Question: AAHA accreditation?

Dr. Schaeberle,

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

Dave

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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: Feline Weight loss tips

Dr. Schaeberle,

How can I help my cat lose weight?

Thanks,
Missy

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Hi Missy,

Last week we began a discussion on obesity in cats. In general, feline obesity is common, and can result in a shortened life expectancy.

1. Keep up the exercise. Cats can be encouraged to play throughout their lives. Examples of exercise for cats include, playing “Find the Food”, move the food bowl upstairs or downstairs and rotate it so that the cat always has to walk to get to its food bowl. Look for cat “puzzle” toys where you can hide their entire meal inside so that they must play to release kibble to eat! Utilize feather toys, flashlights, laser pens, paper bags or balls, anything that your cat finds interesting to chase. Try to engage your cat for ten minutes twice a day.

2. Cats are true carnivores and need a higher level of protein in their diet. Dry food tends to have more carbohydrates than wet food. So feeding predominately a wet food diet which has more protein, may have an advantage (so long as you control the portion sizes).

3. Watch the calories. A typical 8 pound cat really only needs about 150 to 170 calories per day or one six oz can per day. Feed small meals frequently. Divide the total volume or calories into four to six smaller meals.

4. There are diet foods made for cats. There are now many types of “prescription” diet foods available that surpass the typical “light” formula that you may find in the pet store. At our practice, we primarily use two foods made by Hill’s Science Diet. R/D is low-calorie, high fiber food. M/D is a very high protein diet, but must be fed in fairly small portions. This food can increase your cats metabolism & the high protein levels can help a cat to feel more satisfied, despite the smaller portions.

5. Rechecks and weigh-ins. After you have put your cat on a weight loss program, it is critical that you determine if it is working for your cat. Each cat is different and may require many changes in diet or routine. In general, your cat should be weighed every month until the ideal weight is achieved. Typically your cat should lose about one pound per month. Work closely and actively with your veterinarian to ensure that your pet safely achieves his or her weight loss goals.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, V.M.D.