Murrayhill Veterinary Hospital

Murrayhill is Awarded AAHA Accreditation

Murrayhill Veterinary Hospital is excited to announce that we have achieved renewal of our accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Earlier this spring, our hospital was evaluated on almost 900 veterinary standards of excellence. AAHA standards of accreditation cover patient care, pain management, emergency, urgent care and many more that are crucial to delivering the high quality of veterinary care that the team members here at Murrayhill Veterinary Hospital strive for. Only 15% of animal hospitals in the United States and Canada have achieved AAHA accreditation and we are proud to be one of them!

If you would like to know more about the American Animal Hospital Association please visit their website.

Dangers of Pet Obesity

Like the human population, obesity in pets is reaching epidemic proportions! Everyone understands that increased weight puts added stress on the body. What most people don’t realize is that fat, especially internal fat, actually produces inflammatory compounds that will attack specific organs and damage them.

Here are some of the problems directly associated with pet obesity:

Arthritis
One of the biggest dangers of pet obesity is arthritis.  All of the excess weight puts unnecessary strain on your dog’s joints, muscles, and bones and causes wear & tear over time.  The condition is painful in dogs just like it is in humans except that pets do not complain about their pain – they just limp, act stiff, or are less active.  A common misconception with pet owners is in thinking that their pet is not in pain when they limp or are stiff - but the reality is, these are the signs of pain in your pet!  Again, in addition to the stress itself causing problems, there is a specific inflammatory compound produced in fat that targets and damages the joint cartilage.

Diabetes
Another possible side effect of obesity in pets is diabetes mellitus or “sugar” diabetes. The increase in body mass puts a heavy demand on the pancreas causing it to work harder.  But more importantly, there is a specific inflammatory compound produced in fat that targets and damages the pancreas.

Hypertension
Pet obesity can also lead to hypertension. This condition, often referred to as the ”silent killer” in people, is just as serious and life- threatening in pets. The increased workload on the heart and vessels caused by obesity contribute to high blood pressure, or hypertension.  Again, there is a specific inflammatory compound produced in fat that targets and damages the blood vessels.

Heart Failure
The increase in body weight puts a heavy stress and an increased workload on the heart causing it to weaken and be less effective at oxygenating the tissues of the body.  In addition, there is a specific inflammatory compound produced in fat that targets and damages the heart muscle which can lead to a more serious condition known as congestive heart failure.

Surgery
Most pets have to have surgery at some point in their lives.  Anesthesia is more risky in overweight pets.  This is because of poor blood circulation as well as underlying cardiac stress and disease as mentioned before.

Hyperlipidemia Syndrome (high cholesterol & high triglycerides
Most obese pets suffer from high cholesterol and/or high triglyceride levels for the same reasons we see them in people – diet!  Eating the wrong foods (such as table treats) or even too much of a good food (high quality pet food) can lead to obesity and the ensuing issues with lipids. As in people, this condition leads to arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Breathing
Pet obesity can also cause the lungs to function improperly.  Fat in the chest can prevent the lungs from expanding fully.  Since they cannot expand fully, they will not be able to fully supply oxygen to all of the tissues that need it. And as you might guess, there is a specific inflammatory compound produced in fat that targets and damages the lungs.

As you can see, there are many dangers associated with pet obesity.  Arthritis can develop as well as diabetes mellitus.  Overweight pets may also develop hypertension or have trouble breathing. All of these conditions lead to a vicious cycle for pets that are overweight. They will experience decreased energy and therefore won’t want to exercise. Because they don’t want to exercise, they gain more weight!  This only leads to more arthritis, heart disease, etc.

It is best for you prevent obesity by providing a proper diet and plenty of exercise.  Studies prove that slim pets live longer. Keep your pet fit and trim for a long healthy life.

The Staff and Doctors of Murrayhill Veterinary Hospital
www.murrayhillvethospital.com
(971) 238-0231

Hazeldale Dog Park's 9th Annual 'Dog Day Afternoon'

Kallie and Stanley had a fantastic time at the Hazeldale Dog Park today! We are so lucky to have places to take our dogs where they can play off-leash and be safe at the same time! Thank you to all who made it out to the park, what a perfect day for a play date.

Ashe Avenue Dog Park Event Tomorrow!!!

Come join us for the Grand Opening of the Ashe Avenue Dog Park tomorrow,  Sunday the 24th from 9:30 to 2pm. The weather looks great and it will be a ton of fun for your four legged friends!

Start the fun with the Pooch Parade...

...and stick around for more excitement with a scavanger hunt and prizes! We can't wait to see you there!

Deworming

All pets get worms and protozoan parasites – even those that are kept indoors!

Roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms, coccidea, and Giardia are a few of the common parasites that cause disease in your cat or dog.  However, not only are these parasites harmful to your pet, but many are also transmissible to us!

We follow the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), in advising routine and strategic deworming of all companion animals.  For the health of all members of your family, we recommend monthly deworming for all dogs and outdoor cats and a single deworming annually for indoor cats.

The Staff and Doctors of Murrayhill Veterinary Hospital
www.murrayhillvethospital.com
(971) 238-0231