Hi, I’m Dr. Hendrickson from Hillchester Hospital For Animals.

Today we’re doing a physical exam on our house kitty in order to give you an idea of what we do when we do an exam. My assistant’s name is Kurt. He’s going to help restrain Mercedes. She’s called Mercedes because she purrs so nicely. She’s purring quite nicely right now. Mercedes has been with us for quite a few years. She came to us as a stray when she was pregnant. She nursed all of her kittens, and she all of the kittens that we had during that summer. She was injured, and she had a bad crushed foot. We had to amputate her leg. She was not up for adoption. We kept her because she’s such a nice kitty.

In order to start a physical exam, we start at one end and work our way towards the other. The first thing we do is to check the eyes for any abnormalities. Her skin looks good. She doesn’t appear to have any parasites. We check the teeth, open the mouth, and look for tumors in the mouth. We make sure that her teeth are clean and that there are no holes or broken teeth. We check the ears by using an otoscope. Mercedes’ ears are just fine.

When a pet comes in, want to know if they have fleas. We look for flea dirt and use a flea comb. Mercedes doesn’t have any fleas because she’s on Frontline for cats. In an animal hospital, it’s easy for her to pick up fleas when other pets or strays come in that have had fleas. Thus, we have to keep protecting her against that.

The next thing that we look for are the lymph nodes on the various areas of the body. We check under the chin to make sure that her thyroid gland is ok and not enlarged. We look for lumps as well. It’s easier to check the heart and lungs after Mercedes has stopped purring. It’s also important to check the abdomen for any possible abnormal growths. The final check is to look at the tail and rear end for any problems.

Mercedes appears to be just fine.

Once again, Mercedes has passed her annual physical exam. Thank you for watching.

Schedule an appointment online at www.HillchesterAH.com

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NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH! (Just joking).  Dr Hendrickson is going to perform a pet laser surgery demonstration on an………..apricot.

A Novapulse laser machine is today’s weapon of choice. It utilizes water, and an incision is made due to instantaneous vaporization of the tissue. A foot pedal activates the laser after the power settings are set. This laser apparatus comes equipped with a waveguide and laser tip for “incision precision”.

The power density of the laser can be adjusted in order to affect the depth of the incision. Heat generation reduction is possible with regards to minimizing the amount of charring and death of the tissue that is not associated with the incision. In addition, the laser energy seals the animal’s blood vessels, nerve endings, and lymphatics.

Benefits include the lack of your pet’s excessive bleeding, pain, and swelling.

Please contact us with any questions that you may have concerning the cost of Veterinary Laser Surgery.

Schedule an appointment online at www.HillchesterAH.com

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An in-house veterinary laboratory is crucial for the rapid need to diagnose conditions in your pet as opposed to sending out the materials for analysis.

Dr. Hendrickson uses a veterinary microscope and an incubator in order to process samples (blood, tissue, urine, fecal, etc.). This helps to detect the possible existence of veterinary parasites that may be found in your pet.

A CBC Analyzer can extend the process of your pet’s blood cell analysis by looking for problems such as feline leukemia and canine anemia.

Acute and chronic conditions involving veterinary blood chemistry can also be checked with different veterinary apparatus that looks at your pet’s kidney and liver functions. It can also be used to monitor protein levels in the blood as well as calcium levels in the blood.

Another veterinary machine performs blood gas analysis and determines electrolytes. Blood pH analysis as well as acid base analysis can be done using this particular veterinary device.

The supplemental procedure of staining blood films is also possible in our lab.

Please fill in the yellow form on the right for the cost of a heartworm test, the price of heartworm pills, and for the price of any other pet meds.

Schedule an appointment online at www.HillchesterAH.com

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Ultrasound machines have made their way into the list of important aspects of veterinary medicine.

Dr. Hendrickson is able to utilize this equipment for diagnosing conditions inside of a pet’s body. Abdomen and heart/cardiac explorations are examples of veterinary noninvasive evaluations that can be performed with ultrasound. He is also able to determine if discovered problems may require a biopsy for the pet.

The telemetry device comes in handy when there is a need to send images to specialists in the event of getting that all-important “second opinion”.

A video tape machine is used to record the procedures for future review.

Schedule an appointment online at www.HillchesterAH.com

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Pet Spay/Neutering via laser (using Hillchester Animal Hospital’s state-of-the-art Laser Technology) for surgery reduces the pain and trauma to your pet, improves recovery, and reduces the risk of infection.

5 Reasons To Spay/Neuter Your Pet:

1) Spay/Neutering may correct aggressive or bad behavior.

