A NOTE FROM THE DOCTOR
Just a reminder to all our clients, Dr. Waters and Dr. Poderski will be on vacation beginning August 1, 2010. Dr. Elizabeth Jolin, our new associate and Dr. Billy Harper will be taking care of your pets during their absence. Both Dr. Waters and Dr. Poderski will return Monday, August 23, 2010.
The Poderski Family ready for Vacation!
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HOSPITAL UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTSOPEN HOUSE SEPTEMBER 11, 2010
Martin Downs Animal Hospital will be celebrating our 20th year Anniversary this coming September, 2010. We will be having an open house on Saturday, September 11th from 9am to 2pm. Please mark your calendars to come and help us celebrate! We will have representatives from all areas of veterinary care along with some rescue organizations from our community. All proceeds from this event will go to the Foster Military Pets organization-www.fostermilitarypets.com More details will follow-join us on our facebook page to keep updated.
STUART GREEN MARKET SUNDAY AUGUST 22
Stop by and see us at the DOGGIE DAYS EXPO at the Stuart Green Market, Sunday 8/22/10 from 9am until 1pm located in the Stuart City Hall "Barking" lot. This will be a special dog friendly market with live music, a hospitality tent, a cooling station and a "fun" dog show. Hope to see you there!
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Vanessa, our new Head Technician, came to us this past winter after moving to Florida last summer. She has been in the veterinary field for 12 years. She began as a kennel attendant and bather, working her way up to receptionist and technician. She has become a most valuable asset to the Martin Downs Animal Hospital's technical team.
Vanessa loves living in Florida with her two cats, Darwin and Winter.
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BOARDER OF THE MONTHSally is being honored as our boarder of the month. She stayed with us this summer for almost a month. Due to her advanced years, she stayed on our medical side under the watchful eyes of the vets and technicians. She had some arthritis so she underwent canine rehabilitation while boarding. To help keep her supple, she had free roam of the ICU/medical boarding area. A large cushioned mat and raised food bowls also helped keep her more comfortable.
Sally with her family and two staff members
Make sure you let us know if your pet needs special arrangements while staying with us.
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GROOMING CORNER
Bella is a 1 year old female Yorkie-Poo. She was a brand new groom who came to our Resort and Spa for a complete makeover. As you can see in her before picture, she is in need of a whole new look. Bella was a little nervous when she first arrived, but soon felt more relaxed as all our Resort and Spa staff made her feel welcome. She got the full Spa treatment which consists of a Hydrosurge bath, pedicure and groom.
After spending the day with our Spa technician and Professional groomer, she is a new dog!  Bella before her Makeover
Bella after her Makeover |
FASCINATING FELINE FACTS
"Inappropriate urination (house soiling) is the most common cause for cats to be relinquished to shelters" (University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine). Behavioral problems can be frustrating for many pet owners, especially when cats are urinating outside of their litter boxes. One quick and easy tip to try when dealing with this problem is to expand to a more spacious box, such as an elongated, wide and low-to-the-ground Rubbermaid bin (under the bed bins work great!). Some cats simply want the luxury of a larger area to use for elimination. Although this may not be the solution to the problem, it is a great place to start.One last note to remember whenever dealing with inappropriate elimination in cats: it is imperative that your pet be examined by your veterinarian. Many cats may begin urinating outside of their litter boxes due to an underlying illness, such as a urinary tract infection or diabetes.
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PROGRESSIVE THERAPEUTICS
Have you noticed in the last month or so that our shampoo line has changed? We are very excited to offer our clients and their pets the full line of Virbac shampoos and rinses. Virbac has shampoos for multiple dermatologic concerns as well as some very nice hypoallergenic shampoos for maintenance.
All of Virbac's shampoos are detergent free and thus will not wash off topical products you may be using for prevention. There are two additional features, spherulites and glycotechnology in the Virbac shampoo line that make them stand out from the rest. Spherulites are concentric-layered microspheres (think of an onion) which release specific ingredients as the layers gradually break down, providing a sustained effect. The microspores adhere to the shaft of the hair and skin. Glycotechnology refers to usage of simple sugars (monosaccharides) to block Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus and Malassezia from adhering to the skin surface. If the bacteria and yeast cannot adhere, then they cannot reproduce and colonize. The glycotechnology will also act as a anti-irritant helping to reduce inflammation, thereby keeping animals more comfortable and less itchy.
Virbac lastly is known for some wonderful leave on conditioners. Come by Martin Downs Animal Hospital and let our staff help you decide which shampoo and rinse is best suited for your pet. All Virbac products are guaranteed or you will receive a full refund.
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PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE
 ANIMAL & VETERINARY ONLINE PET PHARMACIES
A.W.A.R.E
"Affordable pet prescriptions!"
"Pet meds at discount prices!"
"No prescription required!"
"Your best source for pet meds!"
If you've ever searched online for prescription pet medicines, you've no doubt seen eye-catching, attention-grabbing claims. They sound convincing in their promises of convenience and lower prices. But are these claims really true?
Internet sites that sell pet drugs can be reputable pharmacies. However, others are fronts for businesses breaking Federal, State and sometimes International laws. Illegal online pharmacies may sell medicines that are counterfeit, outdated, mislabeled, incorrectly formulated or improperly made or stored. These medicines may not contain the actual drug, or the correct amount of drug, may contain contaminants, may not work as well due to age or being stored in conditions that were too hot, cold, or humid, and may not have the proper directions for use.
You should know that neither the drug maker nor your veterinarian will stand behind a product's guarantee if you purchase the product online. If you still want to purchase your pet's prescription medicines online, remember there is no fool-proof way to tell if an online pharmacy is legal. However, you can protect yourself by doing your homework and being online pharmacy A.W.A.R.E.
A-Ask Your Veterinarian
W-Watch for Red Flags
A-Always Check for Site Accreditation
R-Report Problems and suspicious Online Pharmacies
E-Educate Yourself about Online Pharmacies
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CASE OF THE MONTH
Our case of the month integrated three services we offer at Martin Downs Animal Hospital.
Rocky, a 12 year old male Shih Tzu/Poodle mix presented for acute lameness. Both the front and rear legs on his left side were affected. Rocky had minimal sensation and movement in those limbs. After a neurological exam and consult, he was diagnosed with a fibrocartilagenous embolism to the spinal cord between C7-T2. Rocky was put on the proper medication and showed steady improvement and was discharged.
Unfortunately, Rocky presented a couple days later with a new problem. It is believed that Rocky was feeling so good at home and moving better that he gave himself a second injury. He had ruptured his cranial cruciate ligament in the left rear leg. A surgical repair was needed to get Rocky walking again. Dr. Poderski opted for a lateral retinacular imbrication technique. The patella (knee cap) also required stabilization with a tibial tuberosity transposition.
To get the best results from the surgery and to continue healing from the neurologic injury, rehabilitation was started immediately. Cold laser therapy and electrical stimulation were the modalities initiated within hours of Rocky coming out of surgery. Rocky had therapy at home and twice a week with Laura at Martin Downs Animal Hospital. Rehabilitation therapy continued until Rocky was 100%.
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