ABOUT DR. MICHAEL L. WIDENER
Dr. Michael Widener is a graduate of Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. He has over 36 years clinical practice experience and holds Bachelor of Science degrees both in BIOLOGY and PHYSIOLOGY graduating with HONOR (Cum laude), and with an additional major in ZOOLOGY that compliment his VETERINARY DOCTORATE DEGREE. Following his undergraduate graduation in 1981, Dr. Widener worked for Michigan State University in the Department of Biophysics, (now department of Anatomy-Integrative Biologic Sciences) performing surgery in the study of neuroanatomy on raccoons and squirrels. During Veterinary School Dr. Widener worked for Michigan State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory performing necropsies on a wide variety of animal species conferring valuable experience in medical pathology.
Founder: Dr. Widener is founder, owner, operator and principal Veterinarian at Farmhouse Veterinary Hospital (FVH) aka Farmhouse Family Pet Practice he began in 1994 for canine, feline and exotic animal medicine and surgery.
Expert Witness: Dr. Widener has served as an expert witness in Civil Court for the City of Lacey, Thurston County Animal Services in 2018, and again as an expert witness in Criminal Court for the City of Olympia, Office of the Prosecutor in 2019, animal cruelty trial cases. Dr. Widener also served the City of Tacoma Police Department in exotic animal confiscations for animal cruelty in 2019, 2020 and 2021 testifying in District Court as an expert veterinary witness.
Dr. Widener's interests in animal medicine are broad and include a keen interest in animal behavior and intelligence. Dr. Widener has traveled to India, Europe, Australia, Brazil, and Grenada in pursuit of his studies. In 2016 Dr. Widener traveled to Playa del Carmen Mexico where he was part of a select group of students and veterinarians chosen for Texas A & M University's MARVET- "MARINE VETERINARIAN" - taught by Professor Raymond Tarpley of Texas A & M University. Here Dr. Widener studied DOLPHINS, SEA TURTLES, MANATEES and more. He plans to continue his marine studies on PHOCIDS - SEALS - and their cousins. Dr. Widener also studies the South American XENARTHRA species of ANTEATERS, SLOTHS and ARMADILLOS of the New World.
One of Dr. Widener's most passionate interests is the study of our planet's biologic evolutionary history with particular reference to global environmental stresses, planetary extinctions, preservation, conservation, and modern cohabitation with all Earth's species Marine and Terrestrial.
Each year Dr. Widener attends conferences and seminars in canine, feline, and exotic animal medicine while avidly keeping abreast on issues of conservation and environmental health.
Dr. Widener is a member of . . .
The AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF FELINE PRACTITIONERS. . . and
The ASSOCIATION OF AVIAN PRACTITIONERS
He regularly attends the conferences of . . .
The AMERICAN BOARD OF VETERINARY PRACTITIONERS CONFERENCE. . . and
The AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF FELINE PRACTITIONERS CONFERENCE. . . and
The "EXOTICS-CON" COMBINED EXOTIC ANIMAL CONFERENCE ON AVIAN, SMALL MAMMAL AND REPTILE MEDICINE.
Outside his studies, Dr. Mike enjoys playing piano, spending time with his pets, hiking and mostly just being in nature.
PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY
1) Dr. Widener is a strong believer in education and the power of knowledge. He strives to continually educate his clients in the care of their pets by explaining the medical facts of each case in the pursuit of excellence of service. By consistently doing so and taking that extra time for his patients and clients, he has set himself apart from many. He believes strongly in doctor based good client communication and education.
2) Dr. Widener built everything you will see at FVH. It is a home style business in an actual home that suits his personality and practice desires. The practice is comfortable with all the tools of modern medicine within easy reach. Our building is 80 years old and most find it attractive with that "home feel" that puts both client and patient at ease.
3) Dr. Widener loves all animals and is why he sees so many varieties of species in his veterinary practice. He is known to fight for his patients on their behalf because animal patients cannot speak or advocate for themselves.
