Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society

06/16/2021

Help support the Pet Emergency Fund! Info can be found on their website (listed in the post).

03/30/2021

This is very important with Easter coming up. Please be careful about which type of flowers you bring in to your house if you have cats!

Easter lilies and other lily arrangements are highly toxic to cats. If you have a cat, DO NOT bring lilies into your home. If you plan to send flowers to a loved one, please make sure you choose an arrangement that is non-toxic to the recipient’s pets.

Florists, please help save cats’ lives by warning cat owners on your website and to gently inform over-the-phone customers. Please suggest safer alternatives by using ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant guide: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

Learn more about lily poisoning in cats here: https://aercmn.com/save-a-cat-this-spring

09/15/2020

The Niagara County SPCA will be doing a low cost rabies clinic this Saturday, September 19th from 9am-11am. The cost is $20. To secure a spot, please call the shelter at 716-731-4368.

08/15/2020

Veterinary visits during the pandemic

As curbside service continues, you may have noticed that it is becoming increasingly more difficult to get an appointment with your veterinarian. Vaccine appointments for many area practices are booked out for a few weeks as we catch up from not being able to provide routine vaccines during the spring. Most veterinary practices are able to accommodate many of their clients urgent appointments during opening hours. Please remember to be patient with the staff. Be prepared to experience a long wait (especially at our local emergency clinics) - curbside service is incredibly inefficient but necessary for everyone's continued safety and is the current recommended protocol from the New York State Veterinary Medical Society. If you have scheduled an appointment with an animal hospital and are unable to keep it, please call to let them know. Your missed appointment will then be able to be used for another sick pet in need.

08/12/2020

The Erie County Health Department will be air dropping oral Rabies Vaccines for wildlife this week. More information can be found on their distribute website:

Http://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=rabies-information

Baits are not harmful to pets but may cause some vomiting if they invest it. More importantly, if our pets ingest them, then they will not reach the intended wildlife. Please keep an eye on your pets over the next week so the bait can reach the intended animals.

Rabies is a deadly but 100% preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The vast majority of rabies cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes.

05/29/2020

As phase 2 in our region begins, the veterinarians at the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society would like to clarify how that pertains to our local animal hospitals. The governor has now allowed us to practice without limitations in the services we provide. We are able to provide all vaccines, nail trims, heartworm tests, grooming services (if available) etc. Phase two does NOT necessarily mean that you (the client) will be able to accompany your pet into the animal hospital. Each individual animal hospital will make their own decisions when clients will be able to reenter their building. The governor has requested for each practice to create a written protocol on how they will safely reopen for phase 2. These decisions are based on the ability to socially distance within the building and the risk to the staff in the building. Please be aware that most animal hospital's exam rooms and waiting rooms are simply too small to allow for proper social distancing. And with some practices seeing 10-20 clients per veterinarian per day, this is a significant exposure risk to the staff. For some animal hospitals that have only one veterinarian, this risk may be too great. Please be patient with us. We miss our clients but we need to stay healthy in whatever way works best for individual practices. Call your animal hospital prior to your appointment for updates on COVID19 protocols.

05/06/2020

04/06/2020

As many of you are aware, there has been some concern about COVID19 affecting pets- specifically cats. The Bronx Zoo has recently reported one of their tigers displaying symptoms and then testing positive for COVID19. It is believed that the tiger was exposed by a zookeeper who did not have symptoms but was positive for COVID19.

What you, a pet owner, should know:

1. There is currently NO evidence of cat to human transmission. Your cat (or dog or ferret) cannot make you sick. You do not need to relinquish or euthanize your pet because of this virus.
2. You can potentially transmit COVID19 to your pets. If you test positive or are quarantined as a result of suspicions of Corona virus, you should seclude yourself from your human and domestic animal family members.
3. If you or a household family member tests positive for COVID19, and you suspect your pet has symptoms, PLEASE tell your veterinarian about your household being COVID19 positive. There are precautions we need to take when handling your pet and getting your pet to the clinic in order to ensure our safety.

Please reach out to your veterinarian for any other questions.

Stay safe.
The Doctors of the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society

03/25/2020

What are some fun things you are doing with your pets during quarantine?

We’ll start:
Play treat hide and seek with your dog
Teach your cat a trick (it can be done! Check YouTube!)
Give your dog a bath and brushing
Lots of cuddles!

Please post your ideas and pics if you got ‘em!

