Open House Saturday, May 12

12 to 3 pm

Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with your Pet!

I hope you’ll stop by Seaside Animal Care in Calabash on Saturday, May 12 from 12 to 3 pm. This year’s theme is: “Let’s PLAY!” Bring your dog, cat, or even your husband. We’ll have fun activities for everyone: behind-the-scenes tours (with special gifts on tour stops), educational kids-only events with prizes and plenty of learning, and FREE food, t-shirts and lots of goodies. In addition, pet mommies will receive a special Mother’s Day gift from your pet!

One of the highlights each year is our pet contests. Get your costumes ready, start rehearsing your best tricks, and have your pooch practice puckering for the kissing contest! We’ll also be demonstrating Class IV laser therapy, our rehab facility and special dog treadmill, behavior discussions and review of our Day School for Dogs, as well as lots of good nutritional advice.

Dr. Ernie Ward will give a presentation on natural pain-relief treatments for dogs and cats at 2:30 pm and all of our vets will be available to answer your questions all day. In addition, Dr. Ward will be available to answer any questions about the ongoing pet food recall. We’ll also be showcasing our recent pet owner-dog weight loss contest participants as well as having loads of pet product samples.

Prizes Include:
• Ripley’s Aquarium Tickets
• Gift Certificates to Boundary House Restaurant
• Myrtle Beach Pelicans Tickets
• Frank Theater Movie Tickets – Coastal Cinema, Shallotte, NC
• Carolina Opry Tickets
• Alligator Adventure Tickets
• Wonderworks Myrtle Beach Tickets
• Nordic Naturals Kits
• Mini Cooler
• Ingram Planetarium Tickets
• Brookgreen Gardens Tickets
• Myrtle Beach Family Kingdom Passes
• 6-month Supply Trifexis Heartworm and Flea Preventative
• CET Products
• Pet Food Giveaways

THANK YOU to our wonderful sponsors!!

Open House – Schedule of Events – 12 to 3 pm

12:00 – 12:10 Opening/Greeting – Dr. Ward

FREE Food, drinks, product samples, t-shirts and Mother’s Day gifts – arrive early to get yours!

Kids: Bouncy Tent, Face-Painting and Crafts, Teddy Bear Repair Clinic

Pet Health Information and Meet the Doctors – all day
Teddy Bear Repair Clinic
Pet Station – Treats
Clinic Sign-up Raffles
Doggone Healthy – Rehab / Weight Loss Treadmill Demonstrations

12:10-1:00 Hospital Tours
12:30 Kid’s Tours and Fun Stops
1:15-2:00 Pet Contests and Raffles

Canine Cake Walk – can your pet “sit” when the music stops?
Best Couple (Best Owner/Pet Lookalike), Best Costume, Best Trick, Kiss Dr. Ward on Command

2:10 Hospital Tour (if needed)

2:30-2:50 Dr. Ward Lecture – Doggone Healthy – “Natural Pain Relief Treatments”

Dr. Ernie Ward

In early 1993 my wife and I first visited Calabash. It was love at first sight. From the moment we pulled onto Highway 179 we knew we had found a home. On Saturday, May 12 from 12 to 3 pm we’ll be holding our 19th Annual Open House and Pet Health Fair at our second home, Seaside Animal Care.

When we first settled in Calabash, things looked a whole lot different. Forrest King still had a gas station in the middle of town that fed me many a day during those early years. Highway 179 was two-lanes and we only had one stop-light in town. The newly-transplanted Northerners were nice and the locals even nicer to this young couple trying to make it in a sleepy coastal village. Being a vet anywhere is tough but I think I had it especially rough due to the fact that the previous vet was run out of town on charges of animal abuse. My first six months was a constant case of mistaken identity of the worst kind.