Dogs and cats are still wild animals at the DNA level. Evolution rewarded aggressive behavior by passing on that gene pool to the next generation. Therefore, the male of the species will instinctively mark its territory by urinating (usually on the new carpet). It will also fight anything that moves in order to mate. (I know that there is joke about men being like dogs in here somewhere, but Hillchester only does canine and feline neutering). Likewise, when your female canine or female feline goes into heat, you realize where the phrase “howling at the moon” came from.

2) Spay/Neutering may reduce the tendency for a pet to run away.

The “Call of the Wild” can have your pet looking for love in the wrong places. While this concept may make for great country western song lyrics, it can break your heart when a pet runs away. You may never see your pet again. You may never know what has happened to your pet.

3) Spay/Neutering eliminates certain cancers and diseases.

If the part is not there, it can’t get cancer. Ovarian and testicular cancer occurs in companion animals just like with humans.

4) Spay/Neutering prevents overpopulation & unwanted pets.

Unless you plan to go into the professional breeder business, there is no good business reason for allowing for the possibility of accidental pregnancies. The “Free Kittens to a Good Home” signs are cute, but the reality of where they end up can be very ugly.

5) Spay/Neutering enhances your pet’s good health.

Neutered pets are usually better companion animals, bond better with their owners, and have fewer injuries. Those “raging hormones” can cause a lot of pet health problems.

For the price of any Veterinary Medical Service, please submit the form to the right (including species and weight).

Schedule an appointment online at www.HillchesterAH.com

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The Department of Animal & Rabies Control, Cook County,* Illinois will be offering a $40 rebate for dog or cat spay/neuter costs during the month of February, 2010.

All around the country, animal health advocates are preparing to observe National Spay/Neuter Month during February. Likewise, the Cook County Department of Animal & Rabies Control is doing its part to help solve the Cook County domestic and feral pet overpopulation problem. Therefore, Cook County residents can have their dogs or cats spayed/neutered during the month of February and save $40 through their veterinarian.

How the Cook County Spay/Neuter $40 rebate program works:

Call Hillchester Hospital for Animals: 708-449-6300 www.HillchesterAH.com

Schedule an appointment in February.

Bring your cat or dog in for surgery. Limit is 2 pets per household.

Pay for the surgery, minus the $40 rebate(s) per spay/neuter surgery.

Hillchester Hospital for Animals (not you) will be paid the $40 rebate(s).

All pets must either receive a rabies vaccination and tag on the day of surgery or have a current rabies vaccination certificate and current Cook County tag in order to qualify for the program.

For a reprint of this notice, visit www.HillchesterAH.com and click on the “News” tab.  For more information about Laser Spay/Neuter Surgery at Hillchester Hospital for Animals, click on the “Veterinary Advice” tab.

*If you are not a resident of Cook County but otherwise eligible for this aforementioned $40 spay/neuter rebate, Hillchester Hospital for Animals will issue a $40 credit on your account that is to be applied to the next office visit.

For the price of spay/neuter laser surgery from Hillchester Animal Hospital, please submit the form to the right (including species and weight).

Cat versus Favorite Chair

Cat versus Favorite Chair

Kittens and Cats scratch (period).  In a purrfect world  (pun intended) ,  kittens and cats would scratch a $10 Cat Scratching Post instead of a $400 Favorite  Chair.  Also, if your cat  comes in contact with children, the cat may scratch a child’s face or arms just because the cat does not want to play.  Often in order to keep peace in the family, the decision comes down to  having the cat de-clawed or getting rid of the cat.   If you decide to have the cat declawed,  Cat Declaw Laser Surgery is less painful and heals quicker than old fashioned scalpel surgery.

For information on when to declaw a kitten,  the average cost of  declawing a kitten,  the average cost of  declawing a adult cat, please fill in the yellow request form at the right.

Why does our Veterinary Practice use Laser Surgery?

A surgical laser can offer several advantages to a scalpel. As it cuts, the laser automatically seals small blood vessels and nerve endings around the cut, which means less bleeding and less pain. Patients typically  experience a quicker return to their normal activities.

What age should a cat be declawed?

It’s best to declaw cats at a young age, about two to five months old. Younger cats tend to recover more quickly and adapt more easily to the loss of their claws.  However, if the decision comes down to  having the older cat de-clawed or getting rid of the older cat,  we recommend declawing.

What happens after cat declawing ?

Most declawed cats will resume normal activities, including performing scratching motions.  However, in the “Cat versus the $400 Favorite  Chair” fight, the $400 Favorite Chair will walk away without a scratch.

Cat declawing Laser Surgery may be the best compromise for all involved.

Schedule an appointment online at www.HillchesterAH.com

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Dog Gone Sick with the Flu?

Canine Diarrhea is a “Sick Dog  Symptom”.

