Protect Your Pet, Protect Your Family - Vaccinate the non-vaccinated!

Rock CountyRabies Awareness Week

Join us the week of April 21, 2013, 

in promoting Rock County Rabies Prevention Awareness.  

Let’s work together to make rabies history!

Rabies threatens all family members, including pets.  The Rock County Health Department estimates as many as 60,000 dogs and cats in Rock County Wisconsin, human population of 160,000, are not vaccinated for rabies.  What!? 60,000 animals!? 

Why is this alarming? 

Rabies is a, nearly always fatal, viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of another rabid animal. The devastating disease can be prevented almost 100% of the time with appropriate vaccination.  This underscores the critical need for community members to take appropriate steps to prevent and control rabies.

It’s estimated that every year in Rock county approximately 400 people are bitten by animals and require attention from health care providers and follow up by the Health Department to verify the risk of rabies exposure. In 2012, at least four (4) people in Rock County were referred to health care providers for rabies vaccination resulting from animal bites.  Since 2000, three (3) people have died of rabies in Wisconsin.

Although the majority of rabies cases occur in wildlife, most humans are exposed to the virus as a result of an encounter with an infected domestic animal. Keeping pets, including cats and dogs, up-to-date on vaccinations, is a primary means of helping to prevent rabies in humans and domestic animals.

In association with Rabies Awareness Week, the Rock County Board of Health, Friends of Noah and Badger Veterinarian Hospital are sponsoring a low fee rabies vaccination clinic for cats and dogs at the Rock County Fairgrounds on Saturday April 27^th from 1 to 4 pm. People with un-vaccinated cats and dogs are invited to attend.  The fee is $10 cash only. Dogs must be on leashes and cats confined to carriers.  A limited number of leashes and carriers will be available. Animal owners are responsible for keeping their pets under control.  Vaccinations are good for one year.  If an owner can provide proper documentation of a prior rabies vaccination, their dog or cat can receive a three year vaccination.  Animal health care will be limited to the rabies vaccination. 

Low Fee Rabies Vaccination Clinic

Saturday, April 27th from 1 - 4 PM

Rock County Fairgrounds

$10 (Cash Only)

What Is Your Cat Telling You?

During veterinary school I believe I intentionally limited my feline exposure.  During clinical rotations a Siamese cat, owned by the family of jazz great Al Jarreau, was referred to the Veterinary School with an incredibly high white blood cell count. The diagnosis was peritonitis caused by an ingested wood splinter perforating his intestine.  Surgery and antibiotics were curative.  This cat was my case.  Was someone trying to tell me something? 

I'm a dog guy.  A German Shepherd aficionado.  Nancy and I have had them living with us since 1981.  In my mind, big dogs and cats don't reside simultaneously in the same household!  My daughter Sara was always asking "Dad, when can I have a kitten?"  My typical response?  "It wouldn't be fair to raise a kitten in a household of German Shepherds."

That was then.  Fast forward to April 2010 on a warm spring evening.  Nancy and I were strolling around the yard inspecting winter's wrath and out scrambled a kitten from underneath the air conditioner.  In spite of my oblivion, this 6 week feline made me his project.  He followed me (of all people) as we continued our stroll.  Shortly after, Nancy found a second kitten under the air conditioner.  I was faced with the inevitable.  Two abandoned, skinny, hungry and flea infested kittens that focused on me.  With hope in their hearts and voices, Nancy and Sara demanded an immediate response: "we're going to keep them, aren't we?" My thought was, how am I going to wriggle from this predicament? In the blink of an eye the words preceded my thoughts, I relented, YES!

Feline rescue mission immediately elevated to DEFCON 1, our highest state of alert!  The kittens were boxed and transported to the practice.  Flea dips ensued with numbers of dropped fleas beyond your wildest nightmare! The younger kitten, eyes not even open yet, was fostered with the area rescue organization; Friends of Noah.  The other became the first feline family member in the Spaulding house-hold.

As we settled at home we observed until his name evolved.  Indy racing was the first thought as this kitten raced around the house and slid across the wood floors.  Andretti it was!

