Treating Chronic Ear Infections

Last week, a four-year old German Shepherd named Marco came in with chronically infected ears. His owners have been dealing with this problem since adopting him over a year ago. They had tried different types of cleaners and medications, but nothing seemed to work. Dr. Chau did an ear cytology as well as an ear culture & sensitivity, which revealed that several different kinds of bacteria were growing in Marco’s ears including E. coli, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. Marco was treated with antibiotics that are specific to his type of infection and a week later, his ears have greatly improved and he’s feeling much better! If your dog has been experiencing chronic ear problems or infections, make sure that you have an ear culture & sensitivity test done to determine which course of treatment will be most effective for your pet. There is not one all-inclusive, broad-spectrum antibiotic that can kill every kind of bacteria. Each one affects a few different types of bacteria, that is why it is so important to find out which bacteria is growing in order to effectively treat the infection and give your pet some much-needed relief!

Lost grey adult tabby cat around Katling Sq. South Riding

A neighbor alerted us to their missing cat and we offered to help spread the word. "Pandora" is an adult medium-sized grey tabby cat. Pandora was last seen August 12th. Pandora requires medication, so it is important he makes it home soon. Pandora lives on Katling Square which is in the south-east section of South Riding. Please email or call us if you have seen Pandora so we can get him to his owners.

Aaron Zeitlin, hospital manager
aaron_zeitlin@family-vet.com

Thank you for the compliment!

We cannot begin to thank Dr. Chau and the entire staff at Family Vet for taking such wonderful care of our dog" Riley". Riley is our nine-year-old yellow lab with a heart of gold. We take Riley to therapy at Family Vet two times a week, and he absolutely loves going there! Each and every visit we are immediately greeted with a big hello from the staff, and Riley just adores this- making him feel so special. If anyone is familiar with Labrador’s, you know they love the attention, and this is exactly what he gets! Riley's visits include anything from water treadmill, acupuncture, laser therapy, grooming, etc.. and the best thing is -it is all done under one roof!

We are so pleased with the progress Riley has made to date with his therapy,thanks to Dr. Chau and her wonderful staff. Each session they work closely with Riley helping him to achieve the maximum improvement he is capable of for that session. They continue to monitor his progress each session and provide us with daily updates-allowing us to determine his ongoing needs/goals.

I cannot imagine Riley getting better treatment anywhere else. We are so very blessed to have Riley in our lives, and we feel doubly blessed that we have Family Vet in our lives as well!

Fondly,

Lynne



We received this review from one of our clients today. Thank you for all of the wonderful comments. If you have any suggestions on how Family Veterinary Hospital of Stone Ridge can improve please let us know. We are pleased to serve the Loudoun, Fairfax, and Prince William County.


Thank you,

Vivian
Client Relations Manager
(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

Roundworms, Knowing and Preventing

Roundworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites to infect our four-legged friends. They develop from eggs into larvae and later into mature adult worms. And they live and grow inside the intestine of your pet!
Some pets have no symptoms of roundworms, but some do. Signs may include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, severe weight loss, and a distended belly. Extreme infestations in puppies and kittens can be fatal.
Dogs and cats can get roundworms at any age, but they are at a greater risk when they are very young. Pets born to mothers who have had roundworms at any time in the past can transmit them to baby. This can happen even if the mother tests negative for roundworm because roundworm larvae encyst in the mother’s muscle tissue and are not detected by tests for adult worms. Roundworms can also infect puppies and kittens via nursing. Roundworm larvae may be present in the mother’s mammary glands throughout the nursing period.
Ingesting roundworm eggs containing infective larvae infects our adult pets. The larvae hatch out in the pet's stomach and small intestine and travel through the muscle, liver, and lungs. The larvae then return back to the intestine to mature. When these worms begin to reproduce, new eggs will pass in the pet's stool.
Roundworms are contagious to people. Humans get roundworms through infected stool. Usually this is through contaminated soil, sand or plant life. Roundworms can produce a condition known as visceral larva migrans. The larvae may cause damage to tissue and nerves or even lodge in the eye causing permanent nerve or eye damage and sometimes blindness.
You can take steps to prevent roundworms from infecting your pet!
1. Have pups and kittens dewormed by the vet at an early age.
2. Stay on preventive drug programs that treat and control roundworms.
3. Keep play areas, lawns, and gardens around your home free of animal waste.
4. Have a fecal test performed on your pet annually.

Deciduous Teeth Extraction

Today we extracted some deciduous teeth from a one-year-old Maltese named Macy. (This is not her in the picture; it is only an example of what deciduous teeth can look like) Sometimes, permanent teeth do not force the baby teeth out causing both to grow out at the same site. This condition can cause the teeth to be misaligned and to grow in peculiar angles. Later, this can cause infections and abscess in the mouth. Please check your puppies and kittens teeth regularly and if you notice anything unusual contact your Veterinarian.



