Meet Miss Maggie!!

Hello Everyone!  My name is Brittany and I will be your new guest blogger for the next few months!  My husband, Joe, and I will soon be welcoming our first puppy, Maggie, to our home.  Maggie is a Havanese and was born just a few weeks ago.  Even though we haven’t had the opportunity to meet her yet, we love her already!  Maggie will be a first for me and fortunately my husband has experience with raising his family dog.

When we were searching for a veterinary clinic, we came across River Valley.  Dr. Cindy Sellin was kind enough to show me around the clinic and introduce me to her staff.  River Valley seemed like the right fit for us and Maggie.  Cindy asked us to share our experiences with you as we learn and grow right along with Maggie.  Follow along with us as we balance the challenges of raising our first puppy!

I hope to be posting pictures soon as we will be meeting the puppies for the first time this coming weekend.  In the mean time, check out all of the puppies at www.purebreedhavanese.com.  Looking forward to sharing our experiences with everyone!!

Brit

Pets & Lilies

Easter Lilies can be a beautiful decoration in the spring season, but did you know that all parts of the lily plant are considered toxic and dangerous to your cat? If ingested, it can cause severe kidney damage and even death. Please be advised that cat owners should remove lilies out of reach of your cat and consider an alternative to the lily such as Easter Orchids and Easter Daisies. 

Avoiding Easter Hazards!

With the arrival of the holiday season our pets are often prone to new un thought of risks. Nothing makes a holiday more memorable than a panicked trip to the vets. But pet owners need not fret. Here's what you need to know to have an emergency-free celebration this Easter.

Festive Foods:
One of the biggest risks to pets at Easter time is "CHOCOLATE". The canine nose is an expert in sniffing out all the lovely sweet goodies in an instant. And birds, cats & dogs alike are drawn to the bright colors & shiny wrappers. Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine that can be toxic to dogs, cats and parrots. Baker's chocolate has the highest concentration of theobromine. How a pet reacts to chocolate depends on its size, as well as the amount and type of chocolate eaten. Vomiting and diarrhea are common signs of chocolate toxicosis, and while rare, too much chocolate can even be fatal. Carob chocolate is a natural, delicious and pet friendly alternative.

Foil packaging, ribbon and pretty sparkly plastic wadding are irresistible to cats and birds, while a big shiny Easter egg appears as a fun ball for a dog.  Pets love to play with these items and they will sometimes swallow them. Known as linear foreign bodies in vet speak, they are indigestible and can cause a partial or complete obstruction. They are often sharp and run the risk of cutting through the wall of the intestinal tract which can cause peritonitis.

While we all love our pets and wish to include them in the festivities, it is important to remember that now matter how much they beg, what they want may not always be what is best for them. Rich fatty foods can cause an upset stomach, vomiting or even pancreatitis in the extreme. Onions either raw or cooked can be poisonous to cats and dogs. As little as one bite of an onion can cause some of the red bloods cells to be destroyed (haemolytic anaemia) symptoms can include pale gums, reddish urine and lethargy.

It is important to remember never to feed your pets cooked bones as they can splinter and cause internal damage. The same applies to feeding your pets fish which might contain bones. Bowls of nuts and raisin-laden fruitcakes or chocolate covered sultanas are also common holiday treats. Macadamia Nuts are toxic to dogs. Although one nut is not likely to harm your dog, a number of them could require a trip to the emergency ward. Dogs who ingest macadamia nuts could suffer weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia.

Foods that are healthy for us may not be so good for our beloved pets. Raisins and grapes are toxic to cats and dogs causing vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure and even death. While avocadoes are harmful to dogs, cats, birds and Guinea pigs. They contain a toxic fatty acid called persin which can cause vomiting, gastrointestinal irritation, congestion, respiratory disease, fluid accumulation around the heart tissue and may cause death, especially in small animals and birds. So please be careful when serving fruit platters or salads this Easter.

One very real concern to pets are products containing the artificial sweetener Xylitol. This absolutely needs to be avoided. It will cause low blood sugar if ingested in toxic amounts and has been known to cause fatal liver failure.
During the festive season it is easy to forget the dangers of leaving alcoholic drinks within reach of our pets. It may seem harmless enough to offer your best mate a frosty cold one to celebrate alongside the humans. But alcohol poisoning is a very real danger to our pets. Problems equate to the amount of alcohol ingested compared to weight. Even a very small amount of alcohol can cause severe poisoning in a small pet. The yeast contained in beer can also lead to bloating and abdominal pain.

The good news is there is now a specially designed non alcoholic doggy beer on the market called *Paw Rex* It is made with beef stock so dogs love it and even comes in a six pack.

