Apollo Loves FoN!

Turtle Tragedy

With the recent Turtle Tragedy in Delavan WI, Badger Veterinary Hospital wants to do its part to educate our readers about keeping turtles safe.  According to Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources, from mid-May to early July, female turtles leave their aquatic habitats for dry upland nesting grounds to deposit their eggs.  This explains why you may see turtles in unexpected environments.

Should you spot a turtle (like I did in my back yard a couple of weeks ago), remain calm.  Noise and activity can stress the turtle.  If the turtle is not in danger of being injured where it is, it’s best to leave the turtle alone.  If you suspect that the turtle may be in danger (if it’s in the road, at risk of being bitten by a dog or stepped on by a larger animal) you can certainly help the turtle to a safe place. 

If you move a turtle, please make sure your hands are clean or use gloves if possible.  When you move them, make sure you are moving them to a safe location in the direction that the turtle was heading when you found it. If you see a snapping turtle, please use a stick or something else that the turtle can bite and then pick it up from the tail or hind end of the turtle.  Snapping Turtles have long necks and powerful jaws that can reach to bite whatever is threatening them.  

If you are concerned about the turtle’s safety, please contact Wisconsin’s DNR or a turtle rescue.  Turtles are an important part of the food chain in lakes, rivers and wetlands.  People are the key to protecting turtles.  If you see something horrible like the Delavan Turtle Tragedy, please contact police to report what you’ve seen.

911... WE ARE READY...ARE YOU?

If you own animals long enough, sooner or later you'll confront an emergency health crisis.  Prior to being consumed by the hustle and bustle of any Holiday Season; we urge you to prepare for a medical emergency affecting your dog, cat or horse.

You must know how to recognize serious problems and promptly take the appropriate action.  Preparation is vital when confronted with a medical emergency.  No matter what situation may face, mentally rehearse the steps you'll take to avoid letting panic take control.  

Follow Badger Veterinary Hospital's guidelines to help you prepare for a medical emergency.

• Keep your veterinarian's number by each phone, including how the practice can be reached after hours.  
• Do you have a first aid kit? Consult with your veterinarian regarding preparation of a species appropriate kit. First aid kits can be simnple or elaborate.  Regardless, make sure family members know where the kit is.
• Many veterinary practices provide after-hours emergency care only to established clients; others don't provide after-hours emergency care and you may be referred to an emergency clinic in a distant location.  Ensure you clearly understand your veterinary practice's policy regarding emergency care prior to confronting an emergency health crisis with your animal.  
• Consult with your veterinarian regarding a back-up veterinary practice in case your regular veterinarian cannot be reached quickly enough.
• Record the names and contact numbers of nearby friends and neighbors who can assist in the event of an emergency. For exapmle, if your horse requires transport to a critical care facility and you are unable to haul the horse, have an alternate arrangement.

Badger Veterinary Hospital is a full-service practice, providing 24 hour emergency care, having provided emergency assistance to nearly 150 patients in the past 12 months.  Naturally, we strongly recommend establishing a relationship with our practice prior to a crisis.  We strive to provide routine health care and diagnostic screenings to minimize the occurrence of late-night emergencies!

Quick action can minimize the consequences of an injury or illness and as a Badger Veterinary Hospital client, you have the peace of mind knowing no matter what time of day your crisis occurs, our staff is here for you and your animals!

We are... Dedicated to the life and love of your pet!

Scott Spaulding, DVM    Steve Servantez, DVM    Kevin Kreier, DVM
BVH Owner                   BVH Owner                    BVH Owner

Because they Matter!!!

Smooth!

"Lucky Boy"

I am a Janesville veterinarian with Badger Veterinary Hospital who is helping the Belize Zoo.  I recently returned from Belize and during my stay I learned about a fantastic facility run by a passionate director named Sharon Matola. This zoo is NOT funded by the government, but is funded completely by donations.  The zoo houses Jaguars, Macaws, Tapirs and many other species of Belize.  The zoo is always in need of funds, but my request is specifically for this recent rescue.

I am currently looking for money to feed, provide veterinary care and housing for this unfortunate individual.  I am currently collecting material goods for permanent housing, but need money to complete the process.  The money will also be used for the veterinary care "Lucky Boy" desperately needs.  The jaguar has been taken into the zoo and the rehabilitation has begun, but the process will be ongoing.  This individual jaguar will NEVER be able to be released into the wild; permanent housing will need to be constructed.  Why rescue the jaguar?  "Lucky Boy" has never known a life other than captivity and deserves so much more than what life he has been handed.  The Belize Zoo is offering a permanent home; a home providing the best care he has ever seen.  Any donations would be appreciated and so beneficial in our efforts!

$1, Pocket change = Half a days worth of food
$2, The cost of a cup of coffee =  Food for a day for "Lucky Boy"
$5, Lunch for a day = 2 and 1/2 days of food
$25, Half a tank of gas = Almost a month of food

It all ads up!  Please visit "Lucky Boy" to make a donation today!

Email me with comments and questions.

07/28/12 Update:  Although "Lucky Boy" is doing better and gaining weight, he has been diagnosed and treated for a severe hookworm infection.

08/02/12 Update:  He is gaining weight, but is far from recovery!  Plans are being made for his permanent home, but we CAN NOT begin until money is raised for materials.  This campaign is critical!

FDA Approved Pain Relief for Cats!

Felines can be finicky!  They have mastered the ability to hide pain, making our ability to assess their discomfort level difficult.  Although cats camouflage discomfort superbly, they experience pain.  The best way to improve healing is through pain management.  You and your veterinarian must closely observe your cat identifying the source of pain and the effects it has on your cat's behavior.

Badger Veterinary Hospital recommends the recently FDA approved NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), Onsior.  Onsior works by blocking specific enzymes from producing prostoglandins which cause pain and inflammation.

Onsior is the first oral medication approved to alleviate pain and inflammation safely and effectively in our feline friends.  Badger Veterinary Hospital recommends Onsior for cats recovering from surgery and musculoskeletal injuries.  The only other FDA approved pain relief for cats is meloxicam.  All other pain medications for cats are off label.

For more information visit:  http://www.onsior.com/cat/