CONGRATULATIONS EMILY!
Otterkill Animal Hospital proudly congratulates Emily on becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician!! Emily has been an outstanding member of Otterkill's Animal Health Care Team since 2004. She has been diligently studying and working through the American Animal Hospital Association's distance learning program through Cedar Valley College for the past four years. Her externship work here earned high marks in the program and, in fact, has been used as examples of how things should be done by future students. We're so happy to see her efforts pay off. She becomes an even more valuable member of our team as licensure allows her to become even more involved in patient care. As the fourth LVT on staff, Emily continues to demonstrate Otterkill's commitment to providing the highest level of patient care - we have the highest percentage of LVT's on staff of any animal hospital in the area!
CONGRATULATIONS MELISSA!
Congratulations also go out to our veterinary assistant Melissa on her recent marriage to Elijah Howe. It's a perfect match made here at Otterkill. The two met when Elijah was manager of a local animal shelter and began bringing patients here. Romance blossomed. Continuing the importance of animals in their lives the two became engaged here. When the wedding was planned they decided to continue the trend and even get married here! We're sure not many people can boast of getting married at an animal hospital, but we're glad they did. It was an absolutely beautiful day on all accounts and the entire staff and our families had a blast. We wish them a future of happiness together.
CONGRATULATIONS OTTERKILL!
We are proud to announce that we've once again received accreditation following a comprehensive evaluation by the American Animal Hospital Association. The evaluation includes a quality assessment of over 900 individual standards regarding our facility, medical equipment, practice methods and pet health care management. Only 15 percent of all small animal practices in the U.S. have achieved accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association. In order to maintain accredited status, Otterkill must continue to be evaluated regularly by the association's consultants. We've proudly been an accredited practice member since 1997. Our entire staff is proud to accomplish the difficult task of meeting AAHA's high standards of excellence. It's yet another way that we can assure you of our dedication to provide the highest level of veterinary care to you and your companions.
WE'RE EDUCATION SPECIALISTS!
Do you ever have a pet health care question but aren't sure where to turn? Our team of expert veterinarians, technicians, assistants and receptionists love to share our expertise on all things animal with you. No question is ever too simple to answer. Don't be embarrassed to ask. Please call or e-mail staff@otterkill.com at any time. We also have a wealth of information, links and handouts available on our website: www.otterkill.com. We're also currently working on a revised website which will become an even more powerful extension of our practice. Any thoughts on how we can improve our web information and use of digital communication would be greatly appreciated. We believe that a well educated client is equipped to make the most informed and effective health care decisions for her or his companion animals.
We're sure you get as frustrated as we do when doctors rush through an exam, proceed without an explanation and aren't paying attention to your needs. WE NEVER DO THAT HERE! We always want to be certain that each and every client and patient receive our full attention and are completely informed on our treatment plans. If you ever have a concern about your animal just ask.
CUTTING EDGE STEM CELL THERAPY NOW OFFERED
Dr. Zgoda has just completed training and certification in the use of stem cell therapy for the treatment of painful arthritic conditions in dogs and cats. This exciting technology has recently become available in animals. You may be familiar with some of the discussions and trials regarding the use of stem cell therapy in humans. The application in animals has become much safer and simpler in that we are able to harvest and use an animal's own stem cells located in fat, concentrate them and then inject them directly into injured areas. It's safe and effective. An 80% improvement rate is reported in patients to date. Currently the procedure is utilized for treating arthritic conditions, but studies are ongoing in applying them in such varied diseases as kidney failure and cancer treatment. You can find out more information at www.vet-stem.com. Please contact Dr. Z if you'd like to investigate whether this is right for your companion.
TICKS AND FLEAS IN FULL FALL SWING
Ticks are very active again as they're trying to get those last meals before winter. We see a majority of our Lyme Disease cases in November. It's very important to keep up your tick control measures now. We also have seen a spike in flea cases this year. The hot summer and the likely resistance of fleas to older control products allowed a much larger population than usual to work their nastiness this season. Fleas are not eradicated outdoors until after a week of frost. Ticks will be active throughout the winter although they do slow down during the coldest weather. Therefore remember to keep applying your tick and flea control products on a regular basis. A list of products we know work, dispense regularly and recommend can be found at www.otterkill.com/products.htm.
WHAT ANIMALS CAN A VETERINARIAN TREAT?
All of them!
Otterkill is much more than just a dog and cat hospital. Many veterinarians from near and far refer their patients to our practice. Our veterinarians and practice team are well versed in the care and treatment of all companion animals such as rabbits, ferrets, birds, reptiles, hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, guinea pigs, degus, chinchillas, sugar gliders and even monkeys. We also occasionally will have a sheep, goat or pig in the waiting room and rarely have clients trailer in cows or horses. Two of our vets are licensed wildlife rehabilitators. We especially enjoy treating raptors such as hawks and owls. Dr. Keller is the primary veterinarian for the animals at the Museum of the Hudson Highlands. Dr. Zgoda serves as the veterinarian of record for the Big Apple Circus at their summer home in Walden. You'd be amazed at the variety of creatures that have come through our doors. It helps to make every day here interesting and exciting.
