Princeton Animal Hospital and Carnegie Cat Clinic Receives the 2011 Talk of the Town Award

Princeton, NJ (December 16, 2011): Princeton Animal Hospital and Carnegie Cat Clinic has been named a recipient of the 2011 Customer Satisfaction Award for Excellence in Customer Care, presented by Talk of the Town News, Customer Care News and Celebration Media.

The award honors companies and professionals that provide excellent customer service, as reported by their customers through no-cost, user review websites. The reviews are analyzed by a team of researchers who calculate a star rating system based on these data, which determines a business’ award eligibility.

To determine 2011 award recipients, Celebration Media’s dedicated team of researchers spent more than 6,000 hours analyzing data from multiple websites that detailed customer’s experiences at organizations across the U.S. and Canada. Among the types of organizations and professionals eligible to receive these awards are hospitals, dentists, accountants, physical therapists, veterinarians, optometrists, insurance, chiropractors, lawyers, financial planners, restaurants, bakeries, event centers, home improvement companies, florists, spas, salons and mortgage companies, in addition to several other categories.

This is the third year Celebration Media, Talk of the Town and Customer Care News have honored companies with its Customer Satisfaction Award for Excellence in Customer Care.

For more information about the award or its sponsors, please contact CMUS and Talk of the Town News at 877-498-6405.

Pets as Presents?

You think you have found the perfect gift: a new puppy in a big red bow for someone you love. Surprise! Think again. Sure, it's the thought that counts, but there are several reasons to avoid giving a new puppy or dog as a present. Bottom line, it's usually not an ideal situation for the dog, nor the new owner.

Dogs as Gifts for Adults

First of all, can you really be sure that this person even wants a new dog? If so, is the receiver actually ready for a dog? If you know this person is a dog lover, but does not already have a dog, there's probably a good reason why. If he or she already owns a dog, perhaps it's not the appropriate time to add another dog to the family. Talk to this person about dog ownership. Maybe you can go as moral support when the time comes to choose a dog. Either way, it's safest to stick with gifts of the non-living and breathing variety.

Dogs as Gifts for Children

The gift of a new dog or puppy is something many kids dream about. Unfortunately, most of these little ones do not realize that with dog ownership comes responsibility. Soon enough, the care of the dog can fall into the hands of mom or dad. If you are not the child's parent, then you really have no place giving that child a new dog unless the parent(s) are on board. If you are a parent of the child, then getting a dog is a family decision. Have a discussion with your child about the responsibilities involved. Examine your household situation so you can choose the right dog for your family.

If a New Dog is Right

If the receiver of the gift is actually in a position to welcome a new dog into the home, there are still some important things to consider. Dogs given as gifts on birthdays and holidays can get caught up in all the hustle and bustle of the events. Sadly, they may be soon forgotten like new toys and games - particularly where kids are concerned. If someone you care about is interested in getting a dog, give a book about dog ownership or a dog accessory as a gift. Discuss plans to go and pick out that new dog or puppy. If the future owner of the dog is part of the decision process, it will be in everyone's favor. It's the best way to start dog and owner off on the right foot.

Holiday Pet Safety

Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe! Of course you want to include your furry companions in the festivities, pet parents, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations:
O Christmas Tree Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
Tinsel-less Town
Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
No Feasting for the Furries
By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.
Toy Joy
Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Choose gifts that are safe.

• Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible.
  
• Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer—and tons of play sessions together.

Forget the Mistletoe & Holly
Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
Leave the Leftovers
Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.
That Holiday Glow
Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!
Wired Up
Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth.
House Rules
If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.
Put the Meds Away
Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.
Careful with Cocktails
If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.
A Room of Their Own
Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.
New Year's Noise
As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears.

Snow Buddies

Holiday Pet Gifts

Are you looking for a gift for your canine friend that is sure to get the tails wagging and paws pouncing this holiday season? For the safety conscious pet, you could always get them a new travel carrier or car seat harness. Or for the sophisticated pet, try some baked doggie goods from your local doggie bakery. If purchasing special goodies from bakeries isn’t your thing, make your own doggie treats! For the owner on a budget or for the pet who has everything, the gift of time is the top gift for any pet this year.

Table Foods and Pets

During the holiday season you may be tempted to “treat” your pet with leftover goodies from your dinner table, but don’t do it! These rich treats can cause digestive upsets and discomfort for your canine and feline friends. Bones from a turkey or chicken are not acceptable for pets either. These bones may become splintered as your pet eats them and these splinters can lodge in the gums and throat or may even perforate their intestinal tract. Remember chocolate can cause severe problems, even death. Instead of giving these human treats, lavish a little extra attention on your pet.

 

December Pet of the Month

Olive is our December Pet of the Month! Olive was born on March 19, 2008 and her favorite activity is cuddling with an occasional romp around the room to toss stuffed animals in the air to catch them. She'll bark like crazy when a doorbell rings on the TV, and is she sees a deer in the yard, she sprints to every window of the house to break out! She's not too happy playing dress up, even though she has a bigger wardrobe than the Kardashian Sisters! The best part of her owners day is seeing her little Olive sitting by the kitchen door, waiting for her to come home and play!

 

Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know?
-Cancer accounts for nearly 50% of all disease-related pet deaths each year
-One in four dogs die of cancer.
-Approximately 1 in 4 dogs develops a tumor of some kind during his lifetime.
-Just like in humans, cancer can occur in any part of your dog’s body.

