If you’ve ever watched your cat walk up to their food bowl, sniff it, and walk away, you know how worrying that moment can feel. For some cats, this simple hesitation is a sign of a deeply painful condition called feline stomatitis - an intense inflammation that can make eating, grooming, and even yawning hurt. The good news is that with the right care, many cats make a remarkable recovery. Feline stomatitis is a long-term, very painful inflammation inside a cat’s mouth. It happens when a cat’s immune system overreacts to normal plaque and bacteria, causing severe redness, swelling, and ulcers. This inflammation can affect the gums, the lining of the mouth, and the very back of the mouth. Although we don’t know the exact cause, veterinarians believe stomatitis is an immune-related condition. Instead of ignoring the bacteria that normally live in the mouth, the immune system goes into “attack mode,” damaging the tissues and causing ongoing irritation. Factors that may contribute include dental plaque, certain viral infections, a cat’s genetics, and how their immune system functions. What to Watch For Cats with stomatitis are often in significant pain, even if they try to hide it. You may notice: Very bad breath Drooling (sometimes thick or blood-tinged) Difficulty chewing or dropping food Eating less or losing weight Pawing at the mouth Acting irritable, withdrawn, or less social A messy or unkempt coat because grooming hurts In more severe cases, some cats will stop eating completely. However, many cats will continue to eat even with severe pain until late in the disease. How Feline Stomatitis Is Diagnosed Because the mouth is so painful, your veterinarian may need to perform an oral exam under sedation or anesthesia. Diagnosis often includes: A full oral examination Dental X-rays to check the roots and jaw bone Testing for viral diseases (FIV/FeLV) Sometimes a biopsy to rule out other conditions The key finding is intense inflammation that extends into the back of the mouth. Treatment Options Stomatitis can be challenging to treat, and most cats need a combination of therapies. The main goal is to reduce inflammation and help your cat eat, groom, and live comfortably again. Dental Extractions For many cats, removing most or all of the teeth is the most effective treatment. While this sounds drastic, it greatly reduces the amount of plaque and bacteria that trigger the immune response. About 60–80% of cats improve significantly after extractions Some cats experience complete relief Others may still need some ongoing medical support Most cats eat better, feel better, and live happier lives after they heal from surgery. Medical Management Medications may also be used, especially before or after surgery, or when surgery isn’t an option right away. This may include: Pain medications Anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating medications Antibiotics if there’s a secondary infection Medication alone usually isn’t enough for long-term control, and long-term use can come with side effects. Supportive Care at Home Your veterinarian may also recommend: Soft or prescription diets Regular monitoring of appetite and weight Reducing stress in the home Routine follow-up visits What to Expect Long-Term Every cat responds differently to stomatitis treatment. Many experience dramatic improvement after extractions and enjoy a much better quality of life, while others may need occasional or ongoing medical support. There is no guaranteed prevention, but starting your cat early on home dental care is good for every kitty. What’s most important is early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and regular follow-up care. With the right plan in place, most cats with stomatitis can return to comfortable, happy lives! If you notice signs of stomatitis in your cat or if they seem uncomfortable while eating, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinary team. We’re here to guide you through diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care to help keep your cat feeling their best.

It's been a busy year, but one of our staff members, Marina, was able to sit down with Dr. Fletcher and ask her some great questions as we celebrated Dr. Fletcher's 2 year work anniversary with NAH. Dr. Fletcher, you’ve been practicing for over 20 years. What is your earliest memory of a pet in your life? Dogs, birds, cats; that was my normal household. My parents had this beautiful Collie. If he was told to guard the children, we knew we could not leave the area. If we tried to move he would very gently push or sit on us. He trained us to obey him. And no one could come close to us; he had a job to protect. Is there something about you that most people do not know, but would be surprised to hear? Most people don't know that I love drawing and painting. My drawings are abstracts so the distorted faces are thought to be on purpose. Also, yoga and meditation are a part of my morning routine. I love sunrises and sunsets the world is at peace. If you could go back and have five minutes with your ‘younger self’, how would you use that time, or what would you say? I would tell myself to be patient. Love AND hug your family since they won’t always be there, I miss them. How do you want the world to be different because YOU lived in it? The world should be happier since we are only temporary occupants. Look at the beauty around us, even the wind can caress your skin if you let it. When you find yourself with a sudden amount of free time unexpectedly, how do you spend it? There are so many things I can do in my free time like garden, read, dance, sing, teach the dog new tricks, and sleep. Thank you for your interview! We always end it with a favorite quote. What is yours? Before you speak, THINK … T - is it True ? H - is it Helpful ? I - is it Inspiring ? N - is it Necessary ? K - is it Kind ? It's no wonder that some of her clients call her a pet whisperer! Special thanks to Marina for her time, and to Dr. Fletcher for sharing her thoughts and pearls of wisdom!

