Heartworm Prevention Made Easy

Trouble remembering to give that monthly Heartworm Preventative?  Do you still have heartworm pills or topical product left from last year?

Even missing one monthly dose for your companion can result in a heartworm infection!

Capitol Illini Veterinary Hospital now offers 6 months of Heartworm protection in one simple injection.  Ask one of our staff members or veterinarians about a Proheart 6 injection to protect  your dog.

What is Heartworm disease and how is my dog be exposed?  Heartworm Disease is a serious, potentially fatal disease transmitted to dogs by infected mosquitos. The larvae transmitted by the mosquito develops into an adult worm in the heart of the dog within 6 months. Dogs in areas with high levels of mosquitoes are especially at risk. No matter the time of year or whether your dog is indoor or outdoor; heartworm disease is a risk year round. That is why year round continuous heartworm preventative is so critical.

Symptoms of heartworm infection may go unnoticed during the first 6 months after transmission, and are only detectable by a blood test after 6 months. As the adult worms develop in the heart, your pet may begin to show clinical signs such as a chronic cough, lack of stamina during exercise, breathing difficulty or just plain not feeling well.

We at Capitol Illini Veterinary Services know you want to take the best care of your companion. Prevention of disease is preferable to treatment for a variety of reasons. Mainly to prevent damage to the heart and respiratory system which can be permanent and possibly fatal. Secondly; expenses, as prevention usually costs about 1/10 of the cost of treatment which takes 5 months and requires exercise restriction during the entire treatment period.

Our busy lives seem to pass by quickly and a month passes even faster. It seems as if it is always time to give that monthly medication again. What if you only had to rely on Capitol Illini Veterinary Services to remind you twice a year for heartworm Prevention?

What is ProHeart 6?  It is an injection that protects your dog from heartworm infection for a full 6 months.  This product, from Zoetis, uses Moxidectin in a slow release formulation that is proven effective in dogs of various breeds and sizes over 6 months of age.  It also treats hookworms, a common intestinal parasite at the time of injection.

So why not leave Heartworm prevention for your dog in the hands of the Veterinarians and trained staff members at Capitol Illini Veterinary Services. We will be happy to discuss heartworm prevention with you and see what will work best for you and your companion. Give us a call or email us at mypet@capitolillinivet.com with any questions or to set up an appointment for your dog's first injection of ProHeart6.

Capitol Illini Veterinary Services where “Healthy Pets Make Happy People” 

Author:     Clyde D Dunphy DVM  

February is National Pet Dental Health Month

February is National Pet Dental Health Month! Not only can poor oral hygiene lead to tooth decay, but if not treated, it can lead to more serious problems for your pets. Schedule an appointment today to have your pet’s teeth cleaned this February and receive FREE dental products from Capitol Illini Veterinary Services. 

Welcome Dr. James Cook

Capitol Illini Veterinary Services is pleased to welcome Dr. James Cook DVM DACVS PhD to our practice as a surgical consultant. 

After receiving his B.S. degree from Florida State University and competing for 5 years as a professional water skier, Jimi Cook completed his DVM in 1994, PhD in 1998, board certification in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1999, and was selected as a charter diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2010.  In 1999, he founded the Comparative Orthopaedic Laboratory at the University of Missouri, which is an interdepartmental, interdisciplinary team of over 30 veterinarians, physicians, engineers, staff and students dedicated to the One Health-One Medicine concept for improving the lives of people and animals.  Dr. Cook has over 130 peer-reviewed publications, over $20 million in research funding, received numerous awards including America’s Best Veterinarian (2007), holds 13 US Patents and has seen 3 biomedical devices through FDA approval to human clinical trials.  He is currently Director of The Comparative Orthopaedic Laboratory and the William and Kathryn Allen Distinguished Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery at the School of Medicine at the University of Missouri. He is also co-founder of Be The Change Volunteers ­a NGO dedicated to building schools in third world countries whose teams have built 23 educational facilities in 14 countries, providing educational opportunities to more than 4,000 students.

