SylvaniaVetFYIPage

March 2004 FYI
A MONTHLY E-PUBLICATION OF THE SYLVANIA VETERINARY HOSPITAL

REMEMBER TO GIVE YOUR DOG ITS MONTHLY HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE

DURING THE DESIGN PROCESS OF THE NEW HOSPITAL ALL DECISIONS WERE BASED ON THREE PRINCIPLES. Function, durability and cost were given equal importance in all decisions. We looked for materials that enabled us to build our state of the art facility at below going rates for building of the hospital's size and complexity. The high impact wall finish in each exam room is a new paint that contains kevlar. We have found the surface easy to clean. The most difficult decision we made was what flooring to select. After a great deal of research we selected the uniquely designed concrete overlay floor you seen in the reception-exam areas. In the hospital treatment and kennel areas we used a stained and hardened concrete floor. It looks great and without all the grout lines of tile all our carts and machines roll freely without clatter. Some final finishing is being completed that will give all the floors a durable glossy appearance.

THE DECORATIVE GLASS PANELS HANGING over the reception counter were originally designed by a local company, Level 2. A Sylvania glass artist, Mike Rothfuss, did the final artwork and creation of the panels. The panels have a beautiful sand blasted animal at the bottom. Mid-way up the nine-foot panel is an area of Jack Frost like finish called glue chipping. The panels hang on stainless steel cables attached to the ceiling of the 29-foot copula. Be sure to take a close look at our unique decorative panels that represent the full range of pets for which we provide care.

RECENTLY, A NATIONAL VETERINARY PUBLICATION highlighted our regular use of fluid administration pumps. A standard procedure in human hospitals, fluid pumps that enable the delivery of an exact amount of IV fluids each hour is not common in most veterinary practices. We have been using pumps regularly for over 15 years. We now have at least 12 pumps and frequently have them all in use. Fluid pumps prevent a pet from getting too much or too little fluid each hour.

LIKE NOAH'S ARK many of the areas in the new Sylvania Vet come in twos. Two treatment areas, one for dogs only and one for cats. A pair of dental tables will enable us to increase the number of dental cleanings we schedule daily. Two sterile surgery rooms enable two surgeons to work simultaneously. Many practices do not have even one dedicated sterile surgery room. Two imaging rooms, one for x-ray and one for ultrasound. Two kennels, one for dogs and one for cats. Two entries to keep it from getting crowded and dogs and cats having to mix together. Two day care play areas, one inside and one outside. Two staff areas, one a first floor lunchroom and another second floor locker room.

URINARY HEALTH DIETS found in the grocery store are not necessarily good for your cat's urinary health. Most of these diets base their claims on reduced ash and urinary acidification. This circumstance will not manage or prevent many urinary problems. These diets may actually predispose your cat to developing calcium oxalate stones. If your cat has had a diet related urinary problem we will prescribe the appropriate prescription diet. If your cat doesn't require a special diet we encourage you to feed an age appropriate premium diet.

EXPECTANT PARENTS SHOULD FEEL FREE to ask us questions concerning how to deal with unwanted advice concerning their pets and the new baby. In almost every case there is no difficulty introducing the new baby and your dogs or cats. Pregnant women should not clean their cat's litter box. Toxoplasmosis is the concern, but much more in theory than reality. Healthy, indoor cats have almost no opportunity for Toxo exposure. In reality undercooked beef, pork and unwashed garden veggies pose a more significant risk for the expectant mom from Toxoplasmosis. We have several more recommendations to help your dog when the baby comes home. Be sure to ask for this advice at your next visit.

LITTER BOX CLEANLINESS is the single most important issue when a cat begins to void outside the litter box. Some cats will not use a box with even one mess. Others avoid the box because of the nature of the litter, the location of the box, whether the box is open or covered, if there are additives in the litter and the number of boxes relative to the number of cats in the house. We recommend that you have one box per cat plus one additional. In a multi-cat household each floor should have at least one box. Additives are a poor substitute for cleanliness. Clean boxes do not smell but to a cat deodorant litters can smell "bad" enough to drive them away. Plain clay or clumping litter is your best choice. An herb-supplemented litter, Cat Attract, seems to be the exception to the no additive theory. The sooner you contact us about your cats inappropriate elimination the better chance we will have helping you solve the problem.

