In this issue:

Warning: Microchip Debate
Veterinary Holistic Medicine
Old Bird Problems
Website Updates!

Warning: Microchip Debate This article is for everyone who has a microchip in there pet. There are two different microchips currently implanted into pets: 125-kHz and 134-kHz. The problem is that most shelters currently only have scanners that can read 125-kHz chips. So if your pet is lost and has a 134-kHz chip, their scanner won’t read your pet, so a lost pet cannot be claimed. Currently there is a debate in Congress about what standard to accept. Both companies who manufacture the chips obviously want their chip to be the standard, meanwhile lost pets suffer. Be sure to ask your Veterinarian what kind of microchip is in your pet, and ask if the local shelter has scanners that will read the chip.

Check out our dog and cat health pages at: Dog Health and Cat Health.

Veterinary Holistic Medicine According to a recent survey by AAHA, 21% of pet owners reported seeking alternative therapies to treat their pets. While more clients are asking for alternative therapies, most veterinarians want proof of efficacy of these compounds, are they safe and effective? Most pet owners appear to like having other options when conventional medicine fails. Holistic medicines aren’t held up to the same FDA standards of having to prove effectiveness. The pet owners have to be aware that while risks remain even for traditional drugs, holistic drugs are not required to prove their effectiveness. As always you should work with your veterinarian in deciding what course to take.

Be sure to visit us at Ask a Vet.

Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!

Old Bird Problems Some pet birds can live along time, most notably Amazon parrots can live into their 80’s. Older birds can show signs of muscle and weight loss. Arthritis, feather loss, skin depigmentation, and lack of feather luster are other common signs of aging birds. It is recommended that all pet birds be examined at least once a year by a veterinarian and older birds more often. The easiest thing an owner can do is to feed a quality diet to their bird. Malnutrition and nutritional disorders are still very common for pet birds. A lot of owners still feed an all seed diet, which lacks essential vitamins. Work with your veterinarian to find a healthy diet for your bird.

Website Updates Please visit our website often. Several new pages are added weekly, notably the weekly pet question and answer page posted under the Veterinary Question Achive. Visit the ask a vet page to ask your question.

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