Blue Pearl Article Spring 2022
Veterinary technicians play many roles. We are phlebotomists, radiology technicians, laboratory technicians. We are ICU nurses and anesthesiologists. Most importantly we are the voice for the voiceless. Every day we advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. That is the most rewarding part of being a vet tech: Knowing that at least one patient […]
Problem Behaviors? Something to Think About if Your Dog Itches By April Minech
Allergies be the cause of more than just a little scratching; it can affect how your dog thinks, feels and behaves. Canine atopic dermatitis is a common allergic skin condition in dogs that causes long-term and constant itching similar to eczema in people. Often, we can gain insight into what is happening with dogs by […]
Can Cats Develop Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome?
With the experience of watching both of my parents and a few older relatives slip into what we used to call “senility,” I’ve often wondered if I saw the same sort of cognitive issue in my elder cats. Today we use the term “dementia,” but “cognitive dysfunction” is a more specific term. Symptoms of both […]
Roxy’s Final Journey
The photogenic little Italian Greyhound was adopted in October of 2009 and started her whirlwind life at 4 months of age; her parents – Mona Gray and Jason Dunkle – had no idea what a celebrity she would become. She was a spunky little puppy with a personality that was larger than life and a […]
Is my horse on the bit?
On the bit means that the horse is stepping up or lifting under the rider’s seat to a connection with the bit. As a result, the horse is “on the bit.” I have heard it is also called “on the aids.” So what does that mean, on the aids? Well, the horse is connecting to […]
Caring for a Blind Pet By Amy Peters, LVT and Sheri Santucci
Caring for a blind pet is a unique and privileged responsibility. If your pet has become suddenly blind, they may become confused by the sudden nature of its change in vision status. Many pets adapt to their blindness quickly while others need months to adjust to the change. Vision in cats and dogs is quite […]
Chemo or Cat? By Dr. Susan Wagner, DVM MS ACVIM
My years as a conventional and integrative veterinarian have taught me that the human-animal bond goes beyond companionship. Animals are here to be our guides and teachers, and to help us on this journey called life. The most important lesson they teach us is to love without judgment. They view us as special people, whether […]
Lower Kiski Search And Rescue By Kathy Otruba
A dementia patient wanders from home. The family calls 911. A search is initiated. The government agency in charge of the search decides that a search canine team would be helpful. Through Armstrong County 911 Lower Kiski Search and Rescue is dispatched. All available members respond to the scene and work to help find the lost […]
The Silent Dialogue: Communication between Horse & Rider: by Kristin Hermann
The rider’s aids (seat, legs, and hands) are what create the riding communication between equines and humans. The rider’s lower legs are in contact with the horse’s barrel; the seat balances the rider’s torso and provides a base from which the legs and arms perform. The rider’s hands (whole arm) are in contact with the […]
The Bunny Bond… It’s more than you think By April Minech
Most of us have special memories from our childhood that include pets. The dogs we played ball with or secretly fed under the table with whatever we didn’t like on our dinner plates. Cats that cuddled up to us in bed or brushed their love softly against an arm or leg for comfort on a […]