Cottonwood Animal Clinic - Veterinarian In Rio Rancho, NM USA

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2012

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FDA recall

Posted on 2012-05-13 01:46:32

Here is a list of the recent recalls from Dog food advisor

Solid Gold Dog Food Recall (5/8/2012)
Apex Dog Food Recall (5/7/2012)
Diamond Dog Food Recall Summary (5/6/2012)
Canidae Dog Food Recall (5/5/2012)
Wellness Dog Food Recall (5/5/2012)
Natural Balance Dog Food Recall (5/5/2012)
Kirkland Dog Food Recall (5/5/2012)
Diamond Dog Food Recall Expands Again (5/4/2012)
Diamond Dog Food Recall Widens (4/30/2012)
Diamond Dog Food Recall Expanded (4/26/2012)
Diamond Dog Food Recall (4/6/2012)

For further information please go to this link:

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recalls/

The bottom of the page gives you the ability to get email notifications of recalls.

There are many misconceptions about heartworm disease in New Mexico. It is a parasite that does not discriminate between inside/ outside dogs or long/ short hair as it often bites on the nose. The cost of treating heartworms ranges anywhere from $1000-1500.00. The course of treatment is 7 months with restricted activity for 4 months and is hard on the patient. The good news is, it is very easy to prevent. You just need to confirm they are negative with a simple blood test which cost about 34.00, then start prevention which ranges from about $36-80 for a 6 month supply depending on patient size. We recommend that they are on prevention year around. Schedule an appointment today to get your four legged friend tested and on prevention.

Below are some facts from New Mexico State Health.

Heartworm facts in New Mexico:

Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is a serious, sometimes fatal

disease affecting all breeds of dogs.

Humans can also become infected, but the worms are unable

to develop or mature because humans are not their natural

host.

Though there are several general of mosquitoes that transmit

heartworms, Aedes Vexans have the greatest potential for

transmission.

Migration of several miles from the breeding site towards city

lights has been observed.

Mosquito Eggs

1. Laid singly in depressions in soil subject to flooding or

inudation with rain or melting snow, or above the waterline

in artificial containers or tree holes.

2. Serve as the overwintering stage.

3. May lie dormant in dry soil for up to five years.

Eggs may require a period of desiccation (drying out) and/or

freezing.

4. May hatch within a few hours when area re-floods if

conditions are favorable.

Mosquito Larvae

1. Common in temporary pools of rain or snowmelt runoff,

irrigation wastewater, inundated floodplains or pastures,

roadside ditches, anlong margins of streams, and artifical

containers and tree holes.

2. Egg hatch to adult may be completed in 10-14 days in warm

weather.

Adult Female Mosquito

1. Fierce, aggressive biters.

2. Rest during the day, but will bite if distrubed and on cloudy

days.

3. Most active in the evening.

4. Difficult to see

5. Long range flight has been recorded up to 100 miles.

6. Dispersal from breeding site is influenced by terrrain, wind

speed and direction.

7. May produce several generations per year.

8. Common throughout the state.

Resource:

www.health.state.nm.us/erd/healthdata/documents/bionomics_001.pdf

Dangers of circulatory compromise

Posted on 2012-02-23 21:50:33

I often learn life lessons the hard way, but whenever possible I try to learn from others. Children often don't understand why they can't share their favorite snack or pull on the ears of their 4- legged companions. I recently saw a patient who had a rubber band placed

on his leg by his 2- legged companion. Of course, this was not done maliciously. The child was probably trying to put it on his hair like it gets put in hers. Unfortunately, this resulted in a deep circumferential wound that will require continued therapy to heal properly. This type of injury is most frequently seen with collars that are left to tight or a limb caught in string or wire. These type of injuries lead to pain, damage to muscles, nerves, and tendons. If not addressed, circulatory compromise can continue until the limb is not able to be saved. When explaining to children how to treat their 4-legged companions please take time to also explain the consequences of mistreating them.

Dental health

Posted on 2012-02-15 14:04:46

February is National Dental Health Month.

Dental health is often overlooked, but very important. This is a main cause of bad breath. Ignoring problems such as gingivitis and heavy tarter build up can lead to additional health problems and oral surgery. Even though we may not find it evident, oral issues are often very painful. Waiting until the problem is severe is not only be harder on your pet, but may require longer anesthesia time and increased cost to the procedure. There are things at home you can do to increase times between complete dental cleanings. There are chew treats that can help cut down on tarter build up such as tartar shield (www.tartershield.com) . Daily brushing is also recommend. They are not able to tolerate fluoride, so they have special toothpaste and tooth brushes.

The best course of action is to stay a head of the problem. Schedule an appointment to have your pets mouth evaluated today. Call us at 505-891-2800.