First Street Veterinary Hospital

Many of you know my large black cat Pokey. He used to be the clinic cat here until he started attacking dogs–not good for public relations! So he came home to live with me–he still attacks dogs but mine usually deserve it. He also has acquired the ultimate bad habit of chasing cars. We live on a cul-de-sac and he will wait a few houses up and then dash out in front of my car, then meander up the driveway in front of me. Well a few weeks ago Katie and I were coming home late on a Saturday and Pokey jumped out in front of us. As we were inching up the driveway at cat pace we heard a bump. We jumped out to look but Pokey was nowhere to be found.

By Monday night we still had not seen him. We put posters up around the neighborhood, went out calling him, looked everywhere we could think. Katie was becoming distraught. Tuesday morning I called Harry Oakes–he is a search and rescue person in Longview, WA. He came down within a couple hours with 2 search and rescue dogs. They immediately got on Pokey’s scent and started tracking. The dogs can tell the difference between live, injured, and dead scent and this was a live scent, not badly injured. We tracked him through a neighbor’s yard, through the park, across a road, through some townhouses and ended at a locked RV parking storage. And there we were stuck. Harry recommended that I leave a urine trail from the RV storage to home (yes–pee in a spray bottle, dilute it, and leave a trail home). He said most animals will eventually follow a trail home in 5-7 days.

That was Tuesday, by Sunday we were starting to lose hope. Katie and I headed to the bus stop Monday morning and guess who was waiting–Pokey! He was limping pretty badly but seemed okay otherwise. So off to the clinic for some xrays. He’s got a fractured pelvis in two places but it is not displaced and should heal without surgery after 4-6 weeks of rest. Otherwise all is okay. So he now lives in my bedroom–in the lap of luxury, no dogs to harass, all the food and water he needs, and me to purr against and try to wake up at odd hours of the night.

Here’s some advice from Harry Oakes: if you have multiple pets comb each one, save the hair in a paper envelope, on the front write down vital information such as name, age, microchip number. Store the envelopes in a dry, cool area. That way if you ever need a scent for a track you have it all ready.  It was really interesting to watch the dogs get on the scent and follow it.

Congratulations to Michael and Diane Sarver. They have won a $100 credit to their veterinary account for referring Hans Lundin and his dog Senna.

Do you want to win also? All you have to do is refer your friends, family and acquaintances to us. When they come in and mention your name, you are entered into a raffle to win $100.

And something new we are instituting–you automatically get a $20 credit placed on your account, and still get the chance to win an additional $100.

So make sure anyone you refer knows your name and lets us know!

Every year the PVMA (Portland Veterinary Medical Association) has held a holiday pet food and supplies drive. This year they have decided to move the drive to February in an effort to spread the giving out a bit. Because of recent large scale rescue efforts and the depletion of community pet food banks, there is a huge need for donations. Recipients of the donations will be the Portland Animal Welfare Team, The Feral Cat Coalition, The Cat Adoption Team, and several other area shelters.

We will have a container in the lobby for anyone that would like to donate.

Items needed:

• unopened dry, canned or pouch foods–any good quality brand
• new or gently used collars, leashes, harnesses
• new dog or cat toys
• new or gently used warm pet clothing–sweatshirts, raingear, etc.
• towels/blankets (no dog or cat beds please)
• over the counter products such as dental/oral care, shampoo and supplements, flea control products
• general pet care supplies
• medications, expired or unexpired, sealed or unsealed

They are not able to take pet carriers, crates or dog houses/igloos.

Please bring the supplies to the clinic any time between now and the end of February and we will deliver them to the PVMA. Thank you in advance for all donations.

Congratulations to Suzie Spencer the winner of our December drawing for referring her Mom Frances Spencer.  Suzie gets $100 credit here at the hospital.

You could win too!  When you refer another client to us, we put your name in a bowl up front by reception.  Then, every month we draw one name and award $100 in hospital credit.  You actually get 3 chances at that drawing–we leave your entry in the bowl for 3 months.

Just let your friends, family or acquaintances know to tell us who referred them to us and we’ll put your name in the bowl.  They win too because their first exam as a new client is only $22.50 per pet!

Click here to give your friend, relative or aquaintance a first visit coupon.

Born 09-09-09! Some lucky puppies. Bred our female first and only time for the benefit of our 9 year old daughters experience of raising and caring for newborn puppies. I wanted my daughter to share what I did as I grew up to be a Veterinarian.

