LLLT is being used to treat a wide range of conditions including:

• Tendon and Ligament Injuries
• Muscle Strains and Tears
• Post Surgical Pain
• Chronic Non-Healing Wounds (speeds tissue repair from trauma and burns)
• Acute and Chronic Joint Pain
• Nerve and Disc Pain
• Bone Fractures (speeds healing)
• Chronic Conditions (inflammatory, allergic, immune, etc.)
• And much more……

Sunday, January 30, 2011 at 3:00pm

This class is FREE to the public.

Dr. Wayne Geltman will discuss general information on raising a happy and healthy pet, including;

housebreaking, biting and chewing, socialization, nutrition counseling, heartworm, fleas and ticks, zoonotics, rescue chip, proper dental care, and spay and neutering.

Plus- Professional dog trainer Neil Martinez will be giving a brief introduction to pet obedience training.

Seating is limited – Please call (516) 432-2946 to reserve your seat today.

(Due to limited space, only pet parents may attend)

What We’re Looking For

Intestinal parasites are the main targets of fecal analysis for parasite testing.  These parasites include many kinds of worms, such as tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.  Worms large enough to be seen with the naked eye can live in your pet’s intestines and are not often found in the stool; however we can detect their eggs in the stool using a microscope.  Other parasites that may be found by fecal analysis include microscopic organisms.

Sweeteners:many sugarless gums and candies contain xylitol a sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs.  It can cause vomiting, weakness, a life-threatening drop in blood sugar, loss of muscle control, seizures and liver failure.

Caffeine: coffee, tea, energy drinks, dietary pills or anything else containing caffeine should never be given to your pet. They can affect the heart, stomach, intestines and nervous system.

Grapes & Raisins: Just a handful of grapes or raisins can damage your pet’s kidneys, or even prove deadly. Even a small amount in trail mix or snack boxes can be dangerous.

Onions & Garlic: Large amounts of onions and garlic in any form-even powdered-can cause symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe anemia.

Yeast Dough: Unbaked dough that contains yeast can expand and release gases in your dog’s stomach or intestines resulting in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even life -threatening bloat and twisted stomach. Some yeast dough also ferments into alcohol, which can cause alcohol toxicity.

Please contact us immediately if you suspect your pet has eaten any of these items.

After Hours Emergency – Nassau Animal Emergency Clinic (516) 333-6262

Poison Control: 800-222-1222

Anesthesia & Analgesia

WHAT IS ANESTHESIA?

Anesthesia is the total loss of feeling or sensation. It is primarily associated with the loss of painful sensations, which allows surgery or procedures to be performed without causing pain. There are different types of anesthesia. Local anesthesia is rendering a local area of tissue or a part of the body insensitive to pain or sensation. General anesthesia is causing complete unconsciousness and relaxation of the entire body, as well as a loss of painful sensation.

WHAT ARE THE INDICATIONS FOR PERFORMING ANESTHESIA?

Many situations in veterinary medicine require anesthesia. Any type of invasive surgery or procedure is performed under general anesthesia. These include abdominal surgery, orthopedic surgery and neuters. Dental prophylaxis requires complete relaxation, so general anesthesia is indicated. Local anesthesia is most often used when treating small skin lacerations. The tissue surrounding the laceration is anesthetized so sutures can be placed without causing pain. Local anesthetic can also be used to remove small skin masses or lesions.

WHAT PREOPERATIVE EXAMINATIONS OR TESTS ARE NEEDED BEFORE ANESTHESIA?

Before general anesthesia is performed on any patient, a complete physical examination is needed. The veterinarian listens to the heart and lungs to detect any murmurs, abnormal heart sounds or abnormal lung sounds. If any abnormal sounds are heard, chest x-rays are taken. This helps determine if there are any changes in heart size or in the lung tissue. The abdomen is palpated to detect any abnormalities or pain. Abdominal radiographs or ultrasound help diagnose any abnormalities detected during palpation.

In addition to a physical examination blood work is often performed. A complete blood cell count examines the red blood cells and white blood cells for abnormalities. A biochemical analysis examines the liver enzymes, kidney values and electrolytes.

If the patient has any abnormalities noted on these diagnostic tests, measures are taken to make the patient as stable as possible prior to being anesthetized. The drugs chosen to produce anesthesia will be those best suited to the patient and his illness or problem.

Prior to local anesthesia, a physical examination should be performed. Blood work is not usually required prior to local anesthesia unless significant abnormalities have been detected during the physical examination.

WHAT TYPE OF DRUGS ARE NEEDED FOR ANESTHESIA?

Drugs are given to produce both general and local anesthesia. As in human medicine, dogs and cats undergoing general anesthesia are given a preanesthetic medication to reduce anxiety and relax the animal. An analgesic (pain medication) is usually part of the preanesthetic protocol. The preanesthetic also allows for easier intravenous catheter placement for the induction of anesthesia. A short acting intravenous anesthetic (induction agent) produces unconsciousness to allow for placement of an endotracheal tube (breathing tube) into the trachea (windpipe). This tube allows for the use of inhalation (gas) anesthetic for the duration of the procedure.

