The value of spaying your dog

Have you ever wondered why it is so important to spay your dog? Spaying your female dog has the obvious benefit of preventing unwanted puppies, but it also has many health benefits for the dog as well.  Unspayed female dogs over 8 years of age will frequently develop breast cancers.  50% of these breast cancers are malignant (they are aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body causing illness and death).  The rest of the breast cancers are considered benign.  These tumors may be restricted to the breast tissue, but sometimes become so large they will rupture and bleed.  Female dogs spayed before their first heat cycle have their risk of developing breast cancer reduced to almost zero.  Female dogs spayed after 1 year of age will still have some risk of developing breast cancer, but will still benefit by avoiding the risk of another serious disease called pyometra.
Pyometra is an infection of the lining of the uterus and is very common in unspayed female dogs over 6 years of age.  Pyometra develops when bacteria gets into the uterus creating a large abscess.  Toxins from the multiplying bacteria are absorbed into the blood stream and make the dog feel very ill.  Symptoms can include fever, vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite, increased water consumption and increased urination.  It can be fatal.  The only treatment is to surgically remove the infected tissue.  Essentially we are forced to spay the dog under emergency conditions when she is already ill.  The risk of surgical complications and therefore the costs are greatly increased over a routine spay on a healthy animal.  Often the question asked, "My dog is 10 years old, is there any real benefit?" The answer is definitely yes!  A routine spay on an older dog is far less risky and far less expensive than treating a pyometra.  Often people wonder if their pet is too old to have anesthesia and surgery.  Advanced age is not necessarily a reason not to do surgery if the pet is otherwise healthy.  We always determine the pet's overall condition by giving a complete physical examination, and doing blood tests to evaluate liver and kidney function.  At the time of the surgery we ensure the pet's safety by using the safest anesthetic agents available to us, using electronic monitors to ensure adequate heart rate and respiration, and intravenous fluids to support the blood pressure.

If your pet has not been spayed please consider these factors.  Having her spayed will help her live longer, healthier, happier life and help you avoid some unexpected expenses down the road.  Please call us at    248-615-7670 if you have any questions.

Holiday Safety Tips

v     Ice melts and salts, if ingested, can result in significant gastrointestinal inflammation.  These products can get on your pet’s paws and they may ingest it when they lick or clean their paws.  One way to prevent ingestion of salts and ice melts is to wash your pet’s feet before coming indoors.

v     Antifreeze poisoning is common in the winter.  Even a small amount of antifreeze is extremely toxic.  It has a sweet taste that attracts animals, but it can cause permanent kidney damage or death. Don’t let animals drink from puddles, and make sure to clean their paws when they come in from outside.

v     Prolonged exposure to the cold weather, especially with a high wind chill factor, can lower the body temperature.  This is called hypothermia, a condition that can interfere with normal bodily functions and can result in injury or death.  Pets can also suffer from frostbite.

v     Secure your tree.  Many trees have been sent swaying by a rambunctious pet.  Pets can be injured if the tree or ornaments fall and break 

v     Hide the cords.  Electrical cords are a grave danger to pets.  Cords can cause electrocution, serious injury, even death.  Secure the cords higher than your pet can reach them or hide them under special covers.

v     Choose safe ornaments.  There is no perfectly pet-safe bulb, as any ornament can be ingested.  Pet “safer” bulbs would be plastic or wood.  Put glass bulbs on higher limbs; do not use edible ornaments or fragile, easily breakable decorations.

v     Tinsel and garland can be eaten and caught in intestines.  Cats are especially attracted to the bright shiny tinsel and should be avoided in households with cats.  Ingestion of this material can cause intestinal obstructions that may lead to emergency surgery.

v     Sweep and water.  Sweep up pine needles.  Ingestion of needles can cause vomiting and gastric irritation.  Do not use preservatives in the stand water.  They can be toxic if consumed by a thirsty pet.

v     Certain plants are a menace to dogs and cats: Poinsettias irritate the stomach and eyes.  Berries of the Jerusalem cherry, holly berries, mistletoe, amaryllis, chrysanthemum, rhododendron and winter broom are all toxic.

v     Alcohol and chocolate are toxic.  Keep drinks and sweets out of a pet’s reach. Symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity and seizures.

v     Turkey bones left in an accessible place are almost irresistible to pets, but they can lodge in animal’s throat or block the intestinal tract.  Remove leftovers from the table and do not leave the garbage where your pet can get to it.

Remember if your pet has any problems this holiday season or you have any questions about pet safety give us a call.

Tips for a stress free vet visit

For some pets a trip to the vet is just another chance to get out and meet their adoring public, but for others just leaving the house can be a stressful event.
Because we want your pet's experience to be as positive as possible here are some tips to reduce the stress associated with veterinary visits.


- Drop in with your pet for a few social visits before your actual appointment. Stopping by when there are no medical procedures makes the hospital a pleasant place to go for petting and yummy treats.

- Reserve extra tasty treats for veterinary visits so your pet will have something really special to look forward to when coming to the vet.

- Keep your pet just a little hungry before their visit so they will be interested in the treats that are being offered.
- Bring a small rubber backed rug or bath mat if you have a small pet that will be placed on the examination table. The smell of home and the secure footing will make your pet feel more confident.

- Accustom your pet to the carrier (if needed) and to car rides before hand.
- Keep yourself calm. Pets are very good at reading our emotional states and if they see that their humans are all stressed out it can cause them to become stressed out as well.
- Some animals that are extremely anxious may benefit from anti-anxiety medications or sedatives prior to their visit. Our doctors will be happy to discuss whether medications may be beneficial to your pet.