It is also important to remember that most cats and dogs are lactose intolerant so avoid giving them any dairy products. Specially designed lactose free animal products are an available alternative.  It's up to us to make sure hazards are kept out of reach and that visitors or children know the risks. Remember prevention is better than cure. For healthy Easter treat alternatives to spoil your best friend, please visit our Pet Gourmet section in this special Easter addition of Pet Scene Magazine.

Unexpected Hazards:
With all the coming and going and busy rush that comes with the holiday seasons it is easy for opportunities to arise to get our pets into trouble. It is not uncommon for visitors who are not used to pets to leave gates or doors open. This welcomes the opportunity for your pet to flee the house with all its strange new smells, noise and people. An open window makes for a great escape root for cats or free flying birds. Many pets wind up getting lost or struck by vehicles as a result of this careless mistake. If you have a pet that becomes nervous around new people or strange activity it may be a good idea to plan in advance to have area of the house or yard which is separate where they can feel safe and secure. Visitors who aren't used to living with pets may inadvertently leave their medications within reach. This brings opportunities for serious problems. Dogs are not deterred by childproof caps and can quickly find themselves in a world of trouble. Warn guests to keep medications well out of reach.

Traveling with pets:
If your going out of town with your pet this Easter there are a few things to remember:

* Make sure your pet is in a cool well ventilated position and never left alone in a closed car, temperatures can sore very quickly.

* Make sure your pet is secured in either a pet crate or safety harness.

* If your pet suffers from motion sickness it's recommended that you consult with your vet prior to travel to arrange an appropriate treatment.

* Make sure you plan for toileting and drink breaks. Our pets need to refresh too. 

* If you are planning to go out on the water these holidays be sure to pack your pet a life vest.

* If you are going on holiday this Easter with your pets, be sure you have a full supply of any medications they may be taking with you.

The humble Easter Lily
Many cat owners will be surprised to learn that lilies ( Liliaceae) are extremely toxic to their feline friends. The exact cause is unknown, however even the smallest amounts if ingested by cats can  be fatal, while dogs who ingest large amounts only develop signs of mild gastrointestinal upset. Early warning signs of Lily toxicity include vomiting, depression and a lack of appetite. There is no antidote, but with early detection and aggressive treatment the cat stands a better chance of survival. Cats may sometimes appear to be improving after the first onset of symptoms, but 24-72hrs later crash and become critically ill as they go into acute renal failure. If you suspect there is a chance your cat may have ingested this plant it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. If left untreated cats die within 3-7 days. Cat owners should never grow Lilies in the garden and should ensure that lilies are never part of floral arrangements. This is important to remember these holidays with the popular Easter Lily appearing  in most flower arrangements.

We hope that these tips will help you and your pets have a happy and safe
holiday season.

Heartworm disease has been found in all fifty states and continues to spread. Preventing heartworm disease is easy! Sadly, treating it is not. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos and can infect dogs and cats. Even indoor pets aren't safe. Heartworms damage the heart and lungs, and may even cause death! Fortunately, heartworm preventive medication can protect your pets from these dangerous parasites.

Spring is a great time to be outdoors and start a new exercise program.  Don't forget to take your pet along with you. They need and want the exercise too.  We want you to remember that fun, frolic and exercising your pets keep them healthy and happy.

Kirby - Our Aprill 2011 Winner of a Home Again Microchip!

Bella has a Home Again Microchip too!

              Congratulations!                        

   We are pleased to announce that our winner this month is Kirby!  Kirby is an adorable five month old Springer Spaniel/Labrador mix puppy.  He is lucky enough to share his new home with Jennifer and TJ DeDomines and their other equally adorable dog, Bella.  Kirby is a very laid back puppy with an extremely pleasant personality.  We are glad that Kirby will have the opportunity to be protected with a Home Again Microchip should he ever get lost.  To learn more about this form of identification protection for your pet visit http://public.homeagain.com/index.html.  If you want this type of protection for your pet give us a call!  It only requires a 15 minute appointment with a Technician - your dog or cat will just think they are getting another vaccination. It's a very simple process that can save a lot of heartache.  Spring is here and pets are getting lost in large numbers - we can help you get reunited with your pet if something every happens.