Meet Peanut! She is a 12 year old dog that presented to a local specialty emergency hospital after the owners noticed that she was walking funny and breathing differently. This facility did an evaluation and took x-rays of her hips followed by a diagnosis of arthritis, and given anti-inflammatory medicine for pain and sent home. After no improvement over the weekend, the owner took Peanut to their family vet, and after additional X-rays, she was diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia. After receiving a higher-then-anticipated estimate from the emergency hospital, the family vet reached out to us. Very quickly, NAH confirmed the diagnosis, and provided an estimate that was substantially lower, so the owner approved and she and our surgeon agreed upon a plan to fix Peanut. On the day of surgery, and after going in, they found her injuries to be even more extensive than originally anticipated. Our surgeon found a portion of her liver, stomach and spleen had been traumatically displaced into the left side of her chest cavity. Ultimately, the surgery was a success with Peanut’s diaphragm repaired!

September is 'Senior Wellness Month'. Newberry Animal Hospital is offering 10% off of all senior bloodwork (both dog and cat) and 10% off all abdominal ultrasounds. We recommend bi-annual exams on all pets over the age of 10 to help catch problems  before they become issues.  According to Jacqueline Brister (Veterinary Partner), ' An abdominal ultrasound (US) is a diagnostic tool for looking at the organs and structures inside your pet’s belly. It can see the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, reproductive organs, stomach, pancreas, intestinal tract, adrenal glands, and lymph nodes. An x-ray is a still photograph, but an ultrasound is like a video.' This type of testing involves the use of high frequency sound waves to create live images, which is one way that helps our doctors see what is going on inside your pet . Symptoms that may trigger the need for an US: belly pain diarrhea or throwing up feeling of an unknown mass internal injuries unusual labwork results Other reasons that our doctors may use ultrasound for your pet: Ultrasounds can also be used to help guide a needle biopsy where tissue is needed to identify a medical issue, where the tissue is ultimately sent out to a pathologist. Luckily for us, Newberry Animal Hospital Group has our own in-house pathologist, Dr. Rick Alleman. What is an ultrasound procedure? Ultrasounds are typically done with the pet lying on a table, but normally quick and painless. 'The veterinarian holds a transducer or probe against the belly skin. As the transducer is moved over the skin, it sends sound waves to the structures inside, which are then translated to black and white real-time images on a screen. Hair does not conduct sound waves well, so the pet’s belly is usually shaved beforehand. Alcohol or ultrasound gel may be used to provide better conduction.', (credit-Veterinary Partner)

Dr. Nikki Lebo (39th Ave Location) graduated with a B.S. in Animal Science before fulfilling her lifelong dream of obtaining a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida. She also obtained a certificate in business management and has professional interests in dentistry, dermatology, and surgery. Dr. Lebo believes strongly in caring for both pets and the people who call them family. She loves spending time outdoors with her husband, George, and their spunky rescue puppy, Ginger, as well as reading, Gator football, and any activities involving water. She is passionate about serving the city of Gainesville and is invested deeply in her church and the local community. Dr. Alejandra Price (Main Street Location) graduated with her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Louisiana State University after having graduated with a B.S. in Chemistry from LSU and a Master’s Degree from the Ohio State University. Her professional interests include surgery, dentistry, dermatology, and volunteering in shelter medicine. She enjoys traveling (particularly road trips!), hiking, reading, and spending time with her partner and three cats. Dr. Melissa White (Main Street Location) was born and raised in the Central Florida area and graduated with a B.S. in Biology from the University of Central Florida before going on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Florida. Her professional interests include preventative care, clinical pathology, and surgery. She enjoys participating in outdoor activities such as biking, swimming, and boating, but also loves spending time at home with her significant other and their dogs, cats, goats, horse, and chickens. For more information about the other veterinarians on our staff, please click on the logo below for a quick link to our staff doctor page!