For local anesthesia, drugs are injected into the immediate area in which suturing or surgery will be performed.

HOW LONG DOES ANESTHESIA TAKE TO PERFORM?

For general anesthesia, preanesthetic agents are administered 45 minutes to one hour before induction of anesthesia. Induction of anesthesia is usually quite rapid, often less than one minute. The duration of general anesthesia depends on the procedure and the type of anesthetic used. If gas anesthetic is used, the duration of anesthesia can be controlled by varying the concentration of the anesthetic administered to the patient. For example, spay surgery usually take less than one hour. More complicated procedures take more time. Fracture repairs and total hip replacements can take several hours. After the procedure is finished, the gas anesthesia is discontinued and the patient begins breathing oxygen. Pets typically begin to regain consciousness within 10 to 30 minutes. The patient usually remains groggy for several hours.

Local anesthetic takes effect within seconds after administration and generally lasts 15 to 30 minutes.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OR ANESTHESIA?

Anesthesia is never without risk. The preanesthetic examination and diagnostics help to reduce the risk of anesthesia by uncovering potential problems. Any patient can have an adverse (allergic reaction) reaction to medications, including anesthetics.

Complications that occur under general anesthesia are apnea (not breathing), bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), blood loss and sometimes cardiac arrest. To prevent these complications from occurring, the patient is monitored continuously.

There are few complications associated with local anesthetic. The most common complication is allergic reaction.

WHAT IS THE TYPICAL POSTOPERATIVE AFTERCARE FOR ANESTHESIA?

Postoperative care following general anesthesia is aimed at returning the patient to normal function. Most patients are hypothermic (cold) and heat support is provided until the patient can maintain his own body temperature. Pain control is also standard care. Some procedures will produce postoperative pain so medication is used to keep the patient comfortable. General nursing care is also provided to keep the patient clean and comfortable.

Postoperative care following a local anesthetic is minimal. If a significant amount has been administered in one leg, the animal may be lame for a short period of time. Most animals return to normal within 30 minutes after administration of the local anesthetic.

HOW LONG IS THE HOSPITAL STAY FOLLOWING ANESTHESIA?

The length of stay in the hospital following general anesthesia depends on the type of procedure performed. Dental procedures usually do not require an overnight stay. More invasive procedures such as intestinal foreign body removal or fracture repair usually require a stay of one to several days.

Animals receiving local anesthetic rarely stay in the hospital for any length of time.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A biopsy is the surgical removal of a portion of tissue.

WHAT ARE THE INDICATIONS FOR PERFORMING A BIOPSY?

Biopsies are taken of suspicious masses, tumors or abnormal organs. The biopsy is typically submitted to a veterinary pathologist for evaluation and a diagnosis.

WHAT PREOPERATIVE EXAMINATIONS OR TESTS ARE NEEDED?

Preoperative tests depend in part on the age and general health of the animal as well as the reason for the biopsy. For small superficial skin biopsies, simple blood tests, such as a packed cell volume or blood count, may be done prior to anesthesia. If the biopsy is associated with major organs, extensive tests such as radiographs, blood count, serum biochemical tests, a urinalysis, and possibly an EKG may be necessary.

WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS NEEDED FOR A BIOPSY?

A local anesthetic is usually sufficient for small, superficial skin biopsies; general anesthesia is necessary for large biopsies or biopsies of organs to induce complete unconsciousness and relaxation. In this case, the pet will receive a pre-anesthetic sedative-analgesic drug to help him relax, a brief intravenous anesthetic to allow placement of a breathing tube in the windpipe, and subsequently inhalation (gas) anesthesia in oxygen during the actual surgery.

How Is the Biopsy Done?

For skin biopsies, the hair surrounding the biopsy site is clipped. The area is scrubbed with surgical soap and disinfectants. Using a scalpel blade, special biopsy punch or biopsy needle, a section of the suspicious tissue is removed. The skin is then closed with sutures (stitches) or surgical glue. For biopsies of internal organs, following anesthesia, the pet is placed on a surgical table, lying on his back. The hair is clipped over the middle of the abdomen and the skin is scrubbed with surgical soap to disinfect the area. A sterile drape is placed over the surgical site. A scalpel is used to incise the skin at the middle of the abdomen, and then the abdominal cavity is opened. The organ is identified and the biopsy taken. If necessary, the biopsy site is closed with sutures (stitches) that dissolve over time. The abdominal incision is then closed with one or two layers of self-dissolving sutures (stitches). The outer layer of skin is closed with sutures or surgical staples; these need to be removed in about 10 to 14 days.

HOW LONG DOES THE BIOPSY TAKE TO PERFORM?

The procedure takes about 15 minutes to an hour to perform in most cases, including the needed time for preparation and anesthesia. In small skin biopsies, the procedure is relatively quick; in large biopsies or biopsies of abdominal organs, the procedure can take longer.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS?

