Dear Clients & Fury Friends,

It’s easy to indulge in all the rich foods everywhere one looks.  Pet owners feeling the holiday spirit may feel the urge to let their pets share in the feast, but even a little bit of gravy or a scrap of ham can lead to pancreatitis in dogs and cats. 

Pancreatitis causes severe abdominal pain in cats and dogs.  Pets may tuck their abdomen when standing and be reluctant to partake in their normal activities.  Vomiting is common in dogs but less so in cats.  Diarrhea may be profuse to intermittent in dogs.  Cats are less likely to exhibit many of the outward signs an owner would notice immediately.  Instead, a cat is more likely to be lethargic and show a decrease in appetite.  Acute pancreatitis is triggered by the ingestion of too much fat.  Dogs and cats have different symptoms of the illness, but both are diagnosed by medical history, bloodwork, and ultrasound.

Make sure to keep the table scraps on the table.  Fatty foods can cause stomach problems, while bones can cause obstructions or choking.  Keep the holidays festive by following this helpful tip!  If your furry family member needs us, we will be here!

Happy Holidays to all of you,

Dr. Barbosa, Dr. Glickman, & staff

October 10, 2011

Dear Clients & Pets,

World rabies day is celebrated every year in September.  All warm blooded animals can harbor the rabies virus.  Especially in South Florida, there is a threat of rabies exposure from wild animals such as raccoons and foxes, in addition to stray cats and dogs.  There is never a way to know if an animal is a carrier.  Therefore, to protect our pets and ourselves, the easiest and important thing to do is vaccinate your pets regularly for rabies.

Dr. Barbosa & Dr. Glickman

Dear Clients & Pets,        

          It’s summer and the HEAT is on!!  All pet owners should be aware of the threat of heat stroke and hyperthermia.  An excessively high body temperature (105-110F) can either be a fever or primary hyperthermia.  However, if the normal heat dissipating mechanisms can not compensate for excessive heat producing mechanisms or heat load, and the internal temperature rises too high, then animals at risk can suffer heatstroke!

          So animals that get locked in a car, are out on a hot afternoon, do excessive exercise, are all affected.  Signs to lookout for are panting, hyper salivation, hyperthermia, dehydration, increased heart rate- which all can lead to shock and respiratory distress.  Risk factors are previous episodes of heatstroke, age, poor physical condition, obesity, brachycephalic breeds- like pugs and pekingeses, high heat, humidity, poor air circulation, and thick hair coat.

          Treatment for the immediate reversal of hyperthermia includes spraying the pet down with water and cooling down with an electric fan.  Also, apply rubbing alcohol on foot pads, arm pits, and groin areas.  Stop when temperature reaches 103F.  Ice baths are not recommended!  Transport to clinic immediately.  This is life threatening emergency situation and may require intensive care.

Wishing all a wonderful summer,

Dr. Barbosa and Dr. Glickman

Animal Hospital of Hallandale

FLEAS! Those pesky little critters are here all year round in South East Florida and we need to be using a flea preventative every month in order to stop their invasion in our homes and on our pets.  Fleas cause many problems, as dogs and cats can be allergic to the fleas, which cause them to scratch their skin and cause scabs, skin infections, and inflammation.  Then our veterinarians need to treat with anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and topical ointments and sprays.

            So be vigilant and use the topical liquids, like Frontline, or tablets, like Comfortis, monthly to prevent future skin problems and of course increased expenditures.  It can take several weeks for these immature stages that are already in the environment to complete their development, potentially exposing the pet to new fleas every day until this infestation runs its course.  Also, it can take as much as 2-3 months and sometimes longer in cooler rooms, for a well-established indoors flea infestation to completely run its course.        

            Remember animals do not have to be outside to contact fleas.  We can bring them inside on our clothes.  Pets that live in apartments and condos are at an increased risk for bringing fleas in from common areas- hallways, elevators, outside lawns, etc.

            An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

January 14, 2011

Dear Clients & Pets:

First off we'd like to say Happy New Year to all of our clients and their pets!  
Hope this year has started off as a great one.
I want to let you know about something extremely important- February is Pet 
Dental Month, but we are starting early! We would like to emphasize the 
importance of your pet's teeth.  Pets, like humans, need an annual dental exam.  
It is important for their health and comfort to prevent infected gums, bad 
breath, tooth decay and tooth loss.  Periodontal disease is the most prevalent 
disease among dogs and cats.  As much as 80% of dogs and cats show signs of oral 
disease by the age of three.  Smaller breeds are prone to periodontal disease 
because the teeth are often too large for their mouths, forcing the teeth closer 
together.  Dogs start out with 28 deciduous (baby) teeth, cats start out with 26 
deciduous teeth.  By the time they are 6 months old, these baby teeth fall out 
and are replaced by permanent teeth, 42 in dogs and 30 in cats.  
The following are some of the most common questions we receive:

What causes periodontal disease? 
PLAQUE!  Plaque is a colorless film that contains large amounts of bacteria.  If 
this is left unchecked, the plaque builds up and creates an infection, 
destroying gums and resulting in the loss of the tissues and bone that support 
the teeth.  

How do you prevent this?
By following preventive oral care (physicals, brushing pet's teeth at home, 
dental cleanings), you reduce the formation of plaque and help maintain proper 
oral health throughout a pet's life.  Routine physical exams that include dental 
exams are the best!  We are currently offering free dental exams with an office 
visit.