Are you aware that November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month? Run your hands over your pet and feel for any unusual lumps or bumps. If you feel something new or unusual, let's take a look at it. Dogs and cats can get benign lumps such as lipomas and sebaceous cysts, but they can also get much more serious tumors, like mast cell tumors, melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and many others. Many of these can be diagnosed with a simple in-office procedure involving a needle aspirate and then a microscopic exam of the cells obtained. A fine needle aspirate is generally less painful than a vaccination, so don't hesitate to get that lump checked out. The importance of annual check-ups regardless of the age of your pet is critical in the prevention of cancer. 

Here are the top 10 early warning signs of pet cancer listed out by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

Better to be safe than sorry, and much better to catch something sooner rather than later!

November Pet of the Month

Our November Pet of the Month is Luther! Luther is a 5 year Himalayan who was adopted by Dr. Ross three years ago. His original owners couldn't keep him after their child became allergic to him. He's a typical cat who loves spending time with Dr. Ross more than anyone else. Luther used to sleep on the bed, but now he spends his entire night sleeping in the baby's swing!

Senior Pet Month

November is Senior Pet Month. Do you have an older cat or dog sharing your home? If so, you know the joys of pets who might have less spunk but more soul. Here are five reasons to love a senior pet.
1. Distinguished look
You know how as we age, we are said to look distinguished? The same is true for our pets. I think senior cats project an air of peaceful dignity. And who can resist the precious gray muzzle of an older dog?
2. Laid-back lifestyle
For kittens and puppies, most any time is play time. Older pets, however, don’t need to release all that youthful energy. They are quieter and often content to just watch what’s going on in the living room or outside the window. Cuddling next to you takes precedence over most anything else.
3. Fewer demands
Older pets still need love and attention, but they don’t require babysitting like a frisky puppy or curious kitten. Some older pets have special medical needs, but after all they’ve given us through the years, it’s an honor to take care of them in return.
4. Wisdom of the ages
When I look into the eyes of a senior dog, I see a world of experience and wisdom. Older pets know what to expect, and are generally reliable and even. They require little training since they already know the rules.
5. They might be just like you!
As we get older, our needs and routines change. We might prefer quiet evenings at home rather than going out on the weekends. We still like to exercise, walk, or even run—but sometimes we go at a different pace. We might even nap in our chair occasionally. If you have a senior dog, you might find that he’s just like you!

Leptospirosis

We found it particularly appropriate to discuss this disease because of the recent weather we have been experiencing over the past few months. The hurricane in particular, adds a different dimension to an increasing risk of Leptospirosis exposure. Interestingly enough, Leptospirosis is the most wide spread disease in the world, affecting all continents. When we came across another positive patient, we knew it was time to inform our public.

So what is Leptospirosis? Well...now that you've asked, it is...

A bacterial infection (Leptospira) contracted from contaminated water sources, i.e.: stagnant ponds, canals, lakes, streams. Primary carriers of the bacteria are raccoons, squirrels, opossums, deer, and foxes. The bacteria are picked up through mucous membranes from the urine of infected animals. Dogs can walk in water, drink it, and lick it off their feet. This disease is Zoonotic and is transmissable to humans. The disease primarily affects the kidneys but can also affect the liver. Symptoms include anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, jaundice, fever, increased drinking and urinating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Due to our record setting rain amounts, plenty of areas are inundated with exposure possibilities. This exposure could be puddles, in pots, streams, and ponds. It does not take much for our dogs to become exposed. Exposure is currently high and we want to make sure that our community is knowledgeable.

We were lucky enough to catch this positive patient early, before any major damage could be done. It just so happens that the disease was caught by accident. We found some irregular parameters in our normal, yearly preventative blood profile. Upon further investigation, we discovered the disease. Because of the nature of the Leptospirosis, the patient could have shown little or no symptoms until further along in the disease progression, resulting in severe damage to the kidneys, liver, and the possible transmission to the owners.

Our vaccines are very safe and contain the strains of Leptospirosis we see in New Jersey. Like most vaccines, if starting out, we could give one vaccine and then repeat in 3 to 4 weeks. After the initial 2 vaccines, it becomes a yearly vaccine. Please be sure to speak to your veterinarian on the increased risk and any concerns you may have surrounding the disease.

Pet of the Month-DUNKIN

Dunkin is our Pet of the Month! Dunkin is 5 years old and was found abandoned in his carrier at a Dunkin Donuts parking lot, hence the name Dunkin. He was brought to Princeton Animal Hospital and we were able to get him to a great recovery. He loves to sit outside on 'his' chair and take in the sunshine. He is very food motivated for a cat and is a great addition to the family that adopted him.

 

This playful pooch can't figure out why this person won't throw the stick

Wackiest Pet Names of 2011

Ozzy Pawsbourne and Almost-A-Dog top this year's list of quirkiest monikers.
Fido, Spot or Fluffy? For some peculiar pet owners, these names are just too traditional. Although "Bella" and "Max" currently lead the pack as the nation's most popular pet names, thousands of other four-legged friends have much more distinctive names.


So drumroll, please... the 10 Most Unusual Dog and Cat Names for 2011:
Dogs

1. Almost-A-Dog
2. Franco Furter
3. Stinkie Mcstinkerson
4. Sir Seamus McPoop
5. Audrey Shepburn
6. Dewey Decimell
7. Knuckles Capone
8. Beagle Lugosi
9. Shooter Mclovin
10. Uzi Duzi-Du

Cats

1. Ozzy Pawsbourne
2. Mr. Meowgi
3. Murderface
4. Fuglee
5. Scruffernutter
6. Corporal Cuddles
7. Cat Masterson
8. Spam
9. Tape W. Orm
10. Louisiana Purchase

Employee of the Month

Princeton Animal Hospital would like to honor Aleisha as our Employee of the Month. She was here working during the hurricane, keeping the animals safe and the hospital dry. We are proud to have her on our team!

