Kathleen and "Scotch" demonstrate how to administer oral medications to your cat:

















Cascade Summit Animal Hospital is a full service companion animal hospital. It is our mission to provide the highest quality in veterinary medical care in a friendly, relaxed setting. We hope you will refer your family and friends to our practice.

parasite prevention and control



There was a time when parasites like fleas, ticks, and roundworms were considered mostly a nuisance. Now, however, we know that parasites can cause serious illness and even death in pets. For example, ticks can transmit infections like Lyme disease, and fleas can transmit tapeworms and Bartonella – the bacteria that causes “cat-scratch fever” in humans. Another type of parasite, called a heartworm, is transmitted by mosquitoes. Heartworms live in your pet’s lungs and heart, causing damage to these organs, and sometimes even death. Intestinal parasites, like roundworms and hookworms, also threaten pets and are even transmissible to humans.
You may not always be able to tell if your pet has parasites. Fleas can hide under your pet’s fur, and some ticks are very tiny (only the size of a pinhead), so they are very difficult to find. Intestinal parasites like roundworms can cause diarrhea and other problems, but many infected pets don’t show any signs of illness at all.
Fortunately, we can recommend tests to tell if your pet has parasites. We can also examine your pet for evidence of fleas, ticks, or other parasites. Our expert staff can recommend medications to help control fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites. Preventing parasites in your pets also helps protect children and other family members, so let’s work together to protect your pets and family.
Veterinary examinations and parasite testing are important ways to protect your pet’s health. Let our knowledgeable staff provide you with a comprehensive parasite control program. We can recommend a schedule for parasite testing, discuss what signs of parasites you can look for at home, review ways to control parasites in and around your home, discuss treatment options if your pet has parasites, and recommend ways to control and prevent parasites in the future.
Parasites are not just a nuisance. They can carry serious diseases that affect your pet’s overall health and longevity. Let us help you protect your pet. Call today to find out how!

Full service companion animal hospital

Cascade Summit Animal Hospital is a full service companion animal hospital. It is our mission to provide the highest quality in veterinary medical care in a friendly, relaxed setting. We hope you will refer your family and friends to our practice.

Kathleen and "Scotch" demonstrate how to administer oral medications to your cat:


Patient Arrival Policy




For your protection, and that of others, all dogs must be on a leash and properly controlled while in the waiting area or exam rooms.
All cats must be presented in an appropriate cat carrier or on a leash. 
For your convenience, admit appointments are available. An admit means you could bring your pet at the time that works best for you and leave him/her with us for a couple of hours. Usually, we will ask you to come sometime in the morning, so our doctors can examine the patient in between appointments or at the time purposely reserved for admitted patients. Once the doctor is done with the exam, she will give you a call to go over the diagnosis and to give you discharge instructions.
For the safety of all animals in our care, we require that all vaccinations be up to date.  Even though we make every effort to make our patients feel comfortable during visits, they may be a little uneasy about new people, new surroundings, and other pets.  This is one of the reasons we ask that you do not restrain your pet.  We recommend that animals be placed on a leash or in pet carriers before entering the waiting room.




Giving the care to all animals




Wellness Plans
We are now offering a variety of wellness plans for our patients.  We feel that this is an exciting new option for owners who would like to pay for care on a monthly basis.  All plans are tiered - with the next level including everything in the plan below it, as well as additional services and discounts.
Our puppy and kitten plans have two levels - Primary and Basic.  The Primary plan includes all necessary vaccines, a fecal parasite test, giardia test, feline leukemia/fiv test (cats), and free exams for the year.  In addition, it provides owners a 5% discount on non-wellness care.  The Basic plan includes everything in the primary plan, pre-anesthetic blood work, and the spay/neuter with pain medication to go home.  This plan provides an additional 10% discount on non-wellness care.  There is a one-time enrollment fee of $99.95 on both plans.
Our adult plans have four levels - Primary, Basic, Basic plus, and Premier/Senior.  The Primary plan is similar to the puppy/kitten Primary plan.  It includes all necessary vaccines, a fecal parasite test, giardia test, heartworm test (dogs), feline leukemia/fiv test (cats), and free exams and health certificate exams for the year.  There is an additional 5% discount on non-wellness care.  The Basic plan includes everything in the primary plan, as well as an annual cbc/chemistry blood test.  The additional discount on non-wellness care is 10%.  The Basic Plus plan also includes a yearly urinalysis and a dental with digital dental radiographs or a spay/neuter.  Additional discount for non-wellness care is 15%.  The highest level plan is our Premier/Senior plan.  It includes two comprehensive senior lab profiles - cbc/chemistry blood test, urinalysis, thyroid test, and a more specific thyroid level.  The Premier/Senior plan also includes a 20% discount on non-wellness care.  There is a one-time enrollment fee of $69.95 on all adult plans.
Puppy and Kitten plans do not auto-renew at the end of the contract year since there are many options available for adults.  However, we do notify you that it is getting close to renewal time at the 11th month of the contract. We request that you come in to go over options for renewal and select your plan.  The enrollment fee is waived when switching from a puppy/kitten plan to an adult plan as long as it is renewed within 2 weeks of the contract expiration.  Our adult plans auto-renew at the end of each contract year unless you notify us in writing that you would like to cancel the plan.  Plan costs range from $18 to $45 per month.  Call or come in for additional information. 

