September 2006 Newsletter

Lone Mountain Animal Hospital
September 2006 Newsletter

Pet of the Month
Please welcome, Kikie, our October recognized pet of the month. Kikie beat both a life-threatening illness as well as concerns for long-term blindness. See her photo and bio our website www.lmah.net.

Autumn Pet Hazards
Are you sometimes surprised the crazy things your furry friend gets into? Dogs and cats explore their world with their nose and mouth- so anything within reach is fair game to them. Read on to learn what items can pose a threat to your pet during the fall season.

Antifreeze/coolants
Nationwide 10,000 pets per year suffer from antifreeze poisoning. Antifreeze contains a chemical called ethylene glycol which when ingested results in neurologic abnormalities and kidney failure. The sweet taste of antifreeze makes this attractive to animals and small amounts are deadly- even 1 teaspoon can prove fatal for some animals.

OTC medication
Resist the temptation to give your pets any of your medications whether prescription or over the counter (OTC). Common OTC medications such as Tylenol and aspirin can be highly toxic to cats. Dogs too can suffer serious side effects when pet owners self prescribe medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and cold remedies.

Rodent baits
As cooler weather arrives wild rodents may look for cover indoors. Rodent baits are commonly placed in outdoor environments in an effort to control wild rodent populations. But these products are very dangerous when ingested by pets. Rodent baits such as D-con or Rampage contain a compound that can lead to fatal bleeding in pets. Never place these items anywhere in your pet's yard or environment.

What to do if you suspect a pet poisoning?

If your pet has ingested any drug, chemical, or unusual item call your veterinarian immediately. Time is of the essence with pet toxicities. For more information on toxic episodes call the ASPCA's animal poison control 24 hour hotline (1-888-426-4435, $45 fee).

Is My Pet Deaf?
Older dogs often will develop some hearing loss due to aging. Hearing difficulties may also be due to ear infections or the presence of growths or masses inside the ear. Some breeds may simply be born with congenital deafness such as Dalmatians, Blue-eyed white cats and Australian shepherds. Have your pets ears examined if you suspect a hearing problem. Your pet's ears will be fully examined using an otoscope, a small instrument that aids the doctor in visualizing the inside of your pet's ear.

LMAH Employee of the Month
We have begun recognizing the special efforts and achievements of our staff at LMAH. This month we honor veterinary technician, Robin Hempel. She is studying at Pima Medical Institute here in Las Vegas. Robin has a kind touch with all animals and warms up the office with her sunny disposition. Thank you Robin!