Happy New Year!!!

Hillview Veterinary Clinic would like to wish everyone and their pets a safe and Happy New Year!

We're sure you and your pets had a great holiday, but keep them protected from dangers. When the leaves of a Poinsettia plant are chewed on, they can cause localized irritation of the mouth. If dogs or cats drink the water from your Christmas tree, it can cause digestive upset. Be aware of the extra hazards around the holidays, especially when taking down your decorations.

Happy Holidays!

Hillview Veterinary Clinic would like to wish everyone and their pets a safe and Happy Holiday!

Tis the season to be safe!

Tis the season to be safe! It’s easy for pets to get into trouble during the holidays. Look at all the fun stuff we provide for their curiosity. Gifts, decorations and holiday foods pose dangers for all pets. Be aware of the extra hazards around the holidays. Cats love to play with ribbons and tinsel! If ingested they can sometimes act as foreign bodies causing intestinal blockages. Make sure that your pets are protected from all the festivities this holiday season.

Winter Pet Dangers

Traveling with your pets this holiday season?

The holidays are approaching and many people are traveling to visit their families. Do you have any interesting holiday pet travel tips or stories to share? Leave a comment telling us your pet travel tips.

Stocking up on all the holiday goodies?

Are you stocking up on all the holiday goodies? Beware of guests who may give your pet cookies, chocolate and other sweets. Those treats are not healthy for them. Your pet’s digestive system is not adapted for such rich foods, and chocolate contains theobromine, which can be harmful and sometimes fatal. Keep plenty of treats especially for your pet around so they don’t get the urge to try and sample some of your holiday feast. Just a tip from Hillview Veterinary Clinic.

Attention Book Club Participants!

It's time to check in with our Book Club Participants! Last month we posted the selection "From Baghdad, With Love" and we've enjoyed reading about Lieutenant Colonel Jay Kopelman and his struggles to bring Lava, a spunky puppy found in an abandoned house in Fallujah, safely to the U.S. and away from danger. 
This book gives an incite to a Marines inner battle with the horrifying surroundings of war and the emotional struggle to be a fierce soldier while showing sympathy for a small animal in need. 
Kopelman, in more than one instance, wonders if his fellow Marines will mock him if they realize how much he cares for Lava, the puppy he discovered. 
Kopelman and the members of the First Battalion, Third Marines also known as the Lava Dogs, heard a noise in the abandoned home that served as their command post, they all raised their weapons in defense. They were shocked to discover a small dirty puppy in the midst of all the bombings and war torn surroundings. 
Kopelman writes, "The best part is how these Marines, these elite, well-oiled machines of war who in theory can kill another human being in a hundred unique ways, become mere mortals in the presence of a tiny animal."
Apparently Lava was in the home when it was stormed by the Lava Dogs, but not one of the men could find the courage to put him out on the streets. The book details the treatment of strays in war zones and the cruel and inhumane way they are disposed of and often used in bombing attacks by insurgents in Iraq. 
Knowing Lava's fate if left to his own, Kopelman begins a long journey to get Lava safely into the states. Many people put their lives at risk to help in Kopelman's mission, including Anne Garrels, journalist for the National Public Radio.
In one nail-biting chapter, we realize just how dangerous the task is of getting Lava to the U.S. when Anne and Lava get to the Jordanian border. The scene is tense already as border patrol is strict and checkpoints are frequently subjected to bombings. Even a sneeze can be mistaken as a signal and can get you killed. 
Lava probably senses the tension and in one fell swoop escapes the crate and continues to have Annie chasing him around their SUV. It sounds comical but this was no laughing matter to the border patrol and Lava and Anne were turned away. 
 The hardest part to read is the frustration of Kopelman to go through this journey via email. Kopelman had to have the help of many people due to his commitment to the military and the location of his unit. Much of the book details his reactions to e-mails from Anne and also John Van Zante, director of Public Relations at the Helen Woodward Animal Center in California. John was also crucial in the fight to get Lava to a safe place. 
In April 2005, after over 6 months of striving, Lava was able to land at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois. 
Lava is now living well with Lieutenant Colonel Jay Kopelman and his wife, stepson and their other dog Koda.
We thoroughly enjoyed the book club selection and recommend this heartwarming story to other animal lovers.What did you think of Lava's story? 
Did you have any favorite parts? Comment your thoughts and stay tuned for next month's book club selection!

Season's Greetings from the staff at Hillview Veterinary Clinic

Decorating Dangers

The holidays are a great time for everyone, including your pet, but take precautions this decorating season. Glass ornaments and tinsel can be harmful if swallowed. Extension cords, if chewed, can electrocute your pet. Keep pets safe while decorating for the holiday season.

