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These are the press releases we've issued over the last year. You may want to search for topics by keyword.
Heartworm season is upon us again- May 1, 2008
Heartworm is carried by mosquitoes and an infection can result in serious lung and cardiac problems including death primarily in dogs and on rare occasion in cats. We prevent infections in our pets by using a monthly preventative medication during the mosquito season (June 1 through November 1). In addition, we routinely screen our canine companions for adult heartworm infection through blood testing.
New in the last year, is that we are currently following the recommendation of the Center for Disease Control and the Companion Animal Parasite Council with respect to year round deworming for intestinal parasites. The easiest way to accomplish this is through the monthly heartworm preventative used year round. Please see the following news release of Year Round Deworming of Our Pets for more detail.
Please remember to call to see if your pet is currently due for a heartworm test and then pick up the appropriate preventative medication.
Year Round Deworming For Our Pets- Sept 1, 2007
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Companion Animal Parasite Council are currently recommending year round deworming of our pets along with annual fecal examinations. The intestinal parasites that can be carried by dogs and cats can cause significant health problems in our children including blindness. Studies in the Atlantic Provinces have shown that as many as 30% of children test positive for exposure to these parasites. Children under the age of 5 are most susceptible since they tend to put many things into their mouths. It only takes a bit of soil or sand on a toy to transmit the microscopic eggs to another pet or a child. Furthermore, the microscopic eggs are very hardy and have been shown to remain viable in the soil for as long as six years! Sand in particular is an ideal substrate for maintaining viable eggs, so sandboxes, beaches and sand lined playgrounds are even more susceptible to harbouring infective eggs.
In addition, the increasing number of people, pets and children in urban/suburban areas and the likelihood of encountering health problems is increased. For these reasons, we are following the current recommendations of the CDC and the Companion Animal Parasite Council which include year round deworming and annual fecal exams for all pets.
Year round deworming will help ensure that any parasites picked up by our pets are eliminated on a monthly basis. Thus, keeping our pets clean and not adding to further contamination of the environment which risks the health of our children.
For cats, in particular outdoor cats, monthly deworming is very important. These cats are using playground sandboxes and gardens to eliminate in. It only takes 3 weeks from ingestion of a mouse until the cats begin shedding the microscopic eggs in their stool. Monthly deworming is key to keeping our cats and, therefore, our play areas clean.
For dogs, parasite control is simply an extension of the heartworm season. Some of the medications currently being used June through November to control heartworms are also very effective intestinal dewormers. We are, therefore, recommending year round use of heartworm medication for our canine patients. Please call and inquire which medication will meet your pets' specific needs.
Dr. Jon Uyede will be leaving us, unfortunately- July 30, 2007
We will be saying a very heartfelt goodbye to Dr Uyede at the end of August, 2007. He and his wife, Beth, are needing to relocate back to Guelph, Ontario for personal reasons. We have enjoyed the past year that he has spent with us very much and we are very sad to lose him. We wish them both the very best that life has to offer. They will be very sorely missed for a long time to come.
Dr. Erin MacDonald has recently joined us.- July 30, 2007
We would like to extend a very warm welcome to Dr. MacDonald who joined our practice earlier this month. She is a May, 2007 graduate of the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island.
Flushable Poop Bags for Dogs- June 22, 2007
We now carry FlushEze bags to help in the safe and clean disposal of you pet's waste. FlushEze bags are a unique product made of polyvinyl alcohol which is fully dissolvable and compatible with septic tanks and sanitation systems. The FlushEze baggie can be safely flushed in any standard commode. The bagged waste will not clog the bowl as long as there is adequate water and flushing action during the cycle. This includes RV toilets.
Flusheze Bag advantages: 
Fully dissolvable in water Compatible with septic tanks and sanitation systems Will not clog the toilet bowl Allows convenient disposal of pet waste into the appropriate system No secondary dumping of waste out of the bag Reduces plastic bag landfill waste Available in boxes of 60 bags PoochPouch (fanny pack) provides a safe and sanitary means to transport pet waste home.
Remember “Stoop, Scoop and Flush”
Lyme Disease- June 22, 2007
Carried by ticks, the bacteria borrelia burgdorferi causes lyme disease and is on the rise in the Ottawa area. It can cause joint pain, fever, enlarged lymph nodes and kidney damage in our canine companions. It's diagnosis is hampered by the facts that the tick is and has a relatively painless bite. On our furry friends, these ticks are often not identified until after engorgement by which time the bacteria has already by transmitted to your pet by the tick. In addition the onset of clinical illness is not usually for weeks or even months after the transmitting tick bite.
You can protect your canine companion by using a prescription product to kill ticks prior to transmission of the bacteria and by vaccination. If you feel that your pet is at risk of being bitten by a tick, ask your veterinarian about protection. Keep in mind that these ticks are carried by mice and small mammal (skunks, raccoons, etc) of which we have plenty even in our suburban areas.
For more information visit our FAQs page.
Pet Food Recall update- May 10, 2007
For complete information please visit either the FDA or the AVMA websites to determine if your pet's food is on the recall list. If you purchase your food from either Greenbank or Rideau Animal Hospitals, we will contact you if your pet's food becomes recalled.
What Pet Foods Have Been Recalled? Search the FDA List of Recalled Pet Food Products (Browse by cat or dog food brand or do a search)
Search the AVMA List of Recalled Pet Food Products (Browse by cat or dog food brand or do a search)
The FDA has set up a web site that summarizes all current information on the pet food recall: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html#recal
Can my pet get Diabetes? - March 5, 2007 Yes, although not necessarily common, dogs and cats are prone to developing diabetes. Owners will typically notice an increase in thirst, urination and appetite without an appreciable weight gain. To confirm the diagnosis, veterinarians will have to perform blood and urine tests to see if the glucose levels are higher than normal. Once the diagnosis is made, treatment may involve injections or tablets depending on the type of diabetes. Although it can be frustrating at times, diabetes can be controlled in an efficient manner allowing your pet to go about his/her daily lives. Speak with your veterinarian if you have any suspicions or questions about your pet.
Puppy Proofing Your Home - Feb. 5, 2007 Puppies are curious by nature and will explore anything within their reach. Their mouth is the means by which they explore their environment, sometimes with severe consequences. Toxic plants, electrical cords, garbage, household chemicals, small swallowable objects (kids toys), batteries, twist ties and milk bag closers are a few hazards in the home. These things could cause burns, poisoning and bowel blockages. Before the puppy arrives, get down to his/her level and look for potential problem areas. Keep your puppy in a safe enclosure (crate) when not being observed. Your veterinarian should be contacted immediately if your pup ingests any harmful substance.
Dental Awareness MonthDoes my pet need routine dental care? - Jan. 5, 2007February is dental awareness month. According the the American Veterinary Dental Society more than 80 % of dogs and 70% of cats have dental disease by 3 years of age. Good dental hygiene increases your pet's life span and improves his/her quality of life! Plaque and tartar harbour the bacteria that lead to infections not only in the mouth, but also the heart, kidneys, and liver. Daily brushing of your pet's teeth combined with regular professional cleaning by your veterinarian is your pet's best defence.
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Copyright © 2006
Greenbank and Rideau Animal Hospitals
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