Dr. Gagnon of Kaukauna Veterinary Clinic Examines Dogs at the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is a nearly 400 mile sled dog race that starts in Duluth, MN and heads north.  They have a mid-distance race that's a little over 100 miles in length.  History of John Beargrease 

The vet team involves veterinarians and veterinary technicians who look over the dogs before the race and at checkpoints to ensure they're staying healthy.  In the event of injury, dehydration, illness, or frostbite, it is up to the veterinarians' and the mushers' discretion as to whether the dog is fit to continue or stop running and receive treatment.

   

The vet team is responsible for all sled dog teams at every checkpoint throughout the race. Some checkpoints require exams on every dog, while other checkpoints have optional vet checks.

          Dr. Gagnon and Dr. Reynolds (from Minneapolis, MN)

         Pre-race festivities

 Dr. Gagnon and Dr. Reynolds evaluating a 

potential injury on a dog's foot at a checkpoint

Dr. Rossebo's Dental Tips

 It is often quoted that greater than 75% of our pets have dental disease, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease.  Both can eventually lead to oral infections and tooth loss. 

 At Kaukauna Veterinary Clinic, that number rings true.  Cats tend to develop more gingivitis and tooth resorption, while dogs tend to have more periodontal disease.

 

It’s best to watch your pet’s teeth as soon as possible to watch for issues as they arise.  Even better is to look for early warning signs such as a change in breath odor and gingivitis.  Brushing your pet’s teeth, appropriate chew toys and professional cleanings all play a part in good oral hygiene. Oral disease has been linked to infections and disease elsewhere in the body such as lungs, liver, heart and kidneys. Too often teeth are directly or indirectly neglected, leading to extensive dental cleanings and extractions.

In order to perform a proper and thorough cleaning and evaluation (dogs have 42 teeth and cats have 30 – humans have 30 as well), our pets need to be anesthetized.  This is done only after a physical exam and appropriate lab testing.  All our patients have IV fluid support, supplemental heat, and cardiac/respiratory monitoring during the procedures.  Antibiotics and pain relief medications are important components as well.

 

 

It is not uncommon to notice a significant improvement in attitude and activity following dental work, especially if extractions were necessary.  We all know how much toothaches can really affect us.

If you want to learn more or are concerned your pet may have issues, please let us know.  We are here to help.  

Kaukauna Veterinarian Ronald G. Biese Talks about Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a fairly common disease in dogs and rare in cats.  It affects males and females alike and is usually presented in relatively young animals (4 and 10 years old).  It affects any breed of dog, but it tends to be in dogs that are mid to large size.  Breeds specifically affected by this disease more commonly than others include Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Irish Setters, Great Danes, Airedale Terriers, Old English Sheepdogs, Dachshunds, Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, and Boxers.  Hypothyroidism is a disease of the thyroid gland that has developed a lack of production of the thyroid hormone.  The thyroid hormone is important in the function of many tissues.  The metabolic rate tends to slow down which affects the heart, skin and other tissues.   The clinical signs are many and quite varied.  The most

often clinical signs observed by the owners include lethargy, unexplained weight gain, loss of hair or scaly/flaky dull hair coat and mental dullness.  The clinical signs develop very slowly over time and often are just chalked up to getting older.  There are many other clinical signs that are much rarer but that can occur.  Hypothyroidism does not go away and is for life.  However, this is a very easy disease to treat.  The treatment is a supplement of the thyroid hormone twice daily for the rest of the dog’s life.  It is relatively inexpensive to treat.  Within a few months of treating the weight melts off and the energy level picks up tremendously for the patient.  Most people are amazed how much their dog acts like a puppy again!    

Having the spirit of Thanksgiving our staff shares 

why they are thankful for their pets.

 

 

Photo by Anne Evarts                                                 Frame by TK

 

I am thankful that Bijou keeps me 

company every night and cuddles with me.

(Melinda - certified veterinary technician)

Photo by Anne Evarts                                             Frame by TK

 

I am thankful that they are 

always there to lend and ear.

(Jenny - receptionist)

Photo by Anne Evarts                                              Frame by TK

 

 

I am thankful for the wonderful companionship

 of  all my pets and everything 

they have taught me over the years.

(Tricia - certified veterinary technician)

 

Photo by Anne Evarts                                                Frame by TK

 I am thankful for little dogs.  I've always

had bigger dogs and my Chi-Chi

is a real character!