The animals I saw didn’t mistake me. They understood I was trying to help them and pretty soon the pet owners caught on. Before long it became safe to see the vet in Calabash again. During my first years I treated everything from dogs and cats to horses, goats, chickens, rabbits, turtles, ferrets, birds, horses, cows, and even a couple of pigs. How different things were a couple of decades ago! Some things I miss; a lot more I don’t.

One thing I’ll never tire of is meeting the good folks in our area. That’s why from our first year in 1993 we’ve always opened up our “house.” I believe in being an active part of my community; plus, I love a good get-together.

I hope you’ll stop by Seaside Animal Care in Calabash on Saturday, May 12 from 12 to 3 pm. This year’s theme is: “Let’s PLAY!” Bring your dog, cat, or even your husband. We’ll have activities for everyone: behind-the-scenes tours, special kids-only events with prizes and plenty of learning, and FREE food, t-shirts and lots of goodies.

One of the highlights each year is our pet contests. Get your costumes ready, start rehearsing your best tricks, and have your pooch practice puckering for the kissing contest! We’ll also be demonstrating Class IV laser therapy, our rehab facility and special dog treadmill, behavior discussions and review of our Day School for Dogs, and lots of good nutritional advice. I’ll give a presentation on natural pain-relief treatments for dogs and cats at 2:30 pm and our vets will be available to answer your questions. We’ll also be showcasing our recent pet owner-dog weight loss contest participants as well as having loads of pet product samples.

I hope to see you May 12. Let me know if you have any ideas for my Brunswick Beacon column. If nothing else, we can talk about the “good old days in Calabash 19 years ago.”

Dr. Ernie Ward

Last week I had to deliver some bad news to a pet parent: her dog had heartworm disease. “Impossible!” she shrieked. “I give him his medication each month.” I reviewed the fact that we hadn’t dispensed nor written a prescription for her dog’s heartworm preventive in over two years. “I don’t buy it from you. I buy it at the store.” She had made a fatal mistake for her dog in an attempt to save a few bucks. She was buying the wrong preventive. read more…

Dr. Ernie Ward

The lid’s off of one of the worst-kept secrets in the world of show dogs and cats: those prancing and preening pure breeds are a genetic mess.  At this year’s prestigious Crufts Dog Show, England’s equal to our Westminster, the Pekingese and Bulldog breeds were expelled from the competition because show veterinarians found visible signs of medical or anatomical problems. You now hear my loud and sustained applause. continue reading here…

Imagine treating arthritic pain without drugs. Imagine alleviating swelling without medication. Imagine treating many medical conditions without the risk of any side effects.

While this may sound like science fiction, it’s now a reality at Seaside Animal Care and Doggone Healthy. We are proud to offer one of the most exciting medical advances of the past twenty years, class IV laser therapy.

A Laser History Lesson

Class IV lasers or “cold lasers” we’re developed over fifty years ago. At the time lasers were no more than a scientific curiosity with little real world applications. Gradually lasers were created to cut steel and metals for manufacturing plants, surgical lasers offered safer and less risky surgical procedures and class IV lasers, a special type of low-power laser light, were largely ignored as larger and more powerful lasers were designed. Eventually some very bright engineers, veterinarians and human medical doctors  began experimenting using Class IV lasers to treat inflammation and swelling. The results were astounding. Using no drugs or other traditional therapies, these early pioneers found that tissue swelling responded to certain wavelengths of this special laser beam. Fast forward to today and these lasers are being used to treat a wide variety of illnesses and medical conditions in both humans and animals. Class IV lasers had finally arrived.

Cold Laser 101

In simplest terms a class IV laser uses an invisible wavelength of light that penetrates into tissues and causes positive cellular changes. Some of these beneficial changes include improved nerve conduction, dilation of blood vessels, increased cellular energy by improving ATP production, stimulating acupuncture meridian points and decreasing free radical damage by helping cells produce more SOD, the body’s most potent natural antioxidant.

