Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Blair Born- Pet Highlight

Blair Born is a very sweet geriatric black Labrador Retriever that was referred to the Pekin Veterinary Clinic in February of 2011 for physical therapy.  We were able to get Blair up and moving better with the physical therapy laser treatments and acupuncture. Radiographs on Blair’s right front leg were taken in May and confirmed that Blair had Osteosarcoma, or bone cancer in her leg.  The University of Illinois amputated her leg in June and in August we started administering chemo therapy.  Blair has continued to have a great attitude and an awesome outlook on life.  She still takes her medicines like a good girl and can get around very well on just three legs.  She is a success story in every way and we are proud to have contributed to her success.

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know?
-Cancer accounts for nearly 50% of all disease-related pet deaths each year
-One in four dogs die of cancer.
-Approximately 1 in 4 dogs develops a tumor of some kind during his lifetime.
-Just like in humans, cancer can occur in any part of your dog’s body.

Are you aware that November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month? Run your hands over your pet and feel for any unusual lumps or bumps. If you feel something new or unusual, let's take a look at it. Dogs and cats can get benign lumps such as lipomas and sebaceous cysts, but they can also get much more serious tumors, like mast cell tumors, melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and many others. Many of these can be diagnosed with a simple in-office procedure involving a needle aspirate and then a microscopic exam of the cells obtained. A fine needle aspirate is generally less painful than a vaccination, so don't hesitate to get that lump checked out. The importance of annual check-ups regardless of the age of your pet is critical in the prevention of cancer. 

Here are the top 10 early warning signs of pet cancer listed out by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

Better to be safe than sorry, and much better to catch something sooner rather than later!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Blair Born-Pet Highlight


Blair Born is a very sweet geriatric black Labrador Retriever that was referred to the Pekin Veterinary Clinic in February of 2011 for physical therapy.  We were able to get Blair up and moving better with the physical therapy laser treatments and acupuncture. Radiographs on Blair’s right front leg were taken in May and confirmed that Blair had Osteosarcoma, or bone cancer in her leg.  The University of Illinois amputated her leg in June and in August we started administering chemo therapy.  Blair has continued to have a great attitude and an awesome outlook on life.  She still takes her medicines like a good girl and can get around very well on just three legs.  She is a success story in every way and we are proud to have contributed to her success.

Monday, November 7, 2011

November Employee of the Month

Danna is our November Employee of the Month! Danna is a Certified Veterinary Technician We are very proud to have her as a part of the team!
 

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Boarding Reminder

Spending the holidays away from home this year…and can't take your pet with you? Pekin Veterinary Clinic offers boarding accommodations for your canine and feline friends. Aboard the Ark is a full service facility designed to accommodate all your pet care needs. Your pet will enjoy their stay in their home away from home. We are so happy to provide this incredible service to the community and it's pets. Call us at 309-346-1375 to schedule your pets boarding reservation.
 ABOARD THE ARK BOARDING

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

November is National Senior Pet Month


November is Senior Pet Month. Do you have an older cat or dog sharing your home? If so, you know the joys of pets who might have less spunk but more soul. Here are five reasons to love a senior pet.

1. Distinguished look
You know how as we age, we are said to look distinguished? The same is true for our pets. I think senior cats project an air of peaceful dignity. And who can resist the precious gray muzzle of an older dog?
2. Laid-back lifestyle
For kittens and puppies, most any time is play time. Older pets, however, don’t need to release all that youthful energy. They are quieter and often content to just watch what’s going on in the living room or outside the window. Cuddling next to you takes precedence over most anything else.
3. Fewer demands
Older pets still need love and attention, but they don’t require babysitting like a frisky puppy or curious kitten. Some older pets have special medical needs, but after all they’ve given us through the years, it’s an honor to take care of them in return.
4. Wisdom of the ages
When I look into the eyes of a senior dog, I see a world of experience and wisdom. Older pets know what to expect, and are generally reliable and even. They require little training since they already know the rules.
5. They might be just like you!
As we get older, our needs and routines change. We might prefer quiet evenings at home rather than going out on the weekends. We still like to exercise, walk, or even run—but sometimes we go at a different pace. We might even nap in our chair occasionally. If you have a senior dog, you might find that he’s just like you!