Happy Cat Month!

The American Veterinary Medical Association and the CATalyst Council are celebrating Happy Cat Month this September. The video below offers tips on making cats happy and discusses the benefits of having a cat (or cats) in the house. What are you doing for your cats to celebrate Happy Cat Month?

Pet Preparedness-Keeping your pet safe and sound in bad weather

Everyone in the area has experienced some wild weather over the past year.  We have seen record snow fall and rain, earthquakes, and now hurricanes.  Weather forecasts have given us the ability to properly prepare for these events prior to their arrival.  Usually, the mad dash to the grocery store for the French toast essentials (milk, eggs, bread) water, and other necessities causes panic to the masses and someone always ends up without. An often overlooked aspect of these situations is the needs for our pets. 

Irene was devastating to the area leaving us with a loss of power, gas, and in some cases water.  In these desperate times, it is equally as important to make sure your supplies cover your pets as well.  When storing or stocking up on water, be mindful of your pets needs as well.  Many people found themselves desperately short on water supplies for their human family members let alone their multiple pet needs.  Getting an extra supply of their normal food is something to consider as well.

One of the most important aspects of your pets health is making sure you have enough supply of any medications they may be on, including pills, jells, fluids, etc…  Getting an extra supply prior to the bad weather may help you and your pet if travel becomes hard or impossible.     Keep a list of items and medications your pet is on including conditions your pet may have.  Your veterinarian may not be able to assist you in weather such as this, which might force you to rely on another hospital.  In a situation such as this, a copy of your records would be ideal to reference.  At the very least, a list of conditions and medication requirements would help get you the supplies you need more quickly.      

Lastly, it is always good to try to keep our pets comfortable.  Their favorite pillow, blanket, ball, toy, or stuffed animal are important to keep you pet calm and relaxed. Also keep leashes and other transport items on hand and available in case you need to exit.  A relaxed pet makes for a more relaxed owner. 

Quick Reference Chart

1. Keep ample supply of water and food for your pet
2. Make sure you have enough supply of medications and essentials
3. Keep a copy of your pets records or a list of all conditions, medications, etc… in case you need to visit a different veterinarian
4. Keep some of your pets favorite items close, comfort items will keep you pet relaxed
5. Keep leashes, carriers, or other transport items ready in case you need to move quickly 

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month! The likelihood that you and your animals will be prepared for an emergency such as a fire, flood, or hurricane depends largely on emergency planning done today. We want your family and pets to prepare for the unexpected and create a disaster plan today.

Letter from Princeton Animal Hospital

Appointments Seen on Saturday – 43

Appointments Seen on Sunday – 13

Patients turned away – 0

Treatments Missed - 0

Hours left Without Staff in the Hospital – 0

Being open as usually for those clients in their time of need – Priceless

Hello Again –

Another curveball by mother nature knocked out of the park by our wonderful staff at the Princeton Animal Hospital and Carnegie Cat Clinic.  As the storm was bearing down upon our hospital, we knew we had to make some tough decisions.  Irene gave us all she could, rain, killer winds, flooding, and trees turned upside down.  Our brave overnight technician Aleshia kept all of the patients and pets safe and comfortable while Irene raged away in the night.  As water began to overwhelm our sump pump and drainage system, she again sprung into action.  By mornings end, not an item damaged, not a pet in distress, and a hospital open and ready to see those furry friends in need. 

The Sunday staff (Dr Jones, Barb, Tina, Lizette, Anna, Allie, and Andi) braved the floods and falling trees to be in and have us open at our regular 7am starting time, Sunday morning.  We could not put into words the thanks and praise our staff received for being available for our clients and community.  At the end, this is what we do and have done for over 20 years.  We are proud to be available, dependable, and reliable.  We are also so very proud to be your choice in an animal hospital.

Stephen Tracey

General Manager

Princeton Animal Hospital

Carnegie Cat Clinic

Don’t run the risk of losing with your pet with no chance of reuniting. Even if your pet never wanders away, remember that in old age, pets have a tendency to lose their scent and can wander too far to retrace their steps. At Princeton Animal Hospital, we recommend a microchip for every cat and dog.

 

Today is National Assistance Dog Day! Assistance Dogs transform the lives of their human partners with physical and mental disabilities by serving as their companion, helper, best friend and close member of their family. We would like recognize and honor the hardworking assistance dogs and honor the puppy raisers and trainers of assistance dogs as well as recognize the heroic deeds performed by assistance dogs in our community.

 

Employee of the Month

Princeton Animal Hospital is proud to honor Amy Cymanski as our Employee of the Month. A veterinary technician, Amy has helped care for pets at Princeton Animal Hospital since 2005. Amy was voted Lifesaver of the Month by her fellow team members for her outstanding contributions to the hospital. She recently drove a client to an emergency clinic after an 18 hour shift because they were new to the area and weren't sure where to go. She possibly saved the pets life by this act of kindness.

Pet of the Month

Princeton Animal Hospital is proud to honor Bogart McCann as our Pet of the Month! Bogart is a 4 year old male neutered mutt. He's from a shelter in Vermillion County, Illinois. He was our surgery group's first surgery junior year and he was very sick when he was adopted. He is a pretty shy guy, but will warm up to anyone given enough time in the right environment. Bo is a huge couch potato and loves to sun bathe on the porch. His more active favorite things to do are play Frisbee and popping bubbles if you blow them for him. He is a very gentle big brother, too.

