#Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital

[peachtreehillsvet]

Nothing Bad Is Going To Happen

There are few things in life more exciting than bringing home your new furry family member! Dogs and cats bring a special love and affection to a home that is unmatched. We at PHAH want to ensure we help initiate the best long-term care for your pets. This means not only planning for wellness visits and care but also the potential for sick visits.

This brings us to the topic of Pet Insurance and the potential benefits of setting up one of these plans.

Like humans, our dogs and cats can experience unforeseen medical issues that could lead to extensive workups or therapies. The ability to rely on diagnostic testing and appropriate treatments can be improved with a concurrent pet insurance policy that can help to offset the potential for costly invoices.

Pet insurance works a bit differently than human insurance in that it:

Relies on insurance initiated/purchased prior to conditions being discovered.

Does not cover costs prior to diagnostics/treatments- pet owners are reimbursed after the fact.

Does not rely on a conversation between the pet hospital and the insurance company for approval- the owner has a direct relationship with the company for claim submission.

There are many available and affordable options that can that fit many families’ needs. Some human employers even include pet insurance as a benefit for employees (check with your employer if this is an option)!

We have seen the first-hand benefit of having pet insurance here at PHAH and we want to make sure we remind you that this can be a valuable option in the lifelong care of your loved one.

A few of the brands we have seen and worked with include (but this is not an exhaustive list):

Trupanion

Pumpkin

Nationwide

State Farm

ASPCA

Embrace

Lemonade

Spot

Pets Best

Thank you and well wishes.

Dr. Mark Belyeu

Originally published here: https://peachtreehillsvet.com/nothing-bad-is-going-to-happen/

[myhealthviews]

Best Animal Hospitals in Atlanta 2022

Best Animal Hospitals in Atlanta 2022

Most animal hospitals in Atlanta provide a lot of services such as vaccination, dental services, surgical procedures, etc. Animal hospital, also called veterinary hospital is a medical center that treats sick animals, both domestic and wild. They deploy different strategies to help animals since they can’t talk. Animal Hospitals in Atlanta Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital Peachtree Hills Animal…

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Best Management Videos | dvmSuccess, Inc

The first step in reducing your drug costs. By Duffy Jones DVM at Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital and dvmSuccess Vet Group.

Read More:- https://www.dvm.com/management-videos

[kimberlykrautter]

Poor baby Greta had a very stressful morning at the vet. Good report overall, but she had to get the lion cut of shame because her summer shedding turned into mats for the 1st time in 13 years. (at Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2wpb52pYn8/?igshid=cq2hem2yy1kv

[theguardian911]

Addicts abusing pets to score pain drugs at veterinarian offices In the nation’s dramatic epidemic of opioid drugs and medications estimated to have killed more than 33,000 people last year, veterinarians have been reporting cases of pet owners injuring their dogs and cats to get their hands on pain drugs, labeled Tramadol. The inexpensive painkiller has become a favorite of addicts, and thus they are injuring and torturing their dogs just to obtain the prescription. According to the New York Post, Tramadol wholesales for less than $25 for a 1,000 pill bottle, where oxycodone can cost $10 for each 10-milligram pill. As the cheap pet pain medications have been barreling through Third World countries, the problem has reached developed countries, and just one week ago, a medical examiner in Northern Ireland reported more teens dying from Tramadol than from morphine or heroin. Although veterinarians would like to believe humans would never harm their pets to score drugs for themselves, the epidemic has veterinarians on the alert and more critical of the pets’ injuries. In Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Heather Pereira, 23, intentionally cut her dog with razor blades so she could get Tramadol. Dr. Chad Bailey, with the Elizabethtown Animal Hospital, described the woman’s Golden retriever as needing stitches twice in one month. And then a few months later, it happened again. Each time she came for a visit with her dog, Pereira asked for more pain medications. Pereira was finally arrested and subsequently sentenced to four years in prison. And now CBSNews reports veterinarian students are being taught to take a close look at pet owners when animals come into their offices with recurring wounds and new clients. “We’re really looking for things that don’t match up,” stated Dr. Duffy Jones, owner of Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. “The ones being abused aren’t seeing us regularly; they’re moving from vet to vet.” In Portland, Oregon, the owners of a dog that had been euthanized didn’t stop them from going back to their vet for more Tramadol. The  two owners had already filled two prescriptions and were “trying to fill a third (120 tablets each)” when they were caught, stated one veterinarian reports on a vet specific bulletin board. If a pet owner won’t let a vet get in touch with their previous vet or comes in looking specifically for Tramadol, vets are advised to look for a drug-free, safe alternative to treat the pet for their pain. What is our world coming to when even our pets are made to suffer in the egregious world of drug addicts? (Golden retriever hurt to score pain drugs via screenshot by AJC News) Follow the Pet Rescue Report on Facebook. What the he'll has happened to our world. If any of you little animal abusing junkie punks want some pain meds. Come on by I'll make sure you have a legit need and reason for it. I promise. TheGuardian

[peachtreehillsvet]

What’s the scoop on poop?

