Hope News

A reminder of our written prescription protocol

12/13/2019

Hope Animal Medical Center strives to provide exceptional care for your exceptional pets. There has been a growing concern in the medical community regarding errors in filling prescriptions via telephone or fax machine. Verbal communication over the phone can often be misunderstood or misconstrued and the resulting effect can be an incorrect dosing of a medication or the wrong medication altogether. Prescriptions that are faxed to online distributors using their pre-set forms have been altered without our authorization by these companies, which again, results in our patients getting incorrect medication.

For this reason all prescriptions for outside pharmacies requires a written script that owners must pick up and take or send to the pharmacy of their choice. Alternatively, prescriptions for medications that we carry can easily be filled here at the hospital. For the safety and well-being of your pet, we will no longer call or fax prescriptions to outside pharmacies.

The exception to this will be prescriptions filled through Road Runner Pharmacy, our trusted compounding pharmacy in Arizona and Vet's First Choice, Hope's online pharmacy. We work closely with these pharmacy's to obtain specifically dosed medications for our patients, and they provide excellent customer service. We will handle the paperwork involved in filling these prescriptions. These prescriptions will still be shipped directly to our clients; however, the prescriptions from Road Runner Pharmacy will now be billed through our hospital to protect the privacy of our clients’ billing information.

Please allow 24 hours for prescription requests to be processed.

We hope you understand why this action is necessary. Please feel free to call us at 706-546-7879 if you have any questions or concerns.

Holiday Travel Tips

12/5/2019

With the holidays rapidly approaching, family and friends are making plans to gather together for the festivities. For some pet parents, a trip is no fun if the four-legged members of the family can’t come along. But traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and your animal companions. With thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.

Top 10 Tips For Safe Car Travel With Your Pet

Planning a road trip? Traveling with a pet involves more than just loading the animal in the back seat and motoring off, especially if you will be driving long distances or plan to be away for a long time. The ASPCA offers the following tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car trip:

1.      Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Please make sure to always secure the crate so it won’t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s large enough for your pet to sit, lie down, stand up and turn around in. It is a great idea to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your own home well before your planned trip. There are also specialized seat belt/harness apparatuses available for dogs traveling by car.

2.      Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening the time spent in the car. This way you can find out if your pet has any anxiety issues associated with car rides, or any motion sickness. If either of these issues are a problem, please discuss them with your veterinarian.

3.      Your pet’s travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don’t feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle, even if it is a long drive. If you need to stop for refueling breaks, then you should offer your dog a break as well, by walking him/her on a leash in a safe area, and offering a small amount of water.

4.      Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death. Designate someone in your travel party to stay with the animal while others rotate bathroom breaks if needed.

5.      What is in your pet’s traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowls, a leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity and comfort.

6.      Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address/phone number, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat collars (never choke collars), please.

7.      Don’t allow your pet to ride with his/her head outside of the window. This can subject your pet to inner ear damage and lung infections, and he/she could be injured by flying objects. Please keep him/her in the back seat in his/her crate, or with a harness attached to a seat buckle as previously described.

8.      Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states require this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn’t a problem, it is better to be prepared ahead of time should you have to show proof, or if your pet has an unfriendly encounter.

9.      When it come to water, we say BYOB. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs or water bottles. Drinking water from an area that your pet is not used to could result in GI upset for your pet (e.g. vomiting or diarrhea).

10. If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.

Top 10 Tips For Safe Air Travel With Your Pet

Planning a flight? The ASPCA urges pet owners to think twice about flying their pets on commercial airlines, especially if they plan on checking them in as cargo. Unless your pet is small enough to fit under your seat in a carrier and you can bring him/her in the cabin, the ASPCA recommends pet owners to not fly their animal. If pet owners have already committed to transporting their pets on commercial airlines, the ASPCA is offering the following top ten tips for safe air travel with your pet:

1.      Make an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian for an examination, and make sure all vaccinations are current. Obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian dated within 10 days of departure. For travel outside of the continental United States, additional planning and health care requirements are often necessary. Contact the foreign office of the country you are traveling to and the USDA for more information.

2.      Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and is wearing a collar and ID tag with your phone numbers. The collar should also include destination information in case your pet escapes. Flat collars are best for dogs (no choke collars, please). Breakaway collars are best for cats.

3.      Book a direct flight whenever possible. This will decrease the chances that your pet is left on the tarmac during extreme weather conditions or mishandled by baggage personnel.

4.      Purchase a USDA-approved shipping crate that is large enough for your pet to sit, stand up, and turn around in comfortably. Shipping crates can be purchased from many pet supply stores and airlines.

