Spay and Neuter

May 2012, Dr. Cherie Guidry, DVM

May is spay and neuter month at Helping Hands Veterinary Clinic. We are offering 10% off of all spays and neuters scheduled in the month of May. Most people have lots of questions about spays and neuters. I hope that our blog this month will answer all of your questions. What is a spay? A spay is otherwise known as an ovariohysterectomy (OVH for short). During the surgery, we remove all of the ovaries and the uterus body and horns. What is a neuter? A neuter is otherwise called an orchiectomy. During this surgery we remove both testicles. Another common question is why do we recommend these procedures. We will go into later detail in another blog but the short answer is to prevent pregnancy, prevent certain diseases, and stop or prevent behavioral problems. At Helping Hands Veterinary Clinic, we offer only the best for your pet's surgery. Our packages include everything we think your pet needs. Here is a list of what is included: Pre operative blood work, IV catheter with warmed IV fluids, heated recovery kennels, blood pressure, breathing and pulse ox monitoring, Elizabethan collar, antibiotic injection as well as pain injection and pain medications to go home. We also have a surgical assistant with the doctor during the entire procedure to monitor your pet and a vet assistant monitoring your pet during recovery. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the clinic and talk to one of our licensed veterinary technicians. We are always happy to help you! Have a great day! Love, Cherie Guidry, DVM

Scoop Your Dogs Poop

April 2012, Aubrey, LVT

Besides being neighborly, there are many reasons you should always carry bags with you on your walks with your dog. There are many types of parasites that dogs are susceptible to and a few of them are transmitted by the fecal oral route. As we all know dogs like to sniff other dogs feces if its left unscooped, this is how the fecal oral route works. A dog sniffs the infected feces and potentially ingests it and in turn can be infected with roundworms, hook worms, and or whip worms. There are also factors that could cause you to be infected with a parasite! The grass can remain contaminated with hook worms and are transmitted to humans through us walking barefoot through the grass! There are preventative steps you can take to ensure your pets and your safety. 1. Keep up on a monthly flea prevention. 2. Keep up on Annual or Bi Annual exams for senior pets. Fecal testing is recommended atleast once a year. 3. Yearly deforming! 4. Last but not least, Scoop Your Dogs Poop! It’s the best for the Environment, You, and Your dog! Also be aware it is the law in Washington to scoop your pets waste. If left unscooped dog feces can contaminate storm drains, ditches, and streams that feed into our rivers, lakes, and marine waters.

Aubrey, LVT