Gehrman Animal HospitalQuality veterinary medicine for over 60 years
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GAH Members of Veterinary Information Network
Gehrman Animal Hospital is pleased to announce that our veterinarians are members of Veterinary Information Network (VIN). Vin is an on-line, veterinarian only web-based service that offers clinical information, continual education, support from other veterinarians. It allows us to search multiple resources including: numerous veterinary journals, veterinary textbooks, veterinary databases, and advice from other veterinarians around the country and the world; including board certified specialists. We can easily research the latest diagnostic and treatment options, allowing us to be better practitioners by being able informed in what is the latest in veterinary medicine.Great Client Education Site
Do you have questions about animal health, medications, therapies, surgery, behavior, or safety? VIN also supports a web site for clients, called Veterinary Partners. This is a free informational service for animal owners to research medical conditions, treatments, behavioral issues, information on drugs that your pet is currently being treated with, and other health issues for your pet.New Hospital Receives Design Merit Award
Veterinary trade magazine Veterinary Economics has chosen our hospital as one of the top twelve best designed hospitals in the United States for 2002. The hospital was featured in the October 2003 Veterinary Economics issue.
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Reaccredits Gehrman Animal Hospital
The Gehrman Animal Hospital has passed in the Summer of 2005 an on-site reaccredidation inspection covering over 300 standards of excellence in the following areas:
- Examination Facilities
- Pharmacy
- Laboratory
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Anesthesiology
- Surgery
- Dentistry
- Nursing Care
- Medical Records
- Housekeeping & Maintenance
- Continuing Education
- Emergency Services
Only 15% of all veterinary hospitals in the United States are certified. This accreditation is a voluntary program. We have chosen to be accredited because of our commitment to excellence in small animal care.
Canine Upper Respiratory Disease
There is an emerging new canine respiratory disease. In 2004 the disease was seen primarily in dog racing tracks in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Texas, and West Virginia. The infection has also recently been identified in pet dogs as well. As of October 1, 2005 there have been no reported cases in Minnesota.The following link is a discussion about canine influenza on the website of the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota.
Leptospirosis
In order to keep you and your dog safe, the doctors at Gehrman Animal Hospital are recommending that an additional vaccine for Leptospirosis be given. This would ideally be done at the time of your pet’s annual exam and vaccinations. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that has been around for a long time, but recently has been found to occur more frequently. While this was once only a disease of hunting and country dogs, veterinarians are now also seeing it in small urban pets. The disease can be present in stagnant or recreational waters and moist soil. In addition, natural disasters such as flooding seem to increase the risk of infection. Infection occurs by drinking, walking, or swimming in contaminated water sources. It can easily be spread from dog to dog or from dog to human through contact with infected urine. At this time, it is our understanding that cats have some degree of natural immunity to Leptospirosis infection.Leptospirosis infection can present in several ways. Clinical signs can include fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tenderness/weakness, shivering, dehydration and jaundice (yellow color to gums and whites of eyes). Some cases may result in severe liver or kidney damage and, if left untreated, Leptospirosis can be fatal. The symptoms of Leptospirosis are often similar to those of other diseases and so it can be difficult to diagnose. Vaccinating your dog for Leptospirosis will greatly reduce the risk of the disease for you and your pet. A booster is required one month after the initial vaccination and then yearly thereafter. Be sure to ask about Leptospirosis vaccination at your dog’s next appointment.
