Each year, CityBusiness, a local periodical focusing on business news in and around the New Orleans area, selects a number of businesses to honor as the top local innovators.  To be chosen for this honor, the business must meet a number of criterion, including offering original services in a progressive environment.  Metairie Small Animal Hospital was selected as one of only 22 area businesses, a list that included well-known organizations such as PJ's Coffee Company and Neill Corporation. 

According to a recent article that appeared in a supplement of CityBusiness, our company was selected because of our innovative approach to veterinary medicine.  For over 50 years we have continued to provide quality veterinary care to people and their pets in the New Orleans Area.  The opening of our new facility on Metairie Road has allowed us to offer "the best in comfort and care, from the cozy, two-story French Quarter-influenced lobby to the two high-tech surgical suites capable of handling up to five surgical procedures at one time."

Dr. John J. Martin and his wife Nanette attended a special luncheon for the top twenty-two innovators.  During this event, the top five finalists were chosen in an awards ceremony.  Metairie Small Animal was honored with a lovely plaque announcing that we were in the top 5 businesses for Innovator of the Year.  We are all very proud and excited and wish to extend a sincere thank you to the folks at CityBusiness for recognizing our hard work and dedication.  We would also like to thank all of our clients who have continuously shown their support of our hospital and for their patience through all of the changes and improvements we've made over the years.  We owe it all to you!

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                      Volume 5, Issue 8                               

So How Old is My Cat, Really?

The following article appeared in Feline Forum, as prepared by the Cornell Feline Health Center, Ithaca, NY. Copyright, 2003.

Cats are individuals and, like people, they experience advancing years in their own unique ways.  Many cats begin to encounter age-related physical changes between 7 and 10 years of age, and most do so by the time they are 12.

The commonly held belief that every "cat year" is worth seven "human years" is not entirely accurate.  In reality, a one-year-old cat is physiologically similar to a 16-year-old human, and a two-year-old cat is like a person of 21.  For every year thereafter, each cat year is worth about four human years.

Using this formula, a 10-year-old cat is similar age wise to a 53-year-old person, a 12-year-old to a 61-year-old person, and a 15-year-old cat to a person of 73.

Be Ready in Case of Disaster

The following article appeared in Feline Forum, as prepared by the Cornell Feline Health Center, Ithaca, NY. Copyright, 2003.

You can protect your cats during a natural or manmade disaster by being prepared:

--Make arrangements with a family member or neighbor who will take in your cats if you are unable to return home.

--Print or type an "Emergency Car of Companion Animals" card and place it in your wallet.  List all of your animals and who should be contacted in case you are injured or hospitalized and cannot return home.

--Make sure your cats are microchipped or are wearing a collar and tag with your name and phone number clearly marked.

--Keep a cat carrier handy (one for each cat or other small animal you have).

--If you are at home when a disaster happens and you must evacuate, realize that you do not have to leave your cats behind.  You can check with local animal shelters or veterinary offices to make arrangements for your pets.  You may also be able to take them with you to stay with a family member or stay in a pet-friendly hotel.

                      Volume 5, Issue 8                               

Employee of the Month

Carrie Osbourn is our August Employee of the Month.  Carrie began working as a receptionist with us over five years ago.  She soon moved to our animal care team and quickly became our Head Veterinary Technician.  Carrie is currently in charge of preparing all of our patients for surgeries and procedures as well as supervising the Recovery, Treatment and ICU areas of the hospital.   Recently, she began attending classes to complete her Associates Degree and is working toward becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician.  Carrie lives in Kenner with her husband, Rob, and two daughters, Allie and Kayleigh.  She enjoys spending time with her cats, Kiowa and Kobie and hanging out with her family.  We appreciate the great job Carrie has done and are proud to have her with us!

Recently, a young Rottweiler puppy was brought to MSAH.  The complaint was that he had been itching constantly, despite being on regular flea control.  Upon examination, several lesions of inflamed skin were found under the front legs and on the backs of the hind legs.  A skin scrape was performed and a slide was made with the skin cells.  When the slide was examine by a veterinarian, a scene very similar to the one at right was seen.  What's your diagnosis?

This picture was found on the following website:  www.ksu.edu/parasitology/625tutorials/Arthropods01.

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                      Volume 5, Issue 8                               

End of Summer Sale

Just what every dog needs for the summer--a doggie life jacket by Fido Float!

These night lights by Continental Creations is cute enough to light up any room.

Planet Dog presents colorful and fashionable hats in a variety of colors.

Creature Comforts makes these gorgeous cat food dishes. 

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                      Volume 5, Issue 8                               

The picture at right is a microscopic image of a sarcoptic mange mite.  When our doctor saw a similar vision under the microscope, the diagnosis of mange was made on the little Rottweiler pup.  Although it looks bad under the microscope, this condition is completely curable and the puppy is no longer itchy and his skin is back to normal.