Question: AAHA does it matter?

Dr. Schaeberle,

I’m new to the area, what should I look for in a veterinary hospital? You’re AAHA accredited, does that matter?

Seth

-----------------------------

Dear Seth,

I feel that the York area has been blessed with many excellent small animal (dogs and cats) veterinarians over the years. When I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, I elected to accept a job at Leader Heights Animal Hospital working with two excellent veterinarians, doctors Moist and Reckleffs. After a few years of gaining real world experience, I eventually founded the Shiloh Veterinary Hospital in 1979,focusing on the needs of dogs and cats.

As with most businesses however, a veterinary practice must find a market niche and then excel with that selection. I always felt it was important for my practice to have a high standard of care. When the Shiloh Veterinary Hospital became accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) in 1987, our standard of care became realized. Veterinary practices that accept the challenge of accreditation are evaluated on stringent quality standards that encompass all aspects of pet care - ranging from patient care and pain management to team training and medical records. Through accreditation, we gained external validation that our practice and our team operates at the highest standards.

It allowed our clients to gain peace of mind, because they know an AAHA-accredited practice is a team that they can trust to provide the very best care for their beloved pets. I am very proud of our staff, we have 5 certified veterinary technicians and 7 veterinarians. We also have a great team of receptionists, veterinary assistants and kennel staff that keeps our hospital running as smoothly as possible.

There are only 4 small animal hospitals in the York Area accredited by the AAHA. Three of them are: Shiloh Veterinary Hospital in Dover, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital East in Manchester and Patton Veterinary Hospital in Red Lion.

When looking for a veterinarian remember the value in quality of care, availability and needs of your pet. To learn more about AAHA or the value in high quality care, please go to our website: www.myshilohvet.com.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, VMD

Question: AAHA accreditation?

Dr. Schaeberle,

I heard an advertisement on the radio about your hospital being an AAHA practice what does that mean?

Dave

-----------------------------

Hi Dave,

As a proud member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), I never get tired of this question! In 1987, we sought accreditation by AAHA because it was important to my practice, no matter what costs were involved. AAHA helps me make my practice better and ensures each pet is getting a high quality of care.

AAHA has approximately 3,000 hospitals that voluntarily participate in the evaluation program. Outside consultants from AAHA perform rigorous inspections to ensure we comply with the 900 different standards for service and facilities In
York County, only 3 hospitals are certified: Shiloh Veterinary Hospital in Dover, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital East and Patton Animal Hospital in
Red Lion.

An excellent example of the difference between certified AAHA hospitals and non-certified hospitals is quality of care during surgery and anesthesia. For instance, to perform a spay we utilize a surgeon, a surgical assistant, and a
technician in charge of anesthesia from the 1st injection of a sedative to your pet’s awakening.

Depending on the surgery performed, oxygen levels, heart rate, EKG, blood pressure, respiration and body temperature are monitored during the procedure. Pain medication is used before, during, and after any surgery that we perform, to keep your pet comfortable and to speed healing.

Are there national standardized protocols written for non-certified veterinary hospitals on quality of care for your pet? No.

That’s the importance of AAHA certification, visit our website at www.myshilohvet.com
to learn more.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, V.M.D.

Question: Kitten with Chronic Diarrhea

Dr. Schaeberle,

My kitten has chronic diarrhea. What should I do?

Kristi

--------------------------------------

Hi Kristi,

As an early member of the American Feline Association in the 1980s, I can recall a lecture at Cornell University about the frustration of treating diarrhea in kittens. Unless the cause was intestinal parasites or a viral infection, we rarely found a cause and most kittens did not respond to treatment. Today, we still struggle with the correct diagnosis and in many cases the treatment.

One theory is that cats are true carnivores unlike dogs and people whom are omnivores. Throughout evolution cats ate rodents with little fat and no carbohydrates. Yet as our pets, we feed them prepared diets that have more fat and carbohydrates. Could it be that it takes months for some kittens digestive systems to adjust to our prepared diets?

Kittens with diarrhea should all have a baseline of routine testing done. At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, we send our fecal samples to an outside lab in New York where they are best capable of finding more complicated infections such as protozoa. Those samples are also tested for intestinal parasites, which also may cause diarrhea in pets.

As with all kittens, a feline leukemia viral test is done, and if the diarrhea is relatively intense we will also will
run a complete blood cell count.

Treatment can vary from veterinarian to veterinarian but typically involves a broad spectrum dewormer and/or use of an antibiotic for approximately five to ten days along with a prescription diet that is specifically
formulated to help cats that are experiencing diarrhea. However, in some cases we simply need to have patience and realize that by six to eight months of age most of these kittens will be normal and not experiencing any symptoms of diarrhea.

There are only 3 hospitals in the York Area accredited by the AAHA. The Shiloh Veterinary Hospital in Dover, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital East in Manchester and Patton Veterinary Hospital in Red Lion.

Thanks,
Dr. Thomas Schaeberle, V.M.D.