A good example of fighting for an animal's best interest is in declawing cats. Dr. Widener's practice was the first in our community to stop performing declaw surgery in the best interest for his feline patients. It is becoming accepted practice nationwide that veterinarians no longer perform this elective procedure in their practices. After long debate, it is the united position of the American Association of Feline Practitioners that the procedure should not be performed. Yet sadly, many clinics still perform this procedure on cats in our Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater community.
We called 18 of our local community vet clinics and hospitals in 2018 and found 12 of them will perform the procedure either willingly (7) or reluctantly (5) following a consultation, but only 6 of 18 said they firmly would not perform the procedure. We stand with the 6 who firmly say "no". We tried consultations once, but quickly found that being firm was the best way to advocate for our feline patients to avoid declawing. Please know there are many medical, physical, psychological and behavioral reasons in addition to ethical reasons why this archaic procedure should be avoided; and while some local clinics (12) still have a long way to go in our view, by and large our local veterinary community of practices perform a high-quality standard of care to be proud of.
It is often difficult to take a stand on an issue even when you know in your heart it is right. Fighting for the well-being of animals in patients that cannot advocate for themselves is in every case the right thing to do, and which as veterinarians we are all duty bound.
4) Dr. Widener will often use what he calls the "Template of Nature" in his decision making process in medical practice. Both Veterinarians and Medical Doctors use phrases like "Alleviate Pain and Suffering" or "Palliative Care" or "Quality of Life" as guide and goal in practice. While these are great, we propose that we go beyond these most basic well serving practice elements by looking at the template of nature. To use the feline declaw example again, some practitioners still justify the procedure by saying they "alleviate pain and suffering" by use of certain drugs or techniques, or that they perceive minimal affects on "quality of life" with little or no "non adaptive" harm as when case selected for younger cats. With all due respect to these practitioners, we believe they are oft misguided if not clueless, as it is indefensible in this day in age to diminish or ignor scientifically proven subclinical mental, physiologic, let alone ethical and animal rights HARM done by the procedure through misguided perceptions regardless of case selection, medications or techniques.
Let's remedy old misguided perceptions, respect animal rights, and look beyond our current guide and goal views on quality of life and pain and suffering by examining the perspective of nature. Let's ask ourselves more questions in our decision making processes in areas like euthanasia (palliative care versus when do I euthanize and why), enrichment (is my pet happy, not just healthy or out of pain), and purpose (is my pet being what he or she is meant to be), and many other similar questions in medicine and surgery from a nature perspective where we are better able to understand and justify our decisions, medical and otherwise, with regard to animal life.
By studying nature we are brought one step closer to understanding the complex myriad of life and are then better informed to make decisions on animal care. Animal care takers, doctors, researchers and all who endeavor to understand animal intelligence, behavior, communication, and bonding have come to understand there is more to animals and their lives than meets the eye. People like Jane Goodall, Temple Grandin, Albert Sweitzer, Christine Stevens and thousands like them have shed new light on the animal perspective by means of connection, observation and ethics often oblivious to people. This is what Dr. Widener means by what he calls the "Template of Nature," as additional guide and goal if you will, to be examined and counseled in decision making processes with clients embracing what Dr. Albert Sweitzer called "reverence for life."
5) There is often more than one medical approach, technique or way to accomplish a medical goal for each client and patient. This is especially important given realities of financial constraints. While we are not the most expensive practice in town, neither are we the least. We strive to accomplish our medical goals regardless of financial circumstances to the best of our abilities by taking a "one step at a time" approach to diagnostics and services without compromising our values, good medical practice and duties to the patient. If plan A is not viable, then we will try plan B, etc.; after taking step ONE, we will reassess for step TWO, and so forth. For example, if we did not draw blood or take x-rays on the first visit, we will if necessary on the followup visit. Sometimes everything is a must on day one, sometimes not. A step by step approach can save money as compared to some practices that may front load their diagnostics and services on the first visit that may result in unnecessary charges. These are judgment calls and there is no real right or wrong so long as there is always at the fore good communication, mutual consent and understanding that the patient should always come first regardless of case approach, costs, or opinions.
