Our Hours:       By Appointment
Mon thru Thu             9am to 8 pm
Fri                                  9 am to 5 pm
Sat                                9 am to 1 pm
 

Welcome to the on-line version of our popular newsletter, Paws Awhile. This format allows for more frequent updates so we can keep you current on all the goings-on at IWVC.

March Comes In
Like a Lion...
 

And Goes Out
 Like a Lamb!

Helping Our Pets Age Gracefully

Adult pets may age up to eight times faster than humans; therefore, major health changes can occur in as little as three months.  The risks of cancer, diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease and other serious conditions all increase with age.  Since today’s pets are living longer than ever, chances are many will experience one or more of the typical problems of aging.  Ask our staff about the many ways we can help your senior pets enjoy a great quality of life during their "golden years"!

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in dogs. This very painful condition is a particular danger in certain breeds, but all dogs can be affected. Unfortunately, by the time you can see there is a problem, the vision in that eye is lost. By checking intraocular pressure, we can screen for and treat mild increases before they have a chance to become serious. This procedure is painless, takes just moments and can be performed during an office visit.

As subtle as the signs of Hypertension (high blood pressure) are in humans, they are much harder to pick up in cats until the damage is done to internal organs like the eyes, heart and kidneys.  Years ago hypertension was not even recognized in cats, but now we have the ability to diagnose and treat it before harm is done.  It is a great idea to have a baseline blood pressure measurement at about 6 to 7 years of age, then every 6 to 12 months. This important procedure is completely painless and can be performed quickly during your visit.
 

Rabies Update!

To the left is a map of all Rabies cases diagnosed in Pennsylvania during 2009. Of 388 documented cases, 12 were in Bucks County. Remember, these are only cases that were actually tested.  Many more went undiagnosed.

As of January 31 this year there have been 15 cases in Pennsylvania, with 1 raccoon in Bucks County.

UPDATE: During the 1st week of February a rabid raccoon was diagnosed here at Indian Walk. It had been killed by a client's dogs. All of that household's pets are now under quarantine and the client is undergoing post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please remember, Rabies is HERE!
Only by keeping all of your pets up to date on their Rabies vaccinations can they and their human family members be protected from this deadly disease.

Class Schedules

	Pet Massage To be announced
	Puppy Class Call or Email for times
	Pet CPR & First Aid To be announced

Our Pet CPR & First Aid Courses have been well-received so we will be planning more dates. If you would like to attend, call the office at 215-598-9000 to sign up.

The course is taught by Helen Natelli and is sponsored by the Red Cross of Lower Bucks County. The registration fee of $40.00 goes toward materials. All profits go to the Red Cross.

Attendees receive lecture notes and a complete Pet First Aid Kit. Light refreshments are provided.

Many thanks to our Jenn M., who arranges and hosts the sessions.

March Calendar

If you notice some new faces among the nursing staff, they are veterinary technology students from Manor College, on a six-week externship to learn all they can from our excellent nurses.

Happy Passover!

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Copyright Indian Walk Veterinary Center 2002-09   
Unless otherwise indicated, photos are copyright Indian Walk Veterinary Center.
Reproduction only with express written permission. 
Last modified: March 01, 2010