State Road Animal Hospital

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Ear Inflammation-a common problem for dogs.

Ear inflammation, or otitis, is one of the most common medical problems that dogs experience. Because there are so many causes, it is important to seek veterinary care to prevent severe pain and damage to deeper structures of the ear.

Inflammation can occur in the outer ear, middle ear or inner ear. The outer ear comprises the ear canal, which ends at the ear drum. A dogs ear canal has an L shape and can be quite sensitive. For this reason, a professional evaluation with an otoscope is required to safely examine the entire ear canal and ear drum. The structures of the middle and inner ear are behind the ear drum and contain nerves for hearing, balance and appropriate facial movement.

Allergies are the most common cause of ear inflammation and infection in dogs. These patients may show skin problems, but some dogs manifest allergy as otitis alone.

Other causes of the otitis are parasites, plant material, trauma, tumors and hormone problems.

What symptoms will a dog with otitis show?

Persistent or aggressive rubbing and scratching at the ears.
Changes in ear position.
Shaking of the head, head tilt, or head-shy behavior.
Redness, discharge, swelling or malodor.
Dogs with allergies may also lick, bite, chew or rub the skin.

The diagnostic and treatment plan recommended by your veterinarian typically involves examination of the ear canals with a scope and taking an ear swab to evaluate under a microscope. Treatment of infection and inflammation often involves application of medications to the ear.

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Fascinating Flea Facts

Most pet owners think that fleas are a summer problem, when in fact late summer and fall are the worst flea season. We are seeing so many pets with fleas. Make sure your pet is protected with a once a month prevention from your veterinarian. Confused on what prevention is right for your pet...well call us, we'd love to help!

The average flea is 2-3mm long and weighs one-millionth of a pound.
Just 4 female fleas feeding four times a day for 100 days will bite a cat or dog 1,600 times.
Flea ‘Dirt’ is actually an adult flea’s feces, which is rich in blood and serves as nutritious fecal pellets for her offspring.
Historians believe that the original job of ‘lapdogs’ was to lure fleas off their owners and onto them!
Flea brides and grooms (dressed but dead) were popular collector’s items in the 1920’s.
Fleas can jump 300,000 times without stopping and as high as 13 feet!
Fleas can remain frozen for a year and then revive.
Fleas consume 15 times their body weight with every blood meal.
A single flea can produce more than 2000 eggs in its lifetime.
Fleas produce eggs within 48 hours of the first blood meal, and peak at 40-50 eggs per day.
Vacuum cleaners are just as effective at killing fleas as any sprays/poisons can be. It kills 96% of adult fleas, and 100% of younger fleas.

Flea Preventions

Welcome

Please help us welcome Laurie to our team next time you're in or call. Laurie joined our Client Services Team in August. She is responsible for ordering office supplies, checking clients and patients in and out, answering phones and scheduling appointments. Welcome aboard Laurie!

American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)

The Standard of Veterinary Excellence

We are thrilled to announce that we have, once again, passed our AAHA accreditation process!

What does it mean to be AAHA accredited?

AAHA, which stands for American Animal Hospital Association, was founded in 1933 and is the only association in North America that provides accreditation to companion animal hospitals. To be accredited by AAHA, our hospital must demonstrate an exceptional level of medical care and client service and be measured by the most rigorous standards in the veterinary industry. Only 12% of animal hospitals in the United States and Canada are awarded this accreditation status. During the accreditation process, we are evaluated based on AAHA's Standards of Accreditation - an extensive list of 900 standards that directly correlate to the care we are providing to you and your pets.

We, as a team at State Road Animal Hospital, worked hard to receive our first AAHA Accreditation in 2012. In order to maintain that accreditation, our practice must be inspected by AAHA every 2 years. We are dedicated to voluntarily going through this process in order to assure that we are consistently providing your pets with the best health care possible.

AAHA for Pet Owners

Is your pet a good candidate for laser therapy?

If your pet suffers from arthritis, your pet may be a good candidate for laser therapy.

Symptoms of arthritis include limping, or a general “slowing down” in movement; your pet may be unable to jump as high, run as far, or move as quickly. Over time, movement will appear labored.

Class IV deep tissue laser therapy uses a beam of laser light to deeply penetrate tissue without damaging it. Laser energy induces a biological response in the cells called "photo-bio-modulation," which leads to reduced pain, reduced inflammation, and increased healing speed.

Ask your veterinarian about your pet’s arthritis treatment options.

For more information and pictures of our patients having laser treatments, visit our website.

More Information on Laser Therapy

Behavior Training Dates for 2015

Do you want your dog to have manners? Are you tired of your pet jumping on guests? Do you want your dog to stop barking? Or does your dog have some other undesirable behavior? ShaShawn can help!

ShaShawn offers 3 levels of behavior training, novice, intermediate, and advanced. All classes are 6 week courses that meet at SRAH. Cost is $90.00.

For dates, times, and more information click the button below.

Not only does ShaShawn offer classes, but she also offers in-clinic consults and house-calls.

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