Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Please welcome Dr. Stephanie Moore to Lincolnton Animal Hospital.
 
Dr. Moore grew up in the Piedmont and mountains of NC. She graduated from NC State University in 1997 with a BS in Animal Science and from NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. She practiced large animal medicine for 6 years before changing to small animal medicine practice. Dr. Moore enjoys any outdoor activity, especially spending time at the beach. She is dedicated to her church and looks forward to an annual mission trip to Belize every summer, where she helps youth and adults with special needs at a Christian event called Camp Joy. She lives in Gastonia with her "4-legged children"- 3 dogs, Bert, Ernie and Scarlett and 6 rescue cats.



Friday, October 23, 2015

BY PRODUCTS ARE NOT LOW QUALITY

The following statement is a MYTH:
 
 
By products are low quality ingredients.
 
A by product is a secondary product produced in addition to the main product.  AAFCO (the Association of American Feed Control Officials) defines meat by products as "the non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered  mammals.  It includes, but is not limited to, lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, livers, blood, bone, partially defatted low temperature fatty tissue, stomachs, and intestines freed of their contents. 
It does not include hair, horns, teeth, and hoofs."  These products may be considered delicacies by certain cultures (especially Tripe and chicken feet).  These products provide excellent sources of iron, vitamins A, B12, E, K, riboflavin, biotin, and folic acid.  A dog or cat that ate only skeletal muscle would develop a nutritional deficiency.
 
 


Tuesday, October 13, 2015

National Veterinary Technician Week

In observance of National Veterinary Technician Week, we want to tell our techs and tech assistants how much we appreciate them! They are animal care techs, surgery techs, room techs, lab techs, radiology tech, cleanup crew and so much more. The are in the veterinary field because they love animals and believe in veterinary medicine, compassionate care, and client education. Their job is physically and mentally challenging. They remember pets' names and temperaments even better than veterinarians do. Even though not all pets are friendly when they visit the animal hospital, our tech team still wants the best care for all pets. So to Sandy, Danielle, Jess, Lynsey, Niki, Wendy, Kaitlyn, Kirstin, and Angela, thank you for your hard work, expertise, and compassion,
 Dr. Miller, Drs, and Staff of Lincolnton Animal Hospital.
 

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

SPAY/NEUTER SPECIAL

 
AUGUST 24 THRU SEPTEMBER 30
 
Each day 10,000 humans are born in the U.S. and each day 70,000 puppies and kittens are born. If these birth rates continue there will never be enough homes for all the animals. Each year approximately 4 to 6 million animals are euthanized because there are no homes for them.
Spay and Neuter you pets! In addition to saving lives it can also drastically improve your pet’s health and life expectancy.
 
Here are some of the benefits of spaying or neutering your pet:
* Life expectancy can increase 1-3 years
* Risk of testicular cancer, ovarian and/or uterine cancer is reduced
* Reduces desire for roaming , therefore less likely to be injured
* Can decrease aggressive behavior’s and tendencies
* Helps to reduce companion animal overpopulation
 
CALL THE OFFICE TODAY TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.
 


Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Have We Seen Your Cat Lately?

 
DON'T LET YOUR CAT BE THE "RED-HEADED STEPCHILD" OF THE FAMILY.....

HAVE WE SEEN YOUR CAT LATELY??

ANNUAL PREVENTIVE CARE CHECKUPS ARE CRITICAL TO SAFEGUARD YOUR CAT'S HEALTH:

-The health status of an individual cat can change in a short period of time. (A year in a cat's life is equal to 4 to 10 years in a person.)

-Ill cats often show no signs of disease.

-Early detection with frequent exams and screening profiles allows for earlier intervention and can improve disease management and quality of life.

-More frequent visits allow for better client education about preventive health as cats age.

-More timely diagnosis and treatment can reduce expenses.

-Rabies vaccination is required by law on all cats, even ones that are totally indoors.  It is for our protection too.

-If your cat usually gets very stressed when placing in a carrier or riding in the car to our office, please call us ahead of time and we can advise you in how to decrease the stress and make the visit easier for your cat and you.

