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FROM THE DOCTOR'S PEN
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Laser Surgery Explained
by Dr. David Davidson
The CO-2 surgical laser is simply a surgical instrument that enables the surgeon to incise,dissect, or ablate soft tissue more efficiently. The laser beam evaporates tissue with a very precise beam of coherent light. This light beam simultaneously cuts tissue while cauterizing blood vessels, lymphatics, and sensory nerves. The laser enables the surgeon to make precise incisions, dissections, and ablations with minimal collateral tissue damage. The cautery effect on blood vessels, lymphatics, and sensory nerves minimizes post-operative pain, and inflammation at the surgical site. The net effect for the patient is less discomfort during the post-operative healing phase, since the laser causes much less pain, swelling, and inflammation in order to accomplish almost any soft tissue surgical procedure. |
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Cancer and Your Pet
Dr. Steve Newton
Many advances in veterinary medicine have been made over the last twenty years. Some advances have been developed for human medicine and have been adapted to the veterinary field. Alternatively, advances developed for veterinary medicine have also found their way to human medicine. Oncology, or the medicine associated with cancer, is an area where the transfer is rapidly working both ways.
The same treatments available for cancer in our human family members are now available for our pet family members. Surgical, chemotherapy, and radiation protocols are available for most cancers we see in our pets. Our primary goal when discussing and recommending cancer treatment is maintaining your pet's health and well-being while extending the amount of quality time you have with each other.
Because of the emotions and distress that accompany the mention of cancer we understand how important clear communication is when discussing these matters. We will spend all the time necessary to ensure that the best decisions are made for your entire family.
If questions about your pet and cancer arise, please let us know and we will be happy to discuss them. |
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Avian Setup and Care
By Dr. Tyson Hall
Would you prefer a pet with feathers instead of fur? Birds come in some very beautiful colors,and have distinct, interesting personalities. Owning a bird can be a wonderful experience,but our feathered friends do require some special care.It is best to begin with a smaller species such as a cockatiel,lovebird or parakeet.After selecting a bird,make sure you purchase a cage that enables the bird to move about with ease and comfort. Perch sizes need to fit the size of your bird so that their feet won't become irritated and sore.Each cage should have a source of clean,fresh water, and at least two to three sources of nourishment. The food dishes may be placed at different heights and locations so as to stimulate interest. A cuddle bone is necessary for the bird to file it's beak. Toys are important for your bird's emotional state,and you should place two to three toys in the cage,rotating them periodically. Mirrors are not advised,as they may make the bird more aggressive. The cage should be kept in a room away from drafts,and with a moderate temperature of 70 to 80 degrees. Exposure to drafts and low temperatures can cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, air sacculitis or pleuritis. Signs of these diseases include occular or nasal discharges , abnormal sounds,lack of appetite and a ruffled appearance. Seed diets do not provide enough nutrition, and a bird pellet diet should be given,with fresh fruit and vegetables as a treat. |
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Wellness Exams
By Dr. Greg Baer
Because pets age so fast in comparison to our human years, we would like to do screening tests at the time of your pet's annual exam. These wellness exams are recommended for healthy pets, geriatric pets and all pets of any age. Laboratory tests are included with the complete physical exam. Diagnosis of blood disorders, kidney and liver disease, diabetes, infection, cancer, thyroid and other hormonal diseases can be detected through the labwork. Many of these illnesses "hide" because they are asymptomatic early on and many conditions can be prevented, controlled, or completely reversed if diagnosed early. Wellness exams allow us to provide the very best medical care for your pet! |
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"The dog was created especially for children. He is the god of frolic."
-Henry Ward Beecher |
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