More
More
More
Now offering wellness blood panels. Make sure that your pet is happy and healthy with our new wellness blood profiles. Inquire today!!!
More
Dr. Lisa Hatfield and Dr. Steve Case join the team at the Neenah veterinary clinic
NEENAH, Wis., June 30, 2015 — Two new veterinarians, Dr. Lisa Hatfield and Dr. Steve Case, are joining the medical team at American Animal Hospital in Neenah. Dr. Pat Mahoney, who has owned and operated American Animal Hospital for 36 years, is retiring. The clinic was purchased by Dr. J. S. Kaleka and his wife Kay, who officially assumed ownership on June 25, 2015.
Dr. Lisa Hatfield will assume the role of Practice Manager and will also work full-time as a veterinarian. She provides veterinary services for cats, dogs, small mammals, reptiles and birds. She most recently worked at Hanover Park Animal Hospital in Hanover Park, Ill. and ran her own business, The Doctor Is In, offering veterinary relief services in Northern Illinois and Southeast Wisconsin. She is a 2007 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
“We are thankful to Dr. Pat Mahoney for giving us this opportunity,” said Dr. Hatfield. “He has built a solid business with a wonderful clientele, and we admire the clinic’s reputation for high-quality veterinary care. We intend to continue to provide the highest quality care available in the Fox Cities for companion animals.”
Dr. Steve Case most recently worked at Antioch Animal Hospital in Antioch, Ill. He will provide full-time veterinary services for dogs and cats, with special interest in dermatology and surgical care. He is a 2005 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
All current team members will continue working at the clinic. “We are keeping everything the same, and have prepared for the smoothest transition possible,” said Dr. Case. “We have a passionate, energetic team and look forward to working with them to continue to provide excellent veterinary services to our clients and their pets.”
“I am so grateful to have worked in this amazing community, caring for so many wonderful pets, for 36 years,” said Dr. Pat Mahoney. “My clients and teammates have become like family to me. I will miss everyone, but am confident the new doctors will continue to lead the clinic to provide the best services available.”
Dr. J. S. Kaleka began practicing veterinary medicine in 1973. He and his wife Kay have previously owned and operated Germantown Veterinary Clinic (Germantown, Wis.), Schaumburg Veterinary Clinic (Schaumburg, Ill.), and Beaver Dam Veterinary Clinic (Beaver Dam, Wis.). They reside in Beaver Dam and will function as advisors to the American Animal Hospital team.
American Animal Hospital (AAH), located at 1230 S. Commercial St. in Neenah, Wis., has been serving pet owners in the Fox Valley for more than 35 years. The clinic’s motto and promise to clients is to “care for your pets as if they were our own.” The team provides cat, dog, small mammal, reptile and bird exams, vaccinations, treatment and medication plans, diagnostics, spays and neuters, dental procedures an other veterinary surgeries, and emergency care. They also advise on pet behavior, nutrition, exercise and more. AAH is one of only two veterinary clinics in the Fox Valley to be AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) Accredited, which means the clinic is evaluated on over 900 standards to ensure the highest quality of pet care. At AAH, pet parents can be assured of the highest quality of care available, and that every patient is a VIP. AAH is a proud supporter of community events and activities, as well as local animal rescues.
See full doctor bios and photos at: https://www.aahneenah.com/about-2/meet-the-team/.
##
More
Canine Flu is highly contagious and all exposed dogs will become infected. About 20% will show no signs at all and 80% develop disease. Symptoms typically start to occur within 3-4 days of exposure (2-5 days). These dogs are contagious to others the first 7-8 days after they have been exposed. So a dog may be contagious before they have clinical symptoms. Flu virus can be spread on surfaces and through the air as in coughing or sneezing
Symptoms typically include nasal discharge, possibly a fever, lethargy, coughing, and possibly loss of appetite. Symptoms typically last a week to ten days. 5-8% of patients may develop life threatening pneumonia that is usually due to bacteria, germs that take advantage of the virus damaged lungs. Canine Flu cannot be diagnosed on clinical symptoms alone. Other “Kennel Cough” organisms produce similar symptoms.
Vaccination does NOT prevent Canine Influenza. The vaccine should reduce the severity and duration of the illness. The March / April Chicago area outbreak was just determined (4/16/15) to be of a different strain than the vaccine that is available. Both strains are an Influenza type A. It is unknown if the vaccine will help reduce severity and duration of this strain. None of the now 175+ Chicago confirmed cases were vaccinated for flu. 14 suspected cases were ParaInfluenza.
The vaccine is injectable and requires 2 doses timed 2-4 weeks apart. It is fully effective 10 – 14 days after the 2nd dose. This means that once we do recognize an outbreak here we can’t begin to help minimize severity and duration with vaccination for a minimum of 1 month! (Dose 1 – 2 wks, dose 2 + 2 wks)
We don’t really know if we should vaccinate for Canine Influenza at this time. Many leading veterinary specialists do feel the vaccine should help cross protect. It is all we have available to help control Canine Influenza and it will be many months before a new strain vaccine could be licensed, produced and available, if at all. It is also unknown how long the research or clinical evidence that will help us understand if there is cross protection will take to complete.