Pet of the Month

We are proud to announce "Boomer" as our June Pet of the Month! Boomer was born 10/18/08 and was an unexpected X-mas present. He is what you call a gentle giant. Lovable, protective and a baby, all at once. If he was smaller he would be the best lap dog ever!

 

 

Fourth of July is one firecracker of a day, but maybe not for your pet. We recommend keeping your pet away from sparklers and other fireworks that may be ingested. Please remember their sensitive ears during those firework displays. We can give you suggestions about how to reduce your pet’s anxiety to loud firecrackers. We want you and your pet to enjoy safe summer holidays.

 

Unlikely Friends

PET OF THE MONTH - BOOMER

We are proud to honor Boomer as our June Pet of the Month! Boomer was born in 2008 and was an unexpected Xmas present. He is what you call a gentle giant. Lovable, protective and a baby all at once. If he was smaller he would be the best lap dog ever! We are so happy to be able to show appreciation to Boomer this month.

 

Lifesaver of the Month

Princeton Animal Hospital is proud to honor Kelly Duechar as our Lifesaver of the Month! She really dug in on some busy days and helped her teammates deliver excellent care and service. We are glad to have her as a part of our team!

 

Fleas & Ticks

Summers coming and you may not be the only one taking a vacation. Fleas and ticks are out and about looking for a summer cottage. Your dog’s skin is the hot spot for these pesky critters. Be sure to bring your dog in or pickup a flea and tick preventative before the season is in full swing. 

Learn and Play Children's Day

Join us on Saturday June 18th from 1:30pm to 2:30pm for Learn and Play Children's Day at Princeton Animal Hospital! There will be fun and educational activities for your child as well as a chance for them to learn more about our hospital and see where they pets get treated.

Pets and Cookouts

Cookouts are in full swing! We want to remind you that barbeque and picnic foods should not be fed to pets.  Please bring plenty of food and treats for your pets so that they can join in on the fun and food.  

Proper Way to Remove a Tick

Pet of the Month

Stitch has been named Princeton Animal Hospital's Pet of the Month! After enjoying a morning out on the links, Stitch likes to spend the rest of the day relaxing at the beach or out on the town enjoying a patio lunch with his moms. Playing fetch in the yard, cuddling, and chasing seagulls are also some of his favorite past times. On his Ipod you can find any song that has been on Glee and also The Fray's "How to save a life", it's his favorite. He also loves American Idol and agrees with his dawg Randy that Lauren Alaina is "in it to win it".

 

Did you know that animals that are overweight live two years less than pets at an ideal weight?  Obesity is fast becoming an epidemic among our pets.  Diet and exercise are the two most important factors in preventing and treating obesity.  We can provide a customized feeding program for your pet and get them back in tip top shape! 

A senior dog that boarded with us at Princeton Animal Hospital. We text pictures of the pet to its owners. Just a courtesy we provide when you board your pet at Princeton Animal Hospital!

 

Oatsie getting some love at Princeton Animal Hospital.

Allergies

Is your pet’s itching and scratching keeping you awake at night? Spring is the beginning of allergy season as the pollen and mold counts rise. Pets are not born with allergies, they develop with repeated exposure. Chewing, biting, scratching, sneezing, itchy ears and watery eyes may be indications that your pet may have developed some allergies. We have developed a comprehensive plan to address these issues and would be happy to help your pet so they can enjoy the spring season as well.

Happy Mother's Day!

We would like to wish a Happy Mother's Day weekend to all the pet mommies of fur babies and other pets! We hope you have good memories on Sunday, May 8th and that you do something special with or for your pet that day. Have a great Mother's Day everyone!

 

This week is Be Kind to Animals Week!

Join the event that’s been celebrated every year since 1915 -- American Humane Association’s Be Kind to Animals Week. In this annual tradition, we commemorate the role animals play in our lives, promote ways to continue to treat them humanely, and encourage others, especially children, to do the same. While Be Kind to Animals Week is celebrated only once a year, we should strive to always be kind to animals every day. What is the kindest thing you've done for your pet today?

 

Let your pet start the spring on the right paw by being a responsible pet owner. Exercise your pet on a leash in public areas and be sure to pick up after their accidents. For that outdoor loving cat consider building an outdoor exercise enclosure and keep them safe while keeping your neighbors happy. Don’t forget your annual parasite prevention especially for pets that leave the yard frequently!

Princeton Animal Hospital Earns AAHA Accreditation

[Princeton, NJ] —Princeton Animal Hospital has earned accreditation following a thorough evaluation by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) that included a quality assessment review of the hospital’s practice protocols, medical equipment, facility and client service.

"I would like to congratulate Princeton Animal Hospital on achieving accreditation through AAHA," said Michael Cavanaugh, DVM, DABVP, AAHA executive director. "They are clearly committed to doing their very best as evidenced by the hard work and effort they put into this voluntary process."

Accreditation is a voluntary commitment practices make to their clients and patients, and AAHA is the only organization in the U.S. and Canada that accredits companion animal hospitals based on standards that go above and beyond state regulations. The AAHA Standards of Accreditation, viewed as the standard of veterinary excellence, contain more than 900 individual standards, divided into 18 major sections. These areas of focus include: patient care and pain management, surgery, pharmacy, laboratory, exam facilities, medical records, cleanliness, emergency services, dental care, diagnostic imaging, anesthesiology, and continuing education.