6) Unique to Dr. Widener is his involvement in all aspects of his practice affording ample doctor time to each client from start to finish that maximizes flow continuity, client education and understanding throughout your office visit. Seeing one doctor consistently has many advantages in practice, but it is not easily amenable or doable in some large practices. Even on our most busy days where there are no parking spaces left, we are committed to providing to you the client and thus by proxy to your pet maximized one on one doctor time in the same manner that a teacher can afford more personal and effective teaching in small verses large classrooms for your children.
7) The business model employed by FVH is small, personal and educational, while at the same time medically complete in every sense, on par with any practice of any size. It is uniquely opposite to business models that primarily favor growth and that may put the squeeze on the "personal touch" doctor patient relationship. Some people prefer a more insulated, impersonal, numerical approach with more handouts and tech emphasis in their doctor-patient relationship veterinary care visits and this is ok, but we have found this may diminish the doctor focused communication we emphasize at our hospital.
ON CHOOSING A PRACTICE
Please don't judge a practice by its cover. Whether or not a practice is large and spiffy or commercially built with many doctors and techs with all kinds of events, offerings, and happenings, or has huge advertising or tempts you with the allure of freebies, low prices and discounts, does not necessarily mean the service, medicine or care provided is superior. Judge a practice by its doctor - the one doctor you see - on his or her commitment to excellence, patient well being, honesty, medical knowledge, skill and expertise. Most importantly judge a practice by your doctor's overall practice experience - the more the better - and if he or she demonstrates a genuine connection with animals with a never ending yearning to want to learn more as a practitioner for them. Finally judge a practice by a proven willingness to help you with your pets medical needs that go beyond the usual social pleasantries, mantras, mission statements or advertisements, and remember this should be the case consistently every day no matter how busy a practice might be.
[Note: FVH does not do paid advertisement or internet placement.]
Dr. Michael Widener is a graduate of Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. He has over 36 years clinical practice experience and holds Bachelor of Science degrees both in BIOLOGY and PHYSIOLOGY graduating with HONOR (Cum laude), and with an additional major in ZOOLOGY that compliment his VETERINARY DOCTORATE DEGREE. Following his undergraduate graduation in 1981, Dr. Widener worked for Michigan State University in the Department of Biophysics, (now department of Anatomy-Integrative Biologic Sciences) performing surgery in the study of neuroanatomy on raccoons and squirrels. During Veterinary School Dr. Widener worked for Michigan State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory performing necropsies on a wide variety of animal species conferring valuable experience in medical pathology.
Founder: Dr. Widener is founder, owner, operator and principal Veterinarian at Farmhouse Veterinary Hospital (FVH) aka Farmhouse Family Pet Practice he began in 1994 for canine, feline and exotic animal medicine and surgery.
Expert Witness: Dr. Widener has served as an expert witness in Civil Court for the City of Lacey, Thurston County Animal Services in 2018, and again as an expert witness in Criminal Court for the City of Olympia, Office of the Prosecutor in 2019, animal cruelty trial cases. Dr. Widener also served the City of Tacoma Police Department in exotic animal confiscations for animal cruelty in 2019, 2020 and 2021 testifying in District Court as an expert veterinary witness.
Dr. Widener's interests in animal medicine are broad and include a keen interest in animal behavior and intelligence. Dr. Widener has traveled to India, Europe, Australia, Brazil, and Grenada in pursuit of his studies. In 2016 Dr. Widener traveled to Playa del Carmen Mexico where he was part of a select group of students and veterinarians chosen for Texas A & M University's MARVET- "MARINE VETERINARIAN" - taught by Professor Raymond Tarpley of Texas A & M University. Here Dr. Widener studied DOLPHINS, SEA TURTLES, MANATEES and more. He plans to continue his marine studies on PHOCIDS - SEALS - and their cousins. Dr. Widener also studies the South American XENARTHRA species of ANTEATERS, SLOTHS and ARMADILLOS of the New World.
