“We don’t see them, so we must not have them”

No one wants fleas on their pets or in their homes.  Unfortunately flea infestation is still a common problem for even well-cared for dogs and cats thanks to their resilient nature and the many myths that exist about them.   I often hear owners tell me that they aren’t seeing fleas on their pet.  Fleas in fact can be very hard to detect.  If you are able to see fleas crawling on the skin, chances are the infestation is very severe.  It is also common to give flea prevention only during the summer months, trying to predict when fleas will and will not be a threat to the pet.  In reality, fleas are unpredictable and I treat pets at the vet clinic with fleas every month of the year – often more in the cooler months as owners try to stop their preventatives!

In addition to causing intense itching and flea allergic dermatitis, fleas can also carry disease transmittable to people – most notably cat scratch fever (Bartonella henslae).  The best cure is prevention.  I recommend giving cats and dogs a flea preventative every month of the year.  Fortunately, flea preventatives are becoming easier and safer to administer.   Some heartworm preventatives now also include an ingredient to prevent fleas as well.  Perfect!   It’s now as simple as a tasty tablet (Trifexis for dogs) or a quick drop of liquid on the skin (Revolution for cats) to keep you and your pet safe from these pesky insects…and heartworms too!

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A Look at Heartworm Disease  in Dogs and Cats

Heartworm disease is a real threat to pets in Indiana with over 1500 cases reported in our state alone in 2010*  The disease is spread when a mosquito bites a dog infected with heartworms and then passes the tiny heartworm offspring to your dog or cat.  These initially microscopic worms will grow up to a foot in length in your pet’s heart and vessels thereby causing serious and often fatal heart and lung disease.

The good news is that there are effective and easy to administer medications available today to prevent this deadly disease.  The staff and veterinarians at Companion Animal Medical Center are prepared to advise you on the best preventative available for your pet.  The most important role you can play in keeping your pet safe from heartworm disease is giving an effective preventative every month, all year long.

Detailed information about heartworm disease in cats and dogs may be found at the American Heartworm Society Website at http://www.heartwormsociety.org

*Data obtained from Companion Animal Parasite Council 2010 study

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Dr. M. Susan Stuart was born and raised in northern New Hampshire. She graduated from Gould Academy in Maine, shortly after she attended and graduated from Richmond College in London, England majoring in social psychology and women’s studies.
Dr. Stuart went on and graduated from North Carolina State University-College of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. Following her husband, Dr. Jan Hawkins, a large animal surgeon, Dr. Stuart moved to Texas then Pennsylvania and finally the couple settled in Indiana where Dr. Hawkins is on the faculty at the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine.

They have four insanely busy children: Emma 9, Caroline 12, Hannah 17, John 18 and lots and lots of fuzzy and feathered companions (and three fish).

Her hobbies include scrapbooking, traveling, reading, gardening and participating in children’s activities. Most recent trips were to Grenada and Disney World where all three daughters performed in the night time parade, and in Downtown Disney, and competed at Twirl Mania. The family’s next trip planned is a cruise to the Bahamas.

We are so pleased to have this new emergency vet on staff!

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Dogs use their pointed fang teeth to puncture the skin, but during the process the skin is pulled off the connection to the underlying fat and muscle layers.  This creates a space of air between the skin and underlying tissue.  During the bite, bacteria transferred from both the mouth and skin can be deposited in this area.  This can lead to an ideal environment for infection to occur, and an abscess can be formed under the skin.

Other, deeper wounds can also occur.  This can include hernia formation into the thoracic or abdominal cavities, internal organ damage, severe bruising or broken bones with painful swelling.  Any abnormal behavior from your dog after a fight should be closely examined because not all of these injuries are readily apparent on initial assessment after a fight.

As you can see, even what appears to be a minor altercation can have serious consequences.  A thorough examination by a veterinarian is always recommended after a dogfight.  Diagnostics, surgical repairs and infection control are often needed to adequately treat your pet.

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 In response to our clients many requests, Companion Animal Medical Center is proud to announce that we will now be grooming dogs and cats at our Wellness Center located in The Village of West Clay.