Only 15 percent of all small animal hospitals in the U.S. have achieved accreditation by the Association. To maintain accredited status, Princeton Animal Hospital must continue to be evaluated regularly by AAHA.

Princeton Animal Hospital, located at 726 Alexander Road in Princeton, has been accredited with the association since 2003 and can be reached at 609-520-2000 or online at www.princetonvet.com.

For more information about the AAHA Accreditation, visit www.healthypet.com.

Pets & Lawn Fertilizer

People use fertilizer to make their lawns and gardens grow healthy and green. We would like to remind you to keep your pet off of the lawn for at least three days, or thoroughly water the lawn and let it dry before letting your pet out. Dogs and cats will eat grass sometimes, and if they eat fertilizer, it could have deadly results. Signs of fertilizer poisoning are vomiting and lethargy. 

Remington resting comfortably on his stuffed cow toy, after his bath.

Avoiding Easter Hazards!

With the arrival of the holiday season our pets are often prone to new un thought of risks. Nothing makes a holiday more memorable than a panicked trip to the vets. But pet owners need not fret. Here's what you need to know to have an emergency-free celebration this Easter.

Festive Foods:
One of the biggest risks to pets at Easter time is "CHOCOLATE". The canine nose is an expert in sniffing out all the lovely sweet goodies in an instant. And birds, cats & dogs alike are drawn to the bright colors & shiny wrappers. Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine that can be toxic to dogs, cats and parrots. Baker's chocolate has the highest concentration of theobromine. How a pet reacts to chocolate depends on its size, as well as the amount and type of chocolate eaten. Vomiting and diarrhea are common signs of chocolate toxicosis, and while rare, too much chocolate can even be fatal. Carob chocolate is a natural, delicious and pet friendly alternative.

Foil packaging, ribbon and pretty sparkly plastic wadding are irresistible to cats and birds, while a big shiny Easter egg appears as a fun ball for a dog.  Pets love to play with these items and they will sometimes swallow them. Known as linear foreign bodies in vet speak, they are indigestible and can cause a partial or complete obstruction. They are often sharp and run the risk of cutting through the wall of the intestinal tract which can cause peritonitis.

While we all love our pets and wish to include them in the festivities, it is important to remember that now matter how much they beg, what they want may not always be what is best for them. Rich fatty foods can cause an upset stomach, vomiting or even pancreatitis in the extreme. Onions either raw or cooked can be poisonous to cats and dogs. As little as one bite of an onion can cause some of the red bloods cells to be destroyed (haemolytic anaemia) symptoms can include pale gums, reddish urine and lethargy.

It is important to remember never to feed your pets cooked bones as they can splinter and cause internal damage. The same applies to feeding your pets fish which might contain bones. Bowls of nuts and raisin-laden fruitcakes or chocolate covered sultanas are also common holiday treats. Macadamia Nuts are toxic to dogs. Although one nut is not likely to harm your dog, a number of them could require a trip to the emergency ward. Dogs who ingest macadamia nuts could suffer weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia.

Foods that are healthy for us may not be so good for our beloved pets. Raisins and grapes are toxic to cats and dogs causing vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure and even death. While avocadoes are harmful to dogs, cats, birds and Guinea pigs. They contain a toxic fatty acid called persin which can cause vomiting, gastrointestinal irritation, congestion, respiratory disease, fluid accumulation around the heart tissue and may cause death, especially in small animals and birds. So please be careful when serving fruit platters or salads this Easter.

One very real concern to pets are products containing the artificial sweetener Xylitol. This absolutely needs to be avoided. It will cause low blood sugar if ingested in toxic amounts and has been known to cause fatal liver failure.
During the festive season it is easy to forget the dangers of leaving alcoholic drinks within reach of our pets. It may seem harmless enough to offer your best mate a frosty cold one to celebrate alongside the humans. But alcohol poisoning is a very real danger to our pets. Problems equate to the amount of alcohol ingested compared to weight. Even a very small amount of alcohol can cause severe poisoning in a small pet. The yeast contained in beer can also lead to bloating and abdominal pain.

The good news is there is now a specially designed non alcoholic doggy beer on the market called *Paw Rex* It is made with beef stock so dogs love it and even comes in a six pack.

It is also important to remember that most cats and dogs are lactose intolerant so avoid giving them any dairy products. Specially designed lactose free animal products are an available alternative.  It's up to us to make sure hazards are kept out of reach and that visitors or children know the risks. Remember prevention is better than cure. For healthy Easter treat alternatives to spoil your best friend, please visit our Pet Gourmet section in this special Easter addition of Pet Scene Magazine.

Unexpected Hazards:
With all the coming and going and busy rush that comes with the holiday seasons it is easy for opportunities to arise to get our pets into trouble. It is not uncommon for visitors who are not used to pets to leave gates or doors open. This welcomes the opportunity for your pet to flee the house with all its strange new smells, noise and people. An open window makes for a great escape root for cats or free flying birds. Many pets wind up getting lost or struck by vehicles as a result of this careless mistake. If you have a pet that becomes nervous around new people or strange activity it may be a good idea to plan in advance to have area of the house or yard which is separate where they can feel safe and secure. Visitors who aren't used to living with pets may inadvertently leave their medications within reach. This brings opportunities for serious problems. Dogs are not deterred by childproof caps and can quickly find themselves in a world of trouble. Warn guests to keep medications well out of reach.