What should I do? Though all dogs are at risk, dogs that are social, go to areas where dogs mix together, should consider vaccination for Canine Influenza and updating Bordetella, Adenovirus-2, and ParaInfluenza protection (a tri-valent intranasal vaccine). “Social” means boarding, day care, grooming, training classes, competition, dog parks and dog walks to name a few common mixing points.
American Animal Hospital has been a leader in vaccine safety. We were many years ahead of other local clinics to move to the AAHA / AVMA recommended 3 year schedule for canine Distemper and feline Distemper group protocols. We are vaccinating our own dogs for both Canine Influenza and the trivalent “Kennel Cough” organisms because as pet health care workers our own pets may also be at risk.
We are setting up expedited visits and pricing to help our clients get this same protection. We are a preventative health-oriented practice and we’re here to help you. Watch for our FAQs being updated almost daily at this time.
Check out www.doginfluenza.com
–from Dr Pat, and your dedicated pet health care team at American Animal Hospital of Neenah
More
Dr. Carla Edwards outlines the top potential holiday hazards to be aware of and avoid during your holiday celebrations – to protect your dogs and cats and ensure everyone has a wonderful holiday!
Dr. Carla highlights main things to be aware of during the holidays – extra food being out that cats and dogs can get into that is toxic, such as poultry carcasses and bones, fatty or spicy foods, dough, chocolates, onions, onion powder, alcoholic beverages, or coffee beans and grounds; plants such as lilies, pointsettias, mistletoe, and holly; and hazards associated with Christmas trees such as tinsel, ornaments, needles and water and presents such as ribbons and bows.
Watch the video on our YouTube Channel here
More
You’ve heard it many times…it’s important to brush your cat’s teeth. But how many of us actually do this? It’s not an easy thing. However, it is very important, to ensure that your cat does not develop gum disease or tooth decay.
Dr. Pat Mahoney offers some easy tips on getting your cat used to the idea of having his or her mouth handled and teeth brushed. There are products that help you to effectively clean your cat’s teeth and he shows how to begin using them in this video.
Watch the video “How to Begin Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth” on our YouTube Channel here
By easing into the adjustment to having your cat’s teeth brushed, and then committing to doing it on a regular basis, you will be rewarded with a healthier cat who will live a longer, happier life~
More
Often part of our 4th of July celebrations, fireworks can be terrifying and possibly painful for many of our dogs and cats.
Our pets have much more sensitive hearing as a survival advantage. The sharp concussion of a fireworks explosion may actually hurt them. They will often run and hide and tremble in response to the noise alone.
In addition, dogs and cats instinctively avoid smoke and fire. The gunpowder smell of expended firecrackers can trigger intense escape responses. This can lead to pets running away – in fact, the 4th of July is the number one day that pets get lost.
The bottom line: our 4th of July is just not fun for many pets!
What to do? Avoidance is #1 here. Don’t take your dogs to the fireworks show. Also don’t personally be the one firing off loud firecrackers near pet dogs or cats. When possible, keep the pets in the most sound-dampened room as you have during fireworks events. Turn on the TV or classical music.
Composure Pro is a nutrient product that can really help many patients. And the Thundershirt anxiety wrap is often very helpful. Both of these products use natural pathways to help reduce anxiety. See our Thunderstorm blog for a bit more information about these.
Medications may become part of the strategy to help some patients through this season. Rarely is the sedation side effect of Benadryl useful for these intense phobias. Alprazolam is the generic Xanax brand name. It truly is an anti-anxiety medication. Though this Rx makes the most medical sense, it just doesn’t help some dogs. Ace Promazine is a sedative and the old time prescription for this use. Many clients report that “Ace” works better for their pet. Some DVMs use both alprazolam and Ace together for some challenging cases.
Fireworks and thunderstorm fear is very real for many dogs and cats. Avoid the fireworks as much as you can. Prepare ahead for these events and try out Composure Pro or a Thundershirt BEFORE they are needed. Work with your veterinarian and help our furry companions through these frightening times.
More
We are excited to announce that we are now open every second and fourth Saturday of each month, from 7:30am to noon!
You can now schedule examinations for your cats and dogs during these weekend hours and receive vaccinations; advice on pet behavior, nutrition and exercise; treatment and medication plans; diagnostics; and other veterinary care as needed.
Appointments can be made by calling the clinic at 920-725-8522 during open hours, Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri 7:30am-5:30pm, Wednesdays 7:30am-7:00pm, and every second and fourth Saturday 7:30am-noon. Pet owners may also make an appointment for their pet by e-mailing info@aahneenah.com.
In addition to offering Saturday hours, we offer cats-only hours and home-based veterinary services, all to provide more convenience for local pet owners.
Offering extended service hours is another way the caring staff at American Animal Hospital brings the latest technologies and products to the local community that will help their pets live fuller, happier lives.
We look forward to seeing you and serving you soon!
More
