Dr. Primm's Warm and Fuzzies

In case you did not see on the HOURS page, we are adding some evening and Saturday hours to make things easier for people to get in to see us. We will be open on Saturday per month and every Thursday until 7:00 pm. There are so many exciting changes coming to Applebrook in 2013, so check back here!

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Thank you to everyone that helped with the Pet Angel Tree this year! We filled that truck!!! If you dropped off goods and did not leave your contact info, we will not be able to thank you personally, but THANK YOU!

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We have our first ever Pet Angel Tree.  This is the best idea I have ever had! Not only do the homeless pets get things that they want and need, but I get to feel good about people and the Christmas spirit! People I do not know yet have called and asked how they can help.  The tree has only been up for a few days and already it is surrounded by piles of "loot".  And let's face it...shopping for dogs and cats is super fun! Follow our progress on our Special News page right here on the web site. If you would like to help, just add a comment here and we can email you a wish list. 

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Odds are, you didn't win the lottery. But if you like thinking about odds and statistical likelihoods, then this blog is for you! I was curious about just how likely I was to win the lottery since I saw lots of fuss on the news and social media. One source indicated that the chances of winning were 1 in 176 million. I read someone who wrote that you were more likely to be struck by lightning. I jokingly tell clients that vaccine reactions are unlikely, but if their pet has one, they should consider playing the lottery!
So I thought I would do some research and really show you the odds that your pet will suffer if you fail to follow our guidelines.

Your chance of winning the lottery roughly: 1 in 176 million
Your dog's chance of getting heartworms if not protected: 1 in 2
Your pet's likelihood of contracting intestinal parasites if not protected: 1 in 1 (almost 100%)
Your dog's chance of getting parvovirus if not vaccinated and exposed 1 in 1 (almost 100%)
* I can cite the articles if you would like the list, please add a comment and I will provide it.
In conclusion, you cannot do much to "beat the odds" for the lottery, but you CAN "hedge your bets" for your pets!  Vaccinate and do the recommended year-round parasite control. It is very likely that you will be glad you did.

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In my time as a veterinarian, I have seen a change come about in the way we, as professionals, practice medicine.  We have all gotten an increased awareness of antibiotic resistance and the importance of judicious use of medications.  I have had my share of clients get frustrated with me because I would not simply prescribe an antibiotic for their pet.  The belief has been that antibiotics are a cure-all.  Antibiotics are a specific class of drugs intended to target bacterial infection only. They have no activity against viruses or infectious agents other than bacteria.  Bacteria are still out there and we do have cases that severely need antibiotics, but if your veterinarian chooses not to prescribe one or calls for specific testing to see which one would be best, please be patient and understand that he or she is not only looking out for your pet, but also for you (and for all of us).
 As more bacteria are exposed to different types of antibiotics, the more opportunities they have to develop resistance. Resistant strains can impact public health. The days are passed where it is alright to just send a pack of penicillin out the door with every sick pet. Trust in your veterinarian because she might hold the health of everyone in her hands. 

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