Travelling with your pet or horse-veterinary accreditation

LAPORTE, CO–(Marketwired – Aug 27, 2013) – LaPorte Animal Clinic announces that its veterinarian, Dr. Marta Dean, has recently updated her accreditation status with the USDA for animal health certificates, in accordance with the new USDA regulations. This allows her to issue health certificates for large or small animals that are taking trips, including animals going to other countries. (Dr. Andrew Dean’s accreditation status is still current and will be updated in the fall when needed.)
Obtaining a proper health certificate for an animal to travel between states, or countries can be a simple or a lengthy process, depending on the species of animal and where they are going. Transporting birds, for example, or exotic pets involves very different requirements than for dogs. Costs for health certificates may vary, depending on the costs of required blood tests, and whether the certificate is for domestic or international travel.
For most travel within the United States, health certificates for small animals and horses must be obtained from an accredited veterinarian within 10 days before departure. The veterinarian at the animal clinic must complete an actual physical examination on the animal at the time of writing the certificate. Horses need a Coggins (Equine Infectious Anemia) blood test done and the results reported back before the health certificate can be completed. Paperwork for some other countries can take months to complete, so owners must plan ahead. Animals must always have proof of rabies shots and, when going to some countries, blood tests for other diseases.
When traveling internationally, owners should check with the USDA website or the embassy of the country where they’re going, to ensure they’ve completed all the necessary steps and can take their pets with them. Some countries even have quarantine periods for pets coming into the country, and some countries require the health certificates to be completed in the native language of the country, which can make getting the right paperwork done even trickier.
Each airline has different standards for traveling with a pet. Some require a health certificate along with statements of whether the animal can withstand certain temperatures for certain amounts of time. For example, some pets might be sitting on the runway for a little while or traveling in the baggage compartment.
Accreditation is different from a state veterinary license, and right now, the entire system is being overhauled. Over the next 2 years, all veterinarians nationwide are being required to complete the new USDA accreditation training in order to keep their veterinary accreditation. New laws are also coming into play that mandate different accreditation licenses for vets who complete health certificates for large animals compared to small. Not all animal clinics will be able to write health certificates for farm animals, horses and other livestock under these new regulations. These lines aren’t clear-cut either. Pot-bellied pigs, which are pets, still fall under the accreditation status of livestock, just like all other pigs.
Having accredited veterinarians around the country who have current training in spotting unusual diseases can help keep the United States food and fiber animals, as well as pets, safe from incoming foreign diseases. This will also keep humans safe from some diseases that can be transmitted from animals. Accredited veterinarians can conduct testing for important contagious diseases like tuberculosis and brucellosis in cattle.
“The whole thing is a little crazy right now,” admits veterinarian Dr. Marta Dean. “I just finished the ordeal myself. The recertification process (which requires completing multiple online modules covering diseases of concern worldwide in many species of animals) was involved and time consuming but we’re happy that we can continue providing health certificates to all the pets and large animals that need them. This is an important service we provide for our clients and a way we can help keep the spread of animal diseases around the world under control.”
For more information or to schedule your pet’s health certification, please call (970) 490-1999

Laporte Animal Clinic travels with portable digital X-ray processor

please see the article in the "North Forty News"

Laporte, Colorado (July 16, 2013) – In order to better serve their four-legged patients, Laporte Animal Clinic & Supply has recently purchased a portable, digital X-ray machine and processor. Laporte veterinarian, Dr. Andrew Dean, will now be able to travel to the affected animal to conduct radiographic examinations and develop them on the farm, rather than bringing the animal to the office or processing film at the clinic.

Since larger animals, such as equine, are often difficult to transport, this machine will save much time and hassle for the animal, its owner and the vet. This will also help avoid the problem of setting up second farm calls to retake radiographs if they are not conclusive.

Laporte Animal Clinic is one of few vet clinics in the area with an equine veterinarian and farrier who excels in the comprehensive medical care of horses. Dr. Dean is skilled in lameness evaluations, nerve blocks, reproductive care, colic treatment, lacerations and joint injections, as well as therapeutic trimming and shoeing. He regularly travels outside of the office to visit these rather large patients. By now having access to a portable X-ray processor, Dr. Dean can continue his extensive work with equine.

“We are very happy with this new equipment and it has already proved very useful for making quick diagnoses in the field for our equine patients,” Dr. Dean said.

As technology changes, vets are able to better serve and diagnose animals. The portable X-ray processor comes with many benefits, including its lightweight and compact design. The processor weighs less than 55 pounds, making it easy to transport.

