photo: linnea osterberg
Marley’s Weight-Loss TipsMarley, a 3-year-old female papillon, recently started Pearl Animal Hospital’s Chubby Chow Down weight-loss program at an unhealthy weight of 21 pounds. To lose weight, Marley ate a prescription weight-loss diet and snacked on fewer treats. She also exercised more often and more regularly. Throughout the program, a veterinary technician monitored her frequently to check for healthy weight loss. Marley finished the program with great success, weighing in at her ideal weight of 14 pounds.
Marley is now slim and trim and catching the eyes of many male pups in downtown Portland with her newfound confidence. Her parents continue to monitor her eating habits to help her maintain a healthy weight.
Marley is now slim and trim and catching the eyes of many male pups in downtown Portland with her newfound confidence. Her parents continue to monitor her eating habits to help her maintain a healthy weight.
A Health Tip from Marley:
Estimates suggest that 35% of cats and dogs in the United States are obese. Addressing weight issues early can prevent long-term complications such as joint disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, and heart disease. Marley has several tips to prevent these life-shortening complications:
• Obesity is caused by taking in more calories than are needed to perform daily functions. Control your pet’s food portions and treats, starting at an early age.
• Feed your pets in defined meals, since leaving food out encourages snacking. Also it is harder feed multiple pets different amounts or different diets.
• For multiple pets in one home, use your creativity to ensure separate feedings. This makes it easier to monitor individual food intake
• Identify a realistic time line for achieving an ideal weight, since rapid weight loss can cause problems. Your veterinarian can offer guidance on a healthy timeline.
• Follow your pet’s weight closely with regular checks on a home scale or at the vet clinic.
• Use interactive toys that can provide exercise when you are away from the home or are unable to actively play with your pet.
The team at Pearl Animal Hospital values the relationship you have with your pet and is committed to helping you to help your pet achieve a healthy weight. As Marley can attest, a healthy body leads to a more fun and comfortable life!
March 31, 2011
Why Pet Massage Therapy?Massage is great for all ages of dogs from geriatric dogs all the way down to young pups. Young dogs are still developing their immune system, and massage is great for encouraging its growth and strength. This is also a good time to create a hands-on bond with your dog and to teach them how to relax and enjoy life. If youʼve got an older dog,
massage can be great for keeping those joints less stiff and your dog more mobile. And
with any age, animal massage is fantastic for creating an even closer bond with your best friend. Touch is a wonderful way to bring calmness and well-being to both you and your pet!
Heal offers patients at Pearl Animal Hospital the option of massage as part of a healthy routine either at the hospital or at your home.
Heal also offers “Basic Dog Massage for Owners” classes at Pearl Animal Hospital. Touch is a wonderful way to bring calmness and wellbeing to both you and your pup! To find out when the next class will be held please contact Rubi or PAH.
Massage is very useful in keeping an eye on your petʼs health by knowing its body better. It can be a beneficial maintenance treatment, as well as relaxing and pain relieving for them
massage can be great for keeping those joints less stiff and your dog more mobile. And
with any age, animal massage is fantastic for creating an even closer bond with your best friend. Touch is a wonderful way to bring calmness and well-being to both you and your pet!
Heal offers patients at Pearl Animal Hospital the option of massage as part of a healthy routine either at the hospital or at your home.
Heal also offers “Basic Dog Massage for Owners” classes at Pearl Animal Hospital. Touch is a wonderful way to bring calmness and wellbeing to both you and your pup! To find out when the next class will be held please contact Rubi or PAH.
Massage is very useful in keeping an eye on your petʼs health by knowing its body better. It can be a beneficial maintenance treatment, as well as relaxing and pain relieving for them
Benefits of massage include:
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Relieves inflammation and joint pain
• Strengthens atrophied and weak muscles
• Increases range of motion
• Strengthens the immune system
• Enhances the health and nourishment of the skin and coat
Here are a few common questions I get asked:
1) Is massage good for pre- and post-surgical animals?
Massage protocol will differ depending on the surgery. Before surgery, massage helps
boost immune function and stabilize circulation, for being under anesthesia. It is a good
idea to begin post-surgical massage soon after surgery. The time frame for post-surgical
massage varies depending on the surgery, so contact me for more information.
Massage not only helps flush the anesthesia from their body, but also increases blood
flow and nutrient flow, which speeds up post-surgical recovery time.
2) Do I use different techniques for different animals or conditions?
