MICROCHIPPING OF ANIMALS

 

A microchip is a form of permanent identification. It is not a GPS tracking device. It is a tiny electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder that is about the size of a grain of rice. The chip is injected under the skin between the shoulder blades of a dog or cat. The chip is activated by the radio waves of a scanner that is passed over the area. The chip will then transmit the identification number to the scanner which displays the number on its screen.

 

The microchip is injected under the skin using a hypodermic needle that is larger than the needles used for vaccinations but it can be given quickly with only a momentary (if any) ouch. The chip can be implanted during a regular office visit or while a pet is under anesthesia for a procedure such as a spay, neuter, or a dental cleaning.

 

A microchip can help reunite a lost pet with its owner. If a pet is found and taken to an animal hospital or a shelter, one of the first things done is scanning to check for a microchip. If a chip is found, the number is looked up to see if it is in the database at that facility. If it isn’t, then a national registry can be contacted and the number will be looked up. If the registry has accurate and current information on the owner, the owner can be contacted. A recent study showed that in shelters, dogs without microchips were returned to their owners 21.9% of the time while dogs with chips were reunited with their owners 52.2% of the time. The statistics for cats were 1.8% vs 38.5%.

 

There is not a central database in the U.S. for registering microchips. Each manufacturer maintains its own database. This is not a problem though because the scanners display the name of the manufacturer and the identification number when the microchip is read.

 

Your veterinarian can gladly implant your pet’s microchip. Make sure that you notify the microchip registry of any change in your owner information (especially phone numbers and address). Also, remind your vet to scan for your pet’s microchip at its yearly visit to make sure it is reading properly.

 

Microchipping is a smart way to greatly increase the likelihood that you will be reunited with your lost pet. Do it because you love them as part of your family.

 

Karen Miller, DVM

Veterinarian and owner of Lincolnton Animal Hospital

Dog Flu

			There's the bird flu, the swine flu, and the plain old flu. And then there's the dog flu. Also known as canine influenza, the dog flu is caused by a particular strain of the influenza virus that can be passed very easily between dogs. Luckily, even though it's similar to the flu in humans, it isn't zoonotic, meaning it can't be transmitted from pet to parent.  While there have been outbreaks of pure canine influenza virus throughout the world, it has only recently been identified. For the most part, dog flu infections are mild and dogs are able to recover in a couple of weeks. Sometimes, however, the infection can become severe. Risks and Symptoms As you might expect, dog flu symptoms are similar to those caused by human influenza, coughing, runny nose, aches, and fever. Dogs can pick it up from other dogs through direct contact, contaminated bowls or toys, or even by touching you after you've touched an infected dog. Any dog that is around lots of other dogs is at risk for the dog flu. That means that if your dog visits dog parks, participates in dog shows, or is regularly boarded, he will have a higher risk of infection. Most facilities take special precautions to prevent the spread of contagious diseases such as dog flu or kennel cough, but that doesn't mean your dog isn't at risk. Dogs with canine influenza can show a variety of symptoms.  While some infected dogs may not show any symptoms at all, they are still contagious. A small percentage of dogs will have a harder time with the virus and may develop high fevers or even pneumonia. Signs and symptoms to look for include: Fever Lethargy Lack of appetite Coughing Runny Nose Diagnosis and Treatment If you think your pooch may have canine influenza, call your veterinarian as soon as you can. And don't be insulted: because the dog flu is so contagious, your veterinarian may ask you to leave your dog in the car until the staff has been notified of your arrival, and you may need to bring your dog into the clinic through an alternate door. This is only done to prevent other pets from getting sick.   There's no specific treatment for canine influenza, and like the human flu, it has to run its course, which could take a few weeks. Most dogs with mild symptoms won't need any treatment, though dogs with more severe symptoms may need supportive care through fluids, supplemental feedings, or even antibiotics in the event of a secondary infection such as pneumonia. Prevention How can you keep your dog from contracting canine influenza? Be aware of any outbreaks in your area and react accordingly. If you happen to come in contact with a dog that seems to have a respiratory illness, wash your hands and change your clothes before touching your dog. In addition, keep toys and bowls clean. When it comes to boarding, make sure to ask the facility staff if they have had any outbreaks of infectious diseases like canine influenza or kennel cough. If your dog does have the canine influenza virus, it's important to keep him at home, away from other dogs, until he has fully recovered. There's also a vaccine available to control the spread of the virus and minimize it's impact on infected dogs, though it may not completely prevent your dog from getting the dog flu.

A Cat's Tongue

A feeling of rough sandpaper as you are licked by your cat  is a reminder that its long muscular tongue serves many functions, including grooming.
A cat's ability to groom itself is the result of numerous knobs called papillae, on the surface of a cat's tongue.  Located at the tongue's center, the papillae form backward facing hooks containing large amounts of keratin, the same material found in human fingernails.  These hooks provide the abrasiveness a cat needs for self grooming.  The strengh of these hooks also helps a cat hold food or struggle with  prey.
Although the abrasiveness of a cat's tongue helps it to clean itself and untangle its hair, your help is needed through regular grooming.  As you groom your cat, you are removing loose and dead hair.  Otherwise a cat may ingest this hair and hair balls can form which can cause vomiting and may cause impaction in the gastrointestinal tract.   Long haired cats need daily grooming, short haired cats should be groomed at least once a week.



