Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital

Year Round Flea Preventative!

2012-01-24T07:47:00.002-05:00

Year Round Flea PREVENTATIVE!

This week we will be talking about the importance of year round flea control. Even as the temperature drops, staying consistent with flea treatment for all of your animals is an important part of preventative care. This week we will discuss the basics about the flea, the life cycle, and why we recommend flea preventative even in the coldest of seasons.

If your pet is found to have fleas or evidence of fleas (flea "dirt" which is digested blood from your pet) the adult fleas are only the tip of the iceberg. Adult fleas represent only a small proportion of the flea life cycle that is present within your household and outdoor environment.

The life cycle of the flea is significant to understanding how to control an infestation. Adult fleas lay their eggs on their host (your pet), which then can be deposited anywhere your pet goes, especially onto favorite resting spots such as beds, floors, couches, etc. After passing through the larval and pupa stages, fleas will be attracted to their host and jump aboard. In efforts to rid fleas from your pets, measures around your home are just as important as the treatment given to them.

The adult flea represents only 10% of the population that you see. The remaining 90% are found in the form of the egg, pupa and larval stages. These stages are great at hiding in the carpet, areas that are dark and hidden, and therefore more difficult to target.

Using a multi-modal approach to resolving a flea problem or infestation means targeting the adult fleas on your pet, as well as addressing the other stages. Stay tuned this week to learn more basic flea facts as we try and increase awareness of this preventable condition.

Medical Conditions:

Fleas can cause a significant number of medical conditions for your pet, yourself, and your family.

Anemia: Fleas live by taking a blood meal. Many pets with chronic parasitism by fleas become anemic (have lowered blood levels) from their infestation.

Bacterial Disease: Bartonella is a bacteria that can become transmitted by fleas and cause significant medical conditions routinely seen within our feline companions (dogs can be affected as well). This bacteria can cause a number of serious medical conditions for your cat. This bacteria can also become transferred from your pet to you in the frequently termed "Cat Scratch Disease."

Parasitism: Fleas can transfer tapeworms to your pet. Humans are susceptible to tapeworms as well.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis: When fleas bite your pet, they inject their saliva which can cause cause mild to severe itchiness. Some pets are more sensitive than others and can have a severe allergic response resulting in itchiness and often self mutilation by the pet as they try and itch their skin.

Anxiety: Many animals can experience mild to severe anxiety and altered attitude/behavior due to fleas. As the fleas live on the pet as adults as long as they can, they run through the pet's fur which our pets can feel. This constant feeling of having fleas running over their skin can cause a physical anxiety. The feeling of constantly being bitten and having to itch without relief can also cause anxiety. The result of this physical and mental anxiety can result in a pet that has a depressed attitude, seems withdrawn, and less content.

Above are the most commonly seen diseases that come about as a result of a flea problem or infestation. The important thing about all of these diseases is that they are PREVENTABLE! Yes, flea medication from a reputable source such as your veterinarian is expensive. However, as responsible pet owners we are in charge of making sure our pets, and our family is protected against these potential sources of illness. Anemia, bacterial disease, parasitism and flea allergy dermatitis can all result in serious illness and expensive treatment

Flea Treatment:

Fighting a flea problem can be a difficult, costly, and time consuming affair. A multi-modal approach is needed to achieve the best result in the shortest period of time.

The House: Remember a significant portion of the flea problem remains in the eggs, pupas, and larvas around the house. Make sure to clean all bedding, blankets, and toys in the washing machine with hot water. Vacuum more than once a day focusing on the edges of the carpet. Mop the floors at least once a day, and dust all hard floor surfaces. Throw out all vacuum bags.

The Backyard: Contact a pest control agency or pesticide company to find out if a pesticide control outside might help control the flea problem.

Your Pets: Most times people have one than more pet. As fleas survive on the animal, if one animal in the house is affected they most likely all are. A comprehensive flea preventative plan for all animals within the household is needed. Invest in a high quality flea preventative such as Frontline, Revolution, or Vectra for your pet. Each product is slightly different, so be sure to contact your Veterinarian for the best suggestion for your pet and situation.

In severe situations, calling in a pesticide company may be necessary to relieve the problem. Remember that treating a flea problem takes time! The best way to prevent a problem is by using a year round flea control product for your pet without fail!