We thought it would be helpful to explain our near obsession with poop, which we also refer to as feces or stool. Our veterinarians recommend testing poop for two reasons:

1) A dog or cat has symptoms that may be attributed to intestinal parasitism. 2) For routine screening to identify asymptomatic carriers of intestinal parasites.

It might be obvious why we screen for intestinal parasites in symptomatic pets, but why screen for asymptomatic carriers?

A very important part of pet stewardship is to control intestinal parasitism. Dogs and cats can be asymptomatic carriers and serve as a source of environmental contamination with parasite eggs (ova) or cysts that are shed in stool.

Subsequent infection with intestinal parasites can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, and vomiting in our pets. The more significant the parasite burden, the increased likelihood of severe disease.

Some intestinal parasites of companion animals can infect humans (zoonotic parasites), mostly through exposure from a contaminated environment.

What are the common intestinal parasites of dogs and cats?

The DOGPARCS study: Detection of gastrointestinal parasitism at recreational canine sites in the USA (June 2020)

3,000 fecal samples were obtained from thirty metropolitan areas (including Atlanta) and 288 dog parks. Samples were collected with the owners consent and these owners also gave information about whether their pet(s) were given heartworm/intestinal parasite control medication.

85% of parks sampled had at least one infected dog.

1 in 5 park-attending dogs was infected with intestinal parasites.

Giardia was the most commonly detected parasite, but hookworms, whipworms, or roundworms were found at almost half of the parks visited. Hookworms were especially common in the South.

Owners reported using heartworm/intestinal parasite preventatives in 68.8% of park-attending dogs. Those dogs receiving a preventative were significantly less likely to be infected with nematodes.

The fact is that intestinal parasites are very common in dogs and cats, which is why parasite control strategies and testing are recommended. Effective parasite control has revolutionized the human-animal bond over the last several decades, opening the door to pets to live in our homes, sleep in our beds, and enjoy better health and quality of life.

Fortunately, many monthly oral or topical heartworm preventatives provide intestinal parasite control, but no product is 100% efficacious nor protects against every potential intestinal parasite. The most common reason to see breakthrough roundworm or hookworm infection is when pet owners forget to give monthly preventatives, so mark your calendars or set your reminders!

Dr. Sharon Nath

Originally published here: https://peachtreehillsvet.com/whats-the-scoop-on-poop/

[peachtreehillsvet]

The Dreaded Tick!

Have we really thought about ticks…really? These creepy little mites are everywhere! And their presence can linger longggggg after a bite. Ticks pose a large risk to pets and people because of the diseases they can transmit (Lyme, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, among so many others). Some of these nasty infections can lead to fevers, joint pain, kidney damage, immune mediated issues, and in severe cases hospitalization and death!

A tick’s main purpose in life is to survive. They have been around millions of years and have developed the ability to perpetuate and thrive. They quietly wait in waiting ‘questing’ to find their next victim. They can sense motion, vibrations, and even body odors!

Once on skin, they attach and start feeding on blood. Depending on the lifecycle and the type of tick, they may acquire disease, or even transmit while attached. In Georgia, some of the common ticks we worry about include the Lone Star Tick, American dog tick, and black legged tick.

Now, let’s think about our goals for ticks and how to keep them from infesting and infecting our beloved pets. Our goal- LIMIT BITES THAT CAN LEAD TO TRANSMISSION AND SPREAD OF DISEASE! Sounds easier said than done.

In regard to humans, there are many options to reduce our exposure to these pests. I urge you to visit the CDC Website for an exhaustive list of preventative measures!

For pets, the best ways we can achieve this is by proactive preventative measures. And the best method is PREVENTATIVE MEDICATIONS. We are lucky in the veterinary field that pharmaceutical companies have developed safe and effective products that are meant to decrease disease transmission and reduce infestations from these nasty critters. There are effective and safe oral options, topical options, and even collars.