Traveling with pets:
If your going out of town with your pet this Easter there are a few things to remember:

* Make sure your pet is in a cool well ventilated position and never left alone in a closed car, temperatures can sore very quickly.

* Make sure your pet is secured in either a pet crate or safety harness.

* If your pet suffers from motion sickness it's recommended that you consult with your vet prior to travel to arrange an appropriate treatment.

* Make sure you plan for toileting and drink breaks. Our pets need to refresh too. 

* If you are planning to go out on the water these holidays be sure to pack your pet a life vest.

* If you are going on holiday this Easter with your pets, be sure you have a full supply of any medications they may be taking with you.

The humble Easter Lily
Many cat owners will be surprised to learn that lilies ( Liliaceae) are extremely toxic to their feline friends. The exact cause is unknown, however even the smallest amounts if ingested by cats can  be fatal, while dogs who ingest large amounts only develop signs of mild gastrointestinal upset. Early warning signs of Lily toxicity include vomiting, depression and a lack of appetite. There is no antidote, but with early detection and aggressive treatment the cat stands a better chance of survival. Cats may sometimes appear to be improving after the first onset of symptoms, but 24-72hrs later crash and become critically ill as they go into acute renal failure. If you suspect there is a chance your cat may have ingested this plant it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. If left untreated cats die within 3-7 days. Cat owners should never grow Lilies in the garden and should ensure that lilies are never part of floral arrangements. This is important to remember these holidays with the popular Easter Lily appearing  in most flower arrangements.

We hope that these tips will help you and your pets have a happy and safe
holiday season.

Southwest Virginia Veterinary Services is proud to honor Harley Mullins as our Client Pet of the Month!

Sneezing…watery…running eyes and nose…itchy and scratchy skin. Its allergy time.  Did you know that your pet suffers from seasonal allergies just as you do?  We offer services for your pet to test for allergies, fleas, ticks and other critters to keep your pet looking and feeling their best.

The Mean Kitty Song

Getting ready for summer!!

Every year, $1.5 billion is spent on pet food. This is four times the amount spent on baby food.

 

Easter Lilies & Cats

Easter Lilies can be a beautiful decoration in the spring season, but did you know that all parts of the lily plant are considered toxic and dangerous to your cat? If ingested, it can cause severe kidney damage and even death. Please be advised that cat owners should remove lilies out of reach of your cat and consider an alternative to the lily such as Easter Orchids and Easter Daisies.

Princeton Animal Hospital was proud to allow externs from Mercer Community College to job shadow our team. 11 students from the technicians assistant program were allowed to come into our facility and see what goes on in day-to-day in a veterinary practice. We were glad to have them on board with while they learn more about what goes into providing the community with excellent veterinary care.

Animal Cruelty Charges Filed in Case of Brutalized New Jersey Pit Bull

A Newark woman has been charged with four counts of animal cruelty in the case of a 1-year-old pit bull found starved and barely alive inside an apartment building garbage chute, New Jersey officials tell FoxNews.com.

Kisha Curtis, 28, was charged Friday with two counts of abandonment and two counts of failure to provide proper sustenance to the animal, according to Matthew Stanton, a spokesman for the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The pit bull, hailed by animal care workers as a "miracle dog," was discovered March 16 by maintenance workers inside a garbage chute at the Garden Spires apartment building -- a 550-unit complex in Newark notorious for drug trade and other crimes.

The dog was found so brutalized that his bones protruded from his fur and he had no body temperature. Animal care workers with the Associated Humane Societies/Popcorn Park called it one of the worst cases of cruelty they've ever seen.

Newark Animal Control rushed the dog to the 24-hour Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls, N.J., where he was given a blood transfusion, pumped with fluids and covered with heating blankets.

The dog was later named "Patrick" because he made it through the night and into St. Patrick's Day. Veterinarians said he would have died within 6 to 12 hours if he hadn't received medical care.

"It was a rebirth," said Karen Powell, an AHS spokeswoman.

Stanton told FoxNews.com that Curtis, the alleged owner, faces two criminal counts and two civil counts, which he said could result in up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine and community service if convicted.

"It all depends on the judge," he said. "She [Curtis] caused the animal to be in that condition. She indicated that she couldn't take care of him anymore."

Stanton said the woman denied throwing the dog into the chute at the 22-story apartment building. Curtis could not be reached for comment when contacted Saturday by FoxNews.com.

Stanton added that the investigation into the crime is ongoing. He said the NJSPCA is working to determine whether anyone else was involved in the abuse and disposal of the animal.

Patrick, meanwhile, is making a slow but steady recovery at the animal hospital. Veterinary staff said the dog is now standing and eating small amounts of food several times a day.

"He loves people," Powell said.

Authorities are urging anyone with information on the crime to call the NJSPCA tip line at 1-800-582-5979.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/03/26/animal-cruelty-charges-filed-case-starved-new-jersey-pit-bull-garbage-chute/#ixzz1Ir2ot9AB

Lifesaver of the Month

Princeton Animal Hospital is proud to honor Sarah Blewitt as our Lifesaver of the Month this April! Sarah has assisted clients and their pets as a receptionist at Princeton Animal Hospital since 2008. She loves working with the friendly, knowledgeable staff and enjoys meeting new pets each day. We appreciate all of Sarah's contributions to the practice this month!

 

Spring is a great time to call in and schedule your pet for their annual vaccinations. After a long winter, pets can’t wait to get outside and get into all sorts of trouble. Make sure they are safe and free from diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus.

