NEWSLETTER WINTER 2005
HOSPITAL HAPPENINGS 
PHYSICAL REHABILITATION TEAM ORGANIZED
Physical rehabilitation of pets with orthopedic and neurologic problems is an important part of their recovery and return to pain-free function. Planned and monitored rehabilitation can increase the likelihood of returning a pet to normal as soon as possible after accidents and surgery and in those suffering from osteoarthritis. In our continued effort to provide the best possible care for your pet, we are excited to announce the development of a rehabilitation team at New Hope Animal Hospital. This team is comprised of staff members Gina Agostini, Nancy Gray, Dani Fried, Dani Bagby, Erin Watkins and Dr. Nancy Belknap. Our team has been training in the methods of rehabilitation and developing rehabilitation protocols. We are adding equipment needed for rehabilitation with plans for an underwater treadmill. Continued training at seminars and with veteran animal rehabilitation experts will strengthen our skills. We are pleased and excited to offer this service to improve the life of our patients and their people.
IN-HOSPITAL LABORATORY EXPANDED
We are pleased to have added the complete IDEXX chemistry analyzer to our laboratory at New Hope Animal Hospital. This sophisticated equipment includes the Vet Lyte, Snap Reader and Vet test which will allow us to provide better health care for your pet by performing rapid and accurate tests of organ function on site. Electrolytes can be assayed, as well as bile salts and cortisol levels. Our pre-surgical blood tests will be enhanced by this equipment allowing us a more thorough and accurate evaluation of your pet before it undergoes general anesthesia. We are pleased to improve and upgrade our hospital to provide your pet with better medicine and facilities!!!
NEW PRODUCT FOR DOG BREATH
Tired of dog breath, but you can’t brush your dogs teeth every day? Try our new product: BreathaLyser. It is designed to decrease the odor of dog breath, and reports from our clients and staff have been very positive! The ingredients are isorbate and chlorhexadine which decrease bacteria and plaque. It is added to your pet’s water at 2 capfuls per quart daily. The dog/cat can drink other water once the treated water is gone. You should mix it fresh daily. This product has made a lot of dog owners happy, so try it on your doggie’s bad breath!
Behavior bits 
Socialization of your dog is an important part of owning a happy, secure, confident dog that is not stressed by life. Providing your puppy with positive introductions to as many different environments as possible will allow it to develop into a well adjusted adult dog. Expose it to different people, places, things, noises, and smells as early as you can. But a dog is never too old to be socialized. Act happy and at ease and your puppy or dog will accept new situations more easily. Do not drag your dog toward the person or object of whom they are afraid. Instead lure them there with treats and toys. Do not touch or talk soothingly to a frightened dog. Ignore your dog if he is hiding, and only speak happily and touch him when he comes out and actively begins to investigate. Do not pick up a scared dog or puppy. They need to learn to deal with uncertainty on their level and you are rewarding him for acting shy. Act like the situation is not a big deal; act and talk happy! Take it in tiny steps building confidence slowly if necessary. Do not ignore fearfulness as a personality trait. Fear does not go away, and it increases stress of your pet. Work with your dog every day to build confidence and overcome his fears.
TTOUCH SEMINAR IN JANUARY 2006
New Hope Animal Hospital is sponsoring a TTouch seminar presented by Kathy Cascade, PT, a certified TTouch instructor. For those who are not familiar with TTouch, it is a unique method of animal training and care developed by internationally known author and teacher, Linda Tellington-Jones. Based on understanding and respect for our animal friends, this gentle method promotes well-being and adaptive behavior using creative tools and exercises that help to reduce stress and build confidence. TTouch offers positive solutions to common behavioral and health related issues such as fear, reactivity, hyper-excitability, lack of focus and destructiveness. The seminar will be held on January 28-29th from 10 - 4 each day and the cost is $125 to attend with your dog and $75 to audit. Please contact New Hope Animal Hospital if you are interested in attending.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
A confirmed case of rabies was reported on October 5, 2005, in a child in Mississippi. This child had no known bite from a suspected animal; the only exposure was a live bat that was removed from his bedroom in the spring of this year. This bat did not bite the child; however, saliva from the presumed infected bat may have come in to direct contact with broken skin or mucous membranes of the child. When a bat is physically present and rabies infection cannot be ruled out by testing the bat, human rabies post exposure prophylaxis might be appropriate.
This is the first report of a human rabies case in the United States in 2005, and the 48th human case reported since 1990. Human rabies is extremely rare in the US, and people are advised to exercise caution in settings where they might have contact with wildlife, especially bats, skunks, raccoons and foxes. People should always avoid contact with wildlife and stray animals. And keep your pet vaccinated for this deadly, zoonotic disease.
HOMES NEEDED (THERE’S
ALWAYS SOMEONE!) 
As of release time we are looking for homes for 5 Lab cross puppies who were part of a litter from Slidell, Louisiana, that came to us with the Katrina rescues. They were born about September 15th so they were in a safe place during the actual hurricane. But these puppies were in rough shape when they were found by their dead mother shortly before being transferred to us. They are now happy, well adjusted puppies that need a forever home. Because of our commitment to reduce pet overpopulation, we require a spay/neuter deposit for adoption.
NEW HOPE BOARDING AND GROOMING NEWS 
Puppy classes continue this winter in the National Guard Armory on Monday nights. Our classes start with puppy kindergarten (a great place for socialization), continue with basic obedience and move on to advanced classes for the more serious handlers and those who just love to spend time with their dog! Denise and Erin are still there to help with problems and celebrate the love you share with your dog. Contact New Hope Boarding and Grooming at 936-8044 if you are interested in attending some fun and educational training classes with your dog. Remember it is never too late to train!
Walt and Teresa, the groomers at New Hope Boarding and Grooming, remind us all to continue with coat care all winter long! Brushing out mats and keeping the skin clean are important to the health and happiness of your dog. Keeping a brush or comb handy and staying on top of the mats as they arise will make your groomer happy in the spring, too! And while you are combing and brushing, keep an eye open and a feel for lumps and bumps you might need to report to one of our veterinarians.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!