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Celebrating Independence Day !!!

Keeping Pets Safe on The 4th 

 

When Temperatures Rise

 

Thyroid Disease in Cats and Dogs  

 

                                                    July 2012      
In This Issue
TVV Holiday Hours
Tips for a Pet-Safe July 4th
When Temperatures Rise
Thyroid Disease in Cats and Dogs
Quick Links
  
 

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Happy July 4th !!!
TVV Closes In Honor of Independence Day

 

TVV Lilburn-Stone Mountain and Buckhead offices will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, July 04, 2012.
 

TVV Decatur will also be closed - for regular office hours (i.e. routine medical care, appointments, boarding drop-offs and boarding pick-ups).  As usual...the After Hours Emergency Services at The Village Vets - Decatur will be open for small animal pet emergencies 24 hours a day.   

  

  

Tips For a Pet-Safe Independence Day

"Independence Day is filled with fun, festive summertime traditions, but when gathering with family and friends for a celebratory event,  Dr. Joel Landrum, of TVV Decatur Emergency, encourages pet owners to take every precaution to ensure the safety of their pet.   
"A majority of the emergencies we see every year on July 4th are related to the holiday celebrations - whether it is from the ribs Fido snatched at the backyard barbeque, or his frantic attempts to run far away from the gunshot-sounding fireworks going off around him.  Increased activity and excitement can always lead to stressful situations and health hazards".

  With that in mind, here are some important tips to help keep your beloved pets safe during Fourth of July celebrations:

Read More... 

  
When Temperatures Rise ...

....so does the risk of your pet becoming overheated, dehydrated, sick, and even dying.  Did you know that dogs are more susceptible to heat strokes and that they overheat more quickly than humans? 

 

As with humans, a heat stroke happens when your pet's heat gain exceeds his body's ability to dissipate heat. High temperatures cause chemical reactions that break down body cells which lead to dehydration and blood thickening. This puts extreme strain on the heart and causes abnormal blood clotting and subsequent death to tissue.  Normal body temperature for a dog is about 101 F to 102 F. If his temperature reaches 106 F, he is in danger of brain damage, vital organ failure, and death.  Reducing body temperature quickly is imperative; however a dog who recovers may still have organ damage and lifelong health problems. 

Learn about heat stroke symptoms, first aid and medical treatment.  
Thyroid Disease in Cats and Dogs

Dr. Megan Stewart reports...

Both dogs and cats can develop thyroid disease, although it presents differently in each species. Hypothyroidism is usually diagnosed in dogs while hyperthyroidism is most commonly diagnosed in cats. Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland is underactive while hyperthyroidism means that the thyroid gland is overactive. The thyroid gland in general is responsible for regulating the body's metabolism. Thyroid disease can usually be diagnosed by a blood test performed by your veterinarian.

              
  • Hypothyroidism usually occurs in middle-aged to older dogs and large breed dogs are more likely to develop this disease.  Usually hypothyroid dogs present with lethargy, weight gain/obesity, or mental dullness.  Skin issues are also common - thickened skin, hair loss, dry/brittle haircoat, and ear infections.   
  •  Hyperthyroidism in cats is generally a disease of older cats and tends to be more serious than hypothyroidism in dogs. Over ninety percent of cats diagnosed with hyperthyroidism are eight years of age or older. Usually they present with weight loss despite a voracious appetite, hyperactivity (attitude changes, more vocal or restless, less grooming), and vomiting and/or diarrhea. Occasionally they can be lethargic and have a poor appetite.       Read More... 

 Dr. Megan Stewart is part of our TVV Buckhead Team.

            

www.thevillagevets.com

Buckhead: (404) 844-4824

Decatur:(404) 371-0111  

Lilburn-Stone Mountain: (770) 717-1650