WPVC News

 

June 24, 2010

 

Manage your pet’s health online with Pet Portals. Pet Portal’s are secure, private pet health websites that give you direct access to manage your pet’s health 24/7. We are happy to offer pet portals free of charge to all clients who have an active email address.

 

What can you do with your Pet Portal?

View pet information, receive vaccination and appointment reminders, receive important medical alerts and clinic news, order prescription and food refills, post photos of your pets, create and print instructions for pet sitters, access reliable information on a wide range of pet health topics, print proof of vaccination for boarding, ask questions or communicate your concerns via Pet Mail, an easy to use messaging system monitored by our staff Monday – Friday, request appointments, and much more.

 

How do you get a Pet Portal?

Call or visit our clinic and give the receptionist your email address, then visit our web page and click on the Pet Portal link on left side of the page. From there, you can set up your Pet Portal account and we will email you a password. It’s that simple.

 

 

 

May 18, 2010

 

In celebration of the new Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet stamps, the Postal Service™, together with Ellen DeGeneres and Halo: Purely for Pets, is giving shelter pets around the country a First-Class Meal. During the launch of the stamps, Halo will be donating a million meals to animal shelters around the country.

 

We want more Americans to know about the millions of shelter pets that need good homes. Nearly half of the animals that enter animal shelters are euthanized. Many of these cats and dogs would have made a wonderful pet...if only given the chance. You can make a difference. Adopt a pet, volunteer at a shelter, or just get the word out by buying these stamps.

 

This campaign continues the Postal Service's 50+ year tradition of raising awareness of serious social issues with special commemorative stamps. The 44-cent stamps feature photos of five cats and five dogs who were all adopted from shelters.  Stamps To The Rescue

 

 

 

March 30, 2010

 

Early Detection Program at WPVC

 

Your pet can’t talk and often shows no sign when something is wrong. So how do you know? Early Detection is not one test, a series of tests or just one visit. It’s a new way of caring for your pet, just like human medicine allows us to care for ourselves. Medical advancements enable your doctor to diagnose potential diseases before they become a serious issue including heartworm, thyroid disease and intestinal parasites. With current medical testing and technology, you can protect your pets like never before. By following our simple program, many diseases can be detected early. Catching a disease early can make all the difference, adding years to your pet’s life.

 

Did you know…?

 

If detected early, 75% of common diseases in dogs and 63% of common diseases in cats can be prevented by dietary modifications alone over a one year period?

 

Kidney disease is one of the major causes of illness and death in dogs and cats, but symptoms do not usually appear until 2/3 of kidney function has been lost? If caught early, the animal can live with this condition for many years.

 

If a liver problem is detected at an early stage of the disease and is administered proper treatment, the chance of your pet’s recovery is in your favor.

 

Early detection of diabetes is extremely important because an early therapy regimen can be more effective and easier on the animal. Detecting and monitoring diabetes early can also prevent damage to other organs.

 

 

March 25, 2010

 

With warmer weather upon us, heartworm season is here. Wherever mosquitoes are found, dogs and cats are at risk of picking up heartworms and should be on a heartworm control program. As with most diseases, heartworms are much easier to prevent than to treat.

 

At WPVC, we carry Heartgard Plus. It is safe and effective at preventing heartworms, and will also eliminate pre-existing populations of roundworms and hookworms as well as reduce the incidence of re-infection by these parasites. We recommend Heartgard Plus be used year round to prevent parasite problems. If your dog is a collie or other herding breed, please check with your veterinarian before starting any heartworm preventative.


Before giving any preventive medication, a quick and simple blood test will be done to determine if your pet is already infected. Pets that have consistently been on a preventative program should be rechecked every year. If a pet is found to have heartworms, treatment to eliminate the worms is available, but it is very difficult and can be quite harsh.

 

We carry Revolution for cats. Cats can be hosts for heartworms as well. Any outside cat should be protected from heartworms, fleas, and other parasites with Revolution.

 

Now is the time to begin heartworm prevention. Please call to set up a pre-screen Heartworm test.

 

 

March 23, 2010


Be prepared for Flea & Tick season. Fleas and ticks can bring diseases into your home. The season begins when the temperature rises above freezing, which can occur all year long in Colorado.

 

We do have fleas in Colorado! Because of the dry climate; we may not have the same degree of flea infestations as our neighboring states, but in only takes one flea to begin an infestation of your home. Ticks are a concern for every Colorado pet owner. Many of us are very active with our pets, taking them hiking, biking & camping. The bite of a tick or flea is irritating and may cause an allergic reaction. Ticks can carry and transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Erlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

 

The best time to apply topical flea and tick control is before these pests become a problem. At WPVC, we carry Frontline Plus. Frontline Plus kills fleas and ticks on your dog or cat and prevents re-infestation. Be sure to purchase the appropriate size for your pet and apply according to the directions. Remember, cats are not small dogs – Do not interchange cat and dog products.  

 

Buy 6 and get one dose free...! Up to a $15 value. Click here for more information and a rebate form. Offer good till 12/31/2010.