The X-ray processor is also fairly user-friendly. Using digital technology, the processor produces instant high-quality images which can be sent by email to radiologists or specialists if needed. No film or chemicals are needed.

Overall, the portable digital X-ray processor will make it easier and faster for Laporte Animal Clinic to diagnose an affected animal. Radiographs are easier to take and images can be produced immediately. This will make archiving a more organized process since images can now be stored electronically and transmitted easily.

Laporte Animal Clinic sends Dr. Dean to hands-on dental training and seminar

Laporte, Colorado (May 29, 2013) – Dr. Marta Dean of Laporte Animal Clinic & Supply, a Fort Collins animal clinic, traveled to Colorado Springs May 18-19th to take part in the Dental Lecture and Wet Lab Seminar, hosted by Animal Health International and the Colorado Academy of Veterinary Technology.

The Dental Wet Lab Seminar, aimed at veterinary technicians and doctors, focused on a variety of dental healthcare techniques, including dental radiology, periodontal disease, oral pathology, surgical extraction techniques and bonded sealants for fractured teeth. Individuals participated in lecture-style learning, as well as hands-on labs, taught by Dr. Tony Woodward, a board-certified veterinary dentist by the AmericanVeterinaryDentalCollege.

As a passionate veterinarian serving the Northern Colorado area, Dr. Dean strives to stay on top of industry trends and medical advances and often participates in advanced seminars to increase her knowledge and skill set. She treats numerous dogs and cats with dental conditions, offering clients education on preventative care and providing care such as prophylactic teeth cleaning for dogs and cars, extractions and oral surgery. Also, Dr. Dean is especially interested in dental care for small animals, which can often be overlooked. Laporte Animal Clinic is one of the few veterinary offices in Fort Collins which provides service for rats, rabbits and guinea pig care.

“[The seminar] expanded my knowledge of dental radiography and my ability to recognize subtle changes in radiographs that can indicate root infections and treat potentially painful diseased teeth in dogs and cats,” Dr. Dean said. “I found the hands-on workshops useful to learn better ways of extracting large molars and canine teeth and to perform oral surgeries close to extraction sites so dogs and cats can heal faster from their surgeries and experience less pain and complications.”

Laporte Animal Clinic & Supply is a unique mixed animal clinic, specializing in equine and exotic animals. Their well-educated staff offers thorough care for all pets, including dogs, cats, small animals, horses and exotics of all sorts.

“The workshop on dental bond material techniques for chipped and fractured teeth was fun and interesting. I am very excited to begin applying this new knowledge to my practice,” Dr. Dean said.

Laporte Animal Clinic & Supply is accepting new patients and can be reached via their Web site at www.laporteanimalclinic.com, or by phone at 970-490-1999.

Laporte Animal Clinic Teams With Oxbow Animal Health to Care for Your Guinea Pig

FORT COLLINS, CO–(Feb 25, 2013) – When it comes to caring for your pet guinea pig, nobody knows your furry little friends like those at Oxbow Animal Health. Proudly offered at northern Colorado’s veterinary clinic of choice, Laporte Animal Clinic, Oxbow offers an array of food and supplies for guinea pigs in addition to a number of other small exotic animals including rabbits, rats, hamsters, gerbils, mice, chinchillas, tortoises and iguanas.

Laporte Animal Clinic is experienced in overall veterinary care, nutritional consulting and especially dental care in Guinea Pigs, Rabbits and other rodents. We strongly recommend an annual exam and dental check for all these pets to keep them healthy and discuss any nutritional or other concerns.

Oxbow Animal Health has been providing top-quality products and an overall care community for small exotic animals worldwide for over five generations. What started on the Miller family farm has turned into the Oxbow commitment to developing the very best in animal care products. Founder John Miller has created an internationally recognized brand that has become the most trusted name in small animal nutrition. Meeting the Oxbow standard of product is a rigorous task and includes ensuring that all materials are hand selected, personally inspected, routinely analyzed for nutritional value, test and retested before being shipped out and given to your little pet friends.

Oxbow provides a lengthy list of guinea pig care products including hay, guinea pig food, litter, hay accessories, treats, vitamins, as well as digestive, immune, joint and urinary support products. When it comes to guinea pig health, Oxbow understands that a lack of Vitamin C is the most common nutritional deficiency in guinea pigs, as they cannot manufacture their own. Therefore one of their most utilized products is the daily Vitamin C tablets which provide a reliable way to prevent disease and lengthen the life of your furry guinea friend.