Dr. Santspree

Winter Safety and Health

2012-01-11T14:41:00.002-05:00

This week’s educational topic will focus on winter safety for your pet. As the temperature begins to drop, special considerations should be made to make sure that your pet dog, cat, or small mammal is protected against the wind, cold, snow, and other wintertime hazards. Stay tuned this week to learn important medical information, and learn a few tips to keep your pet healthy, happy, and warm this winter.

HYPOTHERMIA

Hypothermia is a concern during the winter. Hypothermia is defined as an inappropriately low body temperature due to prolonged exposure to the cold, or inadequately heated shelter. All dogs and cats, even arctic breeds or long haired breeds, are susceptible to hypothermia.

A dog or cats normal body temperature should be between 100.5-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. A drop in temperature any lower than 95 degrees Fahrenheit warrants immediate attention by a veterinarian.

Warning signs: Pay attention to your dog or cats physical behavior. Lethargy, shivering, weakness, muscle twitching, unresponsiveness/stiffness, trouble breathing, cold extremities, and pale gums are all signs of hypothermia in a dog or cat.

What to do: If you believe your dog or cat is suffering from hypothermia immediately remove them from the cold. Bring them inside, place them within a number of blankets, and begin to try and raise their body temperature. Never place hot water bottles or electric heating pads directly against a dog or cats skin, always wrap them in a towel first. If your pet’s temperature drops below 95 or is not raising back up with your efforts call your veterinarian immediately.

Prevention: Many dogs find themselves within a dog house or garage during the winter time because they have “always been an outdoor dog.” However, during extremely cold weather ALL dogs should be brought indoors, or placed within an insulated warmed garage/basement etc.

If your dog must be kept outdoors, it is your responsibility to provide an appropriate shelter. It should be sturdy, insulated, facing away from the wind, and have a large flap of plastic on the front to act as a door. It should be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around, so it can lie comfortably and maintain its body heat. DO NOT place blankets in the shelter if your dog will track in snow. Melted snow can freeze into ice (try straw instead) and cause hypothermia. Keep a thermometer in any outdoor area to monitor the temperature. Remember any animal out in the cold will require MORE food then normal, as their body works harder than normal to keep them warm.

Consider making your indoor/outdoor kitty an indoor only kitty during the winter months. Make sure a space is available to them to seek shelter on a porch, through a kitty door, kitty house, or garage. If your cat does go outside in the winter time, make sure they come in at night.

The following animals should never be outside for any significant length of time: Short haired breeds, toy breeds, geriatric animals, sick/immune-compromised animals, puppies, and kittens. These animals are at a significant risk for hypothermia as they do not have a normal ability to regulate their body temperature. If they do go outside, consider sweaters, protective booties, and other clothing to keep them warm.

Frostbite Awareness and Prevention

Dogs and cats exposed to extremely cold temperatures and wind chills for short or long periods of time can suffer from frostbite. Frostbite will affect extremities first. Cold weather causes vasoconstriction. This means that your pet’s body will constrict vessels in its extremities (tail, paws, scrotum, ears) to increase blood flow to vital organs such as brain, heart, and lungs. This leads to a decreased blood flow to susceptible areas. Pay close attention to your cat’s or dog’s ears, feet, scrotum, tail, and underside. Check for cold body parts, blue or pale skin tissue (black in severe cases) and decreased functionality (difficulty walking, using their tail, ears etc).

Symptoms:
If you notice any symptoms of frostbite immediately remove your pet from cold weather. Begin to warm them and contact your veterinarian immediately. Restoring good blood flow to all areas of the body is critical. Lasting damage is possible, and in extreme cases amputation may be necessary.

Prevention:
Minimize the risk of frostbite by being conscious of cold temperatures, wind-chill, and the length of time your pet spends outdoors. Remember they do not wear protective clothing like we do, unless you provide extra protection for them! Consider looking into winter clothing for pets, boots for their feet, and restricting their time outside to short periods. Do not assume your pet is safe because they are an arctic breed or have a long coat. Our pets rely on us to be responsible for their heath, and make appropriate decisions for them.

