The Incredible Shrinking "Zeus"

Have you ever been told that your pet is overweight?
Dont be discouraged....here is a success story that will hopefully inspire you in your weight loss goal for your own pet.

This is a tale of a cat who was overweight and his owner (who is a staff member here at the clinic by the way) recognized that Zeus had become less active, his ability to jump up was dwindling, and his overall health was in jeopardy.  She made the decision to get the excess weight off and he was put on our "Slim Fit Program".  He was brought in for blood work prior to starting the program, to ensure there was no underlying health concerns, and with the blood work indicating there were no other problems - Zeus' life was about to change.

His starting weight was 14.78 lb on May 28/2011 with a Body Condition Score of 4.5/5.

He was put on a  good quality low calorie diet which is high in protein and psyllium fibre to ensure Zeus was always well fed and satiated. His portions are carefully measured every day to esure he is never overfed, and his treats were restricted to very low calorie healthy snacks given in moderation as incentive to exercise.

Several weeks went by and his weight went down to 14.6, and then 14.4 lbs a few weeks after that. At that point Zeus' weight plateaued and he stayed at 14.4 lbs for the next 4 weeks with no change. Plateauing is something that happens to almost every animal on a weight loss program, and so do not dispair. Eventually the weight started to come off again, and by the end of July he was down to 13.8 lbs.

As of Today he is 13.0 lbs with a Body Condition Score of 3.5/5. He still has a little more weight to lose, but having already lost 1.78 lbs - his activity level has increased and he now runs around playing with balls and other toys and such. The increase in activity will increase his metabolism and he will continue to drop the weight at a nice slow and steady pace.

His suggested goal is to get to 12 lbs - but we will continue to assess him and see where he really needs to be. Its not just about the pounds as it is about how he 'wears' that number.

Weight loss in cats has to be a slow process - they should not lose weight too quickly as it can drastically affect their health. So...if you have an overweight cat....be patient and persistent. Weight loss for your cat can happen with proper nutrition, portion control, increased exercise and limited treats. Ask your veterinary staff how they can help you get the extra pounds off your pet.

Stitches

Some of you may have seen me recently with a lovely yellow Lab rather than with “Teya” my beautiful golden Retriever.  Both dogs are being trained intensively for hunt tests and field trials; Stitches will also be used as a hunting dog for bird conservation.  However, Miss Stitches (her name comes from the fact that she required “stitches” when she was a very young pup) has come into season at an inopportune time!  Since females are in heat for about 3 weeks her owner and I decided to trade:  I am looking after Stitches and Teya is at boot camp for some heavy duty training!

As you will see from her picture, Stitches is a beautiful dog, very trim and muscular and very high energy.  She’s not as “in your face” as Teya is (i.e. no jumping up to lick your face!) but is still very friendly and is probably the best behaved dog I have every looked after.  She contently stays in one of our kennels for the day, without making a peep but she’s ready to run like the wind when we leave!  If you have ever thought about owning a Lab, and would like to see a beautiful one close up, come in and say “Hi”; she’ll be here for another week or so. - Dr. Barbara Drewry

Puppy Survives after ingesting a Flagpole

At Veterinary clinics we see animals that  have eaten strange and bizarre things all the time, but this story has got to take the "flag".

This cute little PitBull puppy swallowed a garden flag pole........and Survived to tell the tale.

http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/local_news/water_cooler/puppy-survives-after-swallowing-garden-flagpole

Many animals eat weird things and can lead to hefty vet costs to remove them from your pet.....
Pet Insurance is a great way to help with those costs.

World Rabies Day

Today is World Rabies day.

A day of recognition to raise awareness for a very serious disease that kills 55,000 people every year.

You can help rid the world of Rabies by supporting Veterinarians without borders and their World Rabies Day Campaign.

The Physical Exam

Here is a very useful article on why it is important to have your Veterinarian examine your dog or cat on a fairly regular basis.
The Physical Examination is the most important part of any visit with your pet.
click on this link
The Importance of the Physical Examination

not a vet at this clinic

Microchip your pet

Here is a very interesting story of loss and reunion that was made possible by a microchip.

Willow the cat....lost in Boulder, Colorado after contractors left the door open during a renovation project.......finds her wayto New York City.

Proof that Microchipping works.

Read Willow's story here:
Cat Found 5 years later and reunited with Owners

Stress

Is your dog or cat suffering from Stress or Anxiety?

Some common causes are:

• travel
• being placed in a carrier
• new home
• new family member
• Separation from owner
• Lack of environmental enrichment

Some Common Signs of Stress and Anxiety are:

• Compulsive destruction
• Excessive grooming or licking
• Fear Aggression
• Inappropriate Elimination
• Hiding
• Tail Chasing
• Vocalization

We now have a new, easy to use solution to help with that.

There is a New Diet:  Medi-Cal Royal Canin CALM

for Dogs and Cats.

Ask Your Veterinary team member how this new and exciting diet could help your pet be more "Calm".