Striegel Animal Hospital

Over 50 Years of Quality Medicine

Something Special Award December 2011 Winner

Debbie

Something Special Award January 2012 Winner

Dr. Kayne

Old News Archive

March 18 Announcement: Canine Allergies

One of the most common conditions affecting dogs is allergy. In the allergic state, the dog’s immune system “overreacts” to foreign substances (allergens or antigens) to which it is exposed. These overreactions are manifested in three ways. The most common is itching of the skin, either localized (one area) or generalized (all over the dog). Another manifestation involves the respiratory system and may result in coughing, sneezing, and/or wheezing. Sometimes, there may be an associated ocular (eye) discharge. The third manifestation involves the digestive system, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea.

Types of Allergies

There are five known types of allergies in the dog: contact, flea, food, bacterial and inhalant. Each of these has some common expressions in dogs, and each has some unique features.

Contact Allergy

Contact allergy is the least common of the five types of allergy. They result in a local reaction of the skin. Examples of contact allergy include reactions to flea collars or to types of bedding, such as wool. If the dog is allergic to such substances, there will be skin irritation at the points of contact. Removal of the contact irritant solves the problem. However, identifying the allergen may require some “detective” work.

Flea Allergy

Flea allergy is common in dogs. A normal dog experiences only minor irritation in response to flea bites, often without any itching. On the other hand, the flea-allergic dog has a severe, itch-producing reaction when the flea’s saliva is deposited in the skin. Just one bite causes such intense itching that the dog may severely scratch or chew itself, leading to the removal of large amounts of hair. There will often be open sores or scabs on the skin, allowing a secondary bacterial infection to begin. The area most commonly involved is over the rump (just in front of the tail), but may also involve the feet, belly or any other area of skin.

The most important treatment for flea allergy is to get the dog away from all fleas. Therefore, strict flea control is the backbone of successful treatment. Unfortunately, this is not always possible in warm and humid climates, where a new population of fleas can hatch every 14-21 days. When strict flea control is not possible, corticosteroids (commonly shortened to the terms “cortisone” or “steroids”) can be used to block the allergic reaction and give relief. This is often a necessary part of dealing with flea allergies. Fortunately, dogs are more resistant to the side effects of steroids than humans, so much of what you know about the side effects in people do not apply to dogs. If a secondary bacterial infection occurs, appropriate antibiotics must be used.

Bacterial Allergy

Staphylcoccus (Staph) is a bacterium found on normal dog skin. If the skin is normal and the dog’s immune system is normal, Staph causes no problems to its host. However, some dogs develop an allergy to this bacterium. When this happens, the dog develops areas of hair loss that look much like ringworm. They are often round and ½-2 inches in diameter. When these same lesions develop in a true primary Staph infection, they are easily treated with certain antibiotics, but the Staph-allergic dog has recurrent “Staph infections.” The lesions will usually clear with appropriate antibiotics but will return as soon as the antibiotics are discontinued. After a while, some dogs become resistant to antibiotic treatment.

Treatment of Staph Allergy involves antibiotics to control the immediate problem and desensitization with Staph antigen for long-term relief.

Inhalant Allergy

The most common type of allergy is the inhalant type, or atopy. Dogs may be allergic to all of the same inhaled allergens that affect humans. These include tree pollens (cedar, ash, oak, etc.), grass pollens (especially Bermuda), weed pollens (ragweed, etc.), molds, mildew, and the house dust mite. Many of these allergies occur seasonally, such as ragweed, cedar and grass pollens. However, others are with us all the time, such as molds, mildew and house dust mites. When humans inhale these allergens, we express the allergy as a respiratory problem; it is sometimes called “hay fever.” The dog’s reaction, however, usually produces severe, generalized itching. In fact, the most common cause of itching in the dog is inhalant allergy.

Most dogs that have inhalant allergy react to several allergens. If the number is small and they are the seasonal type, itching may last for just a few weeks at a time during one or two periods of the year. If the number of allergens is large or they are present year-round, the dog may itch constantly.