Each patient is different, so the techniques I use will vary. I tailor each session to
address the specific needs of your pet, as well as their certain likes and dislikes.
3) What are my qualifications?
My qualifications include certification through the Northwest School of Animal Massage
in Maintenance, Performance and Rehabilitation Massage Therapy, assistant instructor
with the Northwest School of Animal Massage, featured in Portland Monthly as the ʻBest
Animal Massage Therapistʼ in Portland, Spot Magazineʼs “Top Dog” first place winner for
holistic wellness three years in a row, prior veterinary technician duties, member of the
International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork, certification in Pet First Aid,
as well as featured in “Careers With Dogs” by Kim Campbell Thornton-published
January, 2011.
4) What is the process for signing my four-legged friend up for a session?
To sign your pet up for a session you can get a hold of me directly. My contact
information is rubi@healnw.com or 503.380.4487.
October 10, 2010
photo: linnea osterberg
Meet Tommy!Tommy, a 7 year old black and white domestic shorthair, was a star patient during his recent dental procedure. At a recent check-up, Dr. Anders noticed severe plaque and tartar on Tommy’s teeth, along with painful oral ulcerations on his gums. She recommended a professional cleaning to remove the accumulation of tartar and plaque. While Tommy was under anesthesia, several cavity lesions were detected and the diseased teeth were extracted. At his follow up exam, Tommy’s owner noted that he has had much more energy, personality, and a stronger appetite since his procedure. What she had perceived to be old age causing him to hide and sleep was most likely oral pain causing him to withdraw. Tommy quickly recovered from his procedure and was soon back to harrassing his dog brother and hunting for his beloved Q-tips, one of his favorite ‘toys’. With a mouth full of healthy teeth, Tommy is more content than ever to allow his kitty sister Cocoa to groom him and sit on whatever his mom is reading.
A Health Tip from Tommy
By the age of 3, 80% of cats and dogs have gum disease. We recommend a professional dental cleaning once a year to remove plaque build-up, prevent gum disease, and improve overall health. In addition to veterinary dentistry, there are important steps you can take to maintain your pet’s oral health
• Brushing daily with a special animal toothpaste and toothbrush can make a huge difference in your pet’s tooth and gum health.
• Rinsing with an oral hygiene pet product targets microorganisms for those pets who cannot tolerate brushing.
• Chews such as C.E.T Oral Hygiene Chews have an abrasive texture that reduces plaque and loosens tartar as your pet chews on them. • Food such as Royal Canin Dental Diet improves oral health as your pet eats.
All of these products are available at Pearl Animal Hospital. Our team values dental care and we are more than happy to speak with you about your pet’s needs or schedule a toothbrushing demonstration. As Tommy revealed, a healthy mouth leads to a happier and more mischievous life!
July 29, 2010
Meet Jack!Jack, a 13-year-old male lab mix, could be found hiking trails in Colorado and Virginia in his younger days. Nowadays, he "hikes" the sidewalks of the Pearl. Jack also likes to sleep in the sun on his balcony and gaze out on the Willamette.
Jack recently experienced a painful deep skin burn. Several days after getting a bath, Jack’s mom noticed that he was very uncomfortable in the hind end. Upon examination, we discovered that his skin was ulcerated and oozing. The entire dermal (skin) layer on his hind end was sloughing off and becoming infected. Jack recovered with medication and frequent bandage changes.
Jack recently experienced a painful deep skin burn. Several days after getting a bath, Jack’s mom noticed that he was very uncomfortable in the hind end. Upon examination, we discovered that his skin was ulcerated and oozing. The entire dermal (skin) layer on his hind end was sloughing off and becoming infected. Jack recovered with medication and frequent bandage changes.
photo: linnea osterberg
A Health Tip from Jack
• Do not risk burns by using heat blankets, heating pads, hot water bottles, etc., that are too hot and may damage the skin.
• Do not allow your pet to lie directly on any heating pad or hot item. Use several layers of towels and make sure it is set on LOW.
March 07, 2010
Meet Bogey!Bogey is a 2 year old male domestic shorthair cat who recently fell from his fourth floor Portland apartment to a ground-level sidewalk. Bogey’s parents immediately brought him to Pearl Animal Hospital for emergency veterinary treatment. Bogey survived this fall with minimal injury due to what veterinarians call high rise syndrome.
