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BARTELS PET HOSPITAL
7051 Mill Road
Brecksville , OH 44141
440.526.4818 |
Summer and vacation season is upon us at last! The warm weather is a reminder that your pets need to be protected from disease carrying pests: fleas, ticks and heartworm carrying mosquitoes! We are happy to help guide you in selecting the best and safest products for use in/on your pets. Cat owners especially, please BEWARE of over-the-counter flea control products. Permethrin based flea control products are commonly sold OTC for dogs and cats and they can be extremely toxic to felines - even if only applied to dogs living in the same household! |
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A few words about our Senior Pets
We are all familiar with the importance of veterinary care in the "pediatric" phase of our pet's life. We understand the benefits of regular exams, immunizations and advice on proper care and nutrition for our growing kids. But what about the golden years of our pets lives? Veterinarians recognize that the older pet requires special attention in order to ensure the longest possible quality life-span. At Bartels Pet Hospital , we are committed to that philosophy.
Most experts consider a pet a senior when he/she is over 7 years of age. This varies a little by size and breed. An easy test we recommend for pets in this age category is a urinalysis. It is a non-invasive evaluation that can often detect abnormalities at an early stage or serve as a baseline for future reference. We can collect a urine sample from your pet at the time of your routine visits - as long as you don't allow your pet to urinate for a few hours before coming in!! You may bring in a sample that you have collected at home into a clean, dry container. When indicated in our older cats we often tap a small amount of urine directly from the bladder with a small needle. This is amazingly well-tolerated!
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Depending on the results of the urine test, we may suggest follow-up blood work and/or x-ray studies.
What if you notice changes in your older pet's behaviors or habits? The most important thing you can do is to LET US KNOW! Your observations are always valuable and frequently the first indicators we have to depend on. Thanks to ongoing diagnostic and pharmaceutical progress, we have many more therapeutic options than in the past. We have safe and effective anti-inflammatory medications for arthritis. Diets such as Senior Plus, Optimum Weight and Restricted Calorie compliment this approach, as does acupuncture therapy. Medications for certain conditions of anxiety and senility (Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome) offer hope for dogs experiencing disturbing mental or behavioral changes including disorientation, weird sleep patterns, loss of housebreaking and decreased interaction with owners.
The average comfortable life-span of our companions has increased dramatically from a generation ago, mainly thanks to your commitment to dedicated care for your companions!
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Lori and Rose are available for professional DOG & CAT GROOMING. We cater to Nervous Nellies, Outgoing Ottos, or anything in between! ;We are especially accommodating to our Geriatric/Special Needs clients. Please call our office to schedule your grooming appointment. |
The Top 4 Reasons to Monitor Your Pet's Medications:
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Monitoring your pet helps us to prescribe the proper medication for your pet's age, size, breed and physical condition.
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Manufacturers recommend monitoring. Monitoring schedules ensure safe medication administration, guiding us as we evaluate your pets for any side effects or potential complications and/or interactions with other medications.
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Monitoring helps us establish a baseline picture of your pet's vital organs, so we know when changes indicate areas of concern. This helps us evaluate the treatment plan and make adjustments as necessary.
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We monitor your pet's health to ensure greatest success in treatment!
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Huge congratulations and hugs go out to Dr. Pixton. The Pixton family has just completed the adoption of an older child! Mardell joins the Pixtons this summer - just in time for the annual family vacation and in time to start school with his four still-at-home brothers this fall. Awesome! |
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Huge congratulations and hugs go out to Dr. Pixton. The Pixton family has just completed the adoption of an older child! Mardell joins the Pixtons this summer - just in time for the annual family vacation and in time to start school with his four still-at-home brothers this fall. Awesome! |
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ALL THOSE CONFUSING NUTRICEUTICALS!
The world of veterinary supplements can be quite frustrating. It seems as though we frequently change our minds about which nutriceutical to recommend to our clients whose pets may benefit from them. All too often these products, as are similar human products, are poorly researched and tested. Recently, Dr. Akl and Dr. Zarle were able to attend a seminar which lay to rest any doubts we may have had about which product to recommend. There is now some compelling research to indicate that we should offer and promote the COSEQUIN brand of glucosamine at our hospital. This is by far the purest, most effective AND most studied product available. Others may work, but Cosequin has a proven track record of safety and effectiveness!
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NEWSFLASHES |
| • Dogs and cats over 6 should have an annual urinalysis screening |
| • Check out new ADULT PLUS food by Eukanuba – neat nutrition for your healthy, active canine! |
| • Pets on chronic medications require blood screenings AT LEAST annually to monitor! |
| • Continue (or start!) home oral health programs. Ask us how! |
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Understanding Your Pets Bloodwork!
What is a blood chemistry panel? These common blood serum tests evaluate organ function, electrolyte status and more. They're important in evaluating older pets, ill pets, pets receiving long-term medications and overall health prior to receiving general anesthesia. |
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Book early for SUMMER & HOLIDAY boarding! |
Note New Hospital Hours as of June 14 th , 2005 : |
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Mons . & Thurs. til 7:00 pm
Tues., Weds. & Fridays til 6:00 pm |
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