Wellness Plans


We are now offering a variety of wellness plans for our patients.  We feel that this is an exciting new option for owners who would like to pay for care on a monthly basis.  All plans are tiered - with the next level including everything in the plan below it, as well as additional services and discounts.

Our puppy and kitten plans have two levels - Primary and Basic.  The Primary plan includes all necessary vaccines, a fecal parasite test, giardia test, feline leukemia/fiv test (cats), and free exams for the year.  In addition, it provides owners a 5% discount on non-wellness care.  The Basic plan includes everything in the primary plan, pre-anesthetic blood work, and the spay/neuter with pain medication to go home.  This plan provides an additional 10% discount on non-wellness care.  There is a one-time enrollment fee of $99.95 on both plans.

Our adult plans have four levels - Primary, Basic, Basic plus, and Premier/Senior.  The Primary plan is similar to the puppy/kitten Primary plan.  It includes all necessary vaccines, a fecal parasite test, giardia test, heartworm test (dogs), feline leukemia/fiv test (cats), and free exams and health certificate exams for the year.  There is an additional 5% discount on non-wellness care.  The Basic plan includes everything in the primary plan, as well as an annual cbc/chemistry blood test.  The additional discount on non-wellness care is 10%.  The Basic Plus plan also includes a yearly urinalysis and a dental with digital dental radiographs or a spay/neuter.  Additional discount for non-wellness care is 15%.  The highest level plan is our Premier/Senior plan.  It includes two comprehensive senior lab profiles - cbc/chemistry blood test, urinalysis, thyroid test, and a more specific thyroid level.  The Premier/Senior plan also includes a 20% discount on non-wellness care.  There is a one-time enrollment fee of $69.95 on all adult plans.

Puppy and Kitten plans do not auto-renew at the end of the contract year since there are many options available for adults.  However, we do notify you that it is getting close to renewal time at the 11th month of the contract. We request that you come in to go over options for renewal and select your plan.  The enrollment fee is waived when switching from a puppy/kitten plan to an adult plan as long as it is renewed within 2 weeks of the contract expiration.  Our adult plans auto-renew at the end of each contract year unless you notify us in writing that you would like to cancel the plan.  Plan costs range from $18 to $45 per month.  Call or come in for additional information.

Brushing Dog's Teeth

Dr. Ortner and her dogs, Cody and Brandi, teach you how to brush your dog's teeth at home:

Video Tour

Join us on a tour of our hospital.  A portion of the video shows you what happens during a dental cleaning.  This includes showing the pet anesthetized with the breathing tube in place.

Free Exam For New Clients!

 

Free exam for new clients.  A $50 value. Offer good for up to two pets.  Both pets must be seen at the same visit to qualify for the discount.  May not be combined with any other offers.  Not valid on alternative/naturopathic consults.

Microchip Your Pet Today!

Microchip your pet today!  A Home Again microchip, including registration, is only $40. The registration includes free animal poison control consults and lost pet services for the first year.

Wellness Plans

Wellness Plans

We are now offering a variety of wellness plans for our patients.  We feel that this is an exciting new option for owners who would like to pay for care on a monthly basis.  All plans are tiered - with the next level including everything in the plan below it, as well as additional services and discounts.

Our puppy and kitten plans have two levels - Primary and Basic.  The Primary plan includes all necessary vaccines, a fecal parasite test, giardia test, feline leukemia/fiv test (cats), and free exams for the year.  In addition, it provides owners a 5% discount on non-wellness care.  The Basic plan includes everything in the primary plan, pre-anesthetic blood work, and the spay/neuter with pain medication to go home.  This plan provides an additional 10% discount on non-wellness care.  There is a one-time enrollment fee of $99.95 on both plans.

Our adult plans have four levels - Primary, Basic, Basic plus, and Premier/Senior.  The Primary plan is similar to the puppy/kitten Primary plan.  It includes all necessary vaccines, a fecal parasite test, giardia test, heartworm test (dogs), feline leukemia/fiv test (cats), and free exams and health certificate exams for the year.  There is an additional 5% discount on non-wellness care.  The Basic plan includes everything in the primary plan, as well as an annual cbc/chemistry blood test.  The additional discount on non-wellness care is 10%.  The Basic Plus plan also includes a yearly urinalysis and a dental with digital dental radiographs or a spay/neuter.  Additional discount for non-wellness care is 15%.  The highest level plan is our Premier/Senior plan.  It includes two comprehensive senior lab profiles - cbc/chemistry blood test, urinalysis, thyroid test, and a more specific thyroid level.  The Premier/Senior plan also includes a 20% discount on non-wellness care.  There is a one-time enrollment fee of $69.95 on all adult plans.