5.      Write the words “Live Animal” in letters at least one inch tall on top of and on at least one side of the crate. Use arrows to prominently indicate the upright position of the crate. On the top of the crate, write the name, address and telephone number of your pet’s destination point. Also, indicate whether you will be accompanying your pet or if someone else is picking him/her up. Make sure that the door is securely closed, but not locked, so that airline personnel can open it in case of an emergency. Line the bottom of the crate with some type of bedding – shredded paper, newspaper, or towels – to absorb any accidents.

6.      Affix a current photograph of your pet to the top of the crate for identification purposes. Should your pet escape from the carrier, this could be a lifesaver. You should also carry a photograph of your pet.

7.      The night before your flight/trip, make sure you’ve frozen a small dish or tray of water for your pet. This way, it cannot spill during loading, and will melt by the time your pet is thirsty. Tape a small pouch, preferably cloth, of dried food outside the crate. Airline personnel will be able to feed your pet in case he gets hungry on long-distance flights or a layover.

8.      Tranquilizing your pet is not usually recommended, as it could hamper his breathing and delay his reflexes in case of an emergency. Always check with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.

9.      Tell every airline employee you encounter, on the ground and in the air, that you are traveling with a pet in the cargo hold. This way, they’ll be ready if any additional considerations or attention is needed.

10. If the plane is delayed, or if you have any concerns about the welfare of your pet, insist that airline personnel check the animal whenever feasible. In certain situations, removing the animal from the cargo hold and deplaning may be warranted.

If you are planning on traveling with your pet, and need to schedule an appointment for an examination, or to discuss any concerns you may have about traveling, please call us at 706-546-7879. Our friendly staff would be happy to assist you, as we all wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

If you are planning to travel, but need to find accommodations for your pet, we offer boarding here in a temperature-controlled, secure and well-staffed facility. Please let us know how we can help you. We greatly appreciate you and love all of your pets as if they were our own.

FDA Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy

7/2/2019

This post will be long but extremely important, so please read the entire article when you have time.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart condition where the heart muscle becomes flabby and stretched out and unable to properly contract. This leads to heart failure because the heart is not able to move blood through the body and the blood backs up. If you think of the heart as a pump and the vessels as pipes, basically the pump loses power and is no longer able to push blood through the pipes. There are some breeds that we know are predisposed to this. Boxers, Dobermans, Great Danes and Cocker Spaniels are the most common breeds to get this disease in the past. Within the last few years other breeds have started being diagnosed with this disease at an unusually high rate. Researchers have been trying to figure out why so many dogs were being diagnosed with a disease that has not affected their breed significantly in the past.

This is where the story gets interesting (and scary). Researchers started noting a correlation between dogs getting DCM and dogs eating grain free food. In science, extreme caution is used to make sure there is actual causation (something causes something else to happen), not just correlation (a connection between 2 things). What this means is, we don't want to blame something that is happening simply because 2 things are happening at the same time. We want to make sure that a + b= c. If you have a and b, do you consistently get c? Or does a and b just happen to happen in the same population and a = c or b = c and a and b have nothing to do with each other. I realize this can be confusing but suffice it to know that researchers have looked in depth in this and have concluded that gran free diets can cause DCM in dogs with no genetic predisposition.

It is still unclear why grain free diets cause DCM. What has been found is legumes (peas, lentils, potatoes) seem to block the absorption of taurine. Taurine is an amino acid that is essential to cardiac health. This means that even with additional taurine supplementation, some dogs are getting DCM when being kept on grain free foods. DCM has been reversed in some cases when the dog is taken off the grain free food, but not in all cases. Meaning if the dog is diagnosed with food related DCM, changing the diet may or may not help (but is definitely the first step).

The FDA has been collecting data about new DCM cases and tracking what foods these dogs are eating. They have compiled it into the article I link to below. There are some brands that are massively over represented with cases of DCM. The dog food industry is for the most part unregulated. This means you can start a dog food company and make any number of claims and not test your food and still be allowed to sell it. Some companies have veterinary nutritionist on their staff that make sure the food is balanced. Some companies actually test their food on real animals to make sure it is a good food and the dogs will not get sick from it and do well on it. A food can look balanced on paper but when fed to real animals, it does not perform as expected. The companies that have had no cases of DCM are companies that both have nutritionist on staff and test the foods in feeding trials. If a food has been tested using AAFCO feeding trial, it will be labeled as such. Royal Canin, Purina, Science Diet, Iams/ Eukanuba have not had any confirmed cases of dogs getting DCM while being fed their food.

If you are feeding a brand that is listed in the article as being linked to DCM, we encourage you to switch their food. If you have questions about your pets diet, we would be happy to discuss it with you. There are still a lot of unknowns at this point. This is an evolving topic that we are following very closely and will keep you updated as more is discovered.

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/news-events/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy

Hope AMC to celebrate 20 years of providing Exceptional Care for Exceptional Pets

3/15/2019

What is Cold Laser Healing Therapy?

