Pet's Vacation (A Dog's View)

Something's up. Everyone in my family is buzzing around, and there are suitcases coming out. They are getting ready to go somewhere, I can tell. What about me? Is anyone packing my stuff? I want a vacation too.

Yep, there are several of my favorite toys, and my special food is being packed. I'm having a vacation as well. Wonder where I'm going?

Hey! This is NEVH. All my friends are here. Help me with the door. Oh, is my tail wagging. Look at those smiling faces. They are really happy to see me. I've got all my stuff, I'm staying for a few days. Eva and Carol come to get me and my stuff and listen to all the special instructions my owners have. Everything gets written down. See, it takes a lot to keep me happy so pay close attention.

O.K. Good-bye folks, have a great time. I have to see who is here. Wow! Look at that. My favorite treat is waiting on my bed. This is service. They were expecting me, and they love me here. Upsy daisey onto the bed. Yep, I like that bed. It's comfy.

Time for a walk already? Eva, get my yellow ball, and let's play. Oh, boy! Oh, boy! We are off to play. I love to play fetch, and these folks never get tired. They have nothing to do but keep me happy. How great is that? Maybe my folks should move in here as well.

Rest time. I'm beat. That bed is going to feel so good. Everyone quiet, I want a nap. I'll just rest my head on my stuffed toy and have sweet dreams. Zzzzz......zzzz..

Sound Technology Ultrasound Training

Dr. Tony Fernandez spent the day at Northeast Veterinary Hospital instructing Dr. Carrie Cummings and me in abdominal ultrasound and echocardiology. It was a very rare opportunity to learn in our own personal space with our own ultrasound machine, the GE LogiQ Book.

We use ultrasound examination to look inside organs while x-rays show us their shape & size. Some diseases are diagnosed only by ultrasound; however, most diagnosis are based on a combination of physical exams, laboratory tests, ultrasound, and radiology.

This is our second ultrasound machine, and it is impressive. We purchased it in July 2003, and Kevin our Sound Technology representative keeps kidding about updating it soon. Now, medical equipment has to last longer that two years.

Mentoring Aspiring Veterinarians

Through the years I have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to be involved in numerous aspiring veterinarians' lives. Dave E. was the first. I met Dave at Pritchard's Island when the Veterinary Explorers Post travelled there to assist with the loggerhead turtle project. He was the marine biologist in charge of the island. Over the next few years, my family & I visited Dave quite often, and he spent time at our hospital as well. After many more years of study, Dave is now practicing veterinary medicine in South Carolina.

Mandy was one of those Explorers visiting Pritchards Island. She worked at Northeast Veterinary Hospital, and we like to think we helped her along her way. She now practices in Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

Next came Carrie and Allison, they worked with me during their undergraduate years at Piedmont College. Dr. Carrie Cummings is an accomplished doctor at Northeast Veterinary Hospital and an excellent diagnostician. Allison graduates from vet school in 2006.

Jennifer N. is taking her first year finals at St. Matthews College of Veterinary Medicine in the Cayman Islands. Hang in there Jennifer--only three more years!

This month Jennifer C. and Carole, two current employees, have both been accepted to veterinary college. They have an exciting future ahead of them. I enjoy sharing my profession with aspiring young veterinarians. It keeps me challenged, it keeps me young, and it keeps me on my toes.

Canine Parvo Enteritis

Parvo is a diagnosis that strikes fear into the hearts of puppy owners. And might I add, into the hearts of veterinarians and veterinary staff. It is an awful disease that can be prevented by timely vaccinations, good intestinal parasite control, and good puppy husbandry.

So why do we continue to see confirmed cases of Canine Parvo Enteritis? Maybe our lives are just too busy to follow the vaccination & worming schedule set up by the veterinarian. Maybe finances are a problem. I feel that procrastination is the reason we continue to see Parvo. No one wants their beloved puppy to get that sick so it is not intentional.

If you have a new puppy and are postponing that visit to the veterinarian. Do not gamble with your puppy's life. Pick up the phone, make an appointment, and get your puppy vaccinated today.
Our current Parvo patient is going home tomorrow. He is the third puppy we have treated for Parvo from this family. They procastinated three times.