Anti-freeze and Winter Salts

Anti-freeze Toxicity:
During the winter months certain health hazards are more commonly seen. A prevalent cause of serious illness is the ingestion of anti-freeze. Anti-freeze is a commonly used chemical cryo-protectant for your car that is used more frequently in the winter months. When ingested anti-freeze is toxic and can lead to serious consequences for your dog or cat such as renal failure (kidney failure) and death if not treated.

Anti-freeze tends to be especially appealing for animals as many formulas often taste sweet. The main ingredient in many formulas, ethylene glycol, is severely toxic to dogs, an even more so to cats. Anti-freeze that has leaked from your car, has leaked from bottles, or is found in puddles around the neighborhood all exist as potential threats to your companion animals.

Prevention:
Some of the newer formulations contain the ingredient propylene glycol, which is not toxic to pets. Prevent ethylene glycol toxicity by making sure all chemicals are stored in areas not accessible to animals in the garage or surrounding areas. Invest in an anti-freeze solution with propylene glycol versus ethylene glycol to prevent toxicity.

Symptoms:
Symptoms of anti-freeze toxicity include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, neurological symptoms such as muscle spasms, inability to walk correctly, and urinating inappropriately. If you have any concern of ingestion, or have witnessed ingestion contact your veterinarian immediately. Treatment can be successful if instituted shortly after ingestion. Untreated ethylene glycol toxicity is often fatal, or can result in serious long term medical consequences.

Winter Salts
Pets that walk outdoors during the winter months may also become exposed to toxic ice salts and anti-freeze by licking their paws. Consider investing in boots for your pet to prevent toxic substance build up on their paws. Also consider washing your pet’s feet off anytime after they have been outside to reduce the chance of ingestion. Contact your veterinarian to learn more about toxic substances our companion animals are commonly exposed to in the winter months.

Winter Car Safety:
Most pet owners are aware that leaving your dog or cat in the car in hot weather can be dangerous. However, many people may not know leaving your pet dog or cat in the car during the cold winter months is equally dangerous. A car can quickly turn into a cold metal box for your pet, and if left for any extended period of time can result in death. In very cold weather, never leave your dog or cat alone in the car for any length of time longer than a few minutes no matter their breed or fur length!

Small Mammals:
Although not as frequently represented, small mammals can suffer the same consequences of winter dangers as cats and dogs. If you own a small mammal such as a rabbit that spends time outside during the summer, take caution in the winter. Small mammals are susceptible to hypothermia, frostbite, and toxicity. If you normally house your small mammal outside or in a garage or basement during the warmer months, you will need to provide a warmer environment for them during the winter months. Contact your veterinarian to learn more about appropriate environments for your small mammal. They rely on your responsible pet care to make sure they are safe, healthy, happy, and WARM all year round. There are a number of house friendly environments, or alternations that can be made to barns, garages or basement housing to make sure it is safe for your small mammal to live during the cold months!

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call our hospital at 518-725-8117 to speak with a licensed veterinary technician or veterinarian.

Dr. Santspree

Healthy Weight During the Winter Months

2012-01-03T12:53:00.003-05:00

This week we will be focusing on the topic of keeping your pet at a healthy weight throughout the winter. With the holidays and the cold weather, it is easy for us as humans and your pet cat/dog to gain weight. This week we will focus on a variety of techniques to try and keep your cat and dog at a healthy weight!

Canine and feline obesity is quickly becoming an epidemic. Our canine and feline friends rely on us as responsible pet owners to take the lead and do the right thing by not over feeding them. While a treat or food may make your pet happy in the moment, in the long run they will suffer. Pets that are overweight or obese suffer serious medical consequences and place strain on internal organ function and their musculoskeletal system. While a pound or two may not seem like much weight to you, on a dog or cat it is a significant amount of weight. For example: a ten pound dog that gains one pound has gained 10% of its body weight- This would be equivalent to a 200 pound person putting on another 20 pounds. In our pets, every pound matters, and overweight pets suffer from a shorter lifespan than healthy weight pets. Unhealthy body condition can place stress on joints, often leading to arthritis and musculoskeletal injuries that can result in expensive surgeries and chronic pain. Obesity can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, and places stress on internal organs such as liver and kidneys. Our overweight canine and feline friends are also more predisposed to serious and expensive medical conditions such as diabetes and often have a shorter life span.

Food is an important part of your pet’s day, and many of us take great joy in providing them with meals and snacks they enjoy. However, making sure we keep our pets at a healthy weight is part of responsible pet ownership.

