Thank you for viewing our site, we hope you find it fun and educational. Please visit our hospital just off the North West corner of Power and Brown Rd. in Mesa, AZ.
Alta Mesa Animal Hospital
6704 E. Brown Rd.
Mesa, AZ 85205
(480) 981-1244
VISIT SITE
- Current Animal Food GRAS Notices InventoryCurrent inventory of GRAS notices for animal food. This table is provided on an interim basis, until the Animal Food GRAS Notices Inventory database is launched. […]
- FDA Cautions in Interpretation of Antimicrobial Resistance DataThe Environmental Working Group issued a report of its interpretation of the 2011 Retail Meat Annual Report of NARMS. While FDA is always concerned when we see antimicrobial resistance, we believe the EWG report oversimplifies the NARMS data and provides misleading conclusions. […]
- Veterinary Master Files[…]
Wondering if a medical therapy or product found on the internet is legitimate? Well, just take a look through Quack watch for the latest information health scams.
Quackwatch is now an international network of people who are concerned about health-related frauds, myths, fads, fallacies, and misconduct. Its primary focus is on quackery-related information that is difficult or impossible to get elsewhere. Founded by Dr. Stephen Barrett in 1969 as the Lehigh Valley Committee Against Health Fraud (Allentown, Pennsylvania), it was incorporated in 1970. In 1997, it assumed its current name and began developing a worldwide network of volunteers and expert advisors.
Very good article discussing the pros and cons of home-made diets for our pets. What diet do you feed? Read the entire article here - via Focus on Nutrition: Home-Prepared Diets for Dogs and Cats | Vetlearn. Look at balanceit.com for more info…
EXCELLENT ARTICLE FROM ANIMAL DENTAL AND ORAL SURGERY Regarding the dangers of Anesthesia-Free Pet Dentistry (AFD)
Anesthesia-free pet dentistry (AFD) has gained popularity over the last few years. The main factors driving this are the lower cost and the perceived risk of general anesthesia. This is true; AFD is cheaper and has no anesthetic risk. It is hard to fault the owner for seeking treatment that they think is equal to what a veterinary clinic offers but costs less and is safer. Unfortunately, AFD brings with it other risks and leaves many (if not most) patients to suffer silently from unrecognized dental pathology. Owners think they received a valuable service, when in fact they and their pets benefited very little. AFD services overstate the risks of anesthesia and prey on owner’s fear. Clients sometimes relate horror stories about
someone who had a pet die while anesthetized for a routine procedure, such as a dental cleaning. Many times this information is second or third-hand information. When the facts of the case are researched, there is usually a reason for the problem; lack of pre-surgical screening to identify underlying problems that might affect anesthesia, not using IV fluids, using substandard monitoring or use of outmoded anesthetic protocols. The resulting hypotension, hypothermia and dehydration can all prolong the recovery of the patient. This article will cover why AFD is a poor idea and help give you some information to educate your clients about their pet’s dental health. Owners usually want the best for their pets. You need to take the time to explain why AFD is not in their pet’s best interests. The following points can all be used for client education.
read complete article via Dangers of Anesthesia Free Pet Dental cleaning – Vet Dentist – Colorado |.
Multidrug Sensitivity in Dogs
Many herding breed dogs have a genetic predisposition to adverse drug reactions involving over a dozen different drugs. The most serious adverse drug reactions involve several antiparasitic agents (ivermectin, milbemycin and related drugs), the antidiarrheal agent loperamide (Imodium), and several anticancer drugs (vincristine, doxorubicin, others). These drug sensitivities result from a mutation in the multidrug resistance gene (MDR1 gene). At Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine you can test your dog for multidrug sensitivity and prevent serious adverse drug reactions. We can work with your dog’s veterinarian to find appropriate drug doses or alternative drugs for your dog based on results of MDR1 testing.
The Partnership for Preventive Healthcare, is an initiative jointly sponsored by the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Together the two associations offer a set of Canine and Feline Preventive Healthcare Guidelines. One of the important recommendations is that dog owners use genetic testing—like the MDR1 test —as part of an overall healthcare plan for their pets.
