Washtenaw Veterinary Hospital
May 2022 Newsletter
Keeping You Safe
When you make your wellness or sick patient appointment you will be asked if you prefer in person or curbside.
For IN PERSON appointments (wellness, annual and sick visits)
1.) Check in continues to occur from your vehicle. Please remain in your car and call reception to let us know you have arrived. Your technician will check you in over the phone and escort you into the building. We kindly request for routine appointments that you email reception (frontdesk@wvhcares.com) a list of your concerns, what you would like to accomplish during your visit, or any refills that are needed prior to your visit. This will limit your check in time and give you more time with the doctor. Most appointments are 45-60 minutes, this includes check in time. For this reason it it very important to arrive on time for your appointment. Clients that arrive more than 10 minutes late may be asked to reschedule.
2.) You may be asked to wear a mask. If you do not have one with you, we have masks available.
3.) Check out will occur in the room.
For CURBSIDE appointments (all technician appointments, surgery drop offs, surgery discharges, daycare appointments, or appointments that clients would prefer to be curbside)
1.) Please park in a designated curbside parking spot located towards the rear of the parking lot
2.) Call our front desk to check in, and let the technician know which spot you are parked in
3.) The doctor will call you to discuss the exam findings
4.) Our staff will escort your pet in and out of the building
COVID is not the only disease we are worried about
We are seeing a surge in tick borne diseases and Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a disease that can affects humans and animals, including your pet. The bacteria that causes Leptospirosis is spread through the urine of wildlife and infected pets. Infected urine can contaminate soil and water and can survive weeks to months in the environment. The bacteria can enter your pets body through drinking of contaminated water sources or absorption through the skin or mucus membranes. The disease can cause liver and/or kidney failure and can ultimately be fatal if not caught early and treated appropriately. We have had several positive causes in our practice and have unfortunately lost a patient recently to Leptospirosis. Prevention is very important.
1.) Annual vaccination helps to limit the number of cases
2.) Prevent accumulation of wildlife in your environment by not feeding and clearing areas that can become shelters
3.) Always wash your hands after handling your pets stool
For more information, please visit the CDC's website.
CDC Pets and Lepto Leptospirosis
Tick Borne Diseases
A new study supports what experts have been saying - ticks are moving into new areas and bringing new diseases. A national survey of veterinary clinics found positive cases of Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis in most states. In Washtenaw County, in the first 5 months of this year, there have been 4,408 positive exposure Lyme cases in dogs. Many veterinary clinics are doing routine screening for tick borne diseases, so we are seeing more positive cases due to increased testing. However the number of positive cases are continuing to increase. This confirm that ticks are not just in northern Michigan, they are living in our neighborhood environments. The CAPC recommends year-round tick prevention everywhere, and the new local data supports this recommendation.
We would be happy to discuss preventative options and the potential need for Leptospirosis or Lyme vaccination with you. If you have any further questions, you are welcome to email Dr. Eberly at ceberly@wvhcares.com
About Us
Email: frontdesk@wvhcares.com
Website: www.washtenawveterinaryhospital.com
Location: 2729 Packard Road, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
Phone: (734) 971-5800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Washtenaw-Veterinary-Hospital-1607321092883276/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Twitter: @Washtenaw_Vet