DEAR PET OWNER:

As a pet owner you will be faced with issues directly related to the well-being of your pet, one of which is spaying. Following are viable reasons for seriously considering having your dog or cat spayed:

Dogs usually recover from being spayed within one week with minimal discomfort. Plus, modern gas anesthesia techniques make this procedure safe and effective.

We hope the above mentioned benefits will help you in your decision-making process regarding your pet's ongoing health care maintenance.

Sincerely,
Dr. Paul M. Sadowski, D.V.M.

DEAR PET OWNER:

Over the past few years many significant developments have taken place concerning Feline Leukemia. The popular press has printed many articles that have caused alarm and concern in regards to the potential health risks involved with the disease. New blood tests are available as is a vaccine that is proving to be very effective. Many questions are still unanswered, but we hope that this brief newsletter will help answer some of the more common questions relating to Feline Leukemia.

First of all, Feline Leukemia is caused by a virus that was discovered in 1964. This virus can have a number of effects on an exposed cat. When a cat comes into contact with the virus it may build up immunity against the virus and never show any signs of sickness: Alternatively, it may co-exist in the cat's body not causing disease. This cat would be referred to as a asymptomatic carrier. Thirdly, the cat may become infected with the virus and in a period of weeks to years, he may develop symptoms of disease.

Symptoms of this disease are extremely variable and depend primarily on which body systems are attacked by the virus. The virus may cause cancer in the lymph system and result in tumors growing anywhere throughout the cats' body. The red and white blood cells may be attacked resulting in an actual leukemia (too many white blood cells) or an anemia (loss of red blood cells). In some instances the Leukemia Virus does not cause cancer at all. Rather it may attack the cat's immune system in such a way that the patient cannot produce a normal immune response and may die of some other completely unrelated infection.

The incidence of this disease is very widespread throughout the world but is usually present in only 1% to 3% of the cat population. Transmission is usually via direct contact from cat to cat especially by means of saliva, urine and feces.

So where does all this leave the owner of a pet cat? The disease is widespread and the effects of exposure can be deadly, however the number of cats actually carrying the virus is quite low. What are the best steps to take to assure that your your cat does not develop disease because of the Leukemia virus?

Our recommendations are as follows:

Sincerely,
Dr. Paul M. Sadowski, D.V.M.

DEAR PET OWNER:

We are all conscientious when it comes to caring for our family's teeth. We brush, floss and see our dentist regularly. Our pets need the same conscientious care. An annual dental checkup will make it feel so much better and less prone to a number of diseases.

The enemy is BACTERIA. Bacteria take nutrients and convert them into hard deposits on the teeth. These deposits actually put pressure on the gums resulting in gradual receding. They introduce infection beneath the gums, increase mouth odor and finally cause the loss of the tooth itself.

Some pets (especially small breeds) form tarter much more quickly than others. Good dental care is much more critical for these pets. Between professional cleanings he/she can benefit from home dental care as well. We strongly recommend daily brushing. Begin by doing just one tooth, and accompany the brushing with lavish praise. Increase the number of teeth to be brushed. Remember, concentrate on the outer surfaces the tongue brushes the inner surfaces.

Call soon to make an appointment for a dental checkup. Through our combined efforts he/she will continue to enjoy good dental health.

Sincerely,
Dr. Paul M. Sadowski, D.V.M.

Hours
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.