Crestwood Animal Clinic Newsletter Articles

Laser Therapy

We now offer the latest technology in health care for your pet – therapeutic laser treatments. Laser therapy is a deep penetrating light that allows relief of pain through the release of endorphins (naturally occurring neurochemicals in the brain that have analgesic properties) and stimulates injured cells to heal at a faster rate.

    Laser therapy:
  • Reduces pain and inflammation
  • Stimulates nerve regeneration and muscle relaxation
  • Accelerates... read more

    Added on 2010-06-03

    Heartworm Disease

    Heartworms are parasites that live in a pet’s heart and circulatory system. Adult heartworm produce offspring called microfilariae which circulate in the infected pet’s blood. Microfilariae are more common in dogs than cats. Mosquitoes feed on the infected pet’s blood and serve as a host while the microfilariae mature to an infective heartworm larvae. The mosquito bites a healthy pet and injects larvae into the skin. The larvae migrate through the pet’s tissues, into the circulatory system and... read more

    Added on 2010-06-03

    Save Money on Spays and Castrations

    We are happy to announce that the Cook County Department of Animal Control has decided to sponsor their spay/castration program again this year. In 2006 they dropped the program after eleven years, but brought it back in 2007. Crestwood Animal Clinic has participated in the program each year it was available. We think it is a valuable service for pets and are thrilled that the program is being made available again this year.

    February is the month to save on spays (ovariohysterectomies)... read more

    Added on 2010-02-01

    Canine Influenza

    Canine influenza vaccine is now available. Canine influenza "flu" is an infectious disease caused by a virus. It is highly contagious strain of the influenza A virus known as H3N8 that causes respiratory illness in dogs only. Other viruses are responsible for causing infections in birds, horses, pigs and people. The most common sign of canine influenza is a persistent cough. Some dogs have a soft, moist, "productive" cough, while others have a dry cough similar to that seen in dogs... read more

    Added on 2009-10-27

    Heartworm

    Those biting mosquitoes will soon be here. Unfortunately many mosquitoes have picked up heartworm larvae from already infected dogs and cats. It is important to keep your pet protected. When an infected mosquito bites a pet, it injects larval forms of heartworm into the skin. The larval forms migrate to the heart and lungs where they grow into adult worms that are 10 to 12 inches long. Left untreated, dogs usually die of congestive heart failure. Cats usually develop only 1 or 2... read more

    Added on 2009-05-28

    Successful Flea Control

    1. If you see fleas on your pet, you may have fleas in your home.
    2. To successfully control fleas in your home, all dogs and cats must be treated with individual doses of FRONTLINE® Plus. This will kill existing fleas and break the cycle of flea reproduction. It can take up to 3 months to bring a home flea infestation under control. For best results, apply monthly throughout the year.
    3. Treated pets can still pick up fleas. As long as you continue using FRONTLINE® Plus, any new... read more

    Added on 2009-05-28

    Pet Dental Health Month

    This February will be the 14th Annual National Pet Dental Health Month. Just like you, your pet needs dental care also. Regular daily home care from you with annual dental check-ups by your veterinarian help to prevent dental disease.

    Pets develop plaque, a colorless film that contains large amounts of bacteria on their teeth just like we do. If left unchecked, plaque builds up, creating infection, destroying gums, and results in the loss of the tissues and bone that support the teeth.

    ... read more

    Added on 2008-02-13

    Arthritic Cats

    Is your cat less eager to jump and play? Does she seem less mobile? Is he not shedding his nails properly? Are his nails becoming thicker making it harder to retract?

    If you answer yes to any of the above questions, your cat may have arthritis. Cats do not tolerate pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and Tylenol. In fact, they can cause serious liver and kidney problems leading to death in cats. Cats do not tolerate non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that dogs can... read more

    Added on 2008-02-01

    Obesity

    Is your dog overweight? Have you tried everything to get the weight off with out success?

    A dog is overweight if it is 5% to 19% above its ideal weight. An obese dog is 20% or more above its ideal weight. The extra weight does matter. An extra 7 pounds on a dog that normally weigh 35 lbs is a big deal. It’s similar to an extra 30 pounds on a person who should weigh 150 pounds.

    Obesity is associated with serious health problems: arthritis, cardiac disease, respiratory... read more

    Added on 2008-02-01