Dental Health Month

Murrayhill Veterinary Hospital
Dental Health Month

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Please join us as we celebrate National Pet Dental Health Month and our focus on
the importance of keeping your pets' teeth clean. Not only do clean teeth mean 
fresh breath but it also means a healthier pet. We encourage you to get involved
in National Pet Dental Health Month by bringing your pet in for a dental exam, 
purchase some great dental toys or treats, or better yet, schedule that dental
cleaning!

Periodontal disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats! 85% of dogs and
cats are afflicted by this disease and are vulnerable to the pain, bad breath and
tooth loss that can follow. These periodontal infections can spread to the heart, 
liver, lungs and kidneys, where they can do even more damage.


Please visit our website for more information on the importance of dental care for your pet
and also to see a step by step demonstration of our dental cleaning procedure with Arlo Gets
A Dental.

The Dental Health month special for February and March is $25 off a dental cleaning.

Offer Expires: March 31, 2009

This guy needs an angel. Could it be you?

Freddy is a charming, gorgeous, super friendly fellow who is feline leukemia positive. Feline leukemia is a viral disease that can remain dormant for many years, and indeed Freddy is completely happy and healthy now. However, it is transmissible to other cats via blood or saliva, so Freddy is looking for a home where he would be the only cat, as not to endanger another. If Freddy's disease did come out of dormancy, which it probably will eventually, it could act to suppress his immune system, or manifest as cancer or blood problems. We don't know how much time Freddy has - years and years, we hope - but he feels great now, and is looking for a very special loving home.

Question For the Doctor

Why does my dog eat poop? From J.

This question is asked more frequently than you might imagine. Poop eating (the technical term is copraphagia, occurs in all breeds and ages of dogs, and while it may be more common in puppies, not all dogs outgrow this rather disturbing habit.

Veterinarians and behavioralists have debated for years over what would make poop so attractive to some dogs, whether it be “kitty rocca”, “horse apples” or just the common dog poop. In truth, we don’t have the answers. While it may be linked to some diseases which affect the dog’s ability to digest nutrients, such as pancreatic diseases or intestinal disorders or even heavy intestinal parasite infestations; most cases are not a sign of illness. If your pet does engage in such behavior, it is important to have a veterinary checkup and annual wellness testing as the illnesses above can become serious if not treated. However, the majority of dogs seem to choose the behavior. It has been suggested that the habit can be learned from watching other dogs and that there does seem to be a link to dogs which are bored and are “acting out”. Because we don’t know specifically what causes or triggers this behavior in most dogs, achieving a “cure” can be frustrating. If your dog is eating his own or a housemates feces, there are products such as “Forbid” which you sprinkle on their food, which is supposed to make the poop taste bad (what did it taste like before?). Make sure your dog is getting plenty of exercise and is provided a stimulating environment. Feed a premium balanced diet developed for dogs and keep fresh water available at all times. Many monthly heartworm preventatives available at your veterinarians, such as Sentinel, also cover for intestinal parasites. In the end, the best way to prevent the behavior is the old-fashioned pooper scooper; they can’t eat it if they can’t find it! Hope this has answered some of your questions. Hang in there, one of my own “six pack” of dogs is a chronic offender, so I can sympathize J.

Dr. Deborah Miller, DVM

Rosie Short - Reformed Poop Eater

www.murrayhillvethospital.com

Happy Holidays from MHVH!

Hello and welcome to the new Murrayhill Veterinary Hospital blog! We are very excited about this new way to communicate with friends, family, clients, and animal lovers everywhere! Please check back often as we will be posting interesting pet stories, what's going on here at MHVH, and a regular "Questions to the Doctor" feature.

MHVH is currently gearing up for the holiday season. We have once again partnered with the PVMA (Portland Veterinary Medical Association) and are participating in their annual Holiday Pet Supply Drive. We are accepting donations of food (both canned and dry) and other new or gently used items such as blankets, beds, toys, leashes, and collars. These items will be distributed to local rescues and shelters. We have a donation bin set up in our lobby, so please stop by and give to a worthy cause!

We have a new kitten in our Rocky Carter Memorial Adoption Program!

Rocky (in Santa hat) opening a gift from MHVH.

Rocky Carter 1991-2007

Meet Spicy Meatball!
Striking a pose for the camera.

She is a 13 week old Torti named Spicy Meatball. She is very cute, energetic, and full of personality! Please stop by for a visit and to fill out an adoption application if you are interested in adding a new member to your family!

Playing some ball....she's a natural athlete.

www.murrayhillvethospital.com