03/23/2020

With the daily-changing regulations regarding the coronavirus, please check with your veterinary hospital for what services they are currently providing. While designated as an “essential service,” the government is constantly reviewing that this means.

Most hospitals remain open for emergency visits/necessary medication dispensing, and urgent services. However, how these services are provided depends on the individual hospital (e.g., reduced hours, owners not permitted in the hospitals, car service).

Please appreciate that animal hospitals are doing all they can to accommodate clients while keeping their staffs protected as much as possible.

03/17/2020

In these uncertain times, we remain your “other” family doctor. Most clinics in our area are open and able to, at minimum, see sick patients. In order to help us stay open, there are precautions we need you, our clients, to follow and take seriously. These precautionary measures are intended to minimize risk to veterinary medical staff so that we can continue to stay open and keep all of your pets healthy.

1. Call your veterinary practice and see if they have any steps already in place that you need to follow. Many clinics are requiring clients to call when they arrive and stay in their cars until the exam room is open or the waiting room is less full.
2. Whenever possible, only one “pet parent” should accompany the pet in the exam room. Exam rooms are generally small areas. Minimizing the number of people in the rooms decreases exposure risks to COVID19.
3. Social distancing, as recommended by the CDC, still applies. Please try to give the staff space so we can safely work on your pet. We realize that at certain times, with certain pets, this may not always be feasible.
4. Wash your hands before you enter the building and after you leave. Decrease the spread of this invisible virus.
5. Whenever possible, pay with credit card.
6. If you’re sick, stay home. We pledge to do the same. Have a friend or family member bring in your pet.

03/14/2020

With all of our social distancing, we will likely find ourselves spending more time with our pets. Rest assured, our pets can NOT get infected with or infect you with COVID19. So enjoy those extra snuggles and wash your hands!

02/05/2020

On behalf of the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society, we would like to extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to the family of Karen Fischer, DVM. Dr. Fischer passed away suddenly on January 31, 2020. She was the owner and founder of Five Corners Animal Hospital, as well as a wife, a mother, a daughter, a friend. A memorial service will be held in the summer.

01/11/2020

Looking for something fun tonight AND with a charitable cause? Why not head over to our local Pet Emergency Fund Meat and Treat Raffle! Have a great time and help save a life!

https://facebook.com/events/s/meat-and-treat-raffle-to-benef/811996925916076/?ti=icl

11/21/2019

Leptospirosis is in our area and many of our member hospitals are reporting cases. Please vaccinate your dogs! This is a zoonotic disease (you can catch it from your dog) so it is important to protect your dog in order to protect your family. If your dog has leptospirosis he will display flu like symptoms- lethargy, fever, inappetance, vomiting and may also exhibit increased thirst and increased or, more seriously, no urination. Ask your vet if your dog is up to date on their vaccine!

11/18/2019

If your dog or cat is still itching even though the snow has fallen, indoor allergies may be to blame. Your veterinarian can help you discover the source of your pet’s allergies and the best way to an itch free life! https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951475

11/06/2019

We are looking for ways to increase attendance to our mini vet school next year..
please comment with reasons why you did NOT attend.

Thanks for your comments!

10/17/2019

What’s all the hype about CBD oil? How can it help our pets? Find out on Tuesday with Dr Laura Wade at the Mini Vet School at Medaille College in the main building.

10/15/2019

Fitting that tonight’s second lecture is on this topic!
Join us at 7pm at Medaille College, Main Building Lecture Hall for Veterinary Mythbusters, followed by Domestic Violence at 8pm https://sparkt.com/story/5d6d6eee489055002ddfb41a/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=vets-domestic-violence-20190904-0930&utm_content=boosted-post

Veterinarians & staff trained to recognize violence against people through their pets.

10/14/2019

Tomorrow night! Don’t forget our mini vet school!
Veterinary Mythbusters- an interactive quiz! Presented by Amanda Donovan, DVM

Domestic violence and animal abuse- how are they related
Presented by Helen Chevalier, DVM

Medaille college, Main Building Lecture Hall at 7pm

10/10/2019

What can you do to help the victims of domestic violence? What about their pets? Join Dr Chevalir from the spca to learn more about this important topic.

Tuesday October 15 at 8pm

10/09/2019

Let’s see what YOU already know! Tuesday October 15, join us for an interactive quiz on veterinary myths! 7pm at Medaille College in the Main Building. Your phone is needed to text your answers at this lecture!

If Elroy could text, he’d be there! Will you?.....