Since canine diarrhea can cause  potentially deadly problems like dehydration, you should IMMEDIATELY get your pet pooch over to Hillchester Animal.  Diarrhea is a symptom.  Diarrhea is not a disease.   The causes of diarrhea can include canine flu, dog food poisoning, canine intestinal blockage, tapeworms, or a number of other causes. The sooner a veterinarian corrects theses causes of your dog’s diarrhea, the less your dog suffers and the less expensive the Veterinary treatments for diarrhea are.

For the price of diarrhea treatments  from Hillchester Animal Hospital, please submit the form to the right (including age, species, breed, and weight).

Can’t I just wait and see if my dog gets well?

By playing Animal Doctor, you are gambling with your pet’s health . Many mild cases of diarrhea can be resolved quickly with simple treatments.  Even diarrhea caused by mild illnesses may become fatal if treatment is not begun early enough to prevent severe fluid and nutrient losses.

Very serious “sick dog symptoms”.

If you observe vomiting and  bloody diarrhea, quick reading and schedule an appointment NOW for today or tomorrow during normal doctors’ hours.   (If you wait until 2 AM and go to a Veterinary  Emergency Room, your Veterinary Treatment costs skyrocket.)    Your dog may have eaten junk from the trash bin, spoiled food from the garbage can,  turkey bones,  roadkill, bird droppings,  raw chicken bones, a sock, dead birds, or a lot of chocolate. You can’t guess what your Dog Gone Best Friend Forever just ate or just caught. We can’t guess either and perform a series of tests that may include performing canine tapeworms tests,  pet ultrasounds , X  rays, or  blood tests for the N3H8 canine Flu.

However, even diarrhea caused by mild illnesses may become fatal if treatment is not begun early enough to prevent severe fluid and nutrient losses.

Schedule an appointment online at www.HillchesterAH.com

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For the price of putting a pet to sleep, please submit the form to the right (including species and weight).

A  pet owner has  the responsibility for the quality of their pet’s death.

The concept of “quality of a pet’s death” through pet euthanasia brings tears to our eyes and makes our heads spin with emotions. Our pets are family. Some times we actually like our pets better than some human family members.  However, pet euthanasia is a moral responsibility in cases of extreme illness or injury. Also economic, emotional, and space limitations or changes in lifestyle also may cause an responsible pet owner to consider euthanasia for their pet.

Perhaps the kindest thing you can do for a pet that is extremely ill or so severely injured that it will never be able to resume a life of good quality is to have your veterinarian induce its death quietly and humanely through euthanasia. Your decision to have your pet euthanatized is a serious one, and is seldom easy to make.

What should I do?

Your relationship with your pet is special, and you are responsible for your pet’s care and welfare. Eventually, many owners are faced with making life-or-death decisions for their pets. Such a decision may become necessary for the welfare of the pet and your family.

A decision concerning euthanasia may be one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make for your pet. Although a personal decision, it need not be a solitary one. Your veterinarian and your family and close friends can help you make the right decision. Consider not only what is best for your pet, but also what is best for you and your family. Quality of life is important for pets and people alike.

How will I know when?

If your pet can no longer experience the things it once enjoyed, cannot respond to you in its usual ways, or appears to be experiencing more pain than pleasure, you may need to consider euthanasia. Likewise, if your pet is terminally ill or critically injured, or if the financial or emotional cost of treatment is beyond your means, euthanasia may be a valid option.

Your veterinarian understands human attachment to pets, and can examine and evaluate your pet’s condition, estimate its chances for recovery, and discuss its potential disabilities and long-term problems. He or she can explain medical and surgical options and possible outcomes. Because your veterinarian cannot make the euthanasia decision for you, it is important that you fully understand your pet’s condition. If there is any part of the diagnosis or the implications for your pet’s future that you don’t understand, ask to have it explained again. Rarely will the situation require an immediate decision and usually you will have some time to review the facts before making one.

Once the decision for euthanasia has been made, you may wish to discuss the care of the remains of your pet’s body with your veterinarian and your family. Your veterinarian can provide information about burial, cremation, and other alternatives.

What if the animal is healthy?

Euthanasia might be necessary if a pet has become vicious, dangerous, or unmanageable. Some undesirable and abnormal behavior can be changed, so it is important to discuss these situations with your veterinarian.

Economic, emotional, and space limitations or changes in lifestyle also may cause an owner to consider euthanasia for their pet. Sometimes it is possible to find another home for the pet and that option should be pursued prior to opting for euthanasia. Euthanasia should be considered only when alternatives are not available.

How do I tell my family?

