San Antonio Tail Mail

 July  2008

 
Mac's Mews ( our housecat)

Not long ago we began offering a test for dogs to determine their "breed mix".  To me a cat is a cat and a dog is a pampered slave to the human world.  Dogs just haven't figured out that even if  you ignore your human captors, they'll continue to feed and dote on you!

Humans love to know what their dog's lineage is.  They can look at a dog and guess that it's got Rottweiler in it because of it's coloring or maybe Basset Hound because of it's short legs and long ears.  There is a DNA test that identifies more than 130 AKC recognized breeds and it allows veterinarians to answer one of the most frequently asked questions, "what's in my dog's breed mix?" 

Bandit was tested, can you guess what he's mixed with? (answer under my name)  To have your dog tested, call our office for this blood test.  Results take 4-6 weeks to come back. 

Until next month........

Mac   

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(Bandit has a significant amount of Basset Hound and lesser amounts of both German Shepherd and Siberian Husky.

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Is Your Pet Hurricane Prepared?  Microchip Now!!

 What is a microchip?  The microchip is a tiny computer chip, about the size of a grain of rice, programmed with an identification number.  The chip is enclosed in biocompatible glass and is small enough to fit into a hypodermic needle.  Once an animal is injected with a chip, it can be identified throughout its life with this one-of-a-kind number.  

What's the benefit of microchipping my pet?  Microchips are permanent and can't be lost, altered or destroyed.  Pet owners have been reunited with chipped pets that have been missing for years or that have traveled thousands of miles. 

How does microchip identification work?  A special scanner is used to send a radio signal to the chip to read the identification number. The pet feels nothing when the scanner is placed over it.  The number is displayed on the scanner and the person reading it can contact a national registry to find out who the pet belongs to. 

How is the microchip implanted?  Microchips are implanted with a needle beneath the skin between the shoulder blades.  They can't be felt or seen. 

How long does the microchip last?  The microchip has no power supply, battery or moving parts and is designed to last the life of the pet.  Once injected, the microchip is anchored in place as a thin layer of connective tissue forms around it.  It requires no care and will not pass through or out of the body. 

Does implanting the microchip hurt my pet?  Most pets react the same way to this shot as they do to any other.  This microchip contains nothing that will burn or irritate tissue; it's completely biocompatible. 

Does my pet have to be sedated to be implanted with a microchip?  No.  Injecting the microchip is just like any other injection or vaccination. 

Could my pet be allergic to the microchip?  The microchip is inert, smooth, nontoxic and non-allergenic.  Microchip companies say there is virtually no chance of the body developing an allergy or trying to reject the microchip. 

If a veterinary clinic or animal shelter find my pet, how will they know who to call?  Animals shelters and veterinarians are finding chips in more and more pets.  They are aware of the national registries and routinely contact them to obtain information regarding the pet. They then contact the owners to advise them their pet has been found.   

How do I update the information in the registration?  After your pet is chipped, we register your pet with information you provide to us.  Remember to update that information whenever you change your address or telephone number.  

Get your pet prepared for hurricane season and prevent the heartbreak of possible separation during the storm!

San Antonio Animal Hospital is offering a microchip special through July 31st.  Chip your pet, including registration in the national database for only $25.   ($9.00 off our regular price)

Call today for your appointment.  (352) 588-2132

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A Message From Dr. Mattox

School is out and children are home playing in the back yard.  Protect your pets, yourself and your family by being aware of the dangers of rabies. 

Explain to your children the importance of avoiding contact with wild and stray animals.  Never attempt to feed or handle any wild animals. 

Keep your pets safe by vaccinating them.  Confine your pets to your property.  Pets that are allowed to roam are at higher risk for rabies exposure and infection. 

Rabies is mainly spread through bites from infected animals.  The disease can be spread in other ways too.  For example, rabies can be passed by scratches. 

The most commonly affected wild animals include:  raccoons, skunks, bates and foxes.  Call your veterinarian and local animal control agency if your pet is bitten or scratched by a wild animal. 

Remember, your unvaccinated pet could become a threat to your family.  Be sure your pet has a current rabies vaccination. 

Do you know what to do if you're bitten by a wild animal?  Wash the wound thoroughly with warm, soapy water.  Call your local animal control authorities at once!  Call your physician or go to your local hospital emergency room. 

If you notice strange behavior in a wild animal: daytime activity in animals that are normally active at night, staggering, drooling, convulsions or frothing at the mouth, report your sightings to your local animal control authorities immediately.  Do not approach the animal or try to capture it.  

Information on rabies for kids can be found at:  www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/kidsrabies

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32347 State Road 52              San Antonio, Florida             (352) 588-2132