Healthy Weight in our Canine Friends

When its cold outside, going for a long walk or run may not be feasible for you or your pet. As time spent inside increases, we as pet owners need to become creative in exercising our animals! Consider a few of the following suggestions to increase canine mobility in the winter months to inhibit weight gain:

Sit ups and push ups: Teach your canine the commands lay down and sit up. Using a low calorie treat or favorite toy have your dog do “push ups” by laying down and sitting up in a few repetitions at a time. Even a little activity burns calories.

Laser pointers: If your dog enjoys chasing a laser pointer or flash light, invest in one! These inexpensive tools can allow a fun chasing game around space in the house that will burn calories.

Play with your dog: Outside, its easy to throw a ball or go for a walk. Inside the house, invest in some toys and find a safe space to spend a few minutes a day with your dog throwing a toy or playing down on the floor with them. Not only will they burn calories but they will bond with you.

Commands: Teach your dog a few simple commands such as come, fetch, and follow. If your dog moves around the house with you, rather than laying on the couch or floor all day, they will burn more calories and form a closer relationship with you.

Use a treadmill: If your dog is a high energy dog that is used to long walks or runs, consider using or purchasing a treadmill. Many dogs do very well walking at a slow or medium pace on a treadmill for a short period of time. Work with your veterinarian to introduce this form of exercise with your pet.

Hide and Seek: Utilize your dogs sense of smell, especially for the hound breeds! A small treat that a pet has to work for or seek out within the house creates a fun game where exercise is rewarded.

Healthy Weights in our Feline Friends

Obesity among our companion felines increases every year. Most cats, especially during winter, get very little exercise but take in a large amount of calories. Exercising our feline friends can be a challenging goal. Consider the following to try and help increase your cat’s activity.

Toys: Try a number of different toys! While some cats may play on their own, most will need you to initiate play time. Try feather dusters, cat nip mice, shoe laces, laser pointers, boxes, bags, or any other device your cat finds worth chasing! Even 10-15 minutes a day of batting at a string will burn calories.

Climbing tree or scratching post: Many cats enjoy having a climbing tree or scratching post around. Climbing up and down a tree or repeatedly scratching their claws on a daily basis increases the movement of your cat which can result in increased weight loss.

Leashes: Try taking your cat for a walk! Although this may seem like a silly idea, some cats, especially of the larger breed may very much enjoy short walks where they can explore the outside.

Training: Believe it or not, cats can be trained! Use low calorie treats to teach your cat a number of different commands. Consider highly useful games, such as teaching your cat to go up the stairs or down the stairs to receive a low calorie treat or some cat nip. One treat for all that work is a decent goal for your cat and will burn calories.

Not sure if you pet is overweight?

Not sure if you are feeding the right amount of food?
Follow a few of these simple guidelines to keep track!

Visit your veterinarian: When you bring your pet to the veterinarian they will tell you whether or not your pet is getting a little heavy or is obese. A body condition score will be assigned which is based on a number of factors. For dogs and cats, the general rule of thumb is to not be able to see the ribs, but easily feel them if you run your hands over the chest. Your cat or dog should have an indentation or “waist” after the ribs and no excessive pads of fat. Every animal is different, therefore rely on your veterinarian to guide you as to how much weight your pet needs to loose.

Perform Weight Checks: Utilize your veterinarian for weight checks! Weighing your pet on a regular basis is great way to track their weight. Utilize your veterinarian for this purpose. If you suspect your pet has gained weight, or want to see if they have lost weight stop by the veterinary office. With scales present for all sizes of animals, stopping in to check your pets weight is a free, quick, and accurate tool for weight tracking.

Take charge of your pet’s weight today!

Prescription food: Consult with your veterinarian about starting a prescription weight loss food. These foods, such as Purina OM, are designed to have low calories and high fiber. You are often able to feed your pet more, so that they still feel full but lose weight. Prescription weight loss food can make a significant difference. Pick up your dog’s food bowl in between meals to control the amount of food given/eaten. Change your cat’s feeding from an automatic feeder to specific feeding times. Cats that are overweight should NOT have access to food all day long, whether or not it is weight loss food.