2/26/2019

We wanted to remind all of our clients that Hope Animal Medical Center offers Cold Laser Healing Therapy as another one of our innovative treatment options. The laser beam stimulates the cells and tissues, reduces inflammation and helps minimize pain of many chronic conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, tendonitis and more.

How Does It Work?
The cold laser light penetrates deep into the tissue and provides energy that encourages cellular respiration to promote healing. The laser beam also affects nerves directly decreasing the diffusion of pain signals to the central nervous system. The net result is increased rate of healing and decreased pain.

How long will each treatment take?
The treatment time depends on how chronic the condition is and the depth the laser light needs to reach to be effective. However, almost all treatments will be between 2 and 10 minutes.

How many treatments will my pet need?
The number of treatments can vary greatly based on the condition, but many pet owners notice a positive difference within 3 or 4 treatments.

Some Benefits of using Cold Laser Therapy include:

Pain relief
Reduced inflammation
Accelerated tissue repair and cell growth
Improved circulation by stimulation
Increased cellular metabolic activity
Reduced fibrous tissue formation
Improved nerve function by eliciting regeneration
Accelerated wound healing
Stimulated immune system

What is the cost of the treatments?
The cost of Cold Laser Therapy is very affordable and it will depend on the number of treatments needed. Individual treatments are $50.00 or we have a package of 6 treatments for $250.00.
Please contact Hope Animal Medical Center at 706-546-7879 if you are interested in scheduling a laser consultation or have any questions regarding treatment. We look forward to helping you and your pet discover the benefits of using Cold laser therapy!

Valentine’s Gone Wrong! Flowers and Chocolates Cause Vomiting and Diarrhea in Pets!

2/14/2019

“Loving Treats” That Can Be Lethal!
February is a time of year when loved ones express their affection for each other by giving and receiving chocolates and flowers. It is nice to remember our pets on this special day, as well. However, it is NEVER in the best interest of our four-legged friends to give them easy access to chocolates or flowers. As many of you already know, if a pet eats chocolate, there can be serious health consequences. Some of the common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea and even seizures.

Call Your Veterinarian Immediately, Don’t Wait!
If you suspect that your pet has ingested any amount of chocolate, you may want to call your veterinarian to alert them of the situation. Depending on the type of chocolate eaten, you may have a life-threatening situation or you may just have a mess to clean up with no implications. Your vet may ask you to bring your pet into the office immediately so they can empty your pet’s stomach and give medications to help reverse the effects. Milk chocolate often only causes diarrhea and vomiting, but the ingestion of even a small amount of dark chocolate or baking chocolate can, in some cases, cause death. It is better to give your pet a treat that is made especially for dogs or cats, and keep your own goodies away from curious paws and mouths.
A beautiful bouquet of Valentine’s Day flowers also can have serious health consequences for our pets. Curious cats and dogs often can’t resist chewing and eating the leaves and petals of a florist’s creations, which can cause digestive problems, diarrhea in pets, heart problems, kidney failure, liver disease and/or seizures. That’s why it is so important to display your flowers out of your pets’ reach. Certain flowers can be toxic if eaten. If you suspect or can confirm that your pet has eaten plant leaves or flower petals, the identity of the plant or flower is crucial in determining its toxicity. You can either call the ASPCA’S National Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435, or Hope Animal Medical Center at 706-546-7879.

Common Valentine’s Presents that Can Cause Diarrhea in Pets!
Common flowers and plants- including some often found in your own backyard-that are especially toxic and can be fatal if ingested include: Oleander, Lilies, Sago Palm nuts and seeds, Castor Bean, Azalea, Rhododendron, Chrysanthemum, Peace Lily, Tulip bulbs, Amaryllis, English Ivy and Autumn Crocus.

Everyone loves to receive chocolates, flowers or plants on Valentine’s Day. By making sure they are kept away from nosy canines or hungry felines, you can enjoy them safely with no fears of accidentally poisoning your pets.

Remember to make the day special for pets by giving lots of love, extra attention and a few safe pet treats.

Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List

1/18/2019

ASPCA poison control has compiled a list which contains plants that have been reported as having systemic effects on animals and / or intense effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Please note that the information contained in this plant list is not meant to be all-inclusive, but rather a compilation of the most frequently encountered plants.

Be advised that the consumption of any plant material may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset for dogs and cats. Plants listed as either non-toxic, or potentially toxic with mild GI upset as their symptoms are not expected to be life-threatening to your pets.

