Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

 Did you know?

-Cancer accounts for nearly 50% of all disease-related pet deaths each year

-One in four dogs die of cancer.

-Approximately 1 in 4 dogs develops a tumor of some kind during his lifetime.

-Just like in humans, cancer can occur in any part of your dog’s body.

Are you aware that November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month? Run your hands over your pet and feel for any unusual lumps or bumps. If you feel something new or unusual, let's take a look at it. Dogs and cats can get benign lumps such as lipomas and sebaceous cysts, but they can also get much more serious tumors, like mast cell tumors, melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and many others. Many of these can be diagnosed with a simple in-office procedure involving a needle aspirate and then a microscopic exam of the cells obtained. A fine needle aspirate is generally less painful than a vaccination, so don't hesitate to get that lump checked out. The importance of annual check-ups regardless of the age of your pet is critical in the prevention of cancer. 

Here are the top 10 early warning signs of pet cancer listed out by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow

2. Sores that do not heal

3. Weight loss

4. Loss of appetite

5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening

6. Offensive odor

7. Difficulty eating or swallowing

8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina

9. Persistent lameness or stiffness

10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

Better to be safe than sorry, and much better to catch something sooner rather than later!

November Employee of the Month

Diane Haislip is our Employee of the Month for November. We honored her with a Certificate of Excellence for her achievements!

 

Work Anniversaries in November

We have such an amazing team at AEHNT! We'd love to take a moment to mention those that are celebrating work anniversaries this November. Chris Graves, Veterinary Technician, has been with for 2 years. Danielle Musch, who has just been promoted to Veterinary Technician, has been with us for 2 years. Stephanie Prosser, Veterinary Technician, has been with us for 3 years. Margaret Savage, Veterinary Technician, has been with us for 4 years. Dr. Bruce Nixon has been a part of the team for 13 years! We are so thankful for our hard working team and we appreciate all the dedication you show to the pets that come to us.

NATIONAL SENIOR PET MONTH

November is Senior Pet Month. Do you have an older cat or dog sharing your home? If so, you know the joys of pets who might have less spunk but more soul. Here are five reasons to love a senior pet.

1. Distinguished look
You know how as we age, we are said to look distinguished? The same is true for our pets. I think senior cats project an air of peaceful dignity. And who can resist the precious gray muzzle of an older dog?
2. Laid-back lifestyle
For kittens and puppies, most any time is play time. Older pets, however, don’t need to release all that youthful energy. They are quieter and often content to just watch what’s going on in the living room or outside the window. Cuddling next to you takes precedence over most anything else.
3. Fewer demands
Older pets still need love and attention, but they don’t require babysitting like a frisky puppy or curious kitten. Some older pets have special medical needs, but after all they’ve given us through the years, it’s an honor to take care of them in return.
4. Wisdom of the ages
When I look into the eyes of a senior dog, I see a world of experience and wisdom. Older pets know what to expect, and are generally reliable and even. They require little training since they already know the rules.
5. They might be just like you!
As we get older, our needs and routines change. We might prefer quiet evenings at home rather than going out on the weekends. We still like to exercise, walk, or even run—but sometimes we go at a different pace. We might even nap in our chair occasionally. If you have a senior dog, you might find that he’s just like you!

Thank You LetterTo the Entire Staff of the "Animal Emergency Hospital of North Texas"

To the Entire Staff of the "Animal Emergency Hospital of North Texas"

I wanted to thank each and everyone of you for the excellent care you gave to Molly, the Eclectus.

She was near death and because of all of you, she's healthy active and still with us.  This picture was taken on Thursday (10/20) (just 4 days after her hospitalization).

I'd especially like to thank Dr. Blackmon for her insightfulness and sensitivity to the situation and her wonderful honesty.

I'd also like to thank Dr. McGee for her continued sensitive care towards Molly.

Also, to the ENTIRE STAFF who were so genuinely concerned.

I'm convinced she wouldn't be here with us now had we not brought her to your facility.

My HATS OFF and GREAT RESPECT to ALL OF YOU!!!!

P.S.  Also, I don't know the name of the individual that told us she'd passed the egg, but I really wanted to hug her.....

-Lisa Culhane

Team Members of the Month

Tommy Maupin assistant technical director and Jessica Spader receptionist.  They both received an exceptional compliment from a client for their caring and understanding.


Hi,

I visited your facility around 7:00 on Sunday, September 18. My 8 year old dog Brinkley recently had anal resection surgery and needed some expert intervention. That came in the form of two of your finest- Jessica at the front desk who sweetly fielded my telephone call for help, and Tommy who was absolutley wonderful with his care and manner with my beloved pet.

From the moment we walked in, we were treated with care and concern. Jessica delicately handled a client ahead of me who was in tears. We quickly filled out paper work and weighed Brinkley and we waited in a room for a tech or vet to come by. A few short minutes later Tommy came in and we started talking about the issues at hand. Tommy was patient as I tried to collect my thoughts and make sense about my concerns about Brinkley. He was very kind and what I noticed the most was he was SO GOOD at helping me organize my thoughts. He knew the right questions to ask to help me get past my fear and concern and give him the "bottom line" answers he needed to assess the situation. He spent what seemed like 30 minutes with me helping with everything from a medicinal timeline to securing the last inflatable collar to prevent Brinkley from further irritating his surgery site. He inflated the collar, got it ready to go and took the best care with me, my friend who had to drive me, and most of all, Brinkley. Tommy said he loved his job and had been doing it for 10 years- his love of animals and personable nature make it easy to see why he does it.

It is my hope that the management team realizes what absolute winners it has in Tommy and Jessica. 
I have never been treated so well in an emergecny situation and I feel better knowing that should another need arise, I know exactly where to go for great care.

Sincerely,

Alison and Brinkley Miner