You can arrange to come by my animal hospital in Lake Oswego to view them. First Street Veterinary Hospital 545 First Street, Lake Oswego. 503-697-5600. They are living at home right now, but I can bring them to work with me if I know you’re coming.

Daisy (Female), (you can change the names still, they’re not accustomed yet) is a lover! The first to wag her tail, she was the first born and comes to life when you make eye contact. Very outgoing with the neighbor kids and is used to all the handling.

Dogatella Verpoochy (Female), is the stylin’ one. Has the cutest diamond white patch on her chest. She’s inquisitive and a little sensitive. When the big dogs bark she will run for cover. After play time, she’s the first to want to cuddle.

Both are first stage potty trained…still a few accidents, but hey they’re only 10 weeks old.

If you plan on being one of our clients (and we really hope you do as my daughter would love to keep in touch with the puppies), I’ll give you $50 off your first wellness visit (when needed). Both pups are already de-wormed (twice) and have their first shots (Distemper, Adeno Virus and Parvo).

AKC Purebred Pug Puppies

Summer brings new challenges to your pet’s lives. They depend on you for all their needs.

Here are some helpful reminders for a safe, happy and healthy summer for your pets:

Traveling in Cars -

• Short Trips- A vented car in the shade on a sunny day of even 78 can warm up to 90 degrees very quickly. A car left in direct sunlight on the same day can reach in excess of 140 degrees in minutes! Animals can succumb to heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes.  Dogs can’t cool off like we can. Remember they are wearing fur coats at all times. Plus their skin doesn’t sweat. They cool off by panting—but this also dehydrates them quickly. Long-haired or short-faced breeds are much more prone to heat stroke.

• Long Trips- If your pet is not used to car travel it can be a very anxious trip. You need to consider how you will take care of the animal during all parts of the trip. If it is hot out will you be stopping for lunch? Leaving the pet in the car even for a short lunch can cause problems. How about potty breaks? Does the car have air conditioning? Where will you be spending the night? There are many pet-friendly hotels available now but these need to be determined before setting off. Also some state and national parks do not allow pets, even if they stay in the car.

At Home -

• Water should be available both inside and out at all times. And make sure to change the outdoor water regularly in case of bugs, leaves, and dirt that may get in it.
• Many common plants can be toxic to pets—for good information check out this website for types: http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/index.html
• Slug bait is very common this time of year and can be dangerous for our pets. Slug and snail bait is commonly shaped in pellets and flavored with molasses. A very small amount of bait is needed for toxicity. There are pet-safe alternatives.
• For indoor only cats, summer can be a time for escape. Often we accidently leave windows or doors open and the cat will start to explore. Be aware of this especially during holidays or when there is a gathering of people. Another good reason for a HomeAgain type microchip identification implant.

Exercise -

• Summer is a great time to get out and exercise. But we have to be cautious on how exercise is approached. Short faced breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, and Pekinese have a lot harder time with exercise if they are not properly conditioned. Also overweight and long-haired breeds cannot tolerate exercise as well as others. It is always best to exercise in the cooler parts of the day. Remember to bring water for your dogs on hikes. Also if hiking in rough areas, dog booties can really save a dog’s feet from injury.  They do hike barefoot after all.
• Swimming can be a wonderful exercise for many dogs. But there are some precautions to take. First—not all dogs enjoy swimming. So if your dog is a non-swimmer don’t force the issue. Second—even though dogs can be very good swimmers they can still get into trouble, especially in a fast moving river or past the shallows in a lake. A pet floatation device is a good idea for many swimming dogs.
• Third—if your dog is swimming in a pool, make sure they know how to get out when they are done.

Holidays-

• Holidays can be very stressful for our pets. Often times there are many extra people around, open doors, and fireworks. Consider how your pet reacts to these stresses and plan for them before they arrive. Generally a quiet room or crate is the best area during high activity times. If your dog is overly sensitive to fireworks there are medications your veterinarian can prescribe to take the edge off.
• Barbecues can entice even the best behaved dog. Unfortunately, getting a lot of different foods can cause gastric upset and even pancreas issues. Making sure to keep the human food for the humans can avoid tummy upset for our four legged friends.