Vivian
Client Relations Manager
(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

Thunderstorms are normal in Loudoun, help your pet cope

Rain and occassional lightning and thunder are normal for Loudoun in the spring and fall. Help your pets learn to ignore these events, rather than have them suffering. This article on our website discusses how to immediately calm your pet if he or she is already sensitive to storms, and then consider reading some desensitization training techniques that will prepare the pet for the long term (thunderstorms, fireworks etc.). Pets can learn to sleep through storms, it's just takes patience and a plan.

Some of the immediate helpful hints:
* provide background sound to drown-out the thunder
* provide pets with lots of toys
* consider moving pet to a windowless room

You may need to create a userid on our website to access these, and thousands more pet-health articles. Registering takes just a few minutes, and can reduce the paperwork for your pet's next appointment with us.

Aaron, Hospital Manager
Family Veterinary Hospital
www.family-vet.com
703 327-8425

Mastitis

Today we saw “Billy”, a 2yr old domestic short hair female cat, along with her four kittens. She was first seen in our office on Friday for Mastitis. This is a bacterial infection of the mammary gland. Dr. Chau said she has really improvment in just a few days.

Thanks to Hart "Billy" is getting the care she needs and her kittens have a place to rest their heads. If you are looking to adopt a pet please check Hart's website.


Vivan
Client Relations Manager
(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

Has your pet been sneezing or coughing these last few days?

Grass pollen has been pretty high lately. The high temperatures may make us all think of the threats of dehydration, but Dr. Chau did a little research today based on the high number of coughing pets she's seen recently and noticed that grass pollen is reaching high levels. http://www.pollen.com/allergy-forecast.asp

As we noted in earlier posts, allergies are very common in pets. It's among the top 5 reasons pets are taken to vets. Like humans, pets can be allergy tested and then given shots that can alleviate their symptoms. The approaching rain is going to wash out some of the pollen, but already Sunday is looking to be the worst day of the week.

http://www.pollen.com/historic-pollen-levels.asp

Aaron
Family Veterinary Hospital of Stone Ridge
www.family-vet.com
703 327-8425

Dislocation of the Achilles Tendon

Ouch!  We had a young dog present today with lameness of the right rear limb, specifically, the hock (known as the "Achilles" bone in people).

 

On physical examination, there was moderate swelling and redness over the right hock and partial dislocation of the Achilles tendon to the middle.

 

The Achilles tendon in the dog is actually composed of multiple tendons, two of which being, the Superficial Digital Flexor tendon and the Gastrocnemius tendon.  These tendons are extensions of muscle of the hamstring and the calf muscle (also known as the gastronemius muscle).

 

The prognosis is good for recovery with surgical intervention, rest and leg support.  Laser therapy may also help alleviate clinical signs along with pain management (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories). 

 

Dr. Chau

Family Veterinary Hospital

 

Have you tried that new Mexican Place……. Margarita's?

Yes we have and it is AWESOME!!! We have tried their Enchiladas, salads, tacos, chicken (my personal favorite), and sandwiches. Everything has been fresh, hot and full of flavor. The staff is always very nice and friendly, and the place is always nice and clean. The only thing we have not tried yet is the Margaritas, so let us know if you’ve had one.


Vivian
Client Relations Manager
Family Veterinary Hospital
(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

Dr. Chau's article in I Am Modern Magazine

Dear user,

A user, Aaron would like to share this article / content with you. To visit this article / content, simply click on the following URL / URI:

Site: http://www.iammodern.com/preparing-your-pet-for-the-fall.html

P/S: This may be a restricted content which requires you to be registered on the site.

Sweet Dog Poem

I came a cross this poem today by a man called David the Dog Man. I thought it was very sweet, so I wanted to share it with everyone. Hope this brightens someone's day.


Vivian
Client Relations Manager
Family Veterinary Hospital
(703)327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com



When God made

When God had made the Earth and sky,
The flowers and the trees,
He then made all the animals
And all the birds and bees.
And when his work was finished,
Not one was quite the same.
He said, 'I'll walk this earth of mine,
And give each one a name,'
And so he travelled land and sea,
And everywhere he went,
A little creature followed Him
Until his strength was spent.
And when all were named upon the Earth,
And in the sky and sea,
The little creature said,'Dear Lord,
There's not one left for me!'
The Father smiled and softly said:
'I've left you till the end.
I've turned my own name back to front,
And called you DOG, my friend.'

What a great compliment!

We received the following email review from our client Sarah G. who said we could repost it. We also have great reviews on Google, Yelp and AngiesList. We appreciate every review from our clients. Please keep them coming and we'll keep listening!:

From Sarah:
I am really glad that I found the Family Veterinary Hospital after our last vet left the area.


