December 2004
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OraVet^TM
For many years there has been a need for an effective and easy to use oral healthcare system. Merial, manufacturer of a wide line of veterinary products, has introduced a new product we are very excited about. OraVet^TM is the first clinically proven plaque prevention system. It is a dental barrier sealant and a plaque prevention gel that significantly reduces the formation of plaque and tartar on the teeth.

It has been shown that by the age of three years, 80% of dogs and cats have some degree of periodontal disease. This accumulation of tartar is the cause of bad breath and oral discomfort, and if left untreated, will result in oral infections and tooth loss, and finally, damage to the patient’s heart, liver, and/or kidneys. This domino effect of the accumulation of plaque on our pet’s teeth actually reduces the length of their life by as much as five years! But tartar formation can be prevented, and prevention of disease is always healthier and more comfortable for our patients.

OraVet^TM is applied only once a week and is odorless, tasteless, and invisible once it is applied. It is compatible with tooth brushing, dental diets, and dental chews which, until now, have been our only choices for plaque and tartar control. Ask your veterinarian about OraVet^TM today.

We sure had a great time at our first ever Howl-o-ween Pet Costume Party! (Click links for photos.)

Here is a list of our winners:

Costume Contest
• Exotic Category – Pearl Portugal
• Canine Category (a tie) – Darby Bowers as Harry Potter, and Buckeye and Allie
• Moore as Robin Hood and Maid Marian.
Tail Wagging Contest – Allie King
Pick-a-Treat – Avery King
Best Pumpkin Design – Stephanie Pepper
Door Prizes
• Large Stuffed Clifford - Valerie Lacey
• Athletic Bags (with a few goodies inside) from Doctor’s Hospital – Lynn Bowers and Christine Briani
Raffle Baskets
• Dog Basket – Jeff King
• Cat Basket – Laurie Hawkins
• Dog Talk training class certificate – Carol Cross

We’re sorry we aren’t able to include a photo of every pet that attended. We were thrilled to see the great turnout and the high degree of creativity in the costumes.

We also want to thank our sponsors for donating all the wonderful prizes and food.

• Avery Rd. Florist
• Cheryl’s Doggy Daycare
• Cottage Inn
• Doctor’s Hospital – Ohio Health
• Dog Talk Training
• Heidi’s Homemade
• Heska
• Hill’s Pet Nutrition
• Innovative Veterinary Diets
• Merial
• Midwest Veterinary Supply
• Pfizer Animal Health
• Starbucks
• The Butler Company
• The Staff of East Hilliard Veterinary Services
• Vetpo Distributors
• Virbac

Hedgehog name
We are pleased to announce that Rita Miller’s baby hedgehog will, from now on, be known as Widget (or Widgie, as we have heard Rita call her). The name was submitted by Kelly McCafferty. Kelly received a gift card for Pet Smart for $25.00.

Weight Management Champions
A weight lost of 2.8 lbs may not sound like a lot, but to Emma Dise, who went from 14.5 to 11.7 lbs, it meant a whole lot. That is a loss of nearly 20% of her body weight (equivalent to a 200 lb person dropping 40 lbs)! Emma and her family attained quite a goal and deserve a big pat on the back!

Bennett Drenten began his weight loss program at 46.3 lbs in November of 2003. Aside from his increased weight, his only health problem was occasional seizures. He made the switch to the reduced-calorie diet very easily, and really enjoyed his regular walks with his owner. In October of this year he weighed 36.9 lbs (nearly 25% of his body weight). His owners report that Bennett’s occasional seizures have ceased. Excessive weight affects many systems in our pet’s bodies. Sometimes the improvements aren’t as outwardly noticeable as others. Great job Drenten family!

In March of this year Keighla McClelland tipped the scale at 112 lbs and was having a lot of joint problems. As a ten year old Golden Retriever, a breed which is predisposed to orthopedic problems, Keighla definitely had to lose weight. At her weigh-in in November she stood at 83.3 lbs. She still needs to use medication to help her joint problems but her owners report she is much more comfortable since her weight loss. Way to go Keighla and family!

In November 2003 Holly Liston weighed 48.1 lbs. The veterinarian recommended beginning a weight loss program. Holly seemed to be hungry all the time and her weight loss was slow and frustrating for her family. One of the “tricks” the doctor told Mrs. Liston about was to add some green beans to each of Holly’s meals to add bulk without adding many calories. That helped Holly to be less hungry between meals and her weight loss went well. In November of this year she was down to a much healthier 37.5#. We know it was hard, but it was well worth the effort. Congratulations!

From the Desk of Einstein
First I’d like to report that my friend Nya has been adopted. She showed a special affection for one of our clients, Donald Bostwick. Every time he came in she was right there wanting to be paid attention to. Although he and his wife, Margaret, already had one dog and one cat and will soon be adding a new baby to the household, they decided to take her home. Last I heard she was settling in nicely. Other than her fondness for opening bags of pet food and allowing me to share the bounty, I can’t say that I really miss her.

Every year about this time we like to remind everyone about the pet hazards of Christmas. The decorations are like “toyland” to dogs and cats. Tinsel, ribbon, “icicles” that decorate the tree, and the string in the popcorn garlands are very hazardous to pets. Practically every year the doctors here have to do at least one foreign body removal surgery at Christmas time. Not really the way you planned to spend the Christmas holidays is it? Be very careful with all the special delicacies of the season too – no turkey meat or bones, no pork products, no chocolate – all very hazardous to our health. Pancreatitis is all too common this time of year. Try to keep your pet on their regular diet only. And last, watch your pets around seasonal plants. English holly, mistletoe, and poinsettia should all be considered hazardous. If your pet chews on any of these, call your veterinarian immediately.

Thank You!
The Doctors and Staff of East Hilliard Vet Services would like to take this moment to thank you for making it possible for us to provide quality medical care to your pets. New patients are always welcome and we consider your referral our highest compliment.

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