February 2008 Newsletter

Lone Mountain Animal Hospital
February 2008 Newsletter

What Is My Mutt's Breed?
Have you wondered what breed of dog your loveable mixed breed pooch is? Now there is a reliable way to find out. A new DNA test called the Wisdom Panel MX is available to track down your dog's breed background and help solve the question about the "Heinz 57" in the household! The Wisdom Panel can detect breed background from over 130 different dog breeds.

Knowing your mixed dog's background can be valuable in alerting both pet owner and veterinarian to possible breed related health disorders. Also knowing your dog's breed origination can be helpful in understanding and better managing behavioral traits that he or she displays. And for many pet owners, they just want to know more about their own dog's background, especially those that are adopted and no parental breeds are known.

How is it done? See your veterinarian to have a blood sample submitted. The results are returned to the pet owner within 2-4 weeks with breed results. Results include breed background, descriptions, and behavior information. Price for the DNA testing is $165. For additional questions speak to a hospital team member at 702-645-3116 or visit the Wisdom Panel website at www.wisdompanel.com.

Myth or Fact: Cold/Wet Nose?
Does a cold, wet nose signal that a dog or cat is in good health? And does a dry, warm nose mean that they are sick? Well, not always. From day to day the appearance of a healthy pet's nose can change..some times cold/wet and other times warm/dry. A lot is influenced by activity, climate, and overall behaviors of your pet. Healthy pets occasionally have a dry, warm nose. Unless a dry, warm nose is accompanied by signs of illness, then no need to worry. So the bottom line is- don't just rely on the nose as an indicator of health. Pet owners should evaluate appetite, activity, mental alertness, and other signs of illness when determining that it's time to see your family veterinarian.

Pet of the Month
All ears are tuned in to hear about our March 2008 recognized Pet of the Month, Wendy. She is a top dog that is always ready for some fun or to visit her pals at the clinic. See her picture on our website www.lmah.net.

Submissions for Pet of the Month can be made either by mail or email. We especially want to see more Pet of the Month photos of our feline patients and exotic pet patients too! Visit our website to get more details on submission directions