Stayton Veterinary Hospital Newsletter / Winter 2022

CLINIC QUARTERLY

WINTER 2022

The Myth of Flea Season And More Inside!

The Myth of Flea Season

As we enter the winter months, let’s address the myth of flea season in the Pacific Northwest. In some parts of the United States, there are truly flea seasons because of extreme climate changes between seasons. Unfortunately, the Pacific Northwest does not fall into this category. Although our winter months can bring freezing temperatures, the freezing temperatures are too brief to affect the flea population. Every season is flea season where we live.

This is why it is so important that our pets stay on flea prevention all year. This includes pets that are indoor only or don’t leave the yard. Pets can be infected with fleas even if they are just outside for a brief time to go potty. We can also bring fleas into our homes without realizing it.

They hitch a ride on our shoes or clothes and then find their way to our furry family members.

Fleas can cause a number of medical issues for pets other than itching and scratching. A lot of pets are allergic to flea saliva. A single flea bite can create an allergic reaction causing hair loss, skin infections and so much more.

Fleas carry tapeworm larva so when a pet is grooming themselves and ingests a flea they can become infected with tapeworms. Tapeworms are particularly icky because they are zoonotic, which means that we can get them from our pets. This is another great reason to protect your pets against fleas all year.

Heavy flea infestations can lead to anemia. This can be life threatening if not treated. Fleas feast on the blood of their host. A large flea burden can cause enough blood loss to the host to make them very ill. This can lead to the need of a blood transfusion and involved treatment.

Talk to your veterinarian about what flea options they recommend for your pets. Every season is flea season.

Meet Our New Doctor

Dr. Megan Neuhoff was born in Tualatin, Oregon but grew up just outside the California Bay Area. She attributes her love for animals to her dad who would always take her on adventures in the nearby hills and fields looking for snakes and lizards to catch. Growing up she spent her summers on the Oregon coast with her extended family and always planned to move back to the PNW one day.

Dr. Neuhoff attended the University of California Davis where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. She then took a year off, working as a machinist’s assistant and in a kitten nursery in San Diego before moving back to Oregon to continue pursuing a career in Veterinary medicine. She graduated and received her DVM from the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University.

What draws Dr. Neuhoff to veterinary medicine is the human-animal bond and the ability to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and the people who love them. She has special interests in equine medicine, canine behavior, imaging and surgery.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her rambunctious shepherd mix Finley. Some of their favorite activities include hiking, mountain biking, doing yard work, playing on the beach and camping.

Importance of Annual Screenings

Systemic changes can occur well before symptoms become apparent. Annual screenings such as, blood work, urinalysis and fecal screenings, are important in being proactive with your pets care. Performing lab work when a pet is healthy and happy is a great tool for their future care because it helps their doctor establish a normal baseline. Future lab work can then be compared to these baseline levels and disease can be detected sooner. Prevention and early treatment can increase the quality and longevity of a pet’s life.

Tis the Season to Give

Our S.O.S. Fund is a special fund that is used all year round to help sick and injured pets in need. Sweet Gracie is one of the many pets whose life has been changed dramatically because of generous donations that have been made to the S.O.S. Fund. Gracie came to us with a severely broken hind limb and the surgery and care she needed was extensive and expensive. The S.O.S. Fund helped relieve a large portion of the financial burden and Gracie received the care she needed. She is now running and playing in her perfect new forever home.

Throughout the month of December, consider making a donation to our hospital’s S.O.S Fund. Those that donate will be entered into our drawing for a gift basket full of fun things for you and your pets, valued at over $200.

ALL

THEY NEED IS

LOVE... And a Little Expertise

This month of October marks my 18th year in the veterinary field. It has been the best experience of my working life. Animals have been my passion since before I knew passion was a thing. It seems to have been built into my DNA—to remove my passion would be to rewrite my genetic makeup. Of course my passion has waxed and waned with the different tides of my life, but it has always stood resolute, determined, even at some low points, to never be separated from my heart.

The veterinary industry is filled with so many others of my same passion and drive. It is not uncommon. In fact our love for the animals is often one of the only things that keep us functioning. The industry can be brutal and the risk is high, but here I am, along with so many, choosing to remain.