Oxbow Animal Care also offers an unparalleled variety of all-natural farm-fresh hay and pellets. A complete and fortified high fiber pellet made from hay will help to ensure your guinea pig is getting all the vitamins and minerals they need to live a long and healthy life. The importance of hay in a guinea pigs diet is also quite essential. It is recommended that good timothy or other grass hay be given every day in order to ensure proper guinea pig care and keep their intestinal tracts running smoothly.

In addition to the top quality care products offered by Oxbow, they also offer pet care education, as well as a community for exotic pet owners to share their stories or voice their concerns. In 2004, the Oxbow Academy was created to seek and share knowledge pertaining to animal health and nutrition. It has developed and supported several programs created to educate and facilitate information among pet owners, veterinary professionals, veterinary students, and pet retailers. In addition to the Oxbow Academy is the Oxbow Community of pet owners and caretakers. A space for people to share stories and details about their pets, the Oxbow blog and Facebook page were created to establish a community amongst small pet enthusiasts.

Laporte Animal Clinic values teaming up with only the best animal care providers in the business. If you have a guinea pig or are considering just researching the best practices in guinea pig care before getting one of your own, make sure to check out the selection of Oxbow products at Laporte Animal Clinic or speak to one of their friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Located 15 minutes away from Old Town Fort Collins, Laporte Animal Clinic & Supply has been a northern Colorado staple since 1996 when doctors Andrew and Marta Dean founded the practice. The all-encompassing animal care center conducts everything from physical examinations to dental care to X-rays. They are located at 3333 W. County Rd 54G in Laporte. For more information visit the clinic’s website at www.laporteanimalclinic.com or call 970-490-1999.

FORT COLLINS, CO–(Jan 22, 2013) – February is National Pet Dental Health Month and the veterinary experts at Laporte Animal Clinic are encouraging pet owners in northern Colorado to consider their pets’ dental health as an important facet in their pets’ overall care regimen. Laporte Animal Clinic is offering 10% off all teeth cleaning for dogs and cats. While many pet owners spend time and resources on walking, grooming, and properly feeding their pets, dental health is often overlooked.

It was recently reported by the American Veterinary Dental Society that gingivitis and periodontal disease in cats and dogs have become widespread and that more than 85 percent of dogs and cats show signs of oral disease by the age of 4. When food and bacteria build up in your pet’s mouth it forms plaque and tartar which leads to gingivitis. If gingivitis is ignored it can then lead to even more serious dental problems like periodontal disease and tooth decay or even tooth loss. When bacteria from periodontal disease travels into your pet’s bloodstream, important internal organs like the lungs, heart, kidneys, liver, and nervous system can be negatively affected, and may even result in death.

If your dog or cat has stinky breath, it may actually signify a more serious health risk. The following symptoms are symptoms that can be remedied with teeth cleaning for dogs and cats:

• Bad breath
• Tartar buildup on teeth
• Swollen, receding, or bleeding gums
• Fractured or abscessed teeth
• Change in eating habits

If you notice any of these warning signs, take your pet to Laporte Animal Clinic, northern Colorado’s premier veterinary clinic, immediately.

When it comes to dog and cat health, there are a number of preventative measures that you can take to prevent any oral health issues from forming in the first place.

1. See your veterinarian at least once a year for a dental exam
This will involve an examination of your pet’s teeth and gums, as well as a teeth cleaning for dogs or cats, depending on your pet.

2.Perform preventative care at home such as brushing, offering effective dental chews, using mouth rinses and water additives to decrease bacteria in the mouth

3.Avoid sugary or unhealthy treats and feed a good quality kibble-also using diets such as Hill's T/D and Royal Canin dental diet (both available at Laporte Animal Clinic)

Dr. Andrew Dean at Laporte Animal Clinic Publishes Winter Horseback Riding Guide

LAPORTE, CO–(Jan 16, 2013) – Just because it is getting cold outside does not meant you have to stop a favorite outdoor pastime, and Laporte Animal Clinic’s equine veterinarian and farrier, Dr. Dean, has some tips and services to help make your horse or pony more comfortable in the snow and ice.

Laporte Animal Clinic offers two types of different horseshoe pads that will enable you to ride your horse throughout the winter while still ensuring proper horse care.

The first type covers the entire foot and has a bubble in the center that pops the snow out. This pad is desirable if the horse already requires a protective pad or is tender footed. A medicated packing is used between the pad and the foot.

The second type is rim style. It leaves the bottom of the foot exposed and functions because the flexible rim material works the snow out. This pad lets the frog (a part of the horses foot) function normally which may help provide traction.