HELP MY DOG HAS GDV!!

Author: Christina Holbrook DVM

What is GDV?

·         Gastric dilatation and volvulus sometimes known as GDV or bloat is an emergency that results from severe gas and fluid and/or food distension of the stomach. There are generally two forms of this disease complex; simple gas distension of the stomach WITHOUT rotation or gas distension of the stomach WITH volvulus/rotation.

Who can get this disease?

·         Large and giant breed dogs are most commonly affected but the disease can occur in any breed or size of dog. If your pet has a first degree relative (mother, father, littermate) with a history of GDV the risk for your pet developing this condition is much higher.

·         GDV can occur at any age yet is seen most frequently in animals 6.5 to 8 years old

·         There does not appear to be any strong evidence favoring an increase in prevalence in GDV between male and female dogs, one study showed a potentially lowered risk in neutered males in compared to unaltered dogs.

How do I know if my dog has GDV?

·         Severe lethargy or depression, your pet may be recumbent or not want to get up and move.

·         Vomiting or retching

·         Abdominal distension (belly may appear to swell)

·         Fast and shallow respirations

I think my dog is bloating what do I do?

·         If you think your dog may be experiencing symptoms of bloat, DON’T WAIT, TAKE THEM TO THE VET ASAP!!

·         Your veterinarian will likely take an abdominal radiograph (x-ray) to confirm the diagnosis and start treating this life threatening condition

What can I do to prevent this from happening to my pet?

·         If you own a breed that is considered to be at risk for developing GDV (large breed deep chested dogs) or if your pet has a history of a first degree relative that developed GDV you may want to consider having your veterinarian perform a surgery called prophylactic gastropexy

·         Prophylactic gastropexy (stomach tacking) is a surgical procedure where your veterinarian makes a permanent attachment of the stomach to the body wall to prevent the stomach from twisting in the event of a bloat. It is important to remember that the “pexy” surgery will not prevent bloat from happening.

·         Additional “non-surgical” recommendations to help prevent your pet from bloating:

o       Feed your dog a minimum of 2 meals daily lifelong to avoid overfilling the stomach

o       Restrict exercise and activity around the time of feeding

o       Don’t allow your dog to drink a large amount of water at one time. To prevent this when your dog is very thirsty, simply offer small amounts of water every 15 minutes until your dog is no longer thirsty

o       Consider spaying and neutering and not breeding those animals with a first degree history or family lineage of developing GDV.

·         Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss this disease in greater detail and review the following links for more information.

This is Glacier a beautiful 1.5 year old female spayed Alaskan Malamute who had the prophylactic gastropexy surgery conveniently performed at the time of her ovariohysterectomy (spay) surgery.

Two incredible dogs Jazz and Maverick both survived their life threatening brush with bloat and intestinal surgery!

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=672

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=384

Holiday Pet Safety

“My pet would never eat food off the table!”

“My pet would never knock over the Christmas tree!”

“My pet would never bite someone!”

We all know our pets pretty well, but what we don’t always realize is that stress can make anybody do crazy things! When you have holiday guests or flashing Christmas lights or loud holiday music—or all of the above—at your house all at once, your pet may get stressed and frustrated, causing them to act out in unexpected ways. Most pet accidents are met with the statement, “He’s never done anything like that before!”

We recommend always making sure that your pet has a safe place to sit and relax during your holidays parties. Just like some people, pets need to get away from the action and de-stress, but most of the time they don’t know how to ask for their space. If your pet is comfortable in their crate, we recommend moving it into a quiet room and letting them spend some time resting during your holiday get-togethers. Your pet will be happier, and by extension, you and your guests will be happier! And holidays disasters will be prevented.  