At PHAH, we aim to provide a detailed plan for each pet that is specific for their needs and lifestyle. For that reason, there is no one size fits all approach to recommending products, but instead a discussion that allows us as a Veterinary Team, and you the client to figure out the best approach.

Some of the products we use and prescribe at PHAH include, but are not limited to:

Simparica Trio

Credelio

Revolution Plus

Bravecto

Please reach out to us with any questions or specific concerns you may have. Thank you and take care!

Dr. Mark Belyeu

Originally published here: https://peachtreehillsvet.com/the-dreaded-tick/

[peachtreehillsvet]

February is National Pet Dental Health Month

As a profession we spend the 28 days of February heavily focused on our pet’s dental health, which is great, but unfortunately not enough. It has been shown that periodontal disease is the number one health problem affecting small animal patients.1,2 It is even so significant that by 2 years of age, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease.3

As pet owners, we likely don’t focus lots of time and thought on our pet’s mouths, but we should! In humans, there are systemic consequences of poor dental health including impacts on our kidneys, liver, heart, and lungs. It is reported that human patients with periodontal disease are four times more likely to have multiple (3 or more) systemic maladies than those in good periodontal health.5

It may seem like a big ask to brush your dog and cat’s teeth daily, which can be true, but the benefits can be exponential. Even after a dental cleaning under anesthesia, plaque can form on the teeth within 24 hours.3,4 That plaque can cause localized inflammation at the gingival margin and lead to bleeding, redness, and discomfort. This term called GINGIVITIS is the early stages of gum disease and can be reversed with appropriate cleaning and therapy. Once the inflammation has progressed to the point where there are changes including bone loss, pocketing, and gum recession, among others, we have a diagnosis called PERIODONTAL DISEASE, which is not reversible.

So, you ask, what can we do as pet owners? I believe our big takeaways from dental health discussions are to figure out a plan that works for your family and your pet. Not every pup or everyone’s schedule is going to allow you to brush daily. Not every pet is going to chew on veterinary approved dental chews as recommended by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). But there are multiple opportunities available to us daily that can improve the oral health of our patients.

It is also important to remember that even if we are performing bi-annual examinations on your pet, we can never fully examine every aspect of the oral cavity. This means appropriately timed Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatments (COHAT) under anesthesia are necessary to examine each tooth, measure periodontal pocketing, look for growths, perform radiographs, etc.

At Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital, we are committed to the highest quality care for your pet and want to do it in an inclusive environment that takes you the pet owner, and the pet into account. We want to ease worries, help create solutions, and give you the best curtailed advice that provides the best for your family. Keep in mind, if we are able to create a plan that reduces plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and periodontal disease, smaller dogs and cats live 15–20% longer if they receive dental care as needed throughout their life and larger dogs live 10–15% longer. Isn’t that amazing!?!

Please reach out if you have any questions.

Take Care, Mark Belyeu, DVM

References:

1. University of Minnesota Center for Companion Animal Health. National Companion Animal Study, 1996, p 3. 2. Lund EM, Armstrong PJ, Kirk CA, et al. Health status and population characteristics of dogs and cats examined at private veterinary practices in the United States. JAVMA 1999; 214:1336-1341. 3. Wiggs RB, Lobprise HB. Periodontology. Veterinary Dentistry, Principals and Practice. Philadelphia: Lippincott – Raven, 1997, pp 186-231. 4. Quirynen M, Teughels W, Kinder Haake S, Newman MG. Microbiology of periodontal diseases. Carranza’s Clinical Periodontology. St. Louis: WB Saunders, 2006, pp 134-169. 5. Al-emadi a, Bissada n, Farah C, et al. systemic diseases among patients with and without alveolar bone loss. Quintessence Int 2006; 37(10):761-765.

Dental COHAT on canine patient under anesthesia PRIOR to cleaning and evaluation.

Dental COHAT on canine patient under anesthesia AFTER cleaning and evaluation.