Dr. Chau and her team are wonderful and have looked after our animals with dedication and absolute professionalism. I like the fact that Family Veterinary Hospital is a one stop shop. As well as normal veterinary services, my pets can have an ultrasound or laser treatment, an acupuncture session and a swim in the rehab pool - all under one roof. I find that is much less stressful for the animals and it also keeps costs down considerably.


Veterinary expenses can add up but, when I ask for it, I always get a breakdown of treatment costs so I know exactly what I am going to be charged for which I really appreciate.


I find that when I talk to people in the waiting room that they seem to come from all over northern virginia to see Dr. Chau and they are happy to make the journey because it is well worth it. Dr. Chau is an outstanding vet and a very fine person.


I highly recommend Family Veterinary Hospital.

Sarah G.

Heartworms

Heartworms are a parasitic worm (Dirofilaria immitis) that spread from host to host through the bites of mosquitoes. The Mosquito transfers larvae from an infected dog to your pet and once the larvae develop into a worm it will live in their heart or lungs.

Signs of a heartworm infestation can be mild at first, but it can be easily diagnosed by a simple blood draw. You should have this done once a year. Prevention is the key to keeping your pets Heartworm free (you can order these on-line directly from us). Products such as Interceptor and HeartGuard help to protect your pet. If you notice a mild or persistent cough, reduced appetite, weight loss or any tiredness after moderate exercise you should call us immediately.


Vivian
Client Relations Manager

(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152


http://www.family-vet.com/
appointments@family-vet.com

Holly's Home!!!!

We were all very happy to hear that Holly was returned to her family yesterday! She is doing well and seems to have even made some new friends. Welcome Home Holly!!!

TIGER'S HOME!!!!!!!!

We are very happy that Tiger was found over the weekend, but not as happy as her family. However, Holly has still not been found so please if you have any information contact us. Her family really misses her.


Vivian
Client Relations Manager
Family Veterinary Hospital
24650 South Point Dr Ste. 140
Chantilly, VA 2015

(703)327-8425

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

Have you Seen Holly?

Last seen: Tuesday, July 6 in Stone Ridge

If found, please call
985-710-0407 or call Family Veterinary Hospital at 703-327-8425
to reunite Holly with her family

Lost Cat

One of our clients came in today and was very upset about her cat Tiger getting out of the house on the fourth of July. If anyone has seen her please call.

Did you party like an animal for the fourth?

We hope that everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July holiday weekend. Check out one of our favorite pets Riley. Sure looks like he had a blast!

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

(703)327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste140
Chantilly, VA 20152

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

How do you brush a cat's teeth?

Did you know that 7 out of 10 cats will show signs of dental disease by the time they are three? You can beat the odds by brushing your pet’s teeth. Check out this video and find out how.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager
(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

Protecting your dog when it’s hot.

It’s summer time!! Time to hit the beachs and the parks to enjoy some out door fun with your four legged family members. Just remember before heading out to make provisions for your pet. Make sure that you have cool water available and a shady place for “Fido” to lay. NEVER leave your pet alone in a car!! This is against the law in most states. Avoid going out during peak heat hours. This is unually between 10AM- 4PM. Apply sunscreen to areas that have little or no fur, especially there nose were they are prone to sunburn. Always watch for signs of heat stroke. Some of the symptoms are heavy panting, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea and unconsciousness. If your pet experiences any of these symptoms get him to your Veterinarian immediately. Rember these helpful tips and summer will be fun for everyone.


Vivian
Client Relations Manager
(703)327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

www.family-vet.com

appointments@family-vet.com

What should I look for in a Veterinarian?

The love we have for our animals is priceless, unless you are at the Veterinarians office. I often get calls from people inquiring about the prices for Exams and Vaccines,(As always we are happy to provide estimates to all of our clients) but I wonder if that is how they choose their Family’s Veterinarian. Cost is just one of the many things you should look at. You should also look for someone who knows that your pets are part of your family. Look for someone with compassion and who is knowledgeable. Check out their credentials and see if your vet knows knows about the latest technologies and alternative medicines. Is the facility clean, comfortable and organized? Ask if X-rays, ultrasound, bloodwork, ECG, endoscopy and other diagnostic tests are done in house or are they referred to a specialist. Driving a few extra miles or paying a little bit more may be worth it to get the care you want for your pet. Here at Family Veterinary Hospital our prices are comparable to others, but the quality of our service out does them all.


Vivian
Client Relations Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste. 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

Did you know we offer Laser Therapy?!?

Family Veterinary Hospital Has the Companion Therapy Laser!!! Not only was it Good Morning America's 2009 Pet Product of the Year, but it also allows for more freedom and can improve the quality of life you pet has. It provides immediate results without any dangerous side effects ans improves mobility without pharmaceuticals. These are just a few of the reasons we choose this product for our patients.


