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                      Volume 5, Issue 10                               

Halloween is just around the corner, so we thought it would be helpful to present a few tips on making Halloween fun for your furry friends!  Many pet owners enjoy making their pets part of the festivities around holidays.  But it's important to keep in mind that not all holiday pastimes are fun for your little ones.  Here are a few helpful hints on how to make Halloween fun for the whole family!

--Some pets enjoy being the center of attention, even in large crowds.  Prior to bringing your pet out to trick or treat, be sure that he is comfortable in crowds.  If you think that he may be upset by people in masks, costumes or just plain aggravated by all the noise, it might be a good idea to let your little one stay at home for the evening. 

--Often you see dogs and cats dressed up in costumes for Halloween.  Just keep in mind that not all animals enjoy being dressed up.  In fact, for some it may be quite stressful.  If you want to dress your pets up for Halloween, let them try on the costume for a little while.  If they seem irritated by it, do them a favor and let them enjoy the party without a costume--they'll be much happier.

--Having a spooky Halloween party this year?  If you're planning to have company over this Halloween be sure that your pet has a quiet place to retreat.  If your pet gets uncomfortable in the crowd, he should have a quiet space to go hang out, away from all the noise. 

--Everyone likes to have treats on Halloween.  Please remember that it is never a good idea to give your pets sweets--especially chocolate.  Chocolate can be very toxic in dogs.  Even cookies and cakes will have a bad effect on your pet.  Animals will often develop intestinal problems when given foods they are not used to having.  If you'd like to give your pet a special Halloween treat, there are fun dog and cat treats available in The Silver Collar Pet Boutique that are healthy snacks for any pet.

   What's Your Diagnosis?

A 9 year old Chow-Chow was brought to MSAH for a general exam and vaccines.  A blood sample was taken and the slide at right was examined by the veterinarian.  What's your diagnosis?

Answer on Page 5

In observation of National Veterinary Technician Week, we are highlighting our five veterinary technicans who continue to work hard to serve our clients and patients.  We can not thank them enough for their contributions to our practice and their commitment to their profession.

Justin King has been with MSAH for over a year, and has nearly completed our training for veterinary technicians.  Justin works primarily in our recovery and ICU areas, and does a great deal of our surgery preparation. 

Glenn Martin has worked with us for over two years and has recently begun training as a veterinary technician.  Glenn is stationed in our recovery and ICU areas and assists in pre-surgery work-ups and prepping patients for surgery, in addition to performing other technician duties.

Amy Kennedy has worked for MSAH for over five years.  She is currently a supervisor of our veterinary assistants as well as being in charge of our training programs. 

*Audrey Caughill, another of our technicians, has worked for MSAH for four years.  Audrey serves as a supervisor of our veterinary assistants.  She is also in charge of scheduling duties for the assistants.

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                      Volume 5, Issue 10                               

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                      Volume 5, Issue 10                               

The microfilarial stage of Dirofilaria immitis, the canine heartworm was found on the slide (accented by arrows).  The patient in question had not been on heartworm preventative and this organism was caught during a blood smear when the new patient was presented for annual vaccinations. Heartworm disease is rampant throughout the South, and all dogs and cats should be on some form of heartworm preventative.  The patient underwent the risky and costly heartworm treatment regimen and is now on monthly heartworm preventative.