READ MORE via Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Lab at the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Came across this on FB. Was a post on why this individual didn’t see advanced aging in her dogs and is very well written and good information
How to Slow Aging in your pets:
An Owners Perspective, by Louise Guyton
…One thing that all these experiences did for us. We had the proper equipment for medical stuff. We had the ramp for dogs that had difficulty walking or jumping. We had heating pads for those with arthritis. We had this cool strap that you could put under the dogs body to help lift him up to stand. We had a doggy wheelchair. We had jackets and coats for the ones that would suddenly get chilled. We knew how to find out if the dog had a back problem or if we needed to look for something else, just by brushing his back paws on a table. We knew how to take temperatures, give enemas, give a good massage to help muscles. We knew all about thyroid problems and liver cancer and mammary tumors. We even learned about Cushings Disease.
We learned that dogs need to keep their weight down and have nice clean teeth. They needed regular check ups and for some reason our vet changed it from one visit a year for a physical to two a year. But most of all we learned how to watch the dogs for changes in eating, sleeping, standing, walking, getting up, eye color, gum color and just about everything.
A long time ago, our vet gave us a little card with this information on it. He said we would need to know this when the dogs got older. I might as well pass it on to you because like I said, I have never had a OLD dog.
Genetic Background — Some breeds are known to have specific health problems. Golden Retrievers and large breeds, for example, are known to develop arthritis in back and hips as they age.
Nutrition — Good nutrition will retard the aging process.
Illnesses & Disease — A serious illness or disease can shorten a dog’s life.
Control of Environmental Factors — Keeping your dog and his environment clean and free of parasites will increase the chances of long life.
Some vets advise semi-annual visits once your dog becomes a senior. An annual visit is an absolute minimum (remember, a year in your dog’s life is akin to about five of your own years). In between visits to the vet and annual geriatric screenings, you can stay alert to behavioral changes and other signs of aging. Here are some things to watch for and action to take:
Sudden loss of weight can be extremely serious. Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Serious loss of appetite — to the point that your dog is eating almost nothing. See your vet right away.
Increase in appetite without increase in weight may mean diabetes. Get to the vet as soon as possible.
Diarrhea or vomiting, if it lasts more than a day can be a sign of many problems. Don’t wait to see the vet.
Increased thirst, without a change in activity level, and increased urination are other signs of diabetes. Your dog should be tested as soon as possible.
Tiring more quickly than when younger is normal as a dog ages, but may also be a sign of disease affecting the heart or lungs. Be alert to your dog’s becoming excessively out of breath after minimal exercise. Have your vet check for cardio-pulmonary problems as soon as possible, if you notice such symptoms. If the vet determines all is normal, you can continue an exercise program, but modify it in order not to overtax your dog.
Coughing and excessive panting may indicate heart disease. If these symptoms persist even after you’ve modified your dog’s exercise program, visit the vet.
Difficulty in getting up from a lying position, or other problems with moving may indicate arthritis. Your vet will be able to advise you on ways you can relieve your dog’s discomfort and lack of mobility.
Problems with vision and hearing are natural as a dog ages. Accommodate these changes as best you can — by not changing the location of furniture, for example, or clapping instead of calling your dog’s name when he no longer seems able to hear you.
Graying hair and drying skin are sure signs of aging. More attention to grooming and the introduction of massage will help the condition of the skin and coat.
Behavioral changes that you may see in your older dog include:
Separation anxiety….you may note that when you leave your older dog alone, she become destructive or barks or whines or loses control of elimination
Sensitivity to noise….thunderstorms that never bothered him before may now make your older dog tremble
Vocalizing….may be due to loss of hearing or to separation anxiety
Uncharacteristic aggression….may be due to painful joints, a drug reaction, or intolerance for new people and new circumstances; your older dog likes things to remain the same
Confusion, lack of attentiveness, disorientation….
