On January 22, 2004, Metairie Small Animal Hospital received the 2004 Hospital of the Year Award for excellence in veterinary hospital design.  The award is presented annually by Veterinary Economics Magazine, an international business magazine for veterinarians.  The competition honored the hospital for it's beautiful exterior and reception area, clean floor plan and attention to detail. 

A panel of judges evaluate a number of veterinary hospitals around the country, paying particular attention to the following categories:


                   *Site plan                              *Mechanical features
                   *Outpatient areas                  *Plumbing features
                   *Inpatient areas                     *Electrical features
                   *Quality of finish materials   *Overall features


"The Veterinary Economics Hospital Design Competition recognizes exceptional veterinary facilities that improve pet owners' experiences at the hospital, support top-quality pet care, maximize practice efficiency, and emphasize comfortable working conditions for veterinarians and veterinary team members," says Marnette Denell Falley, editor of Veterinary Economics.  "These award-winning facilities set the standard for cutting-edge veterinary hospital design."

Metairie Small Animal Hospital will be featured as the cover story in the March issue of Veterinary Economics!

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                      Volume 6, Issue 2                               

National Pet Dental Health Month is Here!

For 10 years now, we have been helping to spread awareness during National Pet Dental Month.  Many pet owners are not aware of the growing concern surrounding periodontal disease in pets, so this month, veterinarians around the country will be educating their clients on the importance of dental maintenance for their pets.

The doctors and staff of Metairie Small Animal Hospital understand the importance of maintaining the oral and dental health of your pets. Complete oral health greatly increases your pet's well being, adds to their longevity and creates a happier life for pets and their owners. We continue to place great emphasis on complete dental care, both preventative and corrective, to help ensure that your pet remains happy and healthy.

Did you know....

**Periodontal disease is the most prevalent disease
             in both dogs and cats.   
                                     --JAVMA 1999; 214 (9):  1336-41

**In many cases, periodontal disease is preventable
                through appropriate plaque control.
                                                        --Ellen Logan, DVM

**85% of all dogs and cats over one year old have
             some degree of periodontal disease, but only
                  3% of dogs and  1% of cats get treatment.
                                                 --AAHA Compliance Study 2003

**Bacteria from periodontal disease can spread
         through the bloodstream and damage
               internal organs.
                                  --Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, Vol.4

If your pet experiences any of the following symptoms, please make an appointment to have a complete oral/dental examination:

*bad breath                    *bleeding gums

*tooth loss                      *abnormal drooling

*changes in chewing/eating habits

*yellow-brown crust developing on teeth

*going to the food bowl but not eating

*dropping food out of the mouth

*swallowing food whole

"CoCo" is a 4 year old intact male rabbit.  He was brought to Metairie Small Animal Hospital when the owner noticed blood in the urine.  The urinalysis revealed a large amount of bacteria in the urine.  The rabbit was given antibiotics for one week to treat the urinary tract infection.  It was recommended that the owner bring CoCo back in if the blood persisted despite antimicrobial therapy.  Hematuria (blood in urine) persisted, so CoCo returned an radiographs were taken to rule out other causes.  The radiographs revealed a large bladder stone just cranial to the pelvis (See photo below).  Unfortunately, the only treatment once a large stone has formed is surgical removal.  CoCo was taken to surgery and a 1 cm x 2 cm calcium carbonate stone was removed.  A picture of the actual stone appears below.  After surgery, CoCo had a good recovery and is currently doing great at home.

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                      Volume 6, Issue 2