Treatment depends largely on the length of the dog’s allergy season. It involves three approaches:

1. Anti-Inflammatory Medications. Anti-inflammatory therapy will dramatically block the allergic reaction in most cases. corticosteroids (cortisone-derivative medications) may be given orally or by injection, depending on the circumstances. If steroids are appropriate for your dog, you will be instructed in their proper use. Antihistamines can be of value in treating the allergic dog, especially when they are combined with steroids. In some dogs, antihistamines can significantly decrease the amount of steroid needed to provide relief. Fatty Acid Supplementation can also be implemented with steroids and antihistamines. There are newer oral anti-inflammatory agents available also. Although often very effective in controlling the itch associated with inhalant allergy, these newer products are currently much more costly than antihistamines or corticosteriods. Your veterinarian can discuss these options with you in more detail. Treating with anti-inflammatory medications is a non-specific approach which does not treat the underlying allergy, but will often control the complications of the allergic state (itching).

2. Shampoo Therapy. Many dogs are helped considerably by frequent bathing with a hypoallergenic shampoo. It has been demonstrated that some allergens may be absorbed through the skin. Frequent bathing is thought to reduce the amount of antigen exposure through this route. An addition to removing surface antigen, bathing alone will provide some temporary relief from itching and may allow the use of a lower dose of steroids. Some of the hypoallergenic shampoos incorporate fatty acids, antihistamines or steroids; they may be absorbed through the skin and offer a localized anti-inflammatory action. The role of the fatty acids in allergy treatment is an area of active research interest in veterinary medicine.

3. Hyposensitization. The third major form of allergy treatment is hyposensitization with specific antigen injections (or “allergy shots”). Once testing identifies the specific allergens, very small amounts of the antigen are injected weekly. The purpose of this therapy is to reprogram the body’s immune system. It is hoped that as time passes, the immune system will become less reactive to the problem-causing allergens. If hyposensitization appears to help the dog, injections will continue for several years. For most dogs, a realistic goal is for the itching to be significantly reduced in severity; in some dogs, itching may completely resolve. Generally, antihistamines or steroids are only necessary on a very brief and intermittent basis for hyposensitized dogs. This therapeutic approach is recommended for the middle-aged or older dog that has year-round itching caused by inhalant allergy.

Although hyposensitization is the ideal way to treat inhalant allergy, it does have some drawbacks and may not be the best choice in certain circumstances for these reasons:

1. Cost: This is the most expensive form of treatment, especially in the initial stages.

2. Age of the Patient: Because many dogs develop additional allergies as they get older, young dogs may need to be retested 1-3 years later.

3. Success Rate: About 50% of dogs will have an excellent response, about 25% get partial to good response, and the remaining 25% get little no response. The same statistics are true for people undergoing hyposensitization.

4. Food Allergies: Although tests for food allergy are available, the reliability of food allergy testing is not great. A food trial remains the best diagnostic test for food allergy.

5. Time of Response: the time until apparent response may be 2-5 months, or longer.

6. Interference of Steroids: Dogs must not receive oral or injectable steroids, especially during the initial stages of hyposensitization.

Food Allergy

Dogs are not likely to be born with food allergies. More commonly, they develop allergies to food products they have eaten for a long time. The allergy most frequently develops in response to the protein component of the food; for example, beef, pork, chicken or turkey. Food allergy may produce any of the clinical signs previously discussed, including itching, digestive disorders and respiratory distress. We recommend testing for food allergy when the clinical signs have been present for several months, when the dog has a poor response to steroids, or when a very young dog itches or vomits without other apparent causes of allergy. Testing is done with a special hypoallergenic diet. Because it takes at least 8 weeks for all other food products to get out of the system, the dog must eat the special diet exclusively for 8-12 weeks (or more). If positive response occurs, you will be instructed on how to proceed.

If the diet is not fed exclusively, it will not be a meaningful test. We cannot overemphasize this. If any types of table food, treats or vitamins are given, these must be discontinued during the testing period. There may be problems with certain types of chewable heartworm preventative, as well. Do not stop your dog's heartworm preventative, however! Your veterinarian will discuss appropriate heartworm preventatives for your possible food-allergic dog.

Because dogs are being tested for inhalant allergy generally itch year-round, a food allergy dietary test can be performed while the inhalant test and antigen preparation is occurring.

For an appointment at Striegel Animal Hospital, please call (618) 457-4133.

December 28 Announcement: Going Green

2010 will show a modernized Striegel Animal Hospital, with all points turning green!

