AAHA

AAHA ACCREDITED

As of Monday, June 18, 2012, Smith Veterinary Hospital is proud to announce that we have passed the most stringent guidlines set forth by the American Animal Hospital Association. We are the only hospital in Lancaster, CA to have met these guidelines which cover over 900 points in all areas of the hospital from medical records, surgeries, patient care, pharmaceuticals, hospital set-up and all procedures. We have worked very hard to achieve this status, which is met by only 15% of the Veterinary Hospitals in America.

Is My Pet's Food Safe?

 Pet foods are making the news again as more pets, as well as people, are becoming sick from contaminated foods. Most of the contaminated foods are voluntarily recalled and removed from store shelves, however, it is important to check your home supply to make sure it is safe.

Certain brands of dry dog and cat foods have been tainted with Salmonella. Salmonella infections can cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramping up to three days after infection. The illness can last up to a week, and if the infection is severe enough, hospitalization may be necessary. If your pet is showing any of these signs, please call Smith Veterinary Hospital immediately to bring in and get started on treatment.

  Consumers should discard any of the recalled product, and be sure to wash well after handling the foods or an ill pet. People can become sick after handling the contaminated food or by contact with a pet who has eaten contaminated food. The affected foods are found throughout the U.S. and Canada, but so far have not been sold in California. More contaminated foods are added to the list as they are discovered.

 Please check the U.S. FDA website regularly for updates.

Xylitol Poisoning

                 Xylitol Poisoning

There's lots of good things about sugar substitutes; weight loss, improved health, diabetic control, and even reduced tooth decay. Lots of good things for humans, that is ... however, the staff here at Smith Veterinary Hospital would like to warn you that they can be deadly for your dogs.  

Xylitol is one of the leading sugar substitutes. It is commonly found in gum, mints, candies, and even toothpaste and mouthwash.

There are two ways Xylitol can affect your dog:

Hypoglycemia:  

In the canine body, the pancreas confuses xylitol with sugar and releases insulin. This results in the blood sugar levels plummeting, causing weakness, disorientation, tremors, and potentially seizures; Vomiting and diarrhea can also occur. It doesn't take much Xylitol for these symptoms to occur. Symptoms can begin within 30 minutes of ingestion and can last for more than 12 hours.

Hepatic Necrosis:                                  

The other reaction associated with Xylitol in the canine body is actual destruction of liver tissue. Although some lucky dogs will only experience temporary illness, others can have complete and acute liver failure which can result in death. Internal hemorrhage and inability of blood to clot is commonly involved.

Treatment
Ideally, the patient should be seen immediately (within 30 minutes) and can be made to vomit the gum or candy. Often, a sugar IV drip is needed for 24 hours. Liver enzyme and blood clotting tests are monitored for 2 to 3 days. Blood levels of potassium are monitored as well.

For more information on animal poisonings visit  http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/ . 

Did YOU get a RABBIT for Easter?

Congratulations from Smith Veterinary Hospital on your new rabbit! Rabbits are complicated animals and need proper care. They trust us and depend on us to survive. By understanding what your rabbit needs and

what it can and cannot have, your relationship with your rabbit will be a strong and beneficial one for many years to come. A few topics of general care are:

Feeding/treats Rabbits can be fed once a day in the evening (about dusk) during the time they are most active. Rabbits are fed alfalfa pellets that can be purchased at feed stores. When buying feed, check the ingredients and try to get the brand with the most fiber – fiber is very important in a rabbit’s diet. Treats such as fresh (not canned in syrup) apples, pineapple, grapes, banana, peaches, papaya (fresh or dried), oats, cheerios, carrots, and celery are all adequate treats but must be fed IN SMALL PORTIONS. Never feed a rabbit cabbage or lettuce as it can cause excess body fluids.

 

Housing  The size of a rabbit’s cage is crucial. If a cage is too large for the rabbit and it becomes scared and starts to run, it risks being injured. If a cage is too small, it is uncomfortable! Cage size is classified by the size of the individual rabbit (i.e. a 2 - 4½ lb. rabbit requires about an 18 x 24 inch cage) Avoid cages with paint coating on the wire because a rabbit is liable to ingest the paint substance and become sick. A cage with a lower catch pan that slides out is very important. Rabbits are clean animals and have to be separated from the bedding they defecate in so a catch pan tray is highly recommended. A good set up usually costs about $35 to $45. Rabbits should never be put together.

Cleaning

Wood shavings are commonly used as bedding for rabbits. Shavings can be obtained from feed stores or other facilities that produce wood shavings. A caution pertaining to shavings is to NEVER USE CEDAR. Cedar shavings or chew toys are unhealthy for your rabbit despite the nice smell. Cedar can be fatal to rabbits if eaten. Once it enters the intestine, cedar tends to splinter inside the body and cause gastrointestinal problems or even failure. Pine, fir, or fruit woods are acceptable woods for bedding. Pine is the most common, easiest to obtain and best smelling wood for bedding. With the proper set up (using a catch pan system) when the tray needs to be cleaned (about every other day with smaller rabbits) simply remove the tray from the underside of the cage and transfer the dirty shavings or bedding to a trash can or plastic bag. Some gardeners like to use some of the used rabbit shavings and feces in their gardens because they are a good source of organic material.

 TOYS A few toys for rabbits include pine chew toys (avoid color treated blocks), empty soda cans, and pine cones. NO PLASTIC TOYS! Try to stay within the toys listed – anything else may not be suitable for your rabbit.

 

* Web sites

Rabbit information: www.arba.net

Supplies for sale: www.kwcages.com & www.klubertanz.com

*These are listed for your convenience. No endorsement or promotion of these

Pet of the Month

Smith Veterinary Hospital

is pleased to announce

Charlie Weston

as April's Patient of the Month

“Charlie” Weston-Challman is a 12 week old chinchilla whom was brought in by his concerned owners last month. After returning from dinner, they found their rambunctious chinchilla dragging both hind legs behind him. Unsure about what to do, they brought him in to Smith Veterinary Hospital. Upon physical examination, it was found that “Charlie” still had feeling in his hind legs, but it was less than normal and he was unable to place any weight on them. Radiographs were taken which showed no fractures or dislocations. It was decided that he had suffered from nerve damage (possibly after jumping around his cage which he did a lot of!) He was started on an oral steroid and rested. Within weeks, “Charlie” had regained most of the function in his hind legs. Today he is using his hind legs almost completely normally and is enjoying being a young chinchilla again! Good job “Charlie” and the entire Weston-Challman family for your patience and hard work.

Congratulations to Charlie and his family from the staff at

Smith Veterinary Hospital

Happy Easter !

National Pet ID Week

Smith Veterinary Hospital

National Pet ID Week 

 April 18-24

Check out this APP on itunes :

 http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/petrescuers-by-homeagain/id385782939?mt=8