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Monthly Update
February 2012
Greetings!

Dog with valentine Dedham Vet AssociatesWe're looking forward to Valentines Day and all the chocolate treats that go along with it! If you are too, just remember that chocolate is dangerous for your pets. Even small amounts of theobromine, an ingredient in chocolate, can cause vomiting, diarrhea and restlessness in pets.  Larger doses can be fatal!  Be sure to keep your chocolate valentines out of reach of your furry friends. Find out more in our October 2011 newsletter article.

In this month's newsletter,  we address the advantages of going to a veterinary clinic for vaccines instead of the drop-in vaccine clinic at your local pet store. What are your thoughts on the issue? Join us on Facebook or email us with your comments.

Happy Valentines Day!  We send our heart-felt gratitude for taking such good care of your pets and for your interest in Dedham Veterinary Associates!



Sincerely,
Dr. Beverly MasonLike us on Facebook
Medical Director
Dedham Veterinary Associates

 

The Value of Visiting Your Veterinarian for Routine Vaccines

   

When you visit your doctor for a check-up, you know that your total health will be evaluated and addressed. If anything troubling is found, you will get a prescription or treatment recommendation, or maybe even a referral to a specialist. During the course of the year, you may also get a flu shot at the clinic at your local pharmacy. Does this visit to the flu clinic replace your annual check-up? Of course not!

 

Cat at Veterinarian VisitSimilarly, a trip to the local vaccine clinic at the pet store is no replacement for a comprehensive exam with a veterinarian. Pet store clinics make it easy to keep your pet's vaccines current, and that's important. But typically all you get is a rabies vaccine, without the crucial monitoring and evaluation of your pet's overall health. Even clinics that offer further preventative care, such as other vaccines or de-wormers, do not tailor care to the needs of the pet. Generally a veterinarian will quickly assess your pet to ensure that he or she is healthy enough to get a shot - just like the nurse at your own flu clinic will ask if you a few general health questions. But most health problems will not be detected or addressed.

 

A comprehensive exam at a full service veterinary clinic is a completely different in-depth assessment of your pet's health. During a typical visit, the veterinarian will:

  • Ask health questions
  • Assess body weight and fitness
  • Thoroughly examine ears, eyes, teeth, heart, lungs, lymph nodes, glands, digestive system, skin, urinary system, musculoskeletal system and nervous system
  • Conduct essential tests
  • Provide annual vaccines
  • Diagnose health problems
  • Provide treatment and follow-up care, as needed

 

The combination of regular comprehensive health assessments and  appropriate preventative vaccines is the key to a long healthy life for our furry family members.

 

   

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Office News 

     

Meet Fatimah    

 

Featured employee Dedham Veterinary Associates

 

Fatimah joined DVA in 2010 as a specialty surgeon technician. She spends many hours in surgery with both Dr. Henry and Dr. Briere, and her surgical skills have been invaluable to the team!

 

Fatimah says she enjoys the constantly evolving technical and procedural advances in the field. She played an instrumental role in DVA's transition to digital radiography and is committed to continuing education and training. She is currently studying for the National Veterinary Technician Exam and working on her undergraduate degree.

 

After nearly 10 years as a Veterinary Technician, Fatimah still finds it incredibly rewarding to   follow up and bond with patients as they return for post-op exams.

 

Fatimah lives in the Boston area with her adorable, but slightly insane, cat named Marley.