One of Dr. Widener's most passionate interests is the study of our planet's biologic evolutionary history with particular reference to global environmental stresses, planetary extinctions, preservation, conservation, and modern cohabitation with all Earth's species Marine and Terrestrial.
Each year Dr. Widener attends conferences and seminars in canine, feline, and exotic animal medicine while avidly keeping abreast on issues of conservation and environmental health.
Dr. Widener is a member of . . .
The AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF FELINE PRACTITIONERS. . . and
The ASSOCIATION OF AVIAN PRACTITIONERS
He regularly attends the conferences of . . .
The AMERICAN BOARD OF VETERINARY PRACTITIONERS CONFERENCE. . . and
The AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF FELINE PRACTITIONERS CONFERENCE. . . and
The "EXOTICS-CON" COMBINED EXOTIC ANIMAL CONFERENCE ON AVIAN, SMALL MAMMAL AND REPTILE MEDICINE.
Outside his studies, Dr. Mike enjoys playing piano, spending time with his pets, hiking and mostly just being in nature.
PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY
1) Dr. Widener is a strong believer in education and the power of knowledge. He strives to continually educate his clients in the care of their pets by explaining the medical facts of each case in the pursuit of excellence of service. By consistently doing so and taking that extra time for his patients and clients, he has set himself apart from many. He believes strongly in doctor based good client communication and education.
2) Dr. Widener built everything you will see at FVH. It is a home style business in an actual home that suits his personality and practice desires. The practice is comfortable with all the tools of modern medicine within easy reach. Our building is 80 years old and most find it attractive with that "home feel" that puts both client and patient at ease.
3) Dr. Widener loves all animals and is why he sees so many varieties of species in his veterinary practice. He is known to fight for his patients on their behalf because animal patients cannot speak or advocate for themselves.
A good example of fighting for an animal's best interest is in declawing cats. Dr. Widener's practice was the first in our community to stop performing declaw surgery in the best interest for his feline patients. It is becoming accepted practice nationwide that veterinarians no longer perform this elective procedure in their practices. After long debate, it is the united position of the American Association of Feline Practitioners that the procedure should not be performed. Yet sadly, many clinics still perform this procedure on cats in our Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater community.
We called 18 of our local community vet clinics and hospitals in 2018 and found 12 of them will perform the procedure either willingly (7) or reluctantly (5) following a consultation, but only 6 of 18 said they firmly would not perform the procedure. We stand with the 6 who firmly say "no". We tried consultations once, but quickly found that being firm was the best way to advocate for our feline patients to avoid declawing. Please know there are many medical, physical, psychological and behavioral reasons in addition to ethical reasons why this archaic procedure should be avoided; and while some local clinics (12) still have a long way to go in our view, by and large our local veterinary community of practices perform a high-quality standard of care to be proud of.
It is often difficult to take a stand on an issue even when you know in your heart it is right. Fighting for the well-being of animals in patients that cannot advocate for themselves is in every case the right thing to do, and which as veterinarians we are all duty bound.
4) Dr. Widener will often use what he calls the "Template of Nature" in his decision making process in medical practice. Both Veterinarians and Medical Doctors use phrases like "Alleviate Pain and Suffering" or "Palliative Care" or "Quality of Life" as guide and goal in practice. While these are great, we propose that we go beyond these most basic well serving practice elements by looking at the template of nature. To use the feline declaw example again, some practitioners still justify the procedure by saying they "alleviate pain and suffering" by use of certain drugs or techniques, or that they perceive minimal affects on "quality of life" with little or no "non adaptive" harm as when case selected for younger cats. With all due respect to these practitioners, we believe they are oft misguided if not clueless, as it is indefensible in this day in age to diminish or ignor scientifically proven subclinical mental, physiologic, let alone ethical and animal rights HARM done by the procedure through misguided perceptions regardless of case selection, medications or techniques.
