Most pet owners have had their animal taken to “The Back”. It’s a mysterious place in a veterinary hospital that most owners have never seen. As the doors close, pets (and owners) may become anxious and nervous about being separated from their loved ones. But what really happens in The Back?

The Back, also called “Treatment,”  is an area of the hospital where in-depth examinations and treatments happen. From a more specific examination to blood draws to anal gland expressions, it is a place for the doctor to perform their service in an efficient and thorough manner.

This is an area of the hospital that is used to examine, diagnose and treat your pet. It is larger than the common consultation room. There are generally multiple exam tables, lab machines, x-ray equipment and other devices that vets use to aid in improving your animals’ health.

In The Back there are also extra veterinary team members that hold animals still while the doctor is assessing and treating your pet. While we would all love our clients to hold their own animals, veterinary technicians are skilled in protecting your pet and the veterinarian from injury.

The treatment area can also be quieter than the rest of the clinic or hospital. This allows the veterinarian to have a closer listen to your animals heart and lungs. Being in a quiet environment may also calm your pet.

Always keep in mind that we want what’s best for your animals; their health is our priority. If you’ve never seen The Back of your veterinarian’s hospital, ask for a tour. Most hospitals are more than willing to show off where all the magic happens.

Has your veterinarian ever recommended an abdominal ultrasound? Why does your pet need one? And why is it so expensive?

Abdominal ultrasounds are used to aid in the diagnoses of diseases located in the abdomen. The pets abdomen is shaved, gel is applied and a probe is used to obtain image; very similar to a pregnancy scan. The procedure is non-invasive and takes between 20-40 minutes. But why is it needed?

X-rays are great at showing the size, shape and location of organs whereas an ultrasound shows, more specifically, the architecture of the abdominal contents. This imaging modality lets you look within the kidneys, liver, small intestines and other organs to find very small nuances often missed with an x-ray.

When is ultrasound used? There are times when x-rays alone will not give your veterinarian enough information to make a medical decision. For cats with chronic vomiting or dogs who have severe abdominal pain it's best to re-evaluate with an ultrasound. It's also used to help determine the origin of abdominal masses and to continue looking for a cause of elevations in kidney and liver enzymes. There are many other uses, but in general, ultrasound is another instrument in your veterinarians tool belt that helps with obtaining a diagnosis.

Why is it so expensive? The price tag for an ultrasound ($400-600 per full scan) can make some owners shy away from this diagnostic, but the value is unmatched. Entry level units can cost 40-50 thousand dollars whereas high end units will cost more than 100 thousand dollars. On top of the cost of the machine there is the cost of the staff that is needed to help with the scan (doctor and technicians) and likely medications used for sedation.

But the ultrasound didn't find exactly what was wrong with my pet? This can happen! Remember, medicine is not always black and white. An ultrasound can be suggestive of certain diseases in the abdomen but additional diagnostics may be needed. A CT scan, a surgical exploratory, and an endoscopy (camera into the stomach) are commonly needed after an ultrasound to clarify it's findings.

Remeber to always ask questions and follow up with your veterinarians recommendations. Just as in human medicine, it's never wrong to seek a second opinion when you pets case becomes complicated!

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Ever wonder why your veterinarian always mentions your pet’s teeth? Dental disease is the most common disease in pets, affecting 78% of dogs and 68% of cats by the age of three.

Home dental care should supplement dental cleaning at your family veterinarian’s office. The American Veterinary Dental Association recommends general anesthesia cleanings every six to twelve months starting at the age of three years for all cats and medium to large breed dogs. Small breed dogs should begin cleanings at one year of age.

A clean mouth prevents bad breath, discolored teeth, fractured teeth, and many other systemic diseases such as cardiac disease. Despite the advantages of professional cleanings only one third of pet owners in a nationwide study have taken their pet in for a dental cleaning.

Between cleanings the following are recommended:

Brushing

• Brush your animals’ teeth daily

• Use dog/cat specific toothpaste

• Make sure to brush all visible surfaces of the teeth

Treats/Chews

• Chewing can be effective in maintaining good dental health

• Enzymatic treats help break down plaque precursors

• Check out VOHC.org for a list of approved treats by the oral health council

Rinses/Sprays/Gels

• Chlorhexidine is the preferred primary ingredient

• Rinses/Sprays should be used on both cheeks

• Gels should be smeared on the teeth

It’s that time of year. The deep freeze has set in and the temperatures are in the single digits. The streets are full of slush and every surface has been heavily salted. Freezing temperatures cause icicles to form on the tree branches and patches of ice to form on sidewalks. Follow these five tips to keep your pup safe and cozy during walks:

1. Stay Warm - Dog clothes are not only for Halloween and to look cute, they are also meant to keep pets warm. Sweaters and hoodies come in handy when the temperature drops below freezing. One of my favorite products is Shed Defender, a lightweight spandex onesie that’s easy to put on and great for late fall and early winter weather.

2. Be Quick - Try shorter walks with purpose. Once your pooch has done the deed, bring them back indoors. Spend extra time playing indoors where it’s warm.

3. Protect Feet - Rock salt littered over every surface can blister and hurt your dog’s feet, so try protecting them with boots. Most styles and products will suffice so long as they completely cover the paws and paw pads and are not too tight around the ankle. Another option is to cover their feet with wax, balm, or coconut oil prior to a walk. These tend to wear off quickly but are an alternative for those pups who don’t take well to shoes.

4. Clean Paws- You should also wipe off and dry your pup’s paws after each walk to clean off salt and de-icing chemicals. This will reduce the amount of time their paws are in contact with these irritating elements. Prevention, though, is always best.

5. Don’t Fall - Be wary of ice. Dogs generally have a better sense of balance due to being on four paws, but they can slip and fall. If this happens take a close look at their mouth, chin, and chest - these are the most common places injuries occur due to a fall.

Always be safe and careful during the winter months. If your dog is up for it and is a breed raised for cold climates and winter weather conditions, let them play in the snow for a short while. There’s nothing more fun than fetch in some fresh powder. Don’t forget to dry them off and warm them up afterwards; maybe an extra treat too.

Do you travel often? Do you work long hours? Is your lifestyle active or do you prefer binging on Netflix? These, and many others, are all questions you should consider prior to bringing an animal into your life.

If you are someone who spends long amounts of time away from home or who travels often, a cat may be a great addition to your family. Cats can be unattended for long hours or even days; be sure to provide adequate water and purchase an automatic feeder. They do not need to be walked and most spend up to 16 hours a day sleeping (it’s tough being a cat!)

If you are still intent on bringing a dog into your family, consider your daily lifestyle. If you are always on the go or have a large yard, consider a dog with high exercise needs. Huskies, German Shepherds, and Weimaraners would fall into this breed category. For those of you who prefer lounging, a low energy dog such as a basset hound or a pug will be a better fit.

Shelter animals contain mostly mixed breeds and each dog will have characteristics of their specific lineage. Additionally, when adopting a dog, it may take time for their true personality to show while they become accustomed to a new environment.

Consider the size of the dog relative to your home. Does your building complex have a weight limit or breed restrictions? Do you have time to potty train a puppy?

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when adding a pet to your home. Good luck and feel free to ask any questions.