Family members usually are already aware of a pet’s problems. However, you should review with them the information you have received from your veterinarian. Long-term medical care can be a burden that you and your family may be unable to bear emotionally or financially, and this should be discussed openly and honestly. Encourage family members to express their thoughts and feelings. Even if you have reached a decision, it is important that family members, especially children, have their thoughts and feelings considered.

Children have special relationships with their pets. Excluding or protecting children from this decision-making process, because they are thought to be too young to understand may only complicate and prolong their grief process. Children respect straightforward, truthful, and simple answers. If they are prepared adequately, children usually are able to accept a pet’s death.

Will it be painless?

Euthanasia is most often accomplished for pets by injection of a death-inducing drug. Your veterinarian may administer a tranquilizer first to relax your pet. Following injection of the euthanasia drug, your pet will immediately become deeply and irreversibly unconscious. Death will be quick and painless.

How can I say goodbye?

The act of saying goodbye is an important step in managing the natural and healthy feelings of grief, sorrow, and loss. Your pet is an important part of your life and it is natural to feel you are losing a friend or companion, because you are.

Once the euthanasia decision has been made, you and other family members may want to say goodbye to your pet. A last evening with your pet at home or a visit to the pet at the hospital may be appropriate. Family members who want to be alone with the pet should be allowed to do so. Farewells are always difficult.

How can I face the loss?

After your pet has died, it is natural and normal to feel grief and sorrow. For some people, spending some time with the pet after euthanasia is helpful. The grieving process includes accepting the reality of your loss, accepting that the loss and accompanying feelings are painful, and adjusting to your new life that no longer includes your pet. By understanding the grieving process, you will be better prepared to manage your grief and to help others in the family who share this loss.

There are many stages of grief, but not everyone experiences them all or in the same order. Denial may begin when you first learn the seriousness of your pet’s illness or injuries. Often, the more sudden the death, the more difficult the loss is to accept.

Anger and guilt often follow denial. Your anger may be directed toward people you normally love and respect, including your family and your veterinarian. People coping with death will often say things that they do not really mean, perhaps hurting those whom they do not mean to hurt. You may blame yourself or others for not recognizing the illness earlier, for not doing something sooner, for not being able to afford other types of or further treatment, or for being careless and allowing the pet to be injured.

Depression You also may feel depressed. The tears flow, there are knots in your stomach, and you feel drained of all your energy. Day-to-day tasks can seem impossible to perform. Sometimes you may even ask yourself if you can go on without your pet. The answer is yes, but there are times when special assistance may be helpful in dealing with your loss.

Once you and your family come to terms with your feelings, you can begin to resolve and accept your pet’s death. When you have reached resolution and acceptance, the feelings of denial, anger, guilt, and depression may reappear. If this does happen, these feelings will usually be less intense, and with time will be replaced with fond memories.

Although the stages of grief apply fairly universally, grieving is always a personal process. Some people take longer than others to come to terms with denial, anger, guilt, and depression, and each loss is different. If you understand that these are normal reactions, you will be better prepared to cope with your own feelings and to help others face theirs. Family members should be reassured that sorrow and grief are normal and natural responses to death.

They may not understand

Sometimes well-meaning family and friends may not realize how important your pet was to you or the intensity of your grief. Comments they make may seem cruel and uncaring. Be honest with yourself and others about how you feel. If despair mounts, talk to someone who will listen to your feelings about the loss of your pet. Talk about your sorrow, but also about the fun times you and the pet spent together, the activities you enjoyed, and the memories that are meaningful.

I cannot forget

If you or a family member have great difficulty in accepting your pet’s death and cannot resolve feelings of grief and sorrow, you may want to discuss those feelings with a person who is trained to understand the grieving process, such as a grief counselor, clergyman, social worker, physician, or psychologist. Your veterinarian certainly understands the relationship you have lost and may be able to direct you to community resources, such as a support group or hot line.

Should I get another pet?

The death of a pet can upset you emotionally, especially when euthanasia is involved. Some people may feel they would never want another pet. For others, a new pet may help them recover from their loss more quickly. Just as grief is a personal experience, the decision of when, if ever, to bring a new pet into your home is also a personal one. If a family member is having difficulty accepting the pet’s death, getting a new animal before that person has resolved his or her grief may imply that the life of the deceased pet was unworthy of the grief that that is still being felt. Family members should agree on the appropriate time to acquire a new pet. Although you can never replace the pet you lost, you can obtain another one to share your life.

Remembering your pet

The period from birth to old age is much shorter for pets than for people. Death is part of the lifecycle. It cannot be avoided, but understanding and compassion can help you, your family, and your friends manage the grief associated with it. Try to recall and treasure the good times you spent with your pet. You may also wish to establish a memorial of some type or contribute to a charity in honor of your pet.

Schedule an appointment online at www.HillchesterAH.com

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