Murrayhill Vet Gazette Winter 20


Resolutions for a Healthy New Year... A Letter from Dr. Goodman
Happy New Year As the New Year gets underway and we wind down from the holiday festivities we find ourselves in the beginnings of our resolutions and excited about the New Year.
At Murrayhill Veterinary Hospital we’re preparing to celebrate National Pet Dental Health Month and creating displays to help you understand the importance of pet oral health and give tips on how to have a successful homecare system to keep your pet’s teeth healthy. Keeping our pets’ mouths healthy is the single most important thing we can do to ensure a longer, healthier, more comfortable life for our pets. Our counterparts in the human dental profession discovered in the ‘50’s that there was a correlation between mouth infections and the spreading of infection through the bloodstream affecting other vital organs such as the kidneys, heart and liver. We now know this is true in our animal’s mouth as well! And remember, everything is accelerated in our pet’s lives. One year of their life is like 5-6 of ours so oral health needs to be assessed yearly at the minimum. We also know that daily brushing is an important part of keeping us healthy. This same care is important to our pets too. We find that many people assume “dog breath” is a normal part of being a dog. On the contrary, it is an indication of periodontal infection in the mouth. Cats have extra concerns and are also prone to very aggressive cavity-like lesions that cause tremendous pain. The stress of these oral lesions can lead to many health problems. We are always looking for new protocols to help with our patient’s dental care and comfort. One such product that we are very excited about is Oravet Gel. This dental sealant is designed to prevent plaque and tarter from adhering to the teeth. Look for more info in the newsletter on this great new product! It gives me great pleasure to introduce our newest doctor, Dr. Michele Zawadzki. Besides her great diagnostic and surgical skills, she has an exceptionally warm bedside manner complete with an English accent right out of a James Harriet Novel. She has been a great addition to our team and we're fortunate to have her join our practice. We also thought you might want to “meet” our treatment room cats. Every year we find homes for many stray and abandoned cats and our adoption program has helped get people and pets together for years. We have some special needs cats that we introduce in this newsletter. Please help us find homes for them. Wishing you and your family health and happiness in 2005. LG
Introducing Dr. Zawadzki

Hello everyone, I’ve met many of you already but I’d like to tell you a little about myself. My accent may tell you that I’m not from the United States. I’m originally from a town called Luton located 30 miles north of London, but have lived in the United States for over 14 years. I completed my undergraduate degree in genetics and cell biology at the University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences. I then attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine located on the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Kitts. My pre-clinical studies were completed there where I lived for almost 3 years. It was there also that I adopted my cat, Louis and added my Island dog, Scarlet to my family. My final year of veterinary school was completed at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, the alma mater of Dr. Goodman. After completing my veterinary education, I moved to Portland, Oregon to pursue a one year internship at Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital, where I specialized in emergency services, critical care medicine, and surgery. In my spare time I enjoy many outdoor activities such as running, hiking, and camping. I also love to play pool and chess. I live in Northwest Portland with my animal family, my Caribbean adopties Louis and Scarlet and my sixteen year old cat Zebe. I am thrilled to be the most recent doctor to join the Murrayhill Veterinary Hospital team. Best Regards, Dr. Michele Zawadzki
Meet the Treatment Cats

At Murrayhill Veterinary Hospital, our treatment room is full of playful cats. Some are residents and some are awaiting adoption. Many of you know our feline friends and some of you have even adopted from our program, but certainly if you are taking a tour of the clinic you are sure to meet some of our favorite felines.

Dottie is our permanant resident. She came to us as a stray in January 1992. She tried her hand in a few homes but made it clear that her choice was Murrayhill. Dottie is the queen of the treatment room and you’ll often see her curled up on her favorite chair. She has recently discovered that Wolfgang Puck makes delicious soup and spends lunchtime sharing soup with Claire, the office manager.

Simon is one of our newer arrivals. Originally from the Oregon Humane Society, he was diagnosed as a very sick diabetic. Because his chances for adoption were low, he was to be euthanized. When the time came for Dr. Goodman to say his goodbyes, he decided that he just couldn’t because Simon was such a nice cat and since that day we’ve spent months working on his diabetes and getting him healthy. He is now very playful and likes to spend time cruising the treatment room looking for trouble. Although he has special health needs we are hoping to find him a loving home.

Bandit and Corina are a shy pair. These two came to our clinic over a year ago where they were returned to us for their shyness and complete lack of interaction with their adopted family. Over many months and through lots of attention these two have come a long way. Bandit, usually in the middle of things will still move if things get too complicated. Corina loves to curl up in her sleeping box and watch the action through a window. (now adopted)

Daphne is another shy girl. She spends her time on her own in our display kennel. You can often see her lounging in the waiting area. She startles easily and if there are kids playing in the play area she takes a break in the treatment room. She is looking for a special quiet home with patient people that would make her feel safe and comfortable and bring out her loving personality. If you are interested in Daphne please contact Cindy, our adoption coordinator.

