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I heard that you are about to begin construction on a new building. Congratulations! I am worried that you‘ll be closed during the construction. Is this true?

Thank you! We plan to be open during the entire construction process. Our new building will be constructed on site in front of our current structure. The entire construction process is expected to take about 8-9 months, and we expect to begin construction sometime during the summer of 2008.

Do you treat snakes?

Unfortunately, no. Please contact our office by telephone at 856-848-0020 for a referral.

2 year old Great Dane was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder after chewing his tail and it being amputated. He has been on Prozac but it is so expensive is there anything else he can go on?

There are other medications available; please contact our office by telephone to speak with your veterinarian for more specialized treatment options. On occasion, we have referred pets and their owners to the Behavioral Specialists at the University of Pennsylvania.

How do I tell if my dog has intestinal obstruction?

An obstruction of the intestines is a very painful condition. Most owners report that their dogs are ‘‘hunched‘‘ in appearance, the belly seems painful, & there is vomiting & diarrhea (sometimes with blood). If you suspect your dog has an intestinal blockage, please call for an emergency appointment. Timely treatment can prevent complications that can lead to the death of your pet.

Do you dispose of deceased pets? What is the price for this service?

We have partnered with Hamilton Pet Meadow in Hamilton, NJ to care for our patients after they have died. Hamilton Pet Meadow features a veterinary crematory as well as a cemetery. Pet owners can opt to have their pets cremated individually and have the ashes returned either in an attractive cedar box at no extra charge or upgrade to a more personalized urn. For those who prefer not to have an individual cremation and ashes returned, Hamilton Pet Meadow offers the economical simple (or group) cremation. Pet owners who wish to have their pets buried at the cemetery may do so as well after contacting Hamilton Pet Meadow directly to arrange for this service. Please call our office at 856-848-0020 for further information and pricing.

Does my pet need to stay over after surgery?

Good question! Most pets are able to go home the evening of surgery, however, certain surgeries, such as a declaw surgery, require that your pet stay over one night.

Do I need to make an appointment?

Yes, our hours are by appointment. We see patients between the hours of 8am-10pm Monday - Friday, 8am-6pm Saturday. We are closed on Sunday.

How old does my dog need to be before I can get her spayed?

Your dog should be at least 4 months old.

Oh no! My cat‘s rectal temperature is 101.5 degrees F! Does my cat have a fever?

Thank good ness, no. A cat‘s normal rectal temperature is 38.6 degrees C or 101-102 degrees F.

Oh no! My dog‘s rectal temperature is 102 degrees F! Does my dog have a fever?

Thank goodness, no. A dog‘s normal rectal temperature is about 38.9 degrees C or 101-102 degrees F.

What are the advantages to choosing a pre-anesthetic blood panel before surgery?

A complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel will be run before your pet receives anesthesia. This can help to detect problems and make anesthesia as safe as possible. It can also serve as a good baseline if a problem does arise later on in your pet’s life. A complete blood count looks at the red and white blood cell lines. It can be useful to detect if there are problems with infection or problems such as anemia (a low red blood cell count) or a low number of platelets (a cell that helps your body form clots). If there were problems detected with the CBC you would be notified before your pets surgery. We measure various blood chemistries that will help to evaluate the function of different organs.We look at two kidney enzymes. Kidney problems are common as animals get older and early detection can greatly increase the effectiveness of treatment. The kidneys also help to process anesthesia so it is important to make sure they are working before we give any anesthesia. We look at two different liver enzymes. Liver problems can occur in old animals but animals can also be born with liver problems. Detection of liver problems early can lead to more effective treatment and potential cure of any issues. The liver also processes almost all anesthetic agents and it is important to make sure that it functions correctly before anesthesia. We look at blood sugar and protein levels at well. High blood sugar might be a sign of diabetes which is a treatable disease and low blood sugar can be indicative of problems as well. Protein levels can be variable for a lot of different reasons but protein levels that are very high or very low would require looking for a problem.

What are the advantages to choosing the use of the surgical laser?

Instead of a scalpel, a laser will be used for all aspects of your pet’s surgery. The laser uses heat to cut through the skin and other tissues. This heat will seal up lymphatics, nerve endings, and blood vessels. This results in less swelling, less pain, and less bleeding during the surgery.

I have heard that our pets need dental care just as we do. Is it true tha they can be affected by Periodontal disease, too?

