Veterinary Chiropractic Tool

    What is Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation (VOM)?  VOM is a healing technique designed to repair and re-establish a healthy nervous system for animals. It uses a hand held device called an “activator” used by many human chiropractors on their patients. The activator used for VOM restores the body’s functions by reducing “subluxations” as in typical chiropractic care. Subluxations are misalignments of the bones. When this is present there is often a corresponding impingement of the nerves that situated in that area.

    When placed and “fired” over the spinous processes or the animal’s spine and other bones, the activator locates the part of the body that has fallen out of communication. By “firing” the activator, it reestablishes neural communication and therefore inducing healing.  As this process is repeated several times it releases endorphins thereby causing the animals to relax and enjoy the procedure. In addition to passing over the spinous processes the activator is also “fired” all the way down the spine on either side. This “opens up” any blockages in the nerve bundles located on either side of the spine. This allows better communication and function of the internal organs.

 

    On average, an improvement in the pet’s behavior is noticeable within one week after treatment. Most clients notice within a day or two of treatment that their pet is more energetic, moving better and acting more like themselves.

This can be performed by the following veterinarians at our practices:

• West Village Veterinary Hospital:
  • Dr. Lucy O’Byrne
  • Dr. Jill Elliot
  • Dr. Sarah McCready
• Tribeca Soho Animal Hospital:
  • Dr. Timnah Lee
• Battery Park Veterinary Hospital:
  • Dr. Charles Berk
• Seaport Animal Hospital:
  • Dr. Ruth Lee

   We are offering a free initial chiropractic treatment ($75 value) for your pet until 5/31/17.  

We recommend treating all young healthy animals at least three times (once a week for three weeks) and then yearly.For animals with any muscular skeletal problems we recommend treating for minimally once a week for three weeks. Skip a week then another treatment. Skip two weeks then another treatment. Follow up treatments every 3 to 6 months as needed.

   VOM was developed by Dr. William Inman, DVM in 1982. Dr. Inman is a veterinary neurologist who performed many surgeries on animals with severe spinal disease before developing the VOM technology.

 

 

 

 

 

It’s National Pet Poison Prevention Month

Precription for Pet Poison Prevention from Dr. Jeanne Klafin, Seaport Animal Hospital

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March is National Animal Poison Prevention Month, and this week is Pet Poison Prevention Week. Many common household items can cause serious illness to your pet cat or dog!

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), over-the-counter medications and human prescription medications are two of the most common toxins ingested by pets. Human foods such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic can also cause harm to our furry friends. Even gums, candies and sweeteners containing xylitol, an artificial sweetener, can have serious consequences if ingested by a dog or cat.

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Take action this week! Make sure that all human medications are secured in tamper-proof containers, and are stored in a safe place not accessible to pets, such as an eye-level locking cabinet. If your pets commonly rummage through your purse or bag, be sure to prevent them from eating gum or candy that may be lurking there.

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Did you know that most species of lilies can be fatally toxic to cats? Cats that ingest any part of the plant – even just the pollen – can be susceptible to life-threatening kidney failure. Check out ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control website for a complete list of toxic plants and other substances: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

PET DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

Patients will receive 10% off all dental procedures* and products: cleaning, radiographs, extractions, bonding,  Healthy Mouth, toothbrushes, toothpaste & CET chews.

*This does not include any of Dr. Martel’s dentistries, or any pre-operative work ups (exams, labwork, x-rays, echo, etc). This offer applies during the month of February only.

DO NOT DELAY!
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

Appointments are limited!

Here comes Santa Claus!

Ho! Ho! Ho! Don’t forget to come out to Battery Park Veterinary Hospital Tuesday evening for pictures with Santa from 5-7PM. All donations to benefit local rescue group Mighty Mutts & Ollie’s Place.

Fall Safety Tips for Pets

Notes on Autumn from Dr.  Kerry McLaughlin

With Contributions from Dr. Sarah McCready

1.  Candy: After Halloween has come and gone, there’s lots of extra candy around the house. Most people know that chocolate is toxic to dogs and can cause problems ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) to more severe signs such as arrhythmias, seizures and even death. Another less known toxin is xylitol which is an ingredient in sugar-free gum. Xylitol ingested in even very small amounts can lead to life threatening hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and liver toxicity. Make sure to keep your children’s Halloween candy up high and stowed out of reach from pets! If your pet does get into a toxin please call our office or you can always reach the Pet Poison Helpline after hours (1-800-213-6680,a one time fee applies).
2. Rodenticides: Now that the weather is cooling down, the rodents are seeking shelter indoors as well. If you or your neighbors are having pest problems, make sure to discuss the safety of rodenticide products with your exterminator. There are several different types of rodenticides and each can cause different life-threatening problems in pets.
3. Back to school: Fall means back to school and the return of school art projects. Most school supplies are generally non-toxic to pets but ingestion of foreign material could lead to an intestinal obstruction which can be life-threatening and require surgery. A less known danger is Gorilla Glue- this special adhesive is sweet to the taste so extra tempting to dogs, and once ingested it can foam and expand within the stomach and cause obstruction and bloat-like symptoms.
4. Disaster Preparedness: As we have seen and experienced, the end of October is peak hurricane season. Make sure to keep your pets prepared for a natural disaster by keeping them up to date on vaccines and make sure to have their leash, harness, or carriers easily available. Here are some more helpful emergency preparedness tips from the ASPCA: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness
5. Turkey Day: While we humans love to indulge during the holidays, we do NOT recommend feeding holiday table scraps to your furry friends! Cooked meat bones can splinter after being cooked and can cause major gastrointestinal issues for pets if they are ingested. Also, high fatty meals and foods they are not used to can lead to conditions like pancreatitis and gastroenteritis. Just stick to extra special pet treats if you want to let them join in on the fun!
   

