February 2017 Case of the Month

Klio Panico 

Say hello to our adorable February Case of the Month, Ms. Klio Panico! Klio is a seven year-old Chihuahua who was brought in after a heart murmur was identified by her primary care veterinarian. An echocardiogram was quickly performed by our Cardio team and she was diagnosed with mild chronic valvular disease, as well as a patent ductus arteriosus. This is an unusual diagnosis in middle-aged and older dogs because it is a congenital condition that is typically identified as a puppy, however Klio’s PDA (patent ductus arteriosus) was so small it did not produce a murmur that could be detected at such a young age. She underwent transarterial PDA occlusion surgery to prevent worsening of her chronic valvular disease secondary to the effects of the PDA. It’s easy to see why our whole staff managed to completely fall head-over-heels in love with this little one throughout the course of her treatment here. According to her mother, Klio is thriving and well on her way to making a full recovery!

Explore our previously-documented “Cases of the Month” by clicking the links below: 

January 2017 Case of the Month

August 2015 Case of the Month

September 2015 Case of the Month

Our Neurology Services Expanded with MRI Machine!

We are very pleased to announce that here at Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists, in addition to CT scanning, high-resolution ultrasonography, and other neurological diagnostic tools, we have added a state-of-the-art MRI system. An MRI is the most advanced diagnostic imaging tool available to veterinary professionals. A completely 100% non-invasive and safe process, our model allows a more thorough viewing of your pet’s body than any alternative examination. Our Neurology team can perform an MRI with absolute precision, easily identifying any injury or illness your pet may be suffering from. Should your primary veterinarian recommend an MRI for your furry loved one, call to make an appointment with us today!

Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists is proud to announce the expansion of our Neurology team with the addition of Dr. Jennifer Lopez

Dr. Jennifer Lopez is now practicing at Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists alongside Dr. Jason Berg in our Neurology department.  Dr. Lopez has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minored in Chemistry and Philosophy/World Religions at Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA.  She graduated in 2009 from St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, completing her final year at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.

After graduation, Dr. Lopez joined the staff at Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists where she completed a rotating internship.  She then went on to complete a specialty internship and residency at Animal Specialty Center in Yonkers, NY, alongside Dr. Jason Berg.  We are excited to have her back at Atlantic Coast as a full-time Neurologist.

Spring & Easter Safety Tips 

Easter for children can mean egg hunts, baskets of candy, and going to the mall to meet the Easter Bunny. Easter for our pets can mean a few temptations to chew, ingest, and lick things that aren’t good for them. With Easter right around the corner, remember to take a few extra steps to keep your pets safe!!

1: Say No to Easter Grass

Easter grass can make a basket really pretty but it’s irresistible for dogs and cats. They love to chew on it and if ingested it can be dangerous. Use tissue paper instead or if you do use Easter grass, keep those baskets out of reach of your pets.

2: Keep Chocolate Away From Pets

Chocolate contains theobromine and can cause hyperactivity, seizures, and an elevated heart rate in dogs. Keep the Easter stash hidden and away from your dog.

3: Sugar Substitute Xylitol is Toxic to Pets

Candy that has the sugar substitute xylitol, a sweetener, is toxic to dogs and cats. It’s often found in candy, gum, and some baked goods. If your pet ingests it, a drop in blood sugar can occur and cause problems such as seizures and liver failure. You may have to put your dog in another room while the kids celebrate Easter and dive into that basket of candy and chocolate.

4: Easter Lilies are Toxic to Cats

Easter lilies are very pretty but cats have a tendency to chew on them. These flowers are toxic to cats and can cause vomiting and lethargy. Hopefully your cat doesn’t jump on every surface in the house and you’ll be able to find a nice spot for the flowers. But if not, it may be best to avoid having Easter lilies in the house to keep your cat safe.

5: Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning is a time honored tradition in many households, but be sure to keep all cleaners and chemicals out of your pet’s way! Almost all cleaning products, even all natural ones, contain chemicals that me be harmful to pets. The key to using them safely is to read and follow label directions for proper use and storage.

6: Let Your Garden Grow – With Care

Pet parents, fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides keep our plants and lawns healthy and green, but their ingredients may be dangerous if your pet ingests them. Always store these products in out of the way places and follow label instructions carefully. Many popular springtime plants including rhododendron and azaleas are also highly toxic to pets and can prove fatal if eaten.

7: Ah – Ah Achoooo!

Like us, pets can be allergic to foods, dust, plants & pollen’s. Allergic reactions in dogs and cats can cause itching, minor sniffling and sneezing or life threatening anaphylactic shock to insect bites and stings.

Keeping Your Pet Safe During The Winter Season

Just as the hot summer weather can trigger certain hazards/discomfort with pets, specific precautions should also be taken during the cold winter temperatures. Our specialists weigh in on their recommendations to keep your furry loved one as healthy and happy as possible throughout the chilly winter months.

Feed them a little extra. Did you know that your pets utilize extra energy in an effort to keep warm when the weather is cold? Giving them a little extra food provides the necessary calories to keep them warm and comfortable. Extra water will also ensure they remain hydrated and their skin doesn’t dry.

Dry them with a towel if they come in the house wet. If your pet comes inside the house wet, it’s important to dry them vigorously – taking extra care and paying attention to their paws and “foot pads.” If possible, keep the house humidified to prevent their skin from becoming irritated, itchy and flakey.

Never shave them down to their skin. A longer coat will provide optimal warmth for your pet during the season. Any naturally short-haired pets should be given a coat or sweater during particularly cold spells. Dogs with naturally long hair should keep a trimmed coat to ensure that certain ice-melting chemicals or ice don’t cling to the bottom of their coat.

Apply petroleum jelly to their paws. By layering their paws with petroleum jelly before they go outside, you help protect their paws from salt and other chemical agents that could irritate their skin.

If it’s too cold for you, then it’s too cold for your pet. Never, ever leave a pet outside during brutally cold weather. Pets can freeze, become disoriented, get lost/stolen, or injured.

Summer Safety Tips For Your Four-Legged Loved Ones

Water Watch

Now that the summer season is upon us, trips to the beach and days by the pool will be frequent.  While at the beach, be sure your pets don’t drink the salt water as it can upset their stomach.  Chlorine in the pool can also have this effect.

Keep Your Furry Friend Cool & Hydrated

As temperatures rise, be sure to always have water available for your pet, especially after exercise, long walks or play time outside.  Try to walk your pet earlier in the day to avoid heat exhaustion and extremely hot pavement.  Signs of heat exhaustion may include the following:

• Heavy panting
• Thick drool
• Bright red gums
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Balance problems
• Temperature in excess of 104 degrees Fahrenheit
• Lethargy
• Seizures

 Hey, Let’s Go For A Ride

Many pets enjoy going for a ride but always remember to keep your pet safe.  Never leave your pet unattended in your vehicle, whether you leave the car running with the air conditioning on or if you have the car off and the windows slightly open.  Leaving your pet in the car when the temperature outside is over 80 degrees Fahrenheit can lead to heat stroke, which can cause your pets organs to shut down and be fatal.

Protect Your Pet From The Great Outdoors

With the summer season comes a variety of outdoor pests such as fleas, ticks and mosquitoes so be sure to speak with your veterinarian about the best preventatives to use on your pet.  Also, remember to keep your pets  away from lawns that have been recently sprayed with chemicals, fertilizers and insecticides as these may be poisonous.