Marietta Vet Clinic Announces New Website

Marietta Vet Clinic and veterinarian, Julian Peckich DVM are proud to announce a new, more user-friendly website has been launched.  "Our website still offers the same valuable information, but in a better format," says Dr. Peckich.  "It offers valuable information with updated client information, articles and blog posts every week."

Marietta Vet Clinic Announces New Website

The blog has been popular with many people, as it is full of fun stories, pet information and fun facts and events.  People often say they weren't aware of valuable information that improves their pet's quality of life.  If it's news worthy, the clinic shares the information.

On the technical side, the website is a responsive design, making it easy to use across the different platforms; laptop, iPhone, android, desk top and more.  It's an optimal view and interaction regardless of the device used.  Re-sizing, panning and scrolling become proportionate with flexible grids and images.

Marietta Vet Clinic and veterinarian, Julian Peckich DVM invite pet owners to visit the new website. Welcoming new pets to the animal clinic.  

•     General Examinations
•     Consultation
•     Internal Medicine Case Workups
•     Vaccinations
•     Diagnostic lab work (blood, urine, culture, wound)
•     Heartworm Testing, Treatment & Prevention
•     Feline Leukemia Virus & Feline Immunodeficiency Testing
•     Parvovirus Testing
•     Parasite Screening and Prevention (worms, fleas, ticks, mites, etc)
•     Dermatologic Concerns (scratching, hair loss (alopecia),
•     Geriatric/Senior Wellness Exams
•     Pediatric Care & Guidance
•     Nutritional Counseling
•     Microchipping
•     In-Home Euthanasia
•     Post-mortem Studies (Necropsy)
•     Elective Surgeries (neuter, spay, bladder stone removal, exploratory surgery, etc)
•     Mass Removal/Pathology
•     Dental Assessment, Prophylaxis (cleaning) & Treatment
•     Dental Radiology (X-Ray)

Let's Meet Some Short Spine Syndrome Dogs

Although rare, short spine syndrome dogs do exist. Also known as baboon syndrome, there are five in United States; Alabama, Florida, Maryland, New York, Ohio and Wisconsin with two in Italy.  New York. Ohio. Wisconsin.  Let's meet Pig, Cuda and Quasi Modo.

Pig

Quasi Modo

Cuda     Picture by Julie LaRoy

Short spine syndrome in dogs is a sever shortening of the spine due to compression, as the carleage does not harden to form bone. Some vertebrae are fused together making the spine less flexible with a normal size head close to the shoulder blades giving the appearance of no neck.

The animals back slopes downward towards its back legs, with a short, low set, twisted tail close to the ground.  Limbs are of normal size but incorrectly positioned, as the knee and elbow joints point outward.  The lower half of the abdominal looks abnormally large with a considerably compressed rib cage and reduction in the number of ribs.

Although these dogs have a difficult time in running, jumping and eating, they usually live out of normal lifespan.

Animals That Hoard

Many animal hoard, just like people.  Hamsters, woodpeckers, squirrels, dogs, etc. will hoard, save and guard excesses for a time when things are not as plentiful. Animals hoard food, toys, bedding, bones, etc and even unnecessary items. Interestingly, many animals are particularly wary being watched when hoarding, weary of a raid from another animal later.

All mine!

Have you ever seen a dog chew a bone while laying on another, or a hamster with cheeks full of food?

The term hoarding is typically used to describe rodents, and caching typically used for birds.

Animals store up food with two types of behavior.  Larder hoarding is when an animal puts and defends food in a few large stashes, making the consequence of a raid more devastating.  Scatter hoarding is where an animal stores food items in individual places.  Have you ever heard about squirrel starving because it can not remember where the food was hid?  Scatter hoarding requires a better memory.

If you have a dog that hoards toys, Marietta Vet Clinic can offer advice on relieving stress for the dog and keeping the home a happier place.  For some dogs, leaving out one toy at a time is a quick and easy solution for guarding.  Rotate the toys every couple of days to give the dog variety. This technique can relieve many dogs for a more peaceful existence.

Marietta veterinarian, Julian Peckich DVM welcomes dogs and cats to the pet clinic for behavior issues.  Welcoming new pets from the Kennesaw, Marietta, Acworth, Dallas, and Powder Springs areas.

Diabetes Sniffing Dog Alerts High and Low Blood Sugar

People suffering diabetes understand the importance of keeping blood sugar within limits. In 1999, a

man named Mark Ruefenacht suffered diabetes and after suffering an acute low blood sugar, he was alerted by a dog he was training for the blind.  The dog instinctively roused him from his drowsiness allowing him to get help.  This experience gave Mr. Ruefenacht the idea  to train a Labrador retriever named Armstrong to detect changes in blood sugar.  As a result, he founded Dogs4Diabetics, Inc, a non-profit organization that places dogs with people suffering type 1 diabetics.