Employee of the Month

Hillview Veterinary Clinic would like to highlight Beth Trivett as our Employee of the Month. Beth has been working at Hillview for seven and a half years. She recently graduated from the Ohio State University with a bachelors degree in animal sciences. she enjoyed working with animals and spending time with her own at home! We appreciate all the contributions that Beth Trivett has made to our clinic.

 

 

Christmas Pet Safety

The holidays are quickly approaching!

This is a special time for everyone, including your furry family members. When preparing for the festivities, it is always important to consider your pets because we often don't realize that they can get sick from the things we take for granted...like the plants that we bring in for the holiday! Mistletoe, Poinsettias and Holly are a few that can be dangerous if consumed. Protect your pet as you start to decorate for the holiday season.

 

Missing a turkey wing?

Missing a turkey wing???
To make sure your dinner doesn't fly away, we want to remind you to have plenty of food and treats for your four legged friend on Thanksgiving. Remind your guests to please “do not” feed the pets. Those tasty turkey bones can splinter and perforate the stomach and other major organs. Ingesting a bone is a common holiday hazard. Cooked poultry bones may seem like the perfect gift for your pet, but do him a favor and save them for the soup. Even large cooked bones are prone to splintering, which can pierce through the animal’s intestines. Keep pets safe this Thanksgiving holiday.

Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

Rodenticides: Top 4 ingredients that kill pets

Rodenticides: Top 4 ingredients that kill pets

Veterinary practices commonly see poisonings in large and small animals due to rodenticide ingestion.

Nov 2, 2010 By: Elizabeth Greenlee, CVT, EMT, Ahna Brutlag, DVM Pet Poison Helpline

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Poisonings from ingesting rodenticides are one of the most common types of toxicities seen in veterinary practices in both large and small animal species. (Note: Relay toxicosis—poisoning from eating rodents killed by rodenticides—does not commonly occur but is possible and most often occurs in barn cats, wild predators, and birds of prey.) There are many different types of mouse and rat poisons available today, and they come in a wide variety of colors and formulations. Accurate identification of the active ingredient in these poisons is the first step for veterinarians to be able to provide effective treatment, because the ingredients vary dramatically in toxicity and mechanism of action. These poisons cannot be identified based on color or shape alone and are best identified by looking at the packaging for the name of the active ingredient or the EPA registration number. Here are the four most common active ingredients in rodenticides, their effects, and how veterinarians treat them.

1. Long-acting anticoagulants

Rodenticides containing long-acting anticoagulants as the active ingredient are the most common and well known type of mouse and rat poisons.

Mechanism of action: This type of poison works by preventing the blood from clotting, leading to internal bleeding. It will typically take at least 48 hours before this type of poison takes effect. However, if the pet has been chronically exposed to the product, the onset of clinical signs may vary.

Common signs and symptoms of poisoning: Lethargy, exercise intolerance, coughing and difficulty breathing (due to pulmonary bleeding), weakness, and pale gums are the most common and result from internal bleeding. Less common signs include vomiting and diarrhea (with or without blood), nosebleeds, bruising, weakness, bloody urine, pale gums, lack of appetite, and bleeding from the gums.

Antidote and treatment: Fortunately, this poison does have a prescription antidote called vitamin K1. Over-the-counter medications or food with high vitamin K content will not be sufficient substitutes. 

Threat: The toxicity of long-acting anticoagulants will vary greatly among active ingredients with brodifacoum being one of the most potent. The signalment of the patient also may be a factor when determining a toxic dose because animals with underlying liver or gastrointestinal disease, as well as the very young or very old, are more at risk. Certain species, such as cats, are more resistant to the effects of long-acting anticoagulants and rarely suffer poisoning. Dogs, on the other hand, can be quite sensitive and often require veterinary intervention.

2. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)

This is one of the most dangerous mice and rat poisons on the market and it seems to be gaining in popularity.

Method of action: This poison works by continuously increasing the serum calcium and phosphorus levels, which can result in secondary kidney failure.

Common signs and symptoms of poisoning: Animals may experience increased thirst and urination, be weak and lethargic, and not want to eat within the first 24 hours after ingestion. Acute kidney failure is typically noted two to four days after ingestion.

Antidote and treatment: This can be one of the most challenging rodenticides to treat, because long-term therapy, which can be costly, is required for a positive outcome. There is no specific antidote, but poisoning does respond to several prescription therapies such as IV fluids, furosemide, calcitonin, and bisphosphonates. Aggressive treatment and frequent monitoring of blood work (calcium, phosphorus, and kidney values) is often needed for a period of two to four weeks after ingestion.