According to an article by Kate Furthy in the Washington Post, veterinarians across the country are often seeing cases where a canine diet that is grain-free (high in legumes) may be linked to a type of heart disease that was originally, and primarily known, as only a genetic disorder. This link has triggered a joint investigation between the USFDA and Veterinarians. They have discovered the relationship between boutique, grain-free diets and a type of heart disease called canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The symptoms can present as a cough, but move to a stage where the dog may stop eating, and has trouble breathing. ‘Canine DCM weakens the dog’s heart, preventing it from pumping enough blood, according to Dr. Adin, a Veterinarian in N.C. assisting in the investigation. The FDA issued a cautionary statement on July 12, 2019, that DCM was typically caused by a genetic predisposition in large breed dogs such as Great Danes and Newfoundlands...but more recent cases have included breeds like: Retrievers, Whippets, Shih Tzu, Bulldogs, Mini-Schnauzers, and mixed breeds.’ More specifically, this condition is linked to TAURINE deficiency. Taurine is an essential amino acid, and is an important nutrient in many dog foods, often found in organ meat, lungs, liver, etc which are all great for dogs to eat. The data from this investigation to date has indicated that in dogs that are genetically predisposed to DCM, the condition, if left unchecked, can be irreversible. In dogs that are not genetically predisposed, proper treatment (adding taurine to the diet) can reverse the disorder if caught early enough. For more information about this topic, please ask our doctors. Successful K9 Splash Bash Event!! Congratulations goes out to the winner of the raffle proceeds: Faithful Friends Pet Rescue & Rehoming Officially founded in February of 2018, Faithful Friends was born out of a desired from a group of animal rescue veterans committed to transparency and community support. • completed 675 adoptions in 2019, on pace for 1000 adoptions in just our second year. •Over 75% of our dogs and 100% of cats in our program live in foster homes with families, learning to be pets. The small number in our kennels are usually, new moms and dogs needing a little extra medical care. • Executive Director Andrea specializes in abandoned puppies, and mama dogs who find themselves in a shelter.

Dr. Nicole Doray and Christian Beister at UF are conducting research to assess the correlation between an owner’s perception of feline anxiety and the likelihood of bringing their cat to a veterinary hospital. We offered to help connect them to cat owners to complete a survey as a part of the research process. If you would like to participate in a brief survey, there is a link at the bottom on this blog. According to Christian, 'by completing the following survey, you can help to evaluate some of the common behavioral issues in veterinary medicine and, potentially, improve future experiences with a veterinarian for pets. Your time is valuable, and we cannot thank you enough for your contribution to this important research!' For any questions about this research or the survey, please contact Christian directly (information below): https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bQpQXMy7UZV1llj Christian Beisker BS Animal Sciences University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine- DVM Candidate c/o 2024 Head of Lab, Animalia Lab- UF Department of Psychology Email: cbeisker@ufl.edu Nicole R. Dorey, Ph.D. C.A.A.B. Ndorey@ufl.edu

Here in Alachua County, we have a pet-loving culture. Researchers love to discuss the human-animal-bond, and the interconnectedness between humans and pets. Pets make us healthy. According to the article in The Washington Post, pets 'reduce people’s stress, provided the pet is behaving properly. Good interactions do have quite a profound effect, causing changes in oxytocin and in beta endorphins. Those are actual changes going on in the body of somebody who is stroking a friendly dog. So that’s the upside.' If we have a pet that helps drive us to exercise, that is an unexpected benefit that cannot go unnoticed. Pets make us trustworthy. Multiple studies show that in the eyes of the viewer, someone with a friendly dog at their side appears more 'trustworthy', according to a book by expert, John Bradshaw. How fascinating is that? We believe that getting a pet will create a happier life for ourselves. For those of us that are pet owners, we already know this to be true. Even though it is heartbreaking to lose a pet, having one give us 'a feeling of 'satisfaction — stroking a dog or a cat causes hormones to be released and makes the person doing it feel good.' Pets are another way that we can be 'caretakers'. According to 'The Washington Post', 'In primate societies, grooming has historically been a behavior that held primates together....'somewhere deep in our brains is a need to do this grooming of something that’s hairy, and we can satisfy that by stroking a dog or combing the cat.' So, this is especially true when animal hospitals hire new employees. Many people that wouldn't consider choosing a career with animal interaction change their mind after getting to spend their work days saving them. We hope that when our clients find us when they google 'veterinarians in Gainesville', that we are forming a long-term relationship for life. We very much love being the caretakers of your pets, and we wouldn't have it any other way. For more information about pets and animal care in Gainesville, visit our website!

