A Day in the Life of A Veterinarian - Family Veterinary Hospital of Stone Ridge - Chantilly, VA

Notes from Dr. Chau - July 27, 2011

2011-08-02T16:22:00.001-04:00

Today was a moderately challenging day…definitely not routine.

We met a new patient today—one that would not allow pet mom to speak a word. Every attempt pet mom made to talk to me, C_ was interrupting and adding her 2-cents (barking.) The minute we decided to give C_ a tour of our facility and a break away from mom, she was quiet as a lamb, well-mannered and quite obedient. She had lots to tell her pet mom when we returned to the exam room. I hope she had nice things to say J

My next appointments were double trouble. Both had histories of thickened bladder wall that was identifiable via ultrasound. We were able to perform a cystocentesis on one and the other we had to send home with a sterile cup to collect a specimen. Sometimes when the bladder is not completely filled, it is harder to take a sample from the bladder. It’s amazing what we can see in, on, and around the bladder with the ultrasound. It is far superior than the x-ray for finding bladder stones, tumors and “sludge”.

A few other routine patients were seen thereafter. Our M. girl came for acupuncture for her incontinence and history of seizures. I decided to do some acupuncture points that target her seizures. No seizures or tremors during our session. She was fast asleep after all her needles were in place!

The challenging case of the day goes to the mast cell tumor surgery that we removed from one of our patients. Mast cells are always a challenge since curing the pet means having to resect them with large “margins”, meaning both wide and deep around the body of the tumor. Surgery went well and closure of the site was achieved. This patient also had a dental and unfortanutely or fortunately (depending on who you ask), we removed 2 rotten molars and premolars in the mouth. The pet was sent home with heavy duty pain medications and lots of TLC.

My wound case that I’m treating with honey, if you remember the story (dog suffers from puncture wound that left exposed muscles), well my patient figured out to manipulate her large e-collar, chew off her bandage and rip out the stainless steel staples and sutures in her skin. If there is a will, there is a way. Luckily the incision is healing so well that we decided to remove the remaining sutures and rebandage the wound. Not shortly before we were ready to go home, our lovely patient figured out a way to chew the bandage off again. Unfortunately for her, we had an upgrade for her ecollar. What will she come up with next?

My vomiting patient from yesterday was positive for pancreatitis. She responded well to treatment and started eating immediately after offering her a bland diet. No more vomiting and she went home happily to finish her healing.

Oh, lastly to end the day, we trimmed a Quaker bird’s nails and wings to the likings of her owner…not too short and not too long…perfect to maintain a low flight but not long enough to race through the house. A little here, a little there and she was perfect.

A good day. I’m sure I’ve missed a few.

A Day in the Life of Dr. Chau - Tuesday July 26

2011-07-26T22:50:00.003-04:00

(from Dr. Chau - patient names have been changed)
The day started with beautiful clear blue skies, a good sign.

I started my day with a customary greeting from A_, our regular rehabilitation patient. He has gotten so comfortable that he no longer gets up to greet me but wags his tail from his bed and nods me a “hello”. A_, is one of our regular rehabilitation patients we treat twice weekly. He spends approximately 5 hours with us waiting his 1hr rehabilitation session. A_ is our special patient. We view him as one of our own beloved pet as we see him so often and have been through many medical hurdles with us. At the fine age of 9.5years, he has been through a femoral head ostectomy at an early age to prevent against hip dysplasia and recently had surgery to remove a heptoma (liver mass) from his liver. A_, being 114lbs is now suffering from osteoarthritis and has become a long-term member of our rehabilitation workout. He also gets routine acupuncture and laser therapy, both to manage his pain and recently acquired a new hock brace to help with his progressive hyperextension of his right hock. A_ is a delight and the love of his pet’s mother’s life and ours as well. He gets a special spot in our hospital (i.e. my office), as it is large enough for him to spread out.

B_ is one of our “old lady” Labradors—here for rehabilitation as well. B_ looks at me from her padded bed as if to say, “you again” and goes back to sleep. We are rehabilitating B_ to help strengthen her hind end. She used to scuff her rear limbs when walking, but since starting her on our rehabilitation program and underwater treadmill, she no longer scuffs her rear limbs and has good endurance. She has also been through multiple medical hurdles including a laryngeal tieback to help with her laryngeal paralysis and pneumonia. Both A_ and B_ go through similar rehabilitation exercises including cavaletti poles, weaving, stepping up and stretching, to name a few exercises.

Today, we also had a visit from another patient that we are putting in our underwater treadmill twice weekly for 20minutes. His name is C_ and he is a beautiful, majestic Newfoundland. At a weight of approximately 149lbs, he is recovering from a cranial cruciate tear (equivalent to the ACL of people) for which he has had surgery to repair. We are seeing him to also manage his degenerative joint disease of the hips, knees and back through: exercise, acupuncture, chiropractic and physical therapy. His pet parents are making him as strong as possible during his senior years. He looks great and has great mobility.

D_, a jack Russell was also seen today. Down to one eye, she looks at me through a remaining sick eye. She lost her one eye to glaucoma and hypertension (high blood pressure) and now is here for hospitalization with vomiting and not eating. I have a suspicion D_ may have pancreatitis as her general bloodwork has ruled out internal organ disease. D_ has also been through many medical hurdles one being a recent surgery to remove calcium oxalate stones, protein losing kidney disease and management of hypertension. Today, my licensed veterinary technician placed an IV catheter into her cephalic vein and we gave Lactated Ringers Solution via IV throughout the day. We also administered other IV medications including an anti-vomiting medication and already she was looking a little brighter. We took an abdominal x-ray to make sure she did not eat anything or had an obstruction and sent out blood to rule out pancreatitis. We will keep our fingers crossed for D_ to recover as sometimes the best solution to bowel disease or vomiting is rest.

The rest of my day was pretty routine. I spent the day with a 13week old Great Dane that was dropped off for vomiting and defecating worms (luckily treatable). At the age of 13weeks, he is already 42lbs! What a sweetie he is and what great manners he had in our hospital run he was in. Not a peep from him during his stay and treatment. He was fast asleep on our cot when I snuck a peek to see what he was “up” to midday.

The rest of the day was spent on wellness-exams and vaccines including two beagles, and a Papastzu (can you guess what designer breed that is?)

One of our patients, E_, was seen today by the neurologist for an MRI. She was tentatively diagnosed for Idiopathic head tremors (her head bobs involuntarily) and samples were taken via a CSF tap to look for potential causes of possible meningitis.

Our last patient was F_, a geriatric Australian Shepard. We drew blood to make sure his organs were not having any reactions to his long-term pain meds.

We also did several urinalysis and fecal floatations that were brought in for review and answered many refills, advice-calls and made follow-up calls. That’s about it to wrap up what is a normal day here at Family Veterinary Hospital. What will tomorrow bring?

Oh, and a Papastzu is a cross between a Papillon and a Shih Tzu. First one I have seen.

Dr. Chau
July 26, 2011

Family Veterinary Hospital of Stone Ridge
24650 South Point Drive, Ste. 140
Chantilly, VA 20152
www.family-vet.com
703 327-8425

Black and tan Chihuahua missing

2011-04-12T22:31:00.003-04:00

Please help return "Bella" to her home. A local pet family contacted us about their lost pup. If you happen to come across "Bella", please call the number on the flyer, or call us at Family Veterinary Hospital and we'll make sure she gets home. A reward is being offered for her return.

Family Veterinary Hospital

703 327-8425

Guilty pets (some humor to take you into your weekend)

2011-03-25T12:54:00.001-04:00

A little weekend fun from one of our clients. It reminds us that many pets know what we're saying, and that resorting to physical punishment is seldom necessary.

Family Veterinary Hospital of Stone Ridge

24650 South Point Drive

Chantilly, VA 20152

www.family-vet.com

703 327-8425

We have a YouTube channel as well

2011-02-22T16:28:00.003-05:00

We have over 13,000 views of our videos on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel to get updates on new videos we post!:

www.youtube.com/familyvet

Dr. Chau authors another I Am Modern article

2011-02-22T16:22:00.000-05:00

KEEPING YOUR PETS SMILING

2011-02-11T16:08:00.003-05:00

“Pet owner to vet: doc, we haven’t brushed his teeth in a year and there’s something wrong with that?”

Imagine not brushing your teeth for a day, now a week, how about a whole month? The results would be pretty disgusting and unhealthy. Yet pet owners question the need for taking their pets to their vet for annual cleaning, despite not having a comprehensive plan to keep those canine or feline teeth free of tartar and bacteria. Pet food doesn’t contain a magic cleaner ingredient that protects their teeth, otherwise that magic ingredient would be put into human food as well and the toothpaste and toothbrush market would cease to exist. The truth is, most pet owners just neglect their pets’ teeth until often it’s time to have them pulled out. Often this also is the time where the vet discovers that not only do teeth have to be removed, but the pet has also developed a heart or kidney condition directly related to the rotten teeth.

February is Pet Dental Health Awareness month according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. This is when veterinarians nationwide try to raise awareness of how serious dental disease is in pets, and just how preventable it can be. In difficult economic times, pet owners may think that their pet’s dental care is optional. However this is tragically the case of being penny wise but pound foolish. The cost of pet toothpaste and toothbrushes can be under $20 and those supplies can last a month or longer. Annual exams and cleanings are not cheap (often exceeding $400 because they require anesthesia… and don’t be tempted to skip the anesthetic and pre-screening test for reasons discussed further on), yet are still a bargain when compared to treating the many related health conditions that follow poor teeth care. As in humans, poor teeth can lead to heart and liver disease, cause sinus problems, and abscesses left untreated can become fatal. Untreated pain in pets can lead to lack of appetite that then has a snowball affect of otherwise avoidable ailments (like dehydration and kidney problems). Also, as most pet owners know, pets in pain become more temperamental, are likely to bite unexpectedly in self-defense, and in general act unpredictably.

Pets deserve proper and compassionate care at home and at their vet. The AVMA recommends that all dental cleanings incorporate dental x-rays. The reason this is recommended is simple. Unlicensed technicians are allowed to do cleanings of pets’ teeth that are above the gums. However, again just like humans, the biggest problems are not always those that are easy to see. Cursory “dental cleanings” make the exposed surface of the teeth look fairly healthy, but those same pets will have pockets of plaque and decay that are easily seen on x-rays; plaque and decay that have been free to wage war against pets’ teeth and immune system for months or even years. Unfortunately some pet health care providers give in to pressures by pet owners to look for ways to save money, and the result will be that pets will get cursory cleanings above the gums. This saves time, doesn’t require a licensed professional, and may mean the vet or technician skips the costs of x-rays and anesthesia. Again, this is at the cost of a pet’s overall health. The AVMA estimates that by the age of 3, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have oral disease.

Luckily, the easiest way to keep your pet or pets healthy is also the cheapest: start a daily routine of brushing your pet’s teeth. It is easy, and no pet is too old to learn how. Start by buying special toothpaste for dogs or cats. It is flavored so that cats and dogs will want to use/eat it (obviously pets won’t spit, so it must be safe for them to consumer… which is why you should never use cleaners meant for humans!) For the first several days or weeks, just focus on getting your pets used to the toothbrush which is a finger cap you place on your index finger (like a baby’s toothbrush). Have lots of treats ready. Brush for as long as the pet allows you too, usually 30 seconds is plenty, and as soon as they lose interest or become uncomfortable, stop brushing, and reinforce this as a positive activity with a lot of praise and a treat. Before long, your pet will look forward to having their teeth brushed. And don’t pass up getting your pet’s annual dental cleaning. Pets with routine dental care will have longer and healthier lives than those who do not.

Routine annual physical and dental exams allow for vets to catch any other issues early, when there is time to make less expensive behavior changes (to avoid diabetes for example) or treatments (like newly discovered drug treatments that can be effective against certain cancers.) Ignoring obvious problems, like not taking care of your pet’s teeth for months or years on end, will only increase your costs, lead to avoidable suffering for your pet, and decrease the amount of time you have him or her in your family. And if your pet is considered a “senior pet”, which are pets in the last 25% of their expected lifespan (normally above 7 for dogs and cats), they should be seen by your vet twice per year, since they start to experience an accelerated rate of physical changes. February is Pet Dental Health Awareness month nationwide, and many vets are offering discounts for dental procedures in order to help spread the word.

Dr. Hanh Chau
(article written for I Am Modern Magazine by Dr. Chau, Feb. 2011)
Family Veterinary Hospital of Stone Ridge

www.family-vet.com

Can you identify what's in these x-rays?

2011-01-25T22:17:00.006-05:00

Hints: dog; no, these didn't "pass"; can be caused by improper diet;

More difficult to view: stray cat; not caused by what was eaten

The first x-ray was of a dog with bladder stones:

The second x-ray was from a stray cat which had been brought for a dental cleaning and was found to have been a victim of a pellet gun sometime in his former-life.

Journal of American Veterinary Medicine shows acupuncture superior to surgery for certain paralysis

2011-01-23T23:23:00.004-05:00

Our own experience with a Dachshund's profound paralysis was remarkable:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9lXEPuLIxY

AVMA published studies:
Electroacupuncture also returns dogs to walking faster than western medicine alone, according to another recent JAVMA study (10 days versus 20-30 days), and with greater success (in this study 100% were able to walk without assistance after treatment vs. 66% of the dogs that did NOT have the acupuncture): http://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/javma.231.6.913

Electro-acupuncture is significantly more succesful in treating paralysis than surgery, according to a new published AVMA study. 15 of 19 pets who received electro-acupuncture showed significant improvement, compared to 4 out of 10 who received surgery alone.
http://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/javma.236.11.1225?prevSearch=allfield%3A%28acupuncture+

We have availability for walk-ins

2010-12-16T09:40:00.002-05:00

We have had some cancellations today, Thursday December 16. If you've been meaning to bring your pet by for an annual exam or vaccination, or have wanted to come in and tour our facility, today would be a perfect day to stop by. We're located just a mile west of South Riding, on Route 50.

703 327-8425
24650 South Point Drive
South Riding, VA 20152
www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

We have 9 5-star ratings on Yelp!

2010-12-14T10:35:00.002-05:00

4 of our 9 reviews are filtered, but can still be read. Visible right on our business page are 5 of the 9 reviews. You can see all 9 reviews, all 5-star ratings.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/family-veterinary-hospital-of-stone-ridge-chantilly

24650 South Point Drive

Chantilly, VA 20152

www.family-vet.com

703 327-8425

Dr. Chau demonstrates rehabilitation exercise for a Guinea pig with a head tilt

2010-12-13T13:58:00.002-05:00

Dr. Chau shows how a head tilt in Guinea pigs can be treated through some simple food motivation on this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lrLssqkOno

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

24650 South Point Dr.
South Riding, VA 20152
703 327-8425
We are located just 1 mile west of the main entrance to South Riding (Loudoun County Parkway/606) directly on Route 50 at the intersection of Gum Spring Road and Route 5.

Virginia reminder: ticks are still active during the winter!

2010-12-10T10:27:00.002-05:00

The Virginia Department of Health reminds residents that ticks are active even during the winter. The rate of Lyme disease in Loudoun is among the highest in the nation. That's why at Family Vet, we continue to spray for ticks all year long in our backyard, for the health of our staff and our patients.

http://www.vdh.state.va.us/epidemiology/DEE/Vectorborne/documents/Tick%20Brochure_8%205x11.pdf

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

24650 South Point Dr.
South Riding, VA 20152
703 327-8425
We are located just 1 mile west of the main entrance to South Riding (Loudoun County Parkway/606) directly on Route 50 at the intersection of Gum Spring Road and Route 50.

Having trouble finding us? Our location on mapquest

2010-11-19T10:32:00.002-05:00

We are located just a mile west of South Riding, right on Route 50. Yet many still have trouble finding us. The following link may help in case you need directions: http://mapq.st/h/1-uWUzbjB9

We can see Route 50 from our front doors, as well as Gum Spring Road. We are on the south-east corner of the intersection of Route 50 and Gum Spring Road. The road along our parking lot is called South Point Drive, which causes the most problems for folks, since some internet mapping sites don't even recognize this street (which is new as of winter 2008.)

You can always call us for directions as well. We have clients visit us mostly from South Riding, Stone Ridge and Ashburn, but also Manassas, Fairfax and Great Falls as well. Being on Route 50 makes us easy to get to, once you know what you're looking for.

Aaron Zeitlin, hospital manager
Family Veterinary Hospital of Stone Ridge
24650 South Point Drive
South Riding, VA 20152

Closed on Thanksgiving

2010-11-19T10:26:00.004-05:00

Family Vet will be closed on Thanksgiving day, but open the day before and day after the holiday. We still have time slots available in case your pet needs an updated vaccine or annual exam.

Aaron Zeitlin, hospital manager
Family Veterinary Hospital of Stone Ridge
24650 South Point Drive
South Riding, VA 20152
www.family-vet.com
703 327-8425
you can request an appointment via email as well at appointments@family-vet.com

Pet insurance review

2010-10-22T08:19:00.001-04:00

As a reminder, we found the following comparison useful when we were researching pet insurance costs. On this page, Kiplingers Magazine named this as a best-of-the-web for pet insurance comparisons:

Kiplingers recommended this site for shopping for pet insurance: http://www.kiplinger.com/magazine/archives/2008/12/best-websites-for-services-bargains-tools2.html?kipad_id=33

Here's the comparison of costs for dogs: http://petinsurancereview.com/dog.asp

and here's the comparison for cats: http://petinsurancereview.com/cat.asp

www.family-vet.com

Family Veterinary Hospital of Stone Ridge

24650 Southpoint Drive

South Riding, VA 20152

703 327-8425

Halloween Can Be Scary for Pets Too!

2010-10-19T08:50:00.002-04:00

Halloween can be very stressful and dangerous for pets. Veterinarians often see an increase in pet accidents and injuries on Halloween. The most common problems are poisoning, ingestion of foreign bodies, trauma from car accidents and bite wounds. Here are some good tips to keep in mind this Halloween:
1. Keep all candy and wrappers out of your pet's reach. Candy is bad for animals - especially chocolate. Problems can range from diarrhea and upset stomach to toxicity and even death.
2. Keep your dog on a leash, but don't leave him tied up outside unattended. If you take your dog trick-or-treating, keep him on a short leash. Frequently scan the ground for dropped candy that your dog might eat.
3. During trick-or-treating, keep your pet indoors in a separate room that is far away from the front door. This will prevent him from getting scared or excited and running outside. Give your dog plenty of fresh water, a familiar blanket, and something to take his mind off the commotion going on in other areas of the house.
Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Pet owners can give their pets MRSA and then vice versa

2010-10-01T22:46:00.003-04:00

This was an interesting podcast where an AVMA representative was interviewing a specialist at the university of Oklahoma on MRSA transmission. MRSA is a growing problem in humans, and now in pets as well. Researchers are finding that humans are contaminating their pets, where they can then become carriers and infect other humans or pets they come in contact with.

This is a reminder why we will not just administer an antibiotic on an owner's request without first running a test to find out what the infection is. Drug-resistance is a very serious human as well as now a pet problem.

Want to see what normal pet x-rays look like?

2010-09-30T13:16:00.004-04:00

Whether you are a doctor, nurse, medstudent or just interested pet owner, the University of Illinois is making public a selection of typical x-rays from household pets (as well as cows and horses too!) This is a very interesting collection of x-rays, and can also be used to compare against the high quality x-rays we are able to take at Family Vet.

University of Illinois x-ray collection:

One of our favorite x-rays we've taken of a dog's knee of a patient at Family Vet

Keep an eye out for these during the holidays (chocolate, lillies etc.)

2010-09-30T08:20:00.002-04:00

As the holidays approach, make sure you know some of the common household items that are lethal to pets. These include lillies, chocolate, and mushrooms just to name a few. For a complete list, see the American Veterinary Medical Association's more comprehensive list here.

Aaron
Family Veterinary Hospital of Stone Ridge
24650 South Point Drive, Suite 140
South Riding, VA 20152
703 327-8425
www.family-vet.com

Thunderstorms and pet phobias

2010-09-22T15:33:00.004-04:00

Severe thunderstorms are expected in Loudoun this afternoon and later this evening.

Here is an article on immediate steps you can take today to ease your pet's suffering.

You may need to create a login and password to get access to this and thousands of other pet medical articles. It's quick and free.

Aaron
Family Veterinary Hospital of Stone Ridge
www.family-vet.com
703 327-8425
24650 Southpoint Drive
South Riding, VA 20152

Pets do not cause bed bugs

2010-09-20T15:35:00.003-04:00

The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), recently released some FAQs on pets and bed bugs, due to the recent news coverage on bed bugs. Due to the increase in bed bug awareness, AVMA wanted to remind pet owners that often pets are helpless victims of bed bugs, and do not cause their appearance. And if treating your home for bed bugs, please be mindful of your pet's exposure. Similarly, do NOT try using flea and tick medicines on your pet in order to help your pet cope with bed bugs, as this can lead to overexposure to chemicals for your pet and may not be affective against the bed bugs at all. To read more, select here to visit the AVMA's bulletin.

Aaron Zeitlin
Family Veterinary Hospital of Stone Ridge
703 327-8425
24650 Southpoint Drive
South Riding, VA 20152
www.family-vet.com

Not all teeth cleanings are necessarily about teeth

2010-09-20T11:32:00.001-04:00

A cat's mouth needs to be kept clean for obvious reasons and sometimes not so obvious reasons. This stray cat seemingly had rotten teeth, but on closer (x-ray) examination, we were surprised to find metal! Apparently this poor stray cat had been the victim of someone with a pellet gun. Luckily, this cat still has some lives left and has found a new and safe place to call home. And we're happy her new owner has chosen us for her pet's care.

www.family-vet.com

Family Veterinary Hospital of Stone Ridge

24650 Southpoint Drive

South Riding, VA 20152

703 327-8425

Pets get allergies

2010-09-19T22:55:00.004-04:00

At Family Vet, we use Greer and Heska test labs to read and diagnose our patient's allergies. Both have useful information for pet owners, that can be used to supplement the information we provide during an exam. Have you wondered whether your pet is suffering? See these links to learn more about allergies, and then follow-up (if necessary) with an appointment with Dr. Chau to have some blood drawn. Just this past week, Dr. Chau received test results on a pet that were one of the highest she had seen since she began practicing (scoring over 3,000 on some allergens where the normal range was 0 to 150.) The poor dog (mixed-breed) was allergic to many things, including dust mites and weeds (so not just outdoor allergens but indoor as well.)

Greer

Heska: If your pet has allergies to mold, pollen or mites, here are some simple ideas from Heska on how to make your pet more comfortable.

Aaron Zeitlin
Family Veterinary Hospital of Stone Ridge
www.family-vet.com

From our own website:
Allergies in dogs
Allergies in cats
Food allergies in dogs
Inhalant allergies in dogs
Flea allergies in cats

Aging Gracefully

2010-09-07T10:06:00.000-04:00

Arthritis is a progressive disease and a lot more common in dogs than you might think. Recent studies show that arthritis affects 1 in every 5 dogs. Most dogs don't show us when they are in pain, which makes it hard to tell that they are sick or uncomfortable. Arthritis causes pain and mobility issues, therefore dogs with this condition may not play as much, move slower or even seem unhappy. Factors such as age, weight, activity level and injury put your dog at higher risk for developing this painful condition. The more you know about the risks and symptoms of arthritis, the more likely you will be to recognize the problem in your dog. So if your dog is at risk, or if he appears to be slowing down, see your veterinarian. Many options are available to help your dog manage this condition and lead a more active, pain-free life.

'Boy’s Best Friend' Risks Life to Save Owner From Swarm of Bees

2010-09-04T09:58:00.002-04:00

This is a great story, so I thought I would share. Have a great Labor Day weekend!!!

Vivian
Client Relations Manager
(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

'Boy’s Best Friend' Risks Life to Save Owner From Swarm of Bees

Ear infections may be a sign of allergies

2010-09-03T23:26:00.001-04:00

If your pet is experiencing ear infections at this time, it is no coincidence. There is a strong correlation between ear infections and allergies. Ragweed is at its peak and so are allergies symptoms. Ear infections are among the most common signs of allergies.

Consider allergy testing for environmental allergies during this time. Common breeds that suffer from allergies are: Golden Retrievers, Westies, Labs, German Shepards, Springer Spaniels, and Pit bulls.

Check out allergen is at its peak in your area by going to www.pollen.com.

Family Veterinary Hospital

www.family-vet.com

New reviews on Angie's List, as well as Yelp

2010-09-02T23:16:00.002-04:00

We'd like to thank all of our clients for their continued reviews on: Yelp and AngiesList (we just received excellent ratings on both from 4 different clients), as well as Google maps.

Thanks again!

Yelp

Google maps

AngiesList

Aaron, hospital manager

Family Veterinary Hospital

www.family-vet.com

703 327-8425

appointments@family-vet.com

Feline Bartonella

2010-09-02T11:59:00.003-04:00

It is estimated that approximately 33% of healthy cats in Virginia are infected with Bartonella. Bartonella can be transmitted by infected fleas and ticks. The bacteria can then infect people through cat scratches, bites, and even contact with fur! Yikes!
Cats who were strays, live in a multi cat household, originally came from a shelter, or go outside often are more likely to come in contact with fleas and ticks, and therefore are more likely to become infected with Bartonella. Bartonella causes inflammatory reactions in tissues throughout the animal’s body. These tissues include: oral and respiratory mucosa, ocular tissues, the GI tissues, skin, and organs such as liver, spleen and lymph nodes. It is thought that Bartonella is the cause of about 40-50% of the following conditions in pet kitties:
-Oral diseases (gingivitis, stomatitis, oral ulcers)
-Respiratory diseases (upper respiratory disease, rhinitis, sinusitis)
-Ocular diseases (conjunctivitis, uveitis, chorioretinitis, corneal ulcers, keratitis)
-Intestinal diseases (inflammatory bowel disease, chronic diarrhea, chronic vomiting)
-Other diseases such as enlarged lymph nodes, fever of unknown origin, skin diseases such as papules and dermatitis, and heart disease such as valvular disease
Bartonella, transmitted though cats, is infamous for the “cat scratch fever” disease in people, but it can actually cause around 22 human diseases. Other known Bartonella diseases in humans are: bacillary angiomatosis & peliosis, febrile bacteremia, heart diseases, eye diseases, neurological disorders, musculoskeletal diseases, skin diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, mononucleosis-like syndrome, pulmonary infiltrates, lymphadenopathy and co-infection with Lyme disease.
We strongly recommend testing every new feline, kitten or adult, being introduced into your household for Bartonella. If a test shows a positive result, antibiotic therapy is effective for most cats.

Loudoun receives an "F" from American Lung Association

2010-08-31T16:41:00.006-04:00

Here's an interesting interactive map detailing the air quality of Loudoun and who might be at risk. Please be aware that air quality on hot days can be a significant contributor to a pet's comfort, in addition to the heat. Loudoun's rating for ozone by the American Lung Association is an "F"! (apparently based on the number of days of unhealthy air-quality)

If your dog, cat, bird or other family pet member appears to be struggling to breathe, we're always available to take your call and offer advice on whether your pet needs to see a vet.

Aaron Zeitlin, hospital manager
Family Veterinary Hospital of Stone Ridge
24650 South Point Drive
South Riding, VA 20152
703 327-8425
appointments@family-vet.com

Treating Chronic Ear Infections

2010-08-26T15:01:00.007-04:00

Last week, a four-year old German Shepherd named Marco came in with chronically infected ears. His owners have been dealing with this problem since adopting him over a year ago. They had tried different types of cleaners and medications, but nothing seemed to work. Dr. Chau did an ear cytology as well as an ear culture & sensitivity, which revealed that several different kinds of bacteria were growing in Marco’s ears including E. coli, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. Marco was treated with antibiotics that are specific to his type of infection and a week later, his ears have greatly improved and he’s feeling much better! If your dog has been experiencing chronic ear problems or infections, make sure that you have an ear culture & sensitivity test done to determine which course of treatment will be most effective for your pet. There is not one all-inclusive, broad-spectrum antibiotic that can kill every kind of bacteria. Each one affects a few different types of bacteria, that is why it is so important to find out which bacteria is growing in order to effectively treat the infection and give your pet some much-needed relief!

Lost grey adult tabby cat around Katling Sq. South Riding

2010-08-24T19:50:00.005-04:00

A neighbor alerted us to their missing cat and we offered to help spread the word. "Pandora" is an adult medium-sized grey tabby cat. Pandora was last seen August 12th. Pandora requires medication, so it is important he makes it home soon. Pandora lives on Katling Square which is in the south-east section of South Riding. Please email or call us if you have seen Pandora so we can get him to his owners.

Aaron Zeitlin, hospital manager
aaron_zeitlin@family-vet.com

Thank you for the compliment!

2010-08-23T18:12:00.004-04:00

We cannot begin to thank Dr. Chau and the entire staff at Family Vet for taking such wonderful care of our dog" Riley". Riley is our nine-year-old yellow lab with a heart of gold. We take Riley to therapy at Family Vet two times a week, and he absolutely loves going there! Each and every visit we are immediately greeted with a big hello from the staff, and Riley just adores this- making him feel so special. If anyone is familiar with Labrador’s, you know they love the attention, and this is exactly what he gets! Riley's visits include anything from water treadmill, acupuncture, laser therapy, grooming, etc.. and the best thing is -it is all done under one roof!

We are so pleased with the progress Riley has made to date with his therapy,thanks to Dr. Chau and her wonderful staff. Each session they work closely with Riley helping him to achieve the maximum improvement he is capable of for that session. They continue to monitor his progress each session and provide us with daily updates-allowing us to determine his ongoing needs/goals.

I cannot imagine Riley getting better treatment anywhere else. We are so very blessed to have Riley in our lives, and we feel doubly blessed that we have Family Vet in our lives as well!

Fondly,

Lynne

We received this review from one of our clients today. Thank you for all of the wonderful comments. If you have any suggestions on how Family Veterinary Hospital of Stone Ridge can improve please let us know. We are pleased to serve the Loudoun, Fairfax, and Prince William County.

Thank you,

Vivian
Client Relations Manager
(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

Roundworms, Knowing and Preventing

2010-08-18T08:39:00.005-04:00

Roundworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites to infect our four-legged friends. They develop from eggs into larvae and later into mature adult worms. And they live and grow inside the intestine of your pet!
Some pets have no symptoms of roundworms, but some do. Signs may include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, severe weight loss, and a distended belly. Extreme infestations in puppies and kittens can be fatal.
Dogs and cats can get roundworms at any age, but they are at a greater risk when they are very young. Pets born to mothers who have had roundworms at any time in the past can transmit them to baby. This can happen even if the mother tests negative for roundworm because roundworm larvae encyst in the mother’s muscle tissue and are not detected by tests for adult worms. Roundworms can also infect puppies and kittens via nursing. Roundworm larvae may be present in the mother’s mammary glands throughout the nursing period.
Ingesting roundworm eggs containing infective larvae infects our adult pets. The larvae hatch out in the pet's stomach and small intestine and travel through the muscle, liver, and lungs. The larvae then return back to the intestine to mature. When these worms begin to reproduce, new eggs will pass in the pet's stool.
Roundworms are contagious to people. Humans get roundworms through infected stool. Usually this is through contaminated soil, sand or plant life. Roundworms can produce a condition known as visceral larva migrans. The larvae may cause damage to tissue and nerves or even lodge in the eye causing permanent nerve or eye damage and sometimes blindness.
You can take steps to prevent roundworms from infecting your pet!
1. Have pups and kittens dewormed by the vet at an early age.
2. Stay on preventive drug programs that treat and control roundworms.
3. Keep play areas, lawns, and gardens around your home free of animal waste.
4. Have a fecal test performed on your pet annually.

Deciduous Teeth Extraction

2010-08-17T18:26:00.005-04:00

Today we extracted some deciduous teeth from a one-year-old Maltese named Macy. (This is not her in the picture; it is only an example of what deciduous teeth can look like) Sometimes, permanent teeth do not force the baby teeth out causing both to grow out at the same site. This condition can cause the teeth to be misaligned and to grow in peculiar angles. Later, this can cause infections and abscess in the mouth. Please check your puppies and kittens teeth regularly and if you notice anything unusual contact your Veterinarian.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager
(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

Thunderstorms are normal in Loudoun, help your pet cope

2010-08-17T10:57:00.002-04:00

Rain and occassional lightning and thunder are normal for Loudoun in the spring and fall. Help your pets learn to ignore these events, rather than have them suffering. This article on our website discusses how to immediately calm your pet if he or she is already sensitive to storms, and then consider reading some desensitization training techniques that will prepare the pet for the long term (thunderstorms, fireworks etc.). Pets can learn to sleep through storms, it's just takes patience and a plan.

Some of the immediate helpful hints:
* provide background sound to drown-out the thunder
* provide pets with lots of toys
* consider moving pet to a windowless room

You may need to create a userid on our website to access these, and thousands more pet-health articles. Registering takes just a few minutes, and can reduce the paperwork for your pet's next appointment with us.

Aaron, Hospital Manager
Family Veterinary Hospital
www.family-vet.com
703 327-8425

Mastitis

2010-08-16T18:10:00.003-04:00

Today we saw “Billy”, a 2yr old domestic short hair female cat, along with her four kittens. She was first seen in our office on Friday for Mastitis. This is a bacterial infection of the mammary gland. Dr. Chau said she has really improvment in just a few days.

Thanks to Hart "Billy" is getting the care she needs and her kittens have a place to rest their heads. If you are looking to adopt a pet please check Hart's website.

Vivan
Client Relations Manager
(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

Has your pet been sneezing or coughing these last few days?

2010-08-12T02:01:00.002-04:00

Grass pollen has been pretty high lately. The high temperatures may make us all think of the threats of dehydration, but Dr. Chau did a little research today based on the high number of coughing pets she's seen recently and noticed that grass pollen is reaching high levels. http://www.pollen.com/allergy-forecast.asp

As we noted in earlier posts, allergies are very common in pets. It's among the top 5 reasons pets are taken to vets. Like humans, pets can be allergy tested and then given shots that can alleviate their symptoms. The approaching rain is going to wash out some of the pollen, but already Sunday is looking to be the worst day of the week.

http://www.pollen.com/historic-pollen-levels.asp

Aaron
Family Veterinary Hospital of Stone Ridge
www.family-vet.com
703 327-8425

Dislocation of the Achilles Tendon

2010-08-09T23:25:00.001-04:00

Ouch! We had a young dog present today with lameness of the right rear limb, specifically, the hock (known as the "Achilles" bone in people).

On physical examination, there was moderate swelling and redness over the right hock and partial dislocation of the Achilles tendon to the middle.

The Achilles tendon in the dog is actually composed of multiple tendons, two of which being, the Superficial Digital Flexor tendon and the Gastrocnemius tendon. These tendons are extensions of muscle of the hamstring and the calf muscle (also known as the gastronemius muscle).

The prognosis is good for recovery with surgical intervention, rest and leg support. Laser therapy may also help alleviate clinical signs along with pain management (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories).

Dr. Chau

Family Veterinary Hospital

Have you tried that new Mexican Place……. Margarita's?

2010-08-09T18:18:00.003-04:00

Yes we have and it is AWESOME!!! We have tried their Enchiladas, salads, tacos, chicken (my personal favorite), and sandwiches. Everything has been fresh, hot and full of flavor. The staff is always very nice and friendly, and the place is always nice and clean. The only thing we have not tried yet is the Margaritas, so let us know if you’ve had one.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager
Family Veterinary Hospital
(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

Dr. Chau's article in I Am Modern Magazine

2010-08-01T22:59:00.001-04:00

Dear user,

A user, Aaron would like to share this article / content with you. To visit this article / content, simply click on the following URL / URI:

Site: http://www.iammodern.com/preparing-your-pet-for-the-fall.html

P/S: This may be a restricted content which requires you to be registered on the site.

Sweet Dog Poem

2010-07-27T08:19:00.002-04:00

I came a cross this poem today by a man called David the Dog Man. I thought it was very sweet, so I wanted to share it with everyone. Hope this brightens someone's day.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager
Family Veterinary Hospital
(703)327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

When God made

When God had made the Earth and sky,
The flowers and the trees,
He then made all the animals
And all the birds and bees.
And when his work was finished,
Not one was quite the same.
He said, 'I'll walk this earth of mine,
And give each one a name,'
And so he travelled land and sea,
And everywhere he went,
A little creature followed Him
Until his strength was spent.
And when all were named upon the Earth,
And in the sky and sea,
The little creature said,'Dear Lord,
There's not one left for me!'
The Father smiled and softly said:
'I've left you till the end.
I've turned my own name back to front,
And called you DOG, my friend.'

What a great compliment!

2010-07-22T23:52:00.002-04:00

We received the following email review from our client Sarah G. who said we could repost it. We also have great reviews on Google, Yelp and AngiesList. We appreciate every review from our clients. Please keep them coming and we'll keep listening!:

From Sarah:
I am really glad that I found the Family Veterinary Hospital after our last vet left the area.

Dr. Chau and her team are wonderful and have looked after our animals with dedication and absolute professionalism. I like the fact that Family Veterinary Hospital is a one stop shop. As well as normal veterinary services, my pets can have an ultrasound or laser treatment, an acupuncture session and a swim in the rehab pool - all under one roof. I find that is much less stressful for the animals and it also keeps costs down considerably.

Veterinary expenses can add up but, when I ask for it, I always get a breakdown of treatment costs so I know exactly what I am going to be charged for which I really appreciate.

I find that when I talk to people in the waiting room that they seem to come from all over northern virginia to see Dr. Chau and they are happy to make the journey because it is well worth it. Dr. Chau is an outstanding vet and a very fine person.

I highly recommend Family Veterinary Hospital.

Sarah G.

Heartworms

2010-07-22T10:55:00.003-04:00

Heartworms are a parasitic worm (Dirofilaria immitis) that spread from host to host through the bites of mosquitoes. The Mosquito transfers larvae from an infected dog to your pet and once the larvae develop into a worm it will live in their heart or lungs.

Signs of a heartworm infestation can be mild at first, but it can be easily diagnosed by a simple blood draw. You should have this done once a year. Prevention is the key to keeping your pets Heartworm free (you can order these on-line directly from us). Products such as Interceptor and HeartGuard help to protect your pet. If you notice a mild or persistent cough, reduced appetite, weight loss or any tiredness after moderate exercise you should call us immediately.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

http://www.family-vet.com/
appointments@family-vet.com

Holly's Home!!!!

2010-07-20T09:06:00.002-04:00

We were all very happy to hear that Holly was returned to her family yesterday! She is doing well and seems to have even made some new friends. Welcome Home Holly!!!

TIGER'S HOME!!!!!!!!

2010-07-12T12:55:00.002-04:00

We are very happy that Tiger was found over the weekend, but not as happy as her family. However, Holly has still not been found so please if you have any information contact us. Her family really misses her.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager
Family Veterinary Hospital
24650 South Point Dr Ste. 140
Chantilly, VA 2015

(703)327-8425

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

Have you Seen Holly?

2010-07-08T08:52:00.000-04:00

Last seen: Tuesday, July 6 in Stone Ridge

If found, please call
985-710-0407 or call Family Veterinary Hospital at 703-327-8425
to reunite Holly with her family

Lost Cat

2010-07-06T18:08:00.002-04:00

One of our clients came in today and was very upset about her cat Tiger getting out of the house on the fourth of July. If anyone has seen her please call.

Did you party like an animal for the fourth?

2010-07-05T18:12:00.003-04:00

We hope that everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July holiday weekend. Check out one of our favorite pets Riley. Sure looks like he had a blast!

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

(703)327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste140
Chantilly, VA 20152

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

How do you brush a cat's teeth?

2010-06-28T17:18:00.002-04:00

Did you know that 7 out of 10 cats will show signs of dental disease by the time they are three? You can beat the odds by brushing your pet’s teeth. Check out this video and find out how.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager
(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

Protecting your dog when it’s hot.

2010-06-22T18:44:00.001-04:00

It’s summer time!! Time to hit the beachs and the parks to enjoy some out door fun with your four legged family members. Just remember before heading out to make provisions for your pet. Make sure that you have cool water available and a shady place for “Fido” to lay. NEVER leave your pet alone in a car!! This is against the law in most states. Avoid going out during peak heat hours. This is unually between 10AM- 4PM. Apply sunscreen to areas that have little or no fur, especially there nose were they are prone to sunburn. Always watch for signs of heat stroke. Some of the symptoms are heavy panting, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea and unconsciousness. If your pet experiences any of these symptoms get him to your Veterinarian immediately. Rember these helpful tips and summer will be fun for everyone.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager
(703)327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

www.family-vet.com

appointments@family-vet.com

What should I look for in a Veterinarian?

2010-06-16T13:58:00.001-04:00

The love we have for our animals is priceless, unless you are at the Veterinarians office. I often get calls from people inquiring about the prices for Exams and Vaccines,(As always we are happy to provide estimates to all of our clients) but I wonder if that is how they choose their Family’s Veterinarian. Cost is just one of the many things you should look at. You should also look for someone who knows that your pets are part of your family. Look for someone with compassion and who is knowledgeable. Check out their credentials and see if your vet knows knows about the latest technologies and alternative medicines. Is the facility clean, comfortable and organized? Ask if X-rays, ultrasound, bloodwork, ECG, endoscopy and other diagnostic tests are done in house or are they referred to a specialist. Driving a few extra miles or paying a little bit more may be worth it to get the care you want for your pet. Here at Family Veterinary Hospital our prices are comparable to others, but the quality of our service out does them all.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste. 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

Did you know we offer Laser Therapy?!?

2010-06-15T18:41:00.003-04:00

Family Veterinary Hospital Has the Companion Therapy Laser!!! Not only was it Good Morning America's 2009 Pet Product of the Year, but it also allows for more freedom and can improve the quality of life you pet has. It provides immediate results without any dangerous side effects ans improves mobility without pharmaceuticals. These are just a few of the reasons we choose this product for our patients.

Vivian
Client Relation Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703)327-8425
24650 Suth Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

The Underwater Treadmill is going to seem so boring after vacation

2010-06-14T15:41:00.005-04:00

While we like to point out that our underwater treadmill is useful for pets to burn off excess energy, sometimes even the best equipment cannot compete with mother nature. We just hope that we don't put Riley to sleep when he comes back from vacation and restarts his treadmill sessions :-)

Our thanks to Riley's "parents" for sharing,

Aaron
Family Veterinary Hospital
http://www.family-vet.com/

Interesting client discussions

2010-06-02T11:10:00.001-04:00

Just recently, a client of ours came in with her Newfie (Newfoundland - video from AnimalPlanet) for laser treatment, and while waiting, we happened on the topic of "working dogs". Our client mentioned that Newfies were being used for water rescues in parts of Europe (Italy, Holland and perhaps others.) After a little research, we found several videos we thought were either interesting or just funny, that our followers might enjoy:

Newfoundland dog water rescue (on youtube)

A baby playing with a Newfoundland (no surprise, they are very docile, yet very large, dogs) - also on youtube (the Animal Planet video above has an ASPCA representative stating they are one of the best dogs with children)

Other types of working dogs:

Therapy Dog International (great video explaining many different ways 'working' dogs can help owners with physical or emotional difficulties)

Aaron Zeitlin (hospital manager)

 
www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com
 
24650 South Point Dr.
Chantilly, VA 20152
703 327-8425
 

"Thumper" is available for adoption

2010-05-13T11:54:00.003-04:00

Family Vet supports Friends of Homeless Animals, a non-profit group which finds permanent homes for abandoned pets. We have seen Thumper for awhile now, and he's always been very sweet. He is available for adoption. He was given up when his owner got a new boyfriend who had a dog, and Thumper was picked on by the new "roommate". For more information on Thumper, please visit www.foha.org, or we can help at 703 327-8425.

Here are some disorders that the Companion Laser Therapy can help.

2010-05-13T10:57:00.003-04:00

Pain Relief
Wound Healing
Arthritic Conditions
Otitis
Intervertebral Disc Disease
Pyotraumatic Dermatitis
Post Surgical Pain Relief
Lick Granulomas
Degloving injuries
Dermatological Conditions
Periodontal Disease
And More

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

http://www.family-vet.com/
appointments@family-vet.com

(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

Here Are Just 4 Of The Things The Companion Laser Can Do

2010-05-10T17:37:00.004-04:00

1 The Companion Laser allows your pet to heal faster after surgery or traumatic injury.
2 It eases pain and improves mobility without the use of pharmaceuticals and surgery.
3 Laser Therapy provides your geriatric animal relief of aches and pains and allows for more freedom and improved quality of life. ...
4 Everyday disorders that cause severe pain and discomfort are instantaneously relieved.

Vivian
Client Relation Manager

(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

Our first commercial

2010-05-04T17:55:00.002-04:00

So as many of you already know Family Veterinary Hospital shot our first commercial here on Saturday. I have to admit it was a little strange to have a camera following us around doing our everyday activities, but it was interesting. We are so grateful to our wonderful clients and patients that came in and gave wonderful testimonies about our practice. A special thanks to our patients Shadow, Remy, and Reiley who were definitely the stars of the show.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

Overweight pets leads to shorter lives and higher medical costs

2010-05-04T13:07:00.001-04:00

Did you know that a dog is "overweight" if over by just 5 pounds, or a cat by just 2 pounds? At Family Vet, we believe in prevention of disease and can assist you in determining whether your pet is overweight. Losing weight can be as simple as changing the pet's eating habits or exercise. Not all of our clients need to have their pets in our underwater treadmill, but it certainly is an efficient method of burning off calories (and energy) quickly. Ask one of our licensed technicians or veterinarian for their recommendation on how your pet may live a longer, healthier and happier life.

Why a healthy weight is important for your dog

If a dog is just five pounds over its ideal weight, it's at risk for developing some serious medical conditions. When a dog is overweight or obese, it's not a question of if it will develop a related illness, but rather how many and how soon. Some of the common disorders associated with excess weight include:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Osteoarthritis

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure

• Many forms of cancer, especially intra-abdominal cancers

to read the full article, click here (an industry publication we subscribe to)

Why a healthy weight is important for your cat

If a cat is just two pounds over its ideal weight, it's at risk for developing some serious medical conditions. When a cat is overweight or

obese, it's not a question of if it will develop a related illness, but rather how many and how soon. Some of the common disorders associated

with excess weight include:

• Type 2 diabetes—an obese cat is three times more likely to develop this disease than a normal-weight cat

• Osteoarthritis

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure

• Many forms of cancer, especially intra-abdominal cancers

to read the full article, click here (an industry publication we subscribe to)

Aaron Zeitlin (hospital manager)

 
www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com
 
24650 South Point Dr.
Chantilly, VA 20152
703 327-8425
 

Lasers Therapy

2010-04-29T13:53:00.002-04:00

Family Veterinary Hospital is happy to announce that we now offer low intensity lasers therapy. This treatment can help not only with pain and inflammation, but also helps to speed the process of wound healing. You can even use Laser Therapy to stimulate acupuncture points. If you are looking for a way to help your pet deal with chronic pain we have the answer.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703)327-8425

24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

Gray domesticated cockatiel lost in Aldie area

2010-04-22T22:28:00.001-04:00

We received a call recently from someone in our community who had lost their gray cockatiel. The following is a photo of a regular gray cockatiel. If you see one in the area, please give us a call and we'll pass along the word.

 
www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com
 
24650 South Point Dr.
Chantilly, VA 20152
703 327-8425
 

Tick season is in full swing in Loudoun

2010-04-21T08:48:00.001-04:00

We're starting to see more pets in the last several weeks with ticks. We've also seen them on ourselves at home several times over. This is a reminder that Loudoun's rate of ticks is 20 times higher than the Virginia average and one of the highest in the nation according to Loudoun's Department of Health (retrieved from: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=726).

Lyme Disease Risk Map (View enlarged image.)	State or County	Incidence*
	Connecticut	54.2
	Rhode Island	37.5
	Loudoun	36.0
	New Jersey	16.9
	Delaware	14.0
	Maryland	6.8
	Virginia	2.1

We sell several different tick preventatives. Also, here are some of the signs of Lyme disease from an article on our website:

Many dogs affected with Lyme disease are taken to a veterinarian because they seem to be experiencing generalized pain and have stopped eating. Affected dogs have been described as if they were "walking on eggshells." Often these pets have high fevers. Dogs may also begin limping. This painful lameness often appears suddenly and may shift from one leg to another. If untreated, it may eventually disappear, only to recur weeks or months later.

Some pets are infected with the Lyme disease organism for over a year before they finally show symptoms. By this time, the disease may be widespread throughout the body.

Your pet can also be vaccinated against Lyme disease, and this has to be done annually to maintain your pet's resistance. Call us today to schedule your pet's vaccination.

 
www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com
 
24650 South Point Dr.
Chantilly, VA 20152
703 327-8425
 

Acupunture on Fox Channel Five

2010-04-20T18:01:00.003-04:00

I was watching the news the other night and I saw this report on fox channel five. I thought I would share it with everyone. Remember, we are not only a veterinary hospital, but we also believe in pain management. Acupunture is one off the best ways to do so. I have seen with my own eyes the difference it makes in our patients.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703)327-8425

24650 South Point Dr Ste 140
Chantilly, Va 20152

Monday March 22, 2010

2010-03-22T19:23:00.000-04:00

Today was a very busy day in the office despite the rain. We saw Barkley (Australian Shepard) in our office today for an upset stomach and by the end off the day he felt better and may be getting a new puppy added to the family! While sitting in our waiting room Barkley’s owner met a few puppies from Hart. It was love at first sight! She got adoption information from the foster and hopes to be bringing one home as soon as they are ready for a new home. Just goes to show you never know what’s going to happen at Family Veterinary Hospital.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager
vivian@family-vet.com

www. family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

Not all Pets walk on four legs!

2010-03-15T18:10:00.001-04:00

Family Veterinary Hospital welcomes all types of pets. While we love cats and dogs, we also see ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, birds and lizards. Our staff has personal experience in many of these exotic pets. Dr. Chau raised a 4-foot iguana named White Birch, and also had 3 birds (which she later adopted out when her kids were born due to allergies and salmonella risk).

Some may know Dr. Chau from her experience as a relief vet in the DC metro area. She worked with a well-known ferret specialist for several years in Maryland, and also substituted for an avian specialist in Virginia. Dr. Chau completed an externship with Kaytee research lab in Wisconsin where she was able to assist with research on all types of exotic birds.

We understand that not all of our family members are on 2 or 4 legs. Feel free to bring your family pet for a checkup or exam, whether they walk, crawl, scamper or fly! Or in the case of White Birch, she would jump and make daily raids on the birds' food to then go back and bask in the warmth of her heat-lamp digesting the bounty of her ambush

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703) 843-7281

24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA20152

Loosing a pet

2010-03-09T19:23:00.002-05:00

Any one who has the privilege of working or owning animals knows that they often offer more love, smiles, and friendships than most people. Unfortunately, the time may come when we have to make a choice and let our friends go. I myself have never had to make this choice, but I have been there for many who have. I have cried and consoled grieving owners and held and offered compassion to pets in there final moments. It’s not easy working in an environment were death is a constant possibility, but I am grateful I work for a doctor who knows this. Though euthanizng a pet is a difficult decision, please remember the quality of life your pet has. I have added a few client testimonies written about Dr. Chau so that you many know the kind of love she gives untill the very end.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager
(703) 327-8425

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

Dr. Chau, We just wanted to thank you for the sensitive, caring way you handled the end of our cat's life. You've always been a compassionate, gentle doctor, and we hope you know how much we appreciate your kindness. The verses of this card sum up our gratitude for your kindness and understanding while treating our cat Midnight. Its so nice to have a vet who cares so much. Its been rough not having him with us, but knowing that in time, there will be another who will need us as much as Midnight did gives us something t look forward to.

Letter written in first person from pet's perspective. Golden retriever after surgery for cancer] Dear Dr. Chau, I don't know if you remember me. You took away a sick spot on my shoulder last year. It got all healed and I improved so much that I got to have some little babies. I had 6 little babies (3 boy babies and 3 girl babies. They came to me on January 7th. They're so pretty. My human mom and dad agree. We all wanted you to know about my little family. We thank you so much you're a real good doctor...

Dr. Chau, I just wanted to write and thank you for all that you did for Chelsea. As you know, we had been to other vets and specialists prior to seeing you. Every place we went we were told to give her medications, see how she feels in a couple of days and so on. We, knowing the real Chelsea, knew there was something very wrong. When we finally came to you, after one to two months of watching Chelsea deteriorate, you figured out what was wrong and took care of it in three days. Not that money matters when it came to Chelsea, you did what was necessary and best for Chelsea, not what was best for your practice. I can’t express to you enough the feelings of gratitude we have for you to end Chelsea’s suffering. You have an incredible knack for balancing the way to handle this terrible matter. You were straight forward, yet extremely caring. Chelsea was definitely loved and will be missed greatly. We will cherish the 6 years of memories we had with her. Once again, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Dear Dr. Chau, Pepper was in to have her blood work done and it just wasn't the same without you! Pepper was not happy about seeing Dr. F_ and I think he could tell it. You were so good with her and so nice to us. When we found out you had left the office we felt like we had lost a member of our family!

Welcome Dr. Kenneth Fallon!!!!

2010-03-02T18:50:00.001-05:00

Family Veterinary Hospital was very happy to have Dr. Kenneth Fallon visit our office today. He and his technician were thorough, prompt and professional. Dr. Fallon received his Veterinary degree from Oklahoma State University in 1974, with a special interest in surgery. After seven years of general private practice, he completed a surgical residency at the University of Missouri. He received additional training at Ohio State University and Colorado State University, where he studied Orthopedics and Surgical Oncology in depth. In 1986, he completed his surgical training after a rotating appointment at the University of Pennsylvania, College of Veterinary Medicine. From 1986-1989, Dr. Fallon was Chief of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at Veterinary Referral Associates in Gaithersburg, MD. He has done over 1000 hip surgeries, 7000 cruciate repairs and 1500 TPLO procedures and has over 20 years of experience. If you are looking for an experienced surgeon give us a call and we would be happy to introduce you to Dr. Kenneth Fallon.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

http://www.family-vet.com/
appointments@family-vet.com

(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

Pain Management

2010-02-23T11:22:00.001-05:00

We are always concerned about our patients and the pain they might perceive after a procedure. Pain has been linked to poor wound healing, immune suppression, inappetance, and other problems. Each pet, just like each person, responds to pain very individually. We use a variety of approaches to control pain called “multi-modal”. As part of the International Veterinary Association of Pain Management, we have special interest in making sure our patients experience the least pain possible. Here are some signs of pain in pets, Abnormal Posture, Abnormal Movement,Vocalization, Abnormal Walking, Change in Appetite. If your pet is experiancing any of these problems please contact your local vet.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

Family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

The greatest compliment

2010-02-17T17:41:00.002-05:00

The greatest compliment you can give to our staff and hospital is to write a review for our clinic. Most of our business comes from the Internet and by word of mouth. Every review we get brings more exposure to our practice and more exposure brings us more business. Being a new practice it is very important that we continue to grow. Our goal is to be the best and if you think we are pleasing let other's know it by writing a review. You could write a review on www.googlemaps.com, www.yelp.com or www.yellowpages.com

Vivian
Client Relation Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr ste140
Chantilly, VA 20152

Acupunture

2010-02-16T19:15:00.002-05:00

Dr. Chau is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Acupuncture has been used for over 3,000 years, and is on the oldest forms of medicine recorded. Acupuncture has many positive benefits for relieving pain, treating chronic disease including neurologic, GI, and neuromuscular disease. Treatments allow patients to minimize chronic medications used and improve the quality of life, even for those with terminal illnesses. It can be used to improve appetite, reduce vomiting and diarrhea, and relief of pain from arthritis.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703)327-8425
24650 South Point Dr Ste 140
Chantilly, Va 20152

Lunch today at Mug n' Muffin

2010-02-15T21:34:00.001-05:00

All the staff at Family Vet had a nice lunch from Mugs and Muffins in Stone Bridge. They used to be called "Daily Grind", but had a name-change, but still have the same great crew there. We had the Panini sandwiches (the Turkey Club is especially good), and the Chicken Pesto was great today.

Loudoun Independent newspaper gave it a nice review: http://www.loudouni.com/people/2009-12-08/dinner-show-mug-n-muffin-brothers

And it appears they have some great reviews on Yelp as well: http://www.yelp.com/biz/mug-and-muffin-aldie#hrid:27-v4mJLptVjXQdVyleFjw

Here's their website: http://www.mugnmuffin.net/

 
www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com
 
24650 South Point Dr.
Chantilly, VA 20152
703 327-8425
 

Our Operating Room

2010-02-15T18:46:00.001-05:00

Our operating room is where all of our major surgical work is performed, as well as special procedures. Our heated surgery table, heated IV lines, and mechanical breather make surgeries as comfortable as possible for your family pet. With endoscopes, ultrasound and digital radiology, we are committed to empowering our medical staff to practice the best medicine they can with the latest in diagnostic technology and treatments.

Vivian
Client Relation Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703) 327-8425
24650South Point Dr Ste140
Chantilly, VA 20152

Vaccination - Newer Methods We Use Reduce Risk of Cancer Caused by Traditional Injections

2010-02-12T18:46:00.001-05:00

Dr. Chau strongly believes in the benefit of the newer vaccine types using Recombinant technology. Recent studies have suggested there is a decrease in the likelihood of some cancers using this newer method, and less likelihood of sickness that can be caused by the vaccine. Family Veterinary Hospital of Stone Ridge carries mostly recombinant vaccines, since we believe its better for the patient and makes sense to minimize any unnecessary side-effects whenever reasonably possible.

The Council for Agriculture Science and Technology points to traditional vaccine injections as being responsible for the formation of muscle cell tumors. The vaccines that Family Vet carries are administered subuctaneously and has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of tumors that form as a result of more traditional vaccines.

Vivian
Client Relation Manager

(703)327-8425
24650 South Point Dr Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

Great work done at BP

2010-02-09T23:50:00.001-05:00

We had our 2003 Honda Odyssey worked on by John at the BP Gas station. We had several cracked motor mounts (typical it seems for this van), a timing belt much overdue for replacement, and apparently some remains that some field mice had left in the van's heating system (that was causing some odors) while apparently looking for warmth in our cold garage. John explained the importance of the timing belt, as well as the motor mounts since we are not very car-literate. John was able to fix everything in a day, including the heating, and our van runs very smoothly now. And he threw in a carwash. The price we paid was comparable to what we researched the cost to be in the area, if not slightly cheaper.

They are another example of a business we think is providing high quality service at a reasonable price (apparently having the cheapest gas around as well, see link below.) Great job!

Here's one of the listings for them in case you are looking for a good repair shop in the Chantilly, South Riding, Stone Ridge area:

http://www.automotive.com/gas-prices/35/virginia/chantilly/bp/580897/index.html

 
www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com
 
24650 South Point Dr.
Chantilly, VA 20152
703 327-8425
 

Bartonella and Bad Teeth

2010-02-03T18:11:00.000-05:00

Bartonella is also knows as cat scratch fever. It is a bacterial infection caused by small fragile bacteria called Bartonella Henselae. These bacteria can affect both humans and pets. Cat’s that have severe mouth infections and bad breath may be Bartonella positive. Other signs are unexplained fever, eye infections, and muscle pain. Bartonella can be detected by a blood test. If you notice any of these symptoms please contact your veterinarian immediately.

Vivian Perea
Client Relations Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703)327-8425
24650 South Point Dr Ste140
Chantilly, VA 20152

Dental Care

2010-01-28T16:14:00.001-05:00

Do you brush you pet’s teeth? I know some of you think that this is a crazy question, but did you know that by age 2, 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have some sign of dental disease. If left untreated it can become sever and lead to tooth loss, bad breath, difficulty eating, and pain that can affect the pet’s quality of life. Bacteria in the mouth can travel through the blood stream and impact vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. It takes only 48 hours for plaque to harden and as it builds up it mineralizes and forms tartar (dental calculus) that causes the gums to recede. Brushing a pet’s teeth at least every other day can help prevent this from happening.

February is Pet Dental Month and we are offering a 15% discount on all dental cleanings. Please give our office a call to schedule your appointment today.

Vivian Perea
Client Relations Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr Ste. 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

Our Hospital

2010-01-20T17:56:00.002-05:00

We enjoy being able to enrich and lengthen the lives of our beloved pets with modern medicine and technology. Our focus includes betterment of the quality of life of our pets through:

Automatic lift tables for senior pets
Pain Management
Rehabilitation
Underwater treadmill
Use of proven alternative therapies when practical
UltraSound
Complete anasthesia monitoring (including mechanical ventilator)
Heated surgery table
Heated IV lines
Endoscopy
In-House Lab (we also send more complicated tests to specialists with 1-2 day results)

Give us a call for a tour!

Vivian Perea
Client Relations Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703)327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

Looking for a great pet?

2010-01-18T18:56:00.002-05:00

Today we got a call from some friends at the Hart organization. They had just come back from West Virginia with two new dogs that needed vaccines before going to there foster homes. When they got here I was surprised to see two of the cutest dogs I have ever seen. One of the volunteers said that they were going to be put down today if they had not picked them up. Once again it was Hart to the rescue. I really love this organization! I have seen them provide homes for pets others would over look because of their breed, age, or health. If you are looking to adopt a pet please consider one of the wonderful animals at Hart.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703)327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste140
Chantilly, VA20152

When is the right time to spay/ neuter your pet?

2010-01-13T19:07:00.002-05:00

Most Veterinarians agree that you should spay/ neuter you pet at 6 months of age. You definitely want to get it done before they go into heat. I know a lot of people think that a bunch of kittens and puppies are cute, and they are, but those pets could end up in a shelter or even worse. Many people are surprised to learn that nationwide more than 3 million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters. In the U.S. there are an estimated 6-8 million homeless animals entering shelters every year. Also, spaying females can prevent ovarian, mammary and uterine cancers. There are many reasons to spay and neuter your pets, so please do your part and be a responsible owner.

Vivian Perea
Client Relation Manager

http://www.family-vet.com/
appointments@family-vet.com

(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. #140
Chantilly, VA 20152

Pet’s Need Dental Care too!

2010-01-11T19:10:00.002-05:00

Did you know that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop gum disease by age three? About four years ago I adopted a 9-year-old Chihuahua named Bandit who had sever dental disease. I had just started working in the Veterinary industry and was not aware of how important dental care was for pets. Bandit’s teeth were so bad that the infection was not only affecting his mouth, but also his liver, kidneys, and heart. When he went in for his dental cleaning we found that all but one of his teeth needed to be extracted. Like people, pets should get a dental check up twice a year. During the month of February Family Veterinary Hospital is offering 15% off of dental procedures. We have the latest in Digital X-ray and Dr.Chau has trained in advanced dentistry. Please call today and help prevent your pet from having to go through what my dog went through.

Vivian Perea
Client Relations Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-30T18:00:00.000-05:00

The staff of Family Veterinary Hospital would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our patients, clients, and supporters. We have survived another New Year and look forward to serving you for many more to come. With every New Year there are new possibilities and greater hopes for what is to come, but some things will not change. We will continue to provide our patients with the best technology, the best staff and the best care. We will continue to enrich and lengthen the life’s of our beloved pets and we will continue to provide alternatives treatments so that our clients will have choices in the kind of care there pet gets. We believe in this practice and have seen results. We hope that you will continue to trust us, and believe in us as well. May all your dreams come true in 2010!

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste140
Chantilly, VA 20152

December 21,2009

2009-12-21T19:31:00.000-05:00

Today was a great day here at family Veterinary Hospital. Everyone made it to work safely, and believe it or not we had only one cancellation all day. We also had a couple of emergencies added to our schedule including one puppy who got his tongue stuck in a trash can and one older dog who tore his cruciate ligament. Both were sent home and are doing well. We want to remind everyone that our office will be closing at 1:00 on Christmas even and we will be closed Christmas Day. Have a great day!

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

(703)327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste140
Chantilly, VA 20152

Closed Saturday Dec. 19 due to the snow

2009-12-19T09:30:00.001-05:00

Family Veterinary Hospital will be closed Saturday Dec. 19 due to the snow. This is a precautionary measure for the safety of our staff and clients. If you have a pet-related emergency, please contact "The Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Fair Oaks" 703-591-3304.

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com
 
24650 South Point Dr.
Chantilly, VA 20152
703 327-8425
 

Holiday Memories

2009-12-08T19:27:00.002-05:00

This is the time of year when families and friends come together to celebrate life and love. We sit together, eat together, and create new memories. One of my favorite holiday memories is when I was 7 and had my first Christmas with my cat Shannon. Back then we decorated the trees with icicles and beautiful white lights. While I was sleeping Shannon would go down to the tree and eat the icicles. Needless to say we later discover her midnight snack. I learned then that you must take extra precautions to protect you pets during this season. Many of the decorations and plants can be toxic if ingested, and we see many pets if our office for things that could have been avoided. My cat is 19 years old now, and though we are both much older, the memories I have of her are as precious today as they were back then. I wish everyone a happy and safe Holiday!

www.family-vet.com
appointmemts@family-vet.com

(703)327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

Have you though about pet insurance?

2009-11-18T18:26:00.003-05:00

Your pet’s health and happiness does not have to cost you yours. There are many ways to save money on pet expenses, but don’t be tempted to cut back on preventative care. This can cost you way more in the long run. Consider looking into health insurance. I myself have Embrace Pet Insurance for my 2-year-old cat (Muffin). They cover 80% of any vet bills that may occur. My coverage also pays for Prescriptions, Accidents, and Dental Care. There are many insurance companies out there so do your homework. You can also check out our price comparison on our website. We have had several clients thank us for recommending insurance for their pet. Just last week we had a pet test positive for Leptospirosis and with treatment and hospitalization her bill was close to a thousand dollars. After submitting their claim to their insurance company they paid a little more than two hundred dollars. Pet care is important! Please don’t wait until there is an emergency to consider pet insurance, because by then it will be too late. Most insurance companies do not cover pre existing conditions.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703)327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

November17th 2009

2009-11-17T19:05:00.001-05:00

Family Veterinary Hospital pride’s our self on being a full-service hospital, capable of handling almost any medical or surgical problem. This means we can provide a wide range of services to our clients and patients. Some of these services include: Hospitalization and Intensive Care for seriously ill patients; In hospital Diagnostic Laboratory Testing; Digital Radiography as well as Dental Digital Radiography, Ultrasonography including Echocardiogram, Endoscopy, Canine Rehabilitation Therapy, Underwater Treadmill Hydrotherapy; Acupuncture and Herbal Medication. Come on in and see for yourself.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703)327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

Cat Catches Swine Flu

2009-11-17T17:58:00.003-05:00

Dr. Chau mentioned to me that a cat had tested positive for the H1N1 Flu. I thought I would share this with our clients, so here is an article that was writen By Rob Stein for the Washington Post.

