Archive for the ‘Conversations’ Category

by Dr. Steve Nichols, CVA

Clients may become interested in optional approaches to their pet’s health for many different reasons. Even with the tremendous advancements in “Western” medicine over the last 50 years, there are those patients that present with conditions for which we have no therapy or at least not a good one. As veterinarians we are often challenged by cases that don’t adhere to the “textbooks.” These cases may appear to be straightforward, however they do not improve with conventional intervention. Read the rest of this entry »

by Dr. Lori Fruit

Raising a puppy is not an easy job, just ask this veterinarian. I’m rediscovering the “joys” of puppyhood. Can anyone relate?

Number 1: Parasites happen! In our case, Giardia was the culprit—a lot of giardia. Even though I recommend treatment for this parasite all the time, and I know it’s a lot of work, I was still surprised. Giardia is a parasite that can cause diarrhea in some affected dogs, and Tilly seems to be one of those lucky dogs. Read the rest of this entry »

by Dr. Lori Fruit

When we think of toxic substances, we tend to think of chemicals, cleaners, and medications. However, there are common items you might find around any household that most people don’t realize can be toxic to their beloved pets. Here are four common items, you should take precautions with, if you have a cat or dog in your household:

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What happens when you have an incredibly mild winter, followed by an early and warmer than usual spring? Indiana is about to find out! Unfortunately, so are our pets.

Every year, veterinarians discuss the importance of flea and tick control, along with heartworm disease prevention. You’ve probably heard it every year and according to our medical records, only about half of our pet owners use some type of prevention for about six months out of the year. The question is, are we doing enough to protect our cats and dogs, and ultimately our families? Read the rest of this entry »

by Bill Neumann, DVM, DABVP (Canine and Feline Specialist)

What is the purpose of vaccination?  It is to safely protect our pets from scores of debilitating and deadly diseases.  Taking your dog or cat to the veterinarian for vaccinations, though, is not as simple or as straightforward as you would think it should be.

First of all, vaccines need to be individually tailored to each pet.  Some vaccines are needed while others may not need to be given.  Some should be given every 6 mos. while others every 3 years.  Others are in between.  To iron this out, you should begin in our office with a consultation on what would be best for you, your pet, and your lifestyle. Read the rest of this entry »

by Dr. Sara Rudwell

There are so many things that make BRAC special, but one of my favorite things that sets us apart from many clinics is our wonderful team of veterinary technicians.  Did you know that BRAC currently employs ten Registered Veterinary Technician (RVTs) and Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) [the nomenclature differs slightly based on the state where training was completed]?   This is basically unheard of in non-referral, small animal general practice. Read the rest of this entry »

by Dr. Lori Fruit

As a veterinarian at Broad Ripple Animal Clinic and Wellness Center, I discuss puppyhood with my clients on a daily basis. Raising a puppy can be a challenging, but very rewarding experience. I recently adopted a new puppy (Matilda) and have rediscovered my “inner client” when it comes to raising a pup. Read the rest of this entry »

by Dr. David Lee

Dental x-rays are a very important part of oral care for our pets. They are an integral step in the Complete Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) plan that is performed when your pet goes under anesthesia for oral care. In addition to dental x-rays, this COHAT plan includes full cleaning above and below the gum line, careful probing and charting of the teeth and teeth structures, assessment of the tongue, gums, and soft tissues of the mouth, and often photography to document your pet’s oral health. This process is very similar to a visit to our human dentists. Read the rest of this entry »

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 »