This is the week we all treasure for its guarantee of football, a large array of desserts, and of course turkey. As we all gather for our holiday festivities, it is also important to think about your pets during these festivities. We all love to include our pets in the holidays and events going on, however is it best?  
Unfortunately, there are increases in pets seen for intestinal upset, pancreatitis, and toxin ingestion. Lets make this Thanksgiving a safe one for everyone, pets included.  

It's true! National Diabetes month was originally proclaimed to raise awareness for humans, however, the endocrine disease is also prevalent in animals.  

Having a healthy diet, proper exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight are always ways to have a happy and healthy pet. This is also particular to preventing diabetes. As you've already read, diabetes is caused by excessive amounts of sugar in the system. That means, having a healthy and proper diet for your pet maintains a normal amount of glucose for pets. Exercise and body weight are also a factor. Unfortunately, an over-weight pet is prone to many diseases, including diabetes, because of excessive fat and sugar. Diabetes is also unavoidable! Breeds and genetics can also play a factor in diabetes. Some pets may be pre-disposed to having diabetes, the best thing you can do to prevent it is to create a happy and healthy lifestyle for your pet. 

We have had an increased amount of foreign body surgeries with in the last couple weeks so we thought a spotlight on foreign body surgeries and prevention may be beneficial.
​A foreign body is defined as a surgical procedure to remove foreign material from the gastrointestinal system (stomach and intestines) that is obstructing the system. Where the obstruction is located greatly affects the signs and symptoms for each animal. Some small objects that are smooth can pass through the intestines without causing a blockage. However, large objects, such as toys, can get stuck within the intestine and stomach and cause extreme irritation to your pet. Dogs and cats with an intestinal obstruction may show but are not limited to continuous vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, dehydration, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If you are afraid your pet may have an intestinal obstruction, contact your veterinary office.
The first step to any kind of treatment for pets is a physical examination to assess painful areas, symptoms, and concerns.  If we are concerned that there is a foreign material obstructing the intestinal system, we use further diagnostics to be definitive. The diagnostic tool for determining a foreign body is to take abdominal radiographs (X-rays). By using radiology we can assess normal and abnormalities in the stomach and intestines. If there is an obstruction, surgery is needed as soon as possible.
​Check out a normal vs. abnormal abdominal radiographs below. 

​Is your beloved pet having a hard time standing after laying down? Not going up and down stairs lately? Had any decreases in activity or appetite? Is your pet over grooming or licking in a particular area? Humans and animals both suffer from pain. Unfortunately our pets cannot tell us they are in pain the same way humans tell their doctor, so we depend on changes in your pet’s behavior. September is Pet Pain Awareness Month so we would like to bring to light some common behaviors animals show when they are in pain. Painful behaviors may be the following but are not limited to: difficulty standing after laying down, not going up or down stairs, reluctance to jump up onto surfaces, over grooming or licking a particular area, limping, whining, decreased activity/energy, weight loss, submissive behaviors, guarded behaviors, decreased appetite, and reluctance to move. The majority of pain is chronic and hard to be detected. Many cats and dogs will not whine in pain to alert their owner because hiding pain is a natural “stay alive” instinct inherited by many animals including your pets. The best way to detect if your pet is in pain is to pay attention to changes in your pet’s behavior and speak to veterinary staff and veterinarians about your pet(s). If you are ever concerned about your pet’s pain or have any questions, we are more than happy to help you.