Senior Pet Month

Do you know how to tell if your pet is a senior? Click the link below to calculate your pet's age as well as to learn more about senior pets.
https://www.avma.org/public/petcare/pages/caring-for-an-older-pet-FAQs.aspx

National Veterinary Technician Week

We value our veterinary technicians each and every day, but this week is National Veterinary Technician Week. It’s a week dedicated to honor their commitment in providing quality health care to pets. We thank you!

It's National Pet Obesity Awareness Day!

Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day. Did you know that 7 pounds on a dog is similar to 30 pounds on you or I? It’s a good time to bring your pets in to either of our locations and have their weight checked and make sure they are eating a healthy diet!

WELCOME DR. ANTONINI & DR. MARCUM

This summer Capitol Illini Veterinary Services will have two new Doctors joining us! Our team would like to welcome Dr. Tom Antonini and Dr. Blake Marcum to our staff! 

Dr. Antonini is a Springfield native. He graduated from the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Upon graduation, he practiced at an AAHA accredited mixed-animal practice in Canton, Illinois. He is interested in internal medicine and soft-tissue surgery and is looking forward to joining the Capitol Illini team. Dr. Antonini has two dogs, Doo and Jed and one cat, Bart. During his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities, reading and attending baseball games.

Dr. Marcum is originally from Southern Illinois and attended Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville where he earned a degree in Biological Sciences. He then went on to spend 4 years in Knoxville, Tennessee where he obtained his DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) from the University of Texas. After graduating, he continued his education by doing a 1 year rotating internship at the University of Illinois. Since that time, he has been practicing emergency and critical care medicine at a specialty hospital in the Chicago Suburbs. His interests include internal medicine, oncology and minimally invasive diagnostics in the like ultrasound and laparascopy. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time outdoors running, cycling playing frisbee golf. Dr. Marcum and his wife Lindsay share a home with their two dogs, Libby and Jack as well as three cats, Oscar, Simon, and Lucy. He is excited to be moving back to central Illinois and joining the Capitol Illini Family! 

New Pet? Pet-Proof Your Home

A new pet is more than an adorable bundle of fur; it's also a big responsibility. That pesky puppy or curious kitten can find lots of ways to get into trouble, and — contrary to popular opinion — pets don't always intuitively know what can be potentially harmful to eat or drink. A pet's safety always comes first, but you'll also want to take steps to safeguard your furniture, carpeting, and other belongings (including that favorite pair of shoes). Read on for tips that will help you pet-proof your home.

Pet Safety: Gates and Latches

"The most common injury in new pets that I see in my practice is puppies falling off beds, sofas, and other high furniture," says Ernest Ward, Jr., D.V.M., the founder and chief of staff at Seaside Animal Care in Calabash, North Carolina, and a regular guest on The Rachael Ray Show. To prevent such falls, keep your pet off high furniture — a rule that holds for kittens too, says Ward.

It's also important to restrict a new pet's access to your home by shutting off rooms with a closed door or child gates. "This not only prevents accidental injury but also can help curtail house-soiling problems," says Ward. Establishing boundaries for your puppy or kitten early on leads to a well-trained adult animal.

Household Cleaners, Chemicals, and Plants

While your pet is still getting accustomed to its new home, install childproof latches on cabinet doors and keep household chemicals and cleaners — such as bleach, ammonia, and antifreeze — well sealed and out of your pet's reach.

For dogs, the most dangerous common toxin is antifreeze, says Dr. Louise Murray, D.V.M., director of medicine at the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City and author of Vet Confidential: An Insider's Guide to Protecting Your Pet's Health. "A dog may lick it off the floor while its owner is working on a car," she says.

For cats, the most dangerous toxin is the lily, which can cause fatal kidney failure if even a leaf is nibbled. Other common houseplants are also toxic to dogs and cats; ask your veterinarian for a list.

"People Food" and Other Common Pet Dangers

Ward recommends that animals of all ages be kept away from "people food" — onions, garlic, chocolate, and raisins, in particular, are harmful to pets.

