70 THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com We’d like your dog to give us a try. 13141 Kings Lake Drive, Gibsonton. Off 1-75 and Big Bend Road. RowdysPetResort.com @RowdysPetResort s b i , G e v i r e D k a s L g in 1 K 4 1 3 1 m o c . t r so Re t e P s dy w o R . n o t n o s . d a o d R n e g B i d B n 5 a 7 - ff 1 O @ t r so Re t e P s dy w o R *One month with a heartworm test. Limited time offer. Comprehensive Veterinary Wellness Care for Dogs & Cats. Acupuncture. Surgery. Dental. Laser Therapy. 813.512.7336 FamilyAnimalHospitalFl.com @DoctorAnnaBannon Free Heartworm & Oral Flea Prevention.* We’re ready to take care of your pets. Stop in for a tour and see why we’re a little bit different. A pet with one good eye and one with a calm cataract likely needs no treatment, just monitoring. Even dogs that are completely blind with cataracts are often comfortable and well-adjusted. Others may become anxious or even aggressive due to the loss of vision. Cataracts can be managed with sur- gical removal or dissolution of the affected lens under anesthe- sia. The ophthalmologist will attempt to determine that the retina is normal beforehand and that removal of the cataract can be expected to restore vision and/or resolve pain. There are a few products containing antioxidants that have been marketed as cataract dissolving eye drops. While these may have some beneficial effects on the eyes, they will not dis- solve a mature cataract and have created some false hope. Surgery is the only option for elimination of a mature cataract, but it is definitely not necessary in every patient. If you think your dog has any signs of eye issues described here, please feel free to call Dr. Baird at 727.785.6524. Elizabeth F. Baird, DVM CVPP, CCRT, cVM Practice Owner, Country Oaks Animal Hospital & Boarding Kennel 727.785.6524 Steele Pain Management Rehabilitation Center - 727.785.HURT A second generation Florida native, Dr. Baird is certified in pain management, canine rehabilitation and veterinary medical acupuncture. The Palm Harbor practice and boarding facilities are located at 1412 Belcher Road. Dr. Baird with her Golden Retrievers, KeevaRue and Stitch. Dog flu is highly contagious among social dogs, and nearly all unvaccinated dogs exposed to it will become sick. It is a year-round illness and can be spread very easily with- in a community. Common symptoms include high fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, cough, runny nose and, in some cases, pneumonia – which can be life-threatening to puppies and senior dogs. There is a vaccine to prevent transmission of the illness. Unlike the human flu vaccination, this vaccine is targeted specifically at the flu that dogs are now getting. However, even after vaccination, it takes weeks for your dog to become immune to the flu. Have a conversation with your veterinarian to find out about recent devel- ops on the spread of dog flu in your area. U Y Y