Qira, our young German Shepherd bonded immediately with power maternal instincts.  Jeck, our slightly older Shepherd was much less enthusiastic about the addition.  Jeck's mission for the first few weeks was Andretti eradication.  Slowly, his surrender set in and from then on, Jeck and Andretti have learned a healthy respect and tolerance for each other.

Understandably, Andretti adopted many traits characteristic of the German Shepherd breed.  At the sound of a doorbell a race to the door, barking to alert all who need to know and hair standing on end.  Although he doesn't bark, Andretti is in the race; hair standing erect.

Like many kittens, Andretti had issues urinating outside the litter box.  This was going on far too long for this farm boy.  I was at my wit's end.  A urinalysis revealed urine crystals, urging frequent urination.  A dietary change to a prescribed Royal Canin's crystal reducing diet and fresh water  through a water fountain brought resolution.  A farm boy who tolerated cats as a necessary evil, clearly this level of care is a sure sign that this 12 pound wonder cat was finding his way to my heart!

A proven survivor, Andretti does whatever it takes to make his mark in life.  I've always respected the self-reliant and this cat proved himself.  He acquired German Shepherd behavior, which scored many brownie points with me and I kid you not, he even plays fetch!  Another trait I admire; he's not your typical lap cat, 30 seconds in your lap and it's time to move on.  Leash training remains a challenge!

Much to our dismay, this past Christmas, Andretti's inappropriate urination behavior returned.  Urinalysis was clean and blood work normal.  The bond that Andretti has created with us let to a physical exam.  Excessive tarter on his teeth was noted and routine dental prophylaxis was performed.

During dental cleaning and examination, Dr. Reed discovered a fractured premolar - OUCH! The tooth was extracted, Andretti made a speedy recovery and his inappropriate urination ceased.  We were a happy family once again!

Who would have thought a dental issue cased him to urinate in the house? Not me, that's for sure!  This lesson in cat care has been a learning experience for this Wisconsin farm boy!  The importance of routine dental care for pets can't be over-emphasized!

I wonder how many cats are discarded because of inappropriate urination.  How many cats have relatively minor health conditions that can be easily treated?  How many cats have never or very seldom have routine dental care?

Andretti was suffering such pain and the only way he knew to get our attention was to urinate outside of his box.  I'm grateful my eyes were open! What is your cat telling you?

February is dental month, have your pets teeth examined!  Make an appointment now!

911...WE ARE READY...ARE YOU?

If you own animals long enough, sooner or later you'll confront an emergency health crisis.  Prior to being consumed by the hustle and bustle of any Holiday Season; we urge you to prepare for a medical emergency affecting your dog, cat or horse.

You must know how to recognize serious problems and promptly take the appropriate action.  Preparation is vital when confronted with a medical emergency.  No matter what situation may face, mentally rehearse the steps you'll take to avoid letting panic take control.  

Follow Badger Veterinary Hospital's guidelines to help you prepare for a medical emergency.

• Keep your veterinarian's number by each phone, including how the practice can be reached after hours.  
• Do you have a first aid kit? Consult with your veterinarian regarding preparation of a species appropriate kit. First aid kits can be simnple or elaborate.  Regardless, make sure family members know where the kit is.
• Many veterinary practices provide after-hours emergency care only to established clients; others don't provide after-hours emergency care and you may be referred to an emergency clinic in a distant location.  Ensure you clearly understand your veterinary practice's policy regarding emergency care prior to confronting an emergency health crisis with your animal.  
• Consult with your veterinarian regarding a back-up veterinary practice in case your regular veterinarian cannot be reached quickly enough.
• Record the names and contact numbers of nearby friends and neighbors who can assist in the event of an emergency. For exapmle, if your horse requires transport to a critical care facility and you are unable to haul the horse, have an alternate arrangement.

Badger Veterinary Hospital is a full-service practice, providing 24 hour emergency care, having provided emergency assistance to nearly 150 patients in the past 12 months.  Naturally, we strongly recommend establishing a relationship with our practice prior to a crisis.  We strive to provide routine health care and diagnostic screenings to minimize the occurrence of late-night emergencies!

