Heartworm Prevention or Treatment?

Posted on September 10, 2011 by Dr. Ericson

Yesterday I had a lengthy discussion with a long-time client about heartworm treatment for a heartworm positive dog  she and her husband rescued.     They are quite taken by the dog and want the best treatment and care.  The patient was receiving treatment from the adoption facility.  We talked about several issues.  There is a gap in the treatment plan concerning the control of the microfilaria (the tiny and mosquito spread part of the worm life-cycle).  Also, the heartworm adulticide (Immiticide) is not currently available to kill the adult worms.   The current recommendation of the American Heartworm Society concerning treatment protocols should be in place.  These protocols for treatment offer the best chances for controlling spread of the disease and a successful treatment.  AND for the rest of you, GIVE THE PREVENTATIVES the same day of every month!  Dr. Ericson

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“Pets need love. And nutrition. And insurance”…Purina Care

Posted on September 1, 2011 by Dr. Ericson

Purina in now offering Pet Health Insurance.  The trusted company for decades of pet nutrition has recently started this insurance program.  We  recommend Veterinary Pet Insurance as well, but we now believe you have a good and viable choice. The reputation of these companies speaks well for the quality and ease of insuring you best friends! Check their web sites, call them, and apply. Click here for a PDF of the new brochure.

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Flea Season is Here!

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Dr. Ericson

With the temperatures dropping the environment is peaked for the hatching of the itchy and nasty fleas.  The brand Sentinel is the best product for the most dogs to stop the flea life cycle to eliminate the birth of new infesting fleas.  Tune in the the website provided by Novartis.  It will be completely active September 6, 2011 for more information.

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Ticks are a danger to you and yours.

Posted on August 23, 2011 by Dr. Ericson

The linked article is about a “double” infection which is not uncommon. Fortunately we have excellent vaccine for Lyme Disease and safe new products for the control of ticks.
Unlike fleas, we cannot control the life-cycle or the tick population by practical means.  We can limit exposure and provide tick-killing products.  Call our office for information or stop by for a discussion.  We recommend products based on the need and the patient’s environment.  Just stop by or make an appointment for your pets’ care.

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Does your cat chew or lick?

Posted on August 23, 2011 by Dr. Ericson

Many times the older cat patient will be presented with spots of hair loss.  Often the assumption is made that it is an allergic or behavioral problem.  That is “confirmed” by the patient’s response to cortisone injections.  Unfortunately, that means to some that cortisone is the answer.  If arthritis is the cause, quick response to cortisone is near certain. However, there are safer and better ways to treat your cat.   Diets (J/D by Hills) have been proven to be very effective.  The use of other non-steroidal (NSAID) anti-inflammatory medications can add to a safe and long-term treatment.  The bottom line is that there may be more than an itch causing the licking or chewing conditions.  Give us a call at 816 229-8255 for more information or an appointment request.  Click here for a recent article posted in the Chicago Tribune about this problem.

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Toxic Blue-Green Algae at Milford Lake, KS.

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Dr. Ericson

Toxic blue-green algae is responsible the death of at least one dog at Milford Lake in Kansas.  Click on the link to read the recent article.  One should wonder if there are others who were or are just sick.  Please be aware  for your family, your pets, and you.

“We are testing bodies of water across the state and alerting Kansans as soon as we see a blue-green algae spike,” explained Tom Langer, Director for the Bureau of Environmental Health. “Visitors to the lake should be very careful. Check our website often, look for posted signs at lakes; take the extra time to make sure your site doesn’t have a blue-green algae problem.”

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Heartworm Prevention Fall Specials

Posted on August 17, 2011 by Dr. Ericson

This HOT summer is nearly over signaling the beginning of flea season and mosquitoes (yep–two bites in 20 minutes last night!).  I still think the heat should remove those buggers!  Ask us for an additional $5 instant rebate for a 12 month supply of our recommended parasite control.   All testing and examination requirements will remain in place.  This offer will last until September 15th.  Mention this blog or FaceBook and we will enter the $5 as a coupon payment.

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Pooches Swim in the City Pool!

Posted on August 17, 2011 by Dr. Ericson

Centennial Pool is offering a fun day for your dogs September 17th.  It is a “dog swim” while the pool is draining.  It will be important that your pet is current on immunizations and has parasite prevention recently given.  Unfortunately not all of the pets will be as parasite-free or immunized as yours.  Of course, prevention is important all the time but increases in importance with groups such as this.  Give us a call for an update your pets’ status. Click on the city link for more information.

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Heartworm Disease Treatment (Shortage of Medications)

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Dr. Ericson

The treatment medication for heart worm disease is in rare supply.  This is the second time in the last few years for this shortage.  The easy answer for all of you is to give your Interceptor/Sentinel the same day of every month.  The effectiveness of preventatives is excellent thus making this shortage of little importance to those pets who receive medications at 30 day (monthly) intervals year-round.  Remember the saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”?  That takes on new meaning if the “pound of cure” is not readily available.  Don’t let your pets’ medication slip by!

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Kennel Attendant

Posted on August 11, 2011 by Dr. Ericson
We are currently looking for a part-time kennel attendant to provide comfort and care for our patients. Person must be able to work mornings, weekends and holidays. Anyone who is interested please visit our website or stop by the clinic.
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