Gone are the outdated lights, insulation, ceilings and roofing materials – replaced with the most efficient, energy conserving products available. Also, the Animal Hospital will be reaffirming its commitment to go greener with a new geothermal heat/air conditioning system, being currently installed by Williams Heating and Air Conditioning. The new system will also provide geothermal heated hot water for the Hospital.

The commitment is a win/win situation for the environment and the Hospital; dramatically reducing the need for energy and thereby reducing the energy costs for the Hospital. The Striegel Animal Hospital will continue to research future ways to conserve and do our share to protect our environment.

November 23 Announcement: Give Your Canine Pets the Green Light to Travel!

Research shows that 1 in 6 dogs suffer from motion sickness and, sadly, only 25% of these cases are reported to the pet’s veterinarian.

Rather than treatment, the common solution among owners is to limit travel with their dog. This is upsetting to many owners who want to travel and enjoy the companionship of their pet. Or pet owners use over-the-counter medications, such a Dramamine and Benadryl, but with limited efficacy and some undesirable sedative effects.

With the new medication, Cerenia, pet owners can prevent vomiting due to motion sickness with a once per day tablet!

In all clinical trials, Cerenia has been proven safe and well tolerated.

Now, are you ready for that Holiday trip? How about your canine companion?

Don’t forget their Cerenia!

Available at Striegel Animal Hospital.

March 10 Announcement: Striegel Veterinarian Attends Conference

Dr. Sandy Kayne of Striegel Animal Hospital, attended a 3 day seminar, presented by specialists in Gastro-Intestinal Medicine from the Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Topics included liver diseases, diarrhea diseases and updated Gastro-Intestinal surgical procedures.

February 21 Announcement: A Public Service Announcement on Pet Periodontal Disease

The following information is provided as a public service only, and is NOT intended to replace the advice or recommendations of your pet’s veterinarian.

General Information

Puppies have a total of 28 teeth, while adult dogs have 42. Kittens have 26 teeth and adult cats have 30 teeth. The incisors are the small incisors of your pet's mouth. Most pets will have 6 incisors on the upper jaw and 6 incisors on the lower jaw. These teeth are used for delicate work such as nibbling small pieces, tearing bits of meat away from the bone, and grooming. The canine teeth are the large "fang-like" teeth in the front of your pet's mouth. There are 4 of these teeth. They are designed to grasp and tear with great force. The remaining teeth are premolars and molars. These are the shearing teeth. As carnivores, dog and cat teeth are designed for killing prey and ripping chunks of meat off bone. They do not have flat, grinding teeth, such as cows or people.

Saliva helps lubricate food during swallowing. The pH of the saliva is about 7.5, which buffers the oral cavity against caries (cavity) formation but tends to promote deposition of plaque. Dental calculus (tarter) is composed of various mineral salts, organic material and food particles. in the early stages of accumulation, the material is soft (plaque), but it later hardens and adheres to the teeth. Continual accumulation causes inflammation of the gums and eventual recession of the gums and loss of teeth.

Periodontal Disease

Stage 1: Gingivitis

Margin of attached gingiva (gum) is inflamed (red) and swollen. Plaque is covering teeth. Treatment can reverse this condition.

Stage 2: Early Periodontitis

Entire attached gum is inflamed and swollen. Mouth is painful and odor begins to be noticeable. Professional treatment and home dental care can prevent this from becoming irreversible.

Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis

Cherry red and bleeding gums. The gum is being destroyed by infection and calculus (tartar). This results in a sore mouth that can affect eating and behavior. Bad breath is usually present. This may become irreversible.

Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis

Chronic bacterial is destroying the gum, tooth and bone.

Left untreated, periodontal disease has serious implications for your pet's health. Besides bad breath and unpleasant appearance of teeth, periodontal disease inevitably leads to tooth loss. appetite suffers, which leads to weight loss. But the problems of periodontal disease doesn't stop in the mouth. the liver, kidneys, heart and, less commonly, the lungs can, over time, be affected by the persistent invasion of toxins and bacteria in the blood steam.

Treatment and Prevention

Depending on your pet's stage of dental disease, we may recommend a professional treatment. the way your pet's teeth are cleaned is very similar to the way your dentist cleans your teeth. This procedure is done under anesthesia. There are different anesthetic protocols available depending on your pet's age and health. Your pet will come into the hospital the day before the procedure and will be able to go home a few hours after the procedure. A thorough examination is done, then any tarter is removed and the teeth are thoroughly cleaned. After cleaning, the teeth are polished and the OraVet sealer is applied. This sealer is designed to significantly reduce future plaque and tarter formation.