Specific treats: Control the treats you give your pet. For example, a piece of cheese for a small dog is the equivalent of eating 2 cheeseburgers. Even a little treat, or a couple milk bones can add significant weight to your pet. Stop feeding any table scraps or treats from the store, and invest in weight loss calorie controlled treats. A number of different kinds should be available at your veterinary hospital. Consider low calorie vegetables as well such as carrots and celery- many dogs love the natural sugar and crunch.

Medical weight loss: If your pet has not responded to increased exercise or decreased food intake, evaluation of your pet’s basic blood work might be advisable to rule out metabolic abnormalities. There are also medications available, such as Slentrol, that can be used to help control the appetite of your pet if they are ravenous while on a diet.

Ultimately, weight loss is challenging, especially during the winter months. Work with your pet and your veterinarian to devise a plan to attack the weight loss from different angles to achieve the best result.

Please feel free to contact Glove Cities Veterinary hospital anytime, or call to schedule an appointment at 725-8117. Our licensed technician Abbey is specifically trained in weight loss for pets, and can work with you and your pet one on one to devise a weight loss plan.

Dr. Santspree

Canine and Feline Stress

2011-12-30T18:26:00.002-05:00

During the holiday season, you may notice many of your pet dog or cat’s behavioral issues worsen. You may also notice an increase in the stress level of your pets as well. This week we will be discussing what you can do during the holidays, or any time when there ill be a large number of people around, to minimize the stress on your pets, and deal with behavioral issues.
Keep in mind most behavioral issues will need a multi-faceted approach to obtain the best results.

• Feline Holiday Stress

Felines: hiding, decreased socialness, decreased appetite, refusing to use the litter box if in a high traffic area or urinating outside of the litter box, upper respiratory infections due to stress causing a compromised immune system, aggression if cornered or forced to be handled.

Follow a few simple rules to try and reduce stress for your felines

1. Let your cat(s) decide what they want! Cats do not do well when forced into situations. If your cat seeks out the attention of your guests, then the interaction will not be stressful. However, if your cat is shy, or is trying to hide do not force them to interact with your guests. Do not allow your guests (especially young children) to pick up, hug, pet, or try and force your cat to play if they obviously do not want this interaction! Cats normally only resort to aggression when cornered or forced into a situation, and people can get hurt when trying to force a cat to be affectionate or playful.

2. Take the time to create a space for your cat(s) with a litter box, food, water, and comfy spot to lay. If there is an area your cat(s) normally hide such as a closet, specific room, or basement let them stay where they like to hide and restrict access of your guests to that area and place water, food, and a easily accessible litter box.

3. Spend extra time with your cat(s) once your guests leave. Once the commotion is over, your cat may seem either extra clingy, or may not come out for a little while. Follow your cat’s lead! If you cat is seeking out extra attention, give them a little loving! If your cat(s) wants to continue to hide, let them go and decide when they are ready.

4. Make sure your cat(s) is healthy and up to date on vaccines to reduce the risk of stress causing a compromised immune system and occurrence of disease. As well, make sure they are on a flea and tick preventative. Even if your house does not have fleas, one of your guests that is also a pet owner could transfer fleas into your house.

Canines: Aggression (usually fear based), food aggression, hyperactivity, tai down, dilated pupils, increased clinginess, hiding, vocalizing/whining, shaking, yawning, panting, loss of bowel/bladder control and destructive behavior.

Follow a few simple rules to reduce stress for your dog

1. Pay attention to your dog’s body language. If your dog is shaking, urinating, panting, whining, or constantly trying to hide or be around you, they are more than likely nervous. Do not force them to stay around people and/or small children if it makes them uncomfortable. Find a quiet room/area and provide toys, food, water, bed and/or crate to create a relaxing environment.

2. Pay attention to your dog’s reaction to strangers. If you know your dog has a tendency to become nippy with strangers or small children, do not allow your dog around your guests. If your dog does not have a history of aggression, but seems overwhelmed by the number of people, pay close attention to their body language. Signs of aggression/nervousness include a stiff body, raising of the hair on the back, showing of the teeth, growling, lowering of the head, ears back, and defensive stance.

3. Do not allow your guests to feed your dog(s). This will completely eliminate the possibility of food aggression and also eliminate the possibility of intestinal issues.

