SHELOVESMEYEAHYEAH.tumblr.com

Maddy Schiot is a muppet on a mission.

Check out this tumblr from BHSAH superstar “Maddy” Schiot!  Maddy is one of the coolest pooches we know.  She must get it from her mama, Molly Schiot.

Gigi recovering in ICU

Ten-month-old Gigi was rushed into our hospital by her very worried mom, today.  She had been outside with GiGi a half-hour prior when suddenly GiGi collapsed.  GiGi’s mom rushed her in and we immediately started treatment for anaphylactic shock–the most severe form of an allergic reaction.   Anaphalaxis causes the blood vessels to dilate which drops blood pressure.  This in turn can cause fainting or dizziness as well as paleness of the gums and mucus membranes.

We started treatment with IV fluids and emergency steroids immediately, and went to speak with GiGi’s mom.  After ruling out food as a cause,  I asked her to go home and check the porch for spiders or webs. In about ten minutes she returned with two little plastic containers.  The spiders in each were identified as Brown Widows.

The subdued Latrodectus geometricus with legs folded

The Brown Widow (Latrodectus geometricus) is a cousin of the Black Widow spider.  The origin of this spider is uncertain, but it is thought to have come from Africa.  It is lighter in color than its familiar, black cousin, and has distinct stripes on the legs.  The females also have the distinct “hourglass” marking on the abdomen that is vivid orange or yellow.  The venom that these spiders carry can make both dogs and cats very ill.  Southern California is currently having a problem with Brown Widow spiders.  Urgent care and treatment is important and most of the pets bitten respond to aggressive supportive care.  Look for these spiders under patio furniture or outside railing.  They are shy spiders and like to hide but can be deadly to your pets.  GiGi responded very well to treatment and went home later that day.  I have seen several cases of dogs being bitten by these spiders in the last 12 months and the numbers are increasing.

-Margarita Abalos, DVM

EDITORS NOTE:  Birds and wasps are the spiders natural predators.  Attract birds by planting California Native plants.   BHSAH uses this strategy at our facility.  More Info…

(Margarita Abalos DVM is a resident Doctor at BHSAH)

Appointments available for Select Saturdays

Starting January 7th, In addition to extended Saturday walk-in hours, we now offer appointments on select Saturdays.

See our updated schedule (to the right) and  online Calendar (in the top menu) for detailed information and specific doctors’ schedules for our daily hours.

Happy Holidays from BHSAH.

*Clients must arrive no later than 1pm

Subject to change depending on wait times

We love this video from French electronic musician, Vitalic. We bet you will, too. I personally could watch that little Brussels Griffon jumping in slow motion all darn day.

Wooftsock 90210 was a blast and thank you to all the clients who came out to visit.  Here are some photos from the day taken with our Fuji Instant Camera.  you can find the entire set HERE on our Flickr page.

If you see yourself in any of the photos  and want a copy, drop in and we’ll give it to you as a memory from the day!

Rattlesnake Spotted Saturday, March 5th

It is not yet officially Rattlesnake Season, but this large and lively adult was spotted on the West slope of the Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park.  Just this past weekend, two additional Rattlesnakes were spotted by our technician, Rebecca, in Nichols Canyon.  And yet another spotted in Runyon Canyon two weeks ago.  Come in today or schedule an appointment to get the Rattlesnake Vaccine for your dog.  It is a two vaccine process (a booster vaccine given 1 month after the initial vaccine).  You can learn more about the Rattlesnake Vaccine HERE.

Protect your hiking buddy today!

The Whole Gang

Last year was a blast, as many of you came by our booth to visit and chat with our staff, including Dr Winters.  We hope you will come out again this year and say hello.

We will be handing out leashes, stickers, magnets, and some other goodies.   Dr Winters will be in attendance once again, and will be posing for take-home polaroid photos with you and your pooch. Most of our staff will be there as well.  There will be plenty of delicious food trucks so come hungry.  More photos from last year can be found on our flickr page.  We would love to see you there.  More info about Woofstock can be found HERE.

We love seeing our clients outside of the hospital!

Jackie, our groomer, getting some love from "Diesel."

Dr WInters: A man who really loves his work.

Rebecca

Robert

Two of our employees, Rebecca(lead technician) and Robert (kennel manager), attended the Veterinary Technician Nutrient Counseling Class at the Hills Pet Food Plant, that included a tour of the plant itself.   It is important to us that we learn about the companies that supply the foods that we feed your pets.  That way we can be confident in knowing that we have made an educated and appropriate recommendation with your pet’s best interest in mind.  Here is Rebecca’s synopsis of their trip.

We started our day by learning some facts about Hills and where their “Prescription Diets” originated.  Hills Pet Food was founded in 1939 by a Veterinarian, Dr. Mark Morris.  Their first food was designed to save a guide dog, Buddy, who was suffering from kidney failure.  The results of Dr. Morris’ efforts became the first product in the Hill’s Prescription Diet line of therapeutic foods.  The kidney diet (K/d) is still sold today along with many other special foods formulated specifically for diseases.

After a great breakfast, our group was taken on a tour of the plant.  The plant was spotless.  Walking through, seeing exactly how much work goes into each bag of food was impressive.  Every half an hour a sample is taken and tested to ensure its quality.  I was blown away by the staff’s professionalism, over all cleanliness, and product knowledge.  They really enjoyed their work and seemed to take pride in their products.

I’ve noticed that many of our clients are concerned that Science Diet products contain corn and by-products.  Statistically corn is least likely to cause food allergies, it’s an excellent source of carbohydrates and highly digestible. Beef, dairy, and wheat are the lead causes of food allergies for dogs and cats (68% for dogs and 80% for cats).  Corn contains less carbohydrate than a sweet potato, and is also a good source of fatty acids, beta-carotene, and antioxidants.

By definition, by- products are secondary products produced in addition to the principle product.  For example, soy products are a by – product of the soybean.  Dr. Smith (one of the many Hills Veterinarians) used the example of animals hunting their food in the wild; they instinctually go for the internal organs first because they are so nutrient rich, the by-product of choice.

One the reasons I feed my three dogs (Annie, Bronco & Steve) Science diet is due to the rigorous food trials and AAFCO guidelines (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Hills abides by.  Learning to read food labels proved just how many so called ‘high quality’ foods do not meet regulations or participate in any food trials.  Would you feed your baby a food that had little or no regulations?  Many foods are designed for all life stages, meaning the food is really just for puppies and nursing mothers.   These high calorie foods contribute to the overwhelming problem of overweight pets.  W/d and R/d are two diets recommended for overweight animals.  They are both very palatable and high in fiber.

I have first hand experience with R/d (reduced calorie diet).  My big Bronco Bo had become less active in his old age.  He spent most of his time lounging on the couch or sitting on my front porch.  I’m guilty of spoiling my dogs with treats, especially when life becomes busy.  I started to notice Bronco having a hard time jumping into and out of my car.  After taking some x-rays I confirmed my suspicion; Bronco had terrible arthritis.  It was imperative that I get the pounds off.  I gradually changed his food to R/d and within three weeks he had lost five pounds!

If you have any other questions about Science Diet Hills food please do not hesitate to contact Robert (BHSAH Kennel Manager) or myself, Rebecca (Lead   technician).  We would be thrilled to talk to you about these great foods, as well as your pet’s nutrition.