Diabetes sniffing dogs can detect both high and low blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Until it is prevented and cured, a trained dog can improve the life of a person affected giving them peace of mind and something fuzzy to love.

If you suffer or know someone suffering from diabetes, a Dog4Diabetics may be for you.

+Marietta Vet Clinic and veterinarian, +Julian Peckich DVM are happy to help safe guard the health of your diabetic dog.  They understand the importance of keeping special dogs in tip top shape.  The animal clinic offers well and sick care for medical alert dogs.

Cancer Survivor Credits Dog for Survival

Cancer survivor credits a rescue hound dog for living through cancer to become a survivor.  Ms. Julie Risoldi has a theory of survival that goes like this.

"I'm not saying the love of a dog can save everyone from cancer spreading, but I do believe that the endorphins produced when hugging a furry friend creates a positive atmosphere inside the body that helps tremendously," says Ms. Risoldi.  My dog Willie D. made my journey more bearable.  I love his big brown eyes, and they gave me joy in a time when I really needed it.

People with cancer can become depressed when facing chemo, radiation, surgery and the gaunt of impending stressful testing.  The body produces stress hormones in response.  Ms. Risoldi believes when hugging an animal, the response is good for the body helping it to fight cancer.

Her conclusion:  Everyone needs something furry to snuggle during cancer.  Animals intrinsically know when someone is sick and suffering, and many offer the love necessary.

+Marietta Vet Clinic welcomes pet stories to the blog.  +Julian Peckich DVM invites new pets, both dogs and cats to become patients to the animal clinic.

Hot Item Holiday Raffle for Shelter Dogs and Cats

+Marietta Vet Clinic and +Verde Pointe Dental Associates have announced a raffle for shelter dogs and cats to be held Tuesday, December 23rd.

You could win one of these for a dollar!

The winner will receive a Philips DiamondClean Sonicare Toothbrush, and all proceeds will benefit Tigg Neuter Project, a Cobb County non-profit organization that spays and neuters shelter pets.

 The goal is to reduce the number of intake pets coming into the local shelter needing homes by continued efforts to spay and neuter.  

"Euthanizing healthy dogs and cats because they don't have a home is heart breaking.  We have joined efforts with Verde Pointe Dental Associates and the Tigg Neuter Project to make a difference," says Dr. +Julian Peckich DVM from Marietta Vet Clinic.  "Both offices are committed to help."

Dentists, +Kirk Kimmerling DDS, +Suzanna Aguilera DMD and +Garrick McGrath DMD have donated the toothbrush for the raffle, as it seems to be a hot item that people get excited about.

"Anyone can participate by stopping in either office and buying a ticket.  They are $1 for one chance to win, and $5 for 6 chances to win," say Dr. Peckich.  The winner gets to decide the color of brush they want: white, black or pink.  Each are the latest DiamondClean model with a sleek travel case and charger glass.

Both offices believe in community service, so they plan on devoting time and effort towards the unwanted animals of Cobb County and beyond.

If you are looking for a dentist or veterinarian in Marietta, look no further.  Both offices are located in the same office park at Verde Pointe Professional Park in Marietta, GA.

Pig Thrown Off Flight

It has become common place for airlines to accommodate animals on pedestrian flights.

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However, when a pet becomes unruly, it becomes a hazard.  A US Airways flight ordered a disruptive pig off the plane, when a passenger brought the pig for emotional support.  Both left the plane per Laura Masvidal, a spokeswoman for US Airways because of the disruptive behavior.

A fellow passenger, Jonathan Skolnik told the Associated Press that a duffel bag had an odor that clarified the situation.  "It's no duffel bag but a rather stout PIG...on a leash," he wrote in an email. "Am I dreaming."  He estimated the pig weighed between 50 to 70 lbs according to ABC News.

"The pig is incontinent," he told AP.  The animal was running back and forth on the plane, as the owner tried to clean up after her pig.

Emotional support animals are permitted on commercial flight only if thy are not disruptive, per the U.S. Department of Transportation, Masvidal said.

Contributing:  The Associated Press

+Marietta Vet Clinic and veterinarian, +Julian Peckich DVM are happy to give advice on pets, dogs, cats, etc that are taking a flight soon.  The animal clinic can help make the flight better for the animal, the owner and others a board.  Also specializing in dog vaccinations, cat vaccinations, and general well care.