10/07/2019

Tomorrow night we are excited to present K9 Officers with Lt James Hildreth. Join us to learn about these amazing canines!

And don’t forget our discount code: Pets Need Vets to get free access to another night’s lecture or 5$ admission with student ID

See you there!

10/03/2019

Did you know... if a diabetic cat is fed the proper diet and placed on a human insulin, Glargine, they have a significant chance of going into remission?

Learn about this and more next Tuesday at the mini vet school!

10/03/2019

Marley is prepping for our next lecture! Join us Tuesday at 7pm to learn about Canine Officers as well as Diabetes

Don’t forget our discount code! Pets Need Vets for admission to another lecture free!!

09/30/2019

Why is this kitten smiling??

Because she’s excited for our first Mini vet school class tomorrow at Medaille college!

Topics: Therapy Animals - more than minding your manners
and Lab Animals - what animals are used, how and why

Discount code! Mention Pets Need Vets at the ticket table and receive a free ticket to another nights lecture! Also $5 admission if you’re a medaille student!
(Checks are a preferred payment for this event!)

09/30/2019

Mini vet school Secret code savings! Buy your tickets and mention “Pets Need Vets” and get a free ticket to another night’s lectures! And Medaille College students can get in for $5 with this code! We are so excited for this year’s lineup! See you there!

(Checks are a preferred payment for this event!)

09/24/2019

The mini vet school is excited to present Horse 911. Come learn about these majestic creatures and how veterinarians can act quickly to save their lives. Presented by Dr Katherine Fitzgerald on October 29 at 8pm

09/23/2019

How beneficial is CBD for our pets? What can it be used for and how will it help our fur friends? Learn more about this exciting new treatment and more with Avian and Exotic Animal Veterinary Specialist, Dr Laura Wade. October 22 at 8pm

09/19/2019

How does Domestic Violence impact the pets of the victims? Learn about this and how you can help. Lecture brought to you the SPCA’s chief veterinarian, Helen Chevalier DVM. Tuesday October 15 at 7pm

09/18/2019

Let’s have some fun with this lecture! Bring your smart phones for an interactive quiz dispelling some common myths in veterinary medicine! It’s bound to be a fun time- and you’ll learn a thing or two!

Veterinary Mythbusters with Dr Amanda Donovan at 7pm on October 15th

09/17/2019

Want to learn about the makings of a K9 Officer? Come meet Lieutenant Hildreth and his impressive partner on Tuesday October 8!

09/17/2019

Save the date! Come learn about the latest in Diabetes from Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist, Dr Melanie Hall! Tuesday October 8!

09/11/2019

Curious about how and why lab animals are used? Ever wonder what it takes for a dog to be a therapy dog? Join us Tuesday October 1 at 7pm for our first set of lectures at the mini vet school!

09/07/2019

The internet is a vast and scary space fraught with misinformation. Your veterinarian loves when you are knowledgeable on the issues your pet may be experiencing. When you do your internet research, please be mindful of who authors the website. Ask yourself if there is any actual proof to their claims (not just testimonials) and also if there is any way the author could benefit monetarily from their claims. As veterinarians, our favorite online resource for your pet’s medical problems is Veterinarypartner.com

VetPartner Featured Articles

09/03/2019

It’s become common knowledge that grapes, raisins and chocolate are toxic to dogs. But are you aware of sugar free candy and gum? These products that contain the sweetener xylitol can be deadly to our curious dogs. Please keep them out of reach

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/xylitol

Learn about the veterinary topic of Xylitol. Find specific details on this topic and related topics from the Merck Vet Manual.

08/29/2019

It’s that time of year again! Here’s our lineup for this year’s Mini Vet School!! Save the dates!

08/12/2019

Important warning for all dog owners:
A harmful algal bloom is making its way towards our area. Cyanobacterium, also known as Blue Green Algae may be present in our water ways. It is particularly harmful to dogs (and humans) if ingested. Ingestion not only occurs from drinking the water, but also indirectly when dogs clean their coats and feet after swimming and wading. If you see strongly colored water or thick paint-like scum floating on top of the water, DO NOT allow your dog to approach the water. Symptoms of exposure can range from nausea and vomiting to sudden death. Please do not put your dog at risk - stick to home swimming pools!

http://ccetompkins.org/environment/water-conservation-quality/harmful-algal-blooms-habs

07/24/2019

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1033231

The law carves out exceptions for veterinarians who perform the procedure to treat a cat's existing infection, disease or injury.