(Dr. Kurt Rossebo)

 

Photo by Anne Evarts                                            Frame by TK

 

I am thankful for my two senior pets, Lexi and Ellie.  

They are such wonderful companions and make

me laugh everyday!  I love taking naps with them

on a Saturday afternoon!

(Anita - certified veterinary technician)

Photo by Anne Evarts                     Frame by TK

I am thankful for the daily smiles

 and laughs that Rio brings to my life.

  He makes life such a joy!!

(Laurie - kennel staff)

 

 

 

Having the spirit of Thanksgiving our staff shares 

why they are thankful for their pets.

 

Photo by Anne Evarts                                            Frame by TK

Rev is a loyal companion who lives to please.  

He is also the best friend and caretaker to

 my one year old daughter. 

(Reina - certified veterinary technician) 

Photo of Doberman by Anne Evarts                         Collage by TK

I am thankful that Lexi is a good dog who is a 

valued member of my extended family.

(Diane - certified veterinary technician) 

Photo by Anne Evarts                                                 Frame by TK 

 Libby is a lovable dog that makes us laugh quite often.  

For that, I am thankful.

(Dr. Ronald Biese) 

 Photo by Anne Evarts                                               Frame by TK

 I am thankful for Ernie's unconditional love.
(Lisa - veterinary assistant) 

The Kaukauna Veterinary Clinic Staff is Thankful for...

 

 

 

Having the spirit of Thanksgiving our staff shares 

why they are thankful for their pets.

 

                     Photo by Anne Evarts                                                     Frame by TK

I am thankful for the unconditional love my pets give to me. 

 (Kay - veterinary assistant)

    

Photo by Anne Evarts                       Frame by TK

I am thankful that Pete is always

 so happy to see me at the end of the day.

(Lana - certified veterinary technician)

 

 

Photo by Anne Evarts                           Frame by TK

I am thankful Solomon keeps things

 lively and exciting everyday.

(Dr. David Gagnon)

 

  

November Is Adopt a Senior Pet Month!

I love senior dogs!  They hold a very special place in my heart.  Last year I became a volunteer for a dog rescue and most of my foster dogs have been seniors.  I loved each one of them and enjoyed sharing my life with them if only for a couple months.   They are easy to care for because they are usually house trained and have good house manners.  Although one of my foster dogs thought my brand new leather furniture was quite comfortable!  It didn't take long for Abby to learn that the nice orthopedic dog beds were just as comfortable as my couch.  They usually settle in to a routine nicely especially if they were a house pet previously.  I love their grey muzzles and wise old eyes.

Adult dogs and seniors can be just as playful as a puppy but they know how to settle down when it's time.  You can also teach an old dog new tricks.  I had one of my foster dogs for 6 months and had so much fun teaching him silly dog tricks.  Roshan was a joy to have and made us laugh almost everyday!  His new Mommy sends me pictures and updates all the time which warms my heart.  These older dogs have so much character and  great personalities.  It's so much fun to see their personalities develop the longer I have them.

I have a very special foster dog right now who had a sad past.  She was removed from her home due to neglect and unsanitary conditions of the home.  She spent the majority of her life in a wire crate.  She came to me head shy and afraid but so gentle and affectionate.  While Candy is older, she has been quite a bit of work for me.  She needed to be taught all the things a normal house dog is usually accustomed to.  She had to learn to trust me first and then we could work on learning how to live outside the crate.  My house was overwhelming to her as she was so accustomed to only having room to turn around in her crate. 

Even with her past history, she has opened up and blossomed into a wonderfully affectionate playful dog who has excellent house manners.   I am still working on potty training her which is to be expected.  She spent the first 6 - 8 years of her life soiling in her crate.  It will take some time to reverse this habit.

 
 I encourage anyone considering adopting a senior or adult dog to do so!   If you know the dog's previous history or can obtain as much information as possible, that will help you determine if the dog is a good fit for you.  If you adopt a dog without a previous history and have questions after adoption, we would be glad to help you out!  Click on the link below to watch a video for more information on adopting an older dog!  Don't forget about all the senior cats and other senior pets waiting patiently for a forever home!

Tricia (certified veterinary technician)


Adopting an Older Dog vs. a Puppy