Roaming in circles, barking at nothing, being withdrawn….
Elimination accidents….
If your dog is acting abnormally in any of the above ways, consult your vet right away.
(Anesthesia the correct way) He also told us that we should know that anesthesia for older dogs can be deadly so make sure that the office has anesthetic monitors; a pulse oximeter, a blood pressure moniter and ECG. Isoflurane (now sevoflurane is our standard) is recommended for older dogs. by: Louise Guyton
Conclusions from the latest survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention are downright scary: 1. 53% of adult dogs and 55% of cats are classified as overweight or obese by their veterinarians, and 2. 22% of dog owners and 15% of cat owners think their pets are at a healthy weight when in fact they are overweight or obese. These findings indicate that we badly need an objective way to determine whether or not pets are overweight as well as effective methods of addressing the problem that owners and veterinarians can actually stick with. Pet obesity is not a trivial concern. The list of health problems associated with the condition is long and ever growing. Overweight pets are at increased risk of:
- cruciate ligament
- ruptures intervertebral disk disease
- osteoarthritis
- congestive heart failure
- Cushing’s disease
- dermatological disorders
- infections
- heat exhaustion
- and heat stroke
- complications associated with anesthesia and surgery
- hepatic lipidosis
- some types of cancer
READ MORE OF ARTICLE via New Help for Overweight Pets | petMD.
Unfortunately, each year thousands of dogs and cats suffer from accidental ingestion of household poisons. Part of our mission is to lower this number, but we need your help. As a pet owner, are you aware of the common toxins that can poison your pet? Common household items such as foods, medications, chemicals, and plants can harm your pet if ingested. We’ll teach you how to poison proof your home, and help you understand the signs and symptoms of dog or cat poisoning.
Also, don’t forget to explore our “Ask The Vet” video series.
The Basics
Create a Pet Poison First Aid Kit
Know the Signs of Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
Top 10 Pet Poisons
Top 10 Plants Poisonous to Pets
Top 10 Human Medications Poisonous to Pets
Poison proof your home
How to poison proof your kitchen
How to poison proof your bathroom
How to poison proof your living room
How to poison proof your utility room
How to poison proof your garage
How to poison proof your yard and garden
Be Prepared for the Seasons and Holidays
Spring Pet Poisons
Winter Holiday Pet Poison Tips
Easter Pet Poisons
Summer Pet Poisons
Fall Toxins Poisonous to Dogs & Cats
Halloween Dangers to Dogs & Cats
Pet Loss Support
A Guide for Euthanasia Decision-Making
Common Grief Symptoms
Recommended Reading
FOLLOW LINKS AND READ MORE via Guide to Pet Safety – Tips and Information for Pet Owners.
Is Your Dog at Risk of CHF ? What is the breed(s) of your dog?
Here is a great web site with lots of information on heart disease in dogs. Use the poll to determine your dogs risk. View the heart to learn about circulation. Read diagnosis to understand the disease. Browse heart warming tales of success….. via Is Your Dog at Risk of CHF ?.
Just because I look healthy, doesn’t mean I can’t be sick.As a practicing pet doctor, I’ve learned you can’t judge a pet’s health by its furry cover. If you’ve just adopted a young dog from a shelter or purchased a pedigreed pooch, keep in mind that a medical professional needs to check out your puppy as soon as possible and no later than a day or two. Your vet will begin by carefully checking out the heart and lungs for any congenital problems, the eyes for signs of infection or vision problems, and the limbs for any developmental defects. Your puppy’s first physical exam also establishes important benchmarks for future evaluations such as quality and composition of the skin and fur, body condition score, teeth and oral cavity, as well as behavior. I recently examined an adorable Maltese that was hugging and groping Mom as she entered my exam room. Mom recounted how much fun Shelby had been over the past two weeks since she’d brought her home. During my exam I discovered a tiny tuft of hair missing behind her right ear. Mom thought it was from fleas. Wrong. That teeny bald spot turned out to be ringworm! Guess who contracted ringworm on her neck the following week? Both Mom and her husband who was not too happy. Don’t wait two weeks. Problems don’t.Seeing your vet soon is also important because many viral infections aren’t apparent until the infection is advanced. Your veterinarian is trained to spot deadly contagious conditions such as parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, and more. If there is any doubt a pup may have an infectious disease, your vet will conduct special tests during the first visit. Keep in mind that most of these diseases are highly contagious to other pets. I’ve seen many entire litters wiped out simply because the owner lagged in getting to the vet quickly. Your pet’s first vet check can literally be a lifesaver.
