Tips for a Stress-Free Move (or Trip)

Use these tips to keep your pets stress-free while you're going away for a trip, or getting ready to move!

PLAN AHEAD! Know where your pet will be during this potentially stressful period.

--boarding v. riding along?

TAKE YOUR TIME! Pack your things over time without haste. Your pet will become stressed out if you are stressed.

ROUTINE ROUTINE ROUTINE! Keep your routine as normal as possible during the weeks/days leading up to your trip/move. Any changes in behavior and routine will razz your pet.

USING MOVERS? Remember that your pets have no idea why there are strangers running in and out of your home with boxes and this can have quite an effect on them. They will want to have a safe place to hang out in your home.

GO TO THE VET! Make sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date. If you need a Health Certificate, this is the time to get it! Speak to your vet at that time about using sedatives for travel if necessary.

TRAVELING BY PLANE? Contact your airline and/or the country you'll be landing in and ask what documentation would be necessary for travel (i.e: Health Certificate, Rabies Certificate, Microchip).

USE A CRATE/CARRIER! Whether hanging in the house or in the car, these provide your pet with a safe and quiet place to relax if they decide the excitement is too much to handle.

MONITOR YOUR PET'S BEHAVIOR! Any time a change in the home occurs, whether temporary or permanent, your pet can become very stressed out. Keep a close eye on their behavior and make sure they remain as comfortable as possible.

USE A TRAVEL CHECK LIST! A checklist can be very helpful in making sure you have all you need for your traveling. Here's a suggestion of what it could look like:

• Veterinary records, certificates, and recent photos
• Medications
• Your pets' usual foods and plenty of water from the home you're leaving (changing their water source can be disorienting and upset their stomachs)
• Food and water bowls, a can opener, and resealable lids
• Toys, chew bones, and treats
• Leashes for cats and dogs
• Beds (pillows, towels, or other crate liners)
• Plastic bags and scoops for dogs
• Litterbox for cats
• Cage covers for birds and rodents
• Paper towels for messes
• Provisions for the first day at the new home

At Lombard Animal Hospital, in Portland, Oregon we strive to increase the quality of life for pets and their people through education, 
nutrition and wellness!

Give us a call -- We'd love to see you and your pets!

503.285.2337

www.lombardanimalhospital.com

Giardia - Not Your Every Day Parasite!

Giardia can be passed pet-to-pet, pet-to-person and person-to-person

Giardia is a one-celled protozoan parasite that lives in the intestines of people and animals. To protect themselves, the Giardia grow "cysts" around their bodies and can live happily outside a host for months. Once they've found another host, the Giardia shed their "cysts" to live and multiply.

Giardia is spread through ingestion of contaminated water or food and through feces. Virtually any body of water can contain Giardia (lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, municipal water supplies, wells, cisterns, pools, waterparks, spas, and ground and surface water in the city) so it's imperative to make sure you and your pets are consuming clean water at all times. This can be difficult when traveling, or out on an adventure.

Nijel is now a happy and healthy dog!

Nijel was first diagnosed with Giardia as a puppy during a routine fecal check. After testing positive, he started taking an antibiotic to rid his body of the parasite. A few weeks later his fecal sample was re-tested and the doctor noticed he was still infected and shedding the parasite. Nijel's owner reported concern that he was eating feces - especially his own. The behavior was discussed and after a few creative tactics to teach him not to eat poop, and another round of medication, Nijel is now Giardia free!

Many cases of Giardia and other parasites, like Nijel's, are found during routine fecal checks. We recommend every pet get a fecal exam annually to make sure your pets are staying parasite-free! 

If you are suspicious that your pet has been infected with Giardia, schedule an examination to discuss with a veterinarian, and be sure to practice your best personal hygiene to prevent yourself from being infected!

At Lombard Animal Hospital, in Portland, Oregon we strive to increase the quality of life for pets and their people through education, 
nutrition and wellness!

Give us a call -- We'd love to see you and your pets!

503.285.2337

www.lombardanimalhospital.com

Our Healthy Pet Plan!

Lombard Animal Hospital offers personalized, modern and integrative veterinary medicine. Our vision is to integrate Modern and Holistic medical modalities to provide the highest quality healthcare for your pets. We want to enhance the quality of life for pets and their people through education, nutrition, and wellness.

As we are an AAHA Accredited hospital, we do recommend annual exams for all pets - including small mammals and birds. These regular examinations help us provide the highest quality health care for your pets as well as allow us to keep a thorough history on them in case something does come up in the future. 

Wellness Labwork - setting a baseline for your pet's blood chemistry, complete blood count, red and white blood cell count, is ideal. This allows us to catch organ deterioration and other issues earlier than if we wait for symptoms to occur, thus letting us pursue treatment and assuring a comfortable quality of life for your pet.