Since his skydiving adventure, Bogey’s lacerations and bruising have healed and he has adopted a less-risky lifestyle of chasing laser pointers, bird watching from secured windows, and following his momma around the house for some cuddling.
photo: linnea osterberg
A Health Tip from Bogey
Many cat lovers assume that their pet would know to be careful at great heights. However, cats are naturally comfortable in high places and cannot understand the difference in risk between a one-story fall and a six-story fall.
Cats have evolved to be adept at hunting prey from the heights of trees, where they use their claws to grab the bark and secure themselves. However in high rise buildings, the hunting instincts of cats can work against them, and their claws are ineffective at grabbing concrete and metal. Many cats fall as a result of losing their footing while in pursuit of prey or play.
With high rise syndrome, falls from higher floors tend to result in less severe injuries than falls from lower floors. A higher falling distance allows the cat more time to correct its position for a more relaxed and natural four-paw landing. Cats have survived falls of more than 30 stories – but not without injury. Common injuries include broken bones, broken jaws, and collapsed lungs.
To allow cats to safely enjoy the fresh air provided by windows and balconies, please ensure window screens are in place and that balconies are secured. There is an increased risk of falling for young cats (less than two years old) and also during warm weather when windows remain open.
Nov. 27, 2009
The Top Five Holiday Health Hazards for Pets
The holidays can be an exciting and stressful time of year for pets and people alike. Be aware of these five common holiday hazards for pets to ensure that both you and your pet have a happier holiday season.
1. Seasonal plants. The leaves of mistletoe and poinsettias can cause stomach upset and irritation. Lilies are often overlooked and are particularly harmful to cats. Lilies cause acute renal failure with ingestion of any part of the plant, including the pollen.
2. Christmas trees. Many pets drink Christmas tree water that contains fertilizers and bacteria, leading to stomach upset. Christmas trees needles can cause stomach upset and irritation. Ensure your pets are well supervised and restrict access to the Christmas tree water.
3. Holiday decorations, such as ribbon and tinsel, are very inviting play toys but can lead to intestinal obstructions, a serious condition that requires immediate attention. Cats are often attracted to liquid potpourri and other essential oils. These are very irritating and harmful if swallowed or splashed in the eyes and on the skin. Be sure to place these materials out of reach and monitor your pet closely when they are exposed.
4. Gifts. New toys with small parts and batteries can cause harm if ingested. Wrapped gifts containing food are a hazard for dogs, who can sniff out and tear open packages left under Christmas trees or tucked away in closets/under beds. If you feel your pet has ingested any of these materials contact your veterinarian for how to best proceed.
5. Holiday Foods. It may be tempting to give your pet leftovers as a holiday food treat, but be aware that certain foods can cause serious complications. Poultry bones can splinter and cause intestinal damage or obstruction. Rich, fatty, and spicy foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea and may lead to a serious inflammatory disease, pancreatitis. Some particularly toxic foods for pets are chocolate, coffee, macadamia nuts, grapes, and raisins. Always keep these foods out of reach, as they can lead to vomiting and other more serious problems, such as neurologic, heart, and kidney problems.
If your pet has been exposed to the health hazards mentioned above please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. The Pearl Animal Hospital wishes everyone a happy and stress free holiday season!
Sept 09, 2009
Meet Ruby!Ruby is a 12 year old female weimaraner who recently experienced a painful and life-threatening condition known as gastric dilatation volvulus or “bloat”. Ruby’s parents noted that she was trying to vomit and that her abdomen was becoming distended. They immediately brought her to Pearl Animal Hospital
Fortunately, Ruby recovered very well from surgery and is back to rolling on her back in green grass, eating baby carrots, trying to put as many toys in her mouth at a time (4 max) and ambushing her brother Tony. You can see Ruby and Tony walking their owner Richard around the Pearl
photo: linnea osterberg
photo: linnea osterberg
A Health Tip from Ruby
Bloat is a medical emergency where the stomach distends and rotates, twisting off the blood supply to vital organs and preventing gas from escaping. This critical condition needs to be treated immediately. Bloat occurs only in dogs, and it often arises after a meal with heavy exercise shortly afterwards.
Risk factors for bloating:
Eating only one meal a day
Eating rapidly
Eating from an elevated bowl
Fearful or anxious temperament
Being thin or underweight
Not drinking water before or after meals
Age: Older dogs (7-12 years) are at highest risk
Gender: Males are at higher risk than females
Symptoms of bloat: Dogs may have a distended stomach, but this is not always obvious. The biggest clue is vomiting: the pet appears very nauseous and is retching, but little is coming up. If you see this, rush to your veterinarian immediately.
