites that can also be passed to people
• Unrivaled palatability, in exclusive Real-Beef Chewables
Plus
The
Guarantee remains in force only when you obtain HEARTGARD Plus from
a licensed veterinarian with whom you have a valid doctor-owner-patient relationship. If you are not satisfied with the performance of HEARTGARD Plus against
heartworms, hookworms, and/or roundworms, all or a portion of treatment costs may
be covered. For details contact your veterinarian.
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LBVC News • Page The receptionist that took our call and greeted us on both
nights was great. I have to specifically mention Dr. Alexis
Smith who treated Bella as she took the time to answer my
many questions about Bella’s treatment that night and over
the upcoming days. The tech who assisted that night handled
Bella with care and gave us some tips on administering her
medication.
We are so thankful that we have an afterhours emergency vet
available to care for our dogs in these types of unnerving
situations, but even more thankful that we have one with such
compassion and who noticeably takes pride in their work.
With sincere thanks,
(ivermectin/pyrantel)
Easy to give. Protection to live.
Shannen and Daniel Mendoza
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