However, many other species of birds such as Amazon parrots, Macaws, and Conures cannot be identified by appearance. Owners of such birds are left to speculate as to the sex of their bird friend. Knowing the sex of your bird may be important when interpreting behaviors and health changes. But for some families, they just are curious if their feathered friend is a boy or a girl.

A DNA test can easily performed to determine if your feathered friend is male or female. The test fee is $50.00 and is run off of a small blood sample, sometimes as little as a drop of blood is necessary. If you have questions, please call for more details at 645-3116.

Pet of the Month
We all know that adopting a pet saves lives and warms the hearts of all in the home. Did you know that October is recognized as "Adopt a Dog Month". If you have a place in your home for an unwanted pet, visit our local shelters and save a life. On this note, our current recognized Pet of the Month is an adoption success herself. We congratulate "Sophie" as Lone Mountain Animal
Hospital's October 2008 Pet of the Month. Visit our website and read more about her
story at www.lmah.net.

Oh, He's Just Getting Old!
If you've noticed your older dog or cat slowing down and "acting old," then read on. Many people identify changes in activity, appetite and attribute those as normal aging changes. But quite often these changes are actually signs of a treatable health condition. Common senior problems can cause your pet to be more lethargic and less interested in daily activities. Examples of these
include thyroid disorders, osteoarthritis, heart disease and dental disease. After diagnosing and treating those conditions, many pets discover a new found lease on life.

Can pets develop senility? The answer is yes. Dogs and cats can develop a condition called Cognitive dysfunction in which they may be disoriented, have abnormal sleep patterns, develop failures in housetraining, and become less social with family members. There is treatment however, including medications and diets which are specifically geared to helping the aging pet manage the signs of cognitive dysfunction.

Be sure to mention any behavioral or health changes in their senior pet with your veterinarian. An examination and senior lab tests are the first step to keeping your older pet comfortable in their golden years. It is important to keep your senior pet mentally and physically active with exercise, practicing obedience commands, and regular playtime. See your veterinarian to discuss any
aging concerns or to schedule a senior wellness visit today.