You Can't Believe Everything You Hear: A Few Common Myths about Cats.
Cats need to drink milk.
Not true. While your kitty may enjoy drinking milk, it is not really the best thing for him. In fact, many cats will get stomach upset and diarrhea after ingesting milk products.
If a cat's nose is warm, he must have a fever.
Absolutely not. The only way to tell if a cat (or a dog) has a fever is by taking it's temperature. The way it's nose feels has nothing to do with true body temperature.
If a cat loses his whiskers, he loses all sense of balance.
Sorry guys. While this issue has been much debated, its been determined that cats use their whiskers more as "feelers" than for balance. So, losing his whiskers won't make him lose his balance.
Kiss Me...I'm Irish!
Below is a list of interesting Celtic/Irish names along with their meanings. If you're still searching for the perfect name for your new addition you might find some of these useful...and just in time for St. Patrick's Day!
1. Angus (Male)--The Irish god of youth.
2. Danu (Female)--The mother of Irish gods.
3. Epona (Female)--Celtic patron deity of horses.
4. Midir (Male)--Celtic god of the underworld.
5. Macha (Female)--Celtic goddess of war.
6. Caridwen (Female)--Celtic goddess of nature.
7. Cernunnos (Male)--Celtic god of wilderness and wild animals.
Volume 5, Issue 3
The LVMA Support Person of the Year...
What's Your Diagnosis?
This is a lateral radiograph of the abdomen of a seven year old Doberman Pinscher. What's Your Diagnosis?
Holly is a five month old mixed shepherd female that was presented for acute lameness of the left rear leg. The owner said that Holly had been jumping in the backyard and came inside carrying the leg. On physical exam the stifle (knee) was swollen and painful just below the patella (knee cap). A radiograph was taken and revealed an avulsion fracture of the tibial crest. See picture # 1(arrows point to fractured area). What happened is the patellar ligament that goes from the knee cap to the top of the tibia was overly stressed and its attachment at the tibia fractured. There is a growth plate at this part of the tibia and the bone damages very easily.
Holly was taken to surgery and the tibial crest was reattached using two K-wires (stainless pins). A hole was drilled through the tibia just below the pins. Twenty gage circlage wire was run through the holes and around the pins in a figure eight fashion to act against the pull of the quadriceps and the knee cap. This is called a tension band. See picture # 2.
Holly remained in the hospital for two days and was discharged with pain medication and antibiotics. The owner was given instructions to keep Holly confined and was allowed only to walk on a leash for six weeks. Four days post op, the owner called and said that Holly was using the leg perfectly as if it had never been injured.
Picture 1
Page 5
Volume 5, Issue 3
Our
Mission Statement
Metairie Small Animal Hospital is committed to providing the highest quality medical and surgical care for our clients in a humane, compassionate and caring environment . We will strive to maintain an open, honest relationship with our clientele. We will constantly improve our care and skills through educational enhancement and personal dedication to our profession.
