Download to view pg. 3 of our Spring 2009 Newsletter

PAWS FOR THOUGHT
PAWS FOR THOUGHT
WVS Newsletter
ewsletter
WVS Newsletter
ewsletter
Page 3 ~ Spring Summer 2009
Page 2 ~ Spring Summer 2009
Inside the Clinic
Surgical Monitoring
Pulse oximeter - What is it and what does it do?
At Wellington Veterinary Services, all of our
patients are monitored during surgery with a
Multiparameter monitor.
This device contains a pulse oximeter, a
non-invasive blood pressure monitor and a
temperature monitor. This monitor also displays heart rate and has an ECG for critical
cases. This machine sounds an alarm if there
is even a small change from normal levels, allowing the veterinarian to respond before serious problems develop.
A pulse oximeter is a medical device that
measures the oxygen saturation of a patient’s
blood. Pulse oximetry is a simple non-invasive method of monitoring the percentage
of haemoglobin (Hb) which is saturated with
oxygen.
The Wrath of Grapes - Why are grapes and raisins toxic to dogs?
Around 1989, the Animal Poison Control Center began noticing a trend in
dogs who had eaten grapes or raisins: Nearly all developed acute
renal (kidney) failure. Whether the
ingested grapes were purchased
fresh from grocery stores or grown in
private yards didn’t seem to matter, nor did
the brand eaten. The ingested amounts varied
considerably, from over a pound of grapes to a
single serving of raisins.
Dogs who eat grapes and raisins typically
vomited within a few hours of ingestion. Most of
the time, partially digested grapes and raisins
could be seen in the vomit, fecal material, or
both. At this point, some dogs would stop eating
(anorexia), and develop diarrhea. The dogs often
became quiet and lethargic, and showed signs of
abdominal pain.
When medical care was sought, blood
chemistry panels showed consistent patterns.
The pulse oximeter consists of a probe attached to the patient’s tongue which is linked
to a computerised unit. The unit displays the
percentage of Hb saturated with oxygen together with an audible signal for each heart
beat and a calculated heart rate. Audible
alarms alert us to changes long before they
become problematic so we can alter our anesthesia to suit your pet.
Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by
circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels,
and constitutes one of the principal vital signs.
Along with body temperature, blood pressure
measurements are the most commonly measured physiological parameters.
We are proud to have this invaluable piece
of equipment at our clinic.
FUN FACT
The taste buds of a cat are incapable of detecting, appreciating or
triggering a craving for foods we recognize as “sweet.” It’s unclear
whether the ancestors of cats had the ability to detect sweet and
lost it, or whether cats never developed a “sweet tooth” because,
as true carnivores, they didn’t need it.
Staff Profile – Leah Valedis
Leah started as a receptionist in 2002, and now is a parttime Veterinary Assistant. Her family shares their home with
a Yorkshire Terrier named Lucy and a 3-legged Golden Retriever, Bala. She does a little bit of everything (like most of the
staff). Leah attended University of Ottawa for her B.A. and
has done quite a bit of continuing education with the clinic.
Grape and Raisin Toxicity in Dogs
Meet our staff:
Hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium levels)
was frequently present, as well as elevated levels
of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and phosphorous (substances that reflect kidney function).
This began to increase anywhere from 24 hours
to several days after the dogs ate the fruit. As the
kidney damage developed, the dogs would produce little urine. When they could no longer produce urine, death occurred. Unfortunately, even
in some cases when veterinary care was sought
immediately, dogs had to be euthanized.
No one knows why the fruit caused the
dogs to become ill. Suspect grapes and raisins
have been screened for various pesticides, heavy
metals (such as zinc or lead), and mycotoxins
(fungal contaminants) and so far, all results have
come back negative. In cases where the grapes
were grown in private yards, owners confirmed
that no insecticides, fertilizers or antifungals had
been used on the fruit.
Dogs who ingest grapes and raisins can
Adult Wellness Bundled Packages
Dr.Yvette Waterman-Scott
Dr. Joanne Reichertz
Dr. Jane Burgess
Veterinarian
Veterinarian
Veterinarian
Terri
Gillian
Kerry
Joan
Lindsey
Jill
Leah
Receptionist
Receptionist
Receptionist
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Assistant
Crystal
Trina
Kady
Reg.Veterinary Technician
Reg.Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Technician Student
Sharon
Groomer
Marnie
Brittany
Kennel Staff
Kennel Staff
Maureen
Bookkeeper
Celebrating
20 years
Jill Masters has been a part of theWVS team since February 1989.
Over the years, she has assisted with the care of cows, horses,
pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, rats, mice, hamsters, dogs &
cats. Her family shares their home with 2 miniature poodles.
Package Cost - $495.00 (canine) $445.00 (feline)
Many clients have taken advantage
of our Adult Wellness Bundles, and are
extremely happy with them.
Approximate cost for these services
separately with nail trims and gland expressions would be close to $1000.00
Enjoy both convenience and savings
Below is a form to apply for the adult wellness bundle.
To register your pet for the bundle, simply fill out the information
and bring it with you to your next visit.
be treated successfully to prevent its development. The first line of defense is decontamination. Inducing vomiting in recent ingestions and
administering activated charcoal helps prevent
absorption of potential toxins. Dogs should be
hospitalized and placed on intravenous fluids
for a minimum of 48 hours. A veterinarian should
monitor blood chemistry daily for at least three
days following the ingestion. If all blood work is
normal after three days, it’s unlikely that kidney
failure will occur. If a dog shows evidence of renal failure, fluids must be continued, and other
medications should be used to stimulate urine
production.
Thanks in part to the AnTox database,
grape or raisin ingestion can be easily identified
and treated. With our current knowledge, we now
know it is essential for all dogs that have eaten
grapes to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. With early intervention, most dogs will make
a full recovery.
A summary of what the bundle includes:
• Annual examination and vaccinations
• Full blood wellness screening
• Urinalysis
• Heartworm, Lyme disease,
Anaplasmosis & Ehrilichiosis screening
for dogs
• Heartworm prevention & deworming
• Flea control ****new****
• Microchipping
• 10 % off dental cleaning
• Nail trims for 1 year
• Anal gland expression for 1 year
Adult Wellness Bundle Registration
Name:
Pet’s Name:
Species:
Canine
Phone Number:
Package cost $495.00 + GST - CANINE
Package cost $445.00 + GST - FELINE
Feline
(circle one)
I have chosen the Wellness Bundle for my pet offered by Wellington Veterinary Services. I understand this
bundle is valid for 1 year from purchasing this package and paying the amount stated above in full.
Signed:
Date: