Page 15 - Stuart Exposure - September '21

Stuart Exposure, Page 15

cLeveLaND cLiNic martiN heaLth News

PSA Test Remains “Survival rates are high when prostate cancer is diagnosed cancer. Cleveland Clinic Florida urologists frequently use new

Appropriate Prostate Cancer early,” says Adam Mues, M.D., a urologist at Cleveland Clinic tests to determine the need for prostate biopsy.
“Ultimately, whether to have a PSA test is something you

Martin Health. “PSA testing along with a digital rectal exam
Screening For Many Men are the initial screening tests for prostate cancer that help should decide after discussing your risk factors with your
determine whether or not a prostate biopsy is needed.” doctor,” says Mues.
While there’s debate over the need for the prostate-specific Generally, the PSA screening is encouraged in men To learn more or download a free prostate cancer treatment
antigen (PSA) test to screen for prostate cancer, doctors at between the ages of 40 and 75, and in men with an increased guide, visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/ProstateCancer today.
Cleveland Clinic Florida say PSA testing is still appropriate risk of prostate cancer. Since PSA testing was introduced in Free Prostate Cancer Screenings
for many men. 1987, deaths from prostate cancer have dropped 40 percent. Cleveland Clinic Martin Health is offering free prostate
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and “The PSA test is not perfect and it doesn’t tell the whole screenings on Tuesday, Sept. 28, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the
the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the story,” says Dr. Mues. That’s because many men have elevated Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center located at 501 E.
United States. Approximately one in eight men are likely to PSA levels, but do not have prostate cancer. In addition, low Osceola St. in Stuart. Appointments are required and space is
be diagnosed in their lifetime. levels of PSA don’t necessarily rule out the possibility of limited. Call (772) 223-5948, Ext. 13736.

tip of the taiL

Bufo Toads similar in action to the cardiac drug digitalis. The tadpoles and minutes, but I tell owners of small dogs to rinse/wipe the

eggs are also toxic, but usually to a lesser degree. mouth and get them examined right away.
The bufo toad When a pet is exposed, the toxin is irritating to the lips There are a few things we can do to decrease the chance of
first came to Florida and gums. Pets will salivate excessively and paw at their your pet having an experience with a bufo toad. First, control
in 1955 when it mouth. Sometimes, but not always, the gums will turn a brick insects in your yard by keeping lights off and using appropriate
was accidentally red color. It is always difficult to determine the amount of insecticides. Do not leave your pet’s food or water bowls outside
released at the Miami toxicity, but small breeds are often more severely affected and keep your pets on a leash when out for walks especially in
International Airport due to lower body weight. The toxin can be absorbed through the morning and evening. Keeping bufo toads out of your yard
by a dealer importing the mucous membranes and doesn’t necessarily need to be requires completely enclosing the yard with mesh screens that
specimens from ingested. If enough toxin is absorbed, the pet will begin to extend at least 20 inches above the ground and 4 inches below
Australia to be sold as pets. They were later released into sugar vomit followed by heart arrhythmias, breathing problems, the ground. Natural ways to control bufo toad populations are
cane fields to help control mice and rats. These toads thrive seizures and possibly death. being investigated, but do not look promising at this time.
in areas with man-made bodies of water such as canals and The most important thing you, as a pet owner, can do is Exposure to bufo toads can result in minimal to no problems
drainage fields. They often drive out native species of toads immediately flush and wipe out the mouth to remove as much at all, but if left untreated or unnoticed, can be fatal especially
because they will eat a wide variety of food sources. Most toads of the poison as possible before it is absorbed. Point the head in smaller animals.
will only eat live insects. The bufo will eat dead insects, dog/cat down and flush across the mouth and not down the throat. Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center is
food and even baby rodents right out of their nests. They have a You do not want to drown your pet while trying to save him. dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pets. With
very heavily built body with short legs and no webbing between You can also use a towel to wipe the poison out of the mouth focuses on compassionate care in surgery, physical therapy and
the toes. They will grow over 9 inches long and can weigh up to and off the lips. After decontaminating the mouth, call your rehabilitation, preventative medicine, extensive diagnostics, and
2 pounds. A key feature of their anatomy is an external salivary veterinarian or pet emergency clinic. There is not a specific emergency service, Palm City Animal Medical Center combines
gland behind each eye where you expect an ear to be. This is antidote, but we can alleviate some of the clinical signs. It exceptional medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and
where their clear or milky white toxin is excreted when the toad may take 10 or 15 minutes for some of the more serious signs their owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit
is disturbed or annoyed such as being picked up in the mouth of to appear, especially in smaller pets. I often tell owners of www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
a dog. The toxin affects the nervous system and the heart and is large dogs to rinse/wipe the mouth and observe them for 15 at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.