Bramer Animal Hospital

We are an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) certified hospital and have been so since 1939. AAHA is dedicated to establishing and maintaining the highest standards in veterinary medical and surgical care. We are routinely evaluated by trained professionals who insure our compliance with these standards. Again in 2007, after a rigorous inspection process, We have achieved re-certification for the next 3 years which is the highest level recognized by AAHA. We are proud of this achievement and the care we offer your pets.

Spring 2008

Puppy and Kitten Selection

This is the time of year many are thinking of getting that first puppy or kitten. Thoughtful selection of this new member of your family is really important. Breeding, care, temperament, and overall health are important topics to investigate. One of the better sites that has much information organized in one place is the Veterinary Partner website. If you type in puppy or kitten, you will be led to a whole host of helpful articles relating to the selection, temperament, care and health issues of many dogs and cats. Please don't hesitate to call us before this selection process for more information.

Flying with your pet is something that many persons are doing more of. Visit the United website for helpful information about this.

Feline heartworm disease has received more attention this year. As the disease is better understood, and methods of prevention are have been proven safe for cats, the question of risk of getting the disease versus the cost and benefit of prevention has been raised. Cats have a great deal of natural resistance to the development of heartworm disease and are at much less risk of development of the disease when compared to dogs. This being said, in the rare individual that develops heartworm disease, the consequences can be really serious. Check out this link to feline heartworm disease. We believe the incidence of feline heartworm disease to be very low in our area. The cats at most risk are those who spend much time exposed to mosquitoes (outdoor cats). This group of cats is also at more risk to be exposed to fleas, and intestinal parasites. There is a medication called Revolution that will protect against heartworm disease, fleas, roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites in cats. It needs to be applied according to package instructions monthly to be effective, but it appears safe and well tolerated by cats. It is our recommendation that monthly application of Revolution from June to November be seriously considered in outdoor cats. Please call for more information and advice about this.

The pet food recall and all of its attendant issues seem to have quieted down. What has been gaining popularity is the feeding of raw diets. We have concerns over the safety of this practice to our pets despite the claims made by proponents of this practice (mostly those who sell the products). Visit the FDA's website for their current thinking on this topic. It is a long document, but has some important considerations to be taken account of in feeding raw food.

Pet loss is a very traumatic time in our lives. There is help out there. Visit this University of Illinois website for help and resources

Pet Insurance

We get frequent questions about pet insurance. There are many companies offering this service. A couple of the more popular ones in our experience are Pets Best and VPI. Visit these websites for more information.

Seasonal Plant Toxicity: Visit this website for current and timely information about these common questions.

Poisoning in Pets For more information and for general information about treatment and prevention of animal poisonings you may contact on line the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center. You might want to bookmark this page. For immediate poison information you can call 1-888-4ani-help.

Chocolate Toxicity in dogs. This seems to be a question we are frequently asked. Visit this informative website for more information.

We have been listed as having a top rating for quality by the consumer organization Chicago Consumer Checkbook compiled this year. We are also listed on Angie's List.

Dental Care Sites: Visit C.E.T.'s home dental care site, as well as Hill's Pet Nutrition's dental site for up to date information on dental care for your pet.

For those of you who are planning to travel abroad with your pet, you must visit the USDA website for information about health requirements for the country you are visiting.

For more sites to visit, check out our Recommended Sites page.