Many pet owners don’t realize that oral disease is the number one health problem diagnosed in pets. In fact, statistics show that 85 percent of all dogs have some sort of tooth and gum disease by the time they are just three-years-old.1 Just like in humans, dogs are susceptible to plaque and tartar build-up, which can lead to gingivitis and even periodontitis, a chronic form of the disease that can be painful. Periodontal disease, which includes gingivitis and periodontitis, is an inflammation and/or infection of the gums and bone around dog’s teeth. Over time, plaque and tartar build-up can lead to inflammation of the gums around the dog’s teeth—gingivitis. Periodontitis is a potentially irreversible infection that if left untreated, can result in the destruction of gum and bone and other tissues around the dog’s teeth. In most severe cases, periodontitis can ultimately lead to loss of teeth, fracture of the jawbones, and other serious consequences that can dramatically impact a dog’s quality of life and overall health. Whenever it is possible, preventing disease is preferable to treating it and in the case of periodontitis, this is especially true. It is a progressive infectious disease that can lead to unhealthy and painful conditions for dogs that may require difficult and costly treatments. The good news is that periodontal disease can be prevented with a good dental care program including: • Daily home oral care • Regular visits to your veterinarian, which include an oral exam • Veterinary dental cleaning as advised Dental diets, oral gels or rinses, and chew toys may also help as aids in prevention. Keeping your dog’s mouth healthy is essential to their health.

What are the advantages to choosing Oravet dental sealant?

Oravet is a dental sealant that will help slow down tartar build-up. It only needs to be applied once weekly for it to be effective. During a dental cleaning, the tartar is removed and the teeth are polished. To help prevent the tartar from returning, we recommend applying Oravet at the time of the dental cleaning. Oravet is a good option for people whose animals will let them brush their teeth but who can’t do it the recommended once to twice daily.

What are the advantages to choosing to microchip ID my pet?

The microchip is a permanent identification for your dog or cat. All animal shelters and most veterinary offices have a scanner. If your dog or cat escaped and ended up at a shelter, the scanner would identify the microchip and the unique number would connect your animal back to you. .The microchip is placed under the skin at the time of surgery.

What are the advantages to choosing the pre-anesthetic ECG?

An ECG measures the electrical currents of the heart. It can help detect if there are any abnormalities in the rhythm of the heart and in some cases if there are abnormalities in the size of the heart. Abnormalities in the rhythm of the heart could be indicative of serious heart problems. Some rhythm problems can be heightened by anesthesia and can lead to sudden death. Any abnormalities found will be discussed before anesthesia is administered.

What are the advantages to choosing histopathology (biopsy)?

After any lump is removed, we recommend sending it off for histopathology (biopsy). The lump will be looked at under a microscope by board-certified pathologists who will be able to tell what the lump is. It is very hard to know what a lump is by looking at it from the outside. Looking at the actual cells gives us much more information. It can also help determine if a lump is benign (something we don’t need to worry about) or malignant (meaning we will recommend further therapy. Another benefit of biopsy is that it can help us determine if we got clean margins (meaning we got all of the lump) or not.

What is leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that attacks the kidneys and liver. It is spread by wildlife, through the urine, into puddles, lakes, streams, or any other source of water. People and dogs living in areas where new houses were built in the previous 10 years are more likely to be exposed to the bacteria than those living in cities. Leptospirosis is one of the diseases that we routinely vaccinate dogs for, to protect them. Until the late 1990‘s, veterinarians in this part of the country hadn‘t seen any dogs with leptospirosis for years. Since then, however, we have seen more and more cases of leptospirosis in dogs each year. There are more than 250 varieties (called serovars) of the leptospirosis bacteria in nature; the vaccines we give contain two, three, or four of the most common varieties (the one we use here at Greenfields contains four). Unfortunately, the bacteria has been changing in recent years, and new serovars are becoming more common, which is why we‘ve seen a resurgence of this disease. If a dog gets leptospirosis, the symptoms can be very subtle. Most commonly, mild weight loss, increased water drinking and urinating, and decreased appetite may be seen. A blood test will detect liver changes or kidney changes, and a urinalysis can also detect kidney changes. A more specific blood test, called a titer, will then determine if leptospirosis is present, or if the kidney or liver disease is caused by something else. When a dog is diagnosed with leptospirosis, we give antibiotics to kill the bacteria. The liver can usually repair itself very well once the infection is gone, but the kidneys are less able to repair damage, and renal failure can be irreversible. This is why an early diagnosis is crucial to save the patient‘s life. Leptospirosis is also a zoonotic disease, which means it can be spread directly from an infected animal to a person. If your dog has been diagnosed with leptospirosis, avoid any contact with his or her urine, and consult your own physician about precautions to take to protect your own health.

