Birds and bloodwork

Why does my bird need to have bloodwork? This is a question we often encounter from some of our clients when we suggest a blood screening, and it is a reasonable question.

Birds are unique animals. They require a lot of care and attention both at home and in a veterinary clinic. When a bird is in the wild, it hides signs of illness for as long as possible to protect against predators and also to blend in with its flock. Birds in captivity have similar behavior. If your pet bird is sick, he or she has probably been sick for a while. Routine blood screening allows us to detect diseases early on before your bird starts showing symptoms. And the sooner we are able to identify an illness through blood testing, the sooner we can control or cure it. Don't wait until it's too late!

What's included in annual bloodwork?

Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC)
Chemistry Panel
Triglycerides

CBC
We learn information about your bird by monitoring the red and white cells, and platelets. By doing this, we are able to detect signs of infection, cancer, anemia, and much more.

Chemistry Panel
This helps us get an idea of how the organs are functioning inside your bird. Although an organ appears healthy on an x-ray, this doesn't always mean it is functioning normally. This is why we recommend pairing bloodwork with x-rays to get the best results and confidence that your bird is indeed healthy.

Triglycerides
This is a type of fat found in the body and when elevated, it could indicate dietary imbalances, liver disease or even reproductive problems. Most issues in birds are a result of poor diet, which usually consists of fatty foods.

X-rays+3 types of bloodwork=confidence in your bird's health

Our Avian veterinarians are trained to draw blood from all types and sizes of birds, and our technicians are skilled in bird handling. Be assured that your bird is in safe hands.

Make a resolution this year to give the best care possible to your little feathered friend!

We love Tracy Aviary!

What many may or may not know about Dr. Folland is his involvement with Tracy Aviary. For over 20 years, he takes the weekly drive into Salt Lake City to treat numerous birds in the area south of Liberty Park. We have a special place in our hearts for the Aviary and its many programs, events, shows, education and conservation efforts.

Most of the birds at Tracy Aviary sustained injuries in the wild and now after being rehabilitated, play a huge role in educating people about conservation and protecting wildlife and habitats. Some of the resident birds include bald and golden eagles, tropical birds, owls and the infamous Andean Condor, Andy.

Throughout the years, our clinic has seen and helped the birds of the Aviary, whether it's the angry hornbill, the sweet owl or the magnificent eagles. We support the efforts of the Aviary and its programs. Nature in the City is one of the many wonderful programs that helps children and people of the community get outside and explore nature in their backyards.

There are many opportunities to get involved with Tracy Aviary. They always take donations, including the option to adopt a bird (not to take home) and provide it with food, toys and other necessities. There are also many volunteer opportunities for all ages and groups.

If you haven't experienced the Aviary, we highly recommend you take advantage of what it has to offer. You aren't simply watching birds, but learning about how you can help endangered species in the wild. We have the responsibility to protect nature and its beauty.

Thank you, Tracy Aviary!

Xylitol and Peanut Butter

Please be extra careful when feeding your dog peanut butter.

Do not let your dog do this!

Although peanut butter is a good way to disguise medication, and a yummy treat for your dog, it can contain a dangerous ingredient that could cause death: Xylitol.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free foods such as gum, toothpaste, mouth wash, candy, peanut and nut butters, etc. If a dog ingests it, there can be serious problems, just like there can be issues if a dog eats chocolate. So make sure you add Xylitol next to chocolate on your list of things dogs can't eat.

Please be extremely careful when using peanut butter as a treat. ALWAYS check the label for Xylitol before giving it to your dog. The safest way of avoiding an issue is to avoid peanut butter altogether, but if you do let your dog snack on peanut butter, double check the ingredients.                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                          
Symptoms of Xylitol poisoning:

• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Lack of coordination
• Depression/lethargy
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Coma

If your dog does ingest peanut butter with Xylitol, immediately contact us or the Animal ER.

Visit the Pet Poison Helpline for more information.

Your Snake's Habitat

So, you have a new snake? Did you know that one of the most important things for a healthy snake is a proper habitat?

We often encounter snakes that come in with health concerns (burns, respiratory issues, difficulty with shedding, etc.) that are related to their housing. Snakes are wonderful animals, but realize that they have specific needs to be healthy and happy. By providing your snake with the best care you possibly can, you will have one grateful reptile!

Cage

It is important to obtain a cage that is the correct size for your snake. The dimensions are as follows:

Length=snake's body length
Width=half the snake's length

Temperature

One issue that causes health problems and can be easily remedied is the temperature of your snake's cage. The temperature varies depending on the type of snake you have. Here are the correct temperatures for the most common snakes:

Ball Python

Ball Python
Basking spot: 83-85℉
Cool end: 80℉





Corn Snakes
Basking area: 88-90℉
Cool end: 72-80℉

Corn Snake

Dumeril's Boa

Boas
Basking area: 85-90℉
Cool end: 80℉

*Some species of boa, such as the Dumeril's boas, should not be exposed to temperatures above 85℉. The Kenyan sand boa needs a basking area of 95℉*
Ask one of veterinarians about the temperature needs of your specific snake.

Humidity

Ball Python
Enclosure should be 60-70%                                        

Humidity Box

Corn Snakes
Enclosure should be 30-40%

Boas
Enclosure should be 60-70%
*Some species vary*

To keep enclosure humid:

• Mist cage (not animal) 1-2 times a day
• Provide humidity box
• Repti-Fogger with humidity controller

These are just a few of the requirements to get you started. We recommend visiting one of our exotic veterinarians for more tips. They are more than happy to provide you with the most current and accurate information about snakes and answer your questions.