DR BOB AND STAR 105 have teamed up to air "Ask Dr. Bob" every other week. Dr Bob will be part of the morning wakeup bunch, Franceman, Lyn and Chris from 6:40-7:10 AM every other week. His next session will be Friday, March 5. The first broadcast was Feb. 20 and went very well. Be sure to listen and call in if you have a question that would be of interest to the listeners. Star 105's and our web site will link to each other so that off air questions can be answered in a timely manner.

PLANNED PET HOOD will be holding their annual major fundraiser, PAW HOORAH, Saturday, March 27 at the Toledo Country Club. We have provided several silent auction items that should be of interest to all pet owners. We are sending two staff members to support this worthwhile organization. We encourage you to support PPH by attending the event. You may learn more about Paw Hoorah by contacting Planned Pet Hood at 419-826-3499.

DR ROSS HAS BEEN SELECTED by Pfizer to become a local expert in two anesthetic products, DOMITOR AND ANTISEDAN. The training sessions are scheduled in April in Chicago. After he has completed his training he will of course pass his knowledge on to our other doctors and techs. A meeting for other local veterinarians and techs will also be presented at out office.

SUNDAY, MARCH 28 will find the local German Shepherd Club hosting a puppy match in our learning center. Spectators are welcome, as are puppies of all ages. If you would like to learn more about the event call the office, 419-885-4421 or stop in and pick up a flyer.

MRI TECHNOLOGY IS COMING TO SYLVANIA VET. This highly accurate technology for diagnosing internal problems has not been readily available to veterinarians. Only universities and a few specialty practices have had access to human hospital MRI machines. Human hospitals are reluctant to allow pets to use their equipment and when allowed it is at undesirable times. A mobile MRI unit has been dedicated to animal only use. Housed in a 38' trailer the Veterinary Resonance Imaging unit will offer services to pets in Ohio and Michigan. Sylvania Vet has been selected to be the NW Ohio site of the VRI trailer. We are very excited to be part of this leading edge technology. We expect pets from all over the state will be referred to us for MRI's.

DR SABRA ATTENDED a national veterinary conference in Las Vagas last month. After attending four days of meetings she traveled to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. She did an internship at Best Friends while in school at Tennessee. It was exciting for her to renew friendships and help them with their mission of caring for all the unwanted animals in their care.

MIDWEST ANIMAL BLOOD BANK AND Sylvania Vet is going to combine to hold a canine blood drive at our hospital. Details have not been worked out as yet. Once time and date has been determined dogs between 1-5 years, over 50 pounds, and well behaved can be signed up for the blood bank. There will be no cost to the pet's family. Each dog will receive a free blood typing, blood analysis and of course a gift. Look for more information in future FYI's. We are also looking for more universal donors for our in-hospital blood bank.

HEARTWORM DISEASE IS GROWING in the US. In spite of education efforts by veterinarians, the American Heartworm Society and pharmaceutical companies, over 250,000 cases of heartworm were diagnosed in cats and dogs in 2000. At the same time the number of pets taking preventative has decreased from a high of 66% in 1988 to 55% in 2001. Expect to have us spend more time teaching you about canine and feline heartworm and strongly recommending monthly preventative. Our primary medication for dogs is Heartgard Plus. In cats, even 100% indoor cats, we recommend heartworm protection. Heartgard for cats, Interceptor for Cats and Revolution are all recommended. Dogs should take Heartgard year round. Cats should take their medication for at least seven months but preferably April through December.

MEMORIES LIVE ON ANIMAL FOUNDATION will dedicate its memorial garden in May or June. The exact date is waiting until the landscaping is completed. Once scheduled, all clients but especially those that have purchased memorial bricks or wind chimes will be invited to attend the dedication ceremony. The foundation has made available two $500 scholarships to high school seniors interested in veterinary medicine. If you know anyone that might be a candidate for the scholarships please ask for the application at the front desk. Local high school guidance counselors should also have information.