Summer Saftey Tips

1.  Make sure your pet's vaccines are current.  Diseases such as Rabies, Distemper and parvo are ever present dangers.
2.  Beware of insect bites.  Most of the time an insect sting is just painful and irritating.  Getting stung several times, or inside the mouth or throat, is dangerous.  The subsequent swelling can close your dog's throat and block their airway.  Call or take your pet to your  veterinarian if you see this type of reaction.
3.  Talk to your veterinarian about flea and tick prevention.
4.  Heartworm is a common problem for dogs.  Make sure your dog has yearly heartworm testing and stays on prevention all year.
5.  Lawn and garden products may be hazardous.  Keep these products out of your pet's reach.
6.  No matter how careful and responsible we are, accidents happen.  Make sure your pet has a microchip or identification on their collar.  And make sure your family members know the phone number to your veterinarian.
7.  Never leave your dog outside without shade or fresh water.
8.  NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A CAR.



Please welcome to Lincolnton Animal Hospital Dr. Robyn McFerren.
 

 

Dr. McFerren is excited to be joining our staff as a full-time associate veterinarian.  While growing up, "Dr. Mac" lived all over the east coast and has moved more than 20 times.  NC has been home longer than anywhere else, 15 years.  She obtained her undergraduate degree from West Virginia University and her DVM from the University of Georgia.

While raising two sons, Ian (13) and Carson (17), Dr. McFerren worked relief and part-time for the past 12 years.  Besides the boys, she and her husband, Tim, are the "pet parents" of cats Maow and Trouble, as well as dogs Poppy and Rye.

Dr. Mac's interests include internal medicine, behavior and alternative medicine.  In addition to her required medical licensing, she is also certified in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Acupuncture for small animals.

Relay for Life Annual Dog Wash

 

 

 

 

 

ANNUAL RELAY FOR LIFE DOG WASH

 

 

 

WHEN:        SATURDAY APRIL 16

 

WHERE:     LINCOLNTON ANIMAL HOSPITAL

 

TIME:          2:00 - 4:00 P.M.

 

 

 

ASKING DONATION



 

DOGS UNDER 40#  $10

 

DOGS 40# AND OVER  $15

(no cats)

 

 

Dental Health

It's estimated that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3.  This can be painful for them if left untreated and expensive for you. Keep an eye out for the following signs of dental issues: Smell:  Bad breath Sight:  Discolored teeth, drooling, red, swollen, possibly bleeding gums. Behavior:  Hard time eating and or dropping food. Facial Symptoms:  Periodontal disease can cause symptoms in places other than the mouth.  Facial swelling or discharge from the nose can be symptoms of peridontal disease. If you notice any of these signs of poor dental health, contact us today to  schedule a dental visit.

 



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.



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.

 

 



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.

 

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.

 



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

	HOT ASPHALT AWARENESS Yea summer is finally here. Something we never think of is how careful we have to be when we take our dog for a walk, especially on asphalt.  Asphalt heats up tremendously fast in the summer heat. Air temperature of 77 degrees/asphalt 125 degrees                               86 degrees/asphalt 135 degrees                               87 degrees/asphalt 143 degrees At 125 degrees, skin destruction can occur in 60 seconds. Please don't walk your dogs on asphalt during the heat of the day.  Take walks early in the morning or late in the evening.

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

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,

www.heartwormsociety.org

 

 



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.

 

 

catvets.com

 

 



What's in that Smile?

What are you seeing when your pet smiles at you?     Keep an eye out for these signs of dental issues before they become a problem for your dog or cat.     SMELL:    There's dog/cat breath, then there's bad breath.  Smellier than normal breath is often the first sign of a problem.     SIGHT:    Eventually your pet's mouth will begin to look unhealthy.  Teeth become discolored.  Your pet may drool more.  Gums look red and swollen, and they may even bleed.     BEHAVIOR:    Your pet may have a hard time chewing food and may drop food from his/her mouth.     If you notice any of these signs of poor dental health, contact us TODAY to schedule your pet a dental visit.             MARCH SPECIAL   DENTAL CLEANINGS   20% OFF

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



Open House

OPEN HOUSE

 

Please join us to tour and celebrate our new location.

 

When:  Saturday, June 21st

 

Where:  112 N. Generals Blvd. (behind CVS)

 

Time:  2:00 - 5:00p.m.

 

Prizes, hot dogs, ice cream, face painting, free nail trims,

live bluegrass with Kevin Richardson and Cutting Edge (KRACE)

 

 

 



WE'RE MOVING!!!!

New address: 112 North Generals Blvd. (old Sagebrush bldg. behind CVS)

The office will be CLOSED

Thursday, May 22 - Monday, May 26

Opening new location
Tuesday, May 27...

If your pet takes prescription medications or eats a prescription food, please make sure you have enough to get you through while we are closed. If you are not sure you will have enough medication, or have any questions, please call the office at
704-732-0728.