Laporte Animal Clinic co-owner, doctor and farrier Dr. Andrew Dean said proper pads will prevent snow packing from taking place under the shoes, which will enable your horse to be comfortable on winter rides.

“The most important horse care consideration when riding in the winter is good traction,” Dr. Dean said. “Giving your horse solid footing when navigating a frozen field or crossing ice patches is a safety concern, not to mention essential to providing proper horse care. North facing slopes or trails on the north side of hills may have ice on them even though the surrounding areas are clear. Areas of tall grass may also have ice underneath where the sun cannot reach to melt it.”

Dr. Dean also recommends applying a screw-in type caulk because certain areas of tall grass may be receptive to having ice underneath that the sun is unable to melt.

Ultimately, Dr. Dean believes you can still enjoy horse riding to its fullest during the winter as long as you take the right precautions.

For more information on these services or any other services the Laporte Animal Clinic provides visit their website at www.laporteanimalclinic.com. There you will find a wealth of information on the services the Laporte Animal Clinic provides and more information on their staff.

Feel free to call 970-490-1999 or stop by their Laporte location at 3333 W. County Rd. 54G.

Located 15 minutes away from Old Town Fort Collins, Laporte Animal Clinic & Supply has been a northern Colorado staple since 1996 when doctors Andrew and Marta Dean founded the practice Their animal care center can treat dogs, cats, exotics, rabbits, guinea pigs and horses and conducts everything from physical examinations, spays and neuters and other soft tissue surgeries to dental care to X-rays. They are located at 3333 W. County Rd 54G in Laporte. For more information visit the veterinary clinic’s website at www.laporteanimalclinic.com or call 970-490-1999.

Laporte Animal Clinic & Supply to Supply Feliway and Adaptil

FORT COLLINS, CO–Nov 28, 2012 – In an on-going effort to put animals and their owners’ needs at the forefront, Laporte Animal Clinic & Supply is now carrying Feliway and Adaptil for cats and dogs, respectively. The two agents, created by the company CEVA, act as pheromones, which help both cats and dogs better behave and adapt to different settings easier. Laporte Animal Clinic has Feliway and Adaptil in-stock for anxious pets visiting the clinic and for people looking to buy the products for home use.

Feliway serves as an artificial copy of a cat’s natural facial pheromones for cat care and anxiety easing purposes. Those pheromones are used by felines to mark everything from places to objects or people as familiar by rubbing their faces on surfaces and people. Feliway is available in either a spray or diffuser. It is encouraged to use the diffuser for at least four weeks to start to see results and then continuously for nervous or aggressive cats, or as the need arises for stressful situations. The pheromone spray for cat care should be used daily for a month to better gauge its effects. The spray is also great for spraying inside the cat’s carrier before transporting them to lessen stress going on trips or to the vet. Feliway is also used to help prevent urine marking in the house — spray it in the areas that your cat is marking, as well as cleaning the area with one of the enzymatic cleaners especially for urine available at Laporte Animal Clinic and Supply.

For man’s best friend, Adaptil also serves as synthetic pheromone by mimicking the natural pheromones of a lactating female. Adaptil can help reduce and eliminate fear and stress-related signs in puppies and adult dogs that often come with being around new places, people or things. The Adaptil collar is effective for up to four weeks. It is recommended that puppies begin wearing the collar as early as possible, especially when training and going to puppy classes, as it will better help eliminate stress and fear from developing through socialization and phobias — thus helping reduce the likelihood of greater problems occurring and continuing down the line.

Located 15 minutes away from Old Town Fort Collins, Laporte Animal Clinic & Supply has been a Northern Colorado staple since 1996 when doctors Andrew and Marta Dean founded the practice. The all-encompassing animal care center conducts everything from physical examinations to dental care to X-rays. Laporte Animal Clinic & Supply has treated and provided care for animals as small as mice to horses and everything in between — dog and cat care included. They are located at 3333 W. County Rd, 54G in Laporte. For more information on Laporte Animal Clinic & Supply visit the center’s website, http://www.laporteanimalclinic.com/, or call 970-490-1999.

Lost And Found

Published September 24, 2013 | By Marina Asbury

The recent disastrous floods that have occurred in our state have brought into stark relief the benefits of microchipping pets. Many pets have been separated from their human families during this time and fortunately many have been rescued with their families or have found shelter until they can be reunited with them. Microchipping involves a quick and simple procedure that can be done in your veterinarian’s office or local animal medical center. It involves implanting a digital chip, about the size of a grain of rice, under your pet’s skin. This simple effective device can go a long way in ensuring pet safety in the event that a beloved pet either becomes lost or is separated from its family.