Oso and Rosa are two very playful kittens. These two came to us along with the rest of their litter when their feral mother was killed. One of our technicians, Katie was set with the task to raise the 3 week old kittens. Through many messy feedings and a couple of medical scares (Roo and Oso became very ill and we almost lost them) these kittens have grown into healthy teens. Most of the litter has been adopted into loving homes but Oso and Rosa remain. Their crazy antics in the cat ward keep waiting dog patients very entertained. (now adopted)
Murrayhill Veterinary Hospital finds homes for many cats throughout the year. If you are interested in adopting a cat, please check our adoption page for updated information on cats available for adoption.
C e l e b r a t e National Pet DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

Murrayhill Veterinary Hospital is once again preparing to celebrate the 10^th National Pet Dental Health Month, officially recognized in the month of February. Because one month is not enough to promote the importance of oral health care for pets, we continue celebration through the month of March. Please stop by and explore our display where you can learn just what exactly is involved in a dental cleaning for your pet and discover many tips on how to improve the oral health for all of your pets and much more.
Chew on These Facts

Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets An astounding 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS). Oral disease begins with a buildup of bacteria in the pet´s mouth Bacteria, combined with saliva and food debris between the tooth and gum, can cause plaque formulations that accumulate on the tooth. As bacteria grow in the plaque and as calcium salts are deposited, plaque turns to tartar. If tartar is not removed from the teeth, pockets of pus may appear along the gum line and further separate the teeth from the gum, which allows more food and bacteria to accumulate. Without proper treatment, this plaque and tartar buildup may cause periodontal disease, which affects the tissue and structure supporting the teeth. Periodontitis is irreversible and may lead to other health problems Unlike the inflamed gums of gingivitis, which can be treated and reversed with thorough plaque removal and continued plaque control, periodontitis can only be contained to prevent progression. The disease causes red, swollen and tender gums, receding gums, bleeding, pain and bad breath. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. The infection caused by periodontal disease may enter the bloodstream, potentially infecting the heart, liver and kidneys. Pet owners should look for warning signs of oral disease Common indications of oral disease include bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face or mouth and depression. If any of these signs are present, the pet should be taken to the veterinarian for a dental exam. The good news is that pet owners can reduce the risk of oral disease by following AVDS recommendations The first step in preventing oral disease is a routine physical examination including a dental exam. Pet owners should practice a regular dental care regimen at home, which may include brushing the pet´s teeth with specially formulated toothpaste. It´s best to start early, but grown dogs and cats can learn to tolerate brushing. Toothpaste for humans is not recommended because it may upset the pet´s stomach. Schedule regular follow-up care with your family veterinarian and ask about specially formulated foods with proven benefits in plaque and tartar removal.
New Dental Product Arrivals

A new homecare product arrived on the market a couple of months ago, Oravet Gel. It is a polymer that electrostatically binds to the teeth which creates a barrier to tartar buildup and infection. Used once weekly, it is easily applied to the teeth using an applicator, a cotton swab, or, if you are comfortable using it, your finger. Application time is about 30 seconds. The gel will melt with body heat and will distribute evenly around the teeth. Daily brushing is still recommended and Oravet Gel can be used in conjunction along with a brushing program. A once weekly, quick application fits into most busy households and the reward of cleaner, healthier teeth for our pets makes Oravet Gel a great choice for dental homecare.
Invitation to Oral Health The Staff of Murrayhill Veterinary Hospital cordially invites you and your pet to celebrate National Dental Health Month. What: Receive a free application of Oravet Professional Sealant with dental cleanings preformed in February and March 2005 When: February and March 2005 Where: Murrayhill Veterinary Hospital RSVP by calling our Client Care staff and scheduling an appointment for an oral exam or dental cleaning.


Veterinarians Aid Animal Victims of Tsunami

DAVIS, California (January 6, 2005) -- The Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights (AVAR), a national organization of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and students has coordinated travel and relief work arrangements for two veterinarians who will be traveling to India this weekend to help animal victims of the recent tsunami disaster. One of the participating veterinarians, Dr. Bosmat Gal, is going at AVAR's request through the Animal Rescue League of Boston and the other is an AVAR member, Dr. Sara Winikoff, from the New York area. The veterinarians will head to the coast of southern India, where they will split up and assist two different animal protection organizations with various tasks related to the tsunami disaster, including shelter work and visiting villages in remote areas of the country. One has experience with large animals, including elephants. The other recently returned from India and has experience traveling in the region and with shelter medicine. Reports from India reflect a growing need for veterinary assistance. While many free-roaming animals were able to escape the flooding waters, many who were confined drowned. Others are left without food and clean water and face the same risks of disease as do their human counterparts. Animal shelters are becoming over-crowded, as many human victims have turned their animals over due to lack of ability to care for them at this time. Although the veterinarians will be taking veterinary supplies with them, AVAR is asking for monetary donations that will be wired to them so that they can purchase additional supplies in India as they are needed. Further, AVAR plans to send other veterinary assistance in the near future to assist with efforts to sterilize and vaccinate dogs and cats in the region. AVAR, Animal Rescue League of Boston and United Animal Nations are covering the cost of the airline tickets for the veterinarians. Donations can be made online via the AVAR website at www.avar.org or via mail to: AVAR, PO Box 208, Davis, CA 95617-0208. Please indicate that the donation is for the Tsunami Disaster Relief. AVAR is a 501(c)3 nonprofit registered charity so donations are tax deductible.
Dr. Carrie Femming’s Baby Arrives A note from Carrie and Scott… Well he finally arrived...4 days late and a lot bigger than expected. We are all doing great..just tired. He is an amazing soul. Aidan Shuler Born November 29, 2004 9lbs 1 oz 21.5 inches long