Brushing your pet's teeth is the most effective way to remove plaque and to prevent periodontal disease. It is fairly easy to do and doesn't take much time. There may be an initial fuss, but pets will like the taste of the special veterinary dental toothpaste. Currently, it comes in mint, malt and poultry flavors. It is important that you NOT use human toothpaste or baking soda to brush your pet's teeth. Human toothpastes contain ingredients which may cause gastric problems and the high level of sodium (salt) may cause difficulties in pets with other medical problems. Also, do not use human toothbrushes as the bristles are too hard and the shape of the brush may be difficult for you to use. You should brush your pet's teeth daily to prevent tater buildup, since it takes approximately 24-36 hours for the soft plaque to begin to form hard faster.

For an appointment at Striegel Animal Hospital, please call (618) 457-4133.

July 9 Announcement: New Information Pages

Several changes have been made to the Striegel site. First, on the left navigation menu, we have left a small table showing the monthly winner of the Something Special Award, with a link explaining the details thereof. Additionally, we have added a link to the Canine Good Citizenship Program, so that you can more easily find information on it there.

June 29 Announcement: IVET Professional Formulas

Striegel Animal Hospital is proud to introduce iVet Professional Formulas, a progressive dietary line, to provide healthy nutrition for your canine and feline family members with long term health in mind.

Nutrition plays a vital role in your pet’s health and veterinary exclusivity allows us to offer to you quality nutrition as part of an overall wellness program.

Additionally, iVet Professional Formulas provide:

1. Whole chicken meat protein, No by-products.

            - Increased digestibility and appeal

2. No wheat or soy in any iVet foods. Many of these foods also contain No corn.

            - Elimination of potential allergens

3. High levels of Omega-6 and Omega-3, in the correct balance.

            - Healthy skin and shiny coat

4. Enhanced level of antioxidants, including Vitamins C and E.

            - Healthy Immune system

5. All Natural

            -Naturally preserved with Vitamin E, No chemical preservatives.

-No added sugars, coloring agents or other synthetic ingredients.

6. Contains Yucca

            -Decreases stool odors

Healthy Gourmet Small Breed Puppy Formula

H.G. Small Breed Puppy Formula is specially designed to cater to the needs of a small breed puppy during the critical periods of growth. Increased levels of protein and fat support the small breed puppy’s energy requirements, while increased levels of calcium and phosphorous help with stronger bone and muscle development. Small Breed Puppy is also recommended for adult dogs during pregnancy and while nursing.

Healthy Gourmet Large Breed Puppy Formula

H.G. Large Breed Puppy Formula is specially designed to meet the needs of the larger breeds during this critical period of growth. Controlled growth is vitally important since too rapid growth could lead to potential problems later in life.

Healthy Gourmet Canine Adult Formula

H.G. Canine Adult Formula is for adult dogs that are moderately active. The combination of high digestibility along with high levels of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids help us in the common goal of maximizing nutrition and long term health. This formula helps maintain strong muscles, a healthy immune system, and beautiful skin and coat.

Healthy Gourmet Canine Reduced Fat Formula

As with people, Excessive weight in dogs can contribute to various health issues. Maintaining a lean body structure can be especially challenging for dogs that are less active as fewer calories are burned each day. H.G. Canine Reduced Fat Formula contains 27% less fat than H.G. Adult Formula. There are two feeding schedules printed on the bag, one to help decrease the weight of overweight dogs, another to help maintain a normal weight for our less active friends. This diet still contains all of the nutritional advantages of H.G. Adult Formula along with great taste.

Healthy Gourmet Canine Senior Formula

H.G. Canine Senior Formula is scientifically formulated to meet the changing needs as our canine friends begin to age. Reduced calories will keep your Senior trim, while increased levels of Glucosamine and Chondritin will help cartilage and joint health.

Canine Maintenance Formula

Canine Maintenance Formula is designed to accommodate the needs of dogs one year of age or older, of normal weight and moderate activity levels. This formula maintains an ideal balance of protein and fat that will help promote a healthy life for your dog.