Puppy and Kitten plans do not auto-renew at the end of the contract year since there are many options available for adults.  However, we do notify you that it is getting close to renewal time at the 11th month of the contract. We request that you come in to go over options for renewal and select your plan.  The enrollment fee is waived when switching from a puppy/kitten plan to an adult plan as long as it is renewed within 2 weeks of the contract expiration.  Our adult plans auto-renew at the end of each contract year unless you notify us in writing that you would like to cancel the plan.  Plan costs range from $18 to $45 per month.  Call or come in for additional information.

We Care for you Pet


Because of the shorter lifespan of our pets, we stress the importance of annual and semi-annual physical examinations based on age. Thorough check-ups and preventive care can help alleviate serious health problems. We offer a wide range of veterinary services to keep your companions feeling their best:
  • Wellness Plans:  We offer a variety of plan levels in order to provide your pet with all routine wellness care via a low, recurring monthly payment. 
  • Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services:  Our hospital is equipped to provide diagnostic and therapeutic services to care for your pets' complete health care needs. 
  • Surgical Services:  Our state-of-the-art surgical suite provides for the performance of a wide variety of surgical procedures.  We bring a board certified surgeon into our practice when needed to perform procedures that require a specialist. 
  • Anesthesia:  We utilize the safest available anesthetics to provide that extra margin of safety, especially for our older or high-risk patients. Using the most modern equipment, the patient's vital signs are monitored during all anesthetic procedures. 
  • Radiology Services:  Our on-site, digital x-ray equipment provides high quality radiographs to aid in the diagnosis of many disorders.  We also have an ultrasound available for advanced imaging of the internal organs. 
  • Electrocardiography Services:  We provide ECG services on-site as well as consultations with cardiology specialists. 
  • Laboratory:  Our in-house laboratory facilities provide for serum chemistry, hematology, serology, urinalysis and parasite testing. We also utilize commercial veterinary laboratories for specialized diagnostics and consultations. 
  • Preventive Health Care Programs: examinations, vaccinations, dental services, parasite control, nutritional counseling, and geriatric health care programs
  • Pharmacy:  We maintain a complete inventory of pharmaceuticals, vitamins, shampoos and heartworm preventatives to meet the needs of your pet. 
  • Dentistry:  Our dental services include teeth cleaning and polishing, digital dental x-rays, tooth extractions and oral surgery.
  • Dietary Counseling:  We will provide guidance regarding your pet's nutritional needs for each life stage, including dietary requirements for growth, weight maintenance and performance. 
  • Behavioral Counseling:  We can provide advice regarding the correction of problems such as excessive barking, chewing, spraying, scratching, digging, house soiling, separation anxiety and aggression.

Our Services


Cascade Summit Animal Hospital is a well-established, full-service, small animal veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care.


We believe in exceeding your expectations!  We go the extra mile for all our clients and patients so that your pet receives the best possible care and that you receive exceptional service.  We are set apart from other clinics for the following reasons: 



  • For patient comfort, we have a Bair Hugger air circulating blanket that covers your pet during surgery and heated kennels for recovery after surgery.  This is very important in helping to ensure your pet does not lose body heat during or after anesthesia. 
  • Our appointment times are longer than most clinics to ensure that your pet receives the attention that he or she deserves and that all of your questions and concerns are satisfied. 
  • For the fastest answers regarding your pet's condition, we have a full diagnotic laboratory in the clinic including blood machines, digital radiology, and ultrasound. 
  • We offer both traditional medicine as well as holistic services to give your companion the most comprehensive care. 

Vaccinations



Our Vaccine Philosophy
Vaccines have proven important in preventing serious disease in dogs and cats, but no vaccine is 100% effective or 100% free of side effects (such as allergic reaction, shock, autoimmune disease, and others).  For these reasons, it is important to design a personalized vaccine protocol for each pet, maximizing protection against the diseases your pet is likely to be exposed to while using the fewest vaccines possible. 




Our current vaccine recommendations are based on up-to-date research and the incidence of disease in our area.  During your pet's exam we'll ask you questions to assess your pet's individual risk, based on his/her lifestyle, and then design a customized vaccine protocol.  This can be modified as needed when that lifestyle changes, so be sure to let us know so we can keep your pet protected!

Holistic and Alternative Services

Herbal Therapy:  Chinese and Western herbal therapies each have their own unique historical development spanning thousands of years.  Most herbal formulas use synergistic combinations of plant substances, though Chinese formulas sometimes include mineral and animal substances (e.g. seashells, insects).  Many modern pharmaceuticals are derived from plants, and natural herbal formulas can often be used in place of drugs with far fewer side effects.