Vivian
Client Relation Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703)327-8425
24650 Suth Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

The Underwater Treadmill is going to seem so boring after vacation

While we like to point out that our underwater treadmill is useful for pets to burn off excess energy, sometimes even the best equipment cannot compete with mother nature. We just hope that we don't put Riley to sleep when he comes back from vacation and restarts his treadmill sessions :-)

Our thanks to Riley's "parents" for sharing,

Aaron
Family Veterinary Hospital
http://www.family-vet.com/

Interesting client discussions

Just recently, a client of ours came in with her Newfie (Newfoundland - video from AnimalPlanet) for laser treatment, and while waiting, we happened on the topic of "working dogs".  Our client mentioned that Newfies were being used for water rescues in parts of Europe (Italy, Holland and perhaps others.)  After a little research, we found several videos we thought were either interesting or just funny, that our followers might enjoy:

 

Newfoundland dog water rescue (on youtube)

 

A baby playing with a Newfoundland (no surprise, they are very docile, yet very large, dogs) - also on youtube (the Animal Planet video above has an ASPCA representative stating they are one of the best dogs with children)

 

Other types of working dogs:

Therapy Dog International (great video explaining many different ways 'working' dogs can help owners with physical or emotional difficulties)

 

Aaron Zeitlin (hospital manager) 

 

www.family-vet.com

appointments@family-vet.com

 

24650 South Point Dr.

Chantilly, VA 20152

703 327-8425

 

"Thumper" is available for adoption

Family Vet supports Friends of Homeless Animals, a non-profit group which finds permanent homes for abandoned pets. We have seen Thumper for awhile now, and he's always been very sweet. He is available for adoption. He was given up when his owner got a new boyfriend who had a dog, and Thumper was picked on by the new "roommate". For more information on Thumper, please visit www.foha.org, or we can help at 703 327-8425.

Here are some disorders that the Companion Laser Therapy can help.

Pain Relief
Wound Healing
Arthritic Conditions
Otitis
Intervertebral Disc Disease
Pyotraumatic Dermatitis
Post Surgical Pain Relief
Lick Granulomas
Degloving injuries
Dermatological Conditions
Periodontal Disease
And More

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

http://www.family-vet.com/
appointments@family-vet.com

(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

Here Are Just 4 Of The Things The Companion Laser Can Do

1 The Companion Laser allows your pet to heal faster after surgery or traumatic injury.
2 It eases pain and improves mobility without the use of pharmaceuticals and surgery.
3 Laser Therapy provides your geriatric animal relief of aches and pains and allows for more freedom and improved quality of life. ...
4 Everyday disorders that cause severe pain and discomfort are instantaneously relieved.

Vivian
Client Relation Manager

(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

Our first commercial

So as many of you already know Family Veterinary Hospital shot our first commercial here on Saturday. I have to admit it was a little strange to have a camera following us around doing our everyday activities, but it was interesting. We are so grateful to our wonderful clients and patients that came in and gave wonderful testimonies about our practice. A special thanks to our patients Shadow, Remy, and Reiley who were definitely the stars of the show.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager


www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

Overweight pets leads to shorter lives and higher medical costs

Did you know that a dog is "overweight" if over by just 5 pounds,  or a cat by just 2 pounds?  At Family Vet, we believe in prevention of disease and can assist you in determining whether your pet is overweight.  Losing weight can be as simple as changing the pet's eating habits or exercise. Not all of our clients need to have their pets in our underwater treadmill, but it certainly is an efficient method of burning off calories (and energy) quickly.  Ask one of our licensed technicians or veterinarian for their recommendation on how your pet may live a longer, healthier and happier life.

 

Why a healthy weight is important for your dog

If a dog is just five pounds over its ideal weight, it's at risk for developing some serious medical conditions. When a dog is overweight or obese, it's not a question of if it will develop a related illness, but rather how many and how soon. Some of the common disorders associated with excess weight include:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Osteoarthritis

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure

• Many forms of cancer, especially intra-abdominal cancers

to read the full article, click here (an industry publication we subscribe to)

 

Why a healthy weight is important for your cat

If a cat is just two pounds over its ideal weight, it's at risk for developing some serious medical conditions. When a cat is overweight or

obese, it's not a question of if it will develop a related illness, but rather how many and how soon. Some of the common disorders associated

with excess weight include:

• Type 2 diabetes—an obese cat is three times more likely to develop this disease than a normal-weight cat

• Osteoarthritis

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure

• Many forms of cancer, especially intra-abdominal cancers

to read the full article, click here (an industry publication we subscribe to)

Aaron Zeitlin (hospital manager) 

 

www.family-vet.com

appointments@family-vet.com

 

24650 South Point Dr.

Chantilly, VA 20152

703 327-8425