If you believe that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, or if you have any further questions regarding the information contained in this database, contact either us at Hope Animal Medical Center or the APCC 24-hour emergency poison hotline at 1-888-426-4435.

www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

Safety Tips for your pets on New Year's Eve

12/31/2018

New Year's Eve Safety Tips for Pets

Be observant of your pet's response to loud noises. Thunderstorms and fireworks are a known causes for pet anxiety, but celebration party favors and popping champagne corks can be just as traumatizing. If you are hosting a party, make sure your pets are placed in a comfortable area that is separate from the activities. Make sure they have plenty of water and are secure. When possible, refrain from keeping them outside, as fireworks and other neighbors celebrating can lead to the same ruckus and worry.
Always keep your pet's tags on his collar. In the case he does get spooked and bolt for an open door or gate, an ID tag will be imperative to getting him home safely.
Beware of alcohol! Many pets can be drawn to glasses of beer or liquor that have been left behind after the celebration is over. Consumption of alcohol can be highly dangerous for animals, and even deadly. Make sure to thoroughly clean up the area before you allow your pets to enter. Always keep a close eye on them, and never give them any alcohol as a treat or joke.
Be aware of party decorations. Balloons, streamers, party hats or confetti can be unhealthy for an animal if ingested. While decorating for your party, keep the animals in a separate area where they do not have access to the decorations. If they do get into them, consult a veterinarian immediately.

Hope AMC offering discounted boarding to any Hurricane Florence evacuees

9/11/2018

We will be offering discounted boarding for any Hurricane Florence evacuees. Please call us at 706-546-7879 for availability.

Give the gift of Dental Health

2/1/2018

Do you have questions about dental care for your dog?

Here are some common questions asked about pet dental health:

Q: I’ve heard dental problems are common in dogs. How will I know if my dog has a dental problem?

A: Dental disease is the most common disease in dogs. About 70% of dogs over the age of 3 are affected with dental disease. Check for redness or bleeding at the gum line, as well as tartar accumulation on the teeth. Also look out for signs of discomfort or foul smelling breath. If any of these symptoms are noticed, contact your veterinarian for a dental check-up.

Q: What is tartar and why is it so bad?

A: Bacteria naturally inhabit yours and your pet’s mouths. If allowed, it will breed on the surface of teeth to form an invisible layer of plaque. Plaque accumulation will eventually mineralize and thicken around the base of the tooth at the gum line and become visible tartar. Tartar begins to irritate the gums, causing inflammation known as gingivitis. If not removed, this process will continue and gums will become even more inflamed, leading to infection known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a serious condition which can lead to gum recession and eventually loss of teeth. Infections from periodontal disease can spread to other parts of the mouth, as well as internal organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys.

Q: What can I expect when I bring my dog in for a dental exam and cleaning?

A: A dental exam will include examination of the mouth, teeth, and gums, as well as a full physical examination to rule out any underlying health issues. If it is determined your pet would benefit from having tartar and plaque removed, your veterinarian will perform a dental cleansing and polishing. Plaque and tartar can only be removed by those specially trained and is performed under anesthesia. Blood work is needed to determine adequate liver and kidney function to ensure that anesthesia can be given safely during a dental cleaning. It may also be determined that your dog be started on antibiotics prior to a dental cleaning. During the cleaning, careful attention is made to remove the tartar above and below the gum line. Gum recession can occur when tartar accumulates below the gum line. If a diseased or loose tooth is found, an extraction may be necessary. Fluoride applications may be given to strengthen tooth enamel, along with antibiotics given to treat any bacterial infection. In addition, polishing the teeth creates a smooth surface which deters bacteria from accumulating. Polishing is an important part of preventative care because plaque and tartar naturally begin to form on teeth in as little as 6 hours after a dental cleaning.

Q: What about special dental diets and treats?

A: Special dental diets can play a role in reducing the accumulation of plaque and tartar formation. There are veterinarian approved diets that have tartar reducing ingredients or have larger kibble which are textured to aid in plaque removal. In addition, there are also special canine chew toys and treats that have tartar controlling ingredients. Many products such as oral rinses and water additives are also available that cut down on bacteria or have plaque reducing enzymes. Your veterinarian can give you specific dietary and dental aid recommendations that will help guide you in your pet’s dental health program. Daily brushings are the best form of tartar prevention in between dental cleanings.

Q: How do I go about brushing my dog’s teeth?

A: As important as the cleaning and polishing is to remove hardened deposits on the teeth, the prevention of plaque build-up is just as important. A dental program should include daily brushings using a veterinarian approved toothpaste and toothbrush. This helps maintain good oral hygiene and prevent build-up of disease causing plaque and tartar. Be sure to choose toothpaste made for dogs, which comes in a variety of canine-friendly flavors. Human toothpaste should NEVER be given to your dog, as it may contain harmful ingredients.

When it comes to your dog's dental health, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Schedule your dog's dental evaluation today!

Dr. Jeni Gustafson
Dr. Kasey Stopp
Dr. Sarah Clifton