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Fall is the perfect time of year to get out and about with your pet!  The cooler temperatures make it easier to exercise with your furry friend and enjoy the fall foliage. Here are some tips to keep your pet safe while you are on the go.

Flea/tick prevention: Although the weather is cooling down, fleas and ticks are still very much present during the fall months. Make sure to continue your pet’s flea/tick preventative ideally year-round but at minimum until the temperatures have reached freezing. If you are hiking with your pet, consider combining an oral tick preventative along with a topical for added protection. Ask your vet if you suspect your dog might have increased tick exposure.

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Apple and Pumpkin picking: Enjoy some apple cider and bring your pet with you! Small pieces of apple or pumpkin puree can also be a great treat for your pet (avoid the apple seeds ). If you are taking your dog or cat be sure to have proper identification on their collar and make sure their microchip information is up to date.

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Have fun and be safe this season!

Strut, Swagger & Slobber 2015

Bulldogs of New York – the largest bulldog meet-up group in the US with over 2,000 members – is proud to announce the Strut, Swagger & Slobber 2015 event. Downtown Veterinary Medical Hospitals, in association with: The Howard Hughes Corporation, Old Seaport Alliance, and The Salty Paw, help to host and hope to see you there!

Please join us on Saturday May 16, 2015 (from 11am-2pm) at Peck Slip, South Street Seaport, NYC for ‘Strut, Swagger & Slobber 2015’ – A Bulldogs of NY event. It will be an afternoon of fun, meeting, and watching your bulldog strut, swagger – and yes – slobber with other bulldogs at the South Street Seaport to raise funds for our area bulldog rescues: Mid Atlantic Bulldog Rescue and Bumper Bulldog Rescue.

Strut, Swagger & Slobber 2015 A Bulldogs of New York Event Saturday, May 16, 2015 11am-2pm at Peck Slip, South Street Seaport, New York City

Each year, many bulldogs are left abandoned and without basic care in our area. These smart, friendly, proud, and slobbery companions need our help in finding their ‘forever’ homes. All dog breeds are welcome to join us celebrating bulldogs, while raising funds for this valuable cause. The dogs will get the chance to mingle and play with other dogs, have photos taken, and participate in the Costume Parade! Owners will get local vet advice, see fashions made exclusively for bulldogs, and participate in the costume parade too! Our MC for the event is Celebrity Dog Trainer Travis Brorsen. All breeds are welcome in the costume parade – dig out the outfits now! The owners will have a chance to make generous donations to the bulldog rescues, “Kiss a Bully” in our Kissing Booth, mingle with other owners, swap dawg stories, experience a sea of loving bulldogs, and do some shopping for their furry friends at one of our vendor booths. The Old Seaport Alliance is gathering local support (participating Seaport restaurants, bars and shops) to offer all-day-long food and beverage specials in conjunction with the event. A portion of the tab will be donated to our bulldog rescue fundraiser. So eating and drinking in the neighborhood will add to our final total for the day! We hope you enjoy every aspect of the event and look forward to seeing you and your wonderful dogs. Non-dog owners are more than welcome too!

Follow the event on Twitter @bulldogsofny  Visit the Facebook page: Strut, Swagger and Slobber

See you and our Slobbery friends, Saturday May 16th, Struttin’ and Swaggerin’ about Seaport. The Doctors and Staff at Downtown Veterinary Medical Hospitals

CANINE INFLUENZA: IMPORTANT FACTS

As there have been more than 1000 diagnosed cases of Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) in the Midwest over the past month, the doctors and staff of Downtown Veterinary Medical Hospitals want to keep our clients informed about this extremely infectious and potentially deadly disease.

Canine influenza is a respiratory virus that was initially spread to dogs from horses (H3N8).  This current strain is new to the US and is thought to have originated in Asia (H3N2).

Who can be affected: Dogs who attend doggy day care, board at a kennel, go on walks with other dogs, or frequent the dog park are at an increased risk of exposure to this virus.

What to watch for: Your dog may become lethargic, develop a cough or nasal discharge, or show signs of a fever or poor appetite. Some dogs do not show clinical signs but are still capable of spreading the disease.  Cats can also show respiratory signs when exposed to this virus.

How to keep your dog safe: At this point, there are no confirmed cases of this strain of CIV in New York State. If your dog is a regular at doggy day care or the dog park, consider vaccination.  If your dog is immuno-compromised, we recommend limiting its exposure to other dogs during this time.

