Senior Pets have special needs, just as senior people do.  Older pets face many of the same medical challenges that older humans experience: Arthritis, Diabetes, Heart disease, Liver and Kidney Failure, and Cancer,  to name a few.  Modern medicine and nutrition give us the means to treat these conditions in our pets, just as in people!  Through regular twice-yearly exams, monitoring lab work, strategic nutritional management, and advanced medications, our pets are living happier, longer than ever!
   We, at Cimarron Animal Hospital, realize that every one wants to do the best for their pets.  We also realize that, with all the diagnostics and medications that we have to offer now, the expense of “doing the best” can be daunting.   So, we are excited to offer our new Senior Wellness Plan- our way helping to make all of those Senior Years expenses a little more affordable.  The Senior Wellness Discount Plan is our way of saying “thanks” to our clients for their years of investing in their old friends.

   Every mature pet can benefit from special nutrition.  Some need prescription diets. These can be expensive-less so with the Senior Plan.

   Most mature pets can benefit from additional nutritional supplements as our knowledge of nutrition and neutraceuticals has scientifically demonstrated benefits.  Covered under the Senior Plan.

   Many mature pets take prescription medication for arthritis or have chronic conditions that need period blood work or other laboratory monitoring twice a year or more.  This can really add up-but not so much with the Senior Wellness Plan.

   Some older pets need radiographs to diagnose or monitor joint disease or heart disease.  Just once a year, that can be a pain expense-15% less if you’ve invested in your pet’s Senior Wellness Plan.

   Most  Senior Pets have some degree of dental disease.  And, just like in humans, dental infection leads to premature exhaustion of the liver and kidneys as they constantly strain oral bacteria out of the bloodstream.  Oral bacteria also love to settle out on heart valves, contributing to heart failure.  Pets with good hygiene live years longer than those with chronic dental disease.  As this is one of the year’s biggest expenses (especially if periodontal antibiotics or extractions are needed), we offer 15% off those more expensive treatments for our Senior Wellness Plan Members!

Senior Dogs are prone to Heart disease, Liver disease, Hypothyroidism, Diabetes, Kidney Failure, and Arthritis, so
Our Canine Senior Plan includes :

• 1 Comprehensive Wellness Exam
  1 Senior Wellness Blood and Urine Screen
  1 Fecal analysis for intestinal parasites
  1 Heartworm Test
  1 6- Month Wellness Exam
  1 Dental Ultrasonic Cleaning and Polishing

Senior Cats are prone to Diabetes, Hyperthyroidism, Kidney Failure, Hypertension (which leads to kidney failure and heart disease), and Arthritis.  Cats are also notorious for hiding their illnesses unitl they are beyond help, so
Our Feline Senior Plan includes:

• 1 Comprehensive Exam
  1 Senior Wellness Blood and Urine Screen
  1 Blood Pressure Check
  1 6- Month Wellness Exam
  1 Early Renal Disease Urine test
  1 Dental Ultrasonic Cleaning and Polishing

When you invest in your pet’s full Annual Senior Wellness Recommendations, both you and your pet benefit:
                                SAVE:

•   15% on Lab work and Radiographs
    15% on Advanced Dental work like Periodontal treatment and Extractions
    10% on Prescriptions and Nutritional SupplementsCon

Contact Us Today for details and prices on our Senior Wellness Plan for your favorite dog or cat!

Rattlesnake bites are extremely painful!  Pets that are bitten will usually develop obvious swelling in the bitten area– usually the face or a paw.  If you find oozing puncture wounds, you know your pet has been bitten, but often those punctures are hidden in the swollen tissue.  As the venom penetrates the tissues, it causes tissue necrosis, or death and sloughing.  The venom also leeches into the blood stream, affecting other organs.  Rattlesnake venom can cause death by kidney failure or spontaneous destruction of blood cells in the vessels.  All rattlesnake bites to pets are a veterinary emergency!

There is no First Aid treatment for rattlesnake bites in pets except to keep themn quiet, move the affected area as little as possible and get to your Vet or an Emergency Vet immediately.  Once there, your Veterinarian can determine the best treatment for your pet, based on his condition.  Standard treatment includes IV fluids and treatment for shock.  Your veterinarian will probably recommend antivenin.  Pain and infection will be addressed as well.  At Cimarron Animal Hospital, we can offer Cold Laser Therapy to the affected area to immediately help reduce swelling and pain and  significantly reduce the amount of tissue loss as well! 

RATTLESNAKE VACCINE for dogs helps reduce the severity of rattlesnake bites caused by most of our desesrt species!  The vaccine induces an immunity that inactivates the venom, minimizing pain, swelling and the risk of organ failure and intravascular hemolysis.  Dogs still need to be seen immediately by their veterinarian for treatment of the post-bite infection (snakes have dreadful bacteria in their mouths!), and any residual venom effects not completely counteracted by the vaccine immunity, but the treatment should be less intensive and less expensive!