DID YOU KNOW…

		*Sylvania Veterinary Hospital* *www.sylvaniavet.com* FYI
Previous FYI Bibliography 2001 January February March April May June July August September October November December 2002 January February March April May June July August September October November December 2003 January February March April May June July August September October November December 2004 January February Better Business Bureau		March 2004 FYI A MONTHLY E-PUBLICATION OF THE SYLVANIA VETERINARY HOSPITAL REMEMBER TO GIVE YOUR DOG ITS MONTHLY HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE DURING THE DESIGN PROCESS OF THE NEW HOSPITAL ALL DECISIONS WERE BASED ON THREE PRINCIPLES. Function, durability and cost were given equal importance in all decisions. We looked for materials that enabled us to build our state of the art facility at below going rates for building of the hospital's size and complexity. The high impact wall finish in each exam room is a new paint that contains kevlar. We have found the surface easy to clean. The most difficult decision we made was what flooring to select. After a great deal of research we selected the uniquely designed concrete overlay floor you seen in the reception-exam areas. In the hospital treatment and kennel areas we used a stained and hardened concrete floor. It looks great and without all the grout lines of tile all our carts and machines roll freely without clatter. Some final finishing is being completed that will give all the floors a durable glossy appearance. THE DECORATIVE GLASS PANELS HANGING over the reception counter were originally designed by a local company, Level 2. A Sylvania glass artist, Mike Rothfuss, did the final artwork and creation of the panels. The panels have a beautiful sand blasted animal at the bottom. Mid-way up the nine-foot panel is an area of Jack Frost like finish called glue chipping. The panels hang on stainless steel cables attached to the ceiling of the 29-foot copula. Be sure to take a close look at our unique decorative panels that represent the full range of pets for which we provide care. RECENTLY, A NATIONAL VETERINARY PUBLICATION highlighted our regular use of fluid administration pumps. A standard procedure in human hospitals, fluid pumps that enable the delivery of an exact amount of IV fluids each hour is not common in most veterinary practices. We have been using pumps regularly for over 15 years. We now have at least 12 pumps and frequently have them all in use. Fluid pumps prevent a pet from getting too much or too little fluid each hour. LIKE NOAH'S ARK many of the areas in the new Sylvania Vet come in twos. Two treatment areas, one for dogs only and one for cats. A pair of dental tables will enable us to increase the number of dental cleanings we schedule daily. Two sterile surgery rooms enable two surgeons to work simultaneously. Many practices do not have even one dedicated sterile surgery room. Two imaging rooms, one for x-ray and one for ultrasound. Two kennels, one for dogs and one for cats. Two entries to keep it from getting crowded and dogs and cats having to mix together. Two day care play areas, one inside and one outside. Two staff areas, one a first floor lunchroom and another second floor locker room. URINARY HEALTH DIETS found in the grocery store are not necessarily good for your cat's urinary health. Most of these diets base their claims on reduced ash and urinary acidification. This circumstance will not manage or prevent many urinary problems. These diets may actually predispose your cat to developing calcium oxalate stones. If your cat has had a diet related urinary problem we will prescribe the appropriate prescription diet. If your cat doesn't require a special diet we encourage you to feed an age appropriate premium diet. EXPECTANT PARENTS SHOULD FEEL FREE to ask us questions concerning how to deal with unwanted advice concerning their pets and the new baby. In almost every case there is no difficulty introducing the new baby and your dogs or cats. Pregnant women should not clean their cat's litter box. Toxoplasmosis is the concern, but much more in theory than reality. Healthy, indoor cats have almost no opportunity for Toxo exposure. In reality undercooked beef, pork and unwashed garden veggies pose a more significant risk for the expectant mom from Toxoplasmosis. We have several more recommendations to help your dog when the baby comes home. Be sure to ask for this advice at your next visit. LITTER BOX CLEANLINESS is the single most important issue when a cat begins to void outside the litter box. Some cats will not use a box with even one mess. Others avoid the box because of the nature of the litter, the location of the box, whether the box is open or covered, if there are additives in the litter and the number of boxes relative to the number of cats in the house. We recommend that you have one box per cat plus one additional. In a multi-cat household each floor should have at least one box. Additives are a poor substitute for cleanliness. Clean boxes do not smell but to a cat deodorant litters can smell "bad" enough to drive them away. Plain clay or clumping litter is your best choice. An herb-supplemented litter, Cat Attract, seems to be the exception to the no additive theory. The sooner you contact us about your cats inappropriate elimination the better chance we will have helping you solve the problem. DR BOB AND STAR 105 have teamed up to air "Ask Dr. Bob" every other week. Dr Bob will be part of the morning wakeup bunch, Franceman, Lyn and Chris from 6:40-7:10 AM every other week. His next session will be Friday, March 5. The first broadcast was Feb. 20 and went very well. Be sure to listen and call in if you have a question that would be of interest to the listeners. Star 105's and our web site will link to each other so that