Quick action can minimize the consequences of an injury or illness and as a Badger Veterinary Hospital client, you have the peace of mind knowing no matter what time of day your crisis occurs, our staff is here for you and your animals!

We are... Dedicated to the life and love of your pet!

Scott Spaulding, DVM    Steve Servantez, DVM    Kevin Kreier, DVM
BVH Owner                   BVH Owner                    BVH Owner

Should I Blanket My Horse?

The upper Midwest experiences winter weather extremes with ambient air temperatures commonly dipping to -20° F to -30° F! Many horse owners' inclination is blanketing horses prior to exposure to the elements. Is this the proper management?

A horses thermoneutral zone (TNZ) is the air temperature range in which horses expend no energy to maintain normal body temperatures of 99° to 101° F. The lower critical temperature (LCT) is the lowest temperature in the TNZ, below which horses increase metabolic rates and expend energy to maintain normal body temperature. Research suggests healthy, adult horses have a wide LCT, from 41° F for horses in mild climates to 5° F in natural-coated, un-clipped horses adapted to colder temperatures.

Factors influencing a given horse's TNZ include; ambient air temperature, wind, sunlight, moisture and air temperature that the horse is acclimated to. We are all familiar with the incredible winter coats horses grow. Thick coats provide a tremendous insulation factor. Wind and moisture, in the form of rain or melted snow are common factors influencing a given horses TNZ. Keep in mind that young, thin and older horses are less cold tolerant.

Cold Weather Management Recommendations:

• A waterproof blanket provides great protection for horses living outside all the time.  Remove the blanket every few days for cleaning to minimize risk for skin fungal infections.  Be prepared to rotate blankets, replace wet blankets with clean dry blankets.
• Shelter from snow, wind and winter rain is recommended.  This allows horses to stay dry which helps them stay warm.  Barns or run in sheds with raised floors are optimal.  
• Gradually acclimate horses to extreme cold temperatures. Full acclimation takes about 21 days.
• Research confirms cold weather increases dietary energy requirements.  Feeding free choice, good quality hay, is a simple method providing additional digestible energy in mature, idle horses experiencing ambient air temperatures below their LCT.
• Maintain free choice access to non-frozen water.  Many horses don't desire to drink "ice-cold" water.  There are numerous types of water heaters capable of maintaining drinking water slightly above freezing temperature.
• Ensure horses receive adequate vitamin/mineral supplementation, including salt! Allow free choice access or add one tablespoon daily to the horses grain mix.  Feed plain, white, granular livestock salt with no mineral added.  Top-dress appropriate vitamin/mineral supplement to the grain serving.

Simply said, the following three things will decrease cold stress in your horse.

1.  Provide areas for horses to get out of the wind chill.

2.  Keep your horse dry.

3.  Increase dietary energy to provide more calories for the horse to stay warm.

And the bottom line; blanketing can be an important management tool to reduce cold stress in horses experiencing winter weather extremes!

What Did He Say???

Pfizer Animal Health's Dr. Dennis Horter recently presented DiSC communications training to Badger Veterinary Hospital staff.  DiSC personality profile/behavior assessments enable better understanding of personality styles and behaviors, ultimately improving communications and enhancing relationships.

Improved understanding of behavior styles allows staff to approach others in a manner more meaningful to the person they are interacting with.

For example:

• The "D" personality is direct, to the point.  They have better understanding of and respect for information that is given in bullet points.
• People making decisions based on emotion are "I" personalities.  "I's" typically prefer interactive communication styles.  They want to be involved in the decision making process!
• Patient and calm describes the "S" personality.  They like to receive information in an organized and methodical demeanor.
• "C" personalities are thorough and analytical, preferring detailed, written information handed to them.  They need to read, understand and evaluate prior to making a decision.

The challenge?  EVERYONE has a primary personality type and its hard delivering information in a style that's not normal to us.  We're willing to take the challenge, how about you?

Badger Saves Christmas!

Badger Spirit!