Pet Odor Exterminator Products are in!!!

We now carry a new line of products called the Pet Odor Exterminator! We carry candles, car fresheners, room sprays, and fabric refresher sprays. They come in a wide variety of scents like Creamy Vanilla, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Chocolate Raspberry. Prefer a cleaner scent instead of dessert? Try Ocean Breeze or our Hippie Love! These are high quality, long burning candles with great scents that fill your home with yummy smells. Many of our clients have already taken some home and love the results as well as our staff. Come by and smell the different varieties that we have available which are reasonably priced and ready for your home.

Next month's special sneak peak!!

Referring your friends and family just got better!!!! Now in July, instead of $20 per referral for both you and your friend, it will be $30! Each person referred gets a $30 credit on your account and so do you. The person referred must have never visited with us before and create a new account. Please have the first and last name of the client that referred you ready when you check in for your appointment.

Switching to Purina!

After years of providing Hills Science Diets to our clients and patients, we have decided to make the switch to Purina Veterinary Diets. We feel that Purina food still offers the high quality nutrition and therapeutic care but is more cost effective, therefore saving you money! We of course understand any hesitation in the decision to switch a diet, especially if it has been long term. Please call us with any questions or concerns you may have. And of course we will still order special diets for those not interested in switching. Please feel free to call or come in 940.855.0451. We thank you for your continued support as we strive to give you the best quality care and products!

Mythbuster: Ringworm

Ringworm

What Is Ringworm?

Although the name suggests otherwise, ringworm isn’t caused by a worm at all—but a fungus that can infect the skin, hair and nails. Not uncommon in cats, this highly contagious disease can lead to patchy, circular areas of hair loss with central red rings. Also known as dermatophytosis, ringworm often spreads to other pets in the household—and to humans, too.

What Are the General Symptoms of Ringworm?

Classic symptoms of ringworm in cats include skin lesions that typically appear on the head, ears and forelimbs. Ringworm can cause flaky bald patches that sometimes look red in the center. In mild cases, there may be localized areas of redness or simply dandruff, while more severe infections can spread over a cat’s entire body. It’s also possible for a pet to carry ringworm spores and not show any symptoms whatsoever.

How Do Cats Get Ringworm?

A cat can get ringworm directly through contact with an infected animal—or indirectly through contact with bedding, dishes and other materials that have been contaminated with the skin cells or hairs of infected animals. Ringworm spores are notoriously hardy and can survive in the environment for more than a year!

Which Cats Are Prone to Ringworm Infection?

Any cat can develop ringworm, but kittens less than a year old and geriatric cats are most prone to infection, while longhaired cats and those who are immunocompromised are also more susceptible. Ringworm can quickly spread in shelters or other crowded environments; warm and humid conditions tend to promote ringworm infections.

What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has Ringworm?

Because infection can potentially spread over a cat’s body, it is important that you see your vet for an accurate diagnosis if you suspect your pet has ringworm. And because the infection can easily spread to you and other animals in the household, it’s a smart idea to immediately quarantine your cat until a veterinarian can confirm a diagnosis. You should also thoroughly wash your hands after you touch your cat.

How Is Ringworm Diagnosed?

Since some cats show few or no symptoms, a diagnosis of ringworm is rarely made just by looking at the skin. A veterinarian may use an ultraviolet light to diagnose ringworm, or may examine a fungal culture taken from a cat’s hair or skin cells. Skin biopsy and microscopic exam are sometimes also performed.

How Is Ringworm Treated?

Treatment of ringworm depends on the severity of the infection. A veterinarian may prescribe a shampoo or ointment that contains a special medication to kill the fungus. In some cases, oral medications are necessary. In order to ensure that you’ve eradicated this resistant and hardy fungus, treatment may have to be given for several months or more and fungal cultures rechecked periodically. It’s also important to treat the cat’s environment, too, to prevent infection from recurring.

How Can I Prevent Ringworm from Spreading?

If your veterinarian has diagnosed your cat with ringworm, he or she will explain what you must do to prevent the fungus from spreading to your other pets—and to the human members of the household. But keep in mind that if you have other pets, it’s likely that most of them have been exposed as well. Your veterinarian may recommend that you do the following: - Bathe all pets in the household with a medicated rinse or shampoo.
- Wash the infected animals’ bedding and toys with a disinfectant that kills ringworm spores.
- Discard items that are impossible to thoroughly disinfect (carpeted cat trees, etc.)
- Frequently vacuum to rid the house of infected hairs and skin cells. (Yes, the fungus can survive on hair and skin that your cat sheds!)
As a commonsense precaution, it is a smart idea to thoroughly wash your hands after you bathe or touch your cat.