Budika - an update

   For those of you that have been following, here's an update on what's going on in Budika's life right now. She was lucky to spend a week with a very nice family, Janice and Mike and their two Rottweilers, a 7 year old and a 7 month old!  She spent her days getting to know the "blonde lady and the nice guy" and the ways of the two dogs that were new to her life.  The dogs spent their days playing and exploring the hobby farm, having a great time with each other. At night when everyone went to bed, the two family Rottweilers got to go to bed with the humans and Budi, still being new to the family spent her nights in her kennel. Wow, that made her sad! She cried and wanted to be with the humans. See, she likes dogs and thinks they are just fine and dandy, but she really LOVES humans! At the end of the week, Janice called Kathy and said, " This dog is so sweet, we really like her a lot, but she deserves a family where she can be the only dog and get all the love and care lavished on just her."  That was actually GREAT news to Kathy as she had gotten very attached to this sweet dog. So the next day, Kathy and her daughter Emily went to pick up Budi and bring her home. Budi now lives with Emily and her husband Michael and they ALL have fallen in love! The Sherels family has learned that Budika is quite the escape artist, she is very smart about getting out of her kennel. Emily  and Michael made Budika her very own fleece tied blanket (black and tan of course) and they like to snuggle. Budi is also learning that nothing comes free, she has to sit before every treat and every bowl of food. She has blossomed into a confident and happy dog - so good to see! Last week we were making plans for Budi's spay surgery and did some pre-anesthetic bloodwork. Since Budi had spent most of her life in northern Minnesota we weren't too surprised to find out that she was positive for Lyme disease. She now is on a monthly topical tick prevention product and also received her Lyme vaccination. The good news was that she was negative for Heartworm disease and is on her monthly heartworm prevention as well. X-rays showed a little bit of arthritis in her elbows so she was also started on Dasuquin and Welactin to help. During her pre-anesthetic exam Dr. Viren found a skin tag (growth) on the underside of her tongue which he promptly removed. Budi made it through her spay surgery with flying colors and is recovery very nicely!
Budi is very grateful to all the people that have helped along the way and is very thankful to have found her Forever Home with Michael and Emily.  Kathy is happy too, she now has a Grand Pup!! :-)

April Pet of the Month!

Dr. Cindy Sellin nominated this adorable puppy as our April Pet of the Month!

Charlie is very lucky to have Mr. Charlie (Gary) and Gary is very
lucky to have Charlie. Charlie has had a multitude of minor medical
conditions (intestinal parasites, ear infections, a bit of a cough and we
...are still looking for his second testicle) but has always been the model
patient. He greets the staff with great exuberance and is always very
excited to be here. Even though Gary had not been involved in obedience
training before, Gary has worked very hard with Charlie so that Charlie could
graduate at the top of Tiana's "Pup's are Us" class.

We are very happy to recognize Charlie as the pet of the month, because
Charlie is a great example of the fact that you can teach both an "actively
mature" person (Gary) and a Weimaraner puppy new tricks.

River Valley Veterinary Service wants to remind you that when preparing your horse for travel, remember to have vaccines and Coggins tests current and up-to-date. Schedule your appointment for testing with us today!

 

Our pets are enjoying the outdoors longer as the urge to explore new territories grab their attention. As they wander further and further away from home they may be unable to find their way back. Microchipping is a great way to easily identify pets and get them home safe. We are qualified to perform the simple task of injecting the tiny chip under your pet’s skin.

 

Prevention of Cruelty of Animals Month

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month and we are encouraging people to Go Orange for Animals! The color that symbolizes prevention of animal cruelty is orange so River Valley Veterinary Service encourages you to show your support and Go Orange in April. 

 Click here to learn more about how you can show your support against animal cruelty this month!

The arrival of spring means ticks are out in full force! That’s why River Valley Veterinary Service strongly recommends tick prevention. Ticks can lead to painful diseases like Lyme disease. You can keep your pet safe and healthy this season, and every season, by keeping them on a preventative medication.

 

Sneezing…watery…running eyes and nose…itchy and scratchy skin…its allergy time.  Did you know that your pet suffers from seasonal allergies just as you do?  We offer dermatology services for your pet to test for allergies, fleas, ticks and other critters to keep your pet looking and feeling their best.

Team Member of the Month

Dr. Laurie Miller is known around the clinic for two very important things: her sense of humor and her love for animals.  Both have combined to make her a very valuable Team Member and very good friend to all! Laurie obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota in 1992 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1994 from the University of Minnesota as well. She continues to be an avid Gopher sports fan with football season tickets! Go Gophers!]

   In early 1997 it became apparent that RVVS needed to add another veterinarian to our growing practice.  Immediately Dr. Sellin thought about Laurie, the former kennel worker that had followed her dream and had become a veterinarian.  Laurie had been practicing in Milwaukee and then had recently moved to a practice in Forest Lake.  Dr. Miller was intrigued by the offer and excited to be back in her hometown, closer to family and friends.  The rest is history!  In 2003 Dr. Miller became a partner in the practice and began sharing ownership duties.