Flower Essences:  These are liquid preparations made by the permeation of sunlight through flower petals into water.  It is thought that this process infuses the water with the subtle healing energies of the blossoms.  Flower essences are used primarily to treat mental and emotional disharmony, each flower having its own sphere of activity.

Sound Therapy:  As a general term, sound therapy uses any type of audible or tactile frequency to harmonize the body/mind. Frequencies may be produced by chimes, gongs, tuning forks, musical instruments, nature sounds, electronic tones, or the human voice. At our hospital, tuning forks are used with the end opposite the struck fork placed on acupuncture points and other important areas. Each fork produces a different frequency and hence a different healing effect. Tuning forks may be used in conjunction with other modalities, and for stimulating acupuncture points in patients too sensitive for needling.

See all of our Holistic and Alternative Services at http://www.cascadesummitvets.com/blog/holistic-care

Puppy and Kitten Care



Do you have a new puppy or kitten? Congratulations on this addition to your family! One of the first things you should do when you bring your new pet home is to introduce him or her to us, as your veterinary care team. Puppy and kitten visits offer a unique opportunity to get you and your new pet off on the right foot!
Your puppy or kitten visit will include a full nose-to-tail physical examination. We will look for any signs of illness and make sure that your new pet is in good health.

Do you have questions about nutrition, training, vaccinations, grooming, parasite protection, or overall health? What about tips for introducing your new pet to other pets and family members? Even if you are a very experienced pet owner and have had puppies or kittens before, each pet is unique and offers an opportunity to learn something new! We welcome your questions and look forward to addressing any concerns you may have. The more educated you are about your pet, the better you will be able to care for him or her, so we strive to offer you all the support you need.

Puppy and kitten wellness visits also present an opportunity to discuss your new pet's recommended vaccine schedule and the best plan for parasite testing, treatment, and prevention. Our doctors and other staff members are well-educated about veterinary vaccines and parasite control, and our goal is to give you the best advice for your puppy or kitten. We will review your pet's vaccine and deworming schedule and discuss the best way to continue, so don't forget to bring any records that you have received.

We will work hard to help you understand your pet's health considerations, and we encourage you to be involved in decisions regarding your puppy or kitten's health care. Puppy and kitten visits are an excellent way to get your new pet started on the road to a happy and healthy life. Let's take these important first steps together.

Please call today to schedule an appointment for us to meet your new pet!

Chocolate Toxicosis Signs/ Treatment/ Prevention

  • Toxicosis is disease due to poisoning.
  • Chocolate toxicosis is a common problem in dogs, but less common in cats.
  • Depending on how much chocolate is ingested, the signs can range from a simple stomach upset to life-threatening problems.
  • The toxic ingredients in chocolate include caffeine and a chemical called theobromine.
  • Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are more toxic than white chocolate, but all of these should be withheld from pets.
  • Cacao bean mulch used in gardens can cause chocolate toxicosis if a large enough amount is eaten.
What Is Chocolate Toxicosis?

Toxicosis is disease due to poisoning. Chocolate contains two ingredients that can be toxic to pets—caffeine, and a chemical called theobromine. While dogs and cats are both very sensitive to the effects of caffeine and theobromine, cats are usually not attracted to chocolate, so chocolate toxicosis tends to be less common in cats.

The amount of caffeine and theobromine in chocolate varies with the type of chocolate. The general rule is the more bitter   the chocolate, the more caffeine and theobromine it is likely to contain. For example, unsweetened baking chocolate contains almost seven times more theobromine than does milk chocolate. White chocolate is also potentially toxic but contains less caffeine and theobromine than milk chocolate does.
Cacao bean mulch contains enough theobromine to be toxic if a dog or cat eats large enough amounts of it. Other products that contain caffeine include coffee, tea, and cola soft drinks. These should be withheld from pets as well.
 
Signs of Chocolate Toxicosis

Clinical signs of chocolate toxicosis can begin to occur within an hour of ingestion. Caffeine and theobromine are both stimulants of the brain and heart, so the clinical signs can include hyperactivity, increased heart rate, muscle tremors, and potentially death. Other clinical signs include the following:
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Chocolate smell on breath
  • Lethargy (weakness/tiredness)
  • Panting
  • Anxiousness, restlessness, and pacing 
  • Seizures
Complications associated with chocolate toxicosis can lead to death within 24 hours of ingestion.
 
Diagnosis

Caffeine and theobromine can be detected in the stomach contents and blood of animals that have eaten chocolate, but diagnosis of chocolate toxicosis is usually based on evidence that the pet has eaten chocolate.  Owners may  find candy wrappers, an empty baked goods tray, or other evidence that the pet has eaten something.

