Vet Tips from Greenbrier Emergency Animal Hospital: Lar Par

The larynx, which is the opening through which outside air flows into a dog’s lungs, allows for vocalization and prevents food inhalation (aspiration) — both of which are important functions. Paralysis of the larynx, otherwise known as laryngeal paralysis or “lar par” for short, means that either one or both of the vocal folds does not fully open during breathing. The condition can occur in cats but is more common in dogs, and specifically in large-breed dogs. It can be hereditary in Bouviers, Huskies, Bull Terriers, Dalmatians and Rotweillers and is also commonly seen (but not necessarily hereditary) in Labs, Goldens, St. Bernards and Newfoundlands.

Find them online at http://www.greenbrier-emergency.com/

For even more information go to their new blog: http://www.greenbrier-emergency.com/blog/

Find them online at http://www.greenbrier-emergency.com/

For even more information go to their new blog: http://www.greenbrier-emergency.com/blog/

Vet Tips from Greenbrier Emergency Animal Hospital: Heat Stroke

As the heat and humidity of the summer months are approaching quickly here in Central Virginia, pet owners should be aware of the dangers of heat stroke, one of the more common summer pet emergencies in dogs. Heat stroke is a situation in which a pet’s body temperature has risen way above normal and needs immediate veterinary attention. Unfortunately, our domestic pets don’t sweat the way we do to dissipate excess heat, so they aren’t as efficient at cooling their bodies as we are — and heat stroke can result. The condition can become fatal rapidly if left untreated, but is easily preventable with some common-sense measures.

Find them online at http://www.greenbrier-emergency.com/

For even more information go to their new blog: http://www.greenbrier-emergency.com/blog/

Vet Tips from Greenbrier Emergency Animal Hospital: Rat Poison and Pets

Unfortunately, many pets get into toxins — even toxins that were meant to get rid of pests like mice and rats. An extremely common type of toxicity is rodenticide, or rat poison. There are three main groups of rat poison used, and they can all be very toxic to dogs and cats (and even our exotic pets, too).

Patients that usually have the best prognosis from this type of toxicity are those that are actually seen eating the rat poison by their owners, who then bring them in for treatment right away.

Vet Tips from Greenbrier Emergency Animal Hospital: Giardia…cha cha cha…

Giardia…cha cha cha…

Diarrhea has a number of causes, but one that we saw quite a bit in our patients this summer is Giardia, a parasite that is transmitted in stool (Giardia can be transmitted to humans in this way, but people most often get this parasite from contaminated water). Once a pet is infected, it will typically take 5-12 days in dogs and 5-16 days in cats for the parasite to be found in the stool — however, diarrhea can occur before the parasite actually shows up in the stool.

To diagnose Giardia, your veterinarian will need a fresh stool sample from your pet. As this parasite cannot be detected by the naked eye, the doctor will examine the sample under a microscope. Sometimes the test may need to be repeated, as this parasite can shed intermittently — so while an initial test may come up negative, further tests may come up positive. A newer variety of test is the “snap test,” which tests for Giardia proteins in the stool. The snap test does help improve diagnosis; however, while almost all veterinarians have the capability to look at a stool sample under the microscope, the snap test is less readily available, and not all veterinarians will be able to offer it.

Find them online at http://www.greenbrier-emergency.com/

For even more information go to their new blog: http://www.greenbrier-emergency.com/blog/



Vet Tips from Greenbrier Emergency Animal Hospital

Pets and Snake Bites: Act Quickly!

As the weather warms, our slithery, venomous snake friends become more active. And snake bites are a very common problem in the summertime. Our pets are very curious creatures and tend to lead with their noses and their front limbs, so that’s where we see the most bites (on the face and front legs). These bites often cause extreme pain, swelling and bruising, and that’s typically what you as an owner will notice first, if you don’t happen to see the snake itself. You may also see puncture marks that may be bleeding or oozing.

Find them online at http://www.greenbrier-emergency.com/

For even more information go to their new blog: http://www.greenbrier-emergency.com/blog/

Vet Tips from Greenbrier Emergency Animal Hospital

Ticks: a pesky little problem

Today Dr. Tripp Stewart gets down and dirty about Ticks! Since the weather warmed up this spring, you have probably noticed more and more of these awful little creatures. You might find them attached to your pet, on your pant leg or even attached to your skin. You probably know that they look like: a small head with a large body.

Vet Tips from Greenbrier Emergency Animal Hospital

Common Kitchen and Food Toxins for your Pet

This quick podcast will outline a few of the most common kitchen foods to avoid giving your pet, why and how to deal with it. Many foods we eat can be toxic to your loved pets, listen to this podcast to learn more about things like grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts and more…..

Find them online at http://www.greenbrier-emergency.com/

For even more information go to their new blog: http://www.greenbrier-emergency.com/blog/