Threat: Ingesting only a small amount of this poison can be potentially fatal for any animal, thus, almost all ingestions may prove toxic.

3. Bromethalin

This is a dangerous poison with a name that is often mistaken for an anticoagulant.

Method of action: Bromethalin works by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation in the brain and liver mitochondria and can result in cerebral edema (swelling of the brain) when toxic amounts are ingested.

Common signs and symptoms of poisoning: Cerebral edema may result in ataxia (incoordination), tremors, seizures, paralysis, and eventually death. The onset of clinical signs will be dose-dependent and range from two to 24 hours.

Antidote and treatment: In-hospital care for three to six days may be needed since this poison has long-lasting effects. Treatment consists of head elevation, mannitol, and other measures to reduce brain swelling.

Threat: Cats are more sensitive to the effects of bromethalin than dogs; however, the toxic dose for both animals is very small.

4. Zinc, calcium, and aluminum phosphides

These are more commonly found in mole or gopher baits, but they also may appear in some mouse and rat baits.

Method of action: This poison, once in the stomach, releases toxic phosphine gas. Food in the stomach also will increase the amount of gas produced and, therefore, increase the toxicity of the poison. Thus, feeding the patient after ingestion is not recommended.

Common signs and symptoms of poisoning: The gas produced by this poison can result in gastric distension and bloating, vomiting, abdominal pain, shock and collapse, and liver damage.

Antidote and treatment: This poison also does not have an antidote, and veterinarians should perform aggressive decontamination such as gastric lavage. During decontamination, great care needs to be taken to prevent hospital personnel from being exposed to the gas, since it is a potent respiratory irritant. Given the potential risk this gas poses for people, vomiting is best induced by veterinary professionals (not pet owners) in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.

Threat: The toxic dose is very small and nearly all patients ingesting this poison need to be examined by a veterinarian to determine if treatment is necessary.

Celebrating the holidays at your house this year?

We want to remind you to keep an eye on the foods your pet eats during this time. Some foods like chocolate or onions can be toxic to your pet, while other fatty foods such as meats and cheeses can cause pancreatitis, a painful GI condition that often requires hospitalization.  To keep your pet safe and healthy, keep hard to resist items out of reach and feed only foods and treats made specifically for him or her. Just a fall reminder from the staff at Hillview Veterinary Clinic.

Visit our Website!

Visit Hillview Veterinary Clinic's Website and learn more about our facility and the excellent veterinary care we are able to provide to your furry family members!

Click here visit our website!

Hillview Veterinary Clinic is proud to honor Mary Siebert as Staff Member of the Month!

Hillview Veterinary Clinic is proud to honor Mary Siebert as Staff Member of the Month.

Mary is the office manager at our clinic. Mary and her husband John have been married for 45 yrs!
They have lived in the Pataskala area of Ohio for the last 39 years.

Mary's Father was a veterinarian, so she has been involved in the business most of her life.
We are privileged to have Mary on our team.

November is National Pet Dental Month!

The American Veterinary Medical Association has declared November as National Pet Dental Month. To honor that occasion, the doctors and staff at Hillview Veterinary Clinic have decided to offer a 20% discount on all dental related cleaning services performed in November. If you are uncertain if your pet’s teeth need cl...eaned, we will be performing free oral examinations in November. Also, all pets who receive a dental workup and cleaning at our practice, will receive a free bag of C.E.T. Enzymatic Chews!

Tessa is our Pet of the Month!

Hillview Veterinary Clinic would like to honor Tessa as our Pet of the Month! We thank Tessa for all the contributions and love she brings to the practice!

Join our BOOK CLUB!

Join our Book Club! November’s Selection is 'From Baghdad with Love: A Marine, the War, and a Dog Named Lava', by Jay Kopelman. We encourage you to read the book this November, and on December 13th we invite you to join us in a blog discussion. Read Lava's story this month and join us for discussions on December 13th.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AMAZON.COM PAGE OF THIS MONTHS BOOK!

Keep pets safe when the weather gets colder...

If your pet enjoys playing outdoors this time of year, be sure to provide them with appropriate shelter from the cold, windy weather we can experience. Nobody likes to be stuck outside in the wind and cold. Be sure to keep an eye on your pets and let them inside if you notice the weather taking a turn for the worse. Ju...st a fall tip from your friends at Hillview Veterinary Clinic.