Hi Dogs and Cats, I'm your KIDNEY!!!

Hi, I am a kidney.  I am an important organ for ALL dogs and cats (and your owners too)!  I have a big responsibility in the body because I have to keep the peace so to speak.  I make sure the body is stable at all times.  I make sure that there is the same amount of water, salt and acid in your blood at all times.  My biggest challenge (and my most important job) is conserving the body's water.  I excrete toxins and waste but do so by using the least amount of water possible. 

I also make blood by stimulating red blood cell production, and I regulate blood pressure.  Did you know that 25% of the blood that enters the circulatory system from EACH heartbeat goes directly to me?! Your doctor can tell alot about me by checking your blood and your blood pressure. 

I also make urine (or pee as it's called by many).  I do that by filtering with my nephrons.  As your blood enters my nephrons I filter out the poisons, the toxins, and the waste. This can be bacteria from bad teeth (tarter, infection) or even certain medications your veterinarian prescribes to you may cause me damage. It's important to get analysis from blood test on a routine basis especially if you take medications that your veterinarian feels could be a potential risk to me. If I could not remove these toxins they would build up in your blood and damage your body.  Sometimes your doctor may even want to look at your pee to run test on it.  Those test help the doctor know if I am doing my job correctly and whether parts of me are getting worn out or damaged. 

I also measure and regulate hormones, vitamins and salts.  Another main function I have is to try to hold onto the body's proteins, especially the blood proteins.  My nephrons filter the small waste molecules but their filters are too small for proteins to pass through.  This makes it makes it easy for me not to lose proteins and do my job more effectively.  Sometimes if those filters become damaged a hole will develop where proteins will accidently spill through. I can't do my job if this occurs and as a result this can shorten the body's lifetime! It's important for me (and for you) that I do not become damaged. 

Damage can be something that takes many years to occur!  Laboratory testing of blood, urinalysis and even monitoring blood pressure become important tools for your veterinarian to see if something is causing me problems and making my job harder to do.  Once your body starts letting you know that I'm not doing my job it's often too late. 

Some common signs of me being diseased would be:

• excessive drinking and urinating
• weight loss
• poor appetite
• weakness
• vomiting
• seizures
• ulcers
• poor hair coat
• diarrhea
• depression
• bloody urine
• back pain near kidneys

If I become diseased you cannot make me normal again.  However, your doctor may be able to treat you to where you do not feel like I'm  injured.  The goal is to catch any disease processes early before major damage can occur to me. 

If you would like further information please check out our website.  There you can click on our Library and from there look in the 2nd paragraph, you will see a link to VIN Search Library.  Just type kidney and you will get lots of info.  Thanks for spending some time getting to know me!  I look forward to keeping your body stable for many years to come.

A Glimpse of a Beautiful Life

Thank you to Dr. Ryder and all of the staff @ Blue Springs AH. Your compassion and warmth means so much.  I’ve attached a memorial and pics of Zimba. I wanted to share just a few of my memories with you.

Jean-Paul & Liane

IN loving memory:

Zimba

January, 1995 – February, 2010

Aka: Sugar Bear, Sweet Petunia, Buzz, Love Easy, Sweet “Potata”, Zimbabwe….

Thank You, Zimba, for 15 years of unconditional love, those thoughtful looks and even cutting your eyes.

I’ll always remember:

Your looks of intent when it’s 4 O’clock and “chewy time!” Fussing and barking if delay.

For knowing what “walk” means then learning “trottin’” and even learning how to spell “W-A-L-K.”

Chasing squirrels in New Orleans then being chased by the “dune buggy!”

Keeping a close eye on the crawfish bucket, careful not to get pinched!

It’s ironic to wake up on this day you passed and find out it’s Mardi Gras.

I know how much you loved the beach. I’ll take you back there someday. You’ll be able to run and play, smell the ocean, play in the sand.

You are a treasure, Zimba, a best friend, a character.
You will be truly missed and cherished in all of our hearts.

I LOVE YOU, ZIMBA.

All the above was written by Zimba's owners.  We loved how they gave us a glimpse of Zimba's home life.  In loving memory we say Good-bye to Zimba from your friends at Blue Springs Animal Hospital and Pet Resort.  You will not be forgotten.

Little Dog Playtime is Fun time

 

Good-bye!  See you next time.  Check back with us for a look into Big Dog Playtime.

