This is a wonderful time of year for families--a time of joy in mid-winter.  Friends, the pleasant aroma of Christmas trees and food cooking in the oven, warm drinks when it is cold outside--all lend to a feeling of peace and joy.  It also gives us a time to reflect on what our friends and family (including our four-footed companions) mean to us and how blessed we are to share this world with them.
While this is a joyous time, we also need to pay attention to the potential dangers that arise during the Christmas season:

Electrical cords should be carefully placed and monitored, particularly when there are young pets in the home that may be tempted to chew on them. 

Christmas trees will grace many of our homes, but be aware that ornaments should be placed out of the reach of our furry friends. Tinsel, garland and popcorn strands can also be harmful if swallowed.

In addition, pets should never be allowed to drink water from the Christmas tree stand, as some water may be chemically treated, posing a potential poisoning threat. 

When wrapping gifts this year, be sure to keep bows, ribbon and string away from your family pets.  These can be quite dangerous if swallowed, having the potential to cause an intestinal obstruction.

Festive holiday plants make your home look nice, but keep in mind that several of these are health hazards for your pets.  Mistletoe, Pointsettias and Holly berries can be poisonous to your pets and will at the least cause GI upset.
                                                                             (Continued on Page 6)

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                      Volume 5, Issue 12                               

Early in the morning of November 23, 2003, Dr. Henry Melius passed away after a prolonged illness.  Dr. Henry was one of the founding doctors of Metairie Small Animal Hospital.  For many years Dr. Henry was the "work horse," carrying a load that would make many men cringe.

His skill in surgery and ability to correctly diagnose difficult cases was amazing.  His love of animals and empathy for their owners is one of the reasons  Metairie Small Animal Hospital has grown into the animal care facility it is today. 

Dr. Henry was a past president of the Southeast Louisiana Veterinary Association. In addition, he was director emeritus of the American Animal Hospital Association and Metairie Small Animal Hospital, since his retirement in 1995. He was also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the past Treasurer of the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association.

But what of the man?  Devoted husband…loving father…mentor to many young veterinarians, including myself.  All of these things are true, but seem to fall far short of describing Henry Melius, the man.  Henry was one of those very special people that we will keep in our hearts forever.  One that you hope to see again in heaven.

                                                  John J. Martin, DVM

Pictured at the MSAH Groundbreaking Ceremony are
Dr. Henry Melius, his wife, Katherine and son, Dr.
Brian Melius.

Photo of Memorial Garden at 101 Metairie Rd

Amber Katz is our December Employee of the Month.  She has been with us for just over 4 months and has proven to be a great asset to MSAH.  Amber graduated from Massage Therapy School in 2001 and continued her education at the Pet Massage Therapy Institute in Ohio, taking courses designed specifically for physical therapy in animals.  In her free time Amber enjoys reading, cooking and traveling, and of course spending time with her two Miniature Schnauzers--Sifl and Olly!  We appreciate Amber's hard work and commitment to her job!

This animal presented to MSAH for an emergency exam.  The owner stated that the patient was continuously swallowing, as if he had something stuck in his throat.  After a physical examination of the oral cavity and throat proved uneventful, a radiograph was taken of the throat and chest.  Take a look at the picture at right.  What's your diagnosis?

                                                (Answer on page 5)

It's that time of year again!  The hustle and bustle of the holidays is upon us and we have the perfect gift for the pet lovers in your life!  Metairie Small Animal Hospital is happy to offer gift certificates, available in any dollar amount.  These can be used for veterinary services, grooming services, products and food!  In addition, The Silver Collar Pet Boutique offers gift certificates that can be used to purchase any of the wonderful items for pets and pet enthusiasts.  Visit any of our locations to pick up your holiday gift certificates today!

A lady was on her way to the airport when she noticed a kitten lying on the side of the country road she was traveling.  She scooped him up and brought him to Metairie Small Animal Hospital before she flew out of town.

The kitten was definitely in need of medical attention.  It had suffered trauma to the head and was blind.  His right leg had torn muscles and ligaments, and the kneecap was resting on the side of his thigh.  His coccygeal vertebrae (tail bone) had been pulled off his pelvis creating a defect that allowed his intestines to herniate into the skin around his tail.  Most of the skin on his back had been torn loose, so his skin hung loosely on his back.  He was in shock and his vital signs were fading rapidly.  Apparently he had been swung by his tail and thrown out of a car, bounding on the asphalt. 

An IV line was established and emergency fluids and drugs were given to stabilize his condition.  Intravenous antibiotics were given to ward off infection. He was put in ICU, as 24 hour care was necessary to keep him stable.

The next day, he was treated with a drug to remove the heavy load of roundworms and hookworms that he had.  His condition slowly improved and by the third day, surgery was done to repair the leg and recreate a more normal rectal area.  The hernia was repaired and his skin was surgically reattached.  It was also necessary to remove his nerve-damaged tail.

Recovery was uneventful with the kitten getting stronger each day.  He then vomited a tapeworm that was 2 feet long!  It was unusual looking so it was sent to the Parasitology Department at L.S.U. for further identification.  It came back as Mesocestoides.  This tapeworm is still a puzzle to the parasitologist.  Its life cycle has not been figured out other than having to go through something small, like a lizard, then a second vector, such as a rodent, before ending up in a carnivore.  It can also undergo an asexual reproduction cycle by splitting right down the middle into two individual worms.  A special drug was given that was supposed to be effective against this parasite.

Once again the kitten started to improve.  It is now running with a number of other animals.  Its sight has returned and it's eating 4 cans of kitten food each day!  Other than being tailless, he looks and acts like a normal kitten.  The picture below is that of my wife, Nanette, holding our kitten.  His name is Treasure and he is #19 in our household.   
                                                                                                                Dr. John J. Martin

Page 5

                      Volume 5, Issue 12                               

This pet suffers from megaesophagus.  With this condition, the esophagus which is normally a strong, solid muscle, becomes flaccid and incapable of moving food properly into the stomach.  Pets with this condition often need to be fed in elevated dishes, which helps in moving food down toward stomach much more easily.  At right is the original radiograph as well as one of a normal esophagus.  Arrows have been placed to highlight the difference in size.

Page 6

                      Volume 5, Issue 12                               

MSAH Construction Project Receives Award of Excellence

F.H. Meyers Construction Corporation, who served as the contractors for the construction of our new facility, was recently honored with an Award of Excellence from the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC).

ABC hosts one of the premier competitions within the construction industry.  The Awards of Excellence recognize outstanding construction projects throughout the United States. 


We've considered ourselves very lucky to have worked with such dedicated contractors and their workers, particularly Mr. Rodney Kinkella, who served us very well throughout the two year project.  We congratulate F.H. Meyers and their crew for a job well done.

Holiday Hazards   (continued)

This is also the time of year that many people change and/or add anti-freeze to their vehicles.  Be sure that your pets are not exposed to anti-freeze--it has a very sweet smell that attracts many pets, but is extremely dangerous and could be fatal if ingested.

Many people also decorate their homes with faux snow, this too can be harmful if ingested.  Be sure that your pets can not reach any areas decorated with the festive snow!

We share this world with our pets, but it is our world that we have imposed on them.  Their natural instincts do not tell them that swallowing a piece of string can be lethal.  It is our responsibility to keep their environment as safe as possible during this blessed season.