If chocolate ingestion is suspected, call your veterinarian immediately! Based on your pet’s weight and an estimate of the amount of chocolate eaten, your veterinarian may be able to calculate the amount of caffeine and theobromine that was ingested and determine if your pet is at risk for a toxic reaction. For example, if a large dog eats a few small pieces of milk chocolate, the amount ingested may not be enough to cause a problem. However, if a small dog eats one or two squares of bittersweet baking chocolate, this could be an emergency. Don’t forget that chocolate can have other dangerous components. For example, macadamia nuts and raisins are also toxic to animals, so be sure to tell your veterinarian if the chocolate that your pet ate contained any other components.
 
Treatment

As soon as you discover that your pet has eaten chocolate, contact your veterinarian  immediately. If your pet ingested enough chocolate to be dangerous, immediate treatment will be recommended. If the ingestion is detected early enough, your veterinarian may be able to induce vomiting to clear the chocolate from the stomach before it gets absorbed. Further care, including hospitalization for cardiovascular monitoring, may still be recommended. If ingestion occurred more than a few minutes ago, it may be too late to induce vomiting.

Your veterinarian may administer activated charcoal to your pet. This is a liquid that is given by mouth and limits absorption of anything in the stomach and upper intestines. Your veterinarian may also recommend hospitalization for administration of intravenous fluids (to help remove the chemicals  from your pet's system) and for monitoring. Because caffeine can be reabsorbed by the bladder wall, keeping your pet’s bladder empty can also help speed up recovery time. This is managed by frequent walking or by placing a urinary catheter.
 
Prevention

Dogs have a tremendous sense of smell and tend to be very curious about their surroundings. If there is chocolate in your home, there’s a good chance that your dog will find it and eat it. This means that leaving candy on a countertop or on a coffee table puts your pets at risk. Dogs will eat the entire contents of a “trick or treat” bag or an Easter basket if they have a chance. They will even knock trays of brownies or cookies off the stove  and eat them. Make sure to keep all tempting chocolate treats away from your pets.

Other foods that can be dangerous to pets include raisins (which can cause kidney damage), macadamia nuts (which can cause muscle tremors and shaking), xylitol artificial sweeteners (which can cause low blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure), onions (which can cause anemia), and uncooked bread dough (which can expand in the stomach and require surgical removal).

Caring for you Senior Cat

  • As cats grow older, their bodies become less able to cope with physical or environmental stress.
  • Cats are very good at hiding signs of illness, and health problems can appear quickly.
  • Most experts agree that healthy senior cats should see their veterinarians every 6 months.
When Is a Cat “Senior”?

With many cats living well into their teens or even twenties, many owners wonder: When is a cat truly a senior citizen? The answer is that there is no specific age at which a cat becomes “senior.” Individual pets age at different rates. As a general guide, however, the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) has suggested the following age ranges:
  • Mature to middle-aged: 7 to 10 years
  • Senior: 11 to 14 years
  • Geriatric: 15+ years
Knowing the general age of your cat can help you monitor him or her for early signs of any problems.
 
Health Issues in Senior Cats

As cats grow older, their bodies become less able to cope with physical or environmental stress. Their immune systems become weaker, and they are more prone to developing certain diseases or conditions, including:
  • Arthritis
  • Cancer
  • Cognitive disorders
  • Constipation
  • Deafness
  • Dental disease
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Heart disease
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Retinal disease/vision problems
This is why regular senior wellness visits with your veterinarian are important for the long-term health of your cat.
 
The Senior Cat Wellness Exam

Just as with people, it’s important for feline patients to see their doctors more often as they age. Most experts agree that healthy senior cats should see their veterinarians every 6 months. A thorough senior wellness exam is designed to:
  • Promote the longest and healthiest life possible
  • Recognize and control known health risks for older cats
  • Detect any signs of disease at their earliest, when they are the most treatable
During a senior wellness exam, your veterinarian will ask you questions to obtain a complete medical history for your cat and to determine if there have been any changes in health or behavior since the last visit. During the physical examination, your veterinarian will assess your cat’s overall appearance and body condition by listening to his or her heart and lungs; feeling for signs of pain, tumors, or other unusual changes in the neck and abdomen; checking joints for signs of arthritis or muscle weakness; and examining the ears, eyes, and mouth for any signs of disease.

A routine senior wellness exam should also include the following tests to check your cat’s blood for signs of disease and to assess your cat’s kidney and liver function:
  • Blood pressure
  • CBC (complete blood count )
  • CHEM screen (liver and kidney function )
  • Urinalysis
  • T4 (thyroid function)
Most veterinarians recommend that this baseline laboratory testing be conducted at least once a year in cats that are 7 to 10 years old and more frequently in older cats.

Additional tests may be required depending on the results of routine screening tests. Which tests are necessary and how often they are performed are different for each cat, but, in general, the ones listed above will provide your veterinarian with a good “snapshot” of your senior cat’s health. Over time, these test results can be tracked and compared to help your veterinarian detect any developing health trends.
 