Class IV Laser Benefits to your Pet

Anti-Inflammation – Class IV laser has powerful effects on swelling. This is mainly achieved because laser energy causes the blood and lymphatic vessels to dilate and activate. Trauma, open and closed wounds, post-operative swelling, dental extraction sites, edema and bruising can benefit from cold laser therapy.

Pain Relief – Class IV laser therapy helps reduce pain by decreasing nerve sensitivity and blocking pain signals to the brain. In addition, Class IV laser light enhances the secretion of natural pain killing chemicals such as endorphins, enkephalins, and opioids.  Cold laser treatment is a  completely natural, drug-free method to fight pain that works in almost cases.

Improved Healing – Light photons from the laser penetrate deep into targeted tissues and accelerate cellular reproduction and growth. Laser light also increases cellular energy and ATP levels allowing injured cells to utilize nutrients better and remove waste faster. As a result, all types of cells, including skin, tendons, ligaments and muscles, heal quicker. Even better, research proves that laser light stimulates fibroblast formation. Fibroblasts are the building blocks of collagen, the cells responsible for closing wounds and repairing injured tissues. Laser treatment has proven especially helpful in treating open wounds and burns.

Enhanced Immune Function – Laser energy directly affects immunity by stimulating the body’s natural defense cells, immunoglobulins and lymphocytes. Laser light is absorbed by molecular enzymes known as chromophores. This starts an intra-cellular chain of events that causes activation of flavomono-nucleotide leading to the production of ATP, the cell’s primary energy source. Class IV laser light does all of this – and more that science is just beginning to uncover – resulting in improved immune function allowing your pet to heal faster and better. At certain wavelengths and intensities, Class IV laser therapy may also help kill harmful bacteria and fungi.

The Class IV Laser Procedure

You and your pet will appreciate how incredibly simple laser therapy is. Once your pet’s condition has been diagnosed and Class IV laser treatment recommended, all that’s required is about fifteen to twenty minutes. No needles, injections, or drugs are used. Your pet will lie on a warm, soft surface while the laser probe is held just above the skin. The tip of the laser has a protective guard used to part the fur to allow better penetration of the laser light. Most pets seem to enjoy the short procedure. The laser energy feels slightly warm and some pets may begin to feel relief during the procedure. Remember this is not a cutting laser or Star Wars’ light saber; your pet is under absolutely no danger at any time from the laser. Protective glasses are worn by the person administering the laser light and your pet will be prevented from looking directly into the laser beam to avoid any potential eye irritation or injury.

Laser Therapy Schedule

Each pet’s treatment schedule is unique and prescribed based on the specific condition, anatomical location, severity and response. Most pets will most benefit from one to eight initial treatments every two to seven days followed by weekly to monthly appointments. During each visit, the location of treatment, laser light wavelength, power and interval timings will be adjusted based on the pet’s progress and current condition. There are no side effects reported for this procedure.

Unfortunately, not all medical conditions or illnesses will respond favorably to laser therapy. In other cases, a pet’s arthritic pain may briefly increase immediately following the first laser treatment only to lessen on subsequent laser applications. While these cases are the minority, it must be noted that with such a new treatment modality there are no certainties or guarantees. We recommend an initial four-week treatment commitment for all appropriate patients. If poor or no results are seen after four weeks, laser therapy is unlikely to help that condition.

The Future of Laser Therapy

As exciting and innovative as our current understanding and application of Class IV laser therapy is, we’ve only just begun. Our protocols and procedures are being refined quickly and constantly. New medical conditions being treated successfully using Class IV lasers are being added almost daily. This is an unprecedented time in medicine and pain treatment. The future for healing your pet and reducing pain is bright – laser bright!

Dr. Ernie Ward

I purchased my first surgical laser in 1999. At the time, there were fewer than 50 veterinary clinics in the US using them. It was cool technology and my patients benefited immediately. Today thousands of vets use surgical lasers on everything from dogs to horses to iguanas. Less blood loss and decreased pain are two big advantages C02 laser surgery has over traditional steel blades. Turns out that was only the beginning of a larger revolution.