Healthy Gourmet Kitten Formula

H.G. Kitten Formula is specifically designed to meet the needs of a kitten during the critical periods of growth. Increased levels of protein and fat are provided to support the levels of energy required during growth, and increased levels of calcium and phosphorous are provided for strong bone and muscle development. This food also contains Yucca to decrease kitten stool odor. Kitten Formula is also recommended for cats during pregnancy and while nursing.

Healthy Gourmet Feline Adult Formula

H.G. Feline Adult Formula, like the Canine Adult Formula, was developed to deliver high quality nutrition to your cat. Feline Adult Formula provides your cat with nutrient dense, high quality ingredients for long-term health and vitality.   This great-tasting formula is specifically designed for moderately active adult cats and contains Yucca to decrease stool odor and cellulose to help control hairballs.

Healthy Gourmet Feline Reduced Fat Formula

H.G. Feline Reduced Fat is specially formulated for cats that are less active. Compared to Feline Adult Formula, this high quality food contains fewer calories to assist in weight control, which can help decrease the risk of diabetes and other weight-related medical issues. This formula also contains Yucca to decrease stool odor and cellulose to help control hairballs.

We believe so strongly in this nutritional product that we would be happy to provide you with a sample (8 pound bag for dogs including puppy diets and 3.5 pound bag for cats including kitten diets) with your next visit.

Also………

At last, a new choice in dog and cat treats that are delicious and actually good for your pet. A Healthy Reward!

Canine Derma Treats

These semi-moist treats are made of a specialized protein (hydrolyzed chicken livers), potatoes and virtually nothing else! Ideal for dogs with food allergies, this hypoallergenic treat promotes skin and coat health while being low in calories.

Low Fat Canine Treats

These great-tasting treats are made with fresh chicken and are only six calories per treat!

Low Fat Feline Treats

These great-tasting, semi-moist treats are made with real tuna and are only three calories per treat!

As with iVet Formula diets, these treats are made with:

-          No wheat or soy.

-          No artificial colors.

-          No meat by-products

-          All whole meats

Proper nutrition when combined with regular check-ups, appropriate vaccinations, and regular parasite control will help insure the health of your pet throughout its life. Please consider iVet Professional Formulas as an important part of Striegel Animal Hospital’s complete program for your pet’s health and wellness.

March 28 Announcement: The Canine Good Citizen Program

The AKC sponsored Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program is designed for both purebred and mixed breed dogs. The purpose of the program is to ensure that our dogs can be respected members of the community because they have been trained to be well behaved in a variety of circumstances. This program is non-competetive and each dog is judged on a pass/fail system. It is designed to be fun for both the handler and the dog. To participate, the dogs must be at least 16 weeks of age and current on all of their vaccinations. The CGC is not an official AKC title, but is designed to reward dogs for having good manners. As of October 2, 2007, Dr. Kay Creese has been certified to perfom this test and provide the needed documentation to AKC for official certification of dogs and handlers who have successfully completed the test.

The test consists of 10 stations:

1.) Accepting a friendly stranger.
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.

2.) Sitting politely for petting.
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler.

3.) Appearance and grooming.
This test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will
permit a stranger to do so. The test also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense of responsibility.

4.) Walking on a loose leash.
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog.

5.) Walking through a crowd.
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places.

6.) Sit and down on command/staying in place.
This test demonstrates that the dog has training and will respond to the handler's
commands to sit and down, and will remain in the place commanded by the trainer.

7.) Coming when called.
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler.

8.) Reaction to another dog.
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs.

9.) Reaction to distractions.
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations.

10.) Supervised separation.
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left in the presence of a trusted person and will maintain its training and good manners.

Some frequently asked questions:

1.) How long is the test?
Normally, the test for each dog is approximately 20 minutes.

2.) What kind of training must be done with the handler and dog prior to testing?
Both handler and dog must have gone through a dog obedience school to take the test. Many are available. Striegel Hospital has its own, taught by Dr. Creese.

3.) What's so rewarding about the certification?
There is no "net worth" to the certification, but handlers and dogs who have that certification have gotten to the first step if the handler wishes to show the dog in any sponsored AKC events or competitions. It has also been used when negotiating with apartment and home owners when renting locations. It is also an honor for the handler and mixed breed dog.

