Pippa is a 6 year old Persian.  She was rescued as an adult cat by her owner a few months ago.  Pippa has a condition called “brachycephalic syndrome.”   This condition is commonly seen in dogs and cats bred to have a “short” head such as the Boxer, Boston terrier, Persians, Himalayans.  Due to this Pippa was having a difficult time breathing.  Her daily life consisted of always snorting, and occasionally she would pant like a dog, which is very abnormal for a cat.  Luckily we were able to fix her condition.  Some extreme brachycephalic cases are not as successful. 

Pippa Pre-surgery

Dr. Sean Wells performed an alapexy which involved removing a small wedge from each side of her nostrils.  Because her nares were so stenotic, she could not pass air through them like a normal cat.

10 days post op Pippa is feeling great and breathing much easier!  Her owner reports that she has also become much more energetic. She is a  very sweet kitty and we are so happy to have helped her feel better.

Pippa Post-surgery

What is dental disease and why is it harmful to my pet?

Dental care for our pets is just as important as it is for us. Dental disease is the most common diagnosis in dogs and cats and is something that can be prevented!  Dental disease starts as bacteria combines with saliva and food to form plaque, and over time it accumulates and hardens to form tartar. Tartar then starts to grow under the gum line destroying the tooth and surrounding bone and tissue.  Studies show that swallowing all the bacteria from dental disease can move into the bloodstream potentially causing problems in the heart, liver and kidneys.

Indications of dental disease are bad breath, red and bleeding gums, not wanting to eat or any pain or swelling around the mouth.  If you do notice any of these signs bring your pet in for an exam so a proper treatment plan can be made, and if a dental is needed blood work and additional tests may be necessary to ensure they are healthy enough to undergo anesthesia.

What happens during a dental cleaning?  Does my pet really need to go under anesthesia?

Anesthesia is necessary because to properly evaluate the mouth all surfaces of the teeth need to be assessed as well as back in the throat or under the tongue. Also the use of the mechanical and sharp instruments would be impossible if the animal was awake.

The teeth are cleaned using and ultrasonic scaler to knock away tartar on the surface of the tooth and under the gum line, then polished to smooth any irregularities made during the cleaning. Charting and a full mouth exam is done to find anything abnormal such as periodontal pockets, fractures, loose teeth, oral masses or to see if x-rays are necessary.  A plan is then formed as to the best way to treat the problematic areas whether it be removing teeth or trying to save them with root planning.  For the more complicated procedures specialty veterinary dentists are available.

Is there anything I can do for my pet at home?

The best way to prevent dental disease and minimize the amount of anesthetic procedures for your pet is with regular home dental care.  To start brushing your pet’s teeth make sure you have a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically for animals. Be sure to start slow by allowing the m to lick the toothpaste off your finger and then gradually introduce the toothbrush.  Bushing daily is ideal, but for those unable to, there are other options such as chews, diets and rinses.

Catching dental disease early and preventing at home can save against an extensive procedure and discomfort in your pet. Call today to get your pet’s teeth checked and save $40 on all dentals during the month of February.

Customer Service Requirements:               

Email us: fdsresumes@irvingpethospital.com

You must be able to think quick, follow directions and work well with fellow staff members. We are a very close group of coworkers and we are seeking someone who will mesh well with our current team. Previous veterinary experience is recommended.

Personal attributes include:
Professional attitude
Neat appearance
Self confidence
Familiarity with medical terminology
Warm and welcoming manner
Good communication between fellow staff members
Ability to deal with the emotional demands of being in the presence of critically ill, dying pets and their emotionally distraught owners
The ability to have compassion, use tact and diplomacy when dealing with clients

Job responsibilities include:
Managing a multi line phone system efficiently
Taking accurate messages
Greeting clients and processing their appointments/procedures efficiently and in a friendly manner
Being able to multi-task at least 3 items at once
Checking out clients from appointments/procedures (entering charges and going over discharge instructions)
Handling client complaints in a friendly, professional manner, and providing the first level of solving those complaints