What Can Happen If Ringworm Is Left Untreated?

If a cat with ringworm is not properly treated, the lesions can spread over large areas of the animal’s body, causing hair loss and skin infections.

Employee Spotlight!: Brooke

This edition of Employee Spotlight is about Brooke Wade, Dr. Wade's wife. Brooke is originally from Ohio and has lived in Oklahoma and Texas for most of her life. Her and Dr. Wade have four children, Quinton 17, Kayson 12, Kelby 10, and Kater 6. She has an A.A.S in Business Accounting from OSU at Okmulgee. Here at the hospital, Brooke is in charge of Human Resources as well as important clerical duties. She is the go to person for all things creative and event planning. In her free time, Brooke likes to paint, sew, spend time with her children, watch their sporting events, and snuggle with the Wade's many fur babies!

Mythbuster: Kennel Cough

We hear a lot of common misconceptions about kennel cough and it is time to clear the air!

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium that causes respiratory disease in dogs. It is one of the most common bacterial causes of canine infectious tracheobronchitis, which is also sometimes called kennel cough. Bordetella is highly contagious, easily transmitted through direct contact or the air, and resistant to destruction in the environment. While not considered to be core, Bordetella vaccination may be recommended for dogs whose lifestyle places them at greater risk of contracting the disease. This includes dogs that are boarded frequently or that regularly visit grooming parlors or dog parks. Based on your dog’s risk for exposure, your veterinarian may recommend vaccinating your dog against Bordetella in addition to administering the canine distemper combination vaccine. Kennel cough is treatable with antibiotics, however it can be costly and is very taxing on both you and your dog so prevention is the key!

A kennel cough vaccination can be administered in less than five minutes and costs only $18, call us today and we can protect your best friend. (940) 855-0451

Have you checked out our boarding facility?

We have a beautiful, state of the art boarding facility here at ACHVH. If you have never had a tour, please ask any one of our staff members to show you around. We'd love to show you the various sizes of kennels, our different areas for cats and dogs, and even our fenced in play area! Please let us know how we can accommodate your boarding needs!

Call us today as we book up rather quickly for holidays and summer weekends! (940) 855-0451

The forecast says HOT!!!!

Just a friendly reminder that the weather is forecasted to be unbearably hot for at least a week and of course the "dog" days of summer are just around the corner. Please limit your pet's activity during the peak heat hours and provide lots of cool, fresh water all day. If your pet avoids drinking water, try and entice them wth some ice cubes for some cold fun. If possible, please keep your pets in doors to avoid heat exhaustion which in severe cases can lead to heat stroke and in some very sad causes, fatality. Remember that if the sidewalk is too hot for your bare feet, it is too hot for your pet's paws and their pads cause easily be burned. And of course, never ever leave your babies in a hot car. If you have any questioin or concerns on how to keep your babies safe this summer, please give us a call 940.855.0451

It's dark and gloomy out there, might as well come see us!

Come brighten our day with your fur baby. Rain occasionally brings sniffles, sneezes, and even allergies. If your pet is suffering, bring em' in and let us check em' out. Give us a call 940.855.0451 and we will get you in!

Friday Lunch hours

As a lot of you know, the hospital closes on Fridays from 12-2 pm for a weekly meeting. During our weekly meetings, our staff likes to converse about the week we have had, discuss major issues and happenings, plan events and focus on training on new material. This time really allows us get a leg up on new procedures and technology in order to give our clients and patients the most superior care. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and we please ask you are patient with us during these meetings. We love being able to access your needs and give the best quality care and customer service!

Come see us!!!

It has been a busy week, but we're never too busy for you! Call or come in today! Stock up on treats and ask me about 4th of July boarding reservations! 940.855.0451

June's Special: All over trim for just $90!!!!

Your dog or cat's fluff get a little out of control this winter? We can help!!! It is going to be one hot summer and one way to keep your baby cool is a good buzz cut. Call us today to schedule a makeover for your fur baby! (940) 855.0451.

It's Mosquito Season!!!

Did you know that just one mosquito bite can infect your pet with heartworms? Call us or come in today for the best recommendatons on heartworm prevention. Just one pill a month will keep your fur baby safe and healthy! (940) 855.0451