Noah's Animal Hospital & 24 Hour Emergency Hospital 2013 Angie’s List Super Service Award

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

Noah's Animal Hospital & 24 Hour Emergency Hospital  has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the consumer review service in 2013.

“We are once again, very proud and excited to accept this award! We are proud to be the Best Friend of Your Best Friend This is our second year in a row and it means a lot to us Thank you!!” – Dr. Amber Leistner, Hospital Director of Noah’s Animal Hospital and 24 Hour Emergency Center.

“Only about 5 percent of the companies Noah's Animal Hospital & 24 Hour Emergency Hospital  competes with in the Indianapolis area are able to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “It’s a mark of consistently great customer service.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2013 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade; the company must be in good standing with Angie’s List, have a fully complete profile, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality. Members can find the 2013 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

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Angie's List helps consumers have happy transactions with local service professionals in more than 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to healthcare. More than 2 million paid households use Angie's List to gain access to local ratings, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List Magazine and the Angie's List complaint resolution service.

Zoonosis – Can I get sick from my pet?

Zoonosis – Can I get sick from my pet?

Animals do so much good that it is hard to believe anything bad can come from them. However, we need to be aware that we can contract some diseases from them and they can get diseases from us.

While most pet owners are clear about the immediate joys that come with sharing their lives with companion animals, many remain unaware of the physical and mental health benefits that can also accompany the pleasure of playing with or snuggling up to a furry friend.  But the bigger issue is that far too many owners, and their families, are oblivious to both common and uncommon diseases and parasites that can be spread from the four legged family members to the human ones.  A zoonotic disease is a disease that can be transferred from animals to humans.

Licking is just one way your pet may spread a zoonotic disease to you.

Some people are more likely than others to get diseases from pets. A person's age and health status may affect his or her immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick. People who are more likely to get diseases from our animals include infants, children younger than 5 years old, organ transplant patients, people with HIV/AIDS, and people being treated for cancer. Special advice is available for people who are at greater risk than others of getting diseases from animals.

Dogs and cats can carry a variety of germs that can make people sick. Some of these germs are common and some are rare. For example, puppies may pass the bacterium Campylobacter in their feces (stool). This germ can cause diarrhea in people. Puppies and some adult dogs often carry a variety of parasites that can cause rashes or illness in people.   Less often, dogs in urban or rural areas can carry the bacterium Leptospira. This germ causes the disease leptospirosis in people and animals. Some cat-related diseases that make people sick are common, such as cat scratch disease (or cat scratch fever), and others such as plague, are rare. Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can come from cats, but people are more likely to get it from eating raw meat or from gardening.

Dogs and cats can also carry rabies, a deadly viral disease. Rabies from dogs is rare in the United States, but we are see increasing reports of rabies in cats, both feral and even some owned cats.  Check out this previous blog post about rabies for more information!

Probably the most common zoonotic diseases that dogs and cats can pass to any person is infection with either hookworms or roundworms.  These intestinal parasites are found in almost every puppy and kitten and during stressful periods in their lives.  Dogs and cats can shed hundreds of thousands of microscopic eggs into the environment from these parasites.  Once in the grass, the sandbox, or even on the beach, these parasite eggs hatch into larva, ready to infect another warm-blooded animal.  Children are very susceptible to infection, as we all know that they rarely wash their hands after play.  Sun-worshipping beach lovers may find themselves the target of hookworm larva who can actually penetrate skin and cause a serious, intensely itchy skin condition.  Roundworm larva can cause vision problems, or even blindness.  Check out the CDC's information on hookworms and roundworms.

Hookworm egg

Roundworm eggs

         

If you are a “fan of feathers”, you should be aware of a few things as well.  For example, baby chicks and ducklings often carry the bacterium Salmonella. This germ causes salmonellosis in people. Parakeets and parrots can carry the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci. This germ causes the disease psittacosis. Pigeon droppings can have germs that make people sick.

Like birds, reptiles and amphibians that are commonly kept as pets also harbor the Salmonella bacterium, and they can carry the bacteria without any symptoms of disease.

Red-eared slider, a common pet turtle.

It’s important to remember that although dogs, cats and other animals can pass germs to people, you are not likely to contract anything from touching or owning pets. To best protect yourself from getting sick, thoroughly wash your hands with running water and soap after contact with animals, their saliva, or feces (stool).  Teach younger children the importance of washing up after playing with their pets or out in the yard where the pets also roam.