4. Try and make the experience a positive one for your dog(s). Reward your dog(s) for positive interactions, before people come over, and after they leave for good behavior. Try and keep the routine of the day the same, making sure not to neglect their normal dinner and walk times.

5. Socialize your dog. Many times behavioral issues that arise during the holidays are not seen throughout the year due to lack of socialization. Make sure to socialize your dog around people all year round to desensitize them to people.

Any behavioral abnormalities are most appropriately evaluated by your veterinarian. He or she will rule out medical reasons and form a behavior modification plan that works for you and your pet. A number of different behavior modification tools can be used to achieve your desired result of a relaxed pet. Below are a few simple things that you can try, or talk to your veterinarian about:

Exercise: Make sure you pet has plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Pent up energy can become released in anxiousness, aggression, hyperactivity, and destructive behavior. A routine exercise schedule will make sure your pet is healthy, happy, and calmer when in excitable situations

Pheromone products: Pheromones are chemicals released by an animal that are detected by a specific organ in the same species to convey a specific feeling. Scientists have been able to isolate the specific pheromone released by the mother cat or dog, sensed by the puppy and kitten, that creates a feeling of relaxation. There are a number of sprays, diffusers, and collars that can be used such as Nuturecalm in addition to other behavior modification tools to result in overall stress reduction.

Supplements: There are a number of safe supplements that utilize natural ingredients and effective proven substances to result in decreased stress such as the product Anxitane. Like the other products, this is best utilized in conjunction with a comprehensive behavior modification plan created by you and your veterinarian together.

Training: Dogs and cats can benefit from training. Training is not only a way to teach your pet how you would like them to behave, but to stimulate their minds and create a goal for their behavior. Clicker training, desensitization towards people, positive reward systems, and a recommendation from your veterinarian for a reputable trainer may all help the overall goal of behavior modification.

Animal behavior is a complex topic. All serious behavior concerns or questions should be directed at your veterinarian as they are your most reputable source for medical advice and behavior modification tools. Serious canine aggression should be addressed immediately with help from professionals. Please do not hesitate to call Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital to discuss any concerns or ask any questions at 725-8117. We hope this postings have provided some useful information!

Dr. Santspree, Audrey LVT, Jen, LVT

2011-12-20T18:18:00.001-05:00

Gastrointestinal Obstruction

During the holiday season, there are a number of new and potentially dangerous objects around the house that if eaten by your dog or cat could cause an obstruction within the gastrointestinal tract (mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and colon).

Our Canine friends will naturally be curious about the different smells that abound during the holidays. Please remember that bones from turkey, chicken, steak etc are not appropriate for your dog, no matter his/her size, to chew on. Not only can they cause pancreatitis (a painful abdominal condition resulting in inflammation of the pancreas most commonly associated with intake of rich fatty foods) but obstruction from bones is a commonly seen emergency. Bones from your holiday dinner can splinter, which can result in irritation of your dog’s entire gastrointestinal tract, or more seriously perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. Larger pieces of bone can become lodges in the esophagus, in the stomach as it empties into the intestines, or anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of obstruction in our canine friends include lethargy, lack of appetite, repeated vomiting, diarrhea, distended and painful belly, and a change in overall mentation. If you notice any of these symptoms a call to your veterinarian is warranted.

If your dog or cat does show signs of intestinal obstruction, please contact a veterinarian or the emergency hospital as soon as possible. When your pet is evaluated, a number of different questions will be asked to obtain a thorough history. A full examination will need to be performed, which should include a thorough inspection of the oral cavity. If your dog or cat is too fractious or a doctor is unable to examine the patient fully, sedation may be required. Depending on the results of the full physical examination and history- further diagnostics may be advised such as radiographs (x-rays) of the throat and gastrointestinal tract in addition to blood work. Blood work can provide important clues about the presence of an inflammatory response to a foreign body, the possibility of perforation of the intestinal tract, and if the patient is potentially stable enough if surgery is needed. Keep in mind that dogs an cats cannot let us know what they ate, and where they hurt. We need your help as responsible pet owners to work through a history, physical exam, and diagnostics to provide the best care possible for your pet.

