- 10/21/2015
Ivy's story
This beautiful girl is named Ivy. You may be wondering why Ivy looks “different.”
Most of us know at least one person who has battled the ugly disease we call “cancer.” Just like in humans, the reason why a particular pet develops cancer is not straightforward. Ivy was diagnosed with a common cancer of the skin, called Squamous Cell Carcinoma. What we do know is that in humans and animals, this particular cancer develops in areas of the skin that are most exposed to sunlight. In cats, these tumors affect non-pigmented areas of the skin, such as the ear tips, nose and lower eyelids, and cats with white hair and skin have an increased risk.
The most common treatment is surgical removal of the affected area, which is exactly why Ivy looks “different.” Her entire pinnas, or the triangle portions of her ears, were surgically removed in order to prevent the spread of this cancer.
If you have light-skinned, thin coated, or light colored pets, please be aware of this terrible disease and try to keep them inside or in the shade. Diseases such as this make Annual Preventative Care Exams of utmost importance because our Veterinarians are able to detect areas of possible concern, allowing us to intervene early.
Ivy is now healthy, cancer-free, and is back to her old, feisty self. Her “difference” is beautiful because it tells the story of how she won her fight against cancer. And, Ivy, we think everyone will agree that you are simply gorgeous.
- 10/21/2015
Cat Carrier Tips
FEAR is the primary cause of feline misbehavior. Knowing this can help prevent problematic veterinary visits.
To reduce the fear of a cat carrier, keep it out in your home and put comfortable bedding and treats in it. This way, the carrier becomes a “home away from home” and a safe resting place. They will eventually view the carrier as a part of their territory and a safe haven.
Cat carriers that have both top and a front opening are the best choice because these carriers allow for stress-free placement and removal of your cat. A carrier with a removable top enables your cat to be examined while remaining in the bottom half of the carrier.
To help reduce fear of car rides, always have your cat in his carrier while in the car. Take your cat for regular car rides, beginning with very short ones, then go back home.
- 10/21/2015
CANVAS CONTEST!!
We are starting a new contest, Facebook friends!
Here’s how it works: Post pictures of your pets on our Facebook page that are in line with the month’s theme (we will share this regularly), and your pet’s picture will be entered in the contest. Rialto Animal Hospital will award the winner of the monthly contest by having a canvas made of the picture. The canvas will proudly displayed in our hospital all month… and at the end of the month, it’s yours!!! You can pick up your canvas at Rialto Animal Hospital. Please understand that once posted, you give us the rights to use the photos on Facebook or our website. Photo qualities must be high resolution in order to print properly on a canvas.
And Now……. As you know, the month of October is all about CATS!!
Let’s get these kitty cat pictures rolling! We want to see pictures of happy cats, cute pictures, cats dressed in their Halloween costumes, doing silly things… or just being a cat! As animal lovers, we know your cameras and cell phones are full of pictures that would fit this criteria. We can’t wait to see them!!
Don’t worry dog-lovers, your month will come, too! For now, enjoy all the cat pictures.
- 10/21/2015
Did you know...
Cats are not as social as many other species and they do not communicate in the same ways we do. Contrary to what people believe, cats primarily rely on smell, not sight, to communicate with other cats, locate food, and detect predators.
Cats communicate by "marking" objects and other animals, these marks are scents (called pheromones) released from special glands located in their forehead, cheeks, tail base, and paws when they scratch and rub their body on objects.
Cats also do not rely too much on sounds from other cats, so they do not pay particular attention to the verbal sounds we humans make.
Allowing your cats to mark scratching posts and other appropriate objects in the home will reduce the temptation for them to mark using urine. It is important that indoor cats have enough litter in a clean litter box to hide urine scents after covering. In the wild, cats urinate in new clean spots all the time; if we want them to use the same spot each time, we have to keep it clean!
Thank you Ohio State University "Indoor Cat Initiative" for this great information. To learn more, visit
Indoorpet.OSU.Edu
- 10/21/2015
As you know, Dr. Wolf joined our practice last year, and we LOVE how she instantly fit right in. She brought with her a passion for the welfare of cats and it saddens her that there are often days that go by that she doesn’t get to examine a cat patient.
Dr. Wolf has rallied our hospital to try to reverse the trend that “millions more cats are owned than dogs in the US, but almost twice as many cats than dogs never visit the veterinarian” (2011 Bayer Usage Study). Our goal in becoming a Cat Friendly Practice is to partner with you to provide medical care and cat education that will enhance the quality of your cat’s life and expand his or her life expectancy.
To accomplish this, here are some things we are working on:
• providing our clients education about commonly misunderstood cat behavior
• teaching our clients ways to reduce the stress involved in riding in the carrier and car.
• Teaching you tips on how to recognize illness and pain, despite the cat’s natural tendency to mask these subtle signs.
• Training our staff how to handle cats in more calm, non-invasive ways
Leonardo DiVinci would want all of you cat-lovers to stay tuned because in his mind, even “the smallest feline is a masterpiece” …and we couldn’t agree more.
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