Don’t feed or promote the feeding of wildlife. Many wild animals, like raccoons, coyotes and foxes, are adapting to a more urban environment and an easy food source will encourage the wildlife to return.  These animals often carry parasites and bacteria or viruses that can infect your pets or your family.

Finally, maintain a good relationship with your family veterinarian.  Routine physical examinations (we recommend twice a  year) and regular fecal sample checks (again, at least 2x per year) can help ensure that your pets are NOT harboring potentially dangerous germs.  Remember, here at Noah's we are the best friend of your best friend!

Sentinel is Back!!

Sentinel is Back!!

We are pleased to let you know that we now have the combination heartworm, intestinal parasite, and flea preventative Sentinel in stock!  We know many of our clients have anticipated the return of this product.  Each of our Noah's Hospitals now has this product for sale for your pet's heartworm, intestinal parasite and flea preventative needs.

Sentinel's sister product Interceptor, a heartworm and intestinal parasite preventative without flea prevention coverage, has been discontinued by the manufacturer Novartis.  Interceptor will no longer be available.  However, the price of Sentinel has decreased significantly.  We hope this helps you to protect your pet from serious and life threatening parasites, especially heartworms.

The other heartworm, intestinal parasite, and flea prevetative products we currently stock will still be available for your pet!  If you are happy with the current parasite preventative your pet is taking, there is no need to change.

Please remember, your pets must be current on an examination and yearly heartworm test prior to prescribing any heartworm prevetative product.  These guidelines are in accordance with the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Heartworm Society, and the Companion Animal Parasite Council.  As always, our first concern is protecting your pet safely and effectively.

Call your favorite Noah's hospital today to pick up Sentinel, or to schedule an appointment for your pet!

Heartworm Awareness

By Dr. Amber Leistner

Did you know…April is National Heartworm Awareness month?

As a pet owner, you have likely heard your veterinarian talk about heartworms. However, you may not exactly understand what they are, how they are spread, and why they are a danger to your pets. Noah’s Animal Hospitals are here to help answer your questions.

Heartworms are a type of parasite that live in the heart and blood vessels of some animals, including both cats and dogs. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. Once an infected mosquito bites your pet, some of the young (larva) stages of heartworms are transmitted to your pet. Over the span of a few months, these larva develop into long, spaghetti looking worms that live in the heart and vessels that supply blood to the lungs. Heartworms cause a long and progressive illness often resulting in heart and lung disease as well as a generalized detriment to overall health.

                    

The good news is that heartworms are completely preventable. Like many other illnesses, prevention of heartworm infection is much safer and more affordable than treatment. There are many prescription medications available from your veterinarian that can prevent heartworms as well as many other parasites. It is important to know that heartworm medications are prescription medications and can only be obtained from a licensed veterinarian; they cannot be purchased over-the-counter. These medications are indicated to give monthly, year-round. Heartworms were previously considered to be a seasonal and/or geographic concern. However, research has shown that our current lifestyles often allow the mosquitoes that carry heartworms to survive through the winter in homes, thus creating a year-round risk for our pets. Heartworms, and the mosquitoes that transmit them, can live in much more varied geographic areas than previously thought. Heartworm cases have long been identified in all 48 continental states but are much more common in our area of the mid-west and southern states.

A map of heartworm incidence in the US

Noah’s Animal Hospitals follow the recommendations of The American Heartworm Society in recommending annual heartworm testing for dogs and year-round heartworm and parasite prevention for cats and dogs.

That’s right; don’t forget about your cat. Many cat owners are not aware that heartworms don’t affect just dogs. While dogs are the primary host infected with heartworms, cats can be infected too. Heartworm prevention is just as important for your feline friend…perhaps even more important as we do not have an FDA approved treatment for heartworm infection in cats.

That brings us to treatment for dogs. How do you know if your pet has been infected and what can be done to treat the infection? The first step is having your dog tested at least yearly as recommended. Should your dog unfortunately become infected, it is important to discuss treatment with your veterinarian thoroughly. However, treatment often involves the use of a series of injectable medications used to kill the adult heartworms living in your dog’s heart and blood vessels. Again, heartworms are completely preventable and prevention is much safer and easier for both you and your pet.

Noah’s Animal Hospitals wants to help protect your pet from heartworms. If you have any questions regarding heartworms, testing, prevention, or any other medical concern please call our talented and dedicated medical staff. We are here to be the best friend of your best friend.