Veterinary Assistant Requirements:

Email us: techresumes@irvingpethospital.com

Kindness, compassion, and dedication to a team environment is expected and required to be considered as part of our great team

Requirements:
Minimum 1yrs experience in small animal hospital and be skilled at the following areas:
Restraint
Radiology and Lab procedures
Assisting doctors in exams
Familiarity with vaccines and medications
Fecals
Blood draws
Catheter placement
Proficiency in computers a must

*Knowledge of small mammals is a bonus

Physical demands of both positions:
Ability to stand for a long period of time
Ability to work in a fast paced environment
Ability to lift 50 pounds

We are hoping to fill 2 long term (3+ years), full-time position, which will consist of 4 ten-hour days, including working evenings and Saturdays. Your weekly schedule may vary in order to best accommodate the each employee’s as well as the hospital’s needs.

All full-time employees are eligible to receive medical and dental benefits , 401(k) retirement plans, and discounted medical pet care.

If you are interested in either position, please email us at the above addresses. Please copy an paste your resume into your response with either IPH Receptionist or IPH Vet Tech in the subject line and remember to tell us about yourself. We look forward to meeting you!

Zaza is very honored to be the Irving Pet Hospital’s “Pet of the Month” (we won’t tell Hugh Hefner!!). 

Zaza was born in Cincinatti, Ohio on July 11, 2003 (I keep telling her that she doesn’t look a day over 5!).  She has a wonderful life here in San Francisco…her Mom makes sure that she is well looked after (and that’s why we L-O-V-E the Irving Pet Hospital).  Zaza has also traveled to many places with her Mom (sometimes in First Class!)…and has been backstage at many concerts where she loves to pose with whatever rock star her Mom is working with.  Zaza is very loved by all who meet her!

-   Shelley Lazar

P.S. Zaza is the secret Santa we talked about in our Christmas Angel blog!

A couple of our clients were having lunch on the sidewalk near Lincoln and 9th Ave in San Francisco on December 23rd with their 1 ½ year old, mastiff mix, Panda.

A car jumped the curb and hit both Panda and one of the owners! Panda’s mom was taken to the hospital, but Panda, scared and hurt, ran towards the park. Animal Care and Control were able to retrieve Panda, and called Panda’s dad who rushed to pick him up and bring him straight into IPH.  Panda’s dad wanted to go with his wife, but his wife was insistent on him finding their precious Panda.

Once they arrived, we immediately brought Panda into a room where he was examined and determined stable.

Around the same time another client brought in her French Bulldog, Zaza, dressed in her cutest Santa sweater.  Zaza was getting ready for the holidays with a mani/pedi.  Zaza’s mom was waiting in the lobby; she overheard Panda’s dad on the phone getting an update on his wife as he waited for the doctor and medical staff to finish their analysis and treatments for Panda.

Zaza’s mom quietly whispered to the Front Desk staff…

Zaza’s mom approached Panda’s dad and said…“I’m taking care of your bill.  Santa’s come early this year”, as she pointed down to Zaza dressed in her Santa sweater looking sweetly up at them, “I just want YOU to be with your dog for Christmas!!”

Everyone was in tears! Zaza’s mom had never met Panda’s dad before today. She had only overheard his phone conversation in the lobby and didn’t hesitate to offer her help.

Thankfully, Panda and his mom are doing well.  Neither have any broken bones, they are just bruised, sore and shaken from the ordeal. All the IPH staff were relieved to hear of this news.

And as for the Zaza, well, she looks fabulous, as always!

There are little angels everywhere, willing to help others in their time of need. And the spirit of Santa, giving to others with all your heart (in anyway you can, even if you don’t know them) is what this season is all about!

Monya is a 7 month old male neutered Ragdoll who presented to Irving Pet Hospital straining to urinate for approximately 12-24 hours.  Monya’s owner had adopted him as a kitten, and they noted that he had always urinated small amounts and made frequent trips to the litterbox.  

