Thank You Letter to Clients

“Thank You”

I was raised to believe that thank you letters are polite.  As an adult, I have learned just how incredibly important and meaningful they can be.  

When I first received a thank you letter from a client, it was for a euthanasia I had done.  This was an unexpected but lovely gesture and it’s nice to know that the care and comfort we attempt to provide is received and appreciated.  I was told at the time that these thank you letters are likely the only ones I would receive in my career.  They are the most common, but I have also received many thank you letters from clients who’s pets are still with us.  The words that are shared with every letter are immeasurable in their kindness and inspiration.  I have cherished, and saved, each and every one.

Recently I was doing some research late at night on VIN, the Veterinary Information Network. 

1-800-IsItWorthTheRisk? The Truth about Internet Pharmacies

Several years ago, comedian Betty White represented 1-800-PetMeds in a television commercial. The former Golden Girl, seated with a handsome Golden Retriever, claimed that she "saved a trip to the vet".  With online pharmacies remaining a contentious issue and after a backlash from the veterinary community, the advertisement was eventually pulled from circulation.

Healthcare is expensive, there is no doubt about that.  Whether you are feathered or furred, two-legged or four-legged, the cost of hospital visits, medications, etc. can really add up.  In the world of human healthcare, regardless of its constantly changing status, health insurance can aid in reducing cost of medical care and medications.  The cost of your pet's medications can vary quite a bit for many reasons. 

Teddy Bear Surgery Day!

Join the team at Pearl Animal Hospital for a special Teddy Bear Surgery Day as part of the 

Pearl District's annual Bunny Hop! Bring your children and their favorite stuffed toy in need of repair and they will get to "scrub in" and assist with their surgery repair! You can also bring your pet's favorite toy in need of fixing!

Join Dr. Anders and Team on:

Saturday, April 19th

Noon-3pm

at Pearl Animal Hospital - 1250 NW 10th Ave

Children and pets of all ages welcome. 

There is no charge for this event or toy repair.

Anesthesia: There’s More to it Than Just Lay Back and Count to Ten

Almost every dog or cat will have to be anesthetized at least once in their lifetime, with the majority of pets receiving anesthesia several times. The reasons for this can vary from a spay or neuter in a young, healthy animal to a dental procedure in an active, middle aged pet to a cancerous mass removal in an older, perhaps somewhat health impaired patient. However, the one thing all of these scenarios have in common is our dedication to providing a safe and effective anesthesia experience.

At Pearl Animal Hospital we take anesthesia very seriously, and we have a pre-operative protocol to ensure your pet’s safety. This includes the requirement of a recent examination and pre-anesthetic lab. This is extremely important because a physiological abnormality can be diagnosed during this process that may have otherwise gone undetected. These abnormalities can include findings such as a heart murmur, anemia, or elevated liver or kidney values, just to name a few. Oftentimes, this does not mean your pet should not undergo his or her procedure, but rather more in depth diagnostics should be performed. In any case, it is imperative to have that knowledge, which allows us to create a more individualized and appropriate anesthesia protocol for our patient.

Why does my pet need an examination to get a vaccine?

Why does my pet need an examination to get a vaccine?>

We get this question often - owners ask for clarification as to why their pet needs a health examination before receiving a vaccine, prescription, or other health services. Per Oregon law, a licensed veterinarian must have a valid Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship in order to provide veterinary services.

What is a Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship?

A Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship is established when a licensed veterinarian has physically examined your pet and established a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal. In addition, the veterinarian must have seen the animal within the last year and is personally acquainted with the care of the animal.

So why does my pet need to be seen each time they need a vaccine if you’ve already seen them within the year?

Food Allergies in Pets- Ear Infections, Skin Infections, Gastrointestinal Issues - Oh My!

October's Pet of the Month

Meet our pets of the month Beso and Kahlo, they are 6-year-old Bernese Mountain Dogs who love hiking, snow, swimming, and relaxing.  Their dad will often bring them to visit the senior center to visit with Alzheimer and rehabilitation patients because their sweet and loving dispositions bring so much joy.  Beso and Kahlo are here to discuss food allergies!