Microchipping animals is fast becoming the standard for reuniting lost pets with their families. In some jurisdictions it has become a pet care and pet ownership requirement. You can discuss with your veterinarian whether microchipping is an option for your pet. We can never foresee disasters that may involve our pets but we can be proactive in preventing added stress during difficult times.

LaPorte Animal Clinic offers quality microchip products and competent staff to perform the procedure, microchipping can be done during a regular office visit and only requires a few minutes, and does not involve sedation. A test scan will be performed in order to ensure that everything is working properly. Soon afterwards you will be on your way secure in the knowledge that you have given your pet the chance to find their way back to you if they become separated from you. LaPorte Animal Clinic utilizes industry standards in microchip brand, brands that all humane societies, shelters, and that most veterinarians have scanners for. In fact all human societies and shelters now routinely scan for microchips in lost pets. In addition all types of pets can be microchipped, even birds (except very small species) and horses.

LaPorte Animal Clinic provides compassionate and competent medical and dental care for horses, cats, dogs, birds and exotic pets. They also carry a broad supply of quality pet products that will meet all your pet care needs. Call them today or stop in for a visit for more information or to make an appointment to consult about your pet’s healthcare and dental care needs. Located in the Fort Collins area at 3333 W. County Road 54G, LaPorte, Colorado 80535, 970-490-1999

Panting Up a Storm

Published September 13, 2013 | By Marina Asbury

During the summertime it is not uncommon to see your dog panting up a storm especially if it’s a hot and dry day. Because dogs have fur coats the way they cool down is through an internal process of thermoregulation. Because they have very few sweat glands unlike humans who cool down through a process of evaporation of sweat on the skin surface, dogs must utilize an evaporation method through their respiratory system. The cooling comes from the evaporation of water in their nasal passages, mouth and lungs. This process depletes them of large amounts of water making it necessary as a part of good pet care to always keep fresh clean water available for pets.

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Dogs will also pant for other reasons. They may pant because they are excited, distressed or ill. If your dog engages in extended periods of panting they may need to be checked by your veterinarian or animal clinic staff. Normal panting usually occurs for a reason, your dog is hot, or exited or showing signs of stress, normal panting comes in bursts, a dog may pant heavily and then go back to normal breathing before again panting heavily. A dog that is panting without these pauses in between heavy panting may need to be examined. As panting is hard work for their muscles and respiratory system which can literally wear them out, especially if they are elderly.

Panting is also a natural thermoregulation method used by other furry mammals, birds and some reptiles. You can check with knowledgeable staff at your animal clinic to get more detailed information on how your unique pet cools down. For example in birds the evaporation of water occurs in their air sacs. Regardless of how your pets cool down, they will need to replace the water that has been displaced in their bodies due to the process of evaporation.

LaPorte Animal Clinic provides compassionate and knowledgeable medical and dental care for horses, cats, dogs, birds and exotic pets. Call them today or stop in for a visit for more information or to make an appointment to consult about your pet’s healthcare and dental care needs. Located in the Fort Collins area at 3333 W. County Road 54G, LaPorte, Colorado 80535, and 970-490-1999

You Can Help Stop Rabies

Published July 15, 2013 | By Marina Asbury

According to the July 11, 2013 issue of the Fort Collins Coloradoan, on July 6, 2013, Colorado State health officials announced that a domestic kitten with the rabies prophylaxis virus had recently bitten and/or scratched eight individuals in Larimer County, Colorado. Five of the individuals were children and the other three adults. According to Larimer County health officials it is the first reported case of rabies in a domesticated kitten in over forty three years. Also earlier this year a bull and three horses tested positive for rabies in neighboring counties. Pets and livestock, warm blooded animals are at risk and are usually infected by wild animals with the virus.

All animals, even livestock such as cattle, goats and horses can get rabies and should be vaccinated. Rabies can take many months to show up after an animal is bitten, it can also be fatal to humans once symptoms have started, which is why the Larimer County Health Department oversees rabies control, testing, and vaccination. According to the Laporte Animal Clinic there has been a recent increase in rabies found in skunks, foxes, and raccoons over the last two years; in the past bats were the main source of rabies in the Larimer County area. This has put pets and livestock at a higher risk, as skunks and foxes can be fearless when rabid and approach human dwellings and domestic pets. It is important to make sure that all pet’s and livestock have up to date vaccinations against rabies. Double check their vaccination records to determine if one is in order.