Vaccinations - It's best to discuss with your veterinarian which vaccines are or aren't recommended for your pet and their particular lifestyle.

For Dogs, we offer: 
- DAP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus): protects from the Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, as well as Parvovirus. Distemper is a contagious and incurable virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological systems. Parvovirus is also highly contagious and attacks the gastrointestinal tract impeding digestion, hydration and leaves lasting effects. Adenovirus Type 2 is easily passed between dogs. It affects the respiratory system causing high fevers and coughing. The Type 2 vaccine also protects your pet from the Type 1 Adenovirus which affects the liver.

- Bordetella: combats airborne virus commonly called "kennel cough" which is easily passed from dog to dog and can weaken your dog's immune system. This vaccine is required by most boarding facilities and can be recommended as often as every six months.

For Cats, we offer:
- HCP (Herpes, Calici, Panleukopenia): The Feline Herpes and Calici viruses are both highly contagious upper respiratory viruses. Panleukopenia is a highly infectious feline distemper virus, creating problems in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as attacking the bone marrow. Commonly given as FVRCP.

- FeLV: (Feline Leukemia Vaccine): recommended for outdoor cats or indoor cats that have contact with outdoor cats. It protects against a retrovirus similar to human HIV, disabling a cat from fighting off other infections. FeLV infection is the most common cause of cancer in cats. Infection with FeLV generally lowers the quality of life of a pet, as well as shortening its life expectancy. Before vaccination an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay) is performed. 

- Rabies: required by Multnomah County for all cats and dogs, protects against the fatal Rabies virus.

Fecal/Heartworm Testing: Especially recommended when traveling to another part of the country where ticks and mosquitos may be more prevalent than here in the Northwest; these tests are usually recommended annually to check for parasites and heartworm.

• If you have a senior pet (7+ years), or a pet with chronic health issues, it's recommended to boost annual exams to bi-annual wellness checks and make sure you're regularly checking lab work to keep up with your pet's accelerated aging.

Special Consideration:

Rabbits: Depending on your rabbit's health and diet, our doctors may recommend your rabbit come in every six months to check teeth and labwork.

Ferrets: We do offer care to Ferrets, including vaccinations.

Birds: If you have trouble clipping your bird's wings or nails, we can help with that (as long as they're current on an annual exam)!

At Lombard Animal Hospital, in Portland, Oregon we strive to increase the quality of life for pets and their people through education, 
nutrition and wellness!

Give us a call -- We'd love to see you and your pets!

503.285.2337

www.lombardanimalhospital.com

Lily's Allergy Success Story!

Lily : Springer Spaniel, 2-yrs old

After transplanting to Portland her allergies flared up like never before! She was losing fur so rapidly she had bald spots all over and was an itchy mess. Lily started acupuncture and within the first two treatments her fur was already growing back. She is now maintained with monthly acupuncture and skin supplements. Her skin and coat are back to shiny and pretty the way they should be.

Surviving Allergies - Oscar's Story

Oscar is a Cairn Terrier diagnosed with 

Chronic Severe Atopy 

in April of 2011 at the age of 4.

atopy: a genetic predisposition to develop allergic symptoms after repeated exposure to an otherwise harmless substance (an allergen).

Before Oscar began his treatments at Lombard Animal Hospital, he was in and out of the vet with ear infections, skin infections and uncontrollable itching and chewing at his legs, causing his hair to fall out.

Oscar began seeing Dr. Nell in April of 2011 when he received his diagnosis. Treatments included steroid medications to stop the intense itching, nutritional supplements to support the skin, and antibiotics to control skin infections. Oscar was Allergy Serum tested and has been on desensitization injections since 2011 to assist in preventing allergic outbreaks. In November 2011, Oscar began monthly acupuncture treatments with Dr. Nell to balance his immune system and to promote general health and wellness. 

Oscar's plan has been truly integrative, using Conventional and Natural medicine to gain the best results and an itch-free life!

Currently, Oscar continues with his desensitization injections, OFA Granules (a concentrated omega fatty acid supplement to promote skin and hair-coat), Atopica (a safe, long-term steroid used for chronic atopic dermatitis in dogs), and monthly acupuncture treatments with Dr. Nell. 

Look at him now!

Oscar's hair has grown back, he no longer spends every minute of every day itching and scratching and licking himself. His quality of life is much improved and his owner is very excited about his progress.

At Lombard Animal Hospital, in Portland, Oregon we strive to increase the quality of life for pets and their people through education, nutrition and wellness!

Give us a call -- We'd love to see you and your pets!

503.285.2337

www.lombardanimalhospital.com

The Benefits of Pre and Post Op Acupuncture and Laser Therapy - Maggi's Story

Maggi has had her fair share of foot and leg injuries, but a CCL (cranial cruciate ligament - similar to the ACL in humans) tear last year was definitely the most daunting. With the help of Dr. Nell, monthly acupuncture treatments and laser therapy, Maggi (and her owner) have made it through surgery and back again!

