Archive for the ‘Conversations’ Category

Trupanion has amazed us again!  Since our last discussion, the pet insurance company has now extended its “Free 30 Day Trial” to dogs and cats from 8 weeks to 14 years old.  Previously, the certificate was only valid for dogs and cats from 8 weeks to 12 months old, which may have been discouraging for pet owners whose interest was sparked by such an offer but their pet’s age exceeded the limits in order to take advantage of this deal.  This news is incredible given the misconception  that the older pets get, the less they will benefit from veterinary pet insurance or, that they aren’t eligible to participate in pet insurance programs at all. Read the rest of this entry »

by Dr. Elizabeth Murphy

 

In contrast to most of my veterinary colleagues, I do not remember exactly when I knew that I WANTED to be a veterinarian. For some veterinarians, the moment they know is as acutely remembered in all details as some of the big events in our society – like 9/11 or when Kennedy got shot, just more positive!  For me, it was a long slow dawning of realization over many years.   Read the rest of this entry »

 

by Noel Brunner (as told to Jenni)

 

Hello, friends! Noel Brunner, here.

 

I’d have to say fall is my favorite season, and I’m so excited we’re getting a preview of what’s to come this season here in Broad Ripple. I just love the cooler temperatures, Colts football, rolling around in piles of leaves (not mention all the good sticks to chew on), and trick-or-TREATing! Yep, fall is my favorite.

 

Also starting this fall are Caturdays at the Wellness Center. Every first and third Saturday of the month, the Wellness Center will become a “no dog zone,” as Dr. Birchfield will only be seeing appointments with cats on those days.

 

Now, don’t get me wrong—I love the Wellness Center (I go there frequently for laser therapy treatments). But no dogs allowed?! That’s just unfair. Everyone knows dogs are soooo much better than cats. Have you ever seen a cat sit on command? Or catch a Frisbee in its mouth? No, I didn’t think so. I don’t mind the cats that come to BRAC, but some of them can be scared of me and my other doggy friends. So, while I wish I were invited to Caturdays, maybe my feline friends will be happier without me there.

 

Did you know there is a cat who lives at the main clinic? Her name is Princess. She mainly hangs out with the doctors in the treatment area. I guess she doesn’t like all the attention up front, which is great because that means more attention for me! And more attention means more treats!

by Dr. Bill Neumann

 

At some point in their lives, many people want to be a veterinarian “when they grow up”. Most people who successfully achieve their dream of becoming a veterinarian, made this decision at a young age. I was no different. Since elementary school, I have always enjoyed science. I just didn’t know what type of science I wanted to study, or what I wanted to do with science as a career. At first, I thought I would follow in my brother’s footsteps and be an engineer, but that all changed in middle school. Read the rest of this entry »

by Dr. David Lee

 

Tooth resorption is a disease process that affects more than 50% of adult cats.  This condition is also referred to as neck lesions, resorptive lesions, or FORL’s (feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions).  Tooth resorption causes defects in the crown and roots of the tooth similar to cavities in a human.  However, while human cavities are caused by decay, tooth resorption is due to the cat’s body attacking the teeth.   Read the rest of this entry »

by Noel Brunner (as told to Jenni)

 

Friends, I have surprising news… I know my dashing good looks make me appear to be a young pup of two years… three tops. But I am, in fact, almost 11 years old. Hard to believe, isn’t it?! And with age come some aches and pains. For example, my neck is often pretty sore in the mornings. The BRACstaff give me an anti-inflammatory drug called Rimadyl, which helps with the pain a lot, but I still need a little bit more help with the arthritis in my legs. And that’s where laser therapy comes in—which, from what I hear from the doctors at BRAC, releases endorphins and stimulates injured cells to heal at a faster rate. From my perspective, I get to wear cool sunglasses and it feels nice! Read the rest of this entry »

Today marks a very important day at Broad Ripple Animal Clinic and Wellness Center. It’s important because we have just launched our BRAChealth Plans! Why is THAT important, you ask? It’s important because the doctors and staff at Broad Ripple Animal Clinic and Wellness Center have created three plans that help you manage your adult pet’s health AND your wallet. Read the rest of this entry »

 

Deficiency in what?

Our pets have thyroid glands in their neck that function just as ours do!  Interestingly, dogs are prone thyroid problems that cause a deficiency of thyroid hormone, while cats are much more likely to get a benign growth on the thyroids, causing an increase of the hormone.  Decreases in the hormone can be related to immune system malfunctions, problems in the part of the brain that stimulates the thyroid gland, other concurrent diseases that decrease the concentration of circulating hormone, tumors in the thyroid gland, or it can be related to an unknown cause. Read the rest of this entry »

by Noel Brunner (as told to Jenni)

 

Hello, again! Noel Brunner, here. I hope you all are keeping cool out there in this heat! Thankfully, I get to rest inside in the air conditioning all day:)

 

In between naps last week, I overheard the BRACstaff talking about an on-call technician that would be available by phone (317-840-3241) from the time we close until 10:00pm Monday through Friday. I think it’s a great idea, but it’s missing something very important… Me! Read the rest of this entry »

We initiated a survey near the end of March 2011, seeking your feedback on our services. We really appreciated each and every response we received, and have been working on ways to serve you and your pets’ needs even better!

As a direct result of many, many suggestions and requests to lengthen our hours and offer some level of emergency service, we are launching a new “Technician-On-Call” service beginning Tuesday, July 5, 2011. This new service is free to all our BRACpets and their families! We recognize that in many cases, you are unsure as to whether your pet needs to be seen at an emergency clinic, or if an issue can wait until the next morning. Our hope is to offer guidance and support to you in these cases, until 10:00pm most evenings.

Read the rest of this entry »