Martin Downs Animal Hospital News
Martin Downs Animal Hospital January, 2010
Doctors and Hospital Update
Billy's Success story
 A Note From The Doctors 
 

We hope you all had a wonderful holiday. A new year brings new beginnings and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending out newsletters electronically. Copies will also be available in our hospital lobby. Please let our receptionists know of any changes to your e-mail addresses.

For your information, we will be attending the North American Veterinary Conference in Orlando from January 16-20. Dr. Billy Harper will be here to take care of your pet's medical needs during this time.

 
Contact Us
Martin Downs Animal Hospital.
1625 SW Martin Hwy
Palm City, Florida 34990

772-288-3456
 
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Hospital Update / Special Announcements 
 

During the last few months, we have had some very important changes that we want to share with you.

First Dr. Karol Poderski has become certified to do PennHIP Radiographs. This is a scientific method used to evaluate a dog for its susceptibility to develop Hip Dysplasia. The radiographic procedure involves a special positioning of the dog so that his "passive hip laxity" can be accurately measured. This can be done at a much younger age than the previously used OFA x-rays and thus can be diagnosed and treated much sooner.

In November of 2009 we upgraded our dental radiograph machine to digital. We are now able to view images of the teeth the instant we take them. Dental x-rays help us to diagnoseproblems thatlieunder the gums or inside the tooth. A tooth may look great on the outside but may hide some unseen problems that radiographs can help detect.

As of December 29, 2009 we have added digital whole body radiographs. Within 4 seconds we will be able to view a picture of your pet's injury or area of concern because we will no longer have to develop traditional film. Once the digital x-ray is complete the images route to a computer screen for viewing. Digital technology also allows us to magnify the image or change its contrast in order to examine the images in more detail and begin immediate treatment.

Employee Spotlight 

To help you get to know our staff, we will present an employee spotlight in each newsletter. This will tell you a little bit about our employees so you will be able to recognize them when you come in to our hospital.

In this issue, however, we will have a group photo of several of our team members having a great time with some beautiful Labrador Retriever puppies bred by our head groomer Cathy.

Picture not available

 

 Grooming Corner

Our grooming department has professional groomers and the very latest bathing and grooming equipment. We offer multiple services which include bathing, medicated bathing, grooming and furminator packages.

Each month we will feature a special pet being groomed or bathed with their "before" and "after" shots. This month, we chose a Labradoodle named "Godiva." "Godiva" has some skin issues and must be bathed regularly with medicated shampoo. Each week, she gets lathered up, rinsed thoroughly, brushed and blown out. With a pedicure included she goes home looking beautiful.

Boarder of the Month
 

In our deluxe "hotel style" boarding facilities, we will pamper your pets and attend to their every need throughout their stay. Our unique boarding facility includes spacious accommodations for large and small dogs. Cats are boarded in our glassed "condos" where they can peer out at the activity and interact with visitors and guests.

Each month, we will give you a peek at some of our best boarders. This photo is of "Gizmo," a mixed breed dog, who stays comfy in his small suite. He enjoys being pampered and playing with his "room-mates."


Preventative Medicine
 
The key in veterinary medicine is "it's better to prevent than to treat."  There are several preventative measures that owners can take to keep pets safe and healthy. Vaccinations, heartworm prevention, flea and/or tick prevention, diagnostic laboratory workups and dental care are just a few of the measures pet owners can take to help their pets lead long and healthy lives.  
 
 
As many of you know, "Charlie" lives with us at the animal hospital. He is a great attraction and will talk and interact with you. Don't forget to come by and visit with "Charlie" the next time you're in the hospital. He may even dance and sing for you!
 
Billy's Success Story
 
In each issue, we will share a special case with you. These are cases the staff finds to be of special interest and challenging to our medical team. We hope you will find this information helpful in keeping your own pets out of harm's way.
 

NAME:             Billy

SPECIES:        Feline

BREED:           Domestic Short Hair

AGE:               11 Months

 

PRESENTING COMPLAINT:     "Billy" originally presented in our hospital for occasional vomiting. "Billy" was physically in good condition and showed no signs of distress. Lab results were satisfactory. A change in diet seemed to resolve the issue but three days later the vomiting returned. Radiographs were taken and revealed a foreign object in the intestinal tract (shown on top):

 Surgical removal was necessary.
                                                                           This is what we found:
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Surgery was curative and "Billy" is now back to his happy, playful self.

THE CULPRIT: The rubber end of a door stopper.

""Dogs are not our whole                                     

 life, but they make our lives
 whole." ~ Roger Caras