As we mentioned in our previous bulletin, Metairie Small Animal Hospital recently underwent vigorous inspection by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).  Over a period of two days, our AAHA consultant examined our facilities, medical records, staff and doctor training programs, as well as our protocols and procedures. 

We are proud and happy to announce that all three of our locations passed the inspections and will be AAHA accredited for the next three years!  Our main hospital at 101 Metairie Road received 100% in three sections of the evaluation and scored in the "honors" range  in 10 of the 19 sections!

Our Outpatient Clinics, located on Williams Boulevard and West Esplanade Avenue, also received a visit from our AAHA consultant and passed their reviews as well.

We are very grateful for the opportunity afforded us by this great organization.  With continued support, feedback and suggestions, the American Animal Hospital Association is raising the bar on veterinary care and all of us will benefit--our doctors and staff and more importantly our clients and patients. 

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                      Volume 6, Issue 4                               

Tips to Help You Deal with Inappropriate Behavior

Behavioral problems are a growing concern among pet owners.  One problem that seems to arise again and again is inappropriate barking in dogs.   Here are some tips that may make your training a little easier:

DOES YOUR DOG BARK WHILE YOU'RE AWAY?
     

If your dog is barking excessively while you are away, it may be a sign of separation anxiety, which could be a more extensive problem than inappropriate barking.  If you're unsure whether or not your dog is barking while you're out, you may be able to ask a neighbor to listen in or even set up a video camera to evaluate your dog's behavior.  If the barking is accompanied by excessive panting, activity or restlessness, separation anxiety should be discussed with your veterinarian.

DON'T REWARD YOUR DOG FOR BARKING.
   

When your dog is barking excessively, do not reward the behavior by petting or soothing him.  This activity will only reinforce the barking.  You should only touch or pet your dog when he is being still and quiet.

DO REWARD THE SILENCE

This can prove to be a very important part of the training process.  Whenever your dog is quiet when you think he would normally have barked inappropriately, be sure to vocally praise him for his good behavior.  You may even give him a little treat.  By rewarding the silence, your dog will learn that you are pleased when things are quiet.

TRAIN YOUR PUPPY EARLY

Many young dogs bark instinctively or in showing protective behaviors.  Therefore, you should not encourage your puppy's barking for security reasons (unless of course you have gotten him for this reason).  If you avoid reinforcing negative barking behavior at a young age, your dog is far less likely to develop bad barking habits later in life.

                      Volume 6, Issue 4                               

Adrianna Blanchard is our April Employee of the Month.  She has been working with us at Metairie Small Animal Hospital for just over a year.  She has been a great help during emergency hours on the weekends as well as working at our West Esplanade Outpatient Clinic.  Adrianna is currently attending Tulane University where she studies Microbiology.  We appreciate all of the time and effort she has put in to MSAH and hope to have Adrianna with us for a long time!  Keep up the good work!

What is light yellow, 9 x 5 inches in size, and firm to the touch?   See picture at Right.

                            (Answer on page 5)

Visit the Silver Collar Pet Boutique Online

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                      Volume 6, Issue 4                               

Lily Roark, a kindergartener at Louise S. McGhee School recently joined her classmates for Career Day.   She told her mother that she wanted to dress up like the veterinarians at MSAH, so we made that possible for her!  She had a lot of fun and we look forward to having Dr. Lily coming back to work for us in a few years!

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                      Volume 6, Issue 4                               

Rocco, an 80 lb. 8 month old family pit bull had eaten a large bottle of wood glue epoxy.  The owners caught Rocco in the act as he was finishing up on his afternoon snack. Apparently this product is pretty tasty. That Saturday evening Rocco started vomiting. The owners brought him to MSAH. Rocco was started on IV fluids, anti-nausea medication and antibiotics. A lateral survey radiograph was taken that showed something filling almost the entire stomach. See Radiograph at Right (arrows highlight the suspicious area).

It seems that the liquid epoxy wood glue that Rocco had ingested had hardened in the stomach as a result of the warm temperature.  The substance had actually molded into the shape of the stomach.

It was suggested that we do exploratory surgery. The owner gave the OK for our surgeons to operate. On opening the abdomen the surgeon could feel that there was something solid filling almost the entire stomach. A long incision had to be made to remove the material. Rocco was closed up and discharged four days later.