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Welcome Kelly Baldy
 We want to welcome a new team family member. Kathy and
Scott Baldy traveled to Vietnam in July to pick up their newest adopted daughter, Kelly Hoa Baldy. She is three and half years old and is quickly settling in with her new family in the United States.
Inherited Disorders
All living things are made of cells. They are the basic unit of structure and function of all life. Without  cells, there is no life. Every bit of information necessary for life is stored within the DNA in each cell. The chromosomes within the cell carry the DNA. At precise locations on the chromosome are genes, the basic unit of heredity, which determine individual traits. At the time of conception, the offspring receive one-half of their genes from each parent and then mix them together to become a unique individual. However, mutations occur on the DNA constantly creating variations in the inherited genes. These mutations may be random or may be due to some environmental exposure. Some mutations may be neutral, some may benefit, some may harm.
In inherited disorders such as canine hip dysplasia, dog breeders must select dogs with no history of hip dysplasia (or minimal hip dysplasia) in their lineage. A good breeder will go back several generations in order to reduce the risk of this inherited disorder. All breeders should keep thorough records and do careful research when choosing which animals to breed. And, in turn, all pet buyers need to do their research. Understanding what inherited disorder is common or likely in the breed you are considering will help you in choosing a breeder from whom you will purchase your puppy or kitten.
Here are two websites, one for cat breeds and one for dogs, which we have found to be very complete in the depth of their information about breed-specific inherited disorders. The dog site is the Canine Inherited Disease Database from the University of Prince Edward Island in Canada. Click on “breeds” on the left side of the page then choose your specific breed of interest. The cat site is done by the Feline Advisory Bureau in England. The cat breeds are all listed on this first page.
Welcome Audra Hanthorn
We are pleased to welcome a new part-time employee. Audra Hanthorn came to Columbus from Toledo to study Veterinary Technology at Columbus State Community College. She is also working toward her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at the Ohio State University where she is president of the OSU Veterinary Technician Club. She also volunteers at Capital Area Humane Society. Audra lives in Columbus with her two dogs, Blue a five-year-old Italian Greyhound, and Riley a six-year-old Toy Fox Terrier. She and fiancé, Tim, are planning a wedding for next summer.
Congratulations Jordan!
Jordan Hockett, one of our client relations specialists, was married to Cody Hill on August 9, 2008 at the Trinity Episcopal church in downtown Columbus. They then enjoyed a week in Jamaica. Our very best wishes to Jordan and Cody.
Meet Kelly Dugan's pets
Hi, my name is Marley and I belong to Kelly, one of the newest staff members at East Hilliard Vet. I am now about 10 months old. I was found by Kelly, abandoned, alongside Davidson Rd here in Hilliard in October last year. I was approximately 2-3 weeks old and had been abused before being  abandoned. I was infested with maggots and had very little fur when Kelly found me. It was suspected that I was dunked in battery acid or something similar. I had holes punched through my feet and my tail was barely there. Thankfully, Kelly wanted to help me and took me to Capital Veterinary Emergency Center where I was cleaned up, had my tail amputated, and then sent home to heal with Kelly and her family.
In my new home I had many new brothers and sisters. Some human and some others including a cat like myself, Remmington, a very loving and caring Golden Retriever named Ginger, and a couple of feathered friends too. My human siblings, Kevin and Kourteney, gave me lots of attention and affection that helped me overcome the pain of my wounds. And with the constant feedings and wound care that Kelly gave me, I quickly became very accustomed to my new life. I captured their hearts as they did mine and I am very happy that they decided to keep me in their family.
Note: To see a healthy Marley, go to the staff page and view Kelly and Marley's photo.
Informative Video on Feline Kidney Disease
Cornell University has added a new video to its library on pet health care. This one is on kidney disease, a common problem in our senior cats.
Fun Facts
Just a few fun facts we found while we were researching the article on inherited disorders.
Cats have 38 chromosomes in each cell, or 19 pair
Dogs have 78 chromosomes in each cell, or 39 pair
Humans have 46 chromosomes in each cell, or 23 pair
Mosquitoes have 6 chromosomes in each cell, or 3 pair
Goldfish have 94 chromosomes in each cell, or 47 pair!
Parting Shot
Photo courtesy of Coreyann Photography
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