-Call now with any questions or to make that important appointment:  704-732-0728

Friday, June 12, 2015

Thursday, April 16, 2015

CANINE INFECTIOUS RESPIRATORY DISEASE

The Chicago area is experiencing a serious outbreak of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD).  It has affected over 1,000 dogs and many have tested positive for Canine Influenza. Most recent testing indicates that this is most likely an Asian strain of the flu H3N2 which has previously not been detected in the U.S. The virus that had first been identified in the U.S. in 2004 is H3N8 for which there is a vaccine that we administer at Lincolnton Animal Hospital. We offer the vaccine to all canine patients but have mostly recommended it to patients who travel with their owners, are boarded, or go to a grooming facility. We do not know if the current influenza vaccine will provide any protection from the Asian flu strain. The vaccine is a two shot series with the second vaccine given two to three weeks after the first. Yearly boosters are then administered.
Both strains of the flu can cause high fever, loss of appetite, coughing, nasal discharge, and lethargy. The cough is persistent and dry and could be described as a honking sound from your dog’s throat. Some dogs may gag or cough up a white, foamy phlegm.  Canine influenza is a fairly new virus to which dogs have no natural immunity. Cases have been reported in over 30 states and the virus is easily transmitted by direct contact, cough or sneeze, or via contaminated surfaces. It can progress to pneumonia in up to 20% of cases and is fatal in up to 8%. Infected dogs can shed the virus (are contagious) before their first clinical signs appear.

Your dog is at greater risk for infection if it:
 -came from a shelter, rescue center, breeding kennel, or pet store
 -boards at a kennel or goes to doggie daycare
 -attends group training or “dog kindergarten”
 -visits a groomer, dog park, or engages with other dogs on daily walks
 -enters dog events
 -comes into contact with other dogs in the waiting room during visits to your veterinary clinic.

If your dog is showing symptoms, you should isolate it from other dogs and call your veterinarian immediately. If your dog is healthy, you should discuss with your vet to determine if the Canine Influenza and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines are appropriate for your dog.
LINCOLNTON ANIMAL HOSPITAL
704.732.0728
4.16.2015

Friday, April 10, 2015

Heartworm Disease

Wherever mosquitoes fly, the risk that your dog or cat will contract heartworms exists. 
 
 As the spring temperatures rise and spring showers arrive, the ideal environment for mosquito breeding is created and the risk of heartworm transmission increases.
 
One infected mosquito is all it takes. 
Unfortunately, a mosquito can pick up the infection from any of the following; dogs, cats, wolves, coyotes, and foxes.  All are known hosts to the parasite.
 
Maintaining a year round prevention program is the key to keeping your pet heartworm free. 
 If your pet is not on prevention, please call the office today to request an appointment to see your veterinarian.
 
For more information on heartworm disease please go to the following website,
 
 


Friday, March 13, 2015

Helping Your Cat Get Ready for Veterinary Visit
 
 
It can be quite an ordeal for you and your cat to come to the veterinary hospital.
The AAFP link we are sharing has great educational articles for you and your cat. 
Look under Cat Owners, Behavior and Care Tips.
 
 
 
 


Tuesday, February 24, 2015

What's in that Smile?

Friday, January 16, 2015

Have We Seen Your Cat Lately?

DON'T LET YOUR CAT BE THE "RED-HEADED STEPCHILD" OF THE FAMILY.....

HAVE WE SEEN YOUR CAT LATELY??

ANNUAL PREVENTIVE CARE CHECKUPS ARE CRITICAL TO SAFEGUARD YOUR CAT'S HEALTH:

-The health status of an individual cat can change in a short period of time. (A year in a cat's life is equal to 4 to 10 years in a person.)

-Ill cats often show no signs of disease.

-Early detection with frequent exams and screening profiles allows for earlier intervention and can improve disease management and quality of life.

-More frequent visits allow for better client education about preventive health as cats age.

-More timely diagnosis and treatment can reduce expenses.

-Rabies vaccination is required by law on all cats, even ones that are totally indoors.  It is for our protection too.

-If your cat usually gets very stressed when placing in a carrier or riding in the car to our office, please call us ahead of time and we can advise you in how to decrease the stress and make the visit easier for your cat and you.

-Call now with any questions or to make that important appointment:  704-732-0728