Pet medicine is designed to taste good to dogs, which can tempt them to chew through the bottles, leading to overdose. Some owners give their pets medications meant for people, such as ibuprofen, a hazardous practice that can cause damage to pets' intestines and kidneys. Murray recommends keeping human and pet medications separate, and keeping both safely stored away.

For further information on poisonous household items, visit the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control FAQ.

Electrical cords are another potential hazard, says Ward, because teething puppies enjoy chewing on squishy wires. Unplug unnecessary cords and purchase protective covers for outlets and power strips.

The Great Outdoors

Many pet owners believe that their new pets' instincts will keep them away from harm, a common assumption that can seriously endanger pets left free to roam outdoors. "Their instincts were designed for a world we don't live in today," says Murray.

Letting dogs and cats run loose outside can lead to fights with other animals, as well as injuries from cars and people. Murray recommends keeping dogs on a leash at all times outside. Cats should be kept indoors for the most part, although they can be allowed to venture into a backyard if they're kept on a leash under their owner's supervision.

Holiday Foods

During the holiday season, it’s important to make sure that your pet doesn't consume dangerous foods. Sugary treats, turkey, and bones are all things that could injure your pet or make them ill if they’re consumed. We recommend warning your guests about the danger of handouts for your pet and keeping your pet in a separate area of the house during holiday festivities, for their own safety.

National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week

It’s National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, a time to say “thank you” for the great work they do! Donate food, volunteer your time, or just send a message saying “thanks.” It’s time the animal shelter knows how much we appreciate their kindness.

Autumn Safety Tips

Ah, fall—there's nothing like crisp, cool air, the first months of school and luscious foliage to get you excited for the changing seasons. Your pet, too, is probably welcoming the break from hot, sticky weather. But pet parents, beware—fall is also a time of lurking dangers for our furry friends. From household poisons to cold weather hazards, the season is a minefield! Here are some tips to keep your pet snug and healthy during the autumn months.

• The use of rodenticides increases in the fall as rodents seek shelter from the cooler temperatures by attempting to move indoors. Rodenticides are highly toxic to pets—if ingested, the results could be fatal. If you must use these products, do so with extreme caution and put them in places inaccessible to your pets. 
• It's back-to-school time, and those of you with young children know that means stocking up on fun items like glue sticks, pencils and magic markers. These items are considered “low toxicity” to pets, which means they're unlikely to cause serious problems unless large amounts are ingested. However, since gastrointestinal upset and blockages certainly are possible, be sure your children keep their school supplies out of paw's reach. 
• Training tip: If you and your pooch haven't been active outdoors in a while because of the summer heat, do some remedial recall training. Dogs, like people, get rusty on their skills if they aren't using them. 
• Fall and spring and are mushroom seasons. While 99% of mushrooms have little or no toxicity, the 1% that are highly toxic (PDF) can cause life-threatening problems in pets. Unfortunately, most of the highly toxic mushrooms are difficult to distinguish from the nontoxic ones, so the best way to keep pets from ingesting poisonous mushrooms is to keep them away from areas where any mushrooms are growing. Contact your veterinarian or theASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately if you witness your pet eating a wild mushroom. 
• In order to generate body heat, pets who exercise heavily outdoors, or who live outdoors, should be given more food during colder seasons. Make sure horses and other outdoor animals have access to clean, fresh water that is not frozen. 
• Autumn is the season when snakes who are preparing for hibernation may be particularly “grumpy,” increasing the possibility of severe bites to those unlucky pups who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Pet owners should know what kinds of venomous snakes may be in their environment—and where these snakes are most likely to be found—so they can keep pets out of those areas. 
• Many people choose fall as the time to change their car's engine coolant. Ethylene glycol-based coolants are highly toxic, so spills should be cleaned up immediately. Consider switching to propylene glycol-based coolants—though they aren't completely nontoxic, they are much less toxic than other engine coolants.