Monitoring Your Senior Cat

Cats age much more rapidly than people do and are very good at hiding signs of illness. Therefore, they may appear healthy for a long time only to become suddenly ill once their ability to compensate for an underlying disease is gone. You can help your veterinarian by keeping a close eye on your cat between exams.

Unexplained weight loss or weight gain is often an early sign of underlying disease. Weight management itself can also be an issue: Many mature or senior cats are obese, while geriatric cats often have trouble maintaining their weight and can become too thin. Obesity can contribute to the development of diabetes, osteoarthritis, and other conditions.

Behavior problems also become more common as pets age. If you note any changes in your cat’s behavior (e.g., unusual cries) or regular routines, such as grooming or litterbox habits, bring your cat in for a checkup and inform your veterinarian.
 
Keeping up with Basic Care

Along with paying more attention to your cat’s health as he or she ages, you should continue routine wellness care such as parasite prevention, dental care, nutritional management, and appropriate vaccination. Maintaining proper routine care becomes even more important as your pet’s immune system ages.
Also, take steps to ensure your cat’s comfort, such as making sure litterboxes and food bowls are still easily accessible to your old friend and that you give him or her plenty of attention and affection.

Does you Pet have a Food Allergy

  • A food allergy is an immune response to something in the pet’s diet that did not cause problems in the past.
  • Food allergies commonly cause itchiness and/or vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats.
  • Food allergies are diagnosed with an elimination diet trial.
  • Long-term treatment can be very successful if the offending ingredient is avoided.
What Is a Food Allergy?

Food allergy (also called food hypersensitivity) refers to a type of physical reaction to food. Food reactions are classified into two categories: those that are the result of immune system stimulation and those that are not. Food allergy occurs when the immune system begins to overreact to ingredients that the pet has eaten with no problems in the past. Food intolerance occurs when what is eaten has a direct, negative effect on the stomach and/or intestines, such as spoiled meat, chewed up toys, food additives, and abrupt changes in diet. Food intolerance is not an immune reaction.

The list of known food allergens (substances that pets can be allergic to) is extensive and includes beef, eggs, poultry, dairy, lamb, pork, fish, corn, wheat, soybeans, preservatives, and dyes.

Overall, the immune system’s job is to find threats to the body and destroy them by sending signals to activate special cells. An allergy results when this system misjudges a safe substance, and the cells cause damage to the surrounding tissues. This is why animals with food allergies often have vomiting and diarrhea. Food allergies can also cause skin problems because the signals released may act in other parts of the body, too.
 
Signs of a Food Allergy
  • Skin
    • Itchiness (all over or even just in a few areas)
    • Skin infections
    • Ear infections
    • Hair loss
  • Stomach and intestines
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Abdominal pain
    • Weight loss
Diagnosis and Treatment

Many diseases can cause either gastrointestinal signs or itchiness, so your veterinarian will want to rule them out to diagnose a food allergy. Food allergies tend not to be seasonal, and signs are usually seen year round. The most obvious indicator of food allergy is that the signs clear up when the responsible ingredient is removed from the diet.

An elimination diet is the only proven way to determine which food is affecting your pet. Elimination diets consist of ingredients that haven’t been offered to the pet in the past, called novel ingredients.  Your veterinarian will prescribe a diet that contains only novel ingredients. The elimination diet can be thought of as a diagnostic test that may last up to 10 weeks. This test takes so long because the allergen may continue to stimulate your pet’s immune system for weeks after it is eliminated from the diet. The elimination diet will be the only food that your pet is allowed to eat during the trial period. During this time period, no other food, treats, or bones may be fed to your pet. Even regular medications, such as heartworm preventives, must be given in a nonflavored form. It may be difficult, but this is very important to help your veterinarian determine the food that is affecting your pet. If you want to give your pet a treat during this period, you can offer him or her a small amount of the same food that is being used in the trial. Talk with your veterinarian about this option.

Your veterinarian will probably also need to treat your pet for concurrent skin infections or diarrhea at the beginning of the diet trial because these problems may not resolve without medication.
If the skin and gastrointestinal problems resolve during the trial, your veterinarian may then “challenge” your pet’s immune system by feeding the previous diet to see if the signs come back. Sometimes, the diet used for the elimination trial may continue to be fed after the trial is over, if it is balanced and formulated to provide complete nutrition for your pet.