A while back I began trying an early healing technique on select patients called photonic biomodulation. In simplest terms, it combined targeting acupuncture points with a special wavelength of laser light. Using a device that looked like a light saber mated with a flashlight, I’d apply light energy for a period of time to facilitate healing or alleviate pain. One of my favorite tricks was using the device to activate a point on the skull to help calm frightened patients. I was hooked on laser light therapy, but it was awkward. Fortunately a better laser was just around the corner.

Class IV lasers or “cold lasers” we’re developed over 50 years ago. At that time lasers were only a scientific curiosity with few real world applications. Gradually lasers were created to cut steel and metals for manufacturing plants, surgical lasers offered safer and less risky operations and Class IV lasers, a special category of low-power laser light, were largely ignored as larger and more powerful lasers were designed. Eventually some very bright engineers, veterinarians, and physicians began experimenting with Class IV lasers to treat inflammation. The results were astounding. Using no drugs, those early pioneers found that tissue swelling responded to certain wavelengths of this special laser beam. Fast forward to today and these high-tech healing devices are being used to treat a wide variety of illnesses and medical conditions in both humans and animals.

In simplest terms a Class IV laser uses an invisible wavelength of light that penetrates into tissues and causes positive cellular changes. Some of these benefits include improved nerve conduction, dilation of blood vessels, increased cellular energy, and decreasing free radical damage by helping cells produce more SOD, the body’s most potent natural antioxidant. Imagine treating arthritic pain and inflammation without drugs and many medical conditions without side effects.

While this may sound like science fiction, it’s now a reality I’m using every day. We’re seeing reduced post-op swelling and pain, decreased pain from arthritis, and improved healing. I recently had a severe dog fight victim with massive skin loss that grew new skin and fur in about two weeks. Normally that would’ve taken at least twice as long.

Most pets will most benefit from one to eight initial treatments every two to seven days followed by weekly to monthly appointments. During each visit, the location of treatment, laser light wavelength, power and interval timings will be adjusted based on the pet’s progress and current condition. Unfortunately, not all medical conditions or illnesses will respond favorably to laser therapy although it won’t hurt to try.

As exciting and innovative as our current understanding and application of Class IV laser therapy is, we’ve only just begun. Our protocols and procedures are being refined quickly and constantly. The future for healing your pet and reducing pain is bright – laser bright!

Do dogs get embarrassed wearing silly props or if they get a bad haircut? Dr. Ernie Ward thinks so.

Dr. Ernie Ward

I recently got a bad haircut. I was embarrassed. In fact, it happened the day before I hosted the annual Calabash Christmas Tree lighting and parade. I wasn’t happy but I soldiered on.

The reason I mention this is because of a complaint I heard from a client recently. She had taken her dog to her groomer (not ours, thankfully) and reported that its hair was cut so short her pooch acted embarrassed. She told me how her dog came home and hid under the bed after her haircut. She wouldn’t come out for several hours, even when her husband came home. Do dogs get embarrassed if they have a “bad hair” day? I’d never really given it much thought.

Turns out some canine behavior researchers have. Dr. Marc Bekoff, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, has observed dogs for thousands of hours in his career. He concludes that dogs do have feelings of embarrassment, shyness and humiliation. Another researcher, neurobiologist Dr. Frederick Range at the University of Vienna, agrees. His studies demonstrate that dogs have other secondary emotions such as jealousy, guilt and empathy. I’m guessing Markoff and Range would definitely agree with my client that her dog was embarrassed by the bad haircut.

Not every animal behavior expert agrees. In fact, most say researchers such as Markoff and Range are off their rocker (you don’t want to know what they say about me). The traditional notion is dogs only experience “instant-reaction” emotions such as fear, joy, sadness and anger. Established thought would state embarrassment is far beyond the emotional reach of dogs. I’d love for them to meet my menagerie and still believe that. Not only do my dogs feel secondary emotions, they’re also capable of being downright silly. Study that, superstar know-it-all experts.