Upon evaluation it was found that Monya had a urethral obstruction, which means that Monya had something blocking his bladder from emptying.  This condition is life threatening!   Monya’s owners were unable to afford treatment for him and without treatment Monya would have not survived.  We all were heartbroken to see this young, healthy cat go through this and we wanted to do everything possible for him.  After banning together as a team, we decided we would allow the owner to relinquish Monya to the hospital.   This means that the owner is no longer responsible for him and the hospital takes on the responsibility and cost to treat him and find him a new home – this is not a common practice at IPH but when we have a case like this, it always pulls on heartstrings.

With the help of Drs. Jill Williamson, Joe Graff, Sophie Dennison, and Sean Wells as well as the staff at All Animals Emergency Hospital and AIMSS, Monya received full treatment for his condition!  An abdominal ultrasound was done and it was found that Monya had a congenital condition called a Ureterocele.  This means that there was a sac in the bladder where the bladder connects to the ureters (the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder).  This sac was causing obstruction of the flow of urine from the bladder. 

Surgery was performed by Dr. Sean Wells and so far Monya is doing well!!  He was adopted to a new owner and is able to urinate on his own.  He had a rough start but will hopefully live a long and healthy life.  The estimated cost for Monya’s treatment would have been $5000-$6000.

We are a busy three doctor veterinary practice in the Sunset district is looking for an experienced technician. Would you like to utilize all of your skills while being encouraged to reach your professional goals? Are you looking for an opportunity to work in a unique and stimulating practice? Irving Pet Hospital could be the right place for you!

Requirements:
Minimum 3yrs experience in small animal hospital and be skilled at the following areas:
Assist with pre meds and induction of anesthesia
Intubation, monitoring and recovery of patients
Dental Prophylaxis – Ultrasonic scaling and polishing
Radiology and Lab procedures
Assisting doctors in exams
Familiarity with vaccines and medications
Fecals
Blood draws
Catheter placement
Proficiency in computers a must

Physical Requirements:
Ability to stand for a long period of time
Ability to work in a fast paced environment
Ability to lift 50 pounds

*Knowledge of small mammals is a bonus
Kindness, compassion, and dedication to a team environment is expected and required to be considered as part of our great team

We are open Monday-Saturday with some late nights and offer an alternative work week. Your weekly schedule may vary in order to best accommodate the each employee’s needs as well as the hospital’s needs.

All full-time employees are eligible to receive medical and dental benefits, 401(k) retirement plans, and discounted medical pet care.

Resumes accepted by EMAIL ONLY. Please copy and paste your resume (no attachments), enter IPH Vet Tech in the subject line, and remember to tell us a little about yourself. 

Please email your resume to: techresumes@irvingpethospital.com

The holidays can be a joyous time for many but for your furry family it can be some of the most harmful!  Keep your home safe for your furry companions this holiday season.  Be sure to steer clear of the following toxic plants, dangerous decorations and unhealthy treats.

Decorations – the best advice with holiday decor is to keep them away from curious mouths!

• If you have a Christmas tree, beware of pets drinking the tree water.  The water may contain fertilizers which, if ingested, can cause stomach upset.  Stagnant tree water can also act as a breeding ground for bacteria and if ingested a pet could end up with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Keep any breakable ornaments and hooks off the ground.  Decorate the bottom half of your tree with non-breakable ornaments (i.e. wooden or plastic ornaments).
• Keep tinsel and ribbon away from cats as they are attracted to this sparkly decoration and often mistake them as a “toy.”  If ingested, tinsel and ribbon can become lodged in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction.  This is a very common problem, particularly with cats.