PREVENT snake bites by keeping your dog on a leash while walking in the desert.  Stay alert to the sound of rattles on the side of the path and slowly walk away.  Avoid leaving your dog  in open desert areas as much as possible. 

 For those dogs at risk because they live in desert yards, frequent parks and washes or hunt with their masters, PROTECT them with Rattlesnake Vaccine.  Pets receiving Rattlesnake vaccine for the first time will need two vaccines 4 weeks apart.  The vaccine is protective for 6 months, so boosters every 6 months are important for continuous protection.  If the boosters are not given every 6 months, the maufacturer recommends the double series be given once a year, 1 month prior to Rattlesnake Season.

For more info about the vaccine,   http://rattlesnakevaccinefordogs.com/

Contact Us if you have any questions about rattlesnake vaccine or would like to schedule your pet’s vaccines.   886- 1125         info@cimarronah.com

What are some of the specific features of an AAHA accredited hospital that you may not find at other Veterinary hospitals?

1) Pain management is a part of every patient’s evaluation.  Pain medications are given preemptively, before a painful procedure is even begun.  This helps prevent central nervous system “wind-up”, a phenomenon that causes a patient to perceive pain more intensely than it is because they have been in pain for some time already.  Many forms of pain relief may be provided to minimize discomfort, depending on a patient’s needs.
All team members (including receptionists!) are trained to recognize the signs and severity of pain in various animal species so that effective medication can be administered promptly.  All surgical patients receive pain medication.

2) Intensive Anesthetic Monitoring.   All patients undergoing general anesthesia receive:
       * Intravenous catheter and fluids.  IV fluid administration protects against the depression of blood pressure and heart function that occurs every time a patient is anesthetized.  Depression of these functions can threaten the future health of other vital organs like kidneys and brain.  Having an IV catheter also provides an immediate venous access for drug administration in case there is a crisis during an anesthetic procedure.
      * Endotracheal Tube in Place.  Even if the procedure is very short or gas anesthetics are not used, an endotracheal breathing tube is placed.  This tube, placed in the airway, ensures that the patient’s airway stays open, allowing for easy breathing throughout the procedure.  It is also another route that can be used for emergency drug administration in case of emergency.
      *  EKG machine, Pulse oximeter, Blood pressure monitor, Core Temperature and endotracheal stethoscope monitoring. These monitors provide general oversight of the patient’s heart health, oxygen levels, and blood pressure while anesthetized.                                                                                                                                                                                                               

      * Certified Veterinary Technician as anesthesiologist. (many clinics utilize trained lay staff in this position).  The CVT constantly monitors the patient physically throughout surgery, ensuring adequate anesthesia to remain pain free, yet not too much anesthesia as to be at risk. The CVT also monitors and records the patient’s vital statistics and electronic monitor readings every 15 minutes.  This highly trained and experienced CVT is with your pet every moment from pre-surgical prep, through surgery and  recovery.

3) All team members are trained in animal CPR ( At Cimarron, even our Business Administrator is trained!).  This training is updated and reviewed every 6 months to ensure everyone stays current with latest recommendations.

4) Training in Emergency Shock Treatment so that Veterinary Assistants and CVT’s can begin life sustaining treatment as soon as possible, even in the absence  of the Veterinarian.

5) Separate Isolation Ward from the main hospital ward to protect healthy pets from contagious disease.  (Not all hospitals do this!)

6) All dental instruments are steam sterilized, not just disinfected, between patients to prevent disease transfer during dental procedures.

7) Hospitalized patients are given thorough physical exams, performed by the Veterinarian, twice daily.  The Vet on duty does not rely soley on reports of the  Veterinary Assistants and Technicians to determine medical therapy.

Veterinary Technicians are all formally trained in animal restraint. Team members must pass a critical evaluation before being allowed to handle pets.  All Team members are trained to use the least amount of restraint possible while still being able to perform a procedure.  This ensures that your pet will be handled in the gentlest way possible, maximizing safety to your pet, you, and your veterinary team.

9) All adverse drug/ treatment reactions must be reported to the appropriate oversight government agency (FDA, DEA, EPA, etc) within 2 days of our  knowledge of the event.  This helps us to prevent needless similar adverse reactions in the future as well as providing oversight into the safety of pet health products for everyone.  (Most veterinary clinics do not report minor adverse events at all.)

AAHA Hospitals are for the devoted pet owner who wants their pet treated like a member of the family.  There are always less expensive options, but there is no place that provides the kind of love, kindness, consideration, medical expertise, cleanliness, dedication, and committment to you and your pet that an AAHA Hospital like Cimarron Animal Hospital does. 

For More Information about AAHA Accreditation, see  HealthyPet.com  About Accreditation

Because                                              Pets and their People are Our Passion!
 