Chili Dog Fundraiser for the Blue Springs Dog Park

To view photos click on this link:

Clifford

Something cute to get you through your week....

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE PETS, THIS IS A TRUE STORY. FOR THOSE THAT DON'T, THIS IS A TRUE STORY.



The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door.

Dear Dogs and Cats: The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however.. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough.

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:


TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS
(1) They live here. You don't.

(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture.That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.

(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.

(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:

(1) eat less,

(2) don't ask for money all the time,

(3) are easier to train,

(4) normally come when called,

(5) never ask to drive the car,

(6) don't smoke or drink,

(7) don't want to wear your clothes,

(8) don't have to buy the latest fashions,

(9) don't need a gazillion dollars for college and

(10) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children ..

2009 Snow Day!

Did you see all the commotion around here?
Christmas Decorations!
Schnauzer tree toppers! On top a gifted tree from one of our beloved clients & friends.
Our receptions extraordinaire made this beautiful arrangement for our Holiday decor.
Murphy is ready to model....she is happy she will be home for Christmas! Her story to come in a future blog so be watching!!
Linda gives kisses to Frankie who has been staying with us for several weeks.
Our tree for the troops. If you want to adopt a soldier please come by and take an ornament!
If you want to adopt a kitten (we couldn't get them to sit on a tree) please come by & pick yours out!!
They do pose anyway! TOO CUTE! I'm sure they are on some little person's Christmas list!

Here is another view of our cute little dog and cat tree that our client gave to us! We love it so much!
Snow days make it a little more difficult for us to collect urine specimens but we get the JOB done with a smile as usual! :)
Snow days mean the staff drag their dogs to work...which they all seem to love it here too!
And sometimes even our kids....which sometimes they love it and sometimes they don't! These little guys were the greatest hanging out with all us BSAH people!

WE HAVE A NEW FLOOR!!!!

We are so excited to report that we have nice new floors! You have to understand our hospital building is not very old and when they built it Dr. Carey and Dr. Rodier did extensive research in the best type of floor to put down. One that would look nice, handle the wear and tear from a veterinary hospital/resort (ie. pee/poop & cleaners), not be slippery when wet but slick enough to aide getting a stubborn pet in while he/or she is "putting on the brakes" and one that would last for many, many years.

We were really "taken to the cleaners" on this one, totally ripped off! The floor that was put down in our beautiful new hospital started peeling and flaking up after the first year. The resin they used in it starting turning yellow (not good for an animal hospital since that looked like urine or urine stain) and to make matters worse the company went out of business and there was NOTHING we could do... except start saving for a new floor. So here we are, lots of hard work later! We have a brand new floor and would love to show it off! Welcome, welcome and bring your pet too! If you don't have any other reason to stop by then come by anyway, grab a treat for your pet, and then you will have a chance to see our lovely new floor.

Linking the Veterinary Healthcare Team

National Veterinary Technician Week begins today!!! It's pretty cool to work in a profession that has a whole week set aside each year to honor it!
Here I am monitoring this cutie until the DVM was ready for her.
I have been a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)since 1995 when I graduated from the Maple Woods Veterinary Technology Program. Back then National Vet Tech week was just getting started. It began in 1993 with a goal to make the public aware of Vet Techs and also to honor us for our outstanding contributions in pet healthcare. Most people back then had never heard of us or even knew what role we played in their pets healthcare. In fact, before applying to the Maple Wood's program I had never even heard of a Veterinary Technician! The college admissions office recommended it to me when I called to check on veterinary programs. I had to go to the library (I'm dating myself here...back then no internet!) and I looked up everything I could find on Veterinary Technology. I'm glad there were some books published on this career because I had to write a paper explaining why I wanted to be a veterinary technician to even get excepted into the program! Luckily, they excepted me, so here I am! I've worked at Blue Springs Animal Hospital since my first year as a student veterinary technician in 1993.

I started the 2 year program in '93 and graduated with an Associates of Science in Veterinary Technology. Being an RVT is more than just a degree from an accredited veterinary program. Besides taking a state certification test and passing and then each year taking the required continuing certification, we also follow an oath. As members of the veterinary healthcare team, RVT's are educated in the latest medical advances and we are skilled at working along side veterinarians to give pets the best medical care possible. An RVT cleans teeth.We work closely with veterinarians, assistants- actually the whole hospital team, as well as the patient, and owners to be an essential link with all involved in the care process. I like how NAVTA states, "Pets give us unconditional love and veterinary technicians give us peace of mind."

