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Taking Your Pet's Dental Health to Heart

Caring For Pet's Dental Health - By Dr. Erin Coomer. Gingivitis, inflammation of your pet’s gums, is the most common disease seen in both cats and dogs. Gainesville Today Magazine, February 2008

GINGIVITIS, INFLAMMATION of your pet’s gums, is the most common disease we see in both cats and dogs. More than 85 percent of dogs and cats have gingivitis by age four. Periodontal disease occurs when gingivitis infects the periodontal ligaments and bone around the tooth. If not treated early, periodontal disease will result in tooth loss, and both gingivitis and periodontal disease are very painful. Due to the prevalence of this problem, we as veterinarians are passionate about educating owners about the need for regular dental care.

Periodontal disease is a very important issue for two reasons: If left untreated, it can lead to pain, infection and tooth loss and, secondly, it can lead to problems elsewhere in the body. Large amounts of bacteria naturally accumulate in the mouth, and, when periodontal disease is unmanaged, these bacteria can be absorbed into the blood stream and infect the heart, kidneys and liver. This is a VERY serious problem that can be difficult to treat and may even be life-threatening.

The solution for dealing with gingivitis/ periodontal disease is simple – but is multi-factorial. We start with comprehensive physical and oral examinations in our offices. Based on our findings, we may advise that your pet be admitted to the hospital for a professional dental prophylaxis (cleaning and polishing). General anesthesia is required to allow us to do a safe and thorough cleaning job and a comprehensive assessment of all the teeth and the mouth.

After the dental procedure, pets will stay with us for the day so we can supervise their recovery from anesthesia. We may prescribe pain medications and antibiotics, too. The majority of animals recover quickly from anesthesia, and most owners are impressed with how quickly their pets are back to normal. The sooner a problem tooth (or teeth) is dealt with, the sooner your pet will feel better.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about dental procedures:

How do I know if my pet has a problem with his or her teeth?
You may notice one or more of the following:

Halitosis (smelly breath)
Trouble eating or chewing toys
No longer wanting certain types of food (dry food, bones)
Drooling Bloody discharge from the mouth
Facial swelling
Weight loss

Many owners are not aware that a problem exists until we examine the mouth with them. Please remember to be careful when handling your pet’s mouth – especially if it hurts. You do not want to get bitten.

My dog has smelly breath. Is that normal?
NO! The most common cause of halitosis is gingivitis and periodontal disease. Both of these are caused by a bacterial infection. These bacteria produce a smelly gas and cause halitosis. There are other medical reasons for halitosis, so a physical examination by your veterinarian is essential to find the specific cause and begin appropriate treatment.

Is dental disease painful? Yes, but there are many options available to quickly resolve the problem and relieve pain.

My pet is older, and I’m worried about the general anesthesia. What can we do to keep him or her safe?
We certainly appreciate that owners worry about their pets, especially older ones, going under general anesthesia. Believe it or not, an unhealthy mouth is more risky for your pet than the anesthesia. We can do many things to keep pets safe:

A pre-anesthetic physical examination. Blood tests, which help us diagnose any medical problems that may alter our anesthetic plan.
IV catheter – this allows the safe delivery of anesthesia, fluids to maintain good blood pressure and life-saving drugs in case of an emergency.
Thermal support – warm pets wake up faster.
Monitoring equipment – with current technology, we constantly monitor your pets heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate.

How often does my pet need a professional cleaning?
The frequency of dental cleaning varies with breed, age and diet. Small-breed dogs usually require more frequent cleanings than large-breed dogs. We believe that prevention is better than cure, and, therefore, we recommend examination and cleaning once or twice per year for most pets.

Is there something I can do at home to help reduce dental problems?
To best prevent dental disease, you must understand the process by which dental disease develops. The bacteria deposit calcium into the plaque, which causes it to harden into Calculus, which sticks to the tooth surface like cement. Unlike plaque, which can be brushed away, calculus cannot and can only be removed by a professional cleaning.

There are a number of things an owner can do to help prevent dental disease. First, brushing is best, followed by certain foods, like Science Diet T/D, and chew toys aimed at removing plaque. We encourage puppies to have their teeth brushed at home regularly. Maxi-Guard can reduce the bad bacteria and plaque, too.