Capitol Illini Veterinary Services Celebrates 50 Years of Service

We are proud to announce that Capitol Illini Veterinary Services has been able to provide 50 years of service to our community! Since 1962, our facility has been here for all your pets veterinary needs! Thank you to all of our Facebook fans, our team and the community that supports us!

Today is Take Your Cat to the Vet Day

Today is National “Take Your Cat to the Vet” Day, so it’s a good time to schedule your cat’s next visit with us at Capitol Illini Veterinary Services. Many cats don’t get out of the house much, but it’s still important for them to come in and visit us at least once a year, and sometimes more if their a senior cat. Regular visits to us can help ensure that your pet remains healthy for years to come.

Tomorrow is International Homeless Animal Day

Did you know that tomorrow is International Homeless Animal Day, honoring pets in shelters? If you’re looking for a new pet, we encourage you to visit the shelter to consider adopting an animal in need. There are many great pets in shelters, just waiting for a second chance.

Pets & Camping Safety

Camping with your pet can be a fun adventure, but also a dangerous one! It’s important to be fully prepared for bringing a pet with you into the woods BEFORE you go. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on all parasite prevention, and be sure to pack plenty of food and water. If you’re filtering your water, don’t forget your pet needs filtered water too! And most importantly, check campground rules where you’ll be staying, because some campgrounds don’t allow pets because of the danger of large wild animals, like bears! Make sure you keep your pets and family safe, and have a great trip!

Over-the-Counter Medications & Pets

It’s important to keep your medicines out of your pet’s reach at all times, because human medication can be toxic to your pets! When your pet feels sick or is acting under the weather, never give them a human medicine, but bring them in for veterinary care instead. Even if you mean well, a dose of human medicine could be fatal to your pet.

Woofstock 2012 this Saturday!

Join Homeward Bound Pet Shelter for the 7th annual Woofstock on Saturday, June 16 from 9:00am to 2:00pm at Macon Resources - 2121 Hubbard Avenue, Decatur. 

Tons of dog-gone fun for the entire family!  All indoor event!

• Rescued Paws on Parade - 10:00am** (Free Bandanas to the first 100 dogs who register.  Please register BEFORE the event by calling Jenny at 875-1910 or email hbpsevents@maconresources.org )
• Pooch Parade - 11:00am (Best Dressed, Owner Look-A-Like, Best Trick Contests).  Register AT the event!  Free retractable leash to the first 100 dogs who register, compliments of State Farm Agent Melanie Schelling.
• Demonstrations by Decatur Obedience Training Club - 9:15, 12:15
• Vendors - Arts & Crafts and Pet Friendly
• Food
• Pizza samples from Papa Murphy's Take N Bake Pizza
• Fido Fotos by Decatur Camera Club - $20 (New Holiday Backdrop!)
• Microchipping - $20
• Meet WAND Storm Center 17's RADAR
• Goody Bags to the first 300 dogs
• TV Raffle winner announced at 1:00pm.  All 500 tickets have been sold!  

**If you are a Shelter Dog or Rescue Dog, we invite you to strut your stuff in the Rescued Paws on Parade at 10:00.  Reserve your spot by emailing: hbpsevents@maconresources.org or call Jenny at 875-1910.
$5 per person; children 12 & under free.  Your precious must be on a leash and up to date on vaccinations.  FREE HOT DOG with paid admission!
Woofstock t-shirts will be on sale at the event!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

• Pete's Memorial Fund
• Sloan Implement
• BKD, LLP
• Gallagher Benefit Services
• Pawsitively Pets Animal Hospital
• Striglos
• Brush College Animal Hospital
• Northgate Pet Clinic
• JL Hubbard Insurance & Bonds
• Pet Sitter Services of Decatur
• Rogards Office Plus
• Jerry Logan Salon
• ADM Alliance Nutrition
• Bourbon Barrel Bar & Grill
• Cromwell Radio Group
• Papa Murphy's Take N Bake Pizza
• Herald & Review
• Wood Printing