Let's remedy old misguided perceptions, respect animal rights, and look beyond our current guide and goal views on quality of life and pain and suffering by examining the perspective of nature. Let's ask ourselves more questions in our decision making processes in areas like euthanasia (palliative care versus when do I euthanize and why), enrichment (is my pet happy, not just healthy or out of pain), and purpose (is my pet being what he or she is meant to be), and many other similar questions in medicine and surgery from a nature perspective where we are better able to understand and justify our decisions, medical and otherwise, with regard to animal life.
By studying nature we are brought one step closer to understanding the complex myriad of life and are then better informed to make decisions on animal care. Animal care takers, doctors, researchers and all who endeavor to understand animal intelligence, behavior, communication, and bonding have come to understand there is more to animals and their lives than meets the eye. People like Jane Goodall, Temple Grandin, Albert Sweitzer, Christine Stevens and thousands like them have shed new light on the animal perspective by means of connection, observation and ethics often oblivious to people. This is what Dr. Widener means by what he calls the "Template of Nature," as additional guide and goal if you will, to be examined and counseled in decision making processes with clients embracing what Dr. Albert Sweitzer called "reverence for life."
5) There is often more than one medical approach, technique or way to accomplish a medical goal for each client and patient. This is especially important given realities of financial constraints. While we are not the most expensive practice in town, neither are we the least. We strive to accomplish our medical goals regardless of financial circumstances to the best of our abilities by taking a "one step at a time" approach to diagnostics and services without compromising our values, good medical practice and duties to the patient. If plan A is not viable, then we will try plan B, etc.; after taking step ONE, we will reassess for step TWO, and so forth. For example, if we did not draw blood or take x-rays on the first visit, we will if necessary on the followup visit. Sometimes everything is a must on day one, sometimes not. A step by step approach can save money as compared to some practices that may front load their diagnostics and services on the first visit that may result in unnecessary charges. These are judgment calls and there is no real right or wrong so long as there is always at the fore good communication, mutual consent and understanding that the patient should always come first regardless of case approach, costs, or opinions.
6) Unique to Dr. Widener is his involvement in all aspects of his practice affording ample doctor time to each client from start to finish that maximizes flow continuity, client education and understanding throughout your office visit. Seeing one doctor consistently has many advantages in practice, but it is not easily amenable or doable in some large practices. Even on our most busy days where there are no parking spaces left, we are committed to providing to you the client and thus by proxy to your pet maximized one on one doctor time in the same manner that a teacher can afford more personal and effective teaching in small verses large classrooms for your children.
7) The business model employed by FVH is small, personal and educational, while at the same time medically complete in every sense, on par with any practice of any size. It is uniquely opposite to business models that primarily favor growth and that may put the squeeze on the "personal touch" doctor patient relationship. Some people prefer a more insulated, impersonal, numerical approach with more handouts and tech emphasis in their doctor-patient relationship veterinary care visits and this is ok, but we have found this may diminish the doctor focused communication we emphasize at our hospital.
ON CHOOSING A PRACTICE
Please don't judge a practice by its cover. Whether or not a practice is large and spiffy or commercially built with many doctors and techs with all kinds of events, offerings, and happenings, or has huge advertising or tempts you with the allure of freebies, low prices and discounts, does not necessarily mean the service, medicine or care provided is superior. Judge a practice by its doctor - the one doctor you see - on his or her commitment to excellence, patient well being, honesty, medical knowledge, skill and expertise. Most importantly judge a practice by your doctor's overall practice experience - the more the better - and if he or she demonstrates a genuine connection with animals with a never ending yearning to want to learn more as a practitioner for them. Finally judge a practice by a proven willingness to help you with your pets medical needs that go beyond the usual social pleasantries, mantras, mission statements or advertisements, and remember this should be the case consistently every day no matter how busy a practice might be.
[Note: FVH does not do paid advertisement or internet placement.]
QUIZ & QUESTIONS . . .
Client Education and Understanding is fundamental to your pets medical care. Veterinarians agree knowing why a product or service is recommended by your doctor can be critically important to your pets care and compliance, but sadly some veterinarians do not take or simply do not have the time to explain fundamental elements of your pets treatment plan often referring to the internet, client brochures, waiting room videos, technicians or computer generated info sheets with your receipts for your teaching understanding. While these are all good in and of themselves, they pale when compared to real face time teaching by the doctor. Technician time and client info sheets should be used as reinforcements of primary doctor education and teaching, not in lieu of full length discussions of results or treatment plans by your doctor.