What are the signs of renal failure? How is it diagnosed and treated?

The earliest signs of renal failure are increased thirst and increased urination. These signs result from inability of the diseased kidneys to form concentrated urine. Other common early signs include weight loss, poor haircoat, and an increasingly selective appetite. Further decline in kidney function results in progressive inability to excrete waste products, leading to retention of toxic wastes in blood and tissues in the body. This is called uremia (literally, urine in the blood). Prominent clinical signs of uremia include loss of appetite, vomiting, ulcers in the mouth, “uremic” (foul ammonia smelling) breath, weakness, and lethargy. Other important effects of renal failure include anemia and high blood pressure. Anemia worsens the weakness, lethargy, and loss of appetite of dogs and cats with chronic renal failure, and high blood pressure may cause sudden blindness, stroke-like signs (such as mental dullness, sudden behavioral changes, coma, or seizures), or injury to the kidneys and heart. Diagnosis of chronic renal failure is confirmed by laboratory evaluation of your pet’s blood and urine. A urine test can help determine whether the kidneys can form concentrated urine and provide evidence of other urinary tract problems such as urinary tract infections. Blood tests are used to evaluate kidney function, other tests may be used to evaluate your pet for anemia, electrolyte and acid-base abnormalities, nutrition, and hypertension. Ultrasound (sonogram) and radiographs (x-rays) may also be used to evaluate kidney disease. Fortunately, most dogs and cats can be treated, providing a good quality of life for months or even years. Treatment for chronic renal failure is tailored to the unique clinical requirements of each pet. This may include a special diet; hydration therapy; and medications designed to control clinical signs (such as poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting, acid-base and electrolyte disturbances, anemia, and hypertension). Consumption of excess protein may make some pets ill because the waste products of protein metabolism are excreted by the kidneys and are retained in cases of renal failure, and they may deteriorate if episodes of vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate water intake are not dealt with promptly. Water should be available at all times for dogs and cats with renal failure. Renal transplantation is an expensive but potentially useful option for selected cats but has not met with similar success in dogs. Renal transplantation is best reserved for cats that can no longer be managed by standard medical therapy.

What is acral lick dermatitis?

Acral lick dermatitis, also known as “lick granuloma” is a self-induced skin condition resulting from the dog’s urge to obsessively lick the lower portion of one or more legs. This constant trauma causes the formation of a raised, thickened, firm red sore on the lower limb. Large active breeds (Labrador and Golden Retrievers, Great Dane, German Shepherd, Boxer, Doberman pinscher, Irish Setter) over 5 years of age are the most commonly affected, although the disease can be seen in dogs of all ages and breeds. This is one of the most frustrating and hardest to treat skin disorders in veterinary medicine!

What is atopy? How is it diagnosed and treated?