References:

1. University of Minnesota Center for Companion Animal Health. National Companion Animal Study, 1996, p 3. 2. Lund EM, Armstrong PJ, Kirk CA, et al. Health status and population characteristics of dogs and cats examined at private veterinary practices in the United States. JAVMA 1999; 214:1336-1341. 3. Wiggs RB, Lobprise HB. Periodontology. Veterinary Dentistry, Principals and Practice. Philadelphia: Lippincott – Raven, 1997, pp 186-231. 4. Quirynen M, Teughels W, Kinder Haake S, Newman MG. Microbiology of periodontal diseases. Carranza’s Clinical Periodontology. St. Louis: WB Saunders, 2006, pp 134-169. 5. Al-emadi a, Bissada n, Farah C, et al. systemic diseases among patients with and without alveolar bone loss. Quintessence Int 2006; 37(10):761-765.

Originally published here: https://peachtreehillsvet.com/february-is-national-pet-dental-health-month/

[peachtreehillsvet]

Are You Ready For ‘Kennel Cough’?

I am sure we have all heard the term ‘kennel cough’. It has become a commonly known vernacular that encompasses an infectious condition dogs most commonly get from other pups when exposed at places such as boarding, daycare, dog parks, or grooming. Even though the phrase is commonly used, it is unlikely that most people understand the full scope of the disease process. A disease process that is multifaceted, with multiple pathogens, and is more appropriately labeled Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC).

We as pet owner are on the move! Which means our canines are either coming with us to meet and greet others, they could be spending the day playing with other pups at daycare, or they could be hanging out for the weekend with their friends at boarding. This means that we are now exposing our pets to a larger population of potential risks. This shouldn’t deter, but we should be aware and educated on what this could mean.

For the most part, ‘kennel cough’ is a mild infection that many pups can overcome, but what is usually unknown is, what is causing this?!? There are NUMEROUS pathogens that are responsible for the harsh, non-productive cough that can cause fever, inappetence, and a general feeling of malaise. Viruses, including Canine Influenza (H3N2, H3N8), Distemper, Parainfluenza, AND Bacteria, including Bordetella, Mycoplasma, are just some of the culprits that can damage the lining and cells of the respiratory tract. These pathogens (one pathogen or multiple different) can infect and replicate in the alveoli/trachea/bronchi and lead to potential inflammatory reactions and even pneumonia.

We have been fortunate in recent years to not have a known nationwide outbreak of respiratory pathogens, but it appears there is an emergence of Canine Influenza in the Atlanta Metro area that we need to take note of. We at PHAH want to ensure the best action plan for our patients and clients.

With the emergence of Canine Influenza popping up around the city, we are urging our clients to update their dog’s vaccine for the respiratory diseases we can protect against, or at least limit the severity of. These vaccines include intranasal or injectable Bordetella, the DHLPP injection, and the Canine Influenza injection (H3N2, H3N8). We also ask that you consider your pet’s exposure risks and your pet’s personal risk factors based on previously diagnosed ailments. If appropriate, consider limiting exposure when and where necessary.

Lastly, don’t panic. We are here to help. We have a doctor dedicated to TeleVet daily that is available to chat with you about worries, clinical signs, and therapies. We have PCR testing that looks at the major pathogens and helps guide us in our decision-making process. We have treatment options including antibiotic coverage, inflammatory mediators, among others. And we have the potential for more advanced diagnostics including X-rays to help aid in diagnosis and treatment. We are here to make sure that our clients are informed and can make the best decision regarding their pets care. Please let us know how we can be of assistance during this time. Please reach out with any questions you may have.

Thank you for your time and take care.

Mark Belyeu, DVM

Originally published here: https://peachtreehillsvet.com/are-you-ready-for-kennel-cough/

[peachtreehillsvet]

Tips When Choosing A Vet For Your Pet

Dogs and cats are the most common companions of homeowners in their houses. These cute and cuddly creatures provide fun and laughter for the whole family. It is also amazing how pets can be trained to do interesting things such as fetching small items or even playing with your kids. No doubt, by having pets in your house, you can make your house more entertaining.

However, as a pet owner, it is essential to provide these lovely creatures all the amenities they need, from shelter, food and most especially health. That is why, when health is affected, pet owners must immediately visit a veterinary clinic. But, before going to a clinic, make sure to go to a reputable one. Listed below are some tips to help you choose the best vet for your pet.

Accessibility -Pet owners will never know when pets will get sick. So, to make sure that you can easily address this issue, you need to look for easy to access clinics. Opting for accessible clinics will allow pet owners to efficiently provide comfort and care for their pets.

Service hours - It is also essential for pet owners to determine the clinic's service hours. This way, pet owners can easily call the clinic in case of an emergency. As of now, there are clinics that provide 24-hour services, house-call and even pickup services to ensure that pets will be safe and sound.