Question: Holiday Hazards?

Dr. Schaeberle,

I have a dog. I was wondering what are the holiday hazards to him & other pets?

Taylor, age 12

-----------------------------------

Dear Taylor,

As the holiday seasons approach us, our homes may become hazardous places for our pets. With a little preparation and thinking ahead, we can keep our pets safe, and make fewer trips to the emergency room this year.

Let’s start with plants. First of all, some good news… Poinsettias’ toxicity has been highly over-rated. Severe illness is rare if ingested. The worst indication would be mouth irritation and/or mild nausea or vomiting. However, ingestion of holiday plants like lilies, mistletoe, and holly can cause more serious vomiting and diarrhea, and in the most severe cases, kidney and heart disease. So, if you have these in your home, protect them well from your pet.

Other not uncommon hazards, especially for cats, are ribbon and tinsel. For some strange reason, cats like to eat these, and they can cause life-threatening intestinal problems.

Chocolate is another danger, especially for dogs. Most of us already know how toxic it can be to our pets, so keep those red and green M&M’s up high or in an un-chewable container.

One of the most common problems that walk through the door of our veterinary hospital is vomiting and/or diarrhea from a condition known as pancreatitis, caused by our pets being fed too many holiday leftovers, or getting into the garbage to feast on bones, fat, and other scraps. This can easily be avoided by not feeding our pets the leftovers and storing the garbage in tight containers.

In Winter, the outdoors has its own hazards for our pets. If you like to change your own antifreeze, make sure you thoroughly clean up all spills, and immediately properly dispose of old product. Consumption of antifreeze can cause very painful kidney failure, and most times, ends in death. Consider using Pet Friends anti-freeze. If ice melt is necessary, again consider one of the Pets Friends products that are available. This will help prevent unpleasant irritation to pets’ feet or stomach, if ingested.

To be prepared, keep this number in a convenient place: SPCA Animal Poison Control Center 1-888-426-4435.

With a little planning, we can help our pets stay safe, happy and healthy this holiday season, so we can all enjoy the time together.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, V.M.D.

Question: What should I look for in a veterinary hospital?

Dr. Schaeberle,

I’m new to the area, what should I look for in a veterinary hospital? You’re AAHA accredited, does that matter?

Thanks,
Michael

-----------------------------

Dear Michael,

I feel that the York area has been blessed with many excellent small animal (dogs and cats) veterinarians over the years. When I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, I elected to accept a job at Leader Heights Animal Hospital working with two excellent veterinarians, doctors Moist and Reckleffs. After a few years of gaining real world experience, I eventually
founded the Shiloh Veterinary Hospital in 1979, focusing on the needs of dogs and cats.

As with most businesses however, a veterinary practice must find a market niche and then excel with that selection. I always felt it was important for my practice to have a high standard of care. When the Shiloh Veterinary Hospital became accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) in 1987, our standard of care became realized. Veterinary practices that accept the challenge of accreditation are evaluated on stringent quality standards that encompass all aspects of pet care - ranging from patient care and pain management to team training and medical records. Through accreditation, we gained external validation that our practice and our team operates at the highest standards.

It allowed our clients to gain peace of mind, because they know an AAHA-accredited practice is a team that they can trust to provide the very best care for their beloved pets. I am very proud of our staff, we have 5 certified veterinary technicians and 7 veterinarians. We also have a great team of receptionists, veterinary assistants and kennel staff that keeps our hospital running as smoothly as possible.

There are only 3 hospitals in the York Area accredited by the AAHA. The Shiloh Veterinary Hospital in Dover, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital East in Manchester and Patton Veterinary Hospital in Red Lion.

When looking for a veterinarian remember the value in quality of care, availability and needs of your pet.

To learn more about AAHA or the value in high quality care, please go to our website: http://www.myshilohvet.com/.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, V.M.D.

York Daily Record: Canine parvovirus threat on the rise

By GREG GROSS
For the Daily Record/Sunday News
Updated: 08/18/2009 10:37:58 AM EDT

A veterinary hospital in southern York County has experienced an increase in patients infected with a deadly contagious canine disease.

Tiffany Main, practice manager at Patton Veterinary Hospital in Red Lion, said veterinarians in the past two months have dealt with five positive cases of canine parvovirus. "Whenever we see an increase of a contagious virus we notify the (Pennsylvania) Department of Agriculture," she said, "If you see multiple cases, you want to get the word out there."

In addition to contacting the state agency, the hospital released a public service announcement concerning the increase parvovirus' cases. The parvovirus cases seen by Patton Veterinary Hospital hasn't been linked to a source, Main said.

Typically, when infected dogs are treated at the hospital, the disease is traced back to a certain point such as a breeder or a kennel, Main said.

Though a puppy that had been treated for the virus at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital recently died, Dr. Tom Schaeberle said he doesn't think there's a full-on outbreak of the disease.

Schaeberle owns Shiloh Veterinary Hospital in Manchester and Dover townships.