Maggi is still in recovery, but, according to her owner, she's doing very well. Read on to learn more about Maggi's story and her pawsitive experience with Integrative Medicine:

-Please describe Maggi's behaviors before utilizing laser therapy.

--After one year with a partial CCL tear, Maggi (a 10 year old Pointer mix) completely ruptured her CCL while playing in the snow.  She was in tremendous pain.  Rimadyl and acupuncture were helpful but she still wouldn’t put any weight on her leg.  When she came in and received her first laser treatment it was like night and day.  She was so happy after her treatment and much more comfortable.  She even jumped into the car by herself, which she hasn’t done in several years.

-Please describe Maggi's behaviors after beginning Laser therapy (before surgery).

--The laser therapy and acupuncture were essential to helping her stay as comfortable as possible before surgery.  Maggi loved getting treated.  She would come into the room and lay right down.  She was always much happier after treatment than before.  

-Please describe Maggi's behaviors after her surgery.

--The first few days after surgery were a little rough for Maggi.  She was confused and uncomfortable but I did notice a marked improvement in pain and swelling before and after acupuncture and laser treatment.  Within 2 weeks of her surgery (and 3 acu & laser treatments later), it was apparent that she was more comfortable and stable on her leg than prior to surgery.  Her healing time has been remarkably fast.  We comment all the time at how surprised we are that she is doing so well so soon after surgery. 

-How do you think the acupuncture and laser treatments have helped Maggi recover from such traumatic injuries and surgery?

--I think the acupuncture and laser therapy compliment each other extremely well.  I’ve noticed shorter healing times (compared to other injuries when she was younger), less pain, less swelling and I can tell she likes it because she happily lays down to receive treatment.  I would recommend trying acupuncture and laser before surgery if possible.  Plus I think they are key in Maggi’s improved healing time, especially at her age of 10 1/2 years.

-Do you use less pain medication than you expected?

--Definitely!  On day 3 after surgery, she had her last dose of Tramadol.  She didn’t need any more after that.  Now she is just on her Rimadyl and Chinese herbs. 

-Please provide us with any extra information you deem appropriate.

--Everyday I continue to be surprised at how well Maggi is doing.  She is more bright and energetic than she has been in 2 years.  She acts more and more like the happy girl I knew before her injury.  It is so wonderful to see her this way again!  

I am incredibly thankful for laser and acupuncture therapy as I can see the difference it makes in her life.  Since we have had a lifetime of various injuries, I only wish it had been available sooner.  It is a much better alternative to medication therapy as the risk of side effects is so much less.  Healing times have improved and visits to the vet are even more rewarding than before.  Plus, she is incredibly happy and that’s the best part of all!

Click Here! To experience a Laser Therapy session with Maggi!

At Lombard Animal Hospital, in Portland, Oregon we strive to increase the quality of life for pets and their people through education, nutrition and wellness!

Give us a call -- We'd love to see you and your pets!

503.285.2337

www.lombardanimalhospital.com

Going Green: Non-Toxic Cleaning

Ever wonder which pet emergency is the most common?
According to the ASPCA Complete Guide to Pet Care, it's poisoning, with household cleaners and detergents being some of the most dangerous toxins. Coming into contact with products that contain corrosive agents (bleach, oven cleaner, etc.) can cause irritation of your pet's skin. Ingesting these corrosive products could potentially be life-threatening, causing enough irritation to lead to the ulceration or perforation of the GI tract.

How do I prevent this from happening to my pet?
Change the way you clean your home by using enzyme-based cleaners or, make your own!


Enzyme-based cleaners help break down grease, soil, urine and odor-causing substances into something water can rinse away. Look for products that contain botanicals, citrus extracts and vegetable-based soaps. 
Check out this link - 10 Non-Toxic Cleaning Products for Pets!

Making your own household cleaners with a combination of vinegar, baking soda and soap is a lot easier than you think! It's also very cost-effective and non-toxic to you and your pets. You can find recipes on Eartheasy and other sustainable living websites.

Make sure your cleaning products do not contain the following ingredients:

Ammonia

Bleach

Chlorine

Creosol

Ethylene glycol

Formaldehyde

Hydrochloric acid

Isopropyl alcohol

Nitrobenzene

Perchloroethylene

Phenols

Phthalates

Sodium hydroxide

Sodium hypochlorite

Trichloroethane

Triclosan

Turpentine

Xylene

RULE OF THUMB:
 IF IT'S TOXIC TO YOU, IT'S TOXIC TO YOUR PET!

At Lombard Animal Hospital, in Portland, Oregon we strive to increase the quality of life for pets and their people through education, nutrition and wellness!

Give us a call -- We'd love to see you and your pets!

503.285.2337

www.lombardanimalhospital.com