If you like to shop around and compare prices make sure you ask each veterinary hospital if they employ credentialed veterinary technicians.
An RVT places an IV catheterIf your like me, my little pet family has become like my children, I want the best for them that I can provide, in all areas of their lives. Having the confidence that they have a great hospital to go to if something were to ever go wrong is very meaningful to me. Blue Springs Animal Hospital employees 5 Registered Veterinary Technicians and 1 second year vet tech student. We mostly work behind the scenes here, but if you could see how much we all love each and every pet like they were our very own you would have to agree it would be very meaningful to you too.

In this photo Tammy, an RVT assists Dr. Rodier in surgery.
We are lucky to have a week to acknowledge our profession, to pat ourselves on the back and let others tell us how much they appreciate us. Saying that I would like also like to add that, speaking for our hospital, our entire staff is amazing! Hey, maybe we should have a Blue Springs Animal Hospital week!?! Wow! What a great idea!!

Look for the Big Red Dog at Fall Fun Fest 2009!!!!

It's that time of year and once again Blue Springs Animal Hospital and Pet Resort will be participating in the 40th annual Fall Fun Fest Parade. This year the parade motto is : From the Moon to Main Street. Our big red dog is ready! Tammy, an RVT for Blue Springs Animal Hospital got in touch with her creative side and fabricated a space helmet for the big dog. Made out of casting material and sprayed silver, our group will really "shine" this year! Most likely our dog will not wear the helmet on parade day but will carry it under one arm but Tammy models it here for us.....

Be sure and head out early for the parade on Saturday, September 19th. It is always a lot of fun!! We will be handing out treats and would love to see you and your pet!

Valentine gets acupuncture

Many people are not aware that animals can have acupuncture and chiropractic care to help with certain medical conditions. My little dog, Valentine, had a back injury about 8 years ago. We don't know how it happened but I was fortunate enough that Dr. Perkins was a DVM at The Blue Springs Animal Hospital at that time. She had a special interest in chiropractic care in animals. She has since gone on to get all of her certifications and has opened her own clinic in Lee's Summit that specializes in western medicine, chiropractic care and acupuncture. We will refer our clients to her when our doctors feel like she could help one of our patients. I think she is amazing!

Valentine gets very weak in her hind quarters. She just doesn't get enough "umph" to get her back end up a single step some times. Her lower back will be very hot to the touch and she acts sore. I will take her to Dr. Perkins and she will work her magic and Valentine will be playing and jumping and feeling great! Keep in mind, this little gal will be 17 years old in January 2010!! I know that one photo of her on the lower left makes her booty look alittle big but in reality she only has a little chunky dunk. :) I have never had acupuncture but the needles never seem to bother Val. She will even lay down with them in and relax as you can see in the above photos. Cats are more difficult but can be helped if they are not too aggressive. In fact, Dr. Perkins had some equine (horse) patients for awhile but now, to my knowledge, she only does dogs and cats.

I just thought that I would let as many people know as I could that there are options out there for your pet. Our doctors will assess your pet with a good physical exam, we will take radiographs (x-rays) when needed and we will refer you to see Dr. Perkins if that is an option for your pet.

AVID Microchip for your pet

I have briefly touched on micro-chipping your pet once before in my blog on preparing for an emergency. Today, I thought I would tell you a couple of good stories about the advantages of your pet being permanently identified.

First, let's discuss what is an AVID® microchip? A.V.I.D. stands for "American Veterinary Identification Devices". The AVID® microchip is a tiny computer chip which has an identification number programmed into it. The chip is then encased in a strong, smooth glass that is small enough to fit into a hypodermic needle. The chip it's self is no larger than a grain of rice.


Once your pet is injected with the chip, he or she can be identified throughout his or her life by this one-of-a-kind number. This identification cannot be lost, altered or intentionally removed.

How does the microchip & scanner work? Generally, this rice size chip is injected deeply under the skin and sits safely there, totally inert. A special scanner is used to send a radio signal through the skin of the pet to read the chip number. The pet feels nothing as the scanner is passed over him. When the chip receives this signal, it sends data (the microchip number) back to the scanner to be displayed in a viewing window. It appears in the viewing window, for example,as: AVID® 560*903*354.