After a professional scale and polishing, bacteria start accumulating in your pet’s mouth again, so we cannot rest! OraVet (Merial) is a waxy substance that is applied to the teeth weekly that keeps plaque and bacteria from sticking to the tooth surface. There are many other wonderful products (special foods, brushes and pastes) available for you to help prevent dental disease at home. We will discuss these with you, during your pet’s visit.

Here are the important things to remember about your pet’s dental health:

Periodontal disease is VERY common in cats and dogs.
Smelly breath is not normal!
Regular, professional dental scaling and polishing can help safely control and prevent periodontal disease in your pet’s mouth.
Preventing periodontal disease requires not only a professional veterinary cleaning but also regular maintenance at home.
Most pets need oral examinations and professional cleanings twice per year.

February is the 14th annual National Veterinary Dental month, and, in recognition, our clinics offer a 10 percent discount on all costs associated with the dental cleaning. Please feel free to contact one of our clinics to find out more. We look forward to helping you and your pet in the future!

Taking Pet Care to Heart

Taking Pet Care to Heart, By Dr. Elisabeth Jolin. One of the most common reasons pets visit the vet is for skin problems, Gainesville Today Magazine, January 2008

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, veterinarians treat skin diseases caused by several reasons, including, but not limited to, allergies, bacterial and/or yeast infections, demodicosis (demodex mites), dermatophytosis (ringworm), endocrine (hormone) diseases, and cancer. Pets may have skin problems related to one or more of these causes, and it is important for your veterinarian to examine your pet to determine the cause(s). You may notice your pet has a skin problem if your pet is itchy, losing hair, or developing a “rash.” Many skin diseases may cause these symptoms, as well as many other symptoms; therefore, a physical examination and diagnostic tests are essential to help find the cause of the skin problems. Then you and your veterinarian can decide on an appropriate treatment plan.

Allergies

Pets can have allergic reactions to a variety of sources, including parasites, food, or by inhaling or contacting allergens.

Fleas are the most common parasite to cause an allergic response in dogs and cats. Pets with a flea allergy will be very itchy. Therefore, it is important to keep your pet on flea protection year-round, as fleas may be present during every season in Florida. If the flea population is particularly high, it may be necessary to treat your home and/or your yard as well.

Scabies, also known as sarcoptic mange, is a type of mite that can be transmitted from one dog to another or from a dog to a person. Although rare, cats may also develop a similar form of mange. These mites can cause your pet or yourself to become extremely itchy. Because this disease is very contagious, any dog or cat suspected of having scabies should be immediately examined and treated by a veterinarian.

Some pets may have an allergy to their food. Several different ingredients in food may cause an allergic reaction, and your pet may have an allergy to more than one ingredient. Food allergy can be difficult to diagnose, so your veterinarian will recommend a food trial to help determine if your pet has this allergy.

Atopy is a skin condition caused by inhaling allergens or by directly absorbing allergens through the skin. These allergens may vary, but common allergens include weeds, grass, mold, and pollen. While people may inhale these allergens and then develop respiratory signs, such as sneezing or watery eyes, affected pets will inhale these allergens and then develop skin problems.

Contact dermatitis is uncommon and results in a rash where the allergen contacted the skin. Common contact allergens include plastic (food and water bowls), plants, shampoos, dyes and detergents. In Florida, several different plants may cause contact allergy, and these plants change throughout the season.

Infections

Bacterial infections (pyoderma) or yeast infections (malassezia) may occur as a primary skin problem in pets, but these infections are most likely caused secondarily by another skin disease. For instance, while pets with flea allergy may become extremely itchy, as the animal scratches they alter the protective surface of their skin, predisposing themselves to developing a secondary infection. In this case, removing the underlying cause of fleas and treating the infection with antibiotics and/or anti-yeast medication will resolve the problem. Skin infections will recur if the inciting cause returns.

Demodicosis

Demodicosis, a skin disease caused by demodex mites, most commonly occurs in dogs and rarely in cats. These mites are normally found in the hair follicles of most animals, but a proliferation of the mites can cause a pet to develop skin problems, such as hair loss, itchiness, and/or an infection. Your veterinarian can do a skin scraping to check for these mites and then devise a treatment plan.