The overall risk of this surgery is low, especially in those situations where local anesthesia is used. The major risks accompany large biopsies and biopsies of organs and are those of general anesthesia, bleeding (hemorrhage), postoperative infection and wound breakdown (dehiscence) over the biopsy site. Overall complication rate is low, but serious complications can result in death or the need for additional surgery.

WHAT IS THE TYPICAL POSTOPERATIVE CARE?

Post-operative medication should be given to relieve pain, which is judged in most cases to be mild to moderate and can be adequately controlled with safe and effective pain medicines. The home care requires reduced activity until the stitches are removed in 10 to 14 days. The biopsy site or abdominal suture line should be inspected daily by the pet owner for signs of redness, discharge, swelling, or pain.

HOW LONG IS THE HOSPITAL STAY FOLLOWING A BIOPSY?

The typical stay for small and minor biopsies is brief. The pet is usually sent home as soon as the biopsy is taken. For extensive biopsies and those associated with internal organs, hospital stays vary depending on overall health of the pet.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A cystotomy is a surgical opening created in the wall of the urinary bladder. This procedure allows the surgeon to look inside the bladder. While abdominal x-rays, ultrasound examination, and cystoscopy (scooping the bladder) are less invasive methods of looking into the bladder, cystoscopy has an important role in treatment of urinary bladder problems.

WHAT ARE THE INDICATIONS FOR PERFORMING A CYSTOTOMY?

Cystotomy is most indicated for treatment of bladder problems including removal of bladder stones, bladder tumors, and blood clots. This procedure also can be done to obtain a biopsy sample of the urinary bladder. Cystotomy is done to repair a rupture or severe trauma to the urinary bladder. In cases of abnormal insertion of the ureters into the bladder (these are the thin long tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), a cystotomy incision will be needed to correct the problem.

WHAT PREOPERATIVE EXAMINATIONS OR TESTS ARE NEEDED BEFORE A CYSTOTOMY?

Preoperative tests depend in part on the age and general health of the animal as well as the cause for the cystotomy. Radiographs (x-rays) or abdominal ultrasound typically is done to diagnose the underlying illness prior to surgery. Often a complete blood count, serum biochemical test, a urinalysis, and possibly an EKG will be performed prior to surgery.

WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS NEEDED FOR A CYSTOTOMY?

This is a surgical procedure that involves opening the abdominal cavity. General anesthesia is needed to induce unconsciousness, complete control of pain, and muscle relaxation. In the usual case, the pet will receive a pre-anesthetic sedative-analgesic drug to help him relax, a brief intravenous anesthetic to allow placement of a breathing tube in the windpipe, and subsequently inhalation (gas) anesthesia in oxygen during the actual surgery.

How Is the Cystotomy Operation Done?

Following anesthesia, the pet is placed on its back lying on the surgical table. The hair is clipped over the lower abdomen, the skin is scrubbed with surgical soap to disinfect the area and a sterile drape is placed over the surgical site. The incision is similar to a spay incision (midline). Your veterinarian uses a scalpel to incise the skin of the lower abdomen and to open the abdominal cavity. The urinary bladder is isolated with sterile sponges and an incision is made. Any urine is removed from the bladder to prevent abdominal contamination. The operation then continues; for example, the surgeon may remove bladder stones, a tumor, or extensive blood clots. Often a urinary catheter is placed at the conclusion of surgery, to allow urine to drain easily from the bladder. At the conclusion of the procedure, sutures (stitches) that dissolve over time are placed to close the incision in the urinary bladder. The abdominal incision is then closed with one or two layers of self-dissolving sutures (stitches). The outer layer of skin is closed with sutures or surgical staples; these need to be removed in about 10 to 14 days.

HOW LONG DOES THE CYSTOTOMY TAKE TO PERFORM?

The procedure takes about 45 minutes to 1-1/4 hours to perform in most cases, including the needed time for preparation and anesthesia.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF A CYSTOTOMY OPERATION?

The overall risk of this surgery is low. The major risks are those of general anesthesia, bleeding (hemorrhage), postoperative infection, urine leakage, and wound breakdown (dehiscence) over the incision. Overall complication rate is low, but serious complications can result in death or the need for additional surgery.

WHAT IS THE TYPICAL POSTOPERATIVE AFTERCARE FOR A CYSTOTOMY?

Post-operative medication should be given to relieve pain, which is judged in most cases to be mild to moderate and can be effectively eliminated with safe and effective pain medicines. Often a urinary catheter will have been placed at surgery. This is typically removed in 24 to 72 hours. The home care requires reduced activity until the stitches are removed in 10 to 14 days. You should inspect the suture line daily for signs of redness, discharge, swelling, or pain and monitor your pet’s urinary habits. Some blood-tinged urine is expected for the first few days, but obvious pain, straining or a lack of urination is not normal and should prompt a call to your veterinarian.

HOW LONG IS THE HOSPITAL STAY FOLLOWING A CYSTOTOMY?

The typical stay following a cystotomy is 2-3 days but will vary depending on the overall health of the pet and the underlying reason for the surgery.