Bulletin #63

Dr. Daryl Haydel

Dr. Daryl Haydel recently joined MSAH as a veterinarian, after working with us as a veterinary assistant for several years.  Dr. Daryl graduated from Shaw High School then studied at UNO for three years prior to attending LSU's Vet School.  He says he enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine and surgery, but has a particular interest in working with exotic pets.  Dr. Daryl has several pets of his own, including a Pug named Abbot, a Lab named Bacchus and a mixed breed named Hudson.  He also has several turtles, a tortoise and a bearded dragon.  Please help us welcome Dr. Daryl to our team!

Dr. Rene Baumer

Dr. Rene Baumer also worked with us as a veterinary assistant for several summers, while he completed his undergraduate studies at Louisiana State University.  He later attended LSU's school of Veterinary Medicine where he completed his degree.  Dr. Rene says he would like to focus on ophthalmology and surgery in small animal medicine.  He grew up in the New Orleans area and graduated from Jesuit High School.  He currently lives in the Lakeview area with his Boxer, Simba.  We're very happy to have Dr. Rene back with us at Metairie Small Animal Hospital!

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                      Volume 6, Issue 6                               

EPA Cracks Down on Counterfeit Pet Medications

According to a recent article in DVM NewsMagazine, the Environmental Protection Agency has discovered counterfeit flea and tick products on the market (DVM NewsMagazine, April, 2004).  The EPA says the counterfeiters have placed foreign labeled applicator package inserts in counterfeited Advantage and Frontline cartons.  These cartons are produced to look very similar to U.S. registered products.  Some of the possible problems that can arise include products not approved for distribution in the United States and the potential for an inappropriately sized applicator for the weight of the pet. 

Zack Mills, DVM, executive director of veterinary services for Merial, the makers of Frontline, states that "a good safeguard to ensure the integrity of products such as these is to purchase them from a reputable source.  The best way to be confident about the source of Frontline products is to purchase them through your veterinarian."

Below is a list of things to look for to ensure you have not purchased counterfeit products:

Make sure that each package contains an instructional leaflet about the product.

Make sure that applicators are in child-resistant packaging.

Make sure measurements located on package are in fluid ounces (not metric
measurements).

The text on packaging should be in English only.

If you have any concerns about having received counterfeit flea or tick medication, you should contact your veterinarian to ensure no harm is done to your pets.  And remember, the best way to ensure that your pet is receiving the correct product is to purchase it through your veterinarian.

Relationship Discovered between Herbicide

Exposure and Bladder Cancer in Scotties

A recent article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA, Vol 224, No. 8, April, 2004) found an association between exposure to phenoxy herbicides and increased risk (4.4x) of bladder cancer in Scottish Terriers.  There was no increase in risk in non-phenoxy herbicides.  Please check the products you are using around your home to be sure they are safe for your pets.   We suggest using a non-phenoxy herbicide regardless of the species or breed of your companion animals. 

                      Volume 6, Issue 6                               

Sarah Whitmire is our June Employee of the Month.  Sarah began working with us at MSAH as a receptionist in early April of this year.  She moved to the New Orleans area from Texas in mid-March with her husband, Mark.  Sarah spends much of her free time with her children, Gabriel 2 ½ , Joshua 6 ½, James 10, Madeleine 13, and Stephen 13.  She also enjoys watching movies and crocheting.  We appreciate all of Sarah's hard work.  She has done a wonderful job at our front desk, even in the short amount of time that she's been with us.  Thank you, Sarah!

This pet has a history of severe heartworm disease.  A radiograph was taken of the chest and appears at right.  Can you visualize the abnormalities in the heart? 

Pamper Your Pets!

We'd like to remind everyone that we are currently taking appointments for grooming and bathing.  Connie Heaphy is available Monday through Friday and some Saturdays, by request, to pamper your little ones!  So, get your pets ready for the summer months with a cool clip or a stylish cut.   To make an appointment to visit Connie, please call our Main Hospital at 504-835-4266.

Gracie

"Gracie" was not herself when she was presented to Metairie Small Animal Hospital.  She had been lethargic and not eating well according to her owner.  This was considered very unusual because she is a 2 year old Weimeraner who is normally very active.  On examination, she was found to have a temperature of 105º and her right hock was swollen.  Radiographs showed only soft tissue swelling in the leg and the rest of the lab work and physical exam proved unremarkable.

FUO  (Fever of Unknown Origin) was the tentative diagnosis.  Further lab work was negative for Autoimmune Disease and Lyme Disease. However, Gracie did test positive for Bartonella henselae.  Treatment with a special antibiotic for 6 weeks is generally demanded.  Bartonella is usually acquired by pets via the bite of a tick or flea.  These cases can be difficult, but it is imperative that they be treated immediately with special antibiotics.  Had we not discovered that Gracie had Bartonella, she would have had little chance of recovery. 

The radiograph at right shows the presence of a foreign object in the esophagus.

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                      Volume 6, Issue 6                               

Notice the "Backward D" formation on the left side of the radiograph (outlined at right).  This is commonly seen in animals with Heartworm disease and indicates enlargement of the right side of the heart.