Dermatophytosis

Dermatophytes, commonly known as ringworm, are a type of fungi that can cause skin problems in your pet. Cats are more likely to be affected with ringworm than dogs, and this disease has the potential to be transmitted to people. A fungal culture should be performed to test for ringworm.

Endocrine Diseases

Though many external problems can cause skin diseases, several internal diseases may also cause dermatological issues. Two common diseases that cause skin problems in dogs are Hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease. Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, may cause noticeable symptoms, such as re-occurring skin and ear infections, lethargy and weight gain. This disease may also cause skin problems, such as hair loss and oily skin. Cushing’s disease, caused by an excessive amount of steroids in the body, can also cause skin problems. Hair loss and darkened skin may occur in pets with Cushing’s disease. Cushing’s disease can also predispose your pet to infections. Performing blood tests can help your veterinarian diagnose either of these diseases.

Cancer

Dogs and cats can develop several different types of skin cancer. As in people, skin cancer can occur in a variety of forms, including changes to the color or texture of the skin, skin ulceration, or the formation of skin growths. Skin cancer can be related to sun exposure in pets, but it may also be caused by other reasons, including genetic predisposition. Certain types of skin cancer may spread to other areas of the body if not treated properly. As many skin diseases may present with similar symptoms, it is important to have your veterinarian examine your pet to help find the exact cause of the symptoms. Through a physical examination and appropriate diagnostic tests, your veterinarian can determine the necessary care that your pet will need to manage any skin disease.

Taking Your Trust & Support to Heart

By Dr. Jack Sameck. It’s holiday time for your pets too. Keep your pet safe and healthy this holiday season, Gainesville Today, December 2007

IT’S HOLIDAY TIME for your pets too, and there are a few things to keep in mind over this holiday season.

As cool weather approaches, many will change their radiator fluid. Remember to dispose of the antifreeze so your pet(s) cannot get in contact with it. Antifreeze is sweet to taste, and pets will readily drink it. Antifreeze ingestion is lethal even in small quantities. If you even suspect your pet may have licked some, seek medical attention immediately. If you wait for signs to show up, it is too late. Early treatment is the only possible hope for having a successful outcome.

Most of us feel guilty if we do not give into those big brown begging eyes during mealtime. After all, they are a part of the family, why shouldn’t they have a special treat too. Therefore, we usually slip them a little something on the sly so no one sees us doing it. Just remember a few key things when it comes to giving treats.
Food items that are different from their regular diet will commonly cause digestive upset (vomiting and diarrhea). If you must give them a treat, use one of their doggy or kitty treats. However, if you must give human treats to them, help avoid digestive upset and only give very small amounts of the treat.

Avoid giving your dog or cat bones from the table. Bones from birds (chicken and turkey) are hollow and splinter easily. Steak and ham bones are more solid, but still splinter with little effort from a dog’s powerful jaws. Splintered bones can penetrate the mouth and throat and cause serious infections and pain. Bones that penetrate the esophagus or intestine can be fatal.

If you want to give your dog a bone, there are alternatives: the large bones found in pet stores and grocery stores are already cooked and packaged. They range in size from 1½ to 2½ inches in diameter. Get the larger bones for larger dogs. Replace them when they start to get thin, so they don’t splinter.

If you are traveling with your pet, here are a few pointers. Most owners do not realize that if they travel to another state, by car or by plane, they are required to have a Certificate for Interstate Movement of Dogs and Cats. This governmental document can only be signed by USDA accredited veterinarians. They are good for 30 days, so plan ahead.

Make sure you have enough of your pet’s medications and food for the duration of your trip. Changing to a different food when you get to your destination can cause an unplanned outing to a local veterinarian to treat the digestive upset that this can cause.

If you are driving, make sure you offer water frequently along with potty breaks. Small dogs and cats travel best in a carrier. Many accidents have been caused by pets creeping around the driver’s feet.