How long does the microchip last? The microchip has no power supply, battery, or moving parts and is designed with an operating life of over 25 years. AVID® is guaranteed for the life of your pet. Once injected, the microchip is anchored in place when a thin layer of connective tissue forms around it. The chip requires no care. It will not pass through or out of the body.

When microchips are purchased, they will be traceable back to their facility of origin, in our case that would be us (Blue Springs Animal Hospital & Pet Resort)
unless the registration of the chip is changed. To change it the pet owner will need to fill out the PETtrac form and mail it in with a small fee.

The AVID® PETtrac program is a global computerized system for pets identified with the AVID® chip. Your pet is enrolled, for a small fee, under the your name with complete detailed information about both animal and owner. In this way, if a shelter picks up the pet, you, the owner, will be contacted directly without going through your veterinarian.

Otherwise, we will be contacted if a recovery is made and we will need to be sure and have your current phone number and address always on file.

All animal shelters and animal control officers have been educated and informed about microchip identification and how it works. They have universal AVID® scanners on hand and routinely scan lost pets. A majority of veterinary hospitals also have the scanners and can scan pets. Once a microchip is located in a pet, the appropriate steps are taken. If the pet is registered with AVID's PETtrac™ Recovery System, the shelter or veterinarian will be given the owner's name. If the animal is not registered, they will be given the name of the establishment that the chip was sold to, like us, if we implanted the AVID® chip in your pet.

Not long after AVID® was first introduced to the veterinary world we had a local medical doctor that decided to be one of the first to microchip his little Yorkie. Only a few months after he made this wise decision his little dog turned up missing. Six years went by and the doctor had given up thinking he would ever see his beloved dog again. Then one day someone picked up a stray Yorkie running the streets of Blue Springs. She was matted and scared. We didn't know her story but we scanned her and we were very pleased to see she had a microchip. We were also really excited to tell her owner that we had her and that she was safe. When they were reunited you could tell that neither one of them had ever forgotten the other! They both were so happy! It was something I'll never forget seeing. That has been many years ago now and she has since died of natural causes at home, which is the most any of us could ever hope for with our beloved pets!

Hurricane Katrina displaced many, many animals. It left over 250,000 stranded and starving pets!!

Our own hospital boarded a few as volunteers tried to sort out who these animals belonged too. With no tags or collars with identification, which many of these animals were without, finding their way back to their families was next to impossible. That is when the push to really get as many pets micro chipped as possible came to be. Many states in our nation are now organizing systems to try and accomplish this goal. Most of them are relying on veterinarians to educate people on the importance of having a reliable permanent identification system for their pets such as AVID®.

We strongly urge all our clients to consider this for their pets. It is an link back to you that will last for the life of your pet!

Dieting

Dieting is NO FUN! Take it from me, I've been yo-yo'ing with weight for many years now. If your a cat or dog it's even worse! As humans we can understand what is "bad" for us to eat and that we need to exercise more. We can communicate to our doctors that our backs hurt or our knees and that is why we are not as active as we need to be. Animals don't have that luxury. If we don't pick up on their needs they can go unmet.

Overweight dogs now have a friend on their side. Pfizer has come up with Slentrol, it the 1st FDA approved drug to manage obesity in dogs. It's a weight loss drug that helps them to drop pounds when combined with diet and exercise. To learn more ask one of our veterinarian's or go to the Slentrol website.

This handsome devil is Chancy,

a 4 year old cat that has been battling the bulge since 2005. Cat's can't take Slentrol but they can be put on a weight loss diet. It's important to get the weight off as being overweight can cause cats to be diabetic, have heart disease or become arthritic. Science Diet makes a formula called Prescription Diet® r/d® . He was put on a diet of 1/2 cup dry and 1/2 cup wet of the r/d® daily and has dropped 3.5 lbs. in 1 year! That is fabulous!! Prescription Diet® r/d® is low in calories, high in fiber and has the highest levels of L-carnitine to effectively reduce weight while increasing lean muscle mass to help cats feel full. Since it's hard to exercise cats it's very important to help them stay at a healthy weight by managing their diet. To learn more go to the Hill's website. We are proud of Chancy and his owners for sticking with his diet!!