• Laser Therapy uses “cold” laser light of low intensity to stimulate tissues to heal. Healing occurs by a number of physiologic mechanisms.
• Laser light dilates blood vessels in the area of application. Dilated blood vessels can carry de-oxygenated blood away and bring in freshly oxygenated blood faster. The departing blood will also carry away deleterious by-products of injury and bring in fresh cellular nutrients, allowing cells to rejuvenate faster.
• Lymphatic vessels are also dilated, allowing edema-forming lymph fluid to escape injured tissues, reducing swelling. This reduces pain.
• Laser light desensitizes local nerves so that they cannot fire as quickly, thereby sending fewer pain signals to the brain.
• Healing tissue fibers called collagen align themselves in a more linear, uniform, “normal” direction when exposed to laser light, reducing scarring and improving the tissue strength of newly healed wounds faster.
• Bacterial growth (and probably viral reproduction) are inhibited by exposure to laser light, making laser treatment helpful in treating non-healing wounds, contaminated wounds and burns.
• Laser light stimulates the “battery pack” of cells, called mitochondria. The mitochondria can then produce more ATP, which helps cells do more work. Cells can then get rid of biologic waste products more quickly and efficiently. They can heal and turn over depleted by-products faster. They can also reproduce faster, resulting in faster healing.

By these mechanisms, Laser Therapy provides us, at Cimarron Animal Hospital, another weapon against pain, either as a drug-free option or with standard treatments to enhance comfort beyond the ability of drugs alone. Laser therapy has been very helpful in treating our patients with:

• Osteoarthritis
• Post Surgical Pain
• Rattlesnake Bite (where pain, swelling, infection and subsequent tissue necrosis are all significant factors in recovery)

Wounds can be encouraged to heal faster, stronger, with less infection and less pain:

• Non-healing wounds
• Dog fight wounds
• Anal sac abscesses
• Cat fight abscesses
• Burns
• Ear infections

If your pet has any of these conditions and you would like to offer him another form of relief and a faster road to recovery, Call Us to schedule your consultation to find out how laser therapy can help maximize your furry family-member’s quality of life. Visit our contact us page to setup an appointment.

Fat is a self-perpetuating, disease-causing entity!

Research now indicates that fat cells not only store fat, but also secrete hormones and other substances directly responsible for many of the diseases that we see in overweight pets (and humans).

Fat actively secretes inflammatory mediators that CAUSE arthritis in dogs and inflammatory bladder disease in cats. Obese cats are also more prone to painful dental disease and feline asthma.

Fat cells secrete hormones that cause insulin resistance and increased blood glucose production in the liver. These conditions lead to Diabetes Mellitus. Cats are especially sensitive to obesity–induced Diabetes!
Furthermore, fat cells release hormones that block the brain’s satiety center, preventing the sensation of “fullness” during a meal. So, an overweight pet feels hungry all the time, eats more, puts on more fat, which secretes more hormones blocking satiety. It’s a vicious cycle leading to getting fatter, having more inflammation in the body, which makes pets move less, so they get heavier, develop more insulin resistance, are more likely to develop diabetes, etc.

Obese pets have more disease earlier in life, resulting in higher veterinary expenses for a longer period of time. The only way to break the cycle is to help your pet lose weight. It’s not always easy, but we, at Cimarron Animal Hospital, are here to help you with suggestions, diet food, and even medication if needed.

WEIGHT LOSS TIPS:

Exercise for 10 minutes twice daily– Walk your dog around the neighborhood. Play hide and seek with your cat.

PLAYING WITH YOUR CAT

http://cats.about.com/cs/catmanagement101/a/play_with_cat.htmdcf
http://cats.about.com/cs/playforcats/l/blpeekaprize.htm

WALKING YOUR CAT

http://www.hdw-inc.com/walkingjackets.htm

Feed a Prescription Calorie Restricted Food.– these foods are formulated to maximize weight loss while preserving lean body weight and protecting against diabetes— over the counter foods are not.

Stop feeding human foods and store–bought treats and rawhides. Even a few treats of uncertain caloric content add to a pet’s daily calorie intake in no time! Your vet can suggest low calorie treats with a known amount of calories that can be used responsibly for training and rewards without adding to the daily calorie intake.

WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATION FOR DOGS

Slentrol is a new medication available for dogs (sorry cats, this one is not for you!) to help them lose weight. It works by preventing fat absorption out of the GI tract and by stimulating the brain’s satiety center, reducing hunger. Weight loss with this medication has to be carefully supervised by your veterinary health care team. The doses of medication are changed based on your pet’s monthly weight loss success. This medication is very helpful for weight loss, but like most human weight loss meds, a careful weight maintenance program has to be followed to prevent rebound weight gain. Ask for more information about Slentrol if your pup is overweight!
http://www.slentrol.com/display.aspx?sec=000

Call us at 886-1125 if your pet is overweight and you are ready to help him lead a healthier, less expensive, more active, happier lifestyle!