Equipment - To ensure that you pets are safe, make sure that the clinic has good cages. These cages provide comfort for your pets during check-ups. Other than cages, it is also good to check their facilities, from operating theatres, laboratory and even endoscopy. These facilities can provide all the services your pets need.

Customer service - Apart from the services of their veterinarians, it is also good to check their customer service. Will they be able to provide you fast services? Can they answer all your queries? Can they answer your call even after hours? All these questions must be addressed to ensure that their customer service personnel can provide you the best features you are looking for.

Read Full Article Here: Tips When Choosing A Vet For Your Pet

[peachtreehillsvet]

Have You Been Watching Your Cat?

Have You Been Watching Your Cat?

  I know this seems like a silly question, but really take a look. Does your feline friend seem to be acting differently as they have gotten older? Do they sleep more? Is their coat looking unkempt along the back? Do they not jump up on the couch, or climb the stairs as much? Do they groan, or even hiss, when petting along their back? If you are thinking, hmmm, my cat does seem to be acting a bit different, then let’s see how we can give them some relief!

  As cats age, they are very prone to developing ARTHRITIS. Studies even show that 90% of cats will show radiographic signs of arthritis1 . And sometimes these changes can be even earlier than you’d expect.

  When we are developing a game plan for arthritis and pain management, much of our diagnosis is based on our exam, our observations in the room or on home videos, and our discussion with you. X-rays are helpful to aid in the diagnosis, but sometimes arthritis can be present with even a ‘normal’ x-ray!

  As a veterinary team, our overall goal is to try and return your feline friend to their prior activity level and maintain a high comfort and quality of life! Prior to a few months ago, there was a significant challenge in managing pain and arthritis in feline patients. A common therapy in dogs for managing arthritis is prescribing NSAIDs, but long-term therapy of this in cats can be potentially problematic for organs like the kidney and liver.

  But, we have great news! There is a new monoclonal antibody (SolensiaTM) that has been developed specifically for FELINE patients to block nerve growth factor (NGF), a substance that is responsible for worsening arthritis and the pain pathway. This new and innovative medication is given as an injection in the hospital, under the skin, by your veterinary team. It is designed to be given every 30 days and can be repeated on that timeline indefinitely. Some feline patients have seen improvement even after one injection!

  Overall, this is the first medicine of its kind that has the potential to improve the quality of life for cat arthritis/pain, without the significant side effects, risks, and difficulty of medicating cats. To note, with anything in medicine, especially pain, it is a multimodal approach and there are other options including LASER therapy, Acupuncture, appropriate NSAID usage, and other pain medications to help in our ultimate goal of alleviating discomfort.

  Please let us know if you have any questions about this product, it’s safety profile, and its effectiveness. If you’d like to give it a try, let us know and we can get your cat scheduled!

  Thank you and take care!

Dr. Mark Belyeu

  References:

1. Hardie EM, Roe SC, Martin FR. Radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease in geriatric cats: 100 cases (1994-1997). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2002 Mar 1;220(5):628-32. doi: 10.2460/javma.2002.220.628. PMID: 12418522.

Originally published here: https://peachtreehillsvet.com/have-you-been-watching-your-cat/

[peachtreehillsvet]

What is Your Pup Chewing?!?!

Originally published here: https://www.peachtreehillsvet.com/what-is-your-pup-chewing/

[peachtreehillsvet]

IT’S GETTING HOT OUT THERE!

Originally published here: https://www.peachtreehillsvet.com/its-getting-hot-out-there/

[dvmsuccess]

Professional Management Videos In CA | dvmSuccess, Inc

The first step in reducing your drug costs. By Duffy Jones DVM at Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital and dvmSuccess Vet Group.

Read More: https://www.dvm.com/management-videos

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DvmSuccess Management Videos in CA | dvmSuccess, Inc

The first step in reducing your drug costs. By Duffy Jones DVM at Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital and dvmSuccess Vet Group. 

Read more: https://sites.google.com/view/dvmsuccess-management-videos/home

[dvmsuccess]

Management Videos | dvmSuccess

The first step in reducing your drug costs. By Duffy Jones DVM at Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital and dvmSuccess Vet Group.

Read More: https://dvmsuccess209.wixsite.com/dvmblog/post/establish-markup-for-pharmacy-and-dietary-products