In my own experience posing as “Santa Paws” for nineteen years and witnessing an almost endless parade of dressed-up and dolled-up dogs and cats, I can tell you some pets are clearly

Dr Ernie Ward aka "Santa Paws" and two potentially embarrassed dogs.

unhappy with what mom and dad are doing to them. These are pets I’ve seen since baby teeth days that suddenly act very strangely when a pair of faux antlers is perched atop their heads. They dive for cover, bolt out of the room or cover their face. Some even turn nasty. Let me tell you, most dogs and cats aren’t as fond as you are of the little elf costumes and Santa hats.

At the other end of the spectrum are the ham-it-up-hounds. These dogs L-O-V-E to dress up and prance around. They’re the Lady Gaga’s of the canine culture without the other odd behaviors. That’s another study for our big-shots to ponder.

I believe most of us intuitively know that dogs and cats have feelings. To me, those feelings include some form of embarrassment. So talk to your groomer and give them details on exactly what your dog wants from its next haircut. If your dog gets embarrassed, you have no one to blame but yourself. And don’t forget to toss out those antlers…

Dr. Ernie Ward

Each New Year we’re inundated with lists of things to do, buy, and become. This year I’m taking the opposite approach: here are the things you definitely don’t want to do, purchase or aspire to be more like. It’s time for my Anti-Resolutions for your pets.

1)      Don’t buy junk food treats.

You know what I’m talking about. Those tiny calorie grenades are killing your pet. This year, feed fresh crunchy veggies or treats with simple ingredients such as sweet potatoes.

2)      Don’t read pet food labels.

If you can’t comprehend what’s in your pet’s food, imagine how they feel. The most important decision you make each day for your pet is what you feed it. Choose wisely.

3)      Don’t make excuses to skip walks.

You both need to walk more. Buy a coat, umbrella or even a pair of galoshes, but don’t miss your walks. You’ll both live longer and be healthier because of it.

4)      Don’t avoid the animal shelter.

Go visit the county animal shelter so you can see for yourself what’s working and what needs to be fixed. I hear too many complaints from residents who’ve never set foot there. How can we make something better when we don’t know what’s wrong? If you’re truly concerned about the state of stray animals in Brunswick County, go visit, talk to the employees and decide how you can help.

5)      Don’t put off your pet’s exam.

I know money’s tight but that little lump, cough or limp may be the start of something more serious. Often I’m left with simply too little time to help an ill patient. If I had a quarter for ever case I could’ve saved had I only seen it six months earlier, I’d be retired by now, or at least have a big jar of quarters. And don’t go to the vet only when your pet is sick. My mission is to preserve health and prevent illness. Going to the vet or physician should be an opportunity to learn how to stay healthier longer. You should leave each appointment with advice on how to improve you or your pet’s life. If not, ask for it.

6)      Don’t forget your dog or cat’s heartworm preventive.

Heartworm disease is fatal to dogs and cats. There is no treatment for cats (aka DEAD) and the medication for dogs is on a several year backorder (seriously). Think your indoor cat isn’t at risk? Not according to research from the vet school in Raleigh. This is not the time to gamble with heartworm preventive.

7)      Don’t ignore that pesky behavior.

Little behavior problems turn into big troubles, quickly. If your dog is barking at passing cars, lunging on the leash, or jumping up on guests, talk to your vet (that’s our job). If you intervene with behavior problems early, you can often correct them easily. Wait until your dog is biting the delivery man, it may take a while.

8)      Don’t forget to hug your pet each day.

And be thankful for all you have this year. I hope 2012 is you and your pets’ best year yet! 