Here are a few other key things to remember:

Do not let your dog or cat drink water from a Christmas tree. It can cause digestive upset.
Keep tinsel and ribbon away from cats.
Keep tinsel and ribbon away from cats.
Bring dogs and cats inside when it freezes.
Poinsettias are poisonous if ingested.
Do not let them chew on electrical decorations.
Make sure they have their collar and tag on in case they get out during this crazy time of year.
Keep candles high enough so your dog cannot knock them over, and if you
Have a cat, make sure they are really out of the way.

Our entire team of dedicated and caring individuals allows the Gainesville Animal Hospitals and Archer Animal Hospital to take your pet’s care to heart.

Taking Your Pet's Ear Health to Heart

Taking Your Pet’s Ear Health to Heart - In Florida, ear infections are a very common problem in dogs and cats; Gainesville Animal Hospitals and Archer Animal Hospital are here to help! Gainesville Today Magazine, November 2007

IN FLORIDA, EAR INFECTIONS are a very common problem in dogs and cats of all ages. Infections of the ear and the ear canal are referred to as Otitis Externa. Otitis Media is a very serious condition involving the area on the other side of the eardrum called the Bulla. (see the illustration – next page) Both types of ear infections can be very painful, causing your pet to shake their head frequently and scratch at their ears. If you notice any of these symptoms, your pet should seen by their veterinarian as soon as possible. Some infections are mild and your pet may not show signs of discomfort. This is one reason why it is so important for the routine physical exam to be done a minimum of twice a year. It allows us to find problems before they become more serious. An ear examination with an otoscope or video-otoscope is a necessary part of the routine physical exam.

The Gainesville Animal Hospitals (East and West) and the Archer Animal Hospital all have a video-otoscope. This instrument has allowed us to improve the quality of life for many of the pets we treat who chronically suffer from recurring ear infections. The video-otoscope has a higher degree of magnification, a brighter light, and a high-resolution color digital camera. This gives us the advantage of viewing the ear canal, eardrum, and bulla on a large video monitor with greater clarity. By seeing more detail farther down into the ear canal, we are better able to diagnose and treat ear infections. The video-otoscope also has the ability to pump a sterile fluid into the ear canal and then to gently flush out debris as well as a suction unit to remove the fluid and debris. Another nice feature is the ability to take videos and still pictures to show our clients what the doctors were seeing during the actual procedure.

An important point to remember is that anything causing the environment of the ear canal to become abnormal will allow bacteria and yeast to thrive. Common causes for ear infections are ear mites, conformation, i.e. floppy ears, swimming and allergies.

Ear mites are common in young puppies and kittens. The mites are smallerthan a grain of salt and can spread from one pet to another by close contact with an infected pet. Veterinarians are usually able to see these extremely small mites with their otoscope or video-otoscope. Sometimes a microscopic evaluation is necessary to find the mites. Your veterinarian will then prescribe a treatment that will kill the mites and treat any other problems present.

Conformation problems are often breed specific. These pets frequently have floppy ears or very narrowed ear canal openings. This situation keeps the ear canals moist and as mentioned earlier, this abnormal environment allows for bacteria, yeast, or both to set up home and create problems. Sometimes surgery is a needed option to open up a narrowed ear canal, which allows the ear to dry more naturally. To help prevent ear infections, regular ear care is necessary and usually involves various topical solutions that will clean and dry the ear canal.

Swimming can also cause problems by allowing the ear canals to stay moist which helps infections to get started. If your pet swims, ask your veterinarian what they recommend to help dry out the ear canal to prevent infections.

Allergies are a major cause of ear infections in dogs and cats. The two most common allergies associated with ear infections are Atopy (allergens that are breathed in) and food allergy. One clue that your pet may have an allergy is that despite treatment, the ear infections keep coming back. Your veterinarian will recommend either allergy testing or a food trial to determine if your pet has either of these allergies. Only with a correct diagnosis can your veterinarian prescribe the appropriate allergy treatment to help control the ear infections.

There are other causes of recurring ear infections and they are not treating the infection completely or middle ear disease (Otitis Media). Appropriate treatment encompasses many things including using the correct drug, a willing patient, and the correct technique to get the medicine where it needs to go. If just one of these is missing, the treatment will fail. This is why a recheck evaluation is crucial to make sure the infection is completely gone. Statistically 84 percent of pets that have reoccurring ear infections have a more serious condition called middle ear disease or Otitis Media. Middle ear disease is treatable, but only with aggressive therapy. When your pet is diagnosed with an ear infection, your veterinarian will recommend ear cytology and possibly a culture to determine the best choice of drugs to use. There will be times when your veterinarian will not be able to see the eardrum (also known as the tympanic membrane) either due to swelling or due to debris down deep in the ear canal.

