Monday, January 28, 2013

Fighting Ovarian Cancer with Animal Passion


Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness Organization: Fighting ovarian cancer with animal passion

This weekend, the Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness Organization (OCSA) and the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA) launched an innovative new awareness program, the OCSA Veterinary Outreach Program, whose mission is "fighting ovarian cancer with animal passion," and seeks to engage and collaborate with the veterinary community members who have immediate access to individuals already included to discuss health issues in their presence.

ISVMA members have reported that "clients talking about their pet's health often feel comfortable talking to to the  veterinarian about their own health concerns.  This program provides that veterinarian with an easy transition into difficult concerns and conversations.  Raising awareness about this silent killer and saving lives will be the goal of the OSCA Veterinary Outreach Program.  The collaboration and exchange of information can ultimately help save lives," said Peter Weber, executive director, Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association.

Though the program will focus on raising awareness about the often-missed symptoms of ovarian cancer, OCSA also announced a new veterinary medicine scholarship program that will award three $5000 scholarships starting in 2013.  Current second- and third-year Illinois veterinary students are eligible to apply.


For more information, visit http://www.ovariancancersymptomawareness.org

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Dr. Kandi Norrell Donates Oxygen Masks for Pets to Fire Department that Rescued Cat

Photo: Dr. Kandi Norrell with Dutchess the cat and her rescuer and new owner, Toni Rose Day, a firefighter from Gibson City, and Chad Lowell, Invisible Fence of Mid-Illinois.



Yesterday, after a four-month stay at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Dutchess is going home. And to mark Dutchess’s recovery, Dr. Kandi Norrell is donating a set of oxygen masks to the Gibson City fire department, the unit that rescued Dutchess, to help pets that may be caught in house fires in the future.

Dr. Norrell is a primary care veterinarian at the University of Illinois clinic. Though she was not involved in Dutchess’s treatment, she decided to make the donation through a partnership with the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association’s foundation and Invisible Fence Brand. 

“The Project Breathe program allows local veterinarians to show their community that they care about the health and safety of their patients even when it comes to safety in the home,” says Dr. Norrell. “These kits will aid firefighters in administering life-saving care for pets that suffer smoke inhalation.”

Dr. Norrell encourages other veterinarians to contact the state veterinary association to find out how they can participate in Project Breathe for their own community.

More about Dutchess
Dutchess was just six months old when, on September 19, a house fire claimed all her family’s possessions, their Saybrook, Ill., home, and the life of the family dog. 

Dutchess was rescued by firefighter Toni Rose Day, but the cat had second- and third-degree burns. An initial grant from the college helped cover the cost of immediate care for Dutchess, but it was clear that she would need much more time and money to complete her recovery.

That’s when Toni created a Facebook page, “The Dutchess Burn Fund.” Within weeks more than 3,000 followers around the world were cheering for Dutchess. Donations from Sweden, Canada, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Dubai as well as dozens of states were sent to assist with the costs of Dutchess’s care.


Monday, January 14, 2013

Our Feline Friends Travel in Style

One of our feline patients came for a visit in this awesome carrier. Aside from looking cool, it has a number of features that make kitty's vet visit less stressful.

The soft sides give it just the right balance of comfort and durability. And it has multiple was to open up and provide access for the vet.

Plus, it's so cozy kitty's humans leave it out so kitty can use it as a bed. Since kitty sees it as a normal part of its environment, it becomes less anxious when it's time to come in and head to a vet visit.