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August - Heat Stroke
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Heat Stroke
General Information
The combination of high temperature, high humidity, and poor ventilation can be fatal to dogs and cats- Dogs and cats do not sweat as people do. Thus the cooling benefits of water evaporation from the skin are not available to them. Panting and radiation of heat from the skin surface are their main means of controlling body temperature. If the air temperature and humidity are high and air circulation is reduced, these protective mechanisms are inadequate. Body temperature can then increase dramatically, resulting in collapse and severe shock. Animals not treated promptly may die.
Dogs with a short, flattened nose, such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekingese, and Boxers, are especially susceptible to heat stroke, because their restricted breathing does not allow enough air exchange for rapid heat loss.
Important Points in Treatment
1. Treatment for heat stroke consists of rapid reduction of body temperature and medication for shock. Frequently, hospitalization is necessary.
2. Water: Provide clean, fresh water at all times.
3. Activity: Restrict exercise for__ days.
4. Environment: Keep your pet protected from the sun and in a cool place for ___ days. Avoid high temperatures and humidity and poor ventilation.
Prevention
During hot, humid weather provide your pet with adequate ventilation, protection from the sun, and cool, fresh water. In addition, limit your pet's exercise during these periods. If your pet is nervous, consult the doctor concerning the advisability of tranquilizers- Do not leave your pet in a closed automobile. This is an invitation to tragedy.
Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur
• Your pet seems weak.
• Your pet has difficulty breathing.
• Your pet's general health changes.
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Month of June - July (Fleas, Ticks and Heartworms)
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What are fleas and ticks ?
They are parasites that bite or attach to animals and cause irritation and can spread disease.
- Some of the diseases fleas can spread
- Tapeworms
- Bartonella
- Plague
- Some of the diseases ticks can spread
- Lyme Disease
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Ehrlichia
- Babesia
- Tick Paralysis
- Hepatozoonosis - dogs
- Cytauxzonosis - cats
- Heamobartonella
- They both can cause anemia, especially in very young puppies or kittens and itching that could lead to secondary bacterial infection from scratching
- They can cause hair loss and allergy flair-ups
- We recommend prevention all year round
- We carry Frontline and Revolution
Once again it is the flea and tick season. It’s time for the monthly application of some form of protection. The importance of monthly protection is great. Just a reminder, fleas and ticks are parasites that bite or attach to animal and cause irritation or can spread disease. Some of the diseases fleas can spread are tapeworms and Bartonella. Ticks can spread Lyme Disease or Ehrlichia. Not only can they spread diseases, they can also cause anemia in puppies and kittens. They can also cause secondary infections from itching and cause hair loss. Argyle Veterinary Hospital recommends protection year-round due to the Texas “winters” and we carry Frontline and Revolution.
Heartworms are another disease that needs yearly protection. Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes and inside animals ARE NOT excluded from possible infection. The adult worms live in the pulmonary artery of the heart and if the disease gets severe enough it can cause coughing and lethargy/exercise intolerance. Argyle Veterinary Hospital recommends pets to be on prevention year-round due to the Texas “winters” and to be tested yearly to make sure the prevention is working. Just a quick cost fact, monthly protection is about $3-6 a month versus $695 or more for treatment. Argyle Veterinary Hospital carries heartgard and Revolution. |
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Month of May is Osteoarthritis/ Joint Awareness Month
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If you answer any questions yes, your pet may have arthritis.
1) Does your pet show signs of slowing down, tire easily or lag behind on walks?
2) Does your pet limp or appear stiff after exercise?
3) Does your pet have difficulty rising or reluctant to climb stairs?
4) Have you ever given your pet pain medication?