Routine Dental Care

  • Without routine dental care, most dogs and cats develop periodontal (dental) disease by 3 years of age.
  • Periodontal disease is the most common health problem in dogs and cats.
  • Bad breath may be a sign of periodontal disease in your pet.
  • Providing routine dental care for your pet can be easy and can benefit your pet’s oral and overall health.
What You Need to Know

Bad breath in pets may be a sign of periodontal disease that could lead to other health problems. Periodontal disease starts when plaque (a bacterial film) coats the tooth. Plaque hardens (calcifies) into tartar, a thick yellow or brown layer on the teeth. Tartar can irritate the gums, creating an environment where bacteria thrive. As the disease progresses, the gums become tender, red, and swollen and the bacteria continue to multiply. Eventually, the inflamed gums pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that trap more bacteria and food particles. The gums bleed, the roots of the teeth may become exposed, teeth may become loose, and your pet may feel pain when eating. If the bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can create problems for organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.
 
Signs of Dental Problems
  • Bad breath
  • Sensitivity around the mouth
  • Loss of appetite
  • Yellow or brown deposits on the teeth
  • Bleeding, inflamed, and withdrawn gums
  • Loose or missing teeth
  • Pawing at the mouth or face
  • Difficulty chewing
What to Do

Your pet needs routine dental care from your veterinarian and you. Annual veterinary checkups are essential for helping your veterinarian monitor your pet’s dental health, but don’t wait for a checkup if you suspect a problem. After an examination, your veterinarian may recommend a dental prophylaxis (tooth cleaning) for your pet. Anesthesia and pain medication are used for dental procedures. If dental disease is severe, your veterinarian will recommend the best treatment, which may include tooth extraction.
Pets are never too young to start having their teeth brushed at home; in fact, the younger they are, the better. Slowly and gently introduce your pet to toothbrushing. It should be a bonding experience that is reinforced with praise and rewards. Begin by rubbing your pet’s teeth and gums with soft gauze wrapped around your finger. Gradually switch to using a specially designed pet toothbrush or baby toothbrush with pet toothpaste (do not use toothpaste for people because it can upset your pet’s stomach). If your pet is most at ease on your lap, keep his or her toothbrush next to the chair where you sit together. Focus on your pet’s gum line, and work up to 30 seconds of brushing for each side of the mouth at least a few times a week. If your pet won’t tolerate brushing, your veterinarian can recommend plaque-preventive products for your pet.
There’s no substitute for regular brushing, but feeding dry food can help keep your pet’s teeth and gums in good condition. In addition, special plaque-reducing foods, treats, and toys can help. The Seal of Acceptance from the Veterinary Oral Health Council appears on products that meet defined standards for plaque and tartar control in dogs and cats. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.
Caring for your pet’s teeth can have several benefits. For example, a few minutes of brushing each week can help give your pet a longer, healthier life.
 
Ways to Prevent Periodontal Disease in Your Pet
  • Take your pet to annual veterinary checkups
  • Brush your pet’s teethor use plaque-reducing products at least a few times a week
  • Feed dry food
  • Provide plaque-reducing foods, treats, and toys

Grooming at Cascade Summit Animal Hospital

Grooming

 
Hello, my name is Chris Spooner-Huth and I am a certified dog and cat groomer with over 15 years experience. I enjoy working with pets that are nervous or anxious.

Over the years, I have worked in several different types of grooming establishments. I took lots of ideas with me as I found my place here at CSAH, and put them to the test. I am a firm believer that bath time should be enjoyable. So when I have a pet, I try to understand his or her personality to help them have a great experience. The CSAH grooming area is kept as quiet and relaxing as possible. Some pets don't enjoy nail trims, so I also offer to dremel. This greatly decreases the stress of nail trims.  

Are you tired of wrestling with your pet when it’s time for a bath? Are you nervous about trimming nails? Is regular brushing becoming a chore for you and your pet? If you’re looking for options when it comes to grooming your pet, come see me for your pet’s next bath, nail trim, or haircut. If you have a puppy, now is the time to get him or her introduced into the world of grooming. I feel it is very important when they are young. Please call me if you have any questions. Have a pawfect day!

Parasite Prevention

Parasite Prevention and Control

 
There was a time when parasites like fleas, ticks, and roundworms were considered mostly a nuisance. Now, however, we know that parasites can cause serious illness and even death in pets. For example, ticks can transmit infections like Lyme disease, and fleas can transmit tapeworms and Bartonella – the bacteria that causes “cat-scratch fever” in humans. Another type of parasite, called a heartworm, is transmitted by mosquitoes. Heartworms live in your pet’s lungs and heart, causing damage to these organs, and sometimes even death. Intestinal parasites, like roundworms and hookworms, also threaten pets and are even transmissible to humans.
You may not always be able to tell if your pet has parasites. Fleas can hide under your pet’s fur, and some ticks are very tiny (only the size of a pinhead), so they are very difficult to find. Intestinal parasites like roundworms can cause diarrhea and other problems, but many infected pets don’t show any signs of illness at all.

Fortunately, we can recommend tests to tell if your pet has parasites. We can also examine your pet for evidence of fleas, ticks, or other parasites. Our expert staff can recommend medications to help control fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites. Preventing parasites in your pets also helps protect children and other family members, so let’s work together to protect your pets and family.