The canine influenza vaccine can help prevent infection or lessen the severity of symptoms if a pet is infected. It also helps prevent spread of the virus. The vaccine is given as a two-part series (initial vaccine and booster two-to-three weeks later).  It is not yet clear if the existing vaccine is effective against this new CIV strain (H3N2).

If you suspect your dog may have been exposed to another dog with respiratory illness or is showing signs of the virus please keep it separate from other dogs and call our office.

We are happy to answer any questions about CIV. Please speak with your veterinarian if you have further questions about CIV or any other pet health concerns.

You can also find additional information about canine influenza from the American Veterinary Medical Association here: https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/CanineInfluenza.aspx

Disaster Preparation for Animals

Hurricane Sandy and other unforeseen circumstances in recent years have taught us that we need to expect the unexpected. Natural disasters and other large scale tragedies have the potential to leave a wake of destruction in their path and potentially separate us from our beloved pets. Unfortunately, events such as these are completely out of our control. However, we can have a plan and be prepared for even the worst circumstances.

One of the most useful items for both you and your pet is a disaster supply kit. These items should be useful whether you are evacuated or sheltered in place. Ideally the kit should be in a waterproof container. The container should have three days to a week’s worth of food, medical records, vaccination history, a current photo of your pet, a leash or harness, a litter pan and litter, and plastic bags. Furthermore, you should include a flip top can or can opener. Try to replace the food in the kit on a regular basis so it doesn’t spoil. If your pet is on medication that needs to be refrigerated, be sure to insert a small ice pack into your kit. You can also keep identification tags in the bags with your pet’s name and the name/address of a friend or family member, in case you become separated from your pet.

If your pet doesn’t have a microchip, you may want to consider having one implanted. Microchip implantation can be done by means of a quick injection at the time of spay/neuter or during a routine visit. The chip which contains an encoded number is inserted through a needle between the shoulder blades. There is no anesthesia needed. After the chip is implanted it is essential to complete the appropriate registration forms. Your veterinarian can assist you with the paperwork to ensure that it’s done correctly. Most shelters and animal rescue organizations have microchip scanners which are used to read the numbers on the chip.  If you are separated from your animal due to a natural disaster, or because your pet has been evacuated to a holding area, you may have to show proof that you are the owner. Some animals are hard to identify from a photo or don’t have distinguished markings; the microchip number will be invaluable in the identification process.

The buddy system is a useful tool during any disaster.   In the event you are not home when disaster strikes, allowing your neighbor access to your home or apartment may save your pet’s life. This will allow them to remove your pet if necessary or be able to feed them if you will not be home for an extended period of time. You can also offer to do this for your neighbor if the opposite situation occurs.

If you need to evacuate, and your pets are allowed to stay with you, it may be helpful to bring their favorite blanket or toy. You should also contact local hotels or motels to inquire where you can go and if they allow pets. It is important to make a list of these locations and include their phone number. Also, if they do allow pets, make sure there is no number or size restriction. Animal shelters should only be used as a last resort due to limited space. It is also noteworthy to mention that FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) recommends that you do not wait for a formal evacuation order. If you wait until an evacuation is mandatory, you may not be able to bring your pets with you.

There are some situations in which your pets may not be permitted to stay with you. If you have no choice but to leave a pet at home or otherwise unattended, there are some important ways in which to prepare. The bathroom is typically the safest place to keep your pets in the event of a disaster. If you have a large dog you can fill the bathtub with water. For smaller dogs and cats, you can allow the faucet to drip into a small container that will not spill. If your dog normally wears a chain-link collar it is advisable to switch to leather or nylon. It is also recommended that you leave a two to three day supply of dry food in a sturdy container. Please make sure not to moisten the food.

If you will be leaving your cat alone for a short period, it is recommended that you have a cat carrier which is large enough to fit a shoe-box sized litter box, a food dish, and water. Your cat should also be able to sit up and lie down comfortably.   Please make sure that the carrier is not left in the sun and there is sufficient ventilation. This also applies to many of the smaller pocket pets. Make sure to prepare their carriers, food, water, and appropriate bedding.

Hurricane Katrina, Sandy, and 9/11 taught us some valuable lessons. Although we can’t predict when disaster may strike we can always be prepared. Our pets are part of our families and we have a responsibility to keep them safe.  

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  Dr. Julie K. Jones

West Village Veterinary Hospital- Associate Veterinarian

Battery Park Community Emergency Response Team (FEMA trained)

Adoption Event, April 11th!

Make a difference in the life of an animal in need. Meet your new best friend, this Saturday @Tribeca Soho Animal Hospital.

Mobile Adoption Event, @Tribeca Soho Animal Hospital: Saturday, April 11, 2015; 12PM-4PM.5 Lispenard St. New York, NY 10013

Join us for a free evening of Canine Cardio with the D Pet Chelsea Hotel!

Check us out: Tuesday, January 20th
From 4:30 – 7:30 PM
D Pet Hotels Chelsea
Encourage your pets to stay on track in the new year and keep those new year’s resolutions of health and fitness!