The Importance of X-rays at the Veterinarian

Our Digital X-ray Machine

X-ray machines use electromagnetic waves that are invisible to the human eye. They are the same type of waves as light waves, only we can't see them. The X-ray machine emits the waves through the body, and then projects onto a film or digital image device, depending on the type of machine. Some of the tissues in the body are more dense than others. Bone is more dense than muscle, so it will absorb more of the X-ray radiation. When that happens, we get a picture of the inside of the body.
It's easy to imagine why a picture of the inside of the body would be beneficial to our veterinarians. So many conditions are detectable through X-ray imaging. Not only can we see fractures and arthritis, but we can visualize bladder stones, the spine, pelvis, heart and lungs, impaction of the bowels and foreign bodies.
Animals sometimes eat the craziest things. We've gotten calls here about patients eating an engagement ring, baby pacifiers, rocks, a soda cozy, and a sewing needle with the string still attached. Our doctors were able to see these things in the stomach and do what needed to be done for the patients. "They Ate What?" from Veterinary Practice News
Here at Rau Animal Hospital, we have a digital x-ray machine. This is beneficial in several ways:

• A darkroom with processing chemicals is no longer needed on premises
• The processing time is cut down from minutes (film) to seconds (digital)
• Transport of X-rays involves a CD or email, instead of a bulky set of films
• Less radiation is needed for every X-ray

All of our radiographs are sent out to a specialist for reading, after our vets look at them. This ensures a correct diagnosis of each condition, and also a second pair of eyes to catch things we may have missed. The results are quick, due to our ability to send X-rays electronically.
We love knowing we can give fast treatment for serious cases with the aid of our Digital X-ray machine. Rau's Surgical & X-ray page

The 12 dogs of Christmas

12 dogs of Christmas graphic produced by Pet365 - a UK stockist of brands like Waifs and Strays & Hamish McBeth. Click below to see the full size version.

Seasonal Dangers

from desktopnexus.com

It is the festive time of year again, when we hang up all kinds of beautiful decorations, have a dish full of Santa Claus chocolates or Hannukah Gelt, and maybe a Christmas tree. It brightens the Winter landscape. Unfortunately, pets can get into some trouble while investigating all the shiny new things around them.

1. Tree Hazards. When decorating your tree, it may be best not to use tinsel, ribbons or bubble lights, or put them on higher branches. When ingested, tinsel and ribbons can cause all sorts of internal injuries. Bubble lights have a toxic liquid inside them that causes the bubbles, and you can find out about safe replacement bulbs here. Decoration hooks should be kept off the floor when trimming the tree, and any type of ornament can cause an obstruction. If you have a crazy cat that won't stay out of the tree and away from ornaments, you may want to forego the tree entirely, and hang some fresh wreaths around on your walls and decorate them. Tree water can be very unhealthy, because it is stagnant, and if you add the preservative, it can be deadly. Be sure to choose a covered tree water dish, or one with a narrow opening such as this Ultimate stand. It may be more of a chore to water, but your pets will be safe.

2. Fire Salts. These will change the color of the flames in your fireplace, but the salts themselves contain heavy metals, which will cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and pain if eaten. If you really want to have a different colored fire, making colored fire pinecones is a simple and safe project at home.

3. Household plants. Pine trees, mistletoe, holly are traditional plants of the Christmas season, but can be deadly to animals, especially the berries. Keep away from pets. Poinsettia plants, while irritating to the mouth and stomach, are generally overrated in toxicity. Check out the ASCPA's full list of toxic plants here.

4. Chocolate. While different kinds of chocolate have different sorts of toxicity for animals, when caught quickly enough, we can make them vomit to prevent any health problems. However, foil wrapped chocolates are especially dangerous. If we make a pet vomit after eating foil wrappers, it can cut up their esophagus and stomach, causing even worse problems. Any foil-wrapped candy needs to stay in the cabinet, without fail. Educate your children on the best thing for their furry friend.
When in doubt, put yourself in your pet's paws. They don't know what's going to keep them safe. They only know that something smells good or is fun to chew. So have mindful, safe, and happy holidays!

Hurricane Kittens Need Homes

All are female except the upper right kitten

These four scrumptious fluffballs were inside mama cat's belly when she was dumped in a parking lot. Luckily, one of our clients took her in, and the kittens were born on August 27th, 2011, the day before Hurricane Irene. We're so glad their mom didn't have to find a place to give birth outside. They are friendly, socialized kittens, and would love to take a spot in your heart. Contact us at 215-884-0453 if you are interested.