Veterinary examinations and parasite testing are important ways to protect your pet’s health. Let our knowledgeable staff provide you with a comprehensive parasite control program. We can recommend a schedule for parasite testing, discuss what signs of parasites you can look for at home, review ways to control parasites in and around your home, discuss treatment options if your pet has parasites, and recommend ways to control and prevent parasites in the future.

Parasites are not just a nuisance. They can carry serious diseases that affect your pet’s overall health and longevity. Let us help you protect your pet. Call today to find out how!

Dental Care

Your Pet's Dental Procedure: 
the Cascade Summit Way!

The doctors and staff at CSAH wish the same level of quality care and attention to detail for your pet as we do our own. 

For this reason, we include several services during your pet's dental procedure that are not offered at many hospitals, such as:
  • Intravenous fluids throughout the procedure to maintain adequate hydration and blood pressure, followed by one-hour post-operative fluid therapy
  • Bloodwork prior to the procedure to check for organ dysfunction that might preclude anesthesia
  • Induction of anesthesia with Valium and Propofol, a safer anesthetic drug, providing improved recovery
  • Constant monitoring of your pet's blood pressure, oxygen level, heart rate, temperature, and breathing
  • A Baer Hugger heating blanket filled with warm air to maintain optimum body temperature
  • Two staff members at your pet's side at all times (including the doctor)
  • Digital dental radiographs, providing crucial information about your pet's dental health below the gum line
  • Local anesthetic for any teeth that need to be extracted
  • Heated kennels for recovery, in full view of staff members who watch continuously as your pet wakes
  • Analgesic (pain-relieving) medications, before and after, for optimum pain control
This is in addition to the standards expected of any hospital, including a complete physical exam prior to anesthesia, scaling and polishing of all teeth, the use of a high-speed dental drill to aid the extraction of unhealthy teeth (significantly reducing the time your pet spends under anesthesia), and the appropriate use of antibiotics when infection is evident.

Any anesthetic procedure includes some risk, but with the extra level of care we provide, those risks are minimized as much as current veterinary knowledge will allow.  We want your pet to go home with more than just clean teeth, but with a body and mind just as vibrant and healthy as when they arrived that morning.  We go the extra mile for you!

A Word from Dr. Ortner



Cascade Summit Animal Hospital (CSAH) is a place for people who really love their pets and want the best medical care for their animal companions. I would like to take a moment to share my vision for CSAH and tell you a little bit about myself.

I knew at four years old that I would become a veterinarian. I don’t believe I “chose” my profession as much as I believe it is a calling and not a job. Most veterinarians that I know felt the calling at a young age. I have since chosen to open my own practice, so that I could practice medicine the way that I believe is best. Owning your own practice can be a challenge and a conflict to a veterinarian because, after all, I didn’t become a veterinarian for the financial gain. Nonetheless, it is a business, and a delicate balance has to be maintained in order to remain viable so we may continue to provide services to the community.

When you visit us at CSAH, you will very quickly notice that things work differently here than at other clinics you have visited. For example, I like long appointment times when appropriate for the circumstances. I schedule one hour for sick patients or when a lot of time is needed to answer many questions, such as new puppy or new kitten exams.

CSAH is a privately owned and operated animal clinic. We have no quotas our veterinarians must meet, and we have no protocols designed solely to increase operating efficiency and profitability. When you choose to entrust the care of your loved pet to CSAH, it is important to me to spend time with you and get to know both you and your pet. This is, after all, what I find most enjoyable about being a vet.

You may be aware of a new trend in veterinary medicine of corporate owned clinics. Several major corporations own hundreds or thousands of clinics across the country, set medical protocols veterinarians are required to follow, quotas which must be met, and often follow a ten minute per client appointment schedule. Many clinics have a policy that all pets are given the same set of vaccines regardless of whether they need them or not. One corporation has published a defense of this protocol, saying that they give seven vaccines to indoor only cats, because they do not trust the client to really keep the cat indoors 100% of the time. Still other clinics focus on quick appointments, just the basic vaccines, and offer low cost basic care. At CSAH we feel differently about the quality of care our animals deserve, and we strive to offer a different level of service to likeminded animal lovers.

By contrast to the “big box” veterinary services, it is my desire to talk with you about your pets’ lifestyle and whether or not they need vaccines. If so, let’s discuss which ones are really necessary. I want to earn your trust so that you know when I make a recommendation, I only do so because I believe that it is truly the best thing and it is what I would do for my own pet.

At CSAH, it is my goal to provide the highest quality of veterinary medicine and service to those who are truly committed to the very best care for their animal companions. I believe that each different type of animal clinic fills an important niche and if it weren’t for the wide variety of levels of service and clinics, some animals would never see a veterinarian at all. Excellence in veterinary care is the niche that I choose to fill and the mission of everyone at Cascade Summit Animal Hospital.