4.) Is there a make up test if the handler and dog fail the test?
Yes, but there is a certain amount of time between testings. Things to remember is that any aggressive behavior shown by the dog even prior or after the test is grounds for excusal from certification.

5.) Where is the test administered?
Dr. Creese is still determining the best location and we will post the final date and location on our Website as soon as the location is determined.

6.) How does someone become qualified to perform the test?
Considerable time as a shower and judge of AKC sponsored events are determining factors to be considered prior to the individual to be allowed to take the test to qualify. As of this date and to her knowledge, no other person is qualified in Southern Illinois to administer this test other than Dr. Creese.

7.) If the test is passed, then what?
If the handler and dog successfully complete the test, a form is signed by the tester and that form, with the actual test results are given to the handler along with self addressed envelope to send to AKC for the certification. The certification fee is $5.00.

8.) What does the test cost?
For the time and preparation and paperwork of the test, each handler and dog combination will be charged $10.00.

November 19 Announcement: Pet Portals

Striegel Animal Hospital is proud to introduce…

Pet Portals!

Pet Portals are private websites that give you secure, online access to your pet’s health information. We provide Pet Portals free of charge to all clients who have an active e-mail address.

How can I get a Pet Portal?

Just give us your e-mail address and you will receive a password by e-mail. To get your Pet Portal simply:

1. Visit our website and click the Pet Portal login button. Just follow the instructions you’ll find under the “Want a Pet Portal?” header.

2. Give us your e-mail address when you visit the hospital.

3. Give us your e-mail address when you speak with us on the telephone.

How do I access my Pet Portal?

Visit our website at www.striegelanimalhospital.com and enter your e-mail address and password in the Pet Portal login box. You can bookmark the login page but not your Pet Portal since it is a secure site.

What do you do with my e-mail address?

We use your e-mail address as your Pet Portal sign-in name. You have the option of receiving your pet’s service reminders by e-mail. We use e-mail to contact clients about important practice and animal health news, such as information about Lyme Disease. We will never release your e-mail address to any other business!

Now you can manage your pet’s healthcare online!

You can use your Pet Portal to conveniently manage your pet’s health online at any time of day or night!

Use it to:

1. Remind yourself with an e-mail when to give medications, heartworm or flea preventative tablets. Medication Minders – available in your Pet Portal - make it easy to remember your pet’s monthly medications. Medication Minders are friendly, non-intrusive e-mails that you can have sent to you automatically on the day your pet’s medication is due. Setting up a Medication Minder is easy. Just go to your Pet Portal and click on the Pet Tools tab and go to Medication Minder tool.

2. Request refills of prescriptions and special diets – even when we are not open. Now you can request a refill of your pet’s medication or food – even when our practice is closed. Simply log in to your Pet Portal via our website and visit your pet’s individual record page. There you can review recent prescriptions and easily request refills!

3. Request an appointment or boarding reservation. Moving? New cell phone number? Update your contact information with us any time, online.

4. Print out your pet’s vaccination record. If you ever forget to bring proof of vaccination to your boarding facility, just print out your pet’s vaccination record from your pet portal. Many facilities will accept this as proof of vaccination.

5. Use PetNotes to easily print out pet health instructions for pet-sitters or kennel staff when you are out of town for the holidays or just on vacation. Use the “PetNotes” feature in your Pet Portal to create detailed pet care notes to leave with the kennel staff or your pet-sitter. Up-to-date information about each pet’s vaccination status and medications is automatically included. Print out legible instructions for each of your pets now – and save the instructions for future use!

6. Ask questions or communicate your concerns via Pet Mail – and easy-to-use messaging system available only from your Pet Portal. Our staff monitors Pet Mail each day that we are open for business and will make sure that your questions are answered quickly.

So don’t delay!

In addition to Pet Portals, Striegel Animal Hospital is upgrading our customary Postcard Reminders. The new reminders you will receive are highly personalized for services due and past due. They will also include messages specifically related to your pet’s age, breed and diagnosis as well as topical information related to the seasonal conditions and their impact on your pet.

We will also be sending highly personalized ID cards with service status and reminders for services due. If your pet’s picture is on file with us, these ID cards will have their picture imprinted on them as well!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

October 13 Announcement: The Canine Good Citizen Program