Diabetes Mellitus and Home Management in Cats

September's Pet of the Month

Meet Gigi, a beautiful 16.5 year old Domestic Shorthair!  When Gigi heard that she was to be September's Pet of the Month, she immediately inquired as to when the tiara fitting was to be held.  Apart from being aptly treated as royalty, Gigi enjoys traveling to the coast with her family, snoozing on her bed. Gigi is here to talk about diabetes mellitus in cats.

Feline High Rise Syndrome - The Cat That Fell from the Window

August's Pet of the Month

Meet our adorable August Pet of the Month Brulee!  Brulee is a 1.5 year old Platinum Burmese who loves his 6mo Shih Tzu "sister" Chica, plays fetch, sleeps under the covers in bed, and will come running at the mere thought of treats! Brulee is here to talk about the feline phenomenon known as "high-rise syndrome".

A couple of months ago Brulee fell from his balcony about 4.5 stories up!  Brulee sustained a few broken toes, some superficial bruises/scrapes, and some internal injuries.  Luckily, after some frequent visits to Pearl Animal Hospital for splints and check-ups, Brulee is healing well and continues to be the sweetest patient!

Treating Bloat in Dogs

July's Pet of the Month

Meet our big, handsome July Pet of the Month, Blue! Blue is a 3.5-year-old Great Dane who weighs in at a whopping 120 pounds! Blue is a sweet boy who, regardless of his size, thinks that he is a lap dog. Blue also wants to be friends with everyone he sees, especially while out walking and riding the elevator in his building. Blue is here to talk to us about this month's topic gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), most commonly known as "bloat".

  

A few months ago, while out for a walk, Blue started exhibiting some concerning signs. Blue's abdomen was distended, he was repeatedly attempting to vomit, and was in obvious discomfort. Luckily, Blue's owner knew something was wrong and, suspecting GDV, rushed over to Pearl Animal Hospital where we were able to assess Blue and immediately refer them to Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital. Blue's surgery went well and he made a full recovery back to his normal, goofy self.

Vestibular Disease in Dogs

June's Pet of the Month

Meet our June Pet of the Month, Hank!  Isn't he a handsome guy?  Hank is a 14.5 year old Lab.  He is a loyal brother to his litter mate Cody and to his human brother Parker.  He's a major treat seeker often found under the high chair or with his head in purses and strollers looking for morsels.  In his younger days, he helped his owner train for four marathons, clocking about 40 miles per week!   

Our buddy Hank, has had quite a time over the last few weeks including an episode of "bloat".  However, Hank is here to talk to us about this month's topic of vestibular disease.

Dental Disease in Cats

May's Pet of the Month

Meet our good friend and May Pet of the Month, Pedro!  Pedro is a 12-year-old Domestic Short hair who was rescued as a kitten from a cardboard box in Michigan!  He now lives a cushy life here in Portland.  Pedro enjoys relaxing in cardboard boxes, bird-watching, a good game of batting around wadded up paper, and acting as an early morning furry alarm clock for his owners!  Pedro would like to teach us about dental disease!

The Importance of Pet Insurance

April’s Pet of the Month

Meet Olive, our April Pet of the Month!  Not only are we honored to feature sweet Olive, but we also get to wish her a happy first birthday on April 20th!!  Olive is an adorable Yorkie mix who loves to give kisses, play at daycare with her Newfoundland friend Truman, and play with her squeaky toys!  Olive is here to teach us about pet insurance!

GI Obstruction - The Cat That Ate the Hair Tie

March’s Pet of the Month

Meet Huckleberry, our March Pet of the Month!  Huckleberry was born on a farm in upstate New York, he is a 6-year-old Domestic Longhair with striking white fur who loves car rides and is most comfortable sleeping on his back with his feet in the air!  Huck wants to teach us about dietary indiscretion and gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction.  

Pet Heart Health - Cardiomyopathy

February’s Pet of the Month

Meet our loveable and very handsome February Pet of the Month, Wilbur!  Wilbur is a high-fiving, toy-destroying 12-year-old Bull Terrier mix who is a true couch potato and snuggle bunny.  Very appropriate for Valentine's month, Wilbur wants to discuss heart health!