Cat Catches Swine Flu

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

Monday November 16,2009

2009-11-16T18:40:00.002-05:00

What a beautiful day it was here at Family Veterinary Hospital. Today we had the opportunity to help out a Shepard and her three puppies. Thanks to Hart they have had their shots and have a place to stay tonight. These dogs were found living in an abandoned house in South Riding. Even though they have had a rough start they are happy, healthy and very friendly. If you are interested in volunteering or fostering a pet please contact Hart. There are so many wonderful pets in need of a good home. If you have the means think about opening your heart to one.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

It's Tuesday 11/12/09

2009-11-10T18:44:00.002-05:00

We had another great day here at Family Veterinary Hospital! We meet a 14-year-old Poodle Mix named Nelson who came all the way from Cumberland, VA for an acupuncture session. Coco one of our HART patients came in to be spayed and is doing well. We also meet several new patients from Ashburn. Here at Family Veterinary Hospital our goal is to provide the best possible service. If you have any suggestions or comments please feel free to contact us.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

(703) 327-8425
24650 South Point Dr Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152
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Thursday 11/5/09

2009-11-05T19:04:00.002-05:00

Today was another fabulous and busy day here at Family Veterinary Hospital! Every Thursday between 10-3 we offer “Tech Time”. On these days we give baths, trim nails, and offer underwater treadmill sessions done by our Licensed Veterinary Technicians at reduced rates. Today “Fenway’ (Poodle Mix) enjoyed our spa services and left here happy and clean. We saw “Diesel” (Yorkshire Terrier) for his booster shots and even had a patient come all the way from Gaithersburg, MD to visit our clinic. We are so grateful to all of our wonderful clients who refer so many people to our clinic.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager
(703)327-8425
24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152

www.family-vet.com
www.appointments@family-vet.com

Family Vet welcomes Margaritas and Cho's Black Belt Academy

2009-11-01T00:39:00.003-04:00

We are all looking forward to lunches at the new Margaritas' restaurant opening next door at Gum Springs Village Center. Our staff says the decor looks great, and we hear that they will have an open grill. We're certain it will be just one more terrific option for lunch or dinner, along with Tandoor Kabob and Hunan Cafe.

Additionally, it appears that Cho's Black Belt Academy is quickly moving forward with their facility next to the Hunan Cafe. We know this will be a welcome addition to our business family, and a perfect spot to work off some stress (or lunch :-)

Wendsday 10/28/2009

2009-10-28T19:44:00.004-04:00

Today was a great day here at Family Veterinary Hospital. We saw one of our favorite Shepard mixed patients “Zoe” who is always so sweet for her yearly wellness exam and we met a dog named “kitty’. We also has the privilege of meeting “Shyloe” who was adopted from one of our favorite organizations HART. Everyday we have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of our patients and our client. Thank you for trusting us.

Vivian
Client Relations Manager

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

24650 South Point Dr. Ste140
Chantilly, VA 20152

CPR

2009-10-24T10:53:00.006-04:00

Sometimes I (Vivian) like to google pet news in the morning just to see if there is something interesting I should blog about, and today I found an article from the L.A. Times that caught my attention. The article was in response to a poll that was conducted where 58% of the people asked, said that they would try and do CPR on their pet if they stopped breathing. This got me to thinking, how many out of that 58% know the proper way of giving CPR to animals? Most people remember their ABCs when beginning CPR.
A. Airways- Make sure that there is nothing in the mouth. If something is blocking the airway lay your pet down on his side then gently tilt the head slightly back to extend the neck and head. Do not overextend the neck in case there has been neck trauma. Pull the tongue out of your pet's mouth and carefully use your fingers to sweep for any foreign material or vomit from the mouth. Be careful, even an unresponsive dog may bite on instinct.
B. Breathing- Make sure your pet is breathing if he is allowing him to lay in the most comfortable position and contact your Veterinarian immediately! If he's not, you will need to perform CPR on your pet
C. Circulation- Check for a pulse then begin chest compressions. Please make sure that your pet is on a hard surface. A barrel chest dog (bulldogs and pugs) does better on their backs. All other breeds should be on their side. Kneel down next to the animal with their back near you. Extend your elbows and cup your hands on top of each other, then place you cupped hands over the ribs at the point where the raised elbow meets the chest. Size is how you determine how many compressions and breaths your pet needs. For a small pet (less than 30LBS) compress the chest about 1 inch at a rate of twice per second. Begin 5 compressions for each breath. After 1 minute, stop and check for a heartbeat. Continue if the beat has not resumed. For an animal 30-100 pounds compress the chest 2 to 3 inches at a rate of 1.5 to 2 times per second, but still apply 5 compressions per breath. If your pet is over 100 pounds apply 10 compressions for each breath. Check for a heartbeat after 1 minute and continue if none is detected.
I do hope that this blog helps you in case you every have the help save your pets life. Remember the most important thing is to get them to your Veterinarian ASAP! They have the proper medications and tools to save lives. After 20 minutes the chances of revieving an animal is unlikely.

http://www.family-vet.com/
http://www.blogger.com/appointments@family-vet.com

24650 South Point Dr Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152
(703)327-8425

Why we do what we do.

2009-10-19T16:52:00.003-04:00

If you ask people in the veterinary field why they chose this as their career, chances are they won't say the money, or the fame. The majority of us do it out of love and sincere compassion for our furry friends. We do this so that others may know the unconditional love that a pet offers. I myself got my certification for Ophthalmic Assisting from Georgetown University in Washington,DC and after working in that field for several years I decided to pursue my passion: helping those without a voice. As a little girl I wanted to be a Veterinarian, but I learned the hard way that if you play in school you pay later in life. I now know that it is harder to become a Veterinarian (doctor for animals) than it is to become a doctor for humans! If you are in the field of helping animals you already know what a hard job we have. Everyday we see animals that are abused, neglected, sick or dying. We see people who care and those that are not aware. We see miracles happen and we see people lose their closest friends. People often ask me if I have seen movies like "Marley and Me"? I just smile and say no, but in my head I think I see that movie played out in my office almost everyday. People may think that they are just pets, but to those of us that know that they are so much more than that, I'd like to say "thank you" for doing what you do. Here is just one of the reasons I do what I do. He has been adopted from the wonderful Hart Organization!

Vivian, Client Communications Manager

http://www.family-vet.com/
http://www.blogger.com/appointments@family-vet.com

24650 South Point Dr Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152
(703)327-8425

HOW TO PILL A CAT

2009-10-17T10:14:00.005-04:00

Anyone who has ever had to pill a cat knows that it can be difficult. For complete instruction on how to pill a cat click here.

THE FOLLOWING IS JUST A JOKE!! PLEASE DO NOT TAKE ANY INSTRUCTION FROM THE FOLLOWING!! IT IS BY NO WAY SHAPE OR FORM PROPER INSTUCTIONS ON HOW TO PILL A CAT. IT IS MEARLY A JOKE, MENT TO MAKE YOU SMILE!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR GIVING YOUR CAT A PILL (THIS IS FOR LAUGHS ONLY!!!)

1. Pick cat up and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat's mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth, pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow.

2. Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process.

3. Retrieve cat from bedroom, and throw soggy pill away. Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm holding rear paws tightly with lef hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of 10.

4. Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call spouse from garden.

5. Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, holding front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold cat's head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously.

6. Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from foil wrap. Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered figurines from hearth and set to one side for gluing later.

7. Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with its head just visible from below spouse's armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force cat's mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw.

8. Check label to make sure pill not harmful to humans, drink glass of water to take taste away. Apply band-aid to spouse's forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap.

9. Retrieve cat from neighbor's shed. Get another pill. Place cat in cupboard and close door onto neck to leave head showing. Force mouth open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with elastic band.

10. Fetch screwdriver from garage and put door back on hinges. Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus shot. Throw T-shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom.

11. Ring fire brigade to retrieve cat from tree across the road. Apologize to neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid cat. Take last pill from foil wrap.

12. Tie cat's front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table. Find heavy duty pruning gloves from shed. Force cat's mouth open with small spanner. Push pill into mouth followed by large piece of fillet steak. Hold head vertically and pour 1/2 pint of water down throat to wash pill down.

13. Get spouse to drive you to emergency room; sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearm and removes pill remnants from right eye. Stop by furniture shop on way home to order new table.

14. Arrange for vet to make a housecall.

We hope that this joke made you smile, and that you have a great weekend!

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

24650 South Point Dt Ste. 140
Chantilly, VA 20152
(703)327-8425

It's Friday October 9th 2009!!!!!

2009-10-09T18:28:00.004-04:00

Today was a busy day in the office. We performed a dental cleaning and extraction on "Tommy" the cat and had to extract a few teeth from him. He is now resting comfortable in his home in South Riding. Kelly stopped by with "Sunshine"(Pointer Mix) so we could check her eye pressure after her Cataract surgery. "Sunshine" is like a new dog again. We also had the pleasure of seeing "Little Bear"(Newfoundland) for an acupuncture session. Today we are thanking our clients from Loudoun Valley Estates for trusting us with the care of your pets!

http://www.family-vet.com/
appointments@family-vet.com

24650 South Point Dr. Ste 140
Chantilly, VA 20152
(703) 327-8425

What a day!!

2009-10-07T17:22:00.002-04:00

Here at Family Veterinary Hospital you never know what's going to happen! We saw a cat named Oreo from Manassas and got to know him inside and out. We did an ultrasound of his belly and he was picture purrfect. "Max"(Maltese) stopped by to play with "Chloe"(Morkie) and "Piper" again and our beautiful "Star"(husky)went home. Thank you to all our clients from Brambleton and the surrounding areas! We appreciate your business!

To see one of our play sessions go to

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1141744099104&oid=101861139526

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

24650South Point Dr Ste140
Chantilly, Va 20152
(703)327-8425

Tuesday October 6th 2009

2009-10-06T18:28:00.003-04:00

What a day! We started off having just one appointment on the schedule and by the end of the morning all of our appointments were booked! We spayed a beautiful Siberian Husky who was newly adopted, and one of our favorite patients "Riley" for his Rehabilitation session! Thank you to all of our new patients here in Stone Ridge! We appreciate all of your support!

www.family-vet.com
appointments@family-vet.com

24650 South Point Dr.
Chantilly, Va 20152
(703)327-8425

Thanks to Solace Day Spa and Otani for a memorable day

2009-10-01T22:07:00.005-04:00

A special thanks to Solace Day Spa for the pampering this afternoon, and to Otani Japanese Steak and Seafood for a wonderful dinner. We highly recommend both for a local special night out. Our staff enjoyed the extra attention (some had a facial, others the massage) at Solace Day Spa... and the free limo service offered to our group by Otani was the icing on the cake to our 1 year celebration. Thanks again to 2 inspiring local businesses who we think are going beyond the expected and providing outstanding service.