 

 

March 23, 2010

 

Vaccination against Giardia is no longer available at WPVC. The vaccine has been discontinued and will not be re-introduced by another manufacturer.

 

Giardia is a protozoan parasite found in many Colorado lakes, streams and ponds. Animals at risk of acquiring Giardia are: outdoor dogs and cats that swim or drink from a contaminated water source.

 

Symptoms begin with diarrhea and sometimes vomiting. Giardiasis is diagnosed by performing a microscopic examination on a small amount of fresh stool. Giardiasis is treatable. If you have questions regarding Giardia and  Treatment please give us a call or visit the Pet Library at our website.

 

 

March 10, 2010

 

You and your dog are cordially invited to participate in this year's Furry Scurry. If you have never attended, you will be amazed. It is the largest and best walk for animals in the country and Denver Dumb Friends League's  largest fundraiser of the year. On the first Saturday in May, a sea of smiling pet lovers, nearly 5,000 in all, and their canine pals will gather at 9 a.m. to step out for two miles around the perimeter of Denver's beautiful Washington Park. After the walk, they and thousands more will enjoy shopping, eating and dog-watching. This fundraiser helps the DDFL care for more than 25,000 homeless pets every year and provides a valuable service to our community. Register today..! 

 

 

February, 2010


Keep pets' choppers in tip-top shape to protect their health

By Val Willingham, CNN Medical Producer
February 1, 2010 8:53 a.m. EST

 http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/02/01/pet.teeth.care/index.html

  

 


January, 2010


As many of you are aware, Dr. Dawn Metzger sold Washington Park Veterinary Clinic to Dr. Karen Jones-Diller in August 2008.  Dr. Dawn has been planning her retirement since the sale.  She has been gradually reducing her days at the clinic, and is now retiring as of February 20, 2010.  This is an exciting new phase of her life.  While we are sad to see her go, we look forward to hearing of her new adventures.  Please plan to attend an open house retirement party for Dr. Dawn on Saturday February 27, 2010 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m.  Hors d’oeuvers and beverages will be served.  If you cannot attend, please send any correspondence to Washington Park Veterinary Clinic and we will forward it to Dr. Dawn.  On another sad note, our technician, Renee Haynes will be moving to Utah to care for her brother and his family.  We are sad to lose her, but recognize her need to be with her family. 

 

 

January, 2010


Canine Influenza is similar to “flu” in humans.  Fever, cough, runny nose and lethargy are common symptoms.  Dogs at highest risk for “flu” are dogs that go to daycare routinely, board or go to dog shows or agility trials frequently.  Recent media attention is focused on the new Canine Influenza vaccine.  WPVC along with AAHA & AVMA consider this vaccine a “non-core” vaccine. This means that not all dogs need this vaccine.  The vaccine may reduce the risks associated with influenza, but may not stop your dog from getting the flu altogether.  Some boarding kennels are requiring this vaccine in order to have dogs stay in their facilities.  Please visit our website or call us for more information on whether your dog should have the influenza vaccine.  If your  kennel requires the vaccine,  please contact us for an appointment.

 

 

January, 2010


“Swine flu” (H1N1) has been contracted by a few cats, ferrets and dogs in the United States and Colorado.  If anyone in your household has  the “swine flu”, treat your pets as you would any unaffected person in your household.  Isolate your pets from the sick person in your household.  Keep your clothing and hands clean when petting, feeding or watering animals. Wash your pet’s bedding and dishes frequently.  If  your pets exhibit flu symptoms, please call us to schedule an appointment.

 

 

January, 2010


Vetsulin PZI Insulin recall.  Vetsulin may cause unregulated blood glucose and hypoglycemia in some pets.  Production of  Vetsulin has slowed while the company  investigates the problem.  The manufacture of Vetsulin may be discontinued.  We have a number of patients that have been using Vetsulin for some time.  We are transitioning cats to a new PZI insulin or to Lantus  (Glargine insulin).  There is no new PZI product labeled for use in dogs, so we are transitioning to NPH insulin, which is a human product.  If you have questions regarding Vetsulin or transitioning your pet to another insulin product,  please call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jones or Dr. Lin.

 

 

January, 2010


Early Detection Labwork packages are being offered in 2010.  Antech Laboratory is bundling many of the laboratory procedures that we have always recommended such as complete blood counts, chemistry profiles, heartworm blood test and fecal parasite screens.  These packages are offered at special pricing to benefit your pets.  Please ask any staff member or veterinarian to explain which package is best for your pet.

 

 

December, 2009

Saturday office hours are here..!
At WPVC, we understand just how hectic and busy your week can be. With work, traffic, school, children & family, it is often difficult for many of us to find or make the time to bring in our beloved companions for the care they deserve. In our effort to make life a little bit easier for you, WPVC will be re-opening its doors for Saturday appointments.
We are now open for Saturday appointment from  8am. To 12pm. These will fill up fast, so book your appointment soon…!