 

Itching and scratching...lumps and bumps making life miserable for your pet?  These symptoms may not be caused by fleas or ticks...but may be the cause of other skin irritations or allergies.  We can help your suffering pet. Ask us about your pets condition at your next appointment with us.

Pet of the Month

Princeton Animal Hospital is proud to honor Kai as our Pet of the Month!

When you take your pet for a walk during the winter time, be sure to keep their feet in mind. To prevent frostbite, consider taking very short walks or buying your dog a pair of booties to protect their feet, and when you’re done with your walk, always wipe the sidewalk salt off the bottom of your pet’s feet, ingesting sidewalk salt can be very dangerous to your pet.

Lifesaver of the Month

Princeton Animal Hospital is proud to honor Sandy, technician, as our Lifesaver of the Month. She has stayed past her shift to ensure all of our patients and clients are treated the Princeton Animal Hospital way. Thank you for your dedication!

 

Did you know that fleas can survive in the cold winter weather? We recommend keeping your pet on a year round flea and tick preventative as well as a year round heartworm preventative, to ensure that your pet remains happy and healthy throughout the entire year.

A furry friend joined us for our meeting at Princeton Animal Hospital!

 

Wellness Canned Cat Food Recall

Attention! Due to lower than normal levels of thiamine (also known as Vitamin B1), WellPet LLC is voluntarily recalling ALL FLAVORS AND SIZES OF CANNED CAT FOOD!

Although the vast majority of products tested had the appropriate levels of thiamine, to avoid confusion and in an abundance of caution, WellPet has decided to recall all can......ned cat products with the specific date codes noted below. Cats fed ONLY products with inadequate levels of thiamine for several weeks may be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency. If treated promptly, thiamine deficiency is typically reversible. Though the chance of developing this deficiency is remote, withdrawing these products is the right thing to do and it is being removed from retailers' shelves.

CANNED CAT FOOD WITH THE FOLLOWING DATE CODES ON THE BOTTOM OF THE CAN ARE BEING VOLUNTARILY RECALLED. IF YOU ARE USING ANY OF THESE PRODUCTS, IMMEDIATELY DISCONTINUE USE AND RETURN TO THE STORE OF PURCHASE FOR A FULL REFUND OR STORE CREDIT:

Wellness Canned Cat (all flavors/sizes) with BEST BY dates from APR 14 - SEP 30 2013

Wellness Canned Cat Chicken & Herring (all sizes) with BEST BY dates from NOV 10-17 2013

(Please Note: Only the Chicken & Herring formula has an extended recall date into Nov 2013)

Is your pet starting to get a little grey around the muzzle? As your pet ages, it is important to maintain optimum health for their quality of life. Senior pets need more extensive risk assessment visitations. Teeth should be brushed daily, exercise routines are important and remember obesity is the number one health problem in older dogs. With routine blood and urine analysis and more frequent risk assessment exams, your pet will live a long and healthy life.

Most pets gain weight in the winter just like their owners, many times due to a decrease in exercise. Pet obesity is often worsened during the winter when short days and cold weather means less opportunity for proper exercise. Find new ways to make exercise a priority, even when it’s cold outside. Maintaining your pet’s health with proper diet and exercise will help assure that you both have a happy winter season.

Bill-Client Pet of the Month

             

            Bill is a 13 year old, male neutered Golden Retriever. His owner had noticed a new mass on his chest and brought it to the doctor’s attention. This mass was actually a lymph node. The doctor recommended that we perform an FNA and cytology. An FNA is a fine needle aspirate. This involves inserting a needle into the mass and aspirating cells out of it. These cells are then put onto a slide and analyzed by a pathologist at the lab. Our doctors feel that about 70% of soft tissue aspirates give a diagnosis. This is because only a very small sample of cells is being evaluated. A biopsy, or removal of the entire mass, generally will give a definitive diagnosis.

            In Bill’s case his cytology confirmed lymphoma. Lymphoma (or lymphosarcoma) is the most common tumor of white blood cells affecting dogs and cats. It primarily affects lymph nodes or visceral organs such as the liver or spleen.

            Chemotherapy drugs are most active against rapidly-dividing cells. Most tumor cells are rapidly-dividing, while most normal cells are not. Normal cells that are rapidly-dividing are mostly in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which is why GI signs are the most common side-effect of many chemotherapeutic drugs. Chemo also has a large effect on bone marrow (termed myelosuppressive). Bone marrow is a flexible tissue that is found in the interior of bone. It produces new blood cells, such as platelets, red blood cell and most white blood cells. A CBC (complete cell count) should be run 1 week after administration of chemotherapy to ensure that white blood cells are not too low. Depending on the level of white blood cells, the chemo can be reduced, or postponed completely until the levels are within a safe range.

            Bill’s chemotherapy protocol involves 16 treatments over 6 months. The first 8 doses are given weekly (with a break between the 4^th and 5^th doses) and then treatments are given every other week for 8 additional treatments. This protocol will put >85% of patients in to a complete remission and on average the patients will have a good quality of life for 1 year with 25% of dogs living 2 years or longer (longer and shorter times, though, are possible). Patients living longer than a year may need additional chemotherapy.

            Bill’s specific chemotherapy drugs included Vincristine, Asparaginase (Elspar), Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and Adriamycin (Doxorubicin).

            Vincristine is a drug derived from a flowering plant called periwinkle. It is frequently use in combination with other drugs. Possible side effects include muscle weakness, constipation, hair loss and jaw pain.