When the ear canal is plugged with wax and debris, we commonly perform a deep ear flush (using our video oto-scope) in order to examine the tympanic membrane and the space beyond it called the middle ear. If middle ear disease is present, we are able to infuse medication directly into the middle ear to help treat the infection. Depending on the degree or seriousness of the ear infection, multiple ear flushes may be necessary

Taking Your Senior Pet's Health to Heart

By Dr. Ray Henley. Pets are living longer than ever, but, just like humans, a longer lifespan means new health challenges. Gainesville Today Magazine, October 2007

We all love our pets. Fortunately, pets today are living longer for a variety of reasons including advances in veterinary health care, improved nutrition and owners with more knowledge about pet care. However, just like humans, a longer lifespan means new health challenges. Keep in mind that the quantity of years lived is not everything; It must be balanced with the quality of life too. So the question becomes, how can I, as a pet owner, keep my loved family member living a quality life as long as possible?

Here are a few things to consider.

Compared to humans, dogs and cats age more rapidly. One year for us equals 4 to 7 years for your pet. As we age, our doctors recommend that we have a yearly physical, but a yearly physical for your senior pet would be like you seeing your doctor every 4 to 7 years. Ideally, your senior pet should see his or her veterinarian a minimum of twice a year, if not more frequently. The defining of “senior” varies by animal breed and size.
Here are a few general guidelines for determining if your pet is a senior pet.

Cats about 9 -10 years of age
Small breed dogs (20 pounds or less) between 9 - 10 years of age
Medium breed dogs (20 – 50 pounds) between 8 - 9 years of age
Large breed dogs (51 – 90 pounds) between 7 - 8 years of age
Giant breed dogs (91 pounds or over) between 6 - 7 years of age

Of course, "old age" isn't just a chronological measurement of years. We all see people in their 80s, 90s, and sometimes over that who seem healthier than others who are much younger. As with humans, aging, for your pet, is affected by factors such as genetics, size, nutrition, environment and preventive health care over the years.

There are many things that can signify a pet, regardless of age, needs to see a veterinarian. The following are some of the more common symptoms you should check for in your pet, and, if noticed, should be brought to your veterinarian’s attention:

Loss of appetite
Increased thirst or urination
Weight loss or gain
Trouble eating
Foul breath odor
Vomiting or diarrhea
Straining to urinate or when having a bowel movement
Coughing
Becoming exhausted quicker than normal
Trouble or slowness in getting up or when laying down
Hair loss
Redness of the skin or ears
Loss of vision or hearing
Any change in what you would consider your pet’s normal behavior.

If any of these symptoms become obvious to you, you should have your veterinarian evaluate your pet as soon as possible. Often we find that the illness or condition causing the symptom(s) has likely gone on unnoticed for a while. This is an extremely important point: Make sure your pet receives regular checkups even when he or she seems healthy and before you notice symptoms that might mean a more serious condition or illness is present.

This is why, for a senior pet, a thorough medical history and a complete physical exam are critical since age may make him or her more prone to serious conditions. Early detection is critical to maintaining longevity and a good quality of life. This is where technology completes the picture. Just like an automobile mechanic uses a computer to assess how your engine is functioning, blood work can tell your veterinarian how your pet’s organs are functioning. Many times, between the history, physical exam and blood work, we can pick up on problems before your pet becomes ill. Other tests like x-rays and ultrasound can further help diagnose early issues that may lead to bigger problems later on.

At Gainesville Animal Hospitals and Archer Animal Hospital, we evaluate your pet with a thorough medical history, physical exam, blood work, and tests when needed. As an incentive, our three clinics offer special programs for senior pet health exams and procedures. If you have never seen us before, or if you have a senior pet that hasn’t been evaluated in a while, this is a great time to visit us.

