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CANINE INFLUENZA - December 2009
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Canine Influenza Concerns
We are sure most of you have heard something in the media regarding the Canine
Influenza "epidemic" in Colorado. Dr. Manobla, at this point in time, is not
recommending the vaccine for any of our patients or boarders. We have not seen a case
of the flu at our clinic, nor have we heard of any cases in Evergreen. The main risk to the
dog population is in high volume shelters and kennels.
According to the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, "Canine influenza is a highly
contagious respiratory infection of dogs caused by influenza A subtype H3N8 virus.
Thousands of infected dogs have been identified in 30 states, and the virus is now
enzootic in many communities in Colorado." Again, these affected communities are
mostly the high volume shelters and kennels. Signs to watch for, if you believe your dog
has been exposed, are much like human flu symptoms: nasal discharge, coughing, mild
fever, etc.
The influenza vaccine is considered a "lifestyle" vaccine. This means that the vaccine is
only given based on a pet's possible exposure to influenza. For example, if your pet has
little or no interaction with other pets, does not board, or go to a groomer-the vaccine is
not recommended simply because it is unlikely they will be exposed.
We will continue to monitor the influenza situation and will make recommendations
accordingly. IF this disease becomes a threat to our patients and community we will
certainly notify you further.
Please feel free to contact us at 303.670.0838 if you have any further questions or
concerns.
Dr. Manobla and the Beaver Brook Pet Center Staff
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Beaver Brook Pet Center Goes GREEN!
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In our continued efforts to protect the environment and decrease our footprint on the land, Beaver Brook Pet Center has recently implemented even more "green" practices into the clinic's daily routine.
* We collect and recycle everything from plastics, carboard, office paper, newspaper, aluminim and tin, glass - you name it, we try to recycle it!
TIP: Recycle your pet food cans. Tin and steel cans save a lot of energy if they are recycled. Reclaiming one ton of steel or tin saves 1.5 tons of ore. Tin recycling saves an estimated 2,600 kilowatt hours per ton. Steel recycling saves and average of 4,300 kilowatt hours per ton or 47% of the energy required to process steel from raw materials.
* Whenever possible, we use natural cleaning products- safe for your pets AND the environment.
Read the ASPCA's 101 Things You Didn't Know Could Harm Your Pet :
* We are always trying to increase our use of recycled products, thereby completing the chain...
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Making the commitment to purchase recycled office paper and office supplies and work with environmentally conscious companies reflects our dedication to being an environmentally responsible business.
* The clinic recently installed motion detected lights in and around the clinic, thereby saving energy and taking another small step toward a better environmental future.
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February is National Pet Dental Month -
But This is Important to Read Year-round!
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| February is traditionally pet dental health month, but here at Beaver Brook Pet Center we recognize the crucial role good dental care plays in overall health year round.
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The mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body. When infection exists in the mouth, it is shed into the blood stream, creating the potential for systemic infection, kidney disease, heart disease and a shortened life span. Gum disease, cavities and exposed roots are also painful! Contrary to popular belief, "doggie breath" or "cat breath" is not normal. Bad breath in dogs or cats is often indicative of dental disease.
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| Dental decay before cleaning |
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| After professional cleaning with us at BBPC |
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| While home care is a necessary (and often neglected) piece of the puzzle, professional cleaning under anesthesia is the only way to clean below the gumline, polish the teeth, and treat the painful effects of dental disease.
FAQs about Pet Dental Care:
Some Important Facts to Consider
Signs of Periodontal Disease
Treatment of Oral Disease
Why is General Anesthesia Needed?
Please call us to schedule a dental cleaning and to get your pet smelling sweet and feeling good with a healthy mouth. We now offer digital dental x-rays to detect any painful issues beneath the surface of the gum line. We highly recommend routine professional periodontal cleanings to prevent larger issues from developing and to increase your pet's life expectancy.
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Help Your Mutt Lose His Gutt! Oh, and Your Kitty, too!
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March is obesity prevention month.
Ah, yes, weight loss can be a touchy subject. Goodness knows, human obesity has reached epidemic proportions, so is it any wonder our pets are also struggling with their weight?
As veterinarians, we see animals of all shapes and sizes walking through our doors. And over the years we’ve seen a pattern emerging: Pets are losing their hourglass figure. Yes, friends, pets are supposed to have an hourglass figure!
Instead, we’re seeing many pets who could either be used as or be mistaken for the coffee table! In other words, pets are becoming… chubby! To put it plainly, our pets are getting fat.
There are several factors involved in this phenomenon:
1. Too many calories going down the gullet—either too much food being fed, too many snacks being offered, or the wrong type (quality) of food being given (the doggy/kitty equivalent of McDonald’s).
2. Too little exercise provided—our pets have become couch (bed, rug, and floor) potatoes right along with their humans.
3. A medical problem such as an endocrine imbalance such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease.
In other words, the same problems that plague the human race, resulting in increased body mass and decreased health, occur in our pets.
But there is hope and we are extending a hand to those of you who need help.
If you feel your pet may be overweight and perhaps less than optimally healthy, we ask that you come see us. We will weigh your pet and evaluate his/her body condition score at no charge. Based on these findings, we will make recommendations. A thorough physical exam with lab work may be indicated if a medical condition is suspected. If not, we will suggest a diet and exercise program to get your pet back in the best physical shape possible.
For some great suggestions on getting your pet fit, check out Parade.com and www.petfit.com for videos, tips and exercise ideas.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
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Have you ever wondered what your mixed breed dog's ancestry is? Most of us that own mixes are quick to speculate as to our dog's heritage.
"Is he a Chow mix? I think he's part German Shepherd. She's got to have some Aussie in her!"
Sound familiar? Well, now there's a scientific answer to those questions! Mars Veterinary has designed the Wisdom Panel, a DNA test that can give you concrete answers about your dog's heritage. Using DNA markers, this test can identify over 130 breeds, potentially explaining physical characteristics and breed-typical behaviors.
All it takes is a quick blood draw. Call us to set up an appointment - we'll have you and your dog in and out in just a few minutes and in 3 to 4 weeks you'll have answers!
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Beaver Brook Pet Center
77 Elmgreen Lane
Evergreen CO 80439
Tel - 303-670-0838
Fax - 303-670-8351
SEND US AN EMAIL
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