Jennifer McClure graduated Animal Arts Academy with a Pet Grooming degree in December of 1999. She has spent the last 13 years grooming and styling family pets and studying the latest grooming trends and styles. Her gentle touch and soft tone will make your pet feel at ease and comfortable while they are being pampered. Jennifer has two children, Ivy and Aiden. As a family they enjoy hiking and camping with their three dogs. Also, Jennifer volunteers at Freedom Church in her hometown of Lebanon.

Jennifer is a lifestyle focused stylist who enjoys getting to know the families of the pets she grooms. As a skilled professional, Jennifer is able to detect early skin, coat, ear and teeth issues so that you may address them with your primary veterinarian.

We invite you to stop in with your dogs and cats and get to know Jennifer.

Appointments will be accepted beginning Oct. 15^th, 2012.

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Like dogs, cats have distinct breeds with different physical characteristics, personalities and traits. The following are some of the most popular and common breeds you may encounter.

Domestic short/medium/long hair is the most common cat breed. These are mixed breed cats, or the mutts of the cat world. They have no specific breed standard or defining characteristics but can be the most loving and wonderful pets.

Siamese are probably the most popular pure breed cat. They are known as an “oriental” breed since they are originally from Thailand.  Siamese are known for their lithe bodies, pointed head, fine bones and pointed eyes. They are typically very social and fastidious and live longer than the average cat.

Persians are also a popular cat breed. They are characterized by long flowing hair, a dense body, round eyes and the well-known brachycephalic nose, or “smooshed face.” Persians are often very loving felines and make great pets, but special care must be taken to maintain their coat to keep it from getting tangles and mats.

Himalayans are a cross breed of Persians and Siamese. These cats combine the best of both breeds. They have the long, lustrous coat and stout body of a Persian and the precocious attitude of the Siamese.

Bengal cats have become popular in recent years. This breed combines the wildness of an Asian leopard cat with the familiar domestic cat. Loving, affectionate and playful, the Bengal is truly a unique and special breed.

Manx are a somewhat rare breed that originated in Great Britain’s Isle of Mann. They are marked by the absence of a tail and are highly intelligent and playful. A cat of British legend, the Manx make wonderful pets.

The Maine Coone is a playful breed and thought by many to be the ideal pet. Originating in Maine, this breed is large, hardy and intelligent with a long, flowing coat that resists matting. Owners often report that these cats teach themselves new tricks to entertain themselves.

This list only begins to scratch the surface of the different types of cat breeds. You can find more information by visiting the Cat Fancier’s Association of America.

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            Everyone is excited when a new puppy comes into the household.  There are so many things to think about in order to give your puppy the best start in life.    Some of these include:

1. Vaccinations
2. Houstraining
3. Safe and appropriate toys
4. Training
5. Proper nutrition
6. Parasites such as fleas and intestinal worms and heartworms

Our doctors not only discuss all these issues with the new puppy owner, but  also provide easy-to-use handouts to refer to after the puppy visit is over.

One of the most important things for the well-being of your new friend is to begin a vaccine regimen.  Although many pups have already had one or more sets of vaccines when we first examine them,  most will need boosters.  Puppies need to be boostered every 3-4 weeks until they are at least 16 weeks of age.  This is important due to their young immune systems.  A newborn pup has immunity from the mother dog, but this immunity wears off between 5-10 weeks of age.  Unless the puppy receives vaccines after this time, he will have no immunity.

Diseases often seen in puppies include:

1. Canine parvovirus
2. Canine distempter
3. Bordetella
4. Canine hepatitis

Any one of these can be fatal to a puppy and are all diseases that standard puppy vaccines will protect against if these vaccines are administered properly.  Our doctors will discuss your pup’s expected lifestyle and recommend a vaccine protocol specific to his or her needs.

There are many things to consider with a new pup.  The best thing to do is to have your pup checked out by one of our veterinarians within the first few days and we will go over the vaccines needed and make sure to get you off to a good start in all areas of caring for your new friend.

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