off air questions can be answered in a timely manner. PLANNED PET HOOD will be holding their annual major fundraiser, PAW HOORAH, Saturday, March 27 at the Toledo Country Club. We have provided several silent auction items that should be of interest to all pet owners. We are sending two staff members to support this worthwhile organization. We encourage you to support PPH by attending the event. You may learn more about Paw Hoorah by contacting Planned Pet Hood at 419-826-3499. DR ROSS HAS BEEN SELECTED by Pfizer to become a local expert in two anesthetic products, DOMITOR AND ANTISEDAN. The training sessions are scheduled in April in Chicago. After he has completed his training he will of course pass his knowledge on to our other doctors and techs. A meeting for other local veterinarians and techs will also be presented at out office. SUNDAY, MARCH 28 will find the local German Shepherd Club hosting a puppy match in our learning center. Spectators are welcome, as are puppies of all ages. If you would like to learn more about the event call the office, 419-885-4421 or stop in and pick up a flyer. MRI TECHNOLOGY IS COMING TO SYLVANIA VET. This highly accurate technology for diagnosing internal problems has not been readily available to veterinarians. Only universities and a few specialty practices have had access to human hospital MRI machines. Human hospitals are reluctant to allow pets to use their equipment and when allowed it is at undesirable times. A mobile MRI unit has been dedicated to animal only use. Housed in a 38' trailer the Veterinary Resonance Imaging unit will offer services to pets in Ohio and Michigan. Sylvania Vet has been selected to be the NW Ohio site of the VRI trailer. We are very excited to be part of this leading edge technology. We expect pets from all over the state will be referred to us for MRI's. DR SABRA ATTENDED a national veterinary conference in Las Vagas last month. After attending four days of meetings she traveled to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. She did an internship at Best Friends while in school at Tennessee. It was exciting for her to renew friendships and help them with their mission of caring for all the unwanted animals in their care. MIDWEST ANIMAL BLOOD BANK AND Sylvania Vet is going to combine to hold a canine blood drive at our hospital. Details have not been worked out as yet. Once time and date has been determined dogs between 1-5 years, over 50 pounds, and well behaved can be signed up for the blood bank. There will be no cost to the pet's family. Each dog will receive a free blood typing, blood analysis and of course a gift. Look for more information in future FYI's. We are also looking for more universal donors for our in-hospital blood bank. HEARTWORM DISEASE IS GROWING in the US. In spite of education efforts by veterinarians, the American Heartworm Society and pharmaceutical companies, over 250,000 cases of heartworm were diagnosed in cats and dogs in 2000. At the same time the number of pets taking preventative has decreased from a high of 66% in 1988 to 55% in 2001. Expect to have us spend more time teaching you about canine and feline heartworm and strongly recommending monthly preventative. Our primary medication for dogs is Heartgard Plus. In cats, even 100% indoor cats, we recommend heartworm protection. Heartgard for cats, Interceptor for Cats and Revolution are all recommended. Dogs should take Heartgard year round. Cats should take their medication for at least seven months but preferably April through December. MEMORIES LIVE ON ANIMAL FOUNDATION will dedicate its memorial garden in May or June. The exact date is waiting until the landscaping is completed. Once scheduled, all clients but especially those that have purchased memorial bricks or wind chimes will be invited to attend the dedication ceremony. The foundation has made available two $500 scholarships to high school seniors interested in veterinary medicine. If you know anyone that might be a candidate for the scholarships please ask for the application at the front desk. Local high school guidance counselors should also have information. DID YOU KNOW… If you bring your baby to a hospital visit there is a changing table in the front rest room? A Rubbermaid pull down changing table and disposable cover is available for your convenience and privacy. You should not feed grapes or raisins to your dog. This very flavorful fruit can be toxic to your dog's kidneys. A few grapes or raisins in not the problem but large quantities can cause fatal kidney failure. That the normal body temperature of a dog and cat is 101 degrees plus/minus 1 degree. That we have a meeting room available for public meetings for worthy organizations That we are ready to give tours to organizations of all ages and sizes. If you have a group that would like to tour the new facility just give us a call. We will provide prizes for any charitable organization fundraiser. Our most popular prize is spending a day with the vet. Dr Tate is a member of a national crisis response V-Mat team. She recently attended several days of training in North Carolina. She is also working with local officials to develop a disaster response program for NW OHIO. Dr. Love is a member of the national Avian Practitioner Society Dr. Lucas is a member of the board of Paws and Whiskers cat shelter and the American Association of Feline Practitioners Dr Bob is a member of the American Society of Canine Rehabilitation, the American Veterinary Dental Society, and the American Heartworm Society. Dr Ross teaches at Stautzenberger. He is considering studying for and sitting for the test to become board certified. HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY From the staff of Sylvania Veterinary Hospital
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