U.S. and Canada to Increase Scrutiny of Flea and Tick Pet Products

Release date: 04/16/2009

Contact Information: (News media only) Dale Kemery, 202-564-7839/4355 / kemery.dale@epa.gov (Other inquiries: Doug Parsons, 202-564-0341 / parsons.douglas@epa.gov

(Washington, DC – April 16, 2009) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is intensifying its evaluation of spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick control for pets due to recent increases in the number of reported incidents. Adverse reactions reported range from mild effects such as skin irritation to more serious effects such as seizures and, in some cases, the death of pets.

Flea and tick products can be appropriate treatments for protecting your pets and your family’s health because fleas and ticks can transmit disease. While many people use the products with no harm to their pets, EPA recommends that pet owners take precautions when using these products. People should carefully follow label directions and monitor their pets for any signs of an adverse reaction after application, particularly when using these products for the first time. Pet owners may also want to consult a veterinarian about the responsible and effective use of flea and tick products.

Incidents with flea and tick products can involve the use of spot-on treatments, sprays, collars and shampoos. However, the majority of the incidents reported to EPA are related to flea and tick treatments with EPA-registered spot-on products. Spot-on products are generally sold in tubes or vials and are applied to one or more localized areas on the body of the pet, such as in between the shoulders or in a stripe along the back. This advisory pertains only to EPA-registered spot-on flea and tick products; these products have an EPA registration number on the label.

Health Canada has identified similar concerns about the use of spot-on flea and tick products. Health Canada and EPA will meet shortly with spot-on product manufacturers to address the issue, including whether further restrictions are necessary to protect the health of pets.

EPA recommends that veterinarians use the National Pesticide Information Center’s Veterinary Pesticide Adverse Effects Reporting portal to report incidents: http://npic.orst.edu/vet

More information on pet products and safety tips: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/pets.htm

Pets are often the forgotten family member when it comes to exercise and diet. It’s important that these pets maintain a healthy weight and get proper exercise.

Overweight and out of shape pets are more prone to heart disease, arthritis, pancreatitis, ligament and tendon difficulties, breathing problems, diabetes and occasionally skin conditions from not being able to groom themselves properly. Nobody wants to hear the news that their pet has a serious condition that was preventable. Prevention is always the best medicine.

One long term study showed that pets at their ideal body weight lived 15 percent longer, an average of 2 years!

So we’re sponsoring a program for spring/summer weight management. Actually, we’re going to turn it into a contest!

The contest is two fold. First, weights will be taken and a plan for diet will be arranged with Dr. Julie. A contract with the owner will be signed, pledging not to give treats and come in for regular weigh-ins. Second, the clinic will sponsor a daily walk and talk, providing a meeting place for owners to socialize and share stories while supporting each other to get some needed exercise.

There will be prizes for 1st Place and two runners up in both a dog and cat division. Weight loss will be determined as a percentage of total body weight, so all breeds have an equal chance at winning. A mix of prizes from local companies, Bark Busters®, Invisible Fence®, Lake Oswego Dog Shoppe groomers and others will combine for gift baskets totaling upwards of $500 in the prize pool.

Contest Details:
First Street Veterinary Hospital
545 First Street
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
503-697-5600
www.firststreetvet.com
Free Registration Begins April 15th
First Weigh-in Friday April, 24th and Saturday April, 25th
Daily Walk and Talk, Noon at the Clinic
Final Weigh-out Friday August, 28th

We would like to announce the beginning of our curbside service. Is it rotten weather, kids sleeping in the car, elderly and hard to get around?? If you need to pick up food or medications, drop off lab samples, or drop off your pet—just call us when you arrive and we will come out to the car. 503-697-5600.

You can give the receptionist credit card info over the phone or if dropping off a pet you can give all the history via phone. Then our staff will be out with your products or to pick up your pet. We hope this will help in many situations.

We carry Hills, Royal Canin, Purina, and Iams foods—however we carry a limited selection of types. We can order any foods from these companies given enough time. There is generally a 50# weight minimum of each type (except Hills) to avoid a shipping fee.
Generally Hills is ordered on Tuesday morning for Wednesday delivery and the others are ordered on Wednesday morning for Thursday delivery. We almost always order Hills on a weekly basis but often go 2-4 weeks for the other foods. If you need any of these foods please keep the order and delivery dates in mind and leave enough time so as not to run out.