Welcome Dr. Cheryl Adkins! We have recently added a new associate veterinarian to our team here at Labahn Veterinary Hospital. See Dr. Adkins' bio in the "Meet Our Staff" section.
Also, check out the new section, "Ask the Doc". This month, Dr. Nick answers the question: "Why does my dog scoot?"
We are currently expanding and updating our information on the site to keep you informed and up to date with the latest information that will benefit you and your furry friends! If there is an article that isn't available for viewing yet it will be soon. So check back with us and continue to learn more.
Check out our Photo Gallery. We will be adding some updated pictures of our staff and clinic. This is your chance to see the behind-the-scenes activity at the hospital!
We are working on a Memorial Section, where you will be able to post pictures and comments of your pets who have passed away. More information will follow soon.
The Sebastian County Humane Society website is up and working! You'll find a link to their site in our links section. Be sure to visit them if you would like to adopt a pet or support their great efforts.
Be sure to CALL us on the telephone if you have an EMERGENCY!!! (479) 782-1234.
The news on our site is posted in real-time... so be sure to check back reguarly for updates!
Osteoarthritis
Across the country, osteoarthritis affects more than eight million dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. Which is why it's important that you're able to recognize early signs of this painful disease, and bring them to your veterinarian's attention.
One out of five dogs has arthritis. Here's how to tell if your dog is one of them:
1) Does your dog tire easily during long walks?
2) Does your dog limp, lag behind, or appear stiff after activity?
3) Is your dog reluctant to climb steps or jump up?
4) Is your dog slow to rise from a resting position?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, ask your veterinarian to examine your dog for arthritis. The sooner your dog is properly diagnosed and treated, the sooner he can beome an active member of your family again.
Vaccination Programs for Your Dog & Cats
Dogs and cats are wonderful companions. It's no wonder we consider them our best friends. Their love for us is unconditional, and we regard them as true-blue members of our families. The least we can do is give them the care they need and deserve.
Our veterinarians will recommend a vaccine program suitable for your pet. The type and frequency of vaccinations will be based on your pet's age, lifestyle (for example: indoor versus outdoor, frequency of contact with other pets, etc.) and risk of exposure to infectious diseases.
Puppies and kittens need to receive a series of vaccinations at six weeks, nine weeks, and twelve weeks. Nursing puppies and kittens ingest antibodies from their mothers. These maternal antibodies provide early protection against infectious disease. However, they also neutralize the immunizing agents in vaccines. Maternal antibodies naturally decline during the first three to four months of life and eventually disappear. For this reason, puppies and kittens should receive a series of vaccinations beginning at about six weeks of age.
Flea and Tick Season is Upon Us!
Did you Know?
- The cat flea is the most common flea on pets, including dogs.
- Fleas ingest 15 times their body weight in blood each day.
- In just 30 days in ideal conditions, 10 female fleas can multipy to over 250,000 life stages.
- Adult fleas may live and breed for well over 100 days on the pet if not disturbed.
- Saliva in the flea bites cause severe allergic reactions called flea allergy dermatitis in some pets.
- Fleas can cause medical problems, such as:
* Anemia
* Secondary Skin Infection
* Tapeworm Infection
* Cat Scratch Fever
Don't let your furry family members suffer! We have products available today that will keep your pet flea and tick free within 12 hours of initial application and keeps working all month long. Stop by and we will help you put an end to your flea and tick problems quickly and easily.
Is your dog protected from Heartworms?
Heartworms can be transmitted to pets by more than seventy species of mosquitoes. The heartworm larvae develop within the mosquito. When the mosquito bites the dog, it transfuses the larvae into the dog's body tissue. From there, the larvae travel to the bloodstream and continue to develop into adult worms in the heart. Since mosquitoes can get indoors, all dogs are vulnerable.
Adult heartworms live in the right side of the heart and pulmonary arteries where they restrict blood flow and cause organ damage. Blockage and injury caused by heartworms may lead to heart failure, liver damage, and kidney damage. Symptoms include: cough, difficulty breathing, vomiting, weight loss, exercise intolerance, enlarged liver, and abnormal lung or heart sounds.
Treating dogs for heartworm disease can be lengthy, expensive, and life-threatening. Therefore, PREVENTION IS THE KEY! A tablet administered once a month prevents your pet from contracting heartworm disease.
We offer a quick, easy, and inexpensive blood test for heartworm disease here in the hospital. If you aren't already using a monthly heartworm preventitive, ask us about testing your dog the next time you are in. It could save his life!