Is Distemper a contagious disease? According to the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), canine distemper is an airborne dog-only (Canidae) disease that is caused by a virus. This virus invades your pets nervous, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems. ​ How can canine distemper spread? ​ Other wildlife can carry this virus including raccoons, foxes, coyotes, wolves, ferrets and skunks. The interactions between wildlife animals and our pets can expedite the spreading of the virus. Although more commonly transmitted through a cough or sneeze, the disease can be spread through shared objects such as toys or drinking bowls. Every dog can be at risk of this virus, however, puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at a higher risk. What are the symptoms of canine distemper? The first sign of canine distemper is a pus-like discharge from their eyes. Followed by a possible fever, nasal discharge, and loss of appetite. Dogs are also at risk for “hard pad disease,” which is the hardening and enlargement of the paw pads. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia, muscle twitches and seizures. How is canine distemper diagnosed and treated? ​ Your local veterinarians diagnose distemper through clinical signs and diagnostic tests. Because there is no cure, veterinarians typically choose supportive care treatments and try to prevent secondary infections. Your veterinarian will mostly likely recommend your pet be quarantined/isolated for a period of time because of the contagious nature of the virus. ​ What can I do to prevent canine distemper? ​ Canine distemper is something you and your pup can prepare for ahead of time. A series of vaccinations is offered as preventative pet care by your local animal hospital. This increases the likelihood your furry friend’s immune system will be able to fight off the virus in the future. Keeping updated with your pets vaccination schedule is very important, as to avoid gaps between immunizations. Contact us today to schedule an appointment ! Bringing your dog to the store, or other dog parks may sound fun, but until he is fully vaccinated, it is just not worth the risk. If you have any questions, or would like to talk to one of our doctors about this topic, please call any location for availability!

Looking for a cool way to spend National Love Your Pet Day? Here are some ideas: 1. Try something new! Got a dog? Take your dog to one of Gainesville's pet-friendly parks, or a local dog-park. Go when it's not too busy if it's his first time. Dogs love to smell and explore new places, so try Hogtown Creek, or one of the near-by springs. For older dogs or those with joint issues, swimming can be a great alternative. (By the way, our Dog Dayz swim event at Westside Pool is on October 20, 2018. Put it on your calendar! It's the only day they get the entire pool to themselves! 2. Have a playdate.  If your dog enjoys the company of other dogs, a playdate is a great way to wear them out while getting excellent exercise. Also, you can always start or join a dog-walking group to throw in some exercise of your own! 3. Make homemade dog treats.  Making dog treats at home is another fun project that your dog will definitely love! Just Google home-made dog treats, and you will find a ton of recipes that can include very healthy ingredients like peanut butter and pumpkin. Just consult your local Veterinarian in Gainesville to make sure that those ingredients aren't going to create other health problems if you pet has food issues. 4. Love a shelter animal!  Shelters always need donations like towels, food, and treats. Reach out to your local shelter and see how you can help. Contact Alachua County Animal Services, of the Alachua County Humane Society to see how you can spend your day helping the pets that don't have a family loving them today. Check out our page on rescue partners here in Gainesville: Fostering is a great way to make a huge difference in a shelter dog's life. There's likely a rescue group in your area that would love to have you volunteer with them. Check them out here.

It's always an exciting time for us when we get to add a new doctor to our staff. We have a lot going on at our 39th Ave location, as many of you know. One of the exciting changes to announce today is that Dr. Corlett is joining our team again. She is a “double Gator”, which means that both her undergraduate and Doctorate degrees came from the University of Florida. Many of you will recognize Dr. Corlett, because she previously worked at Newberry Animal Hospital as a technician during her undergraduate studies and is thrilled to return! Dr. Corlett has a passion for emergency and critical care medicine, clinical pathology, and keeping up to date with emerging veterinary research. In fact, she was voted 'Top Dog' at UF Vet School for her research project and presentation, so we look forward to her using these skills to help our clients give the best care to their pets. In her spare time, Dr. Corlett enjoys outdoor activities, live music, and traveling. Please join us in giving Dr. Corlett a warm welcome upon her return! We are lucky to have her!