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April is Diabetes and Weight Management Month
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Diabetes Mellitus
What is diabetes mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus is a disease caused by a deficiency of insulin. The cells in the body require energy to function; energy which is typically supplied by glucose. Glucose (a type of sugar) is absorbed from the digestive tract into the blood after eating. The glucose then normally passes into the cells, supplying them with the energy they need to function. Insulin is the key that opens the door for the glucose to go through into the cells. Without insulin, three things happen:
1) The cells are starving for energy - resulting in increased appetite
2) The blood glucose levels are high - causing increased urine production
3) The cells use internal fats to make their own energy which results in toxic ketones being formed
What are the signs of diabetes?
Many patients with diabetes exhibit the following signs:
1) Increased appetite
2) Increased drinking and urination
3) Weight loss
How is it diagnosed?
A combination of an elevated blood glucose level and glucose in the urine are used to diagnose it.
How is it managed?
Patients with diabetes are managed with insulin injections and changes in their diet. Glucose curves, involving multiple glucose blood checks in a day, are performed to see how the glucose levels change after injection with insulin. This is a very effective method used to insure proper glucose regulation.
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March is Thyroid Month
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Hypothyroidism:
Thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone
The thyroid glands play an important role in the normal metabolism of all body cells. Hypothyroidism is the most common hormonal disorder of dogs and typically affects dogs between 4 to 10 years of age.
Hyperthyroidism:
Thyroid gland produces too much hormone
The thyroid glands play an important role in the normal metabolism of all body cells. Hyperthyroidism is the most common hormonal disorder of cats and typically affects cats over 8 years of age. |
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February is Dental Month
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Plaque is the Enemy
Dental hygiene is extremely important for all animals since periodontal disease can lead to infection in the liver, kidneys and heart. The first stage of plaque formation begins minutes to a few hours after glycoprotein’s deposited by the saliva onto the teeth. It only takes 24-36 hours for this material to be colonized by bacteria, then within 3-5 days this material calculus (tartar) has formed on the teeth. The calculus causes gum irritation and periodontal disease. This is why brushing your pets’ teeth everyday or at least every other day to break the bacteria cycle is so helpful in the fight against dental disease.
When your pet undergoes a dental procedure, tartar is removed, the health of the teeth and gums are evaluated. Any teeth needing extraction are removed, remaining teeth are polished and fluoride treatments are applied to the teeth. All dental procedures are done under general anesthesia. |
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West Nile
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Transmission Cycle
West Nile (WN) virus is amplified during periods of adult mosquito blood-feeding by continuous transmission between mosquito vectors and bird reservoir hosts.
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Vesicular Stomatitis
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Vesicular stomatitis is a viral disease that is usually not fatal but
causes painful lesions around an infected animal's mouth, nostrils, teats
and hooves, symptoms similar to foot-and-mouth disease. VSV primarily affects cattle, horses, and swine. |
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Argyle Veterinary Hospital
410 F.M. 407 E
Argyle, Texas, 76226
Phone: 940.464.3231
Fax: 940.464.3823
Email us - info@ArgyleVet.com
Staff:
John F. Bitter DVM
Dean H Clardy DVM
Melissa Pearson DVM
Melinda Krpan DVM
Garry O'Neal DVM
Hours:
Mon-Wed 7:00-5:30
Thurs 7:00-5:30
Fri 7:00-5:30
Sat 8:00-12:00
24 Hour Emergency Service
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We are conveniently located near the following North Texas Cities in the Dallas Fort Worth, DFW, TX, area:
Ft Worth Texas, Fort Worth , Plano, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Grapevine, Denton, Frisco, Argyle, Aubrey, Sanger, Pilot Point, Krum, Lake Dallas, Carrollton, Irving, Los Colinas, Southlake, Justin, Northlake, South Lake, Copper Canyon, Bartonville, Double Oak., Coppell , Alliance Airport, Corral City, Highland Village, Hickory Creek, Corinth,Hidden Hill, Country Club Road, Fort Worth Drive, Heartguard, Frontline, wormers, flea sprays and products. See a pet medication on sale - we will match prices on any validated matching product. Check back to see photos and information of our new veterinary surgical center and hospital.
© Copyright Argyle Vet 2005-20007
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