Milwaukee Vet in New Pet Podcast (news release)
Milwaukee Vet Builds "Meca" for Animals
Shepard Express, January 2010
Contact: Steve Busalacchi
(608) 698-5298 - PRDR@tds.net
November 16, 2009
For Immediate Release
Guest Column
Holiday Pet Precautions Save Lives, Prevent Injuries
By Marla Lichtenberger, DVM
Enjoy the holidays, but not so much that you neglect your beloved pet. Unfortunately, the holiday season can be a very difficult and sometimes deadly time for dogs, cats and other pets. But the good news is that almost all of these issues are preventable.
We all enjoy beautiful holiday decorations, but be mindful that dogs love to play with electrical cords. Biting them can mean a serious shock that can lead to death. A little supervision goes a long way.
Tree tinsel is a huge problem for dogs and cats, as are ornaments. These materials end up getting ingested by animals and clog up their intestines, causing obstructions. Pets can’t be trusted around poinsettias, mistletoe or holly, either, all of which can kill cats and dogs. They’ll even eat plastic wrapping and bows!
In the ER, we also see plenty of sick pets who’ve eaten chocolates, candies, cookies, or bones from turkey, chicken and ham. Turkey bones, for example, are hollow and break easily. These sharp pieces cause blockages and perforations in the intestines. And even turkey meat or other non-animal food is bad for dogs and cats. It can cause harmful symptoms, including abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. The eating of inappropriate foods may also lead to pancreatitis for dogs.
And don’t forget about the trash, as there are plenty of dangers there, too. For example, toothpicks are a major issue, as animals will eat from the garbage and can suffer from intestinal puncture wounds. We see a lot of that.
If you’re putting up a Christmas tree, avoid putting aspirin or other chemicals in the water. Unless the base of the tree is tightly wrapped, dogs will get in there and drink from it.
Finally, you also need to worry about your pet even if you aren’t the one doing the entertaining. Leaving pets alone for a long time can lead to stress. They may tear things up around the house, not eat, forget their normally good potty training or not obey as well as normal. Make a point of playing with your pet before you leave for the night, and try to maintain a regular routine during the holidays.
When you are entertaining and there’s more traffic and out of the door, make sure your pet is confined. Dogs and cats must be properly identified with tags or a microchip because lots of pets bolt out the door when visitors stop by.
Animal health is no different than human health in that it’s always best to prevent problems. Your pet will be happier and safer, and you’ll be assured of continued companionship.
Dr. Lichtenberger, a board-certified emergency and critical care specialist for animals, is the owner of Milwaukee Emergency Center for Animals in Greenfield. For more information, please see www.erforanimals.com.
Spay Day Sets New Record!
In honor of Spay Day USA, the Wisconsin Humane Society invited low-income guardians to have their cat spayed or neutered as part of the Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) on Tuesday, February 24, 2009. 140 cats were spayed or neutered on one day alone, helping to end animal overpopulation in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Humane Society’s SNAP is designed for individuals who understand the benefits of spaying or neutering their animal, but cannot afford to do so.The Humane Society of the United States reports that more than three million cats and dogs are euthenized in shelters because efforts to find them homes have failed.
Sarah Mattix, Cindy Farris, Dr. Randall Zeman, Dr. Lorin Shearburn, Pamela Radabaugh, Dr. Marla Lichtenberger, Erin Bishop, Patti Vollmer, Dr. Charleen Yaunke, Dr. Jane Pohlman, Dr. Nan Boss, Angela Patchett, Heather Ratzow, Peggy Volkert, Angela Stoetzel, Shayna Bath, Kathleen O’Connell. Not pictured are Dr. Lora Marheine and Nelia Pacheco.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Steve Busalacchi
(608) 698-5298/PRDR@tds.net
Pet CPR Training January 27, Milwaukee
Dr. Lichtenberger does live CPR Demonstration, Fox 6, 7:20 a.m. Jan. 27
(Milwaukee) December 5, 2008--Humans aren’t the only ones who can benefit from cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Your dog or cat’s life may depend on it, too.
“Responding appropriately to a pet emergency can literally mean the difference between life and death for a beloved dog or cat,” says Dr. Marla Lichtenberger, owner of the new emergency animal hospital on Hwy 100/Beloit Road, in Greenfield.
“CPR is an especially valuable tool for older, sick animals, in case of poisoning or when a pet gets hit by a car or falls victim to any other trauma,” adds Dr. Lichtenberger.
Doctor Lichtenberger, a board-certified emergency and critical care specialist for animals, will teach the course January 27. The Wisconsin Humane Society will host the event at 4500 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Instruction will cover CPR, temporary treatment of bleeding, fractures, choking, heat stroke and seizures. The course also includes approaching a hurt pet, performing the Heimlich maneuver and knowledge about common poisons and diseases.
Registration is limited and advanced registration is required. There is a $60.00 fee for this class, which includes an American Red Cross Pet First Aid book and DVD, and a certificate documenting that the participant is certified in Pet CPR and First Aid. Tickets are available on-line at www.wihumane.org.
The brand new facility for Milwaukee Emergency Care for Animals (MECA) will open in spring, 2009.
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Steve Busalacchi
(608) 698-5298/PRDR@tds.net
Doctor Marla Lichtenberger Receives National Honors
(Milwaukee) January 7, 2009—Marla Lichtenberger, DVM, DACVECC, was awarded double honors in 2008 from both the North American Veterinary Conference (Speaker of the Year) and the Western States Veterinary Conference (Educator of the Year, Exotics). These are the two largest veterinary conferences in the United States, which makes such recognition especially notable.
Dr. Lichtenberger is owner of the Milwaukee Emergency Center for Animals (MECA) hospital on Hwy 100/Beloit Road, in Greenfield, Wisconsin. The brand new facility will open in spring.
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