If your dog or cat is diagnosed with a gastrointestinal obstruction, or has a high likelihood of obstruction due to the evidence found on history, physical exam, and diagnostics there are a number of conservative vs. proactive approaches to treatment. If a dog or cat has a severely painful abdomen and evidence of an obstruction- surgery may be the recommended course of action to physically remove the obstruction and return the animal back to health. Dogs and cats showing much milder symptoms could benefit from conservative care, such as no food for 24 hours, anti-nausea medication, fluid therapy and a gentle diet. As there are other disease processes that can show similar symptoms, such as pancreatitis and dietary indiscretion, working with your veterinarian to come up with the best plan possible for both you and your pet is always a part of the discussion.

Left untreated, a gastrointestinal obstruction that does not pass through the gastrointestinal tract can lead to lack of blood supply and possible necrosis (death) of that area of intestine, possible perforation or ulceration of the intestinal tract, and ultimately possible death. Even if an obstruction does pass, it can cause significant trauma to the gastrointestinal tract that may cause residual symptoms. If you are concerned, please do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian or closest emergency hospital.

Dr. Santspree

Back on Blogger!

2011-12-19T14:58:00.003-05:00

Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital is excited to announce that we will begin to start re-porting on Blogger! As we continue to expand our social network, our Blogger profile will allow us to bring you educational material that we have posted on our other sites such as twitter, google plus and face book in one area! We hope that our page will help serve as an area within which information will be available on a number of different but equally important pet ownership topics! Please stay tuned as we continue to try and provide your the best care possible for your beloved pet in the hospital, and over the internet.

Dr. Santspree

Updated Pictures !!

2009-07-16T16:17:00.008-04:00

Ribbon Cutting

Isolation

ICU

Digital X-Ray

Surgery Prep and Scrub Area

Exam Staging

Workstations Outside of ICU

Treatment

Doctors Workstation

Treatment

Reception

Comfort Room

Specialty Room

Waiting Area

Administration Area

Open House

2009-06-04T20:22:00.002-04:00

Open house Saturday, June 13th from 11AM-3PM at our new location, 35 Harrison Street, Gloversville, NY 12078 Mark your calendars now!

New Update

2009-05-04T12:56:00.002-04:00

Mark your calendars now!

2009-04-28T12:09:00.002-04:00

At Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital, we are excited to announce the opening of our new, state of the art veterinary facility on May 18th.

Our hospital will be moving from 331 Steele Avenue Extension in Gloversville to 35 Harrison Street in Gloversville across from the little league ballfields.

We will also be having an open house Saturday, June 13th from 11AM-3PM. Mark your calendars now!

Love to "Tweet" ? Follow us on Twitter

2009-04-27T23:47:00.004-04:00

Join us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/GloveCitiesVets

Twitter is a free social messaging utility for staying connected in real-time.

Follow us on Twitter for the latest updates.

FIRST, if you don’t have a free Twitter account then sign up at https://twitter.com/home

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New Updates......

2009-04-27T23:13:00.004-04:00

Coffee Station In Waiting Area

Reception Counter

Another Look At The Logo

Reception, Logo In Stained Glass

Treatment Area-Looking into Surgery

Exam Rooms

Treatment

Exam Corridor

Isolation Room

Back Hallway

Sidewalk

On the move !! Update

2009-04-27T08:14:00.004-04:00

Back of the counter

Hallway

Front Counter

Sign

Updates !!!

2009-02-12T00:49:00.014-05:00

Wiring the reception area for data and phone

Corridor outside the exam rooms

Starting to sheetrock

Reception area

Looking into the ICU ward.

The Licensed Technician's workstation will be outside of the ICU.

The open area will be glass, allowing visibility to all patients in the ICU.

2009-01-07T02:13:00.000-05:00

We're On The Move

2008-12-28T16:12:00.000-05:00

Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital is in the very early stages of moving our practice to a new and larger facility. Although the move will not happen for many months, we are excited to share the news !

Our new facility will be centrally located between Johnstown and Gloversville, very convenient for all. The new location will be 35 Harrison Street, Gloversville NY.

The new facility will provide our patients with the most advanced and quality medical care available, and will enable us to offer additional services over time. It will also allow us to continue to offer the compassionate care and services that you have come to expect.

Thank You To All Of Our Clients And Patients
For Your Continued Support

We will continue to update everyone on our progress

331 Steele Avenue Extension

Gloversville, NY 12078

Please feel free to call us at (518) 725-8117