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(from the FDA website)

O’Neal’s Feeders Supply, Inc. Recalls Arrow Brand Dry Dog Food

Contact:

Consumer:
800-256-2769

Media:
Ed O’Neal
337-463-8665

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 13, 2011 – DeRidder, Louisiana – O’Neal’s Feeders Supply, Inc. today announced a voluntary recall of its dry Arrow Brand  DOG FOOD – because it contains corn which was detected to have higher than the acceptable levels of aflatoxin.. The affected products were manufactured between Dec. 1, 2010, and Dec. 1, 2011. No illnesses have been reported in association with these products to date.

Affected products are:

ARROWBRAND 21% Dog Chunks SKU #807 40 lb. bag

ARROWBRAND Super Proeaux Dog Food SKU #812 40 lb. bag

ARROWBRAND Professional Formula Dog Food SKU #814 50 lb. bag

The recall only applies to the above products with the following Packaging Date Codes Lot numbers 4K0341 through 4K0365 and 04K1001 through 4K1325.

The affected dry dog food products were distributed in the state of Louisiana and Texas. Retailers have already been instructed to remove the affected brands and products from store shelves.

While no adverse health effects related to these products have been reported, O’Neal’s Feeders Supply, Inc. is implementing this recall as a precautionary measure. Consumers are urged to return affected products – whether in opened or unopened packages – to their place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact 800-256-2769 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring mold by-product. Pets that have consumed any of the above recalled products and exhibit symptoms of illness including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea should be seen by a veterinarian.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm285254.htm?source=govdelivery

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Petrus Feed And Seed Stores, Inc. Recalls Its 21% Dog Food

Contact:

Consumer/Media
318-443-2259

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 12, 2011 – Petrus Feed and Seed Stores, Inc. today announced a voluntary recall of its dry dog food – 21% Protein Dog Food in 40 lb Petrus Feed bags. The product is being recalled because the product was manufactured with corn which tested above acceptable levels for Aflatoxin. The affected products were manufactured at Cargill’s manufacturing facility located in LeCompte, Louisiana between December 1, 2010 and December 1, 2011.

The recall only applies 21% Dog Food, packaged in 40 lb Petrus Feed bags with the following packaging Date codes (lot umbers) LL1001 – LL1335.

The affected dry dog food was distributed in Petrus Feed and Seed in Alexandria, Louisiana.

While no adverse health effects related to these products have been reported, Petrus Feed and Seed Store, Inc. is implementing this recall as a precautionary measure. Consumers are urged to return affected products – whether in opened or unopened packages – to their place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact 318-443-2259, Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM and Saturday, 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM.

Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring mold by-product. Pets that have consumed any of the above recalled products and exhibit symptoms of illness including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea should be seen by a veterinarian.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm285234.htm?source=govdelivery

###

Dr. Ernie Ward

Cooking during the holidays?

How about including your pets? In case you missed them, I wrote a couple of columns on Vetstreet recently that give you advice on how to avoid holiday weight gain in your pet (and you) as well as some simple, healthy and low-calorie recipes for your pets. If you want these sorts of articles and lively conversation about pet and health topics, be sure to follow me over on my Facebook page.

How to Ward Off Holiday Weight Gain in Pets

We’re in the final stretch of that terrible trifecta of weight gain: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. The 39 days in between these holidays offer a multitude of meals for your family to gorge upon. The trouble is that we also share these food celebrations with our pets, resulting in the accumulation of unwanted pounds for all of us.

By the time the last bit of confetti has fallen, many of us are in desperate need of a fresh start — and a diet. So what’s an animal lover to do? How can we share the holidays with our pets in a more healthful manner? continue reading here…

3 Vet Special Holiday Pet Recipes

The holiday season is here, so bring on the goodies! I love the smell of my kitchen this time of year: simmering sweet potatoes, roasting almonds, aromatic amaranth.

OK, maybe my kitchen smells a little different than yours, but you get the idea. I’d like to offer a few healthy, easy, low-calorie treats for the fine feline and dandy dog in your life. Prepare these alongside your own cooking and offer them to your pets instead of our (almost always) high-calorie fare. continue reading here…

Enjoy!