Atopy is an allergy to environmental allergens (such as dust mites, trees, grasses, weeds, feathers, molds, and wool); it is inherited. 10-15% of all dogs are affected, with certain breeds being predisposed. However, any breed of dog and all breeds of cat may be affected. Disease usually starts between 1 and 3 years of age and may be seasonal (e.g. spring/fall) or non-seasonal (all year long). Dogs and cats with atopy commonly may have other allergies such as food allergy (up to 30%) or flea bite hypersensitivity (75-80%) which may complicate/worsen the itching and secondary infection. What are the signs of atopy? Signs of atopy in dogs include scratching/rubbing/licking/chewing, redness and hair-loss of the face, ears, neck, arm pits, groin, legs, and paws. Other common signs of atopy in dogs include: recurrent ear infections, red-brown salivary staining of the hair between the toes (from excessive foot-licking). With time, the itching can involve the entire body and the skin may turn black and become thickened. Secondary bacterial and yeast infections are common due to the abnormal inflamed skin surface and self-trauma. “Hot spots” and “lick granulomas” are also commonly seen with canine atopy. Signs of atopy in cats include scratching/licking/chewing, hair loss/bald spots on groin/stomach, sides, thighs, head, neck, legs, and/or ears. There may or may not be evidence of self-trauma/secondary infection with red bumps, scabs, scratches and ear discharge. Some cats with atopy develop the “eosinophilic granuloma complex” (raised ulcers/sores/swellings on lips, chin, mouth, paws, stomach, or back of thighs). How is atopy treated? Most dogs do not “outgrow” their allergies - in fact, most patients worsen with time if not treated. A comprehensive treatment plan works best - incorporating environmental management, hyposensitization, vaccine injections, medications to treat secondary infections, antihistamines, essential fatty acids, and frequent bathing with mediated shampoos/rinses. In general, 90% of atopic dogs and cats can be satisfactorily controlled using this plan. Hyposensitzation vaccine injections are recommended for pets in which avoidance of allergens is impossible, signs are present for more than 4 months of the year, and anti-itch drugs are ineffective or have unacceptable side-effects. Hyposensitization alone is effective in approximately 70% of atopic dogs and cats. How do the hyposensitization vaccine injections work? Injections are given subcutaneously (under your pet’s skin). There is a specific schedule that you must follow. The vaccines are initially given every other day, and then eventually maintained at about once per month. Most dogs take 6-12 months to respond to the vaccine, while cats tend to respond faster, often in 4-6 months. Adverse reactions are rare and most commonly include increased itching at the injection site. What else is used to control atopy? Antihistamines and essential fatty acids are often helpful in controlling the itching while waiting for the vaccine to take effect. Frequent bathing with cool water and medicated shampoos (given 2-3 times a week) may help remove allergens, bacteria, and yeast from the skin. Oatmeal soaks (Aveeno, Episoothe) in the tub, sink, or “kiddie pool” in the summer also helpful. “Spot-treating” problem areas such as paws and face with hydrocortisone-containing lotions or creams often give added relief. Environmental management is rarely useful as a sole therapy, but may be helpful when combined with other therapies, as it decreases the allergen load. Using an air conditioner/air cleaner that filters out pollens, dust, and molds is also very helpful. Dogs that are allergic to pollen should avoid spending a lot of time outdoors as dusk and early morning during the heavy pollen seasons. These dogs also should avoid freshly mown grass and fields with high grass/weeds. Rinse your pet’s paws and legs off each time he/she comes in after being outside on grass. What else should I know about atopy? Since this is a heritable disease, females should be spayed and males neutered. Affected animals should never be bred.

What are the signs of collapsing trachea? How is it diagnosed and treated?

The most common sign is a honking cough precipitated by activity, excitement, or water drinking. A non-productive cough may occur without a stimulus. Other signs include mild to severe panting, respiratory distress, and cyanosis (blushing discoloration of the mucous membranes). How is collapsing trachea diagnosed? Collapsing trachea can sometimes be diagnosed from physical exam and history alone but a definite diagnosis requires radiographs (x-rays) to identify changes in the trachea during both inspiration and expiration. How is collapsing trachea treated? During the acute phase, respiratory distress and severe bouts of coughing are relieved with drugs that relax the trachea and lungs and sedate the pet. Anti-inflammatory agents minimize swelling and tissue irritation. Cough suppressants temporarily relive discomfort, and may be used in a lifelong schedule for some pets with collapsing trachea. Later, drugs that relieve bronchial constriction and spasm are utilized along with products to reduce anxiety and over-stimulation. Weight control is very important. Evaluation of thyroid function may be indicated. Liver enlargement, secondary to fatty infiltration or other disease, adversely affects the outcome of this disease. Many smaller dogs are simultaneously affected with heart disease. Your veterinarian understands how these conditions interact. Diagnosing and treating both may significantly improve the long-term prognosis. Surgical correction of a collapsing trachea may be considered in your dogs when the trachea is collapsed in the neck region. Older dogs, those with complicating medical problems, and those with most of the trachea affected are no candidates for surgery. Sometimes, simply switching a dog’s collar to a shoulder harness is all that is needed to treat this condition. What is the prognosis for collapsing trachea? The prognosis is good for most pets with collapsing trachea, but the condition can be a serious, life-threatening problem when severe respiratory distress occurs. Even in mild cases, coughing is likely to continue to occur to some degree.

What is Cushing‘s Disease (hyperadrenocorticism)? How is it diagnosed and treated?

Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease) refers to a clinical condition that results from having excess cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands; a small amount is necessary for normal body functioning. Most dogs with Cushing’s disease (more than 80%) have a small benign tumor at the base of the brain in an area called the pituitary gland. A minority of dogs with this disease have a benign or malignant tumor in one of the two adrenal glands. Cushing’s disease usually occurs in middle-aged to older dogs, but has been seen in dogs as young as 2-3 years. Dachshunds, Boston Terriers, Poodles and Boxers are known to be predisposed, but any breed and mixed breeds can be affected. If left untreated, the excess cortisol can cause diabetes, liver disease, infection, blood clots in the lungs, heart and blood vessel disease, and high blood pressure, all of which can be life-threatening. What are the signs of Cushing’s disease? Clinical signs will vary greatly among dogs. The most common symptoms of Cushing’s disease include excess urination and water consumption, an increased appetite, muscle weakness, a “potbellied” appearance, panting, hair loss, thin skin, and lethargy. The haircoat is often dull, dry and brittle and shaved areas fail to regrow hair for a long time. Black hair may become auburn or rusty in color and is dry and lusterless. Often dogs with skin signs will not show any other systemic signs of Cushing’s disease. Some dogs with Cushing’s disease will have no signs at all. How is Cushing’s disease treated? Treatment of pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease involves an oral medication called Lysodren (mitotane). This drug reduces cortisol production by causing a temporary destruction of cells in the adrenal gland that secrete the excess cortisol. Lysodren therapy is divided into 2 phases: induction (loading) and maintenance. The first phase in treatment is the induction or loading phase. The goal is to bring down the dog’s cortisol to normal levels over 7-10 days. Lysodren is given once or twice a day for 7-10 days along with a low dose of prednisone (a corticosteroid) so that cortisol withdrawal symptoms are minimized. Withdrawal symptoms that are sometimes seen include lethargy, weakness, shaking, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. If any of these symptoms are seen stop the Lysodren immediately, give prednisone, and call your veterinarian. How is Cushing’s disease diagnosed? A complete blood count (CBC), chemistry screen, and urinalysis are done in all suspected cases of Cushing’s disease. Certain liver enzymes are often increased and are suggestive of the disease. A urinalysis is performed to make sure that no urinary tract infection is present (dogs with Cushing’s disease are more prone to infection and commonly develop urinary tract infections). Definitive diagnosis of Cushing’s disease is made by one of two different blood tests, either a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test or an ACTH stimulation test. Sometimes abdominal radiographs (X-rays) and ultrasounds (sonograms) may need to be done to differentiate the two causes of hyperadrenocorticism. Once the diagnosis of pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease is made, treatment can be started. What else should I know about treating my pet for Cushing’s Disease? Your pet should be monitored for water consumption, appetite, and attitude while on Lysodren therapy. At the end of the induction phase, a 2-hour blood test called an ACTH-stimulation test is done to see if the dog’s cortisol levels are normal. Your dog should be off Lysodren and Prednisone for 24-48 hours before the ACTH-stimulation test is done. If cortisol levels are in the normal range, maintenance lysodren therapy is started, with divided doses of Lysodren being given 1-2 days a week for the rest of the dog’s life. Periodic ACTH-stimulation, done every 3 months at first, then every 6 months, are performed to monitor the dog’s cortisol levels on the medication. Relapses are common and occur in 50% of dogs treated with Lysodren within 1 year, necessitating a change in the Lysodren dose. Some dogs oversuppress (causing cortisol levels to drop below normal) after initial Lysodren induction phase. These dogs are very sensitive to Lysodren and are kept off Lysodren and on a low daily dose of prednisone for 1 month to allow the cortisol levels to come up to normal again. At the end of 1 month, the dog is retested with an ACTH stimulation test. If levels are normal, maintenance Lysodren treatment is begun at that time. What is the prognosis for dogs with Cushing’s disease? Long-term control and quality of life for dogs with Cushing’s disease are excellent for 80% of dogs- with regular re-exams and ACTH-stimulation tests. Some dogs with Cushing’s disease will develop diabetes or periodic skin or urinary tract infections. Diabetes can be treated with insulin injections, and infections treated with antibiotics. Periodic re-exams 2-4 times/year with blood work and urinalysis are very important in maintaining the health of the dog with Cushing’s disease.