Welcome to Ocean City Animal Hospital!

We're committed to providing the best possible care and services, and our website is available for you twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week. We are constantly adding new information about our hospital and services. Check back regularly to view up to date news on our facility as well as great tips for your pets. Click the RSS icon to subscribe to our news feed. Thank you so much for stopping by!

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What's New?


GROOMING NOW AVAILABLE

We have now added a groomer to our staff.  Our groomer is Carrie Leonard.  She is 39 years old and lives in Ocean Pines.  She has been grooming since 2005.  She is very excited to give you and your pet a wonderful grooming experience.  Please call the hospital to make your grooming appointment.  Walk Ins are welcome.


ACUPUNCTURE

Dr. Anne Flood is now working towards a certification in small animal acupuncture through the Chi Institute.  Call today to book a consultation for your pet!


VACCINE CLINIC

Yes, we’re doing it again!!  April 14th  4-7 pm  Preregistration begins at 3 pm

Vaccines are 20% off  Heartworm and Felv/Fiv/Heartworm tests are 50% off

Flea/Tick preventatives and Heartworm preventatives are 25% off when you buy 6 doses.  As an added bonus with Frontline you will receive 2 free doses when you buy 6 and a toy for your pet.

We are doing pre orders only for your preventatives.  So please call or come by and get your order in so we can be sure we have enough product for you.

We highly encourage you to preregister for any vaccines you may need.  This will save you time on clinic day.

You may pre pay for any of your clinic needs by cash, check or credit card however the day of the clinic we will only be accepting CASH payments.

We look forward to seeing everyone on clinic day.


MERRICK PET FOOD RECALL

Merrick Pet Care Recalls Jr Texas Taffy Pet Treat Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is recalling the Jr. Texas Taffy pet treat (ITEM # 27077, UPC # 02280827077, All Lots up to and including 10364) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  Merrick Pet Care has made the decision to recall all Jr. Texas Taffy pet treats in the abundance of caution. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling the treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products.  Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle. 

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

The Jr. Texas Taffy was shipped to distributors and retailers throughout the US.  These individuals have been notified and have activated their recall procedures.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Consumers who have purchased the Jr. Texas Taffy are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00am – 5:00pm CST.


Holiday Fear

Keep the Holidays Happy

                The holiday season is a great time with festivities, family, and friends.  We decorate the  house and cook large meals. We get together and share stories between old friends and make new acquaintances. But we have to be careful what we decorate with and  what we share with our furry friends. .

                During the holiday season several ornamental plants and flowers are used to decorate the home. Most common are Corn cobs, Christmas trees, Poinsettias, American Holly, Christmas Cactus, Amaryllis, and Mistletoe.  Theses look pretty but can be dangerous. Watching where we place them can help prevent a tragedy.

                Corn cobs make a great Thanksgiving decoration. But many a dog has thought they make great chew toys and/or snacks. This can lead to an obstruction.  Signs of this usually consist of not eating/drinking, vomiting, and diarrhea. Unfortunately being plant based they do not always show up on radiographs. Sometimes further radiographs using barium to highlight it needs to be done. Surgery is almost always required if present.

                Christmas tree is a broad term that covers many types of  pine trees. There are Douglas Fir, Balsam Fir, Black Spruce, Blue Spruce, White Spruce, Scotch Pine, Norway Spruce, Red Pine and Red Spruce. The good news is that the needles and sap are not poisonous. But if enough needles are eaten it can create a foreign body that needs surgical removal. The water treatments to keep the trees fresh are non toxic so accidental ingestion usually does not cause a problem. In a rare occasion upset stomach may occur.

       Poinsettias receive the most talk about being toxic.  In reality their toxicity is less then thought. It requires a large amount  of  leaves and plant  material to be eaten to  be toxic. The most common effect seen is vomiting and this usually stops with out any treatment being needed.

            American Holly has dark waxy green pointy leafs and red berries. All parts of the plant are toxic. Symptoms seen consist of  stomach irritation and depression. They are mild and most can be treated at home by increasing fluid intake and just monitoring. Sometimes they change out the real berries with plastic berries. These can create an obstruction that would require surgery.

    The Christmas Cactus has waxy flattened segmented branches with notches along the  margins and a  red flower at the end. This is plant is non toxic but ingestion can sometimes cause mild upset stomach due to the physical properties of the plant material. No treatment is needed for this.

            Amaryllis is a bulb plant that flowers around the Christmas holiday. This makes it a favorite for this time of year. All parts of the plant are toxic with the bulb being the most toxic. Ingestion of the bulb or a large quantity of plant material can cause lethargy, low blood pressure, weakness, tremors, and seizures. Minor to mild ingestion causes drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Treatment is needed in both cases. Fluids to flush out the system, activated charcoal to decrease absorption if caught soon enough, and meds to settle down the stomach.

         Mistletoe has green oblong leaves with white berries. It is usually hung in clusters and brings good luck to those who kiss under it. Unfortunately if ingested it brings bad luck in the form of mild stomach upset. If a large amount is consumed then  we need to induce vomiting , monitor hydration, electrolyte levels and cardiovascular function. Similar to Holly sometimes the real berries are replaced with plastic berries and can be a source of an obstruction.

                Besides the plants, ingestion of  other decorations such as tinsel, garland, and ornaments can lead to stomach problems. Most of these are non toxic but can cause obstructions that present as vomiting, diarrhea, or inappetance. Surgery may be required. Dough ornaments have large amounts of salts, so salt toxicity is possible. Treatment is balancing electrolyte levels and fluids to flush out the system. Sometimes your pet will do this on their own by drinking and urinating large  amounts. 

                During the holiday get togethers some enjoy alcoholic beverages. Leaving these beverages sit may attract our furry friends to partake with them. Drinks with milk; alcoholic eggnog,  white Russians; are particularly attractive to cats. Unfortunately they are light weights and this can lead to alcohol poisoning . Watch for intoxication signs such as wobbliness, falling over, stupor, and vomiting. In worse cases we see seizures, coma, and even death.  Hospitalization with fluids and monitoring temperature and blood sugar may be needed.

                I am not a drinker but do love my food. This makes the holidays extra sweet for me, all puns intended.  Certain foods are no no’s for our furry friends. Any meat with a bone still in it or the bone itself, onions, garlic, grapes or their dry friends raisins,  and chocolate. Bones are foreign bodies waiting to happen. Onions and more recently reported garlic can cause anemia in dogs if ingested in mild to moderate quantities. The peel on grapes/raisins can be toxic to the kidneys in large enough quantities. That is why grape extract is not toxic but whole grapes are. Chocolate can be toxic but the quantity needed depends on the type of chocolate and size of the dog. Milk chocolate is the less toxic then dark chocolate which is less toxic then bakers chocolate which is less toxic then chocolate liquor . Signs of toxicity are vomiting, diarrhea, heart racing, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures. This can lead to death. If ingested contact your veterinarian and they can help you determine if treatment is needed.

                Hopefully this will help you keep your furry friends safe and allow you to stay home this Holiday season. But if you do happen to have any problems know your veterinarian is a phone call away to help guide you.

 

God Bless and Happy Holidays,

John Maniatty V.M.D.

P.S. The silicon gel packs are not toxic but in small pets can possibly cause obstructions or diarrhea.


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