The Loving A.R.M.S. Fund

If you've been to our clinic before, you may have seen this jar sitting at the front desk. The Loving A.R.M.S. (Animals Requiring Medical Services) Fund was started by PCVC to aid animals and their owners, who do not have significant funds to pay for veterinary expenses, and give them a second chance at life.

Throughout the lifetime of our fund we have helped a kitten who was seriously burned, saved an egg-bound snake, and provided emergency surgeries to pets who may not have survived without the fund.

All donations for our fund come from our generous clients. Our hope is that every animal can have a long, healthy life. However, sometimes unexpected events occur, and pets become injured or sick. If their owners are unable to afford the medical expenses, there may be no other option but to have the pets euthanized.

Due to the costs associated with veterinary care, we depend on our fund to help those animals and their owners who do not have the financial means to pay for services (surgeries, treatments, medications, etc.). The more money we receive for our fund, the more animals we can give second chances.

We accept cash and cards. Cash can go right into the jar on our desk. If you would like to leave a donation with your credit card, just tell one of our receptionists that you'd like to make a donation to The Loving A.R.M.S. Fund.

Beware of Internet Pharmacies

When obtaining medication for your pet, you may think that since you can purchase almost anything on the internet, the same goes for medication. This is a dangerous idea! Medication can come from anywhere, even a  dark basement thousands of miles from your home. Please allow us to share the dangers of internet pharmacies.

Online pharmacies may provide a convenient and cheap way to purchase medications, but they are risky. There is no way to track where a majority of these medications come from. We have heard of instances where medications available online were developed oversees and contained harmful materials. Be advised that products not purchased through your veterinarian do not carry the manufacturer's promise to be held accountable if your pet has adverse reactions or dies by using the products. This means that all medications you purchase through your veterinarian are backed up by the manufacturer and if something happens, they take full responsibility.

According to the FDA, only 3% of internet pharmacies follow state and federal guidelines.

Most internet pharmacies:

• Are fraudulent
• Sell contaminated drugs
• Sell drugs past their expiration date
• Sell drugs that contain no active ingredients
• Sell drugs with ingredients such as arsenic and/or rat poison
• Sell drugs that contain ingredients that may interact with current medications
• Purchase drugs from counterfeiters or gray market wholesalers
• Have computer viruses
• Sell your personal and financial information to other rogue websites or internet scammers

Never purchase from an online pharmacy if they don't require a written prescription from a doctor or claim they have an onsite doctor who can write a prescription after a brief survey.

Only purchase medications if the pharmacy is a member of NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacies).

If you decide to purchase medications online, only order from a site that is VIPPS-accredited pharmacy (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites).

Honestly, the safest and surest way to get what your pet needs is to purchase medications from your veterinarian. You save yourself the hassle of finding an internet pharmacy that follows FDA guidelines and is accredited.

For more information, visit:

www.fda.gov/besaferx
www.fda.gove/buyonline
www.nabp.net

Confessions of a teenage canine

Dear Master,

There is something important I need to tell you. That wet spot on your rug was not lemonade. I know there was a half empty pitcher of lemony goodness beside the small piece of carpet, but the fact is...I placed it there on purpose. When you left for the day, I snuck into the living room and lifted my leg about 90 degrees and...Well, I needed to cover up my crime so I opened the fridge, grabbed the pitcher, and staged my dirty deed.

I have some other confessions to make, and I might as well tell you them in this letter. Remember when there was a hole in your underwear and you thought it must have happened when you sat down too fast at your business meeting? It was me. All me and my thirsty teeth. I couldn't resist the opportunity to smell your undies as they were strewn about on your bedroom floor. Once I smelled them, it was all over--my teeth pierced the white fabric. Please forgive me.

Yesterday, I saw you examining a large hole in the backyard. When I heard you tell my mistress that you thought the neighborhood kid had been digging in the dirt with his shovel, I knew I was safe. But I felt guilty, like I always do (hence the letter I'm writing right now).

I have yet another confession. There was a fresh, hot pizza straight out of the oven sitting on the counter last weekend. It smelled so incredibly delicious. I paced back and forth in the kitchen, waiting for my mistress to leave. It was torture having to smell such a wonderful scent and not be able to sink my teeth into it. To my delight, the doorbell rang. My mistress hurried to answer the door. I waited a minute to hear who was at the door. Yes! It was Chatty Cathy. I knew they would be talking for hours. After double checking my ears that it was indeed Chatty Cathy, I quietly placed my paws on the counter and took a bite of the pizza. Ahhhhh! This tastes like something the gods would eat. I took a few more bites, and within minutes I had devoured the whole cheesy pie. I knew I was in trouble, so I ran through the doggy door and placed myself in my kennel and waited. But guess what happened? There was another pizza in the oven that looked like the same one I ate and my mistress' children took it out and placed it on the cooling rack while she was chatting it up with Cathy. After Cathy left, no one even noticed the missing pizza. In fact, there were five other pizzas besides the one I ate. They were fine without it. But I still feel a little bad.

So there you have it. I'm sorry, master. But I love you and will always greet you with a wagging tail and wet kisses when you come home from a hard day's work.

Sincerely,

Your Pup