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Monday, January 31, 2011

February is Dental Health Month!

February is Dental Health Month, and Dublin Animal Hospital has some exciting opportunities to help you get your pet's teeth healthy! For the entire month of February, we are offering a 10% discount on all of our dental procedures!

Not sure whether your pet needs a dental cleaning or other dental procedure? Sometimes an issue with a pet's teeth is evident when their breath becomes excessively bad, or when they begin to have problems eating. By far, the best dental treatment is preventive! Getting your pet's teeth checked before a problem arises can save your pet significant discomfort, and you costly vet bills! You can call to schedule a dental exam with one of our Dental Technicians absolutely free of charge! Our experienced technician will check your pet's mouth thoroughly, looking for any excessive tartar build up, broken or damaged teeth.

Please call us at 593-1336 to schedule your pet's consultation today!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Friday, January 7, 2011

Miracle Pets!

We asked for stories about pets who have beaten the odds and come through a serious illness or injury, and our wonderful client family responded! Here is our first feature, written by Spring Lea, Mommy to the adorable Aspen Leaflight!

When we first picked up our little hedgehog from the breeder, the gal said, "This little girl takes about five minutes to uncurl, but if you're patient, it will happen."  Then she placed the little ball of prickles in my hand, which immediately uncurled, and this little face looked up at me as if to say, "Get me out of here!!!"  It was easy to comply as she had stolen my heart with the first glance.  In the car, she told me her name was Aspen Light (because her quills looked like the bark of an aspen tree with the dappled sunlight streaming down), but she told my husband her name was Aspen Leaf.  So, we called her Aspen Leaflight. 

In her second year of life, our hearts twisted as she started showing all the signs of uterine cancer, very prevalent in hedgies.  We took her to Dublin right away, of course, and they confirmed what we feared.  We were tight for money at the time, and had already lost two hedgies to cancer despite surgery, so we were leery of getting her an operation, but in the end, we just couldn't *not* try to save her life.  The doctors and staff at Dublin performed the operation and confirmed that not only did she have uterine cancer but she had something wrong with one of her adrenal glands as well, so they removed it.

It was touch and go for a while.  The first night we had her back, she whimpered unless one of us held her.  She had plenty of pain meds, but she was just so traumatized from what she'd been through.  Sitting up all night with her to keep her company and croon to her was a very moving experience.  I've never felt so big and important in all my life.  She also kept getting very cold for days after her surgery, and I had to do a lot more follow-up holding therapy just to keep her warm.  But eventually, she pulled through.

It's been about a year since the folks at Dublin saved our little girl, and she seems happier and more loving than ever.  We still cuddle for hours, even though she doesn't need it to survive anymore.  And quite frequently I thank Aspen Leaflight for staying alive for us.  Thanks also to Dublin for helping us keep our precious little girl in our home.

~~Spring Lea

Spring Lea - thank you for your touching story, we are so honored to be a part of it!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

I just need my pet's medicine refilled, why do I have to come in for an exam?

Many of our clients wonder why they are asked to come in for an annual exam or blood work when they just want to have their pet's prescription medicine refilled or buy some prescription pet food. Oftentimes, there is the unfortunate misconception that we are putting our clients to unnecessary expense.

Nothing could be farther from the truth! It is not only our job, but it is our highest priority to ensure that your pet receives only the best medical care possible. If your pet is taking Rimadyl long term for pain and inflammation, it is critical that we periodically draw blood to check liver and kidney functions, known as an "NSAID panel". Because NSAID drugs can be harmful to the liver with long term use, we cannot refill your pet's prescription without biannual testing. Other prescription drugs requiring blood work for continued refills is Thyrosyn, used to treat thyroid disorders in dogs and cats, and Phenobarbital, used to control seizure disorders. We must  check the levels of these drugs in your pet's blood, to ensure that the levels are neither too low, rendering them less effective, nor too high - which could cause dangerous toxic side effects. Remember, your pet is our patient - their health and well being are our #1 priority!

Did you know that your pet's prescription diet is treated as medication? Because it is used in conjunction with a treatment plan for your pet's special medical needs, it is important that we see your pet on at least an annual basis. For example, if your pet is on a prescription diet for kidney function, the veterinarian needs to monitor your pet's condition periodically and amend their treatment plan when appropriate. Therefore, you may be asked to come in for your pet's annual visit before we are able to provide his prescription food. This helps our veterinarians keep your pet on the right track for optimum health.

We know that life gets hectic sometimes, and getting to the veterinarian's office may seem like another unwanted stress! Be assured that Dublin Animal Hospital will do everything we can to find an appointment time that works for you - ask us about our early morning drop off option.

Please call 719-593-1336 to schedule an appointment.

Saturday, January 1, 2011


Meet Bombay, our first Rescue Pet of the Month!
 We at Dublin Animal Hospital want to express our sincere gratitude to the rescue organizations in Colorado Springs who work tirelessly to rescue and place homeless animals. From those who manage the monumental administrative work to the generous souls who foster these animals until they find their Forever Homes, we wish you a very happy and successful New Year!

Now we would like to officially introduce you to our very first Rescue Pet of the Month, Bombay! Bombay is a Pit Bull mix being fostered by a wonderful volunteer for All Breed Rescue in Colorado Springs. The staff at Dublin Animal Hospital is already quite smitten with this little baby, and can't wait for the right family to find her! Her foster Mom tells us that she is very playful and energetic, and loves other dogs. She doesn't have any cats in her foster home, so we aren't sure how she feel about them - although she was very gentle with our clinic kitty, Coraline. She is 11 weeks old, and a very happy, healthy girl!

If you are interested in meeting Bombay, please contact All Breed Rescue at 719-264-6460.

Note: Dublin Animal Hospital has no official affiliation with All Breed Rescue, and is not responsible for the placement of this pet nor the information provided on this pet by the rescue organization.