We know you love your animals and they are part of your family. While you can give them all the play, fun, attention and TLC they need to keep them happy, we can give them the veterinary care they need to keep them healthy, and around for a long time to come. We look forward to meeting you and your pet.

Visit or call Gainesville Animal Hospital (East and West) at 2838 NW 6th Street (372-5366); 7615 W. Newberry Road (332-5366); Archer Animal Hospital, 16105 SW Archer Road (495-2910); or visit their websites at www.gainesvillevet.com and www.archeranimalhospital.com for more information and tips on keeping your pet healthy.

A Tradition of Taking Your Pet's Care to Heart

By Linda Becnel, Gainesville Today Magazine, September 2007

Participating in the full “cycle of life” and into each new generation is something few “human” physicians get to do. Jack Sameck believes it’s one of the unique privileges of practicing veterinary medicine. “Being able to keep an animal healthy throughout its lifetime—from puppy to senior— and being part of each new generation is what’s so awesome about what we do.”

“Pets are part of our family,” Sameck said. “They’re like our children; they can’t tell us when they feel bad or where it hurts, so it’s up to us to use our skills to help both animal and owner. Helping owners learn how to care for their pets and building and maintaining a high level of trust is something we take to heart. It’s as much a people business as it is a pet business. At Gainesville Animal Hospital, we get to see the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of our clients’ pets. Another privilege of practicing in Gainesville,” he adds “is the remarkable network of talented animal care professionals here, where camaraderie creates an atmosphere in which caring for animals comes first.”

A Florida native, Sameck graduated from Ohio State Veterinary School in 1975 and then served with the U.S. Army Veterinary Core. In 1982, he purchased Gainesville Animal Hospital; a year later he founded the Interlachen Veterinary Clinic. In 1989, he established Gainesville Animal Hospital West, and in 2005, he purchased Archer Animal Hospital, LLC. He’s a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Florida Veterinary Medical Association, Alachua County Veterinary Medical Association and is one of the original founders of Affiliated Pet Emergency Services, Inc., where he serves on the board.

Gainesville Animal Hospital has been somewhat of a landmark and tradition in Gainesville. Established by local veterinarians, Drs. Owens, Beauchamp and Holland, the hospital has a long history of providing quality veterinary care that continues today. Now with two locations, the hospitals’ veterinary staff includes Drs. Ray Henley, Ray Sujdak, Elizabeth Jolin and Jodi Nichols. The long-established Archer Animal Hospital serves the needs of Southwest Gainesville and the surrounding communities. Practice veterinary associate, Dr. Erin Wilmot-Coomer is part of a longtime, friendly staff which takes pride in the one-on-one service they offer.

So, what’s new in veterinary technology at the clinics? According to Sameck, some of their tools are similar to those used in human health including digital radiology, ultrasound, laser surgery and otoscopy. “Many of these tools and methods help us to make a faster and more accurate diagnosis which allows us to start treating patients sooner--this generally results in a more positive outcome,” Sameck said.

Ultrasound and digital radiology help to more quickly and accurately diagnose various conditions. As with humans, laser surgery can reduce trauma, improve recovery and often shorten hospital stays. “Probably our most exciting new tool is the digital otoscope for ear examinations,” Sameck said. “Irritating and painful ear problems are common with pets and diagnosing and treating has always been difficult. This technology provides high-tech imaging to help to diagnose diseases and treat external and middle ear problems. With digital imaging technology we can view and save detailed photos, send them to other experts, if needed, or share them with owners.”

Keeping pets healthy is a top priority for Sameck, his staff and veterinary associates. “While we offer some of the best technology available, there are still many things pet owners can do to keep their pets healthy, avoid problems and live a longer and happier life.”

What are some major pet health care issues? Dr. Wilmot-Coomer said “Regular physical exams.” Coomer, who graduated from Massey University in New Zealand says, “Preventive care for pets just makes sense; the adage ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ holds true. Pets age four times as fast as we do, so while we may go for a physical exam once a year, your pet should go at least twice a year, or if they’re older or having problems, we should see them more often.“

“We have so many diagnostic tools with which to identify problems early on. And while immunizations and other common procedures are important, the hands-on physical exam is still our best diagnostic tool. This is when we can really help patients and owners by assessing general health, both current and long-term,” she adds.