At a recent visit with us, Dr. Anders heard an arrhythmia, or abnormal rhythm when she listened to Wilbur's heart.  We referred Wilbur to Dr. Rausch, a local cardiologist to explore this further who diagnosed Wilbur with cardiomyopathy, which is a deterioration of the function of the heart muscle.  Wilbur's condition will be closely managed with medication and visits to both Pearl Animal Hospital and his cardiologist.

Weight Loss for Pets

Marley, a 3-year-old female papillon, recently started Pearl Animal Hospital’s Chubby Chow Down weight-loss program at an unhealthy weight of 21 pounds. To lose weight, Marley ate a prescription weight-loss diet and snacked on fewer treats. She also exercised more often and more regularly. Throughout the program, a veterinary technician monitored her frequently to check for healthy weight loss. Marley finished the program with great success, weighing in at her ideal weight of 14 pounds.

Why Pet Massage Therapy?

Massage is great for all ages of dogs from geriatric dogs all the way down to young pups. Young dogs are still developing their immune system, and massage is great for encouraging its growth and strength. This is also a good time to create a hands-on bond with your dog and to teach them how to relax and enjoy life. If youʼve got an older dog,massage can be great for keeping those joints less stiff and your dog more mobile. And with any age, animal massage is fantastic for creating an even closer bond with your best friend. Touch is a wonderful way to bring calmness and well-being to both you and your pet!

Heal offers patients at Pearl Animal Hospital the option of massage as part of a healthy routine either at the hospital or at your home.

Cat Dental Cleaning Procedure

Tommy, a 7 year old black and white domestic shorthair, was a star patient during his recent dental procedure. At a recent check-up, Dr. Anders noticed severe plaque and tartar on Tommy’s teeth, along with painful oral ulcerations on his gums. She recommended a professional cleaning to remove the accumulation of tartar and plaque. While Tommy was under anesthesia, several cavity lesions were detected and the diseased teeth were extracted. At his follow up exam, Tommy’s owner noted that he has had much more energy, personality, and a stronger appetite since his procedure. What she had perceived to be old age causing him to hide and sleep was most likely oral pain causing him to withdraw. Tommy quickly recovered from his procedure and was soon back to harrassing his dog brother and hunting for his beloved Q-tips, one of his favorite ‘toys’. With a mouth full of healthy teeth, Tommy is more content than ever to allow his kitty sister Cocoa to groom him and sit on whatever his mom is reading.

Preventing Skin Burn in Dogs

Meet Jack!

Jack, a 13-year-old male lab mix, could be found hiking trails in Colorado and Virginia in his younger days. Nowadays, he "hikes" the sidewalks of the Pearl. Jack also likes to sleep in the sun on his balcony and gaze out on the Willamette.

Jack recently experienced a painful deep skin burn. Several days after getting a bath, Jack’s mom noticed that he was very uncomfortable in the hind end. Upon examination, we discovered that his skin was ulcerated and oozing. The entire dermal (skin) layer on his hind end was sloughing off and becoming infected. Jack recovered with medication and frequent bandage changes.

Cat High Rise Syndrome

Meet Bogey!

Bogey is a 2 year old male domestic shorthair cat who recently fell from his fourth floor Portland apartment to a ground-level sidewalk. Bogey’s parents immediately brought him to Pearl Animal Hospital for emergency veterinary treatment. Bogey survived this fall with minimal injury due to what veterinarians call high rise syndrome.

Since his skydiving adventure, Bogey’s lacerations and bruising have healed and he has adopted a less-risky lifestyle of chasing laser pointers, bird watching from secured windows, and following his momma around the house for some cuddling.

Top Five Holiday Pet Health Hazards

The holidays can be an exciting and stressful time of year for pets and people alike. Be aware of these five common holiday hazards for pets to ensure that both you and your pet have a happier holiday season. 

1. Seasonal plants. The leaves of mistletoe and poinsettias can cause stomach upset and irritation. Lilies are often overlooked and are particularly harmful to cats. Lilies cause acute renal failure with ingestion of any part of the plant, including the pollen.

2. Christmas trees. Many pets drink Christmas tree water that contains fertilizers and bacteria, leading to stomach upset. Christmas trees needles can cause stomach upset and irritation. Ensure your pets are well supervised and restrict access to the Christmas tree water.