Food & Drinks - During holiday parties, inform your guests of any pets in the house and ask they not be fed human food.  Any diet change, even for one meal, may give your pet severe indigestion and diarrhea.  This is particularly true for older animals that have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements.  Keep your pets away from the following foods:

• Turkey & chicken bones – poultry bones can splinter and cause blockages.
• Grapes, Raisins & Currants - if ingested, these can cause gastroinestinal upsets such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.  It can also cause kidney failure.
• Chocolate – depending on the dose ingested, chocolate (bakers, semi-sweet, milk and dark) can be potentially poisonous to most animals.  In general, the less sweet the chocolate, the more toxic it can be.  In fact, unsweetened baking chocolate contains almost seven times more theobromine (a substance similar to caffeine) as milk chocolate.  Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity and increased thirst, urination and heart rate can be seen with the ingestion of as little as 1/4 ounce of baking chocolate by a 10lb dog.
• Alcoholic beverages – place unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot reach them.  If ingested, the animal could become very sick and weak and may go into a coma, possible resulting in death from respiratory failure.
• Candies & gum (including wrappers) - candies and gum containing large amounts of the sweetener xylitol can also be toxic to pets, as ingestions of significant quantities can produce a fairly sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, un-coordination and seizures.  Candy wrappers can cause vomiting and intestinal blockage.

Flowers & Plants

• Poinsettias – they are considered to be very low in toxicity.  However, they could cause mild vomiting or nausea.
• Lilies – Lilies are commonly used this time of year and all varieties including, Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Stargazer and Casa Blanca can cause kidney failure in cats.  Safe alternatives can include artificial flowers made from silk or plastic.
• Mistletoe & Holly Berries – These plants can be potentially toxic to pets.  Should a cat or dog eat mistletoe, they could possibly suffer gastrointestinal upsets and cardiovascular problems.  Holly can cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and lethargy if ingested.

Additional Hazards

• Antifreeze - pets should be kept away from driveways, garages and any place that antifreeze may have spilled.  It is also important to make sure your car isn’t leaking antifreeze.  If ingested, it can cause kidney failure.
• Rock Salt – keep ice melting products off of ground level.  Rinse off any salt or ice from the ground and dry thoroughly.  Dog boots can help protect sensitive feet.

If you feel your pet has ingested any of these items, please contact the ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or view their website at http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/.

Join Irving Pet Hospital and Friends of San Francisco Animal Care and Control for Pet Pride Day 2011, this Sunday, October 30th at Sharon Meadow in Golden Gate Park. Our doctors and staff will be educating the public on disaster preparedness for your furry friends. We will be located at Booth #39, so please stop by and take a spin on our Prize Wheel, or get a raffle ticket for our biggest prizes – a fully-stocked pet disaster kit for your cat or dog. The fun starts at 11am and continues until 3pm. You and your (leashed) dog are both welcome to attend.

Pet Pride Day has loads of activities for pet lovers including a pet costume contest, animal performances, and many local vendors, rescue groups and shelters at the booths. Please see the official website at http://helpacc.org/petprideday/Pet_Pride_Day_2011.html for more information.

2011 Schedule of Events:
11:00 am–12:00 pm Registration and Pet Costume prejudging
12–12:25 pm San Francisco Mounted Police Unit – Parade of Pets
12:25–12:35 pm Proclamation and Awards
12:35–12:55 pm Falcon Air Bird Abatement Team Working Animal Demo
1:00–1:10 pm SF Bee-Cause
1:15–1:25 pm DiscDoGG Demo Team
1:25–1:50 pm Super Dooper Pooper Scooper Kiddie Goodie Scramble by SFPUC
1:50–2:05 pm Pet Trick Contest
2:05–2:20 pm ACC Dating Game
2:20–2:40 pm Pet Food Express Pet Costume Contest
2:45–3:00 pm DiscDoGG Demo Team & Visit the Vendors

Dr. Kelly Smith will be working at Irving Pet Hospital as a relief veterinarian for the next two weeks while Dr. Nagayama attends a continuing education seminar in Spain. Come by to say hello!

Dr. Kelly Smith with Lily