Your pet’s dental health isn’t just about ‘doggy breath.’ According to Dr. Henley, a University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine graduate, “The most common disease in dogs and cats is periodontal disease. Your animal’s mouth is the gateway to his or her whole body, and poor dental health can adversely affect major organs like the heart, liver and kidneys. In fact, while most owners are afraid of the anesthesia needed for dental work, statistically their pet is more at risk for organ dysfunction from dental bacteria than from any negative problems from the anesthesia.”

How often is cleaning needed? Henley said, “Smaller dogs are more prone to periodontal disease and may require more frequent cleanings; larger dogs may need cleanings less frequently. It varies by individual, but usually averages out to about once a year. If you’re starting to notice gingivitis (red or inflamed gums) and/or ‘doggy breath,’ it’s time to get a dental exam.”

“Parasites, such as fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, roundworms and hookworms are a huge problem in warm climates,” said Dr. Nichols who is a Michigan State University graduate “Not only can they affect your animal, but they can affect you and your family as well. Fleas prefer your animals, but will also bite you. Ticks can transmit diseases, such as Lyme disease, and can infest homes. Mosquitoes transmit the deadly heartworm parasite to your dog or cat. Intestinal parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms, are detrimental to your pet's health and are also transmissible to humans (especially children).”

“We have many products that can safely control and eliminate these parasites,” Nichols adds. “It’s important that your pet is screened for parasites regularly, so we can tailor your pet's regimen. Veterinarians provide high quality products that often include guarantees. If you’re unsure of the type of protection your pet needs, ask your veterinarian.”

Pet obesity and nutrition are major issues, and pets can develop the same weight-related problems as we do, like diabetes. According to Dr. Jolin, a University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine graduate, “Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is so important for optimum health and longevity. Many factors can cause obesity like over feeding, poor diet, lack of exercise and physical problems like hypothyroidism (an under-active thyroid). Also, just because a brand of food is cheaper doesn’t mean it is better,” she adds. “You may end up feeding more, so the savings and nutritional value don’t work out. If your pet is overweight, it’s best to have a full physical exam before you change their routine,” Jolin said.

Dr. Sujdak, a University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine graduate says he is often asked, ‘What can I do to help my pet when they get older?’ “To avoid age-related problems keep your pet healthy from day one and get regular check ups,” he says. “Like people pets can suffer from heart, liver and kidney disease, arthritis, cataracts, and other age-related ailments. Think ‘quality of life.’ While they may not act like a puppy or kitten anymore, you certainly want them to be happy, comfortable and pain free,” Sujdak says. “Watch for any unusual behavior like excessive urination or difficulty breathing or walking. Then, tell your veterinarian so he or she can help.”

Sameck and his wife, April, who is a mental health counselor, have five children: Karen, Tommy, Jacob, Amy and Abby; and two grandchildren, Caleb and Trey. Their third grandchild “Taylor Hughes” is expected to arrive in mid-October. The couple’s other “children” include two Schnauzers: Jake, the baby, and Nike, who is very energetic and “opinionated.” (See the “10 Things I Love About Gainesville.”)

Having mentored students and staff throughout the years, Sameck said the question he’s most often asked is, “Why did you choose veterinary medicine?” His answer is simple; growing up, his two neighbors were veterinarians, and for fun (and since he was smack in the middle) he went along on calls. Early on Sameck knew his destiny was to care for animals, and as pet owners, we’re lucky he’s chosen to call Gainesville his home.

Visit or call Gainesville Animal Hospital (East and West) at 2838 NW 6th Street (372-5366); 7615 W. Newberry Road (332-5366); Archer Animal Hospital, 16105 SW Archer Road (495-2910); or visit their websites at http://gainesvillevet.com and http://archeranimalhospital.com. Reprinted with authors' permissions, Gainesville Today Magazine.

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Archer Animal Hospital, LLC

16105 SW Archer Road. , Archer, FL 32618-5619
352-495-2910

We're A Proud Member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Florida Veterinary Association (FVA), and the Alachua County Veterinary Association (ACVA).

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Updated 03/07/2008 03:57:15 PM