What are some signs of periodontal disease?
All pets run the risk of developing dental problems.  Some signs are: tooth 
loss, subdued behavior, abnormal drooling, dropping food out of the mouth, 
swallowing food whole, bad breath, yellow-brown crust on teeth, bleeding gums, 
going to the food bowl but not eating, change of chewing or eating habits.

Remember that bacteria from dental disease(periodontitis) can spread throughout 
the body and damage the kidneys, liver and heart.
Call today to schedule an appointment for your pet's dental exam!
Also check out this newsletter: http://animalhospitalofhallandale.com/index.php?newsletters=107


Sincerely,


Dr. Joe A. Barbosa

This time of year ticks can be a problem for our pets. We see animals with infestations of ticks that bother you and your pet!

 Ticks can cause a host of problems for our dogs. Many dogs will scratch and rub their skin since the ticks are irritating. This leads to skin inflammation and skin infections. Medications are then needed to treat the skin problem. A most serious problem we have in South Florida is that the ticks have their own parasite called Ehrlichia. When the ticks feed, the Ehrlichia enters the dog’s body from the tick. This parasite infects the blood cells and can cause serious and life threatening problems. The platelets or “clotting cells” are often infected and the dogs can get fevers and bleeding from this parasite. Also, nosebleeds, bruising, or bleeding from other areas of the body can be other symptoms to look for. Lethargy is often a primary sign. Once the Ehrlichia is diagnosed by a blood test, medication is given to try to clear the parasite. Another tick borne parasite we see here is Anaplasma, which behaves a lot like Ehrlichia.

Other problems the ticks can cause in puppies is anemia. Also, there is a form of paralysis of the hind limbs that can occur if a certain species of tick attaches onto a dog’s neck.

To avoid all these problems, strict tick control is important.

  Hurricane season is here!

Preparation is the key to a safe hurricane season in South Florida. At the Animal Hospital of Hallandale, we will board your pets in case of inclement weather. Please call for information and reservations. Other Guidelines include:

Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit:

Whether you are away from home for a day or a week, you'll need essential supplies. Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily (duffle bags, covered trash containers, etc.). Your pet disaster supplies kit should include: Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a first aid kit. Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals can't escape. Current photos of your pets in case they get lost. Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can opener, enough for 2 weeks. Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets. Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.

Know What To Do As a Disaster Approaches:

Often, warnings are issued hours, even days, in advance. At the first hint of disaster, act to protect your pet. Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets. Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice. Bring all pets into the house so that you won't have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry. Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of a friend or relative outside the disaster area. You can buy temporary tags or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet's ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen. You may not be home when the evacuation order comes. Find out if a trusted neighbor would be willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location. This person should be comfortable with your pets, know where your animals are likely to be, know where your pet disaster supplies kit is kept, and have a key to your home. Have a properly sized pet carrier for each animal – carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand and turn around.
Plan your evacuation strategy and don’t forget your pet! The Animal Hospital of Hallandale, specialized pet shelters, friends and relatives out of harm’s way are ALL potential refuges for your pet during a disaster.
If you plan to shelter your pet, work it into your evacuation route planning.
Have a list of emergency phone numbers.

http://www.floridadisaster.org/petplan.htm

DO NOT TRANQULIZE YOUR PET EXCEPT UNDER THE ADVICE OF YOUR VET!!!

For our clients living in an evacuation zone: There are limited spaces in the county's designated Pet Friendly Shelter. The location of the shelter is:

Millennium Middle School
5803 N.W. 94th Avenue     Tamarac , Florida 33321

NOTE: You must live in the evacuation zone and pre-register. If you wish to pre-register for the pet friendly shelter, please bring the below items with you to the Humane Society when you pre-register:  

• Valid proof of residence in an evacuation zone such as an electric, water or cable bill.  A driver's license will not be sufficient proof.
• Valid proof of rabies vaccination and license tag for your pets.
• The name, address and phone number of your veterinarian.
• A current photo of the pets you are planning to bring to the shelter (photo's will not be returned as they will be attached to your registration).

Criteria to be allowed into the pet friendly shelter are:
• Pet owners must be able to provide proof that they live in an evacuation area (utility bill).
• Pets must be up-to-date on rabies vaccination and licensing.
• Pets must be crated and will be housed in the same area as other pets.
• Pet owners must stay at the emergency shelter and by appointment only; provide care for their animals (i.e., walking, feeding, cleaning up after).
• Pet owners will not be allowed to sleep or stay in the room where their animals are housed

The hurricane hotline number for the HS is:  954-266-6871

A good site for information is http://www.floridadisaster.org/petplan.htm

We wish for all our clients and pets to have a fun and safe summer. Please call us with any questions.

Please click on comments beneath our posts to view current topics, questions and answers.  Thank you and enjoy!

Dr. Joe Barbosa

Hello all clients and future clients!

Welcome to our website and our blog! Enjoy reading our current client information on our blog! Watch for new topics in December! Please feel free to add comments about future topics you would  like me to address!  You can post your request for future topics on the blog or email us by clicking on "contact us" on the bottom of the page.  Please sign up with your email address to receive our free monthly Animal Hosptial of Hallandale newsletter!!

Thank you,

Dr. Barbosa & Dr Yvonne Provci