TVMA Blog

30 Apr Getting to Know YOU!

Posted at 14:59h in News
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TVMA is kicking off a new feature in Tidbits and social media – our Member Spotlight! If you would like to be highlighted, please email Elizabeth Howe at Varallo Public Relations (elizabeth@varallopr.com) or call 615.367.5200, ext. 10. We have a brief questionnaire for you to complete by email or ‘phone interview’ (and we’d love to use a photo of you, too!) In exchange for your time, you and your practice will be introduced to all of TVMA’s membership, in addition to all our followers on social media. A second way to...

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03 Apr Protect Your Pets From Heartworms

Posted at 19:28h in News
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April is Heartworm Awareness Month. In most of the country, and especially the southeastern United States, heartworms are quite common due to our long mosquito season.  Dogs are the definitive host for heartworms, though infections in cats sometimes happen. Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, which pick up the immature stages from an infected dog, and then pass them on to a different dog when they move on for another blood meal. The parasite takes 6 months to mature in the dog, producing larvae which circulate in the bloodstream.  The adult parasites stay in...

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30 Jan February is Pet Dental Health Month

Posted at 21:30h in News
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Dental health is an important part of your animals’ overall health. In fact, periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition in cats and dogs even though it is completely preventable. Whether your animal of choice is a cat, dog, rabbit, horse, or donkey, annual dental check-ups by your veterinarian are of utmost importance in your pet’s overall health. Some signs of dental problems include: bad breath, teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar, abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth, reduced appetite or refusal to eat, pain...

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13 Oct Pet Obesity: A Growing Problem

Posted at 15:31h in News
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Special thanks to Dr. Kristal Turner, Animalia (http://www.animaliawellness.com/) Franklin, TN We’ve all seen them. The plump dog waddling toward the camera with his tail wagging; the Garfield-like ‘fat cat’ lounging in the sun. Our first instinct is usually, “oh, how cute,” but in reality, obesity in pets has become a major health concern. Pets at an unhealthy weight face the same problems as overweight people:  diabetes, heart disease, joint problems, and more. October 12 is Pet Obesity Awareness Day. Dr. Kristal Turner at Animalia in Franklin, Tennessee, works with pets and...

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20 Jun Be Aware of Warning Labels on Flea & Tick Mediciations

Posted at 18:58h in News
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It is the time of year when pet owners look for the best remedies to keep fleas and ticks off their pets. Every year, cats become ill when well-meaning owners apply products not labeled as safe for cats to their feline companions. Watch our video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEABxGA2wb8 on this very important topic and please contact your veterinarian with any questions....

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20 Jun Dog Flu Detected in East Tennessee

Posted at 18:56h in News
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Four dogs have been diagnosed with canine influenza in east Tennessee.  The virus is highly contagious by direct contact (nose to nose touching or handlers not washing hands between touching multiple dogs). It is suspected that these cases originated at a dog show in Georgia. We advise all dog owners to monitor their dogs, and contact your veterinarian if you suspect your dog is showing symptoms. For more information:  https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/news/51032...

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25 May New Resources for Pets and Vets

Posted at 02:21h in News
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The idea of ‘forward booking’ is not new, even though the term may not be familiar to you. Veterinarians have found that when clients schedule their pet’s follow-up appointment before they leave the office, vaccines are given on time, chronic conditions are caught and treated in a timely manner, and pet owners are less likely to forget about an appointment. TVMA member Mary Carter talks about the benefits of Forward Booking in this brief video. And that brings us to our newest resource: TVMA has launched a YouTube channel. Here we...

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25 Apr TVMA Sponsors Tennessee FFA Veterinary Proficiency Award

Posted at 15:38h in News
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From left: Abby Gass State FFA Treasurer, Amy Hankins of Chuckey-Doak FFA Chapter , Dr. Russell Reel TVMA President-Elect. Photo Courtsey of The Tennessee FFA TVMA's President-Elect Dr. Russell Reel presented Amy Hankins of Chuckey-Doak FFA Chapter in East Tennessee the 2017 Veterinary Science Proficiancy Award. The award was presented at the 2017 FFA State Convention in Gatlinburg, March 26-29. TVMA has sponsored the TN FFA Veterinary Science Proficiency award for several years. The purpose of this award is to provide FFA members the opportunity to aid in the general health and welfare...

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24 Apr Forward Booking

Posted at 17:52h in News
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When your vet asks to schedule your next appointment… Think of it like leaving the dentist. The last thing the receptionist asks is for your availability in six months; you give her a date, she hands you a reminder card. Veterinarians know that the clients and pets they see on a regular basis receive the highest possible quality of care. Even though you may not be certain of your availability six months or a year from now, scheduling that appointment offers many benefits for you (and your pet.) You will receive reminders...

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18 Apr April is National Heartworm Awareness Month

Posted at 21:03h in News
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April is National Heartworm Awareness Month! Both dogs and cats can be infected by heartworms. Infection is preventable – and if left untreated, can be deadly. Heartworms are transmitted to dogs and cats via mosquitoes. During your pet’s annual check-up, your veterinarian will test your pet for heartworms and prescribe a heartworm preventative (usually a pill or chew that you will give once per month). It is much cheaper to prevent heartworm infection than it is to treat a pet who becomes infected! Learn more: https://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/heartworm-basics...

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