Food allergies sometimes take a while to develop in pets. In this week's column for The Capital, Dr. Rattner tackles the complex process of diagnosing a food allergy. Various symptoms may present themselves over time before the cause is pinpointed and the subsequent treatment plan/food trial must be given adequate time to have an effect.  

Has your cat been diagnosed with severe arthritis, but left with few treatment options? In her weekly column for The Capital, Dr. Rattner discusses the current treatments available for felines. Did you know that laser therapy is a treatment that your cat may actually enjoy? It's not just for sports superstars anymore!

Class IV Laser Therapy, widely used in human rehabilitation, is now available for your pet at South Arundel. Class IV Laser Therapy alleviates pain, reduces inflammation and accelerates healing. Deep penetrating photons of light from the laser influence cell chemistry and metabolism in a variety of beneficial ways. Many acute and chronic conditions respond to treatment as pain and inflammation subside and healing occurs. Many arthritic patients benefit from this non-invasive approach. Treatment with Class IV Therapy Laser is painless. Learn more about Laser Therapy at South Arundel here.

Call to schedule an appointment with your SAVH veterinarian today.

Does your household include a bird? In this week's column for The Capital, Dr. Rattner addresses the possible causes and treatment of bird aggression. There are many forms of aggression; read the full article to learn what these are what to do about them. South Arundel's Dr. Catherine Adsit is available to assist you in treating your bird's behavior.

In this week's column for The Capital, Dr. Rattner discusses what to look for when adopting a kitten. Your guidelines may differ depending on whether you acquire your feline from a breeder, a home situation or a shelter/rescue group, but the most important consideration applies to all - you are making a commitment for your prospective pet's lifetime. Consider carefully and when adopting from shelters and rescues, don't forget the abundance of adult cats looking for loving homes.

In this week's column for The Capital, Dr. Rattner addresses vestibular disease in cats. She distinguishes between the different types of vestibular disease, the signs to watch out for and the prognosis. It is interesting to note that in our part of the country, most cases of this disease seem to occur in the summer and early fall.

Dr. Kligge was recently featured in an article in The Capital, highlighting his Maryland Veterinary Medical Association's Good Doctor award. Nominated by long-time South Arundel client Phyllis Scalettar, Dr. Kligge received his award at a ceremony in June. In the article, Dr. Kligge discusses his decision to enter veterinary medicine as well as his personal connection to his patients and clients.

In her latest column for The Capital, Dr. Rattner answers a reader's question about the causes of canine hypothyroidism. She discusses the breeds most affected, the possible causes and treatment options. Be sure to check out her column every Friday!

August means planning for back-to-school activities, including enrolling your dog in SAVH's obedience classes. This series of six one-hour classes is led by Margie Dowsett, a trainer with over three decades of experience. Class size is limited to ensure that you and your pet receive individual attention. Please visit our education and classes page for the class syllabus. The cost is $130 for the series of six classes and requires advance registration. Contact us today to reserve your dog's place in class!

In this week's column for The Capital, Dr. Rattner talks about the various viral and bacterial diseases that outdoor cats can be vulnerable to in their wanderings. They can also be particularly susceptible to poisoning and developing kidney disease via infection. Vigilant observation of your outdoor companion and regular vet care will keep you on top of any developing health concerns.

In her latest column for The Capital, Dr. Rattner surveys the pet insurance landscape. There are many things to take into consideration when reviewing the offerings of today's pet insurers: premiums, levels of coverage, pre-exisiting or hereditary conditions and specialist care coverage are just some examples. Check out this week's column for some great tips!

SAVH's Dr. Kligge received the Maryland Veterinary Medical Association's 2010 Good Doctor award in a ceremony on June 28, 2010. He was selected in recognition of his distinguished service, outstanding leadership, dedicated veterinary medical care and years of providing compassion and kindness toward his clients, patients and community reflecting the meaning of "good doctor." The doctors and staff of South Arundel congratulate Dr. Kligge for this well-deserved award. Please visit the MVMA's website for their article on Dr. Kligge.

In her latest column for The Capital, Dr. Rattner profiles the history and special traits of polydactyl cats - in other words, cats with extra toes! Do you have a "Hemingway" cat? The record holder was a cat named Mickey who had 32 (!) toes. Polydactyls are very special, indeed.

On July 2, 2010 Merrick Pet Care issued a recall of 86 cases of its Beef Filet Squares 10 oz bags of dog treats due to possible Salmonella risk. Salmonella is a health risk for both pets and humans handling the product. The treats were shipped throughout the US and are sold in 10 oz plastic bags marked with "Lot #10084TL7 Best by MAR 24 2012" on the top of the bag and on a sticker applied to the bottom. Please visit Merrick's Recall Page for further details. As always, contact your veterinarian if your pet is experiencing any of the symptoms indicated.

Additionally, United Pet Products has issued a recall for an extensive list of possibly contaminated products due to Salmonella risk, including nutritional supplements, hygiene products and ear powder. Check this FDA list for a complete list of affected products and brands.

In her latest column for The Capital, Dr. Francine Rattner addresses the use of sunscreens for your pet. There are a couple of ingredients - one each specifically for cats and dogs - that you need to make sure are not in the product you choose. This is an informative read for the season!

South Arundel's Dr. Catherine Adsit and tech Jen Norman were recently featured in The Capital article "A Different Breed" discussing the joys and challenges of exotic pet ownership. The article points out that the surest route to a healthy and successful relationship with your exotic pet begins with a great amount of research and thought before your acquisition. If you currently have an exotic pet or are considering adding one to your life, South Arundel can help you at every stage of ownership.

If you've been thinking about getting your pet microchipped, don't wait any longer. It could make the difference between being reunited with your pet or always wondering what happened. With international standardized technology, the new resQ chip can be read by ISO-compliant scanners all over the world. There is no registration fee or annual fee to have 24/7 online support to update your contact information or help you find your lost pet.

No sedation or anesthesia is required and it only takes a second. Please call to set up an appointment.