Page 15 - Stuart Exposure - September '19

Stuart Exposure, Page 15

tip of the tail

Importance Of Feline Wellness great deal can change in that span of time so it is so important to always panting and playing and are often amenable to owners
Cats are commonly affected by dental disease. Dogs are
keep up with yearly care.
Exams Cats are very good at hiding the fact that they are sick, whereas looking in their mouths. Most cats will not allow their owner
clinical signs in dogs are often much more obvious. As cats age, to look at their teeth at home, so it is necessary to have your
All too often in they are commonly affected by hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, veterinarian perform an oral exam yearly and determine if your
the veterinary clinic, diabetes and even cancer. A physical exam allows the veterinarian cat needs a dental cleaning. Some problems unique to cats
we only see cats to observe your cat’s behavior, overall condition of its skin and include stomatitis (painful inflammation of the oral tissues)
when they are very coat, and monitor its weight. Change in these subtle things that and resorptive lesions. Resorptive lesions occur when the body
sick. Many owners may not seem significant at home can help vets identify some attacks the surface of the tooth causing cavities which erode
do not recognize health conditions early. Yearly screening blood work is critical, into the pulp and can be extremely painful. Early detection of
the importance of especially in adult cats. Detection of kidney or liver disease these lesions and possible extraction of the affected teeth can
bringing their feline before your pet begins to show clinical signs can greatly slow save your cat a great deal of pain and potential weight loss and
companions in for the progression of disease, prevent suffering, and ultimately other oral problems.
yearly visits whether they appear healthy or not. There are many extend their life. Blood work helps us to determine overall health Kidney disease is unfortunately extremely common in
common cat diseases that can easily be detected and treated, but and allows us to take preventative measures to keep your feline older cats. Early kidney disease is accompanied by hardly any
this is only possible if cats are brought in to their veterinarian happy and healthy. Monitoring your cat’s weight is also extremely clinical signs. As the disease progresses, the signs that develop
for routine preventative care. Cats age much more rapidly than important. Weight gain or loss can be an indication that there is are subtle and include increased drinking and urination, weight
humans. One cat year equals about four to five human years. A something else going on with your furry friend. loss, unkempt coat, and hiding. Owners often do not detect
these signs due to their slow onset and seemingly insignificant
nature. With an appointment, through questioning and a good
exam, your veterinarian can detect these subtle changes. Blood
work and urinalysis are able to detect kidney disease often before
any of these signs become apparent. This allows us to intervene
and slow the progression of this unfortunate disease which is
critical. Once kidney disease has progressed to its late stages we
are very, very limited in our options for treatment.
Our feline companions are resilient, stoic, and tend to keep
to themselves much of the time, which makes it even more
important for them to see their veterinarian yearly than any other
species. Even if your pet appears healthy at home, veterinarians
are often able to detect subtle, less obvious signs of illness which
will help to keep your best friend happy and healthy for years
to come.
Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center is
dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pets. With
focuses on compassionate care in surgery, physical therapy and
rehabilitation, preventative medicine, extensive diagnostics, and
emergency service, Palm City Animal Medical Center combines
exceptional medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and
their owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit
www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
all about

kids

Kiwanis Club Of Stuart
Annual Back To School Party

Submitted by Cher Fisher;
photos by Brittany Rhoads
On Aug. 1, 123 kids, preselected
by guidance counselors from all 12
of Martin County’s elementary
schools, received a complete set
of clothes and tennis shoes at the
Kiwanis Club of Stuart’s annual
Back to School Party! They and
their parents enjoyed a picnic and
fun activities, just in time for the
start of the new school year.
A raffle for a free day of fishing for six helped fund the
event; thanks to Tony Huerta, owner of Lo Que Sea tournament-
winning fishing yacht. Special thanks to First United Methodist
Church of Stuart for providing the funding for tennis shoes; to
Great Clips for providing free haircuts; and Maureen and Hal De
Thorne and Jenny Yingling for donating two bikes and helmets.
Others adding to the festive atmosphere included Martin County
Sheriff’s Department, Key Clubs, Boy Scouts, SPAM Robotics,
MAPS Robotics, City of Stuart Police and Public Works (free
snow cones!), music and face painting!
Several nonprofits were on hand to inform parents of available
services.

Visit www.StuartAirShow.com for event info/tickets