"I don't think it's an epidemic," he said.

More cases tend to crop up over the summer months since dogs are in more contact with each other.

Symptoms of the virus include loss of appetite, dehydration, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea.

The infection destroys the lining of a dog's intestinal tract causing little or no food or liquids to be absorbed, according the Patton Veterinary Hospital service announcement.

The illness is found mainly in puppies, however, older, unvaccinated dogs can pick up the disease.

The virus can be spread by direct contact with an infected dog, contact with contaminated feces or vomit, and a contaminated environment.

Humans can transport the disease, though it's not possible for a person to contract the illness, Schaeberle said.

The best way to avoid the disease is to vaccinate puppies, he said.

A regimen of vaccines can be administrated to puppies as young as 8 weeks old.

"It's a tough virus," Schaeberle said. "It can really hang on in the right conditions."

PREVENTION

Here are a few tips on how to prevent you pet from becoming infected with canine parvovirus.

Vaccination is recommended to prevent canine parvovirus. Puppies should be vaccinated at 8 weeks of age, and then every three or four weeks until 4 months of age. Puppies who are 16 weeks or older should receive three vaccinations.

Parvovirus is resilient and can live on some surfaces for more than a year. A bleach solution is necessary to kill the virus.

Care should be exercised when exposing a puppy or dog to areas where other dogs congregate. Owners should prevent dogs from coming into contact with the feces of other dogs.

Source: www.animalhealthchannel.com

Thanks goes to Greg Gross for writing such an informative article about Canine Parvo virus! We really appreciate journalists who help make the public aware of potential illnesses that our furry friends can contract. Thanks again for taking the time to help us spread the word!

Question: ACL Repair becoming common?

Dear Dr. Schaeberle,

My boxer recently had surgery on his leg for a ligament tear in the knee. I was talking with some people at work today and it seems pretty common. What are your thoughts?

Thanks,
Jenn

--------------------------------------------

Jenn,

It is true that we are seeing more tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) than 20 years ago. However, recent research suggests a genetic component. And it so happens that the most popular breeds such as retrievers, boxers, and pit bulls are unfortunately all prone to an anterior cruciate ligament tear.

The good news is that most dogs that have an ACL tear recover well with surgery. The two most common methods of repair to the knee can be done at the Shiloh Veterinary Hospital. I personally prefer the less expensive procedure - the extracapsular (meaning on the outside of the knee joint) technique, which uses nylon to stabilize the knee internally. I have seen few complications over the years and have about a 95 -98% success rate when viewed a year later.

Very large dogs and active younger dogs may benefit form a more intensive repair, called a TTA (meaning Tibial Tuberosity Advancement), which is also done at the Shiloh Veterinary Hospital and by Dr. Schmidt at the Patton Veterinary Hospital in Red Lion

Both surgeries have a recovery period, where your pet will need to be on strict rest for a few weeks to allow the knee to heal. Your surgical veterinarian will provide you with easy to follow guidelines for your pet’s individual needs.

Shiloh Veterinary Hospitals in Dover and Manchester, are proudly certified by the American Animal Hospital Association. Joining the Patton Veterinary Hospital in Red Lion as the only other hospital certified in the York area. In the US only 14 % of hospital qualify for certification.

Visit our website at www.myshilohvet.com to learn more about these surgeries, go to our Pet Library under Resources and search "cruciate".

Email your questions to the webmaster@myshilohvet.com

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, V.M.D.

Question: What does AAHA stand for and why is it important?

Dear Dr. Schaeberle,

Shiloh Veterinary Hospital has an AAHA plaque in the waiting room, what does AAHA stand for and why is it important to me?

Thanks,

Barry

-------------------------------------

Hi Barry,

As a proud member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), I never get tired of this question! In 1987, we sought accreditation by the AAHA because it was important to my practice, no matter what costs were involved. AAHA helps me make my practice better and ensures each pet is getting a high quality of care.

AAHA has approximately 3,000 hospitals that voluntarily participate in the evaluation program. Outside consultants from AAHA perform rigorous inspections to ensure we comply with the 900 different standards for service and facilities In York County, only 3 hospitals are certified: Shiloh Veterinary Hospital in Dover, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital East and Patton Animal Hospital in Red Lion.

An excellent example of the difference between certified AAHA hospitals and non-certified hospitals is quality of care during surgery and anesthesia. For instance, to perform a spay we utilize a surgeon, a surgical assistant, and a technician in charge of anesthesia from the 1st injection of a sedative to your pet’s awakening. Depending on the surgery performed, oxygen levels, heart rate, EKG, blood pressure, respiration and body temperature are monitored during the procedure. Pain medication is used before, during, and after any surgery that we perform, to keep your pet comfortable and to speed healing.

Are there national standardized protocols written for non-certified veterinary hospitals on quality of care
for your pet? No.

That’s the importance of AAHA certification, visit our website at www.myshilohvet.com or www.healthypet.com to learn more.

Email your questions to the webmaster@myshilohvet.com