At FVH we take pride in our client education. We strive to eliminate confusion not create it, and to maximize understanding with regard to your pet's treatment, care and well being. When we question clients that have been to other clinics for a problem they want us to see we often find the understanding of issues lacking mostly because (according to the client), they were "never told" something important to their case. As previously stated, we believe all our surrounding veterinary clinics and professionals are great, but sometimes as educators we may occasionally fall through the cracks.
So the following questions are meant to test your doctor taught preventive care understanding to emphasize our point using some common pet issues commonly seen at veterinary hospitals. Please take the time to read through the following questions and see how you do based on how well you have been taught. Remember it is our job as "veterinarian educators" to help you take the very best care of your beloved pet!
Question: Many of us own DOGS or CATS that are in chronic pain. Pain specialists will often recommend a multi modality approach to pain management where the more modes employed the better. If you have a dog or a cat that suffers from Chronic OA (Osteoarthritis), CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT MULTI MODALITY APPROACH TO YOUR PET'S PAIN MANAGEMENT YOU HAVE TAKEN, NAMING EACH MODE, AND DESCRIBING WHY EACH IS IMPORTANT.
Question: If you own a CHICKEN or DUCK you are probably aware of what bumble foot is. Preventing it is important to poultry health. If you have ever brought a chicken or duck to a vet for bumble foot lameness, CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT THE TWO MOST COMMON CAUSES OF BUMBLE FOOT ARE IN CHICKENS AND DUCKS AND HOW IT IS PREVENTED?
Question: If you own a CHINCHILLA or a GUINEA PIG or RABBIT, then I'm sure you are aware that they can get teeth problems. Many times these animals are brought in long after clinical signs of overt illness has developed. CAN YOU NAME THREE COMMON CLINICAL SIGNS TO LOOK FOR THAT MAY SIGNAL WHEN YOUR PET MANY BE HAVING DENTAL ISSUES BEFORE YOUR PET BECOMES OVERTLY ILL?
Question: Most avian owners are aware that BIRDS are masters of hiding their illnesses making it difficult to ascertain when a bird may be getting sick. CAN YOU NAME THREE IMPORTANT THINGS YOU CAN DO AT HOME FOR YOUR BIRD IF YOU BELIEVE YOUR BIRD MAY BE GETTING SICK? . . . THIS IS IN ADDITION TO TAKING YOUR BIRD TO AN AVIAN VET ! ! !
Question: REPTILE owners are very aware of the importance of UVB light for their reptile pet. For reptiles owners with indoor habitats, HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOUR UVB LIGHT IS WORKING CORRECTLY? and. . . CAN YOU NAME FOUR COMMON REPTILE MANAGEMENT FAILURES? [Currently we see only land tortoises at FVH].
Question: Many vets routinely prescribe FISH OIL to their clients and we are no exception. There are many scientifically proven benefits to prescribing fish oil for their Omega 3/6 antioxidant fatty acids effects. CAN YOU STATE AT LEAST FIVE CLINICALLY PROVEN BENEFITS OF USING FISH OIL FOR YOUR PET? and. . . WHY SOME BRAND SOURCES ARE SUPERIOR TO OTHERS?
Question: It is not likely too many readers will know off hand the answer to this final question on DOLPHIN health, but if you have been mentored well in preventative medicine with your current pet of any kind, you should be able to figure out the answer. WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF DOLPHIN ILLNESS SEEN IN DOLPHINS KEPT IN CAPTIVITY?
FOR THE ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS AND MORE, VISIT FVH AND SEE IF OUR CLINIC IS RIGHT FOR YOU.
