The Paw Print

AAHA

The Standard of Veterinary Excellence

What does that mean anyway? Well, you should know that it's a good thing.

Imagine going to a human hospital for an injury or an illness. For most people that can be a scary and stressful experience. Even though most of us don't like hospitals, we can take comfort that there are standards and guidelines in place to ensure patient safety and quality of care. That's because human hospitals are required to be accredited by an organization such as The Joint Commission, HFAP, or DNV. This means they have to uphold standards of patient care. 

You may be surprised to know that there are no requirements for veterinary hospitals and clinics. Crazy right!? Well, the good news is that there is an organization that accredits animal hospitals and clinics across the U.S. and Canada. As a matter of fact, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is the only organization that does so and it is purely voluntary! That's right, it is completely up to the animal hospital to be evaluated by AAHA for accreditation. 

So, knowing that AAHA evaluates the volunteer hospitals and clinics regularly on approximately 900 quality of care standards, you may assume that most veterinary hospitals and clinics must want to apply to AAHA for accreditation. After all it does ensure the highest standards in veterinary care and excellence. The fact is that only 15% of animal hospitals and clinics in the U.S. and Canada have taken the step to be evaluated by AAHA and received accreditation.

By choosing a veterinary hospital that is AAHA accredited, such as Kimberly Crest Veterinary Hospital, you can be assured that we are devoted to offering you and your pet the highest standards of veterinary care. The following are just a few examples of how AAHA guidelines improve quality of veterinary care.

• Hospitals are required to provide diagnostic services such as radiology (X-rays) and a laboratory, to facilitate a quick and accurate diagnosis for your pet.
• The standards focus on the quality of care in many areas including: emergency care, anesthesia, pain management, dentistry, contagious diseases, patient care and surgery.
• Accredited hospitals have an on site pharmacy, very useful in treating your pet immediately.
• AAHA hospitals are required to maintain complete and thorough medical records, this is very important in understanding your pet's health history and relating that to any current health concerns. 

 Say Yuck to Antifreeze

Antifreeze manufactured in the United States will now contain a bitter flavoring agent to prevent animals and children from being poisoned by the sweet-tasting liquid. It is estimated that 10,000 or more animals are poisoned each year from ingesting antifreeze. The sweet taste of the ethylene glycol found in antifreeze attracts thirsty animals to the liquid, which is then rapidly absorbed through the body. Side effects may be subtle but lead to systemic toxicity beginning with effects on the central nervous system, followed by cardiopulmonary effects and, finally, renal failure.

The new bitter flavoring will prevent animals from licking up any spills, leaks or improper disposal. However, it by no means is safer or less toxic, just less appealing to drink. Should your pet ingest even the smallest amount of antifreeze, immediately call your veterinarian. 

Rodenticides- Not just deadly for Rodents

Rodenticides, such as D-con™, are commonly used in our area for rodent control. Unfortunately, our pets, especially dogs, often find these products to be tasty and do not realize how dangerous they are for them. These products work by interfering with the clotting cascade and lead to uncontrolled bleeding.

Different products have different strengths and duration of effects. When ingestion is known immediately, the pet can be made to vomit reducing the absorption and started on medication to replace the factor that is compromised by the rodenticide. If ingestion is not known, it can take days for the clinical signs of poisoning to show. The signs range from lethargy, depression, pale mucous membranes, trouble breathing, bruising, and coughing. Diagnosis is based on history of ingestion, clinical signs, and clotting times. 

Therapy often involves blood or plasma transfusion, supportive care, and vitamin K. The medical therapy is often 3-4 weeks and clotting factors are rechecked after treatment. The sooner therapy starts, the better the prognosis for our patient. 

If you suspect your pet has been exposed to any rodenticide, contact your veterinarian immediately. Any information you have regarding the product ingested can help your veterinarian plan the best course of treatment. 

ABVP- What do the letters mean?

One may notice that two of our veterinarians, Drs. Mike Thomsen and Ryan Less, have extra letters after their names. They, of course, have DVM, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, but they also have DAVBP. This is because they are Diplomates of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners for Canine and Feline Practice. ABVP, American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, supports advances in the quality of veterinary medicine through certification of veterinarians who demonstrate excellence in species- oriented clinical practice. This board certified specialty recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association, AVMA. Diplomates have a common desire and willingness to deliver superior, comprehensive, multi-disiplinary veterinary service to the public. Candidates are required to go through a rigorous process of study and examination. According to the ABVP website, www.abvp.com, there are only three Diplomates in canine and feline medicine in Iowa, and we have two! The certification process is demanding and requires a thorough mastery of species oriented practice. These members are also held to the highest ethical standards. Also, differing from other specialties, ABVP Diplomates are required to take an examination every ten years for re-certification. This is a testament to the desire of ABVP Diplomates, and the practices at which they work, to provide the very best care. 

C.E.T. AquaDent Water Additive

With dental month approaching it would be beneficial to take charge of oral health with some of the dental products that we carry. We offer a wide variety of products from toothpaste, toothbrushes, chews and toys.

If you are always on the go and don't have the time to brush your pets teeth, there are other options even though brushing is highly recommended and more beneficial. Any oral care is better than none at all. 

The C.E.T. AquaDent Water Additive is a great alternative that you can use for oral health care. All you have to do is add it to your pet's drinking water daily! It will help freshen their breath as well as maintain oral hygiene. 

There are specific measurements for the pets that are less than 25 pounds and over 25 pounds, so they are given the proper dose for their size.

It is important to offer them fresh non-treated water as well and discard any leftover treated water and start fresh daily.