Check out the links below for more heartworm information:

HeartwormSociety.org

CAPCvet.org

Wildlife 911

Written by Dr. Andrea Quigley

     Spring time is here, and with it comes spring fever, the birds and the bees...and the baby bunnies, baby squirrels, and baby birds.....


   I have been volunteering in wildlife rehabilitation centers since I was in college.  It is a rewarding experience that is unlike any other in veterinary medicine.  There are not many people in this world who have been licked by a woodpecker, raised then released litters of Eastern Cottontails, or released a bird of prey back into the wild after nursing it through an illness.  Currently, as the education director for Providence Wildlife Rehabilitation, I am able to provide educational programs to community organizations using permitted educational animals.  These critters are nonreleasable, native wildlife that have been given special permission to be kept as ambassadors of their species.  


   At the veterinary hospital, we often get calls from concerned citizens during this time of year regarding wildlife.  Adult wild animals are out cruising for mates and searching for food to feed hungry babies back at the nest, while the first litters of baby mammals and clutches of baby birds are just starting to explore the world around them.  Unfortunately, this makes for more human-wildlife, dog-wildlife, cat-wildlife and car-wildlife interaction.  

A flying squirrel

   First, I’d like to dispel some myths about baby wild animals.  As many of us know, the mother-baby bond is one of the strongest bonds there is.  This is true for wild animals as well.  Wild parents will return to care for a healthy baby, even if a human has touched it.  If a baby has fallen from its nest, and is warm and not injured, the best thing for that baby is to return it to the nest.  No human can possibly provide the same care and nutrition for that baby as its animal parents can.  

A fledgling

   What about those teenager birds hopping around that can’t fly?  Those birds are generally described as being covered in feathers, but with very short tails. They can flutter, sometimes even get a little bit of lift to land in a low shrub or fence, but can’t fly up into a tree.  These birds are referred to as fledglings.  They are learning to fly and have to put in “ground time” while they figure out how their wings work.  Their parents are always near by and will continue to feed them and protect them.  Do your best to keep cats and dogs away for a few days while these teenagers are still on the ground.  In a few days, they will be flying into the trees like pros!  


   We also hear from families concerned that a nest of baby Eastern Cottontail bunnies has been orphaned.  Before you make that phone call, first do a test: place two pieces of string crossed like the letter X on top of the nest.  The next morning, see if the string has been disturbed.  Mother rabbits only feed in the early dawn and late dusk.  The remainder of the day, the babies are hidden under a pile of grass, leaves and fur.  If the strings are undisturbed, then the babies need to be kept warm and immediately taken to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, as they are likely orphaned. If the strings no longer make an X, mom has been by to feed her kids.  


   Did your dog’s or cat’s keen sense of smell find the nest before you did?  Any baby bunny that has been in a dog or cat’s mouth is susceptible to infection and should also be taken immediately to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.  Fortunately, baby bunnies grow up quickly.  If you found the nest before your pet, you’ll need to keep your pet away from the nest for 2-3 weeks.  After that, the babies are weaned and should be baseball sized balls of fluff scurrying around your yard!    


A litter of cottontail bunnies

If you do find an injured or truly orphaned wild animal, follow these recommendations:

1. Safety first!  Do not handle a wild mammal that is acting aggressively.  While we rarely have reported cases of rabies in most species of wild mammals in Indiana, any mammal can carry rabies.  Bats, skunks and fox are the most common culprits in our state. 

2. Before you attempt to capture a wild animal, have everything you’re going to use ready and at hand.  This should include leather gloves and an appropriately sized container with air holes and a secure lid!  I have hunted down many a wild animal that was dropped off without a secure lid.  The phrase "wild goose chase" comes to mind.  Once you’ve collected everything you need, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.  

3. Keep the animal warm.  If it is an orphaned baby, it may be too cold.  Wild babies should feel warm to the touch.  

4. Do not offer food or water, unless your rehabilitator has instructed you to provide it. 

5. Remember that state and federal laws protect native wild species.  In many instances you have only 24 hours to transport this wild creature to a licensed rehabilitator.  

6. Enjoy the wildlife in your community.  It is such a privilege to be able to see the daily goings on in these animals’ otherwise rather private lives!