Client Education and Understanding is fundamental to your pets medical care. Veterinarians agree knowing why a product or service is recommended by your doctor can be critically important to your pets care and compliance, but sadly some veterinarians do not take or simply do not have the time to explain fundamental elements of your pets treatment plan often referring to the internet, client brochures, waiting room videos, technicians or computer generated info sheets with your receipts for your teaching understanding. While these are all good in and of themselves, they pale when compared to real face time teaching by the doctor. Technician time and client info sheets should be used as reinforcements of primary doctor education and teaching, not in lieu of full length discussions of results or treatment plans by your doctor.
At FVH we take pride in our client education. We strive to eliminate confusion not create it, and to maximize understanding with regard to your pet's treatment, care and well being. When we question clients that have been to other clinics for a problem they want us to see we often find the understanding of issues lacking mostly because (according to the client), they were "never told" something important to their case. As previously stated, we believe all our surrounding veterinary clinics and professionals are great, but sometimes as educators we may occasionally fall through the cracks.
So the following questions are meant to test your doctor taught preventive care understanding to emphasize our point using some common pet issues commonly seen at veterinary hospitals. Please take the time to read through the following questions and see how you do based on how well you have been taught. Remember it is our job as "veterinarian educators" to help you take the very best care of your beloved pet!
Question: Many of us own DOGS or CATS that are in chronic pain. Pain specialists will often recommend a multi modality approach to pain management where the more modes employed the better. If you have a dog or a cat that suffers from Chronic OA (Osteoarthritis), CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT MULTI MODALITY APPROACH TO YOUR PET'S PAIN MANAGEMENT YOU HAVE TAKEN, NAMING EACH MODE, AND DESCRIBING WHY EACH IS IMPORTANT.
Question: If you own a CHICKEN or DUCK you are probably aware of what bumble foot is. Preventing it is important to poultry health. If you have ever brought a chicken or duck to a vet for bumble foot lameness, CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT THE TWO MOST COMMON CAUSES OF BUMBLE FOOT ARE IN CHICKENS AND DUCKS AND HOW IT IS PREVENTED?
Question: If you own a CHINCHILLA or a GUINEA PIG or RABBIT, then I'm sure you are aware that they can get teeth problems. Many times these animals are brought in long after clinical signs of overt illness has developed. CAN YOU NAME THREE COMMON CLINICAL SIGNS TO LOOK FOR THAT MAY SIGNAL WHEN YOUR PET MANY BE HAVING DENTAL ISSUES BEFORE YOUR PET BECOMES OVERTLY ILL?
Question: Most avian owners are aware that BIRDS are masters of hiding their illnesses making it difficult to ascertain when a bird may be getting sick. CAN YOU NAME THREE IMPORTANT THINGS YOU CAN DO AT HOME FOR YOUR BIRD IF YOU BELIEVE YOUR BIRD MAY BE GETTING SICK? . . . THIS IS IN ADDITION TO TAKING YOUR BIRD TO AN AVIAN VET ! ! !
Question: REPTILE owners are very aware of the importance of UVB light for their reptile pet. For reptiles owners with indoor habitats, HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOUR UVB LIGHT IS WORKING CORRECTLY? and. . . CAN YOU NAME FOUR COMMON REPTILE MANAGEMENT FAILURES? [Currently we see only land tortoises at FVH].
Question: Many vets routinely prescribe FISH OIL to their clients and we are no exception. There are many scientifically proven benefits to prescribing fish oil for their Omega 3/6 antioxidant fatty acids effects. CAN YOU STATE AT LEAST FIVE CLINICALLY PROVEN BENEFITS OF USING FISH OIL FOR YOUR PET? and. . . WHY SOME BRAND SOURCES ARE SUPERIOR TO OTHERS?
Question: It is not likely too many readers will know off hand the answer to this final question on DOLPHIN health, but if you have been mentored well in preventative medicine with your current pet of any kind, you should be able to figure out the answer. WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF DOLPHIN ILLNESS SEEN IN DOLPHINS KEPT IN CAPTIVITY?
FOR THE ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS AND MORE, VISIT FVH AND SEE IF OUR CLINIC IS RIGHT FOR YOU.