Due to this high devotion to animals of all kinds, the majority of us take on animals that are in need. Whether it is medical attention (which is a high number of pets) or just warm food and a warm bed, there is never a shortage of these animals. We all find our niche, what works best for our current lifestyle, and help as we can.

So what happens to these animals handed or signed over to us? Be assured that we fight for them. We offer the best care we can. We personally pay for their medical care, lose numerous hours of sleep, spend late days and early mornings in the hospital with them, and shed uncountable tears as we encourage these special pets to thrive.

Unfortunately, not all survive. Death is inevitable and comes too soon for some, but for so many their second chance at life is seized with gusto and they flourish.

Illnesses are reversed, diseases are maintained, limbs are straightened, and bellies are emptied of blockages. Found or abandoned animals are offered warmth and tender care. Above all else, even when exhaustion is pounding on the door of our mind, love is offered. No creature dies or survives in our care without love.

Love and the necessity for help bring these animals to us, then love and passion extends a second chance. Thank you to those that choose to allow us to offer a helping hand. I will not minimize the difficulty of that decision for some. Thank you also to my numerous co-workers that offer what you can to help each one of these pets. It often is a team effort and I have worked and currently work with some of the best. From the bottom of my heart- thank you!

Tuppence, Makoa, Bella, Paisley, Addison, Kobe, Barnes, Peaches, Percy, Darcy, Ripley, Boris, Tippy, Piper, Cruella, Hazel and Cashew, Remi, Tripp Viper, Ursula, Noah, Ferdinand, Jayden, Wallee, Frodo, Juice, Dallas, Milo, Rocket, Presley, Thor, Sheldon and all the numerous other beloved animals we each have invited into our homes and hearts, you will never be forgotten. Thank you for the returned love you offered. It encourages us to keep the passion alive.

Written by Amie Gates

Each quarter, a review will be chosen to be featured in the next newsletter. If your review is chosen, you will receive a free exam via Petdesk points. Reviews can be left on Google, Facebook and Petdesk. We appreciate your time and feedback.

UPCOMING EVENT

Karaoke Night

Get out and enjoy good food, good music and a great time. This is a great way to get to know people in the community and support a local business.

EVENT DETAILS

TESTIMONIAL

We took our Australian shepherd into urgent care after a sudden illness. They got her in right away and kept her till she was stable. They kept us informed on how she was doing. I’m happy to report she made a quick recovery. In addition, our 11 year old Border Collie had nine teeth pulled. Even though we were apprehensive, they assured us it was something they’ve done before. She came through the procedure just fine. She was given the proper medication for comfort plus the vet checked up on her the next day. Switching to a new vet after 35 years was a tough decision however we are very pleased with Stayton Vet. Thank you for taking care of our fur babies!

–Jackie C.

North 3rd Restaurant/Bar 282 N. Third Avenue

Stayton, OR 97383

Saturday nights

Starts 8 PM following prime rib dinner

25 DAYS OF Christmas

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and enjoy our 25 Days of Christmas countdown. Each day a new staff member and pet will be featured.

Your Pet. Our Passion.

Take a peek at your care team busy at work!

Q: What do I need to do to prepare for my pets upcoming procedure?

Pets should not eat after 10 PM the night before their procedure so it is important to make sure that all food is pulled prior to 10 PM. After your pet’s procedure, they will be groggy and even whiney for the next 24-36 hours. Having a quiet, confined area for them to come home and rest in is always a good idea. We discourage pets from jumping on and off of furniture while recovering, because their coordination and perception can be compromised from the anesthesia. If they are used to doing these things, it might be nice to create steps or block the furniture so they don’t try to get on and off.

Have a question? Email staff@staytonveterinary.com or call 503-769-7387 (PETS).

Stayton Veterinary Hospital 1308 North First Avenue Stayton, OR 97383 503-769-7387 (PETS)

info@staytonveterinary.com staytonveterinary.com

VETERINARIANS

Michael Reynolds, DVM

Jeffrey Brubaker, DVM

Brittany Hale, DVM

Rebecca Lulay, MA, DVM

Flip Jung, DVM

Megan Beachy, DVM

Crystal Loranc, DVM

Emma Herdener, DVM

Megan Neuhoff, DVM

Michael Reynolds, DVM