            Elspar is an enzyme derived primarily from the bacterial E.coli and is used commonly in cancer treatment of some animal and human cancers. Possible side effects include vomiting and/or diarrhea, hives on the skin or restlessness and difficulty breathing (rare). Because a hypersensitivity reaction is the most common when using Elspar, we premedicated Bill with Benadryl prior to administration to help prevent a reaction.

            Cytoxan is a frequently used drug in cancer chemotherapy. It is particularly irritating to the bladder, and can often cause bloody urine. Other side effects also include low white blood cell counts, loss of appetite and nausea/vomiting (rare). Because of its effects on the bladder, we gave Bill an injection of Furosemide (Lasix) as a diuretic to help increase urination and flush his bladder.

            Adriamycin is the hardest of these chemotherapy drugs on the body. It is considered cardiotoxic (toxic to the heart), and an echocardiogram is recommended prior to administration. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. The day he received Adriamycin, we checked an ECG (rhythm strip of the heart) prior to giving the Adriamycin to ensure that there were no abnormalities prior to giving the medication. It was normal. We also gave Bill an injection of Benadryl to help decrease the chance of reaction.

            In addition to these drugs, Bill was also receiving Prednisone as an oral steroid at home throughout his treatments. It acts as an immunosuppressive drug to help slow the progression of cancer cell multiplication. In addition it also increases appetite and thirst.

            Bill received his first dose of chemotherapy on December 16^th, 2010. He received an injection Benadryl, and then had an IV catheter placed. He received Vincristine IV and Elspar IV, and then was maintained on IV fluids for several hours afterwards. Bill’s owner reported that he was ‘super dog’ two days later! He tolerated the drugs fine and felt great.

            His second dose was administered on December 23^rd. We ran a CBC prior to the chemotherapy and his white blood cells were normal, but his red blood cells low (also known as anemia). Dr. Miele did not feel that this contraindicated receiving his chemo this week, but if it continued to drop, we may want to postpone his treatments. He received Cytoxan IV and Lasix also IV. He was similarly kept on IV fluids for a few hours after the treatment. The following day Bill returned to the hospital because he was vomiting and lethargic. Dr. Nieh felt as though it could have been a reaction to the Cytoxan. Other causes could be that he ate something that he didn’t agree with and it was not related to the chemotherapy at all, another disease process, or even the lymphoma spreading. Bill was sent home with oral medications; an appetite stimulant (Mirtazapine), a stomach protectant (Sucralfate), a gastrointestinal antibiotic (Metronidazole) and an acid reducer (Pepcid). We rechecked a CBC on December 28 and his white blood cells were normal and his anemia was stable. He was OK to receive his next dose of chemotherapy on schedule.

            Bill received his third dose on December 30^th. He received Vincristine again alone. Again he was maintained IV fluids for a few hours afterwards. Because of his stomach upset after the second dose of chemotherapy, we sent Bill home with medications to have on hand in the event that he had a similar reaction. He was sent home with Metronidazole for potential diarrhea and Cerenia for vomiting. When we called the following day to check in, he was doing great. No vomiting or diarrhea was seen, and he seemed to be acting normally.

            Bill’s fourth dose of chemotherapy was administered on January 7^th. Prior to treatment we checked a CBC and . We checked an ECG as well, and he had a normal rhythm. We gave an injection of Benadryl and then gave the Adriamycin IV slowly over 1 hour. We listened to his heart and lungs closely every few minutes during this administration to ensure that there was no change in his heart rate or rhythm. He received IV fluids for a few hours after the treatment. The following day Bill was lethargic, his appetite was down and he had intermittent tremors/trembling. We had decreased Bill’s dose of Prednisone after the Adriamycin, so Dr. Nieh recommended that we increase it back to the previous dose. She also recommended he receive Cerenia for vomiting/nausea, Pepcid as an acid reducer, and Mirtazapine as an appetite stimulant. If his thirst and appetite did not improve, we may need to admit him to the hospital for IV fluids. Bill seemed to have waxing and waning symptoms at home from the 7^th until the 11^th. He did seem to slowly improve over time.

            Bill’s fifth chemotherapy treatment was administered on January 20^th. We checked a CBC prior to giving the chemo and his white blood cells were normal and anemia stable. On examination, Dr. Miele was concerned that Bill’s abdomen was large. He was worried that his abdomen was fluid-filled. His abdomen could have also been bloated secondary to the Prednisone use, or because his organs were enlarged. Fluid can build in the abdomen for several reasons when a pet has cancer;

• The lymphatic system can become backed up or obstructed due to the cancer, and the abdomen can fill with lymph fluid.
• The cancer could have spread to the gastrointestinal tract, and perforated the intestines, causing bacteria to infiltrate the abdomen, causing sepsis.
• The cancer could have spread to the heart, causing heart failure, and heart failure can cause fluid build-up in the abdomen as well.

Dr. Miele recommended that we take abdominal x-rays to evaluate what could be the cause of the bloated abdomen. There was no fluid seen in his abdomen, but his liver was very large. This could be due to the Prednisone use (because it can effect the liver), or also due to spread of the lymphoma. We continued as planned with his treatment. He received Vincristine IV and fluids afterwards. The following day we called to check in, and Bill seemed to be doing well. He was eating a new food, Hills n/d (the ‘n’ stands for neoplasia, meaning cancer). This food is specially formulated for patients with cancer. Overall he seemed to be doing well.

            Bill is currently doing well. We are not anticipating that this will be a cure of his cancer, but that it may give him more quality time at home with his family.