   Dr. Miller’s special interests are canine and feline internal medicine, ultrasound and wellness care. She

thoroughly enjoys her clients and their pets and is always interested in helping new clients learn about River Valley Veterinary Service and all that the clinic has to offer. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her cat Sampson, her dog Moxie, gardening, exercising in the great outdoors, scrap booking, traveling and spending time with her family. She is a fun aunt to her nieces and nephews and enjoys spending time with them as often as she can.

  Now let’s go back to that bit about Dr. Miller and her sense of humor!  She is quite the story teller.  Some of our staff members were happy to share some of the fun times they have experienced with Dr. Miller over the years.

   Tami Wenthold is an Equine Technician and a long time employee of RVVS who also met Dr. Miller when she was in high school. Tami said that Laurie was always a “cat person”.  Tami and her husband invited Laurie for a winter retreat to their cabin (www.wentnorth.com) several years ago.  At that time Tami had three house dogs. The weekend was spent skiing with the dogs, hiking with the dogs, relaxing with the dogs, feeding the dogs, etc.  After that weekend, Laurie decided she was ready for a dog! She got her first Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Bodie and never looked back.  In 2004 Laurie brought an adorable Pembroke Welsh Corgi into her life and named her Moxie.  They have learned a lot together and love to compete in Agility.  They have qualified for the Agility Nationals in June of 2011 – we hope to be there cheering them on to victory!  

  Stacey McKague, a Client Services Representative always has to be on “her toes” around Dr. Miller.  Laurie LOVES to joke around with people and try to get them to believe something other than the truth – always in good humor of course! If any of you know her father, John Miller, you know where she learned this trait, she comes by it honestly!  J Stacey had “fallen” for so many of Laurie’s stories that she began to have her “guard up” whenever Laurie would come up with something new. Then one day Dr. Miller tried to tell Stacey that we had just removed a “petrified rubber ducky” from the stomach of the beloved Samoyed of one of our long time clients.  Stacey knew she wasn’t going to fall for it again – however this time it was TRUE! Stacey says Dr. Miller always has a trick up her sleeve and that’s one of the reasons she is so much fun to work with!

   Every year the staff gets together for a Christmas gathering where we celebrate employee anniversaries.  It’s important to Dr. Miller to make these occasions special for her hard working staff so she puts in the time and writes a poem about that staff member.  These poems are always filled with heartfelt sentiments for that staff member and of course humor to make us all laugh!

   Haley Stratton, a Veterinary Assistant says that she loves Laurie’s sense of humor, so much so that Haley decided to write her own poem for Dr. Miller – it goes like this:

       Laurie Ann Miller, some folks call her “LAM”

       But she’s not a sheep, she never even “baa-aa-aas”!

       Her wit and her humor keep us all on our toes,

       And with her pal Moxie she rocks the agility shows!

       She’s a GREAT vet, a GREAT boss and a GREAT friend,

       L-A-M, I can’t rhyme anymore so this is the end!

Budi Gets Evaluated

On Thursday we saw a genuine tail wag!  Budi is coming around and seems to be a happier dog! Kathy sat with Budi in the reception area this morning as the groom pets and surgery pets were coming into the hospital. Budi was interested in everyone and only barked once when an excited Spring Spaniel came bouncing into the clinic! When scolded for barking she immediately came back and sat at Kathy's side, moments later she layed down on the tile floor and just watched what was going on around her. That was a big test to get an "A" on - good job Budi!
  Today when we take Budi outside in the fenced yard she has her stub of a tail up in the air and she prances about.  On a long flexi lead she is happy to come running back when called.  We definitely are   making strides and finding the real dog again.  During the day we have been putting out feelers, trying to find a home for Budi. We have so many resources and we are tapping into them.  Kathy has a "Rottweiler Friend" who is also helping - she has a couple of options that look promising. At RVVS we have a really good connection with one of our dog trainers in our Dog School. Mike is active with Pit Bull rescues and was more than willing to assess Budi, and if necessary take her home to his house until we could find a more permanent place for her.  Mike just happened to be coming in to the clinic to teach a Pup's R Us Class for us so he made arrangements with Kathy to come early and to bring his rock solid, trusty dog Billy along as well.  Mike met Budi and then took her to the training room to get to know her just a little bit. About 15 minutes later Kathy brought Billy down to meet Budi.  After a few moments they went nose to nose, no big deal at all!  It seemed that Billy liked Budi while she was playing it cool, she seemed to be more interested in Kathy, it was obvious that the two of them had already become attached.  Pretty soon all of the puppies and their families started showing up for class - now Budi was really interested.  Her tail was wagging as kids, puppies, Moms and Dads joined us in the training room. Many more passing scores for this dog! 
Mike got the word out to his Rottie friends and made arrangements to pick Budi up on Saturday if needed.
Check back later to find out what kind of good news Budi received on Friday!