Monday, July 25, 2011

An update on our new hospital!



poking our heads and tools out of the
luxury boarding suites.
 
the walls are taking place













Last week a few of us laced up our pink construction boots and headed over the the construction site of our new hospital located at 66 Caplan Ave. We chatted with the site supervisor, where he gave us a tour and showed us where rooms will be built. He (George) made it easy to understand the layout once explained. As of today July 25th, the walls were created so rooms are now easily seen. We have taken a montage of photos to show everyone the progress. The exam rooms look bright with large windows and much more spacious. Each kennel run and each luxury boarding room has its own window. There are now two surgical suites instead of just one with windows to allow natural light into  the surgery rooms. We proudly present some photos ( some are funny goofy as well!) of the progress. We hope to see everyone at our open house in the fall. Date to be determined based on the progress of the building.


having some fun on the constuction site


having a tour from the supervisor George
Kim waving from the laboratory area

Monday, July 11, 2011

Allergic Reactions to Insect Bites...

Warm weather months often include run-ins with bees, wasps, and mosquitoes. Very often bites and stings produce an allergic reaction that adds to our misery. This is also true with our pets. Allergic reactions are just as common in our pets and can occur in dogs of any age, breed, or sex. It generally takes several exposures before a reaction occurs, and reactions can vary from mild to severe.

Mild. Mild reactions include fever, sluggishness, and loss of appetite. Mild reactions are probably also related to an immune reaction from a vaccination. They usually resolve without treatment.

Moderate.  Swelling of t he face is a moderate vascular reaction of the skin marked by hives or wheals and rapid swelling and redness of the lips, around the eyes, and in the neck region. It is usually extremely itchy. It may progress to anaphylaxis and is considered life-threatening. This is the most common reaction.

Severe. The most severe reaction is anaphylaxis, a sudden, severe allergic reaction that produces breathing difficulties, collapse and possible death. Symptoms usually occur within minutes following an insect bite or sting and proceed rapidly. Symptoms usually include sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea, staggering, rapid drop in blood pressure, swelling of the larynx leading to airway obstruction, seizures and cardiovascular collapse or death. This reaction is life-threatening for your dog.

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Treatment
Anaphylaxis is an extreme emergency and it occurs soon after being stung. Your veterinarian will begin immediate emergency life support. This will include establishing an open airway, administering oxygen, and intravenous fluids to increase blood pressure. He will probably administer drugs such as epinephrine and corticosteroids. Animals that survive the first few minutes usually return to normal health.

If your dog is known to be allergic to stinging insects, your veterinarian may recommend that you administer Benadryl®  in the early stages of the allergic reaction. Unfortunately, oral medication may not be sufficient, and you will have to take your dog in for examination and treatment.