The ON-LINE edition of our monthly newsletter

New Anesthetic Monitoring Technology

Many pet owner’s worry about general anesthesia and its risks. We would like to introduce you to some of the new technology that has made general anesthesia safe and routine even for geriatric patients. Beginning this month, the use of this equipment will become standard for all inhalational anesthetic procedures here at Mar Vista Animal Medical Center.

Hand Held EKG

We watch your pet’s heart rhythm with an EKG just like they would in any human operating room. Ours has a 30 minute memory, and can even be printed  later for a detailed analysis.

The Pulse Oximeter

This instrument measures the oxygen level in the patient’s blood on the top display and counts heart rate on the bottom display. In human hospitals (and TV shows like “ER”) the pulse oximeter probe is worn on the patient’s fingertip; the animal version is gently positioned on the sleeping pet’s tongue.

The Doppler Blood Pressure Monitor

The earliest parameter to change in a catastrophic anesthetic event is usually blood pressure, so it behooves us to keep a sharp eye on this value. This piece of equipment uses sound waves and a pressure cuff to monitor systolic blood pressure during anesthesia or any other time we want to check blood pressure.

Isoflorane Gas

This innovative anesthetic is not metabolized by the body in any way; it simply enters and exits as the patient breathes in and out. This allows for especially rapid recovery. Our hospital uses isoflorane exclusively for gas anesthesia.

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MONTHLY FUN LINKS

The holiday season is coming up fast... It’s not too early to start thinking about what gifts to get your loved ones. Here are some sites on the World Wide Web where you can order gifts both for pets and for the people who own them.

Holiday Gift Baskets
www.gifts2pets.com

Aardvark Pet - gifts for pets and the people who love them
www.aardvarkpet.com/virtualemp/

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NEW ON OUR WEB SITE

CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE
Kidney failure is an especially common problem among geriatric pets and, as treatment frequently is long term, it is important for owners to understand their options. Topics discussed at this Pet Web Library site include:  Medications used in treatment, diagnostics/helpful testing and monitoring,  and how to get involved with other on-line resource groups.  An external link to the Chronic Renal Failure Information Center is also provided.

PHENOBARBITAL
This is a very common drug used to treat seizures. Find out about the way it works, its effects when used with other drugs, and other cautions and concerns. For general information on seizure disorders, visit the Pet Web Library page.

GLIPIZIDE
This drug may be able to help some diabetic cats avoid insulin injections. Go to this page in the Pharmacy Center to learn what this drug does (and doesn’t) do. For general information on Diabetes Mellitus in pets, visit its page in the Pet Web Library.

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Product of the month:
SELECT CARE CANINE TREATS

Select Care Canine Treats are designed to provide a tasty nourishing treat for all dogs, regardless of dietary restrictions. A low calorie all fruit and vegetable treat (based on apple and carrot pulp and oat bran), they are perfect for all dogs, from those with Diabetes Mellitus to Kidney Stones.

Great to give to your food allergic (or potentially food allergic) dog, and just fine as well for your perfectly healthy pet!

Normally $7.50 per bag.

PRINT AND
CUT OUT THIS COUPON
FOR $1.00 OFF!

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