Baby fox squirrel nursing in a rehabilitation center

A Feline Friendly Home

Dr. Kristin Horazy

 

Ancestors of today’s domestic cats initially served as rodent hunters in small settlements at the dawn of agriculture.  Because of their usefulness, they were gradually assimilated into human society, unlike domestic dogs, who were selectively bred for desirable traits by humans.  Therefore, the domestication of cats hasn’t resulted in major genetic changes, so the form and behavior of house cats is not radically different from wild cats.  Both wild and domestic cats are solitary hunters of small prey, and as such, have specific needs different than those of dogs.  Cat owners need to be well-informed about the behavioral idiosyncrasies of cats in order to allow outlets for their “wild behavior” and make the indoor environment as stress-free as possible.  Following are some suggestions about how to make your home “cat friendly.”

Litter Boxes

An open, clean litterbox.

     When cats go to the bathroom indoors, it is important to provide them with a positive litter box experience.   A good rule of thumb is to provide one litter box per cat PLUS ONE, so there are different options for elimination.  The box should be big enough to move around in and to avoid stepping in previous eliminations.  Uncovered boxes are preferable in a multi-cat household, so there is always a way to escape if another cat comes up to the box.

     Research has shown that most kitties prefer unscented clumping litter (not clay).  However, it is more important to stick with whatever type of litter your cat prefers, as switching abruptly can result in litter box aversion.

     Litter boxes should be easy to access, but also provide privacy and an escape route if needed.  They should be located away from furnaces, air ducts, or other noisy appliances that can make sudden loud noises, which may startle your cat.

     Cats are a meticulously clean species, so litter boxes should be scooped daily!  If you find the odor of the box offensive, your cat probably does too!  The boxes should be emptied out and rinsed at least monthly.  Only use warm water and non-scented soap, as strongly-scented cleaners can be toxic or aversive.

Scratching

     Scratching is natural marking behavior used by cats in the wild to define their territory and announce their presence.  Scratching also helps to shed old cuticles and sharpen the claws.  Even declawed cats still retain the instinct to scratch. 

     Most cats prefer a rough material that shreds, such as sisal, cardboard, or carpet.  Some cats prefer to scratch on horizontal surfaces (carpets, rugs), while other prefer vertical surfaces.  You can experiment to figure out what types of objects your cat most likes to scratch.  There are a variety of different scratching posts available at most pet supply stores.

     Because cats scratch to mark their territory, they like to scratch in prominent places in the house.  Make sure you place your scratching posts in areas where people or cats tend to congregate, such as the TV room where the family spends a lot of time.  Do not try and hide the post in a far away corner or tucked behind furniture – your cat may not want to use it.

     You can train your cat to the post by placing it right next to the area where they already like to scratch and covering the inappropriate object with tinfoil or plastic carpet runners.  Posts that have a catnip toy built-in on top can be useful in attracting the cat to the post.  Once you have the cat using the post consistently, you can gradually move it a few inches every day to a suitable location. 

Catnip can be grown in your home garden, or purchased dried at a pet store.

  

Resting Areas

 

     Cats prefer to rest in safe, secure areas where they can get away from other people and pets.  They also need these safe areas when they are anxious about strange people or animals and loud noises.   Therefore, it is important to provide a refuge for your cat – an out-of-the-way area of the house where the cat has access to its essentials (food, water, litter box, etc).  You can place a comfy cat bed or folded towels in the area as well.  It is important to not disturb your cat when she is resting or hiding!

Perches

     As mentioned above, cats like to hide when they feel anxious or threatened.  They especially like to hide in high places, where they can get a clear view of their surroundings and where other people and/or animals can’t get to them.

     To help with this behavior, it is important that every cat have a perch somewhere in the house where they can view action indoors or outdoors from above.  This can be as fancy as a big store bought cat tower with multiple levels or as simple as a chair or table in front of a window.  You could even hang a bird feeder outside the window to attract birds or squirrels to keep your cat interested.

Toys

     The ancestors of domestic cats had to hunt insects, birds, and mice 10-20 times per day in order to survive.  Our indoor cats no longer have to hunt, but still retain the instinct to pounce and stalk.  Cats tend to like toys that mimic prey that they might hunt in the wild – toys that squeak, dangle, or dart.   You can determine your cat’s prey preference by buying several toys that resemble birds (toys with feathers or that are suspended in the air), mice (furry stuffed toys), and bugs (laser toy, a string with a knot on the end). 

      Alternate playing with each type of toy and see which type your cat responds to most.  Once you determine your cat’s prey preference, keep a batch of that type of toy and rotate them a few at a time to keep things interesting.