Safe Hallowe'en for your Pets

Halloween can be a really fun holiday for humans, especially for youngsters. In all the busyness of putting up decorations, buying candy, and making costumes, do you think about how this holiday affects your pets? It can be a major upheaval and stressor in their lives. Here are some tips to make it a little easier for them.

Dangerous Ingestion
Keep the candy locked away. Many types of candy can be fatal to pets. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, raisins, and artificial sweeteners can cause things like low blood glucose levels, liver damage and kidney failure. Foil wrappers can cause tears in the intestinal tract when ingested. If you're having an adult party, make sure alcohol is far away from your pets because just a little bit can kill. Put decorative items such as corn cobs and pumpkins out of reach, due to the high risk of intestinal obstruction when ingested.

Decoration Catastrophe
Pumpkins also can pose a fire risk, so it's a good idea to use artificial candles. I purchase mine at the dollar store. Wires and cords can be a problem if a pet becomes entangled, smoke machines can cause irritated eyes or even burns if you are using dry ice.

Uncomfortable Costumes
Some pets ham it up and love wearing their doggie Halloween costume (I'm assuming cats hate being dressed up). Unfortunately, they definitely don't all like the capes, hats, antlers and what-have-you that accompany the holiday, so don't force them to wear them. The first danger of a costume is the possibility of eating it. Eating a large piece or even a small piece of fabric can cause a blockage, and strings or tassels on costumes can get caught in intestines. A few days before Halloween, put the costume on your pet. See how he or she reacts. Doing it a couple days ahead of time will get the pet used to the costume before the excitement of the big day. Animals really can read our moods, and if you have some really excited children in the house, it may make things very scary.
Another danger of costumes comes from a HUMAN wearing a costume, even a human that the pet knows. The animal may attack or run away. Pursuing your retreating pet while wearing a costume may elicit a fight-or-flight response that can pose danger to human and animal alike.

Anxiety
The excitement of the holiday can translate to anxiety and confusion for your pet. Animals can dart out the front door when it's opened to greet trick-or-treaters. Doorbells being rung every 3 minutes make noise and are not a normal part of everyday life. One thing I do is put a note on the doorbell that says "Zombies ate the doorbell. Please knock." It dissuades people from ringing the bell. Taking your pet out on the town on Halloween can be especially dangerous, not only because of the high anxiety, but because sometimes people do not act like themselves hidden behind their costumes and may do careless things or drive when they shouldn't be driving. Keep your cats indoors, ESPECIALLY black cats. Black cats are at greater risk at this time of year to be harmed.

Don't forget clear and up-to-date ID tags. If your pet does run out the door and get lost, the ID on your pet will help make sure you are reunited. Take those extra precautions and keep your furry babies safe!

Doggie Events

Exercise is good for all of us, and it's so much fun with your dog! We've got some suggestions for local dog parks, as well as 2 doggie events that are happening this month.

First, the doggie events. On October 1st, head on over to Area 17 of Ridley Creek State Park in Media, PA (Edgmont Township). They are holding their 2nd Annual Bark in the Park 5K run and 1 mile Dog Walk. Dogs must be 6 months old to participate, and all mony raised goes to The Last Chance Fund, a source of funds established by the Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation to help abused or neglected companion animals. You can get pledges beforehand to help raise money and awareness.

On October 8th, head over to Graeme Park in Horsham, PA from 11-4 PM. They are holding their 5th Annual Dog Faire. Prizes will be given for best costume, best trick, and others. There will also be vendors, rescues, and giveaways.

As far as exercising with your dog, you can play off leash with dogs at various area dog parks. The closest one to our hospital is the Mondaug Bark Park in Fort Washington, PA. Dogs may play off leash, and there is a big dog section and a little dog section. Make sure to bring your own water to the park;they are working on raising funds for a fountain for the park. Check out their page on the Upper Dublin Township website for full list of regulations, and visit the Dog Park Friends page if you're interested in donating.

To find other dog parks, go here.

Jumping Bunnies

Check out the Kaninhop Rabbit jump, in Jena, Germany. There are some very cute high-speed photos of rabbits jumping hurdles, including Snoopy, who can jump about 23.5 inches in the air.

Waiting for the fun to start