READ MORE….. via Dr. Ernies Top Reasons to Visit the Vet With Your New Puppy.
Our recommendation for exceptional Mesa, AZ dog trainers and facility is Club-Doggie – just down the road from Alta Mesa Animal Hospital at Power and Baseline in the VF outlet mall.
http://www.club-doggie.com/ INDOOR DOG TRAINING in Mesa, AZ
Club-Doggie is the largest indoor dog training center in the region, serving Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Gilbert, Ahwatukee, Higley, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Gold Canyon, San Tan, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and beyond.
Our 11,000 square foot, indoor dog agility facility features one-inch thick impact resistant rubber flooring, competition-grade rubberized Action K9 equipment, a clean, safe kenneling area for your use (no need to bring your own kennel), air conditioning, plus an on-site pet supply store featuring premium dog food.
As a member of Club-Doggie’s dog training, many options are available to you: beginners to advanced classes in dog agility, trick training andobedience classes, access to daily practice sessions*, plus exciting dog agility events and dog training seminars. Our indoor dog park provides the ideal environment for training, exercising and having a great time with your dog while encouraging fitness in a fun, safe environment. As members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), it is our mission to advocate positive training techniques and a mutual respect between handler and dog, and to help you both gain the most out of your experience.
GROUP CLASSES ONLINE SCHEDULE
READ MORE: Dog Agility Training Mesa AZ | Dog Trainers Mesa AZ Best Dog Agility Training.
SPECIAL NEWS for the New Year from Alta Mesa Animal Hospital
We will be getting a new all digital whole body x-ray system installed next week!!!! We’ve had digital dental x-ray for a while now and love it so this addition to our hospital has been eagerly awaited. What this does for us is allow our staff to take x-rays much faster with fewer retakes. What it does for our patients is just amazing…….We will be able to get HD detailed computerized x-rays that allow for much more accurate viewing of the “inside” details of our patients and we are able to send them quickly to a radiologist for review. As always, all of our images will be reviewed by a boarded veterinary radiologist to provide the best and most accurate information on your pet’s images.
So what pets should have x-rays taken? The obvious answer is the sick or limping pets but many more are often presented to us for x-rays including:
1) X-ray of hips in young large breed dogs for OFA
2) Imaging of heart in all dogs with arrhythmia or murmur and in certain at risk breeds such as dobie and boxers.
3) x-ray of bladder in urinary stone at risk breeds such as schnauzers
4) Late stage pregnancy images for accurate counting of puppies (yes is safe)
5) Abdominal images for seniors at risk of splenic tumors (large breed dogs)
6) Sinus x-rays in chronic rhinitis cats
7) Urinary tract x-rays in litter box problem cats
8) Abdominal images in chronic vomiting cats
9) Lung images in chronic coughing cats
10) Spinal x-rays in daschunds
11) Patella (knee) x-rays in small breed dogs
12) Senior screening is becoming more common in our geriatric pets and many owners are electing to have chest and abdominal x-rays yearly to catch disease before it becomes a problem.
…. and many more….
Cat Specific Exam Room:
Alta Mesa Animal Hospital has remodeled an exam room for the specific use of cats and exotic pets. The room is far away from barking dogs, has a feline diffuser for happy kitty smells, receiving blankets for comfort on exam tables, kitty toys, a kitty friendly hide box and many more happy cat features. Visit us today with your feline family member.
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