 

Noah’s Animal Hospitals – Spanning Four Decades

Some of our younger clients, and even a majority of our employees may find this hard to believe, but Noah’s Animal Hospitals has seen a lot of interesting changes in our world over the years.  When we first started with our flagship hospital in 1982, parachute pants, mullets and getting “Physical” with Olivia Newton John were the rage. 

 In the intervening 30 years, we have seen changes in technology, like the growth of the Internet and popularity of the mobile phone, changes in the world, like the reunification of Germany and the dissolution of the Soviet Union and we have seen our share of horrific events, from the 9/11 bombings to space shuttle disasters.  We have also experienced shifts in popular dog breeds, changing vaccine protocols and a whole gamut of new products and diets designed to help our pets live longer, more comfortable lives. .

Heck…even our communications with our clients have changed…we now text people about their appointments or email reminders about medical care instead of sending post cards!  Instead of finding us in the phone book, clients can look us up on the Web or on Facebook!

Through it all, one thing has remained constant…our strong desire to provide the highest quality care for your four legged family members.  Our tools and technology may transform, but our passion for you and your pets remains unwavering.

I graduated from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine with honors in 1968.  Like most veterinarians, I was eager to get out and learn all I could from the leaders of that time.  After an internship in Chicago, I spent time working in North Carolina and owned my own practice in Miami for 13 years. That was a very exciting time for me as I spent time healing dogs and cats, but also got to treat exotic animals, like monkeys and large macaws.

Glass Emerson Way - built 1970

Getting back to my home state of Indiana was important and when I saw the opportunity to purchase Glass Animal Hospital near 56^th Street and Emerson in Indianapolis, I knew the time was right.  From the moment we took over and renamed it “Noah’s”, this hospital has been state of the art and the centerpiece in our group of veterinary clinics.  The building is beautiful, highly functional, and serves as the hub for all of our businesses.

As an added bonus, the energetic, smart high school student who was helping in the kennel at that time has remained with us today…you may know her now  as Dr. Mary Grabow, the hospital director at our Noah’s Caring Hands Animal Hospital.

Dr. Mary Grabow

My vision has always been to provide the best care and value for pet owners and it was just a logical extension of that vision to expand Noah’s to Speedway in 1987.  From there, it’s been a thrilling journey as we have reached out to help pets and their people all across Central Indiana.  Our hospitals now include four in Indianapolis,  2 in Greenfield and our newest location that just opened this fall, in Carmel  Along the way we have met some great friends and incorporated some fantastic ideas, all in the goal of making sure that your pets have everything that they might need when it comes to healthcare.

I am very proud of our accomplishments and achievements during these past 30 years.  Perhaps the most apparent of these has been the development and growth of our 24 hour Emergency and Critical Care facility at the 56^th Street location.  We saw the need for a full-time animal emergency hospital on this side of Indianapolis and we have been greatly encouraged by the positive response we have had from the community over the past twelve years.  Our recent remodel and expansion at this facility is further proof that our services are needed in this area.

Remodel in progress

But, we have grown in other ways too…we offer affordable plans to help people with their pet’s care at many of our locations.  This has helped pet owners understand that veterinary medicine and their pets’ care is not always a “one size fits all” solution.  We work with our clients to help them not only understand their pets’ needs, but also how we can help them meet those needs.

We have seen our staff grow from 1 full time and three part time in 1982 to more than 120 today.  From graduate veterinarians to registered technicians, highly trained assistants and friendly front office staff, we all believe that our purpose is to help you take care of your best friend.  We pride ourselves on the training and education we provide for these team members.  We encourage them always to consider furthering their own development by attending lectures, seminars or even returning to school to become a Registered Veterinary Technician, Certified Practice Manager or a specialist in any of the many aspects of veterinary medicine.

Dr. Mike Thomas, Jessie (Dr. T's Border Collie) and Santa

As I stay involved with many different national veterinary associations, like the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Veterinary Information Network and National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, I have the opportunity to learn how to make caring for your pets a little easier.  All of us at Noah’s see our role not only being “the best friend of your best friend”, but also a trusted resource for you and any questions that you might have.

I am honored to be part of the Central Indiana community and part of the veterinary profession.  But above all, I treasure the wonderful clients and pets that I have met over these past 30